Day 31 - Evening Theme: BUILDING A SAFE HOME: Creating a Marriage Where Love Respect and Peace Can Grow. 🌙 Reflection Tonight is different. It is not simply the end of another day. It is the end of a month. Before you rush into tomorrow, pause. Think about where you were when August began. What have you learned? Where have you grown? What still needs attention? And perhaps most importantly: Have you allowed Christ to become more central in your marriage? The journey continues tomorrow. A new month will bring a new beginning. 📖 God's Word "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning." — Lamentations 3:22–23 🌙 Heart Check What is one thing I will intentionally carry from August into the new month of my marriage journey? 💎 Marriage Nugget "A lasting marriage is built one faithful day at a time." 🙏 Prayer Lord Jesus, thank You for every day of August. Thank You for the moments of joy and the moments that challenged us. Thank You for teaching us about unity, understanding, love, forgiveness, friendship, peace and service. Where we have grown, help us continue growing. Where we have failed, give us grace to begin again. Where there are wounds, bring healing. Where there is distance, restore connection. And where our marriage is already strong, make it a blessing to others. As we close this month, we place our marriage and our home afresh into Your hands. May our love honour You. May our home reflect You. And may our marriage bless generations to come. In the precious name of Jesus Christ, Amen. Remember In marriage, it is not about winning the argument; it is about winning each other's hearts.

Brenda Walsh Ministries Worshiping Idols. God does not want His children worshiping idols. In fact, He feels so strongly about it that it is one of the Ten Commandments that He wrote with His own finger on a tablet of stone. It is recorded in Exodus 20:3-6: “You shall have no other gods before me. “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God.” And in Leviticus 26:1, it says, “You shall not make idols for yourselves or erect an image or pillar, and you shall not set up a figured stone in your land to bow down to it, for I am the Lord your God.” You see, God wants you to love and obey Him, and worship ‘only’ Him. He doesn’t want you to worship anything or anyone else. Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” Some Christians worship idols without even realizing it, because anything that you love more than Jesus Christ . . . is an idol. It could be your fancy new car, a prestigious job, wealth, beauty, power, or countless other things, even people. If you love material things or your relationships more than you love God, then you are worshiping idols. Whatever is standing in the way of your friendship with Jesus, move it or get rid of it! Nothing is more important than your relationship with God! Show Him how much you love Him by praising and worshiping Him - and only Him! In John 4:23, we’re told, “But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.” Don’t waste your time worshiping material things or people . . . worship the King of the Universe . . . and only the King! Text: Romans 1:25, Psalm 115:4-8, Psalm 31:6, Colossians 3:5

Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀🌹🎀🎁💝🌺 MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY. SATURDAY AUGUST 29, 2O26. "THERE’S NOBODY LIKE HIM! (4)" ‘Let all that I am praise the Lord;...’ Psalms 103:2 NLT THE BIBLE equates God with light, and light with holiness. ‘…God is light; in him there is no darkness at all’ (1 John 1:5 NIV). Paul said that God dwells in ‘…unapproachable light…’ (1 Timothy 6:16 NIV). Scripture refers to Christ ‘…who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners…’ (Hebrews 7:26 NIV). So how should you approach such a God? As you would an auditor when your books don’t balance? Or a dictator who holds the power of life and death? No, Jesus told us to pray, ‘…Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name’ (Matthew 6:9 KJV). There’s your answer! You must come to God as a father who loves you dearly and desires only what is best for you, while always regarding Him with profound reverence. As your awe of God expands, your fears in life will diminish. A big view of God translates into big courage; a small view of God generates no courage at all. A puny God can’t help you when cancer strikes, your family is in trouble, or you’ve no way to pay your bills. A ‘do-me-a-favour’ Jesus may look good stuck on your dashboard, but that image can do nothing for your fears. You need an awesome God, who, while diminishing your ego, enlarges your faith and blows your mind. David wrote: ‘Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things…’ (Psalms 103:2-5 NLT). Bible In A Year: Ezek 16:53-19:14; Matt 22:1-14; Ps 103:13-22; Pro 19:17. Courtesy: Grace So Amazing Foundation 💝🎀 *To partner with us, kindly refer to page 9 of the hard copy edition or simply send us a WhatsApp message/call on +2348128000068.*🌹🌷🎀💝. MD.ii. [28/08, 9:18 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* SATURDAY, 29TH AUGUST, 2026. *SUNDRY WORDS OF WISDOM* *TEXT:* PROVERBS 13:18-25. 18 Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured. 19 The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil. 20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. 