Daily Devotionals

Have you ever set a goal for yourself and never seemed to achieve it? Perhaps you aspired to a certain level of success, but it always seemed to elude you. The issue with focusing on these outcomes is that they are external to you. You have no control over them. You are not the kind of person who can do the things you’re dreaming about. It is critical to think about your identity. The most important question you must address is: who are you? Every other aspect of life, purpose, and destiny stems from your sense of identity.

Identity is a very serious theme in the great spiritual tradition. When the sons of Sceva commanded in “the name of Jesus, whom Paul proclaimed”. An evil spirit responded, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you? In other words, these men lacked the necessary identity to do the things they wanted. It ended in humiliation and shame. Gideon was supposed to be a military commander, taking command and assisting in the liberation of his nation from oppression. But Gideon was busy hiding, unaware of his true identity as a valiant warrior. The breakthrough you need is a clarification of your identity in Christ.

What a disaster and waste of heavenly resources when your earthly identity does not correspond to what God created you with. You would easily achieve your goals by becoming the person who can do the things you want to do. Defining your identity is the key to success. You can discover the processes associated with your identity once you know who you are and what you stand for. These processes are what will allow you to produce the results you want. Have faith that each day will bring you more clarity. Your transformation begins when you embrace your identity. That is when your mission can begin.

Changing one’s mind about important issues is not only acceptable, but also a sign of healthy and spiritual growth. It is important to encourage this ongoing process of belief evolution rather than to discourage it. As you go about your mission everyday, it is important to remain open-minded and adaptable in this ever-changing world. As you grow and evolve, your beliefs will change. You will change your mind about your work, your lifestyle choices, and your mission. The most successful people in business, government, and religion are known to have shifted their positions on critical issues. If you are too rigid, your mission is more likely to fail.

There is a long list of people who had major breakthroughs after changing their minds about something important. Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook’s founder and CEO, changed his mind about advertisements in the news feed. For many years, he resisted his team’s requests to place advertisements in the news feed. However, as Facebook grew in popularity, he realized that advertising was critical to the platform’s long-term viability and profitability. He later changed his mind. This shift in thinking demonstrates his willingness to adapt and evolve his beliefs in response to new information and experiences. Hundreds of similar stories can be found with every major entrepreneur or religious leader.

Not all changes of mind are positive. Some people’s beliefs change for the worse, leading them down the path of perdition. It is critical to have a strong support system in place to avoid such a fate. Having mentors who can scrutinize your new beliefs and hold you accountable for your actions is part of this. Furthermore, having a strong team around you can serve as a sounding board for your ideas and help you avoid any negative shifts in perspective. You should be steadfast in your goals but flexible in how you go about achieving them.

While we typically view creativity as a positive trait. Our innate ability to generate new ideas that are useful. You must also understand creativity as an agent of chaos. Creativity can be described as a chaotic and unstructured force. The freedom associated with creativity can lead to messiness. It is critical to strike a balance between chaos and structure in order to fully harness the power of creativity. On the one hand, excessive structure can stifle creativity and limit the free flow of ideas. Too much chaos, on the other hand, can lead to a disorganized and unproductive life.

In his music production, Brian Eno, the famous composer, is known for balancing the chaos of creative expression with the structure of defined processes. He uses structured processes, such as loop-based recording techniques, to create a foundation for his music. This structure provides a framework for his creative expression, allowing him to experiment freely and come up with new ideas. At the same time, he also allows room for spontaneity and randomness in his musical creations. This adds a sense of chaos and unpredictability to his work. Brian Eno’s work shows how bringing processes to creative expressions leads to innovative, meaningful results.

You must learn to balance the chaos of creative expression with the structure of defined processes. This can lead to innovative and impactful outcomes. You’ll have a long trail of abandoned projects if you don’t have structure and processes. Find an acceptable balance between chaos and order. This can be accomplished by implementing well-defined processes and routines. While also allowing for spontaneous creativity and free expression. By combining structure and chaos, you can bring your ideas to life and make the most of your creative potential. Find a way to bring order to the chaos associated with spirituality.

We must continue to uphold conventional values that have a track record of success because “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Be careful to reject shiny new ideas born of indiscipline, laziness, naiveté and anyhowness. Fatherhood is an essential aspect of society. It is a role that requires commitment, responsibility, and selfless love. But in recent years, the rise of children growing up without father figures is becoming a major concern. Young men are shirking their responsibilities and avoiding the commitment of fatherhood. Someone needs to remind young men to do the work required of them. They need to do their duty.

