The Story Behind the Hymns.
THE STORY BEHIND "THROUGH ALL THE CHANGING SCENES OF LIFE"

“Through All the Changing Scenes of Life” is a hymn of steadfast faith, written for Christians facing the uncertainties, joys and trials of everyday life.

The words were written by Nahum Tate (1652–1715) and Nicholas Brady (1659–1726), who were responsible for the influential 1696 New Version of the Psalms of David. The hymn is a metrical paraphrase of Psalm 34, particularly its message that those who trust in God can turn to Him in every circumstance.

The opening lines immediately establish its central theme:

“Through all the changing scenes of life,
In trouble and in joy,
The praises of my God shall still
My heart and tongue employ.”

The hymn does not promise a life without difficulty. Instead, it presents a simple Christian response to changing circumstances: whether life brings trouble or joy, God remains worthy of praise. Later verses speak of seeking God in times of distress, finding Him near to those who call upon Him, and trusting His care.

What makes the hymn particularly enduring is its honesty. Life changes, circumstances change, and human strength can fail, but the hymn points to something that does not change, God's faithfulness.

It has therefore become a much-loved hymn of devotion, especially in Anglican and other Christian traditions, and is often sung at services where themes of trust, perseverance, gratitude and God's unfailing presence are central.

The message of the hymn:
Whatever season of life we find ourselves in, sorrow or happiness, uncertainty or peace , we can continue to praise God and place our confidence in Him.

Daily Bible Lesson.
CAN BEAUTY BECOME A LIE?

THE HIDDEN DANGERS OF ARTIFICIAL BEAUTY, AND THE BEAUTY CHRIST WANTS TO CREATE.

“Thou shalt not bear false witness.” — Exodus 20:16

We usually think a lie must be spoken.

But can deception also be displayed?

A complexion made to appear different.
Artificial lashes presented as natural.
Artificial nails.
Artificial hair.
Filters that create another face.
An appearance deliberately designed to make the artificial appear real.

Here is the searching question:

IF GOD REQUIRES TRUTH FROM OUR LIPS—DOES HE ALSO CARE ABOUT THE TRUTH OUR APPEARANCE COMMUNICATES?

God is not against beauty.

HE CREATED BEAUTY.

But Scripture directs us away from making outward appearance our treasure and toward something cosmetics can never manufacture:

THE BEAUTY OF A CHRIST-TRANSFORMED CHARACTER.
---

① WHEN APPEARANCE IS USED TO DECEIVE, TRUTHFULNESS IS AT STAKE

“Putting away lying, speak every man truth.” — Ephesians 4:25

Falsehood is not merely pronouncing an untrue sentence.

We can misrepresent ourselves by intentionally creating a false impression.

So before the mirror, ask:

“AM I SIMPLY BEING CLEAN AND PRESENTABLE—OR AM I TRYING TO MAKE SOMETHING ARTIFICIAL APPEAR NATURALLY MINE?”

Scripture does not specifically say, “makeup and wigs violate the Ninth Commandment.”

The biblical principle is broader and deeper:

WHEN APPEARANCE IS INTENTIONALLY USED TO DECEIVE, THE PRINCIPLE OF TRUTHFULNESS IS AT STAKE.

And context matters. A wig used because of illness, hair loss, protection, or genuine practical need should not automatically be branded dishonest.

God wants truth not merely upon our lips—

“Thou desirest truth in the inward parts.” — Psalm 51:6
---

② MAKEUP CAN COVER A BLEMISH—BUT IT CANNOT CREATE BEAUTY OF CHARACTER

Peter redirects our attention:

“Let it be the hidden man of the heart… even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit.” — 1 Peter 3:4

Paul adds:

“In modest apparel… with good works.” — 1 Timothy 2:9–10

God moves beauty:

FROM DISPLAY → TO CHARACTER.
FROM VANITY → TO MODESTY.
FROM HUMAN APPLAUSE → TO GOD'S APPROVAL.
FROM MAGNIFYING SELF → TO REVEALING CHRIST.

No foundation can produce purity.

No lipstick can create kindness.

