Unlocked: Daily Devotions for Teens

Hey, this is Dylan here from Unlocked. And as you probably noticed, we have some new theme music, so I hope you like it. We might still change exactly what the theme music is, this might just be temporary, it might be a long-term piece of music. But the reason we had to change it is actually because of complicated legal agreement type things. We were using an old production music service and then we had to switch to a new production music service. So then that means we couldn't use the old music up until a certain time, and now we've passed that time, and now we have to use the new theme music. So it's a little bit complicated, it's kind of a behind-the-scenes kind of a thing. But we're going to go with this music for now and maybe think about updating it in the future. And if you have an opinion on this music, or if you have something that you'd like to see different about it, then let us know. Send us your feedback when you email [email protected], that goes straight to me. I'll see it, and I'll share it with the Unlocked team. And we'll see what you think about this music or possibly getting new music. So thanks!

READ: EPHESIANS 5:1-2; COLOSSIANS 3:1-4, 22-24 Over the years, I’ve done a variety of tasks to earn money. One job I found online was trying beauty products at home and then writing reviews about them. The first (and only) item I tested was a hair growth solution. I dutifully sprayed it on my scalp a couple times a day, realizing it would require weeks of use to see any difference. The instructions on the bottle said so. Then, just three days after I’d begun, the coordinator of this job asked if I had my review ready to submit. If not, they would pass me over, I wouldn’t get paid, and I wouldn’t be eligible for future product testing. How could I give a truthful response about how well the solution worked after only a few days? I decided I’d give the product three out of five stars—even though I knew the coordinator wanted five-star reviews. I also indicated I liked the smell and would look forward to observing how the product worked. My review was honest, since I didn’t rave about the spray’s hair growth potential, but I honestly had no idea if the product grew hair. I sent in my response, received my payment, and never sought another product testing opportunity. I learned something from this short-term job though. The way we do our work matters to God. Contrary to what I assumed as a kid, this involves more than simply working hard. Ephesians 5:1-2 says, “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” When we put our trust in Jesus, believing in the work He did on the cross to provide forgiveness for our sins, we enter a relationship with God as our Father. As we rest in His love for us, we begin to want to do our work in a way that reflects Jesus. He is the only one who could live a pure, righteous life—and because of this He was able to pay the penalty for our sins. But once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we have His Spirit living within us, transforming our attitudes and priorities so that we begin to pursue His holiness and righteousness in every area of our lives, including our work—no matter who sends the paycheck. • Allison Wilson Lee • Have you ever felt pressured to do something dishonest in your work, whether it be at school, a job, etc.? When you find yourself in situations like these, what could you do? Who are trusted Christians you could go to for prayer, advice, and help? …with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. Colossians 3:22-23 (NIV)

READ: LEVITICUS 23:40; 1 CHRONICLES 16:33; PSALM 96:11-13 Leaves are tumbling, twisting, turning… Limbs are blowing, bending, bowing… Trees are bursting, billowing, blooming… As the woods commence their praising, joyously parading… Bright yellows, Deep reds, Burnt oranges— I praise Him for this taste of Joy whenever Fall comes singing. I’ve always found fall to be joyous, but when I discovered Scriptures that exhort trees, mountains, and hills to join in praise to the Creator—I began to love this season even more! To me, beauty is like a giant footprint in the universe, pointing to a Creator who revels in joy. This joy is so foundational that even when we experience the dire cost of sin—to us and to all of creation (Romans 8:18-23)— this undercurrent of joy remains tangible. It surfaces in the delight we have in something as simple as seeing a sunset or hearing a beautiful song. And this joy gives rise to something we all crave: Hope. I believe that’s what beauty ultimately points to—because although the world has been broken by sin, God sent His beautiful and holy Son Jesus to set everything right. Jesus is our surest Hope and the highest Beauty we desire. • G. Kam Congleton • Why do you think beauty exists? When you see something beautiful in nature, what is one way you could take a moment to rejoice in this beauty and offer praise back to God? • Some Bible passages name specific reasons for creation to rejoice in God. For example, Psalm 96:12-13 says one reason is that Jesus will someday return as the Righteous Judge of the earth. Ultimately, creation rejoices in Christ’s redemption of all things on the cross. If you want to dig deeper, read Isaiah 44:23; 49:13; 55:10-13. Sing for joy, you heavens, for the LORD has done this; shout aloud, you earth beneath. Burst into song, you mountains, you forests and all your trees, for the LORD has redeemed Jacob, he displays his glory in Israel. Isaiah 44:23 (NIV)

