22-JANUARY-2025 - HANDLING BULLIES AND SNITCHES

THE MAIN THEME: WHO DO I GO WITH?

TITLE: HANDLING BULLIES AND SNITCHES

The bible verses for today’s devotional is:  Proverbs 20:19 and 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV).

  • A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.
  • For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

Devotional:

 In our life’s journey, we meet and establish relationships with people. However, human behaviour is so dynamic and unpredictable, most times we do not have control over what people think or do, but it is our responsibility to regulate our own behaviour so as not to react but respond in ways that align with our values and purpose.

Our text for today tells us to disassociate from snitches Prov 20:19, they must not be part of the people we go with on our journey.  But how do we handle bullies because they can crop up at any given time? Our 2nd text reveals what we can do.  First recognize that you do not have to be afraid of the bully, because God has not given you the spirit of timidity.  Here are tips that you may find helpful;

  • Don't engage: Bullies thrive on attention, so don't give them what they want. Walk away or ignore them when they try to provoke you.
  • Stand up for yourself:  If the bullying continues, try to stand up for yourself in a calm and assertive way. Let the bully know that their behavior is unacceptable and that you won't tolerate it.
  • Tell someone:  If you're being bullied, it's important to tell someone you trust, such as a parent, teacher, or counselor. They can help you address the situation and protect you from further harm.
  • Practice self-care: Bullying can take an emotional toll, so it's important to practice self-care. Spend time with supportive friends and family, do things you enjoy, and seek professional help if needed.

Reconsider your circle of friends and intentionally create a supporting space where your potential and challenges will be nurtured. Focus on yourself.  Don't let snitches ruin your day or week. Focus on your own goals and achievements, and don't let their negativity bring you down.

Here are a few reflective questions:

  • Am I or anyone I know experiencing bullying; either verbal, physical, emotional abuse or torture from my circle of friends? 
  • Am I constantly on edge that I might be snitched on by my friends?

Let us pray

Lord thank you for your Word to me today, today I believe in your power that is at work within me.  In the soundness of my mind, I disassociate myself from snitches and bullies in Jesus’s name. Amen

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

  • I am bold and courageous, 
  • I have abundance of love to give myself and others, 
  • I have a sound mind and I am disciplined. 

Do enjoy your day. Take good care of yourself and I’ll see you tomorrow.

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THE MAIN THEME: WHO DO I GO WITH?

TITLE: THE NEW RULES OF RELATIONSHIPS

The bible verse for today’s devotional is: Phillipians 2:3-4  (NIV)

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Devotional:

In our text today, God wants us to commit to building positive and lasting relationships with our friends and relatives, because they are the people we do life with.

Building and maintaining healthy relationships is an important part of our lives, relationships are held together by the observance of certain rules.  When these rules are not complied with, connections may be weakened or end. These may include:

  • Protection and support; this will entails sticking with a friend even when others are trying to bully cajole or make mockery of them
  • Happiness, Sharing and Trust:  Trust is the bedrock of any solid relationship.  Friends should feel free to share their dreams, successes, hopes aspirations with one another
  • Set and respect boundaries: Friends should be able to communicate what they like and do not like without fear of being misjudged
  • Talk and listen: They should listen to understand and not listening to respond
  • Let go of control and manipulation: It is important to allow your friends to be themselves. Knowing that you can only really control what you do and not what anyone else does will save you time and stress.
  • Reflect and learn

 Here are a few reflective questions:

  • Do I listen to understand or to respond?
  • Am I offering the kind of support that I will desire to receive from others?

Let us pray

 Lord thank you for your word to me today, I receive the grace to be humble looking out for others interest according to your power of love, and selfless service at work through me in Jesus name. Amen

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

  • I am a good  and  meaningful friend.
  • I will choose my friends wisely

 Enjoy your day and see you tomorrow.

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21-JANUARY-2025 - HANDLING DIFFICULT PARENTS

THE MAIN THEME: WHO DO I GO WITH?

TITLE: HANDLING DIFFICULT PARENTS

 The bible verse for today’s devotional is:  Proverbs 21:1 (NIV)

In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him.

Devotional:

 Ije as she was fondling called by her friends suffered so much abuse in the hands of her parents as a child up until her teenage years.  What was the problem? She had parents who were raising her from a place of fear and perfectionism.

Her parents projected their fears of raising a young girl who will not get pregnant out of wedlock, a girl who would not bring disgrace to their pastoral ministry.  They beat and called her demeaning names, shaming her at the least provocation.

Ije’s upbringing led to so much pent-up emotions, low self-esteem, depression and self-sabotaging beliefs. However, in all these ordeals she never for once, dishonored or disrespected her parents though she resented them. Eph 6:2 tells us to honour our father and mother unconditionally.