No artificial lashes can produce humility.

No wig can manufacture contentment.

No filter can create holiness.

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL FACE CANNOT COMPENSATE FOR AN UNCONVERTED HEART.

“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.” — Proverbs 31:30
---

③ ARTIFICIAL BEAUTY CAN QUIETLY TEACH THE HEART: “THE REAL YOU IS NOT ENOUGH”

Cover this.

Lengthen that.

Darken this.

Lighten that.

Change the hair.

Reshape the face.

Hide every imperfection.

And tomorrow—

BUY SOMETHING ELSE.

Eventually the danger becomes bigger than cosmetics.

The mirror begins preaching:

“GOD'S WORKMANSHIP IS NOT ENOUGH.”

But Scripture answers:

“I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” — Psalm 139:14

Your deepest question is not:

“Am I attractive enough for people?”

It is:

“AM I BECOMING LIKE JESUS?”
---

④ THERE ARE REAL PHYSICAL RISKS—BEAUTY PRODUCTS ARE NOT AUTOMATICALLY HARMLESS

Science requires honesty.

Not every cosmetic is dangerous, and many properly formulated products are safely used by most people.

But cosmetic does not mean risk-free.

Dermatology recognizes both irritant and allergic contact dermatitis from cosmetic ingredients.

Fragrances, preservatives, hair dyes, resins and adhesives can trigger reactions in susceptible people.

Products used around the eyes may cause irritation or allergy; contaminated eye cosmetics can contribute to infection.

False-eyelash adhesives can also provoke irritation or allergic reactions.

Hair dyes and some products used with artificial hair can likewise expose sensitive skin to allergens.

So the Christian principle of health asks:

“Your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost.” — 1 Corinthians 6:19

WHY ADD AN UNNECESSARY EXPOSURE SIMPLY TO CREATE AN APPEARANCE?

BEAUTY SHOULD NEVER BE PURCHASED AT THE EXPENSE OF HEALTH.

And cosmetics cannot permanently reproduce what sleep, nourishing food, exercise, cleanliness, sunlight, temperance and healthful living help cultivate naturally.

THE HEALTHIEST GLOW CANNOT BE PAINTED ON.
---

⑤ THE MENTAL DANGER MAY BE EVEN MORE SUBTLE

The most dangerous mirror is the one that whispers:

“DON'T LET THEM SEE THE REAL YOU.”

When we feel unable to leave home without enhancement…

when compliments determine our worth…

when comparison controls our happiness…

when we repeatedly inspect perceived flaws…

when appearance consumes excessive money, thought, time and emotional energy—

THE OUTWARD IMAGE HAS BEGUN TO GOVERN THE INWARD PERSON.

Research on appearance-focused media repeatedly links appearance comparison and exposure to idealized or heavily edited images with increased body dissatisfaction and related psychological distress.

The gospel offers another identity:

YOUR VALUE IS NOT MEASURED BY A MIRROR.

It was demonstrated at CALVARY.

“Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things… But with the precious blood of Christ.” — 1 Peter 1:18–19

YOUR FACE DOES NOT DETERMINE YOUR WORTH.
THE PRICE CHRIST PAID REVEALS YOUR WORTH TO HIM.
---

⑥ VANITY CAN BECOME EXPENSIVE IN MORE WAYS THAN MONEY

Ask what artificial beauty may consume:

MONEY that could bless others.

TIME that could be invested in prayer, family and service.

THOUGHT that could dwell upon eternal things.

CONTENTMENT through constant comparison.

SIMPLICITY through dependence upon fashion.

HEALTH when unnecessary products cause reactions.

And potentially—

SPIRITUAL ATTENTION, when the question becomes “How do I look?” more often than “How does Christ look through my life?”

“Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” — Matthew 6:21

That makes this deeply personal:

HOW MUCH OF MY PEACE DEPENDS UPON HOW PEOPLE SEE ME?
---

⑦ WHY CHOOSE NATURAL CHRISTIAN SIMPLICITY?

Not because neglect is holy.

Not because attractiveness is sinful.

Not because everyone who wears makeup is vain.