Fatherhood plays a critical role in the development and growth of children. Research has shown that children from fatherless homes are more likely to experience a range of social and emotional problems. Examples include lower academic achievement, behavioral problems, and a higher likelihood of involvement in criminal activity. Furthermore, fathers serve as role models for their children, teaching them about appropriate behavior. They help cultivate leaders. In their absence, children may miss out on important life lessons that help shape their development. It takes a lot of effort to be a father. No society will survive if the difficult task of fathering the next generation is neglected.

It is important to create a culture that values and supports fatherhood, so that young men see it as a desirable and fulfilling role. There are immense benefits that come with doing the hard work of fathering. We have to encourage young men to take on the responsibility of fatherhood. This can be achieved through Christian discipleship, education and support programs. We can give young men the tools and resources they need to be successful fathers. The future of society is at stake. Let a father know you appreciate them the next time you run into them.

Adversity and affliction are common life experiences that can be difficult to bear. However, it is a good idea to view these challenges as opportunities for growth and improvement. Adversity and suffering can be seen as a form of toughness training. You gain toughness and resiliency from them. You might have heard this one before: “Strong men create good times, good times create weak men. Weak men create hard times, and hard times create strong men.” Learn to accept the hard times. A period of learning and personal growth can come during difficult times. Think about the lessons the season is trying to teach to you.

The Bible teaches that God disciplines us. He works on us to make us better. According to the book of Malachi, “But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap” (Malachi 3:2). It is not farfetched to deduce that God uses adversity and affliction as a means of refining us, much like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap. There is no way passing through a refiner’s fire will be pleasant. But it is necessary if you want to serve as the salt and light of the world.

You must be refined and purified if you want to be effective in your ability to help others. Refining and purification removes impurities and strengthens our faith, making us more useful to God and our community. There is no escaping this. You must embrace the hard times, it is God at work. He wants to teach you something. He wants to draw your attention to certain things. You will emerge from the season stronger and equipped for greater works. Rejoice and be grateful that the Lord loves you enough to take you through a process of toughness training.

Life presents a paradox. Hard work leads to ease and pleasure. But when you take things easy, you set yourself up for difficulty in your future. It is important to cultivate mental fortitude and embody the spirit of a warrior. The world is a tough and harsh place, ready to take you down any moment. You are on a mission to watch over your world and steer it towards where God wants. You must contend with a ruthless world that does not follow the rules. When you confront adversity with spiritual stamina, you pave the way for a future of ease and pleasure. You need a backbone.

The Bible makes it clear that you will experience things that are unpleasant. But you emerge from them stronger than ever. Equipped for a higher level of operation. Isaiah 43:2 ESV says, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” In the midst of adversity and affliction, you know that the Lord, your Teacher continues to communicate. You will hear “This is the way, walk in it” (Isaiah 30:20‭-‬21).

We need to consider the decades of training the Lord subjected Moses to. Think about it; Moses started his higher works at age 80. He had been through a lot, and suffered a lot. The things he suffered made him tough. And ready to fight for the liberation of his people. The Psalmist made it clear that you will be cheated. And you should expect to pass through the waters and the fires on the road to a place of wealth and abundance (Psalms 66:12). As Winston Churchill put it, “If you are going through hell, keep going.” Think about it, that is how we conquer hell.

There is a strong correlation between poverty and illiteracy. For example, in Sub-Saharan Africa, more than 60% of the population lives in poverty, and over 40% of adults are unable to read or write. It is obvious that being unable to read, write, or use modern tools will limit a person’s ability to earn in today’s world. Education is widely recognized as the greatest poverty alleviation tool available to poor people. It has the power to lift people out of poverty and promote economic growth and stability. But it seems the poorest communities are also unable to prioritize education. They are distracted by other pressing issues.

Countless studies have established a link between illiteracy and poverty, highlighting the importance of education as a means of breaking the cycle of poverty. One such case study is Brazil. In recent years, Brazil has made significant investments in education, particularly in improving access to education for underprivileged communities. This focus on education has resulted in a more skilled workforce and an improved business environment, leading to economic growth and stability in the country. Another excellent case study is South Korea. South Korea has a long history of prioritizing education. The country has transformed itself from an agricultural economy to a technologically advanced economy.

