Dear You...

By Sarah Musa

Dear You…
Dear You… do you know that you are a royal priesthood? 1 Peter 2:9
Dear You… do you know that you are chosen for such a time as this? Esther 4:14
Dear You… do you know that God is on your side? Romans 8:31

Jeremiah 29:11-12 NIV states, '"For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.'"

Let us embark on a journey throughout the year to help us see ourselves through the lens of God!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sarah Musa
• Release date: Mar 28, 2021
• ISBN: 9781736386972

Book preview

Dear You...

You are God’s masterpiece

Ephesians 2:10

You are wonderfully made

Psalm 139:14

You are royalty

1 Peter 2:9

A 366-day devotional towards discovering who you are in Christ and maximizing your  inner greatness

Sarah Musa, RN, BSN

Dear You...

Copyright © Sarah Musa, 2020 

All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced without the express written consent of the author/publisher. Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version ®. Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked (CEV) are taken from the Contemporary English Version copyright© 1995 by the American Bible Society. Used by permission. 

Scripture quotations marked (ERV) are taken from the Holy Bible: Easy-To-Read Version © 2014 by Bible League International. Used by permission of Bible League International. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are taken from the King James Version, public domain. 

Scripture quotations marked (MSG) are taken from The Message, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (NET) are taken from the NET Bible® copyright ©1996, 2019 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (NIrV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Reader’s Version®, NIrV® Copyright © 1995, 1996, 1998, 2014 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked (NKJV) are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, Copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

ISBN 978-1-7363869-1-0  (Paperback)  ISBN 978-1-7363869-7-2  (ebook-EPUB)  ISBN 978-1-7363869-4-1  (ebook-Kindle)

Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter One: You are...

Chapter Two: God is...

Chapter Three: Jesus is...

Chapter Four: The Holy Spirit...

Chapter Five: Messages

Chapter Six: God’s promises

Chapter Seven: When you feel...

Chapter Eight: Messages

Introduction

Hello, God’s victorious masterpiece! The purpose of Dear You... is to uplift you daily and help you understand who you are in Christ. As you read Dear You..., ask God for insight into His will for your life. At times, we do not know who we are and God’s purpose for our lives. As a result, we go through life, not living and fulfilling our destiny. At the age of twenty-two, I started asking God for insight into who I am and who He is. Through my journey, I gained a better understanding of who God is, and Speak Encouraging Messages (SEM) was formed during that season. Through Speak Encouraging Messages, I produce videos to encourage and uplift people.

Sometimes we do not understand who our Heavenly Father is and the plans that He has for us. Let us take a journey throughout the year to get closer to God and reframe our minds. When we start to embrace God’s definition of who we are, we start shining and reflecting His light! Let us ignite that spark that lies within us.

We should know that there is greatness within us. Therefore, we should not try to be like our classmates, neighbors, siblings, favorite celebrities, or friends. Let us  aim to be our best selves and realize that we are our own original copy and God’s masterpiece!

Sincerely,

Sarah Musa, RN, BSN

This book is dedicated to the glory of God. All praise and glory belong to God!

Not to us, LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.  Psalm 115:1 NIV

He must become greater; I must become less.

John 3:30 NIV

Note: While writing this book, I was thinking about you! To make it more personal, you can insert your name to Dear You.... For instance, Dear Joseph... You are loved.  Dear Jestina... You are loved.

January

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Chapter One:  You are...

January 1

Dear You... You are loved

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16 NIV

Look up and smile! God cares about you and loves you immensely. He loves you to the point that He sent His one and only son to die for you. God believes and sees greatness in you. Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice to save you. Today hold your head up high, knowing that you are loved and accepted by God. At times, it may be easy to allow self-defeating thoughts to fill up your mind and cause you to lose sight of the promises of God upon your life. Shift the negative thinking and be intentional about allowing the promises of God to fill you up. Remember that God the Almighty loves you immensely! Today, create a list of what you love about yourself, not what you dislike, and let that list grow throughout the year.

Prayer: Dear God, help me know how to love myself. Let me see myself the way you see me. Please fill my day with your love and grant me an overabundance of your love. Thank you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

January 2

Dear You... You are royalty

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9 NIV

Please take a moment and sit up straight. Next, smile big and fix your crown. You are royalty. According to God, you are chosen, royal, and special. God’s children are masterpieces (Ephesians 2:10). You are no exception. Today, know that God values, accepts, loves, adores, and believes in you. Thus, as you go through your day, walk, talk, and act like God’s royal son/daughter. Today, believe in yourself and see your value. Start to embrace God’s definition and viewpoint of who you are. God wants you to excel in every area of your life. He is a faithful God and has great plans for you to accomplish. So royal, enjoy your day today!