And certainly not because Christians should police another person's face.

Choose simplicity because it can help cultivate something better:

TRUTH instead of artificial impression.
CONTENTMENT instead of comparison.
HEALTH instead of needless exposure.
MODESTY instead of display.
STEWARDSHIP instead of unnecessary expense.
FREEDOM instead of dependence upon appearance.
CHRIST instead of self at the center.

Ellen White wrote:

“God is the author of all beauty.”

Christian simplicity therefore does not mean:

“MAKE YOURSELF UNATTRACTIVE.”

It means:

STOP LETTING THE WORLD DECIDE WHAT MAKES YOU BEAUTIFUL.

Be clean.
Be neat.
Be healthy.
Be modest.
Be appropriately dressed.
Be beautifully Christlike.

BUT NEVER LET FASHION BECOME YOUR MASTER OR APPEARANCE BECOME YOUR IDENTITY.
---

⑧ THE GREATEST DANGER IS SPIRITUAL

We can spend an hour preparing the person everyone sees—

and minutes preparing the person GOD SEES.

Correct the complexion—
while leaving anger untouched.

Arrange the hair—
while neglecting prayer.

Perfect the outward appearance—
while tolerating pride.

Cover blemishes—
while hiding cherished sin.

Then Jesus takes us past the mirror:

“Cleanse first that which is within.” — Matthew 23:26

CHRIST DID NOT DIE TO GIVE US A BETTER MASK.
HE DIED TO GIVE US A NEW HEART.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God.” — Psalm 51:10

**HEAVEN IS NOT PREPARING FACES FOR DISPLAY.

HEAVEN IS PREPARING CHARACTERS FOR ETERNITY.**
---

⑨ BEFORE THE MIRROR—ASK SEVEN QUESTIONS

Is it truthful?
Is it modest?
Is it necessary?
Is it healthful?
Is it good stewardship?

Am I content with how God made me?

Does it help reveal Christ—or magnify self?

Christianity does not merely ask:

“WHAT CAN I GET AWAY WITH?”

Love asks:

“Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?” — Acts 9:6
---

CHRIST OFFERS WHAT THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY NEVER CAN

Makeup can change a complexion.

Artificial hair can change an appearance.

A filter can change a photograph.

BUT ONLY JESUS CAN CHANGE THE PERSON.

“If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17

He replaces—

vanity with humility,
comparison with contentment,
insecurity with identity in Him,
self-display with modesty,
falsehood with truth.

This is not permission to ridicule women, condemn those dealing with hair loss, or judge another person's heart by appearance.

REFORM WITHOUT CHRIST BECOMES CONDEMNATION.
REFORM THROUGH CHRIST BECOMES TRANSFORMATION.

Bring Him the insecurity.
Bring Him the vanity.
Bring Him the craving for approval.
BRING HIM THE MIRROR.

“Beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, [we] are changed into the same image.” — 2 Corinthians 3:18

DON'T SPEND YOUR LIFE PERFECTING AN IMAGE THAT TIME WILL ERASE—WHILE NEGLECTING THE CHARACTER CHRIST WANTS TO PREPARE FOR ETERNITY.

Every cosmetic eventually washes away.
Every artificial enhancement is eventually laid aside.

Youthful beauty fades.

BUT THE BEAUTY CHRIST WRITES INTO THE CHARACTER CAN ENDURE FOREVER.

LET THE FACE BE SIMPLE.
LET THE LIFE BE BEAUTIFUL.
LET THE HEART BE TRUE.
LET THE CHARACTER REVEAL CHRIST.
AND ABOVE EVERYTHING—LET JESUS BE SEEN.

TUESDAY 25TH AUGUST 2026
IGNITE YOUTH DEVOTIONAL

Topic: Learn to Say No

Bible Reference

My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.
Proverbs 1:10 (NKJV)

A Short Story

Joshua was a serious student who had always wanted to do well in school. He attended church regularly, respected his parents, and had decided that he would not allow anything to destroy his future. However, things began to change when he entered a new group of friends in school. They were confident, popular, and always seemed to be having fun.