Our text for today assures us that God has the heart of our parents in His hand, when we present them to God, he steps into the situation to help and guide us. Try the following tips in handling the situation:

Acknowledge and validate your feelings of hurt to your parents. This requires the skill of effective and open communication. Remember the place of honor while sharing your concerns. Having a conversation is no guarantee that you will be heard or the issue fixed automatically.  Regardless of how it goes, learn to extend grace to your parents, while guarding your heart from accumulating the pain.

 Here are a few reflective questions:

  • What can I learn from this experience? How can I grow and develop as a result of it?
  • How can I communicate my needs and boundaries clearly and assertively?
  • Are there other difficult people I must relate with?

Let us pray

Dear Lord, thank you for your word to me today. I know that my parents are an integral part of my life, helping us to understand and extend grace to one another. Grant us to live and love one another and I receive grace to honour them unconditionally. I pray in Jesus name. Amen

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

  • I am worthy of peace, respect and kindness
  • I am in control of my emotions and responses, I am calm no matter what and
  • I am grateful for the challenges that make me stronger.

Do enjoy your day dear ones, I’ll see you tomorrow.

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20-JANUARY-2025 - MAXIMIZING PEOPLE

 THE MAIN THEME: WHO DO I GO WITH? 

TITLE: MAXIMIZING PEOPLE

The quote for today’s devotional is:
 "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." – Helen Keller

Devotional:
Every person you meet brings unique talents, experiences, and perspectives into your life. Maximizing people means recognizing their potential, valuing their contributions, and empowering them to shine. It’s about fostering collaboration, encouraging growth, and creating an environment where everyone can thrive.

Consider Nelson Mandela, a leader who maximized the potential of those around him. He believed in the power of collective action and inspired individuals to come together for a greater purpose. Through his leadership, he united people from different backgrounds, helping them see their role in building a better future. His life reminds us that we achieve more when we uplift and invest in others.

Maximizing people isn’t about using others for personal gain but about nurturing relationships where everyone benefits. When we take time to appreciate and support the strengths of those around us, we create a ripple effect of growth, innovation, and success.

Here are a few reflective questions:

  1. How do I recognize and value the strengths of people in my life?
  2. Am I creating opportunities for others to grow and succeed?
  3. How can I better collaborate with those around me for mutual benefit?

 

Let us pray:

"Lord, thank You for the people You’ve placed in my life. Help me to see their potential,

encourage their growth, and work with them to fulfill a greater purpose. Teach me to lead

with humility and inspire with love. Amen."

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

  • I maximize people by recognizing their potential, encouraging their growth, and fostering collaboration.
  • Together, we achieve greatness and create lasting impact.
  • I see opportunities and I maximize them promptly
  • I utilize my potential fully and also maximize the potentials of people I am blessed with

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

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 19-JANUARY-2025 - NETWORKING EFFECTIVELY

THE MAIN THEME: WHO DO I GO WITH? 

TITLE: NETWORKING EFFECTIVELY

The quote for today’s devotional is:
 "It’s not what you know, but who you know—and who knows you." – Harvey Mackay

Devotional:
Networking isn’t just about collecting business cards or gaining contacts; it’s about building meaningful relationships that can open doors to opportunities, knowledge, and growth. Effective networking means connecting with people authentically, sharing mutual value, and cultivating trust. It’s a skill that can shape your future and help you achieve your goals.

Consider Oprah Winfrey, a global icon who is known not only for her talent but also for her ability to connect deeply with others. Through meaningful relationships and collaborations, she expanded her influence and created impactful opportunities for herself and others. Oprah’s journey underscores the importance of genuine connections in achieving success.

Effective networking involves more than surface-level interactions; it requires active listening, a willingness to help others, and consistent follow-up. Whether it’s in your school, workplace, or community, networking is a two-way street. By offering support and being open to learning, you create a network of allies who can help you navigate challenges and celebrate victories.

Here are a few reflective questions:

  1. What steps can I take to build authentic connections in my personal or professional life?
  2. How can I add value to the relationships within my network?
  3. Are there opportunities to connect with people who inspire or challenge me?
  4. How can I maintain and nurture my current relationships effectively?

Let us pray:

Lord, thank You for the connections You bring into my life. Teach me to network with integrity and build meaningful relationships that align with my purpose. Amen.

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

  • I network effectively by building genuine and meaningful connections.
  • I bring value to my relationships and create opportunities for mutual growth and success.

Go do some effective networking today. Take good care of yourself and I’ll see you tomorrow! 

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