TITLE: STANDING FIRM - RESISTING PEER PRESSURE

The bible verse for today’s devotional is: 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)

"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain."

Devotional:

Peer pressure is something we all face, no matter how old we are. It is that feeling of wanting to fit in, to be accepted by others, and to go along with what everyone else is doing, even if it doesn’t feel right. But standing firm in your beliefs and resisting peer pressure is crucial for living a life that honours God.

Think about a time when you felt pressured to do something that went against your values. Maybe your friends wanted you to skip class, spread a rumour, or try something risky. It is tough to say "no" and risk being left out or judged. But God calls us to stand firm and let nothing move us.

Consider the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the book of Daniel. These three young men were pressured to bow down to a golden statue, but they refused because it went against their faith in God. Despite the threat of being thrown into a blazing furnace, they stood firm. God honoured their courage by protecting them, and their faith inspired others.

Jesus also faced peer pressure. In the wilderness, Satan tempted Him with power, fame, and shortcuts to His mission. But Jesus stood firm, using God’s Word to resist temptation. His example shows us that we can rely on Scripture and prayer to stay strong.

Standing firm means knowing who you are in Christ and what you believe. It means having the courage to say "no" when everyone else is saying "yes." It is not easy, but remember that God is with you, and He will honour your commitment to Him.

Here are a few reflective questions:

• Can I think of a recent situation where I felt pressured to do something I knew wasn’t right? How did I handle it?
• What are some specific areas where I struggle with peer pressure the most?
• How can I prepare myself to stand firm in my beliefs when I face peer pressure?
• Who can I turn to for support and encouragement when I am feeling pressured by others?

Let us pray:

Dear God, thank you for giving me the strength to stand firm in my beliefs. Help me to resist peer pressure and stay true to Your Word. Give me the courage to say "no" when necessary and to rely on Your guidance in difficult situations. Surround me with supportive friends and mentors who will encourage me to live for You. Amen.

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

I will not go against my values because I want to fit in. 

I have courage to stand for the right thing even if it is just me on the right path.

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

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TITLE: RENEWING THE MIND

The bible verses for today’s devotional are: i. ROMANS 12:2; ii. PHILIPPIANS 4:8 (NIV)

1. "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." 
2. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

Devotional

 Do your thoughts align with God's thoughts about you? It is important to renew your mind and align your thoughts with God's truth. There are no negativities in God’s truth.

 Here are seven practical tips for combating negative self-talk:

1. Recognize when you're engaging in negative self-talk.
2. Challenge every thought by asking yourself if the thought is really true or if it's exaggerated. If not true, ignore the thoughts but if true, start to find solutions in resolving such, however exude positivity always. 
3. Replace negative thoughts with positive, realistic ones. Always look into God’s word to know what it says about you.
4. Treat yourself with kindness, compassion and understanding, just as you would do to a friend.

5.Repeat positive statements (affirmations) to yourself regularly. Say what the word of God says about you.

6. Spend time with supportive people and avoid negative influences.
7. If negative self-talk is impacting your daily life, consider seeking help from a professional.

It is crucial to renew your mind and align your thoughts with God's truth so that it can shape your attitudes, beliefs, and actions to reflect God's character. It also produces inner peace and joy in difficult times and helps you navigate life's challenges with wisdom and clarity.

 Here are a few reflective questions:

• Do I have negative self talks
• What do I do when I have negative self talks

Let us pray:

Oh Lord, help me to know when I start having negative self talks. Help me to be able to reach out to those who can help when and where I cannot help myself.

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

• I am capable of thinking positive things about myself
• My thoughts are empowering
• I release all negative self talk

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

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MAIN THEME IS: WHY AM I HERE? 

TITLE: THE PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE

The bible verse for today’s devotional is: Isaiah 50:7 (NIV)

“Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore, have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame”

Devotional

Moses was called by God to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. Despite his initial fears and doubts, Moses set his face like flint and relied on God's help to fulfill his purpose. He showed determination by continually returning to Pharaoh despite being rejected multiple times. Through many challenges, including confronting Pharaoh and leading the Israelites through the Red Sea, Moses remained focused on God's mission.

God has a special purpose for each of us, and He promises to help us achieve it. Even when we face challenges, if we focus on our purpose with determination, we can trust that God will guide and support us. God promises to help us in everything we do. We don't have to fear or be ashamed because He is always with us.

Setting our face like flint means being determined and focused on our goals and purpose, just like Jesus was determined to fulfill His mission. When we follow God's purpose for our lives, we can live confidently, knowing that we are doing what He wants us to do. Remember that God is always there to help you, no matter what challenges you face.

Here are a few reflective questions: 

• Can I choose one goal I want to achieve this week and work on it with determination, trusting that God will help me?
• How can I live a purpose-driven life with God's help?
• How can I apply Moses' confidence in God to my own life?

Let us pray:

Father, show me the path You have set for me and help me to walk in it faithfully. When I feel lost or uncertain, remind me of Your presence and Your promises. 

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

• I am created with a unique purpose by God.

• The Lord is my helper, and I will not be afraid.
• I am confident in God's love and purpose for me.

Live a purpose driven day. I’ll see you tomorrow.

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TITLE: MIRROR, MIRROR: REFLECTING GOD'S IMAGE

The bible verses for today’s devotional are: i. 2 CORINTHIANS 3:18 (NIV)

“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit”

Devotional

Picture this, Gideon, was afraid, hiding from his enemies and trying to survive (you may read Gideon’s story in JUDGES 6: 11-16) Surprisingly, out of nowhere, an angel shows up like something out of a superhero movie.

I’m sure Gideon was probably thinking, "Wow, did I eat something weird for lunch?" But no, it was for real. The angel of the Lord said to him, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior; Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hands”. 

“The angel must be talking to someone else”, Gideon thought. He looked around him but found no one else, he and the angel were all alone.  

As it turned out, God had bigger plans for Gideon but Gideon felt everything but mighty. In fact, he felt more like a scared cat because he was from the smallest clan, and his family was the smallest in that clan hence his doubts about being mighty. 

“Yeah, right”, mighty indeed.

God did not see Gideon the way he saw himself. God saw potential, strength, and bravery – attributes Gideon did not even know he had. And that's the cool part. God doesn't need superheroes with capes. He uses regular people like Gideon, you and me to do amazing things.

So, next time you feel small or unimportant, remember Gideon. God sees you as a mighty warrior, ready to take on whatever challenges that may come your way. You might not have a cool superhero costume, but with God on your side, you're unstoppable. 

See yourself the way God sees you; as his image, beloved child, strong, mighty, worthy of love and acceptance.

Here are a few reflective questions:

• How do I see myself?
• Do I know that I possess what God possesses?

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, help me to see myself through your eyes, recognize the beauty and strength in me and other individuals that you bring into my life and the purpose for our differences in Jesus name I pray. Amen.

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

I am the image of God. I will fulfil my purpose because I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Do have a purpose-driven day. Take good care of yourself and see you tomorrow.

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