Title: Redefining Success 

The bible verse for today’s devotional is: 1 Corinthians 9: 24-27 (NIV)

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.  Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.  No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Devotional: 

As a young person, part of knowing who you are is identifying and understanding your tendencies and proclivities. These are the things that are likely to get in the way of you attaining what you previously set out to do. Do you know what those tendencies are?

Attaining success in whatever we set out to do requires curtailing excesses such as excessive time on phones/social media, gaming, chatting with friends, sleeping etc. 

Self-discipline is therefore one of the daily matrices wherein success can be measured.

In our text today, Paul recognises and attests to the fact that strict training is required for anyone to win a prize. Obvious right? But sometimes we forget or perhaps we wish it away. Paul reminds us that ‘making your body your slave’ which can also be termed to be self discipline is an absolute requirement in order for personal success to be achieved. This speaks to curtailing your excesses and disciplining yourself.

Here are a few reflective questions:

• Can I think of one to three things that are capable of  distracting me whenever I make up my mind to complete a task?
• How can I begin to discipline myself with respect to this?

Let us pray:

Lord, help me today as I make the decision to be more disciplined in …(mention the area you would like to be more disciplined)

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

I can control my thoughts, words and actions.. 

I can be self disciplined. 

Stay focused today and take good care of yourself and see you tomorrow

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TITLE: RESISTING NEGATIVE INFLUENCES-Continued

The bible verse for today’s devotional is: Romans 12:21(NIV)

"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Devotional

Today, let us look at what can be done to prevent or overcome negative influences:

1. Be self aware. Know yourself; likes, dislikes, strengths, weaknesses and aspirations.
2. Have personal values. Set boundaries guided by your personal values.
3. Practice assertiveness: Be confident in expressing your opinions and stand up for what you believe in.
4. Anticipate and prepare for peer pressure situations.
5. Seek support: If you're feeling overwhelmed by peer pressure, speak up or reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or mentor for support and guidance.
6. Be willing to stand alone : Staying true to your values and beliefs may sometimes mean standing alone or facing criticism. Be prepared to embrace your individuality and confidence in your convictions.

Be the light! Shine your light! 

Here are a few reflective questions:

• How resilient am I against negative influences?
• How confident am I to speak up when I need help?

Let us pray

Heavenly Father, in this ever-changing world filled with negative trends and fads, I come before you with a humble heart and a desire to make a difference. Give me the courage to be a positive trendsetter, leading by example and authenticity. 

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

I am a good influence. I will change the world for good.

Do have an awesome day. Take good care of yourself and see you tomorrow

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TITLE: RESISTING NEGATIVE INFLUENCES

The bible verse for today’s devotional is: Romans 12:21 (NIV)

"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Devotional 

Negative influences are factors that have a harmful or detrimental impact on an individual’s life, well-being or behaviour. They include  unhealthy role models, unwholesome contents on social media such as violence, immoral acts. These often have damaging effects on one’s mental, physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Their influences can be so strong that they make people adopt harmful behaviours like substance abuse and self-harm. Consistent exposure to these negative influences can lead to a distorted image of one self.

 To overcome negative influences, you must be able to discern between positive and negative influences and resist the pressure to conform to harmful  and unwholesome behaviours.

Here are a few ways to distinguish between positive and negative influences:

• The potential consequences of the trend on individuals and society as a whole. Does it contribute to growth, well-being, or progress, or is it harmful, regressive or exploitative?
• Do they align or are in conflict with your personal values? 
• Is it sustainable?

Here are a few reflective questions:

• Have I got people who inspire me? Why do they inspire me?
• Can I make intentional choices that align with my values to contribute to a more authentic and purposeful way of living?

Let us pray:

Lord, please help me not to be negatively influenced and help me to be a positive influence everywhere I am.

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

I am a good influence. I will change the world for good.

Go bloom where you are. Show the world the beauty that resides in you. Take good care of yourself and see you tomorrow.

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TITLE:  BUILDING RESILIENCE AGAINST NEGATIVE PEER INFLUENCE

The Bible verses for today’s devotional are:  (i). Proverbs 4:23-27, (ii). Proverbs 13:20 (NIV)

i “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.

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

Devotional

Resilience is one of the skills you must develop and foster its growth to maturity. Resilience is the ability to withstand challenges and adversity without being devastated.  It is called the bounce-back-ability quotient.

In life you will experience negative peer pressures, it happens to everybody both young and old.  Chiamaka, a teenager was once asked how she overcame negative peer pressure in the boarding school and these were her very impressive responses;

• I know my values, beliefs and boundaries
• I am confident, satisfied and absolutely okay with being different, it’s  no challenge at all.
• I associate with my kind, people who have the same values, beliefs and lifestyle as mine.
• I don’t bother about negative influences. I concentrate my energy on influencing my peers positively.

Most of the time, teens succumb to negative peer pressure because they want to be accepted by a certain group of people they should never have anything to do with. They also entertain this Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO), but remember that you have the final say not by public opinion of what is the most important thing in your life per time.

Today’s basic scripture teaches you how to guard your heart and gain the bounce back ability. It is your sole responsibility. Be resilient!

Let us pray: 

Lord by the revelation of your word, I understand that it is your will that I should live above the pressures of this world. I receive grace to stay true to my values and beliefs. Amen

Here are a few reflective questions:

Have I ever had times I have let my guards down and allowed negative influence into my space? How did that experience make me feel? 

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

I am of the generation that will influence the world positively.

 I wish you a beautiful day. Take good care of yourself and see you tomorrow

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