READ: DANIEL 1:8-15; 1 CORINTHIANS 10:13; 2 CORINTHIANS 4:6-10 Have you ever used a pressure canner? It looks like a large pot with a lid that clamps on securely. When you can food at home, you put the beans or corn or whatever you’re trying to preserve into glass jars, then place the jars in the pressure canner along with some water. As the canner is heated up, the heat causes pressure to build up inside, which cooks and preserves the food in the jars, and it also seals the jars. When they’re done, the canned food can be stored for a year or more, and it won’t spoil. But sometimes, while the canner is still building up pressure, you might hear a loud CRACK! If one of the glass jars had a weak spot, the pressure inside the canner could cause it to break. It couldn’t handle the pressure. Do you ever feel like a jar that can’t handle the pressure? There’s pressure everywhere! People might try to get us to do things we know are wrong, and if we don’t, they might make us feel like we’re the one who’s wrong. Being under that kind of pressure is exhausting. But pressure can work two ways, like in the pressure cooker. It cooks the food and keeps it from spoiling, but sometimes it makes a jar crack. Pressure in our lives can work that way too. God often uses pressure to preserve us by reminding us we belong to Jesus and He is with us, helping us. But sometimes when we’re under pressure, we crack and give in to temptation. The truth is, we all have weak spots that are prone to cracking, but once we know Jesus, we also have the power of God’s Spirit to help us. He’ll give us strength even when we’re tempted to do things that we know go against God’s good ways. When we feel that pressure, God welcomes us to come to Him and tell Him about it. We can ask for His help, and He will sustain us. The Holy Spirit reminds us of God’s truth and gives us the strength we need to do what’s right—and even if we do give in under pressure, God will forgive us so we can start over. It can be hard not to give in to the pressure to go along with what everyone else seems to be doing. But in every temptation, He is with us, ready to help us stand firm so we don’t crack. • A. W. Smith • When do you feel the most pressured? In times like these, how could it be helpful to remember that we belong to Jesus and we have His Spirit in us? Remember, we can always talk to God, and we can also share our struggles with trusted Christians. What are some ways we can help each other resist temptation, and also remind each other of Jesus’s love and forgiveness when we fail? The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. 2 Timothy 4:18 (NIV)

READ: PSALM 23; JOHN 10:11-18; 14:1-21 I bent down to snatch a wildflower from beside the path and then hurried on. I rushed to catch up once again with my beloved family member—I’ll call him Nash here—who had agreed to let me accompany him on a walk in the woods. I rejoiced to spend rare one-on-one time with Nash. However, after realizing my little legs couldn’t keep pace with his adult stride, I wasn’t sure Nash hoped to spend time with me. During the walk, I felt left behind and ignored; Nash barely spoke to me. I returned home confused and hurt. Had Nash wanted me there after all? It’s difficult to follow someone who travels too fast for those trying to join. Thankfully, we have a different kind of leader in Jesus. One who doesn’t leave His followers behind. God wants to be in relationship with us. He wants us to be with Him. That’s why Jesus died on the cross for us and then rose from the grave. Because our sin separated us from God, He made the way for us to receive forgiveness for our sins. When we trust Jesus to pay for our sins, He exchanges our guilt for His righteousness—and His Holy Spirit comes to live within us. So, even though Jesus ascended into heaven, He is still with us through His Spirit, and He wants to walk with us. Galatians 5:25 explains, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Having new life in Christ means His Spirit leads us as we follow moment by moment. How did Jesus lead others? He met them where they were. His disciples, though they observed His miracles and heard His teaching, still often failed to grasp His purpose. Yet He patiently responded to their questions even when the answers might have seemed obvious. He didn’t run ahead, unconcerned about whether they caught up. Jesus stayed close, providing instructions and reassurance. He invited them to walk with Him, and He never left them behind. Jesus wants to walk with us this way too, as He leads us with love step by step. • Allison Wilson Lee • Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd” (John 10:11). Would a good shepherd leave his sheep behind? (We can find Jesus’s answer in Luke 15:1-7; John 10:11-18, 27-30.) • Can you think of a time you felt left behind, ignored, or unwanted? Jