12-JANUARY-2025 - SUPERIOR RELATIONSHIP SKILLS

THE MAIN THEME: WHO DO I GO WITH?

TITLE: SUPERIOR RELATIONSHIP SKILLS   

The bible verse for today’s devotional is: Luke 6:31 (NIV)

Do to others as you would have them do to you.  

Devotional 

Maya and her best friend had a big argument over a misunderstanding. Maya wanted to ignore her friend, but her mom encouraged her to talk it out. She prayed for courage and reached out to her friend, apologizing and explaining her feelings. They worked through the issue and became even closer. Maya learned that strong relationships require communication and humility.

Building strong relationships is a skill that can transform your life. Great relationships are built on respect, understanding, kindness, communication and care. Superior relationship skills involve putting others first, being mindful of their needs, and responding with love and empathy. As we develop these skills, we not only create stronger connections but also reflect God’s love in how we relate to others. 

  1. Treat others with respect

The foundation of any good relationship is respect. When you show kindness and value to others, you creatE an environment where trust and love can thrive. Treat people the way you want to be treated, and it will foster an atmosphere of mutual respect. 

  1. Be a good listener 

Good communication is more than just talking; it’s listening attentively and responding with empathy. When we truly listen to others, we show that we value their feelings and perspectives, which strengthens relationships. 

  1. Practice forgiveness and grace towards others. Conflict is inevitable in any relationship. What is most important is how we respond. Superior relationship skills require forgiveness when wronged and extending grace to others, just as God has forgiven us through Christ. 

Here are a few reflective questions:

  • How can I treat others with more respect in my relationships?  
  • What steps can I take to become a better listener?  
  • Is there a relationship that requires my forgiveness or grace today? 

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

  • I treat others with respect and kindness. 
  • I listen carefully and respond with empathy.
  • I forgive easily and extend grace to those around me.  

Have a delightful day darlings. Take very good care of yourselves. I’ll see you tomorrow.

 


10-JANUARY-2025 - GETTING THE RIGHT TEAM

THE MAIN THEME: WHO DO I GO WITH?

TITLE: GETTING THE RIGHT TEAM  

The bible verse for today's devotional is: Amos 3:3 (NIV)

Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so? 

Devotional   

Let us look at two scenarios:

  1. A football match where the right team will pass you the ball, defend you when challenges come your way, and celebrate with you when you score.
  2. A competition and I’ll sight an example of this:
  1. Jason wanted to join the school science competition but knew he couldn’t do it alone. He asked his best friend, who was great at building models, and a classmate who excelled at writing reports, to join him. Together, they combined their strengths, and not only did they win, but they also became close friends. Jason realized the importance of surrounding himself with people who brought unique skills to the table.

Your team is your support system—the people who encourage you, pray for you, and help you reach your goals. Choosing the right team means surrounding yourself with individuals who share your values, challenge you to grow, and believe in your vision. Remember, Jesus had His team of 12 disciples to help Him fulfill His mission.

To get and choose the right teammates who will play these roles in your life requires the following: 

  1. Shared vision and values 

The best team members are those who share your vision and values. 

  1. Loyalty, honesty and Support

A strong team includes people who prioritize loyalty, honesty and support.  

  1. Exude wisdom and encouragement  

The right team members are wise and encouraging.     

Here are few reflective questions:

  • Who do I want on my team? What qualities do they need to have?  
  • Do they help me grow closer to my goals and faith?  
  • How can I become a better team member for others?   

Let us pray:

Dear Lord, thank You for placing people in my life to walk this journey with me. Help me to build a team that honors You and strengthens my faith. Amen.   

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

  • I am surrounded by a team that inspires and supports me. 
  • I choose to walk with people who align with God’s plan for my life. 

My darlings, have a beautiful day. I’ll see you tomorrow.

 


09-JANUARY-2025 - FASTER OR FARTHER

THE MAIN THEME: WHO DO I GO WITH?

TITLE: FASTER OR FARTHER 

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:

Life is a journey, and every step you take matters. But here’s something even more important—who is walking beside you? It’s tempting to think we can reach our goals faster on our own. But sometimes, when we rush ahead alone, we miss out on the strength, wisdom, and support that the right companions can provide. 

The people you surround yourself with matter. Are your friends encouraging you to grow closer to God and stay on the right path? Are they helping you make wise choices and stay motivated or are they pulling you in directions that lead to shortcuts and dead ends? 