Prayer: Dear God, you call me royal. Please open my eyes to see and embrace your perspective of who I am. Please reframe my mind to be in alignment with your word. Thank you for calling me into your wonderful light. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

January 3

Dear You... You are cared for

Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.  Luke 15:4-7 NIV

God seeks and cares about you. Think about the story of the shepherd who had 100 sheep. The shepherd cared about his one lost sheep and tried his best to find it. Similarly, God does not give up on you even when you stray away. Simply put, you matter to God. God is persistent and consistent for you. God wants you to be honest with Him and repent of any wrongdoings. He is waiting with arms wide open to welcome you. He cares deeply about your well-being and will go the extra mile to save you. Go to God, and do not run away from Him.

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for your consistency in my life. Please forgive me for not being consistent in my journey towards knowing who you are. Please remind me of your goodness today. Thank you for your love and kindness towards me and help me to follow your will for my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

January 4

Dear You... You are cherished

Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life. Isaiah 43:4 NIV

You are precious to God. God treasures and honors you. How wonderful is it that God places such value on you that He says He will give people and nations in exchange for your life. At times, you may not realize how treasured you are. It is easy to focus on the negative statements you have heard about yourself. It gets to a point where it is easy to believe other people’s opinions about your life. Instead, reframe your mind, know and believe that you are treasured. Please note that man does not define you; God defines and refines you! Please look at yourself in the mirror today and say, I am precious and loved by God and repeat five times. As you go through your day today, carry yourself with the confidence and knowledge that you are cherished and precious to God.

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for loving me. Please help me to believe in your love for me. Help me to see my value and know that I am precious to you. Fill my day with your presence. Please remind me throughout the day of your love for me. Thank you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

January 5

Dear You... You are treasured

Look, I have inscribed your name on my palms; your walls are constantly before me.  Isaiah 49:16 NET

God prioritizes you. He has you on the palms of His hands. What does that mean? He thinks about you often. You use your hands daily to open the door, write, eat, dress, and the list is endless. God thinks about you always. He knows your needs, so give them to Him. Today, talk with God and know that He has your situation under control. Remember that you are treasured. He wants you to be open with Him, communicate with Him, and know that He already has the solution. There is nothing that you cannot talk to God about. He already knows the problem before you think about it. Give it to God. Remember that God has you on the palms of His hands (Isaiah 49:16). Today, know that God is thinking about you, and you are treasured!

Prayer: Dear God, please help me to see my worth. When doubt creeps in, please remind me that I am treasured and accepted by you. Thank you for always believing and guiding me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

January 6

Dear You... You are complete in Christ

And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power.  Colossians 2:10 KJV

God completes you. He can restore your life and transform it for His glory. He can heal your brokenness and give you a new beginning. God knows every detail concerning your life, and He wants you to go to Him for guidance, comfort, love, joy, and peace. He can grant you peace in the midst of a storm. He makes situations that were meant to harm you work in your favor. In His presence, He gives you boldness. David spent time with God and was not afraid of Goliath. Where are you putting your hope? Remember that you are complete in Christ! People may disappoint and fail you, but God is constant and keeps His promises.

Prayer: Dear God, I know that I am complete in you. Thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice through Jesus to save me. Thank you for your faithfulness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

January 7

Dear You... You are protected

If you say, ‘The Lord is my refuge,’ and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent.  Psalm 91:9-10 NIV

You are protected in His presence. God cares about you. You must do your part and acknowledge God to experience His blessings and promises over your life.  Make God your refuge. Run to Him whenever you feel discouraged and defeated. Know that He has a warm embrace waiting for you like the prodigal son. Find comfort in His presence and know that you are hidden and protected. He promises to keep you safe from harm and disaster. Hold onto His promises and believe that He is working in your life. You may not see the evidence of His work but know that He is working on your behalf. He will fulfill His plans in your life.

Prayer: Dear God, please guide me under your wings. Thank you for covering and protecting me. Please order and guide my steps. Thank you for clearing my path today. I decree that my day will be glorious and victorious. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

January 8

Dear You... You are known

And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. Luke 12:7 NLT

God knows every detail about your life. He knows the number of hairs on your head (Luke 12:7). Just picture this for a moment, God knows the number of hairs on your head. God invests in you, values you, and cares about you. There is nothing that is hidden from God. He sees your heart, and He knows you better than you know yourself. Anytime you feel as if you are not cared for or loved, look up to God. Know that God loves you, He knows you, He is thinking about you right now. God has excellent plans in store for you. He is cheering for you!

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for taking care of me. At times I may not be consistent in seeking you. Thank you for always being consistent in caring for me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

January 9

Dear You... You are handpicked

But the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.’ 1 Samuel 16:7 NIV

God handpicked you. Yes, you! You are just right to be used by God. People are quick to judge, look at circumstances and outward appearance. However, God is different. He looks at the heart. Reflect on the story of David. David was disqualified and not considered by his family members. When Samuel asked Jesse for his sons, Jesse gathered all of his children that he believed had the characteristics of a King. At that time, David was a shepherd boy, and his father did not consider him a King. As Samuel was going through the list of Jesse’s children, God told him that People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7 NIV). Keep trusting God and understand that He can change your circumstance. God saw greatness in David, even though his family members disqualified him. David transitioned from a shepherd boy to a King. God looks at your heart and not your outward appearance.

