THE MAIN THEME: WHO DO I GO WITH? 

TITLE: EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION   

The bible verse for today’s devotional is: Colossians 4:6  (NIV)

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."  

Devotional 

Communication is one of the most powerful tools we have in building relationships and sharing our faith. Effective communication is not just about speaking well but listening with understanding, showing grace, and speaking truth in love

Your words have power. They can build someone up or tear them down. Speaking with grace means using words that encourage, comfort, and inspire, even in challenging situations.

Let’s also talk about Emma who often felt frustrated because her parents didn’t seem to understand her. One day, her teacher gave a lesson on effective communication, and Emma realized she needed to express her thoughts more calmly and clearly. She practiced explaining how she felt without blaming others, and to her surprise, her parents started listening more. Emma discovered that communication isn’t just about talking—it’s about connecting.

Effective communication is the glue that holds relationships together. Whether it’s with friends, family, or your team, learning how to speak truth with love, listen attentively, and express yourself clearly is essential. Communication isn’t just about talking; it is about connecting which is essential for meaningful and effective conversations.

Here are a few reflection questions:  

1. Am I a good listener, or do I listen to understand or listen to respond?  
2. Do I speak to be heard or understood? Do I speak with love?
3. How can I use my words to build others up today?   

Let us pray:

Dear Lord, thank You for the gift of communication. Teach me to use my words wisely and with grace. Help me to listen with love, speak with kindness, and always reflect Your truth in my conversations. Amen.  

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

• I speak with grace and kindness in every conversation. 
• I listen attentively to understand before I respond. 
• I carefully choose words that build others up and I communicate truth with love and wisdom. 

Do have a good day communicating effectively. I’ll see you tomorrow.

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.