INSPIRE Devotionals With Emmanuel Afiawari Monday, December 30, 2024 Topic: FOLLOW CHRIST'S EXAMPLES! Bible Text: Philippians 2:5; 3 John 1:11 Philippians 2:5 NKJV 5. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 3 John 1:11 NKJV 11. Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God. INSPIRATION: Apostle Paul gives a bold and compelling counsel: "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ" (1 Corin 11:1). Jesus had an uncommon leadership trait that stood Him out in the leadership and mentorship circles. A man who could effectively manage Peter's erratic temperaments, tame Thomas's doubt, fix John's emotional attachment, control the disingenuous deceit and dubiousness of Judas, and pulls Mary Magdalene from a promiscuous and demonically influenced life into new person, is worth studying. As you approach the new year, one thing that would happen too often, is you getting to meet people with different backgrounds, temperaments and exposure. Your ability to work with them, harness their different traits to achieve a common goal would be tested. You'd be presented with the rare gifts of men, some, looking like trouble. The uncanny grace to see beyond their rough edges to moulding and tapping into their unique gifts would determine your trajectory. Whilst it's okay to pray and expect to meet perfect people, there're no guarantees to that either. David's mighty men were those who were in distress, everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented, who gathered to him. So he became captain over them. And there were about four hundred men with him (1 Sam. 22:2). Jacob was a runaway deceiver when he arrived at his in-law's but became the brain behind the latter's business success. Joseph was a 'slave' who overturned the fortunes of Portiphar and later that of Egypt! Can you take a chance on someone who doesn't or wouldn't look the part? Can you spot treasures in earthen vessels and reach for the stars in them? Would you be willing to change someone's experience by following the examples of Christ? Can you groom a 'Peter' who would eventually succeed you? Can you forge strategic and time-tested partnerships from people who might just be needing a little pep or push to find their rhythm? The year would come with surprises that your short-sightedness today may rob you of its rewards! Beware!! TODAY'S TAKE HOME: Be strategic with the people coming your way this new year; some are gold covered with mud. PRAYER: Oh Lord, may I not be blinded to gifts of men who may no look the part. Give me the uncanny wisdom, discipline, and patience not to throw away goldmines while holding on to glistering chaff. Sharpen my discernment, and above all, may I have a strong leading by the Holy Spirit that reveals secrets hidden from us physically, in Jesus name.

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