One Friday afternoon, the group invited Joshua to join them at a party. He knew that some of the things that happened at their parties were not things he should be involved in, so he politely declined. His friends laughed at him and told him that he was behaving like a small boy. Joshua felt embarrassed, especially because some girls were also there. He eventually changed his mind and decided to go with them.

At the party, things quickly became different from what Joshua had expected. Some people were drinking, others were taking drugs, and several young people were involved in things he knew were wrong. Joshua wanted to leave, but his friends told him not to spoil the fun. They kept telling him that he needed to relax and stop acting like a church boy.

Joshua stayed longer than he planned. Before he left, he had joined in some of the things he had promised himself he would never do. On his way home, he felt terrible. He realised that he had not done those things because he wanted to. He had done them because he was afraid of what his friends would say if he refused.

That night, Joshua sat quietly in his room and thought about what had happened. He remembered how easy it was to say no when he was alone, but how difficult it became when people around him were laughing and putting pressure on him. He understood that his greatest problem was not that he did not know what was right. His problem was that he wanted to be accepted.

Joshua made a decision that night. He would rather lose a few friends than lose his values, his peace, and his future. He learned that saying no is sometimes the strongest thing a young person can do.

Today's Message

There are times when your greatest test will not come from an obvious enemy. It will come from a friend saying, Come on, everybody is doing it. Many young people know what is right but struggle to do it because they are afraid of being laughed at, rejected, or called old fashioned.

You may face pressure to drink, smoke, sleep with someone, cheat in an examination, join a bad group, waste your money, follow unhealthy trends, lie for a friend, or do something wrong simply because you do not want to feel left out. The pressure may even come through social media, where people make wrong behaviour look normal and attractive.

The Bible gives a simple instruction in Proverbs 1:10: do not consent. In other words, do not agree to follow people into what you know is wrong. Scripture does not tell you to debate with temptation for hours. There are situations where the wisest response is simply to say no and walk away. Proverbs 1:10 directly addresses the kind of pressure young people face when others try to persuade them to do what is wrong.

Saying no does not mean that you hate people. You can love your friends without following them into sin. You can respect people without copying everything they do. You can be friendly with people who have different choices from yours while still keeping your own convictions. Your faith should not disappear simply because you are around people who do not share it.

You also need to understand that every yes has a consequence. When you say yes to cheating, you are saying no to honesty. When you say yes to sexual immorality, you are saying no to purity. When you say yes to drugs, you are saying no to self control. When you say yes to reckless spending, you are saying no to financial discipline. When you say yes to the wrong relationship, you may be saying no to the peace and purpose God wants for your life.

The people around you can influence your choices. First Corinthians 15:33 warns that bad company can corrupt good character. This is why you must be careful about the people you allow to have strong influence over your life. Your friends should not constantly make it difficult for you to obey God.

You do not need everybody to approve of you. Some people will laugh when you refuse to join them. Some may call you boring. Some may stop inviting you to certain places. Some may even say that you are trying to be too holy. Do not allow the fear of losing people to make you lose yourself.

There is strength in being able to say, I cannot do this. There is strength in leaving a conversation that is becoming sinful. There is strength in ending a relationship that is pulling you away from God. There is strength in refusing to cheat when everyone else is cheating. There is strength in walking away from an opportunity that requires you to compromise your values.

Your future is more important than temporary acceptance.

Learn to say no before you find yourself in a situation where saying no becomes much harder. Decide your values before the pressure comes. Know what you believe. Know what the Bible teaches. Know what kind of person you want to become. When the wrong invitation comes, you will not need to spend too much time thinking about it because you have already made up your mind.

Remember this: You do not have to say yes just because somebody asked you.

Sometimes your greatest act of courage is simply saying no.

What To Do Today

1. Think about one area where you often struggle to say no because of pressure from friends or other people.

2. Decide what your Christian values are in that area and make up your mind not to compromise them.

3. Look carefully at your closest friends. Ask yourself whether they are helping you become a better person or making it harder for you to obey God.

4. Practise saying no to wrong things without feeling guilty. You do not owe anyone an explanation for choosing what is right.