Prayer: Dear God, please help me see myself as the new creation I am in Christ. Work on my heart and purify me. Please remove any impurities within me. Help my thoughts to align with your word. Thank you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

January 10

Dear You... You are taken care of

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 NLT

God is your provider. He knows your needs even before you inform Him. Learn to trust and lean on Him. Seek,  communicate, and invite Him into your life. In 2 Kings 4: 1-7, prophet Elisha met a widow who had to pay her husband’s debts. The widow was informed that her two sons would be sold into slavery if the debts were not paid. Elisha asked the widow what items she had available to pay the debt. The widow responded by saying that she only had a small jar of olive oil. Elisha instructed her to collect as many jars as she could from her neighbors and close the door behind her when she and her two sons got home. She did as instructed and used the small jar of olive oil to fill all of the jars that she had collected. The oil stopped flowing when all the jars were filled up. She then sold the jars filled with oil and was able to pay the debt off. Take your needs to God and trust that He will intervene in your situation. Know that God has your back, and He supplies all your needs.

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for your provision. I decree that an Ephesians 3:20 overflow blessing is my portion. I trust that you will supply all my needs. Thank you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

January 11

Dear You... You are God’s masterpiece

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10 NLT

You are God’s masterpiece! At times, you may not understand how precious you are to God. Remember that in God’s eyes, you are a masterpiece. It is often easy to compare yourself to someone else or wish you had different features. However, God considers you to be a masterpiece. Someone else may be admiring features that you have, which you do not value. Please stop picking on your flaws and focus on becoming your best self. God calls you a masterpiece, so believe it! The Great I Am calls you a masterpiece. Therefore, God values, loves, cares, cherishes, and adores you. What names have you been calling yourself? Reframe your thoughts into God’s perspective of  who you are. Today, create a list of at least five of your strengths. Remember, God has plans for you to accomplish. Seek Him for guidance to know His wondrous plans for you!

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for considering me to be your masterpiece. Please reveal the plans that you have ordained for me to accomplish. Please give me the strength, wisdom, and determination to fulfill my calling. Thank you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

January 12

Dear You... You are wonderful

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.  Psalm 139:14 NIV

You are wonderful. You are stunning. You are God’s masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10). You are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Reflect on those statements throughout the day. As you go through your day today, hold your head up high. Be kind towards yourself. Do not tear yourself down; instead, build yourself up with God’s declaration over your life. Speak life upon your life and encourage yourself. Declare greatness upon your life. Know that you are unique, and God’s works are wonderful.  You have a purpose to fulfill. There is greatness inside of you that must be released. Ask God for insight into what He created you to accomplish. Seek God to know who you are and communicate with Him daily.

Prayer: Dear God, please help me to see my beauty. Please show me who I am and help me to believe in myself. Thank you for believing in me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

January 13

Dear You... You are favored

For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.

Psalm 84:11 NIV

You are highly favored. God promises you favor and honor when you walk right with Him. He has blessings and breakthroughs in store for you. Esther was favored in the palace and became the queen. God’s favor outweighs man’s favor. Queen Esther was able to save the lives of her fellow Jews. God wants to pour His blessings upon you. The question is, are you living right with God? Ask God for guidance in areas to improve and work on strengthening your relationship with Him. Seek God daily, and He will start transforming and shaping you into His plan for your life.

Prayer: Dear God, please order my steps. Let my walk be blameless in your sight. Please show me my wrongdoings and lead me in the right direction. Thank you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

January 14

Dear You... You are strong

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.  Joshua 1:9 NIV

God is with you wherever you go. At times, the situations of life can cause you to doubt God’s promise over your life. God wants you to be strong and courageous. When you feel weak and defeated, look up to God for strength. Joshua leaned on God for direction, and he was able to lead the Israelites into the promised land. God comforted and guided Joshua during his journey. God knows your journey already. You are capable of accomplishing the desires and plans that God has given you. You are strong, brave, and courageous. He is waiting for you to collaborate with Him. Put your trust in God and know that together you are unstoppable!

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for giving me strength. Please remind me of your plans for my life when I get discouraged. Thank you for your confidence in me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

January 15

Dear You... You are celebrated

The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate.’ Luke 15:21-23 NIV

The prodigal son asked his father for his share of his inheritance. The prodigal son ran out of money and did not have food to eat. He then decided to go to his father who  celebrated his return home. At times, you may drift away from God, please remember that He is waiting for your return back to Him. God is rooting for you. He cares about your well-being and does not hold it against you. God loves you, and He wants to direct you back on track towards your destination. At times, the self-defeating thoughts can prevent you from seeing the good in you. Remember that God loves you even with your flaws. Start to look for the good qualities within you and celebrate your small steps of success while on your way towards destiny fulfillment.

Prayer: Dear God, please help me to see my good qualities. Please remind me of who I am whenever doubt creeps in. Thank you. In Jesus’