21 Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed. 22 A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just. 23 Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment. 24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes. 25 The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want. *Timeless Truth:*_"He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed"_ (Proverbs 13:20). *INTRODUCTION* If people are asked how to differentiate a wise person from a foolish person, the answer will differ according to the wisdom or foolishness of individuals giving the answer. Unfortunately, in most cases, the foolish see themselves as wiser than the wise. The successful and rich farmer in Luke 12:19-21 appeared to have had wisdom to make wealth and multiply it. Most people will take such, today as wise and smart, but God called him a fool. So a wise man in the eyes of an earthly person is not necessarily wise as far as the Ancient of Days is concerned. The Word of God is therefore, the most reliable and best literature on true and divinely approved wisdom. It looks at wisdom in the context of eternity and not in the context of ephemeral things of this world. The book of Proverbs contains practical wisdom for victorious and godly living. The text gives us some lectures on what constitutes true wisdom in the sight of God and in the sight of truth loving men. In essence, we can perceive wisdom in a person through his words, ways of life, values, choices and disciplines. *1. Humility in Receiving Instruction* One of the outputs of wisdom is the humility to accept and obey godly instructions. Anyone who claims, by his actions, that he is above instruction must claim to be on the same table of wisdom with the Omniscience God. That will be foolishness. *“Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.”* Refusing godly correction often leads to painful consequences, while accepting rebuke produces growth and honour. A teachable spirit is a mark of wisdom. *Question* How do you respond when godly correction is given to you? Is a proud intelligent or wealthy person wise? *2. The Happiness in Realization of Interest* *“The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul…”* This is well known experientially. There is joy when righteous desires are fulfilled. What if the desire that is accomplished is evil? Is it still sweet to the soul? This is how to differentiate a fool from the wise. For the wise, when evil desires come to pass, they are sad and unhappy. They cannot rest until they go to God for mercy. The fool reacts differently. They are happy at the evil that happens because *"it is abomination for fools to depart from evil"*. They are always right and wise in their own eyes even when they do evil or evil happens. *Question* Do you rejoice when evil desires are accomplished? Do you rejoice when good things happen to others? You can always judge whether you are a fool in the eyes of God or not. *3. The Healthy of Relationship with the Intelligent* *“He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”* Our companions influence our character, decisions and future. Walking with wise people, according to Divine definition of wisdom, promotes wisdom, while intimate association with foolish people can bring sorrow. Your peers influence your principles and your principle determines your prudence. Your relationships reform your Character and your character determines your personality. *Question* Are your closest companions helping you to grow in wisdom and godliness? *4. The Harvests of Reward for Involvements* Whatever is sown will be harvested in multiple folds whether good or evil. It is a matter of time. *"Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repaid.”* Nobody should deceive himself that if he sows sin and sows to the flesh he will reap righteousness and spirituality. Those who sow love and goodness will reap the same with their children. Sin has consequences and eventually, catches up with the unrepentant. God, however, watches over the righteous and rewards those who faithfully follow Him. *Question* What are you sowing with your tongue and talents? *5. Having Righteous Inheritance* *“A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children…”* The inheritance can be education, wealth, good spiritual and moral upbringing. A godly inheritance includes more than money and possessions. Faith, integrity, wisdom, good character and the fear of God are treasures that can bless generations. A wise father invests all these good things in the life of the younger generation through any medium possible just like Jesus gave us diver blessings as he departed from the world. *Question* Do you demonstrate wisdom by investing invaluable things to your younger generation through any medium available? *6. The Huge Results of Ignorance* *“Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.”* God can provide abundance through diligent labour. The poor remains poor not because he was made so, but just because he could not till the ground and labour. Furthermore, poor decisions, injustice and lack of wise management may destroy what could have been fruitful. Those who are enjoying bountiful harvests in a godly way are using God's wisdom while those who remain poor should go and learn the wisdom of God. *Question* Are you using the opportunities and resources God has given you with wisdom and good judgment? *7. Home Rulership without Indiscipline* *“He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.”* The rod is not necessarily physical. It may also be psychological, frowns or stern rebukes. Genuine love does not ignore wrongdoing. A child left to himself will be spoilt and become a source of shame to the parents and the society. Schools might be forbidden from spanking, but God expects parents, both natural and spiritual, to enforce discipline lovingly and godly.Godly discipline, exercised with wisdom and love, helps to correct, train and guide children in the right path. *Question* Do you apply wisdom and love in the discipline of the erring both in the Church and the natural family? *8. Divine Recompence according to the Heart* *“The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.”* God knows the needs of His people and is able to provide for them. The righteous learn contentment and dependence upon God, while wickedness ultimately leads to emptiness. *Question* Do you trust God daily as your Provider and seek to live in righteousness before Him? *Prayer Points* 1.Lord, give me a humble and teachable heart that receives godly correction 🙏. 2.Father, surround me with wise and godly companions who will strengthen my faith 🙏. 