Prayer

Lord, give me the courage to say no when I am being pressured to do what is wrong. Help me not to live for the approval of people. Give me wisdom to choose my friends carefully and strength to stand by my convictions. Help me to value my future, my character, and my relationship with You more than temporary acceptance. When temptation comes, help me to recognise it and walk away. Let my decisions honour You in every area of my life. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Daily Challenge

Today, practise saying no to one thing that does not help your spiritual life, character, studies, career, relationships, or future.

Remember: Every time you say no to what can destroy you, you are saying yes to the future God has prepared for you.

Anthony Ijere
Christian Author and Revivalist

Day - 24 - Evening

Theme: BUILDING A SAFE HOME: Creating a Marriage Where Love Respect and Peace Can Grow.

Reflection
Money can easily become a source of tension when couples stop seeing it as a shared responsibility.
Today, take a quiet moment to remember that your spouse is not your financial opponent. You are partners, and the goal is not to prove who is right but to build a secure and responsible future together.
Even when resources are limited, unity, honesty and wise planning can help protect peace in the home.

God's Word
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labour." — Ecclesiastes 4:9

Heart Check
Are we facing our financial challenges together, or are we allowing money to create distance between us?

Prayer
Heavenly Father, give us wisdom and discipline in managing the resources You have entrusted to us. Help us communicate honestly about money and make financial decisions together. Keep greed, secrecy and resentment far from our home. May our finances serve our marriage rather than divide it. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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

Choose truth and live with integrity.

Share this with someone who needs encouragement to walk in honesty and integrity.

#Proverbs1222 #WalkInTruth #Integrity #SpeakTruth #GodlyCharacter #Faithfulness #ChristianLiving #FaithInChrist #WalkByFaith #Lordsbook

Daily Bible Lesson.
GOD DOES NOT BRING HIMSELF DOWN TO HUMAN STANDARD, HE CALLED US TO RISE TO HIS STANDARD

God does not bring Himself down to our human standard. He calls us to rise to His standard.

We live in a generation where people are increasingly comfortable redefining God’s Word to fit their preferences. Some say, “I will keep this commandment, but that one is no longer necessary.” But the question is not, “Which commandments do I prefer?” The question is, “What has God commanded?”

The Ten Commandments are not ten suggestions. They reveal the character, righteousness, and moral will of God. Scripture says, “The law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.” — Romans 7:12.

Look carefully at the commandments:

1. “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”
Are we putting God first, or have we allowed something else to occupy His place?

2. “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image.”
Are we worshiping God according to His Word, or according to human tradition?

3. “Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain.”
Do our words and lives honor the name we claim to represent?

4. “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.”
Why do people readily accept nine commandments while arguing against the fourth? If God wrote all ten, who gave us permission to erase one?

5. “Honour thy father and thy mother.”
Do we respect the authority God has established in the family?

6. “Thou shalt not kill.”
God values human life.

7. “Thou shalt not commit adultery.”
God calls us to purity and faithfulness.

8. “Thou shalt not steal.”
God requires honesty and respect for what belongs to others.

9. “Thou shalt not bear false witness.”
God calls His people to truthfulness.

10. “Thou shalt not covet.”
God is not merely concerned with outward behavior; He searches the heart.

Notice something important: the commandments are connected. We cannot claim to honor the God who gave the law while deliberately rejecting the commandment we find inconvenient.

James 2:10–11 teaches that the One who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not kill.” The same God stands behind the whole law.

But let us be clear: we are not saved by keeping the law. We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Yet grace does not give us permission to live in rebellion. Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” — John 14:15.

The law does not replace Christ. Christ leads us to obedience.

So before we select which commandments we want to keep, let us humble ourselves and ask:

“Lord, what does Your Word say?”

God does not need to lower His standard to accommodate our disobedience. He calls us higher.

Let us stop choosing between commandments and start choosing obedience to God.

“Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” — Revelation 14:12

God’s standard remains God’s standard—even when society changes.

Amazing Love

What are you hiding?

Let me ask you a difficult question:

What are you hiding?

Not from your friends.

Not from your pastor.

Not from your family.

From everyone.

Maybe you still attend church.

Maybe you still lift your hands during worship.

Maybe people still call you “Brother” or “Sister.”

But there is a part of your life you desperately hope nobody discovers.

Saints with Stain is not written to shame people.

It is written to expose the danger of pretending that everything is fine when it isn't.

Because healing cannot begin where honesty is forbidden.

Sometimes freedom begins with admitting, “This is where I am.”

Get Saints with Stain:
https://nestuge.com/saintswithstain1

This is my very first book to be published soon:

Preface

For generations, humanity has accepted without question the idea that Jehovah is the Supreme and Ultimate Being — the beginning and the end of all existence. Religions have been built upon this belief, civilizations shaped by it, and billions have worshipped under its shadow. Yet throughout history, some questions have remained unanswered, buried beneath doctrine, fear, and tradition.

This book was born from one such question:

*What if Jehovah Himself is not the Highest Authority?*

What if beyond the God humanity has known, there exists a Greater Source — a Father above God?

At first glance, such a suggestion may sound shocking, even offensive to many. But every major discovery in human history began with a question people were afraid to ask. This book does not seek to attack faith, destroy belief, or mock religion. Instead, it seeks to examine Scripture, logic, justice, and the events recorded from the very beginning of human existence with honesty and courage.

The foundation of this argument begins in the Garden of Eden.

If Jehovah possessed absolute wisdom, absolute justice, and absolute power as traditionally believed, why was humanity condemned through Adam in a way that affected every generation after him? Why would descendants inherit suffering for a choice they never made? Why would an all-powerful being allow sin to spread endlessly instead of resolving the matter directly with Adam and Eve alone?

Could it be that the events in Eden reveal limitations, laws, or higher authorities beyond Jehovah Himself?

Throughout this book, we will explore difficult and uncomfortable questions that many avoid:

* Was the punishment in Eden truly just?
* Why does suffering continue despite divine power?
* Why do Scriptures sometimes hint at beings greater than the God mankind worships?
* Could the title “God” itself imply authority granted from a higher source?
* Did Jesus Himself suggest the existence of a reality beyond human understanding of God?

This work is not written from hatred toward religion, but from a deep desire to search for truth wherever it may lead. Truth has never feared investigation. Only deception demands silence.

The purpose of this book is not to force conclusions upon the reader, but to invite critical thought, reflection, and fearless examination. Whether one ultimately agrees or disagrees with these ideas, the journey itself may challenge long-held assumptions and open doors to deeper understanding.

Some readers may reject these pages immediately. Others may find themselves wrestling with questions they have secretly carried for years. Either response is understandable.

But if there truly exists a Father above God, then perhaps humanity’s understanding of divine reality has only scratched the surface.

And perhaps the greatest mystery is not whether God exists…

…but whether God Himself has a Father.

DAY 22 - Morning

Theme: LOVE THAT CHOOSES: Making Daily Decisions That Strengthens The Marriage

Reflection
Make Your Home a Safe Place

Good Morning!
Home should be more than the place where we sleep.
It should be a place where the heart can rest.
A husband should be able to come home without wondering whether every mistake will become a source of criticism.
A wife should be able to express herself without fearing ridicule.
Children should know that disagreement does not mean the family has stopped loving them.
A safe home doesn't mean there are no disagreements.
It means people can disagree without destroying one another.
In a Christ-centred marriage, love should create an atmosphere where both husband and wife can say:
"I am safe to be honest here."

God's Word
"Let your gentleness be evident to all." — Philippians 4:5
Today's Love Action
Ask your spouse:
"What can I do to make our home feel even safer and more peaceful for you?"
Listen without becoming defensive.

Let's Talk
What makes a home emotionally safe?

Prayer
Lord, make our home a place of peace, honesty, respect and grace. Help us never use each other's weaknesses as weapons. Amen.

From The Counselor's Chair
A healthy marriage is not one where nobody gets hurt. It is one where hurt can be discussed without fear and repaired with grace.

Marriage Nugget
"A peaceful home is built when love becomes stronger than fear."

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