TITLE: You Are Special and Perfect in Every Way

The bible verse for today’s devotional is: Psalm 139:14 (NIV)

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

Devotional:

You are custom-made. God did not make duplicates or anyone like you in the world. Even scientists agree that each person has unique fingerprints, toe prints, and iris (in your eyes). There are over 7 billion people on the earth, yet no two fingerprints are alike, not even your left or right fingers.. You are unique! You are special! You should celebrate that! Bask in that love.

God was so precise and mind present when he made you and He expects you to realize and live in the consciousness and dignity of your unique self without the pressure of trying to fit in or be like others.

Apart from your physical attributes, you most definitely have different gifts, talents, and skills different from other people’s. God does not make mistakes. There is no point in comparing and disregarding your uniqueness or purpose.

Here are a few reflective questions:

- What are the special features or talents that I have?

- In what ways can I intentionally pay attention to and celebrate God for making me unique?

- Have I listed my ‘findings’ in my journal?

Let us pray:

Thank you, Father, for your love for me. Thank you for taking the time to design me with specific features just to show me that you didn’t pull me off a factory belt. Help me celebrate my uniqueness without allowing others to put me down and help me use this unique design to bring glory to your name, in Jesus’ name. Amen

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

I am special! I am chosen and I will take my place on the earth!!

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

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Title:                      God’s Approval vs. Peer Approval

Relatable icon:             Daniel

The bible verse for today’s devotional is: Galatians 1:10 (NIV)

"Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.." - 

Devotional

In the court of King Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel faced immense pressure to conform to the customs and practices of the Babylonian culture. However, Daniel remained steadfast in his commitment to God, refusing to defile himself by eating the king's food, which may have been offered to idols.

Despite the potential consequences and the ridicule he might face from his peers, Daniel chose to prioritise God's approval above all else. He demonstrated remarkable self-love and conviction in his identity as a child of God, refusing to compromise his values for the sake of peer approval.

In a world where peer approval often seems paramount, it can be easy to prioritise the opinions of others over our relationship with God. We may strive to fit in, seeking validation and acceptance from those around us, even if it means compromising our values or beliefs. However, true fulfilment and self-love come from knowing that God loves and accepts us, regardless of others' opinions. By shifting our focus from seeking approval of peers to seeking approval of God, we can cultivate a deeper sense of self-love and authenticity.

Here are a few reflective questions:

•   Can I reflect on a time when I prioritised peer approval over my relationship with God. How did it make me feel?
•         How can I maintain a strong sense of self-love and identity in school, on social media
•       What qualities do people who priotise God peer approval have that I can emulate?

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

•         I am deeply loved and accepted by God.
•         God’’s approval is what truly matters in my life.

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

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TITLE: TRENDS: FOLLOWERS OR SETTERS (STANDING OUT IN THE CROWD)

The bible verse for today’s devotional is: ROMANS 12:2 (NIV)

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

Devotional

This bible verse encourages us not to blindly follow the trends and patterns of the world around us, but rather to be transformed by God's truth and wisdom. It reminds us that our focus should be on aligning ourselves with God's will rather than conforming to the fleeting trends in the society. 

A "trend" is a general direction of change or a common way of behaviour in the society. Trends have a significant impact on various aspects of society. For example, there are fashion trends, technological trends, media trends. Most often, these trends determine our preferences and societal values.

You may blindly adopt trends without understanding their context or relevance to one’s goals. You may however, intentionally and consciously follow them based on your purpose, vision and values.

It is dangerous to blindly follow trends without considering their impact on your personal beliefs and values. Also, copying trends without understanding their context can make you appear inauthentic and insincere, harming your brand or personal image.

Trends have a short lifespan, therefore, blindly following them can lead to supposedly short-term gains, and an inconsistent lifestyle.

Here are a few reflective questions:

1. What trends have I followed in the past? What influenced my decision to follow this trend, and how did it impact my sense of identity or belonging?
2. When I think about the trends that are prevalent in my environment or amongst my peers, do they align with my beliefs and values? Do I feel pressured to adopt them or conform? 

Let us pray:

Father in heaven, give me the grace to be able to build my brand, love my brand and live my brand.

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

• My true self is what matters. My individuality is what makes me beautiful.
• I will not compromise my values and beliefs to fit into society
• I will lead with my brand. My brand is my identity.

Go make the day as beautiful as you. Take good care of yourself and see you tomorrow.

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TITLE: IDENTIFYING AND CHALLENGING LABELS

The bible verse for today’s devotional is: 2 Corinthians 10:5-6 (NIV)

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.’

Devotional

A 24 year old lady, Abosede only got to understand why she did not like looking at herself in the mirror when she visited a professional counsellor. She had been labelled ugly since she was 4 years old. 

Bosun, a 15 year old boy never believed in himself because his parents always told him he was good for nothing despite the cheers from his teachers and classmates when he achieved a great feat. 

Let us  examine what we can do to identify labels and how best to challenge them. 

1. Be mindful and aware of the labels and stereotypes in your environment. Pay attention to names used to describe you and other people. Have you heard people describing individuals or a group of people by what they think they are and not who they really are just because they are from a particular tribe or race. These are labels and stereotypes!
2. Critical thinking: Question the assumptions and biases underlying labels and stereotypes. Ask yourself whether certain labels accurately describe anyone being labelled.
3. Empathy: Put yourself in the shoes of individuals who are treated based on labels and stereotypes rather than their true identity.
4. Speak out against labels and stereotypes when you encounter them. Challenge harmful language and promote understanding and empathy.
5. Lead by example by avoiding using labels or making assumptions about others based on superficial characteristics, and encourage others to do the same.

Here are a few reflective questions:

1. Have I been negatively labelled or I labelled yourself? Have I labelled anyone? Are they empowering or disempowering labels?
2. How do these labels make me feel, and how have they influenced my self-image?
3. What will I do differently to handle labels or discourage labelling wherever I am?

Let us pray

Oh Lord,  help me to build resilience against negative name calling. Help me Lord to be your worthy ambassador.

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

I embrace the fullness of who I am. I celebrate my individuality. I trust in God's plan for my life and I find peace in knowing that I am enough just as I am.

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

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