3.Lord, help me to leave a lasting inheritance of faith, wisdom and godly character for future generations 🙏. 4.Father, grant Your children wisdom to manage opportunities and resources that You have provided them🙏. *HYMN:* Deeper Deeper *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* PHILEMON [28/08, 9:18 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) SATURDAY 29TH AUGUST, 2026``` *WATCH YOUR DESIRES* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️💓⚠️‼️🛑👁️🧐🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:PROVERBS 13:18-25```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil" (PROVERBS 13:19).*_ *"Some desire is necessary to keep life in motion," said the English writer, moralist and sermonist, Samuel Johnson, "and he whose real wants are supplied, must admit those of fancy." The problem often arises from the nature of the desire people harbour. Most people desire what they do not need, but what serves their fancies. Some are never able to distinguish between the needs they should desire and the wants that serve little purpose.* *King Solomon, the writer of these couplets in the Proverbs, could justifiably claim expertise on the sometimes messy topic of desires. He lived for a time to satisfy his personal desires, to feed his body with whatever he wanted. But in the end, he saw them as vanity, inferring by his conduct that he, who was the wisest of men in his time had succumbed to the cravings of the most foolish people. He therefore, warned of the consequences of rejecting instructions, probably alluding to his action, emphasising that even if the desires of such people were accomplished and seemed "sweet to the soul", at least for a time, it offers no incentive to the foolish person to shun evil conducts. He draws a parallel between those that keep company with wise men, and companions of unwise people. He concludes that sinners are invariably unwise in what truly matters in life, and are therefore unable to bequeath a legacy of inheritance to generations after them. Stressing the destructive nature of poor judgment, the wise preacher also counselled against withholding discipline from children, and affirms that it is an expression of love to ensure that children are brought up well. In the end, this is part of what brings satisfaction to the righteous, as the fruit of his labour.* *It is no doubt, desirable to achieve our goals in life, but we must be careful as not every desire is worth pursuing. Some are so deadly that when you set your heart on them, you may lose the ability to determine what is truly good, and what is dangerous. Often, our desires influence how we justly assess our actions. At such a time, it becomes important whose words we obey, whose advice we accept, and whose friendship we keep. The word of God must under-guard our every action. Any desire that panders more to our ego or serves only our flesh runs counter to God's command. We must focus on what God says, and shun any desire that tends towards pride and vainglory.* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*Unchecked desires are the fuel that power unhinged conducts.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *PHILEMON*📜📜 Watch Your Desires https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 6: YIELD NOT TO TEMPTATION; GHS 89: O JESUS, I HAVE PROMISED; AND GHS 189: TAKE TIME TO BE HOLY* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna29thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [28/08, 9:19 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```SATURDAY 29TH AUGUST, 2026``` *IN HIS SECRET PLACE - 1* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🗣️🙏🏽🙌🏽 📜📜```TEXT:PSALM 91:1-9```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty" (PSALM 91:1).*_ *_World War I_ soldier, Leonard Knight was saved when a pocket Bible which he was carrying in his breast pocket stopped a German bullet from hitting him. Incredibly, Leonard escaped without a scratch, to the glory of God.* *Optimum security can only be found in God. He has the power to secure you and everything that is committed to His hands. No matter how vehement the storm rages, He is willing to protect you beyond this world and preserve you spotless unto life eternal. "Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God," Corrie ten Boom posited.* *"Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy" (Jude 1:24). Like the chicks find shelter under the wings of mother hen, so you too can dwell in His secret place and enjoy divine security.* *Anyone that chooses God for his/her protection shall be saved and secured from all alarms. Genuine experience of salvation earns you an abode under His wings.* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*Salvation earns you an abode.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*You are safe in the hollow of His hand.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Father, help me to dwell in Your secret place.*_ In His Secret Place - 1 https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday29thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [28/08, 9:19 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```SATURDAY 29TH AUGUST, 2026``` *ACHAN'S SIN AND CONSEQUENCES* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽⚠️‼️🛑⚖️🔥⚰️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```JOSHUA 7:19-26```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"And Achan answered Joshua, and said, Indeed I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done" (Joshua 7:20).