Many West Africans like to dream about a more prosperous society. However, such a future cannot be built by artisans and skilled laborers. There is no precedence for this from documented history. Education is the foundation for generational wealth creation. Education makes it possible for you to acquire high value skills and knowledge required to operate at the highest levels of society. You must champion academic excellence in your world. Your community must fully embrace the future by investing in education. Please understand that knowledge, innovation, and creativity are the drivers of the 21st century that will propel us forward. Proper education is the most important poverty alleviation tool.

Everyone has an opinion about everything nowadays. However, before you can claim to have formed an opinion about anyone or anything, you must first do the work. You have to read up different points of view. You have to converse with knowledgeable individuals and understand their arguments. There is a need to examine the issue from various angles. You must think. Having an opinion implies that you can explain your ideas logically from beginning to end. At the same time, you understand the opposition to your ideas. If you are not ready to do the work, you do not deserve to hold an opinion about it.

In his days, Apostle Paul was an excellent example of doing the work required to hold an opinion about an issue. God gave him “a mouth and wisdom” that none of his opponents could refute. Acts 19 talks about how he held daily discussions, thoroughly laying thoughts out with reasonings. Apostle Paul did not just feel good about his gospel. This was more than sharing his personal revelations and convictions. His epistles explained his beliefs and doctrine in a logical and systematic manner. He could demonstrate the logic of his deductions. There was nobody who could argue better against his ideas.

You should avoid forming strong opinions based on emotions (feelings) rather than facts, data, and sound logic. Expressing an opinion without doing the necessary research is a display of ignorance, not an opinion. This is critical because you cannot succeed if your understanding of the world is incomplete. You must do more than feel good about your ideas, or God-given vision. It is necessary to be able to deconstruct it and explain it step by step (Habakkuk 2:1-4). When you come across opinions or facts that contradict your own. Try to listen first, then do more work until you can either argue better than your opponents or understand how the facts fit together.

In the fast-paced and distracting world we live in, it’s easy to get caught up in the sensational headlines and controversies that dominate the news. However, it is important to remember that our opinions and efforts are better spent on things we can control. You need to learn to focus some more on minding your own business. You should take the time to reflect and analyze your own progress. Failing to do so will leave you stuck in a state of inaction. You would continue to offer unsolicited advice to others. While you continue to avoid doing the work required by your destiny.

Oftentimes, commenting on public affairs such as celebrity scandals or government policies is done in ignorance. This is because you lack the perspective and context needed to make an informed judgment. It is important to consider what motivates you to offer your analysis and opinions, especially when they are not requested or paid for. Analyzing the latest performance of the national sports team. Or the latest scandal involving corrupt politicians, churches, or pastors may offer some form of entertainment. But it holds little significance in the grand scheme of your own life. It is a distraction. Concentrate your energy on your areas of expertise. Focus on your mission.

Take care of your own business and act as your own analyst. Improve your ability to set and achieve attainable goals. You should be acting on what is truly important in your life. Jesus advised that you “first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” You underestimate the amount of focus required to complete your mission. You’re wasting your time debating clickbait and sensational news headlines. This is not profitable. Avoid the modern-day distractions. Get clear on your mission and commit to taking action on a daily basis.

Light has always been a symbol of wisdom and God’s revelation in the Bible. Spiritual light is a powerful force that can guide us through life. Assisting you in developing a sense of purpose, direction, and meaning. However, without corresponding intellectual development, this light is rendered ineffective. If you want to grow and evolve into your best self, you must combine the two. Your quest for spiritual enlightenment will lead to intellectual development. You will need to improve your discipline. There will be a need for formal education as well as a never-ending commitment to learning.

It is appealing to consider biblical characters, especially prophets, as people with little to no formal education. But this is not the case. According to Acts 7:22 (NIV), “Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action.” Daniel was educated in Babylonian language and literature for up to three years. Some biblical character research will reveal that education has always been important. The Bible’s most powerful and influential people were well educated for their time. Spiritual insights can be used more effectively with a disciplined body and educated mind.

It is time to evolve our understanding of spiritual growth. Proper spiritual growth must be considered to include more than prayer and fasting. You should add reading, thinking, meditation, and planning to the list. It is not enough to pray and fast. We must also get an education, seek knowledge, and engage in meditation. The Bible encourages us to think and meditate. You should be able to make superior plans. And have the discipline to follow through on your plans. This all-encompassing approach to spiritual development allows us to connect with God more deeply. Internalize our faith and learn how to express what we have on the inside.