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!

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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

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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.

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14-OCTOBER-2024 - MENTORSHIP - THE NAVIGATOR THROUGH STAGNANT WATERS

THE MAIN THEME: WHAT DO I HAVE?

TITLE: MENTORSHIP: THE NAVIGATOR THROUGH STAGNANT WATERS

The quote for today’s devotional is:
 "A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself."

 – Oprah Winfrey

Devotional:
There are moments in life when we feel stuck, unsure of where to go or what to do next. During these times, a mentor can be the key to helping us navigate through stagnant waters. Just as a ship needs a navigator to avoid being lost at sea, we often need someone with wisdom and experience to guide us toward our potential. Mentors offer valuable advice, provide encouragement, and help us see possibilities we might not have considered.

A well-known example of mentorship in action is the relationship between Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg. When Zuckerberg was developing Facebook, he sought advice from Jobs, who was an experienced entrepreneur. Jobs provided valuable insights and guidance that helped Zuckerberg navigate the complexities of growing a tech startup. This mentorship played a crucial role in Facebook’s success, demonstrating how experienced guidance can be a powerful tool in overcoming challenges and achieving growth.

Mentorship provides direction and clarity when life feels stagnant. It offers perspective and insight from someone who has already walked a similar path. Whether in personal development, career growth, or navigating complex decisions, a mentor helps you see past limitations and encourages you to take the next step forward. Just like Zuckerberg benefited from Jobs’ wisdom, you too can gain from the guidance of a mentor to help you move through life’s challenges.

Here are a few reflective questions:

  1. Is there an area in my life where I feel stuck or unsure?
  2. How could finding a mentor help me navigate through my current challenges?
  3. Who in my life can serve as a mentor, offering guidance and wisdom?
  4.  In what ways can I become a mentor to someone who may be going through a similar experience?

LET US PRAY:
"Lord, thank You for the gift of mentorship. Help me to seek wise counsel when I feel stuck and to appreciate the value of those who guide me. Grant me the wisdom to learn from my mentors and the courage to mentor others when the time comes. Amen."

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

  • I know what I have
  • I recognize and submit to great mentors in my life.
  • I am open to learning from those who have gone before me and willing to share my knowledge with others.

Do have a splendid day learning the feet of mentors. Hope to catch you tomorrow.

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13-OCTOBER-2024 - PRESERVING YOUR TALENTS

MAIN THEME: WHAT DO I HAVE?

TITLE: PRESERVING YOUR TALENTS

The bible verse for today’s devotional is:1 Timothy 4:14 (NIV)
“Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.”

Devotional:
Preserving your talents means not only recognizing and using them but also taking care of them to ensure they are not wasted or neglected. Just as athletes train regularly to keep their bodies in peak condition, you must continually develop and refine your talents. This involves practice, learning, and sometimes even rest, to ensure your talents don’t burn out or go to waste.

A good example is the story of the late Kobe Bryant, who was known for his incredible work ethic. Kobe didn’t just rely on his natural ability; he constantly worked to improve, often arriving at the gym hours before anyone else. He preserved his talent by being disciplined, dedicated, and passionate about his craft.

Here are a few reflective questions:

  1. Am I actively working to preserve and develop my talents?
  2. What habits can I build to ensure my talents are not wasted?
  3. How can I use my talents without burning out?

Let Us Pray:
Lord, thank You for the talents You have given me. Help me to preserve them by being disciplined and diligent in my efforts. May I use my talents wisely and for Your glory. Amen!

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

  • I know what I have
  • I am committed to preserving and refining my talents. I will practise discipline, dedication, and balance in all I do.

Have an awe-mazing day. Cheers. I’ll see you tomorrow.

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