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 As the children of Israel prepared to attack Jericho, the gateway to Canaan land, God commanded them to destroy all the people of Jericho with all their properties, except the vessels of silver, gold, brass and iron which were meant to be used for God's service. They were warned never to take for themselves any property from Jericho. After conquering Jericho, they proceeded to fight against a tiny enemy town called Ai. But in the process, thirty-six men among the Israelites were killed by the men of Ai, and the rest were chased away shamefully and disgraced because one of the men of Israel called Achan disobeyed God's command. This made God not to protect or help them in the battle. Achan fell into a chain of sins by: *(1) Looking at and admiring the Babylonish garment, money and gold.* *(2) Coveting the Babylonish properties.* *(3) Disobeying God's command by stealing the Babylonish properties.* *(4) Trying to cover his sins by secretly hiding the stolen Babylonish properties in his room.* *(5) Influencing his family members to join him in covering up his sins.* *(6) Causing the death of his family and thirty-six men of Israel.* *(7) Causing the anger of God to come upon the Israelites.* Achan's sins could not be hidden from God. He was exposed and disgraced. Himself, his wife and children were all stoned to death and burnt with all their properties including what he stole and attempted to cover up. *At the tail end of every chain of sins is damnation and destruction. But only Jesus has the power to break the chain and set the sinner free through repentance and cleansing in His precious blood. Repent now and be free from the consequences of your sins.* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*Dear Lord, give me the grace to keep off from every appearance of sin.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *Psalm 9:17* Achan's Sin And Consequences https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk29thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer And whatsoever ye do, do [it] heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; ⏤ Colossians 3:23 The great thing in prayer is to feel that we are putting our supplications into the bosom of omnipotent love. ⏤ Andrew Murray We come into Your presence, O great and glorious God, to begin the day at Your feet. Without Your blessing, we dare not venture into the twisting paths of the world. We desire to do good work today. Keep us from being satisfied with merely fulfilling our duties; may we do even the smallest tasks with excellence, so as to please You. We also desire to live well in our family life. Sometimes we fail to do our best at home. We grow careless, and we do not speak as affectionately as we should. We are less courteous and kind than we might be. We do not always give the best expressions of love to those closest to us. Teach us, Father, to love at home—and to show our love. Preserve us from impatience, irritability, and frustration in our interactions as a home, and give us the spirit of love. We also desire to show love in all our relationships with the world. Give us a generous heart toward our neighbors. Help us to be like Jesus, who, when reviled, did not revile in return—who bore injury and insult with meekness and gentleness. May we have the same patient love that He had. If we suffer wrong from others, may we bear it quietly, without resentment, returning good for evil and kindness for unkindness. May we have the spirit of helpfulness toward all our neighbors. May we be like the Good Samaritan to anyone we find in distress or need. Enable us to carry the love of Jesus to every life we touch. Make us good interpreters of Jesus' divine love and kindness. May our neighbors see in us the holiness of Jesus. Let our day be one of beauty and grace, full of Jesus and full of goodness to others. We ask this in the blessed name of Jesus Christ. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/55/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

**Who you walk with shapes who you become** There's a verse that speaks seriously about this: *"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers"* (2 Corinthians 6:14). Think of it this way: an unequal yoke is when two oxen of different sizes are tied together to pull the same plow. One is strong, the other weak, and in the end neither can plow a straight line. One hurts the other, and the field comes out crooked. That's exactly what happens when you attach yourself — in a friendship, a relationship, a partnership — to someone who doesn't walk with God. Sooner or later, one of the two will pull the other down. And usually it's not the weaker one pulling the stronger one up — it's the other way around. Paul doesn't sugarcoat it: *"Evil communications corrupt good manners"* (1 Corinthians 15:33). It's not judgment, it's just life showing itself for what it is. No one stays close to what's wrong and comes out the same way they went in. You might be standing firm today, full of faith, but the wrong company wears you down little by little. It normalizes things that used to bother you. One day you look back and don't even know exactly when you started drifting from God. That's why Scripture says: *"O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness"* (Psalm 96:9). Holiness isn't about living locked away from everyone. It's about not letting the world shape you. It's knowing who to let sit at your table, who gets the loudest voice in your life, who influences your decisions. Avoid walking with those who don't serve the living God — not because you're better than anyone, but because your faith cost too much to be worn down by someone who doesn't even value what you carry. And the calling remains the same: *"Be ye holy; for I am holy"* (1 Peter 1:16). It's not about being perfect, it's about living differently. Thinking differently, walking differently from the world's pattern. And that includes choosing well who walks beside you — because no one comes through safe and sound while being dragged down by the wrong company. If you've felt yourself grow cold, grow weak, no longer the same person you were a while back — maybe it's time to look around. Reevaluate who's close to you. And choose to walk with those who bring you closer to God, not those who pull you away from Him.

