THE MAIN THEME:  WHO DO I GO WITH?

TITLE: HANDLING SIBLING RIVALRY

The bible verse for today’s devotional is: Proverbs 20:3 and Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)

It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.  

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. 

DEVOTIONAL

The bible recorded some sibling rivalry in the old testament, examples are Cain and Abel, Jacob and Esau, Joseph and his brothers Leah and Rachel etc. These are clear indications that misunderstanding one another at one point or the other is part of our family dynamics. The good news is that the bible provided guidance on how to handle sibling rivalry because our siblings are an integral part of our life journey.

Most times, the root cause of sibling rivalry is jealousy, competition for parental love and attention and wrong perspective to life. Jesus prayed for the unity and love among his disciples” that they may be one”. When we see ourselves as one body and spirit, then we will be wise to put away malice, wrath, anger, backbiting.

Our text in Proverbs 20:3 affirms the ability to put an end to conflict as a test of our character. It is honourable and wise to embrace peace and forgiveness.

Today may we imbibe empathetic listening, trying to understand others before trying to make them understand us. 

Remember “a soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” Pro 15:1. ‘How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity..’ PS 133:1. 

It is God’s will for brethren to live together in unity and love.

Here are a few reflective questions;

• Am I honourable to the point of putting an end to strife?
• What traits should I put away to foster peaceful co-existence with my siblings?

Let us Pray:

Thank you Lord for your word to me today. I receive grace to put an end to all manner of strife and contention and may your love richly dwell in me. Amen

Please say these words of affirmation.  Say them, mean them, own them and live them

• I am an embodiment of God’s wisdom and I am honourable
• I am gentle, kind, respectful and I love to spread peace wherever I go.

Do enjoy your day free of all forms of strife against your siblings. I’ll see you, tomorrow.

THE MAIN THEME: WHO DO I GO WITH? 

TITLE: DISCOVERING PEOPLE 

The bible verse for today's devotional is: John 7:24 (NIV)

Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly."

Sophia had just moved to a new school. On her first day, a group of kids approached her and invited her to sit with them. They seemed friendly, but Sophia noticed they spent a lot of time gossiping about others. Later, she met Rachel, who was quiet but always kind and encouraging. Over time, Sophia realized Rachel shared her values and became her closest friend.

Sophia learned that the best friendships aren’t always the loudest or most popular—they’re the ones that look out for you and bring out the best in you.

The people you surround yourself with have a big impact on who you are. Like travelers on a journey, the companions you choose can either inspire you, challenge you, and some might lead you astray. Discovering people means learning to discern who aligns with your values and vision. 

Teens often face peer pressure, but understanding that not everyone is meant to be part of your inner circle is key to choosing wisely.

These tips will help you: 

1. Identify and recognize the qualities in others.
2. Understand that not everyone can be your companion
3. Build God-centered relationships.

Here are a few reflective questions:

• Who in my life helps me become the best version of myself?  
• Are there relationships I need to reevaluate?  
• How can I be a positive companion for others?

Let us pray:

Dear God, help me to choose the right people to journey with in life. Amen.  

Please say these words of affirmation after me. Say them, mean them, own them, and live them:

• I choose friendships that honor my values and purpose. 
• I attract relationships that encourage my growth and faith. 
• I am a positive and uplifting companion to others.

Do have an awe-mazing day dear ones. I’ll see you tomorrow.

THE MAIN THEME: WHO DO I GO WITH?

TITLE: THE EIGHT LINES OF WORK

The bible verse for today’s devotional is: Colossians 3:23 (NIV)

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.

Devotional

Josh was overwhelmed. Between church activities, school projects, family responsibilities, and his soccer team, he felt like he couldn’t keep up. His youth leader suggested he write down all the areas of his life—his “lines of work”—and set priorities. Josh realized he needed to spend less time on video games and more time on his studies. With a clearer focus, he balanced his commitments and even found time to hang out with friends.

The "8 Lines of Work" represent areas where you can contribute and collaborate: spiritual growth, academics, personal development, family, friendships, hobbies, community service, and future goals. It’s essential to balance these areas and involve the right people in each. Working in these "lines" with others allows you to grow holistically.

Here are a few reflective questions:

• Which of these areas am I thriving in? 
• Which ones need more attention? 
• How can involving others improve my efforts in each line?

Let Us Pray:

Dear God, help me balance every area of my life and surround me with people who will strengthen me in my work. Amen.

Please say these words of affirmation after me. Say them, mean them, own them, and live them:

• I grow in every area of my life with the help of the people God has placed around me.

Have a great day lovelies. Take good care of yourself. I’ll see you tomorrow.

THE MAIN THEME: WHO DO I GO WITH?

TITLE: SEX AND YOUR SOUL

 The bible verse for today’s devotional is: 1 Corinthians 6:18 (NIV)

Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.

Devotional:

As teenagers, it is plausible that you have heard a lot of things about sex, some good advice and some not so good ideas, depending on who you heard it from.

So, for today, we will simply share two stories in the bible and allow you think through your reflective questions:

In the book of Genesis chapter 25, verse 29 to 34, there is a story about how Esau (the older son of Isaac) sold his birthright to his younger brother, Jacob. At the time he did it he was responding to a physiological need (hunger) which he could easily have met in some other way. He was the first son of a very rich man, it could have been easy to demand the food from Jacob or ask the other servants in the house to cook something for him, but at that moment, Esau forgot who he was and made a wrong choice. This choice led to him losing out on his father’s blessings- that should have come naturally to the first born.

In another story, in the book of 2 Samuel 13:1-15 a young virgin, Tamar, was raped by her half-brother, Amnon. Both Tamar and Amnon were children of King David and were royals. At the advice of his friend, Amnon pretended to be sick and asked that Princess Tamar be sent to take care of him and while she was preparing a meal for him, he raped her and when he was done, the bible said ‘he hated her more than he loved her’.

From these two lessons, it is clear that we need to constantly remember who we are - we are children of God and our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Anything we do must be with this in mind - our bodies are not ours to destroy for fleeting emotions or physiological pangs. Whatever attractions are being presented to us, there is always another way to get it.

When we wrong God by defiling our bodies through sex, the first reaction (as it was with Amnon) would be a deep sense of loss and guilt, which is what people often try to numb with more sex, drinks, drugs or whatever else. No one can escape it. While God forgives, the consequence of our mistakes often remains with us. Isn’t it easier to stick with God’s plan for us? His perfect plan is sex within marriage. There is no other way. 

 Here are a few reflective questions: 

•  Knowing that it is normal to be naturally attracted to the opposite sex from a certain age, what boundaries can I put in place to ensure I am not in a vulnerable place which can lead me to trouble?
•  I know close friends (and whatever I listen to or read) have an influence over what I believe and what I choose to do; are my friends (and the resources I am exposing myself to) helping me adhere to or disregard God’s plan for me concerning sex? 

Let Us Pray:

Dear God, I thank you for your plans for me are perfect and are always for my own good. I ask for your help to keep myself and honour you with my body, mind and spirit at all times in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Please say these words of affirmation after me. Say them, mean them, own them and live them:

• I am created in God’s image, and my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.
•  I will honour God with my body, mind and heart, and keep them pure for His purposes.
• God’s plan for my life is worth waiting for, and I will guard my heart and choices.

Have a beautiful day, great ones. Take good care of yourselves. I’ll see you tomorrow.