19-OCTOBER-2024 - THE 5 PHASES OF TALENT - REPLENISH

THE MAIN THEME: WHAT DO I HAVE?

TITLE:  THE 5 PHASES OF TALENT - REPLENISH

Our bible verse for today’s devotional is: Exodus 31:3 (NIV)

and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills

Devotional:

In our bible verse for today, Bezalel was gifted in an extraordinary way. The Bible says that he was filled with the Spirit of God and given special abilities to create various things out of gold, silver, bronze, wood, and stones. And he was also given the ability to teach others.

It is remarkable that this verse specifically points us to the fact that our gifts are a direct blessing from God. As such, it is pertinent to connect with our source when we need to ‘recharge’ or gain a clearer perspective on how to advance with our giftings, or when we need to ignite our creativity.

Additionally, God has blessed us with role models, who can inspire us in the different areas of our gifts- be they famous people that we read of, or actual mentors that we can connect with and learn from. If we are willing to learn from a higher authority or engage those with more knowledge in our gifts, we can move more purposefully towards accomplishing great things in our generation.

Here is a reflective question:-    

-          Are they role models or people who have achieved great things with my kind of talent that I can gain inspiration from (e.g reading about them or finding ways to connect with them and learn)?

LET US PRAY:

Dear God, give me a teachable heart, that I may learn from you and others and use my talents effectively, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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

  • I know what I have
  • I am graced with the Spirit of God, therefore I am creative
  • I am filled daily with unusual wisdom and ability to conquer my world

Do have a fulfilling day. Take good care of yourself and see you tomorrow!

LISTEN: AUDIO LINK

Helpline: If you have questions and enquiries. 

kindly reach us via +2348023224453 (STRICTLY WHATSAPP) for enquiries on e-devotional only.


18-OCTOBER-2024 - THE 5 PHASES OF TALENT - MULTIPLICATION

 THE MAIN THEME: WHAT DO I HAVE?

TITLE: THE 5 PHASES OF TALENT - MULTIPLICATION

 Our quote for today’s devotional is:

“Discipline and constant work are the whetstones upon which the dull knife of talent is honed until it becomes sharp enough, hopefully, to cut through even the toughest meat and gristle.” ― Stephen King

Devotional:

Talents, they say, are God-given and skills are things you can learn. However, whether it be an in-born talent or an acquired skill, one thing is sure, we need to commit to getting better at developing and knowing the best way to use our giftings effectively.

There are many examples of those who had dedicated their time to honing their skills.. for today, we will look at Micheal Jordan, one of the legendary basketballers of our time.

Michael Jordan’s path to greatness was paved with hard work and dedication. In high school, despite his talent, he wasn’t picked for the varsity basketball team. Many would have given up, but not Michael. He saw this setback as an opportunity to dig deeper, spending countless hours refining his skills and pushing his limits. His unwavering commitment to building his talent led to a breakthrough when he was recruited by the University of North Carolina, where he made the game-winning shot in the 1982 NCAA Championship. From there, his relentless pursuit of excellence took him to the pinnacle of basketball, earning six NBA championships and five MVP awards. Michael’s journey is a testament to the power of dedication and the incredible things that can happen when we commit to developing our gifts, no matter the obstacles.

Here are a few reflective questions:

-          How can I use my talents today to be a blessing to someone?

-          In what ways can I show commitment to growing my talents and/or skills?

LET US PRAY:

Dear God, I thank you for entrusting me with this gift of [insert your talent here], I ask that you help me commit to learning about and growing my strengths in Jesus' name. Amen.

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

  • I know what I have
  • I have been entrusted with great talents.
  • I am committed to growing my talents.
  • I am getting better at using my talents each day.

Do have a fulfilling day. Take good care of yourself and see you tomorrow!

LISTEN: AUDIO LINK

Helpline: If you have questions and enquiries. 

kindly reach us via +2348023224453 (STRICTLY WHATSAPP) for enquiries on e-devotional only.


17-OCTOBER-2024 - THE 5 PHASES OF TALENT - FRUITFULNESS

THE MAIN THEME: WHAT DO I HAVE?

TITLE: THE 5 PHASES OF TALENT - FRUITFULNESS

The bible verse for today’s devotional is: Romans 12:6a NLT 

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith”.

Devotional:

Becca had a way of putting down her efforts. She was the third child in a family of four children and always felt ‘unseen’. It was usual to see her siblings take part in various school activities and they represented the teens’ class whenever there was an event at church.

Becca didn’t sing (at least not as well as her siblings did or so she thought), she was camera shy, so she didn’t even allow herself to audition for drama roles, and over time had gotten comfortable with being ignored.

It didn't also help that at a party, over the summer break, she had been picked in a game and asked what her strengths were; and when she said ‘listening to others’, there was a roar of laughter, like that was not an actual talent. She survived that one and decided at that moment that perhaps it was true that she had nothing to offer the world.

What she didn’t know was that not everyone loves to listen to others talk about their problems, so that was a special ability- something she could do well with ease, that others could not do. Not everyone has a ‘stage-ready’ talent. But everyone has at least one thing they can do well, even if it's not a celebrated skill. Sometimes it will take some self-discovery to find out what you can do easily, and it doesn’t matter if others are doing similar things better than you, no one can do it the same way as you can. Someone will like the way you do yours. That's Life.

In the ‘Parable of Talents’ (Matthew 25: 14- 30), the master was displeased with the servant who had buried his single talent due to fear, thereby failing to show forth the fruits in him.