Dear God, thank You for bringing me through another day. As I get ready to rest tonight, I have to be honest with You about how often I chase my own plans and only call on You when things go wrong. Your word in Matthew 6:24 says, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other.” God, I don’t want to keep living in a toxic relationship with this world while treating You like an afterthought. Forgive me for the times I’ve picked my own way over Yours and made You feel like an inconvenience instead of the most important relationship in my life. Help me pick up my cross and die to myself daily instead of only running to You when I’m desperate. I give this night completely to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. -James 4:4

Thank You, Lord, for Your Friendship Scripture: “I have called you friends.” — John 15:15 Reflection: Jesus is the friend who never leaves, never judges, and never grows weary of your presence. He listens when no one else understands, comforts when no one else can, and stays when others walk away. His friendship is faithful, patient, and deeply personal. You are not just loved by God — you are wanted by Him. And in His friendship, you find companionship, acceptance, and a love that never fails. Prayer: Lord, thank You for being my closest and truest friend. Help me walk closely with You today. Amen.

Nadie eres tú. 🥰 6/14 and 615 are important days for us as a couple. When everyone else went to bed last night, my hubby stayed up praying. 🥳 In 13 years we’ve gotten to grow in deep friendship and walk side by side 💻 Visit us online: www.sexedreclaimed.com #anniversary #fathersday #AnniversaryMoments #FaithfulLove #MarriageAndMinistry #FathersDayWeekend #IntentionalMarriage #13YearsAndCounting

FRIDAY 28TH AUGUST 2026 IGNITE YOUTH DEVOTIONAL Topic: Your Friends Are Shaping You Bible Reference Do not be deceived: Bad company corrupts good character. 1 Corinthians 15:33 (NIV) A Short Story Rebecca had always been a responsible young woman. She took her studies seriously, attended church, respected her parents, and had clear plans for her future. However, things began to change after she became close to a group of friends who lived very differently from her. At first, she only enjoyed spending time with them because they were funny, confident, and made her feel accepted. Gradually, their influence began to affect her choices. They often skipped classes, spent money carelessly, mocked people who took their faith seriously, and encouraged one another to get involved in relationships they knew were wrong. Rebecca did not immediately join them in everything they did. She often told herself that she was different and that she could control herself. After some months, however, she noticed that she was beginning to speak like them, think like them, and make some of the same choices. She started missing classes, became less interested in church, and began hiding things from her family. The things that once made her uncomfortable no longer seemed so serious. One evening, her older sister looked at her and said, You have changed. Rebecca became defensive and said that she had not changed. Her sister reminded her of how focused and disciplined she used to be. She then asked Rebecca to think honestly about the people she spent most of her time with. That question made Rebecca uncomfortable because she already knew the answer. Her friends had not forced her to change, but their influence had slowly changed what she considered normal. Rebecca decided to take a step back from the group. It was not easy because she was afraid they would accuse her of thinking she was better than them. However, she knew that protecting her future was more important than keeping every friendship. Over time, Rebecca rebuilt her relationship with God, became serious with her studies again, and surrounded herself with people who encouraged her to grow. She learned that friendship is not just about having people around you. The people closest to you can influence the person you eventually become. Today's Message The people you spend time with are influencing you, whether you realise it or not. Their words, habits, attitudes, priorities, and decisions can slowly affect your own life. This is why friendship is not a small matter. The friends you choose can influence your education, career, relationships, finances, character, and spiritual life. A good friend can encourage you to become better, while the wrong friendship can slowly pull you away from the person you want to become. Many young people make the mistake of choosing friends only because they are fun to be around. Fun is good, but friendship needs more than entertainment. You need people who will tell you the truth when you are making a wrong decision. You need friends who will encourage you when you are discouraged, challenge you when you are becoming careless, and remind you of your values when you are under pressure. A friend who always encourages you to hide things from your parents, cheat in