Even more importantly, are you inviting God to walk with you? He is the ultimate guide who knows the way better than anyone. When we choose to journey with Him, we not only go farther but also travel with peace, purpose, and joy. 

Here are a few reflective questions

  • Who are the people walking with me in life right now? Are they helping me to grow or holding me back?
  • How can I invite God to guide me on my journey?
  • What qualities should I look out for in friends and mentors who will help me go farther? 

Let Us Pray:

Dear God, thank You for walking with me every step of the way. Help me choose the right companions who will encourage me, challenge me, and help me grow closer to You. Teach me to rely on Your guidance and trust that You will lead me to where I need to be. Amen.  

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

  • I value the journey and the lessons learned over rushing to the destination. 
  • I surround myself with people who encourage me to grow and stay focused on my purpose. 

Have a splendid day, lovelies. Take good care of yourselves. I’ll see you tomorrow

 


08-JANUARY-2025 - EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

THE MAIN THEME: WHO DO I GO WITH? 

TITLE: EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION   

The bible verse for today’s devotional is: Colossians 4:6  (NIV)

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."  

Devotional 

Communication is one of the most powerful tools we have in building relationships and sharing our faith. Effective communication is not just about speaking well but listening with understanding, showing grace, and speaking truth in love

Your words have power. They can build someone up or tear them down. Speaking with grace means using words that encourage, comfort, and inspire, even in challenging situations.

Let’s also talk about Emma who often felt frustrated because her parents didn’t seem to understand her. One day, her teacher gave a lesson on effective communication, and Emma realized she needed to express her thoughts more calmly and clearly. She practiced explaining how she felt without blaming others, and to her surprise, her parents started listening more. Emma discovered that communication isn’t just about talking—it’s about connecting.

Effective communication is the glue that holds relationships together. Whether it’s with friends, family, or your team, learning how to speak truth with love, listen attentively, and express yourself clearly is essential. Communication isn’t just about talking; it is about connecting which is essential for meaningful and effective conversations.

Here are a few reflection questions:  

  1. Am I a good listener, or do I listen to understand or listen to respond?  
  2. Do I speak to be heard or understood? Do I speak with love?
  3. How can I use my words to build others up today?   

Let us pray:

Dear Lord, thank You for the gift of communication. Teach me to use my words wisely and with grace. Help me to listen with love, speak with kindness, and always reflect Your truth in my conversations. Amen.  

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

  • I speak with grace and kindness in every conversation. 
  • I listen attentively to understand before I respond. 
  • I carefully choose words that build others up and I communicate truth with love and wisdom. 

Do have a good day communicating effectively. I’ll see you tomorrow.

 


11-JANUARY-2025 - HANDLING SIBLING RIVALRY

THE MAIN THEME:  WHO DO I GO WITH?

TITLE: HANDLING SIBLING RIVALRY

The bible verse for today’s devotional is: Proverbs 20:3 and Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)

It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.  

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. 

DEVOTIONAL

The bible recorded some sibling rivalry in the old testament, examples are Cain and Abel, Jacob and Esau, Joseph and his brothers Leah and Rachel etc. These are clear indications that misunderstanding one another at one point or the other is part of our family dynamics. The good news is that the bible provided guidance on how to handle sibling rivalry because our siblings are an integral part of our life journey.

Most times, the root cause of sibling rivalry is jealousy, competition for parental love and attention and wrong perspective to life. Jesus prayed for the unity and love among his disciples” that they may be one”. When we see ourselves as one body and spirit, then we will be wise to put away malice, wrath, anger, backbiting.

Our text in Proverbs 20:3 affirms the ability to put an end to conflict as a test of our character. It is honourable and wise to embrace peace and forgiveness.

Today may we imbibe empathetic listening, trying to understand others before trying to make them understand us. 

Remember “a soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” Pro 15:1. ‘How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity..’ PS 133:1. 

It is God’s will for brethren to live together in unity and love.

Here are a few reflective questions;

  • Am I honourable to the point of putting an end to strife?
  • What traits should I put away to foster peaceful co-existence with my siblings?

Let us Pray:

Thank you Lord for your word to me today. I receive grace to put an end to all manner of strife and contention and may your love richly dwell in me. Amen

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

  • I am an embodiment of God’s wisdom and I am honourable
  • I am gentle, kind, respectful and I love to spread peace wherever I go.

Do enjoy your day free of all forms of strife against your siblings. I’ll see you, tomorrow.


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