Here are a few reflective questions:

  • Do I know my talents?
  •  If Yes, list them and write out ways you can use them often in your daily life;
  • If No, can you write out what you like to do normally or what you do with ease? 
    • {to discover your talents, you may need to write out what you like to do, recall what areas you often get compliments, or ask friends and family what they think you are good at, or better still, you may take a talent assessment test}

Let Us Pray:

Dear God, I thank you that you have given me special abilities. Help me use my talents for your glory in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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

  • I know what I have
  • I am more than enough.
  • I have special abilities that I can use to bless the world.
  • I will not be afraid, I will be bold and use my talents for God’s glory.

Do have a fulfilling day. Take good care of yourself and see you tomorrow!

LISTEN: AUDIO LINK

Helpline: If you have questions and enquiries. 

kindly reach us via +2348023224453 (STRICTLY WHATSAPP) for enquiries on e-devotional only.


16-OCTOBER-2024 - LOOKING INWARDS

THE MAIN THEME: WHAT DO I HAVE?

TITLE: LOOKING INWARDS

The bible verse for today’s devotional is: Psalm 51:6 (NIV)

Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place.

Devotional:

In so many verses of the scripture, God categorically differentiated between the inward and the outward part of man.  The outward being the visible, that could be easily seen, judged, praised, validated by man’s intellectual capacity. Meanwhile the inward is hidden from man’s eyes, may not be noticed, cared for or validated.

Our text for today tells us that God is more interested in the inward part, that is where He desires that we come clean with Him.  He desires our utmost focus and attention on the inward part of man, because that is where defilement comes from. 

The outward part seeks to conform to this world’s lifestyle and pattern, singing and dancing to their songs, but God calls us to transformation by the renewing of our mind, that we may prove what is that good, and acceptable and perfect will of God for us.

Philipians 4:8 tells us how to guard our inward part: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, THINK ON THESE THINGS.

Here are a few reflective questions:

  1.     How have I nurtured my inward man towards renewal and transformation?
  2.       Am I truthful to God who sees the inward part of me or am I a hypocrite?
  3.       What do I mostly meditate on? Do they align with Phil 4:8?

Let us pray

Lord thank you for your word to me today, I pray that I guard my heart with all diligence for out of it proceeds things that defile me.  I received grace to meditate on things that are true, honest, pure, lovely, of a good report and praise worthy in Jesus name. Amen

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

  • I know what I have
  • My mind is renewed and transformed by your word
  • I meditate on things that are pure and true.
  • I am in control of my mind.

Enjoy your day and see you tomorrow

LISTEN: AUDIO LINK

Helpline: If you have questions and enquiries. 

kindly reach us via +2348023224453 (STRICTLY WHATSAPP) for enquiries on e-devotional only.


15-OCTOBER-2024 - THE TREASURE OF RELATIONSHIPS

THE MAIN THEME: WHAT DO I HAVE?

TITLE: THE TREASURE OF RELATIONSHIPS

The bible verse for today’s devotional is: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV)

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: if either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up."

Devotional 

Sarah was struggling with a lot of anxiety about her future. College applications were coming up, and she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do with her life. She felt overwhelmed and alone, like no one understood what she was going through. But one day, her older brother noticed she was upset and asked her what was going on. Jake listened as Sarah poured out her worries, and instead of brushing them off, he took the time to talk her through them. He shared how he had felt the same way when he was her age and how he had learned that it’s okay not to have everything figured out right away. That conversation didn’t solve all of Sarah’s problems, but it lifted a huge weight off her shoulders, and she realized how lucky she was to have someone like Jake in her life.

We often think about treasures as things such as possessions, achievements. But the most valuable treasures aren’t things at all; they are people. The relationships in your life, your family, friends, and even your mentors, are some of the greatest gifts you will ever have. So, what if you spent more time appreciating and investing in these relationships, recognizing them as the treasures they truly are?

Think about a time when you were going through a difficult time. Maybe you were stressed about exams, upset with mum or dad, had a fight with a friend, or were feeling down for no particular reason. Now, think about who was there for you during that time. Did someone lend an ear, give you advice, or just sit with you so you didn’t feel alone? It could be your family, friends and youth group.

These relationships are treasures, given by God to support and encourage you, and also grow with you. Sometimes, we take these relationships for granted, thinking they will always be there. But like any treasure, they need to be cherished and nurtured.

Think about how you can be a better friend, sibling, or child. Are there ways you can invest more in the relationships you have? Maybe it’s as simple as spending more quality time together, really listening when someone talks to you, or being there when they need you the most.

The greatest treasures in life aren’t material things. They are the relationships we build and the people we share our lives with. When you start seeing the people around you as the gifts they are, you will realize that you are richer than you ever imagined. 

This week, pick one person in your life who you consider a treasure and do something special for them. It could be writing them a heartfelt note, spending extra time with them, or simply telling them how much they mean to you. Notice how these small acts of kindness can strengthen your relationship and bring you closer.

Here are a few reflective questions:

  1. Who are the people in my life that I consider to be true treasures?
  2. What makes these relationships special to me?
  3. How can I be a better friend or family member to those around me?

Let Us Pray:

Heavenly Father, thank you for the people you have placed in my life. Help me to see my relationships as the treasures they are. Teach me to value and invest in these connections, to be a good child, sibling, and friend. Guide me in showing love and appreciation to those around me, just as you have loved and cared for me. Amen.

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

  • I know what I have
  • I am thankful for the people in my life.
  • I commit to cultivating strong relationships.

Do have an awe-mazing day. Take good care of yourself and see you tomorrow.

LISTEN: AUDIO LINK

Helpline: If you have questions and enquiries. 

kindly reach us via +2348023224453 (STRICTLY WHATSAPP) for enquiries on e-devotional only.


3