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. 

THE MAIN THEME: WHO DO I GO WITH?

TITLE: CRUSH AND LOVE

 The bible verse for today’s devotional  is:  Song of Solomon 8:4 )NIV)

Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you: Do not arouse or awaken love  until it so desires.

Devotional:

It is in our design as humans to desire connection with other people. As we evolve through the stages of life, what that connection would look like will change and at adolescence, it is not unusual to be attracted to members of the opposite sex. This is normal and knowing this and accepting it will place you in a better place to prepare and know what to do when that happens.

God made us with emotions, with the ability to feel and have desires. However, his gift comes with the responsibility of ensuring that we use these emotions responsibly, to bring glory to God. Songs of Solomon 8:3-4 admonishes us not to ‘awaken’ love...until we are ready.  This doesn’t refer to the love between family members or those within our community, but it refers to romantic love. There is a right time for everything. In the same way we would not hand a race car to a toddler to drive (for obvious reasons), allowing ourselves to be distracted by crushes will not serve us well in the long run.

When we are attracted intensely to someone because of their looks or qualities or because they are the famous girl or boy in the school, chances are we are crushing rather than loving them. A crush is an intense emotion and can pass away as quickly as it comes, as the novelty wears off. Often, crushes can lead us to compromise our values in order to keep the relationship. On the other hand, love grows gradually and is based on commitment and the desire to see the best happen to the other person, even if that best means that they are not in a relationship with us.

God desires that we grow in love, first towards Him, this will help us prioritize His will in our relationships and when we do this, we will most likely awaken love at the right time and with the right person.

 Here are a few reflective questions:

•  Are my current relationships moving me closer to God or away from God?
• Who can I ask to be my accountability partner, ensuring that I can assess and curb  impulsive emotions? 

Let Us Pray:

Dear God, I am grateful that you have good plans for me and at the right time, they will all come to pass. Help me walk with you and trust your timing for all things in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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

• God has great plans for every aspect of my life
•  I choose to be guided by His word and the Holy Spirit, not by my emotions
•  I will wait for God’s best, even in relationships.

Have a great day precious ones. I’ll see you tomorrow.

THE MAIN THEME: WHO DO I GO WITH?  

TITLE: ROLE MODELS AND MENTORS 

The bible verse for today’s devotional is: Proverbs 13:20 (NIV)

Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm."

Devotional 

As a teenager, you're at a point in life where decisions and choices you make shape your future, and the people around you can either help or harm you.

One of the most important questions you can ask yourself is, "Who do I go with?" This question goes beyond friendships; it includes choosing role models and mentors. Those who have not only been there but who have the experience you need and can influence your character, mindset, and goals.

A role model is someone whose life, values, and accomplishments inspire you from a distance. They may be public figures, family members, or even historical icons. Their stories encourage you to strive for more. 

A mentor, however, is someone who walks with you, guiding you in specific areas of your life. They provide direct advice, share experiences, and help you navigate challenges. 

While role models inspire, mentors invest time in you, helping you become your best self, role models and mentors matter play a huge role in shaping your character.

While a strong role model can push you to dream bigger and show you that it's possible to overcome obstacles, a good mentor can guide you in making decisions, teach you life skills, and help you avoid unnecessary mistakes. 

The bible often speaks about the influence of others on our lives. Proverbs 13:20 reminds us that the people we walk with impact who we become. 

Just like hanging around negative influences can pull you down, walking with the wise helps you grow.

You must be mindful of those you choose as your role models or mentors.

There may be people you admire because of their fame or popularity but what truly matters are their values and how they live out their purpose.

In choosing your role models and mentors, look for those who:

1.Live with integrity and have empowering beliefs and live them out.

2.Encourage you to grow spiritually, emotionally, and mentally.

3.Have overcome challenges and can share practical advice.

4.Are willing to invest in you through mentorship, accountability, and guidance.

Here are a few reflective questions 

• Do I have a mentor? 
• Who are the role models in my life? 
• What about their lives inspires me?

Let Us Pray:

Dear Lord, please surround me with people who will encourage my growth and help me walk in wisdom. Amen. 

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

1. I am open to learning from those who inspire and guide me.
2. I choose to surround myself with people who encourage my growth and wisdom.
3. I will walk in wisdom, seeking positive influences to help me on my journey.

Do have a splendid day dear one. Take good care of yourself, I’ll see you tomorrow.