school, waste money, lie, drink excessively, sleep around, or neglect your responsibilities may be enjoyable to be around, but that friendship is not helping you become better. First Corinthians 15:33 gives a clear warning: bad company corrupts good character. Notice that the Bible does not say bad company immediately destroys good character. Corruption can happen gradually. A person can enter a wrong environment with strong convictions and slowly become comfortable with things he once rejected. That is why you must pay attention to what your friendships are doing to you. Ask yourself some honest questions. Am I becoming a better person because of my closest friends? Do they respect my faith? Do they encourage me to work hard? Can I tell them the truth? Do they celebrate my progress without becoming jealous? Do they correct me when I am wrong? Do I feel pressured to compromise my values when I am with them? You do not need to hate people who make bad choices. You can be kind to everyone without allowing everyone to become a close friend. There is a difference between being friendly with someone and giving that person strong influence over your life. Jesus loved many people, but He also chose a smaller group to walk closely with Him. Your circle matters. You should also remember that friendship works both ways. It is not enough to complain that your friends are influencing you. Ask yourself what kind of influence you are having on them. Are you encouraging your friends to become better, or are you also pulling them into wrong choices? A good friendship should help both people grow. As you grow older, your friendships may also change. Some people who were close to you in school may not remain close when you enter university, work, business, marriage, or ministry. This is normal. Do not hold on to a friendship simply because you have known someone for many years. Some relationships belong to a season. Some belong to a lifetime. Wisdom is knowing the difference. Choose friends who respect your future. Choose people who value honesty, discipline, hard work, faith, and good character. Choose people who can celebrate your success without trying to bring you down. Choose friends who will pray with you, advise you, and tell you the truth. Your future is too important to place in the hands of people who do not care where their own lives are going. What To Do Today 1. Think about the five people you spend the most time with and honestly consider the influence they have on your life. 2. Identify one friendship that is helping you grow and make an effort to strengthen it. 3. If a friendship is constantly pushing you toward wrong choices, begin creating healthy boundaries. 4. Ask yourself what kind of friend you are. Make a decision to become a better influence on the people around you. Prayer Lord, give me wisdom to choose my friends carefully. Bring good people into my life who will encourage me to grow in faith, character, wisdom, and purpose. Help me to recognise relationships that are taking me away from Your will. Give me courage to establish healthy boundaries where necessary and help me to become a good friend to others. May the people around me help me become the person You want me to be. In Jesus' name, Amen. Daily Challenge Today, send a message to one good friend and encourage that person to keep growing. Then ask yourself: Am I becoming better because of the people closest to me? Remember: The people you walk with today can influence where you arrive tomorrow. ©️ Anthony Ijere Christian Author and Revivalist

Dear God, thank You for bringing me through another day. As I get ready to rest tonight, I have to be honest with You about how often I chase my own plans and only call on You when things go wrong. Your word in Matthew 6:24 says, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other.” God, I don’t want to keep living in a toxic relationship with this world while treating You like an afterthought. Forgive me for the times I’ve picked my own way over Yours and made You feel like an inconvenience instead of the most important relationship in my life. Help me pick up my cross and die to myself daily instead of only running to You when I’m desperate. I give this night completely to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. -James 4:4

Hello, l wanted to introduce myself. My name is Craig Hansen. I have been sharing encouragement and scripture since 2012. I hope to be able to share here, if that is ok? This was what was shared this morning as an example. Proverbs 27:17 NLT [17] As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NLT [9] Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. [10] If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Proverbs 27:17 puts is brilliantly – we are to encourage each other and make each other better. Ecclesiastes is also great – without community and friendship, we are lacking. Some men might think that needing people is weakness, but it’s exactly the opposite. You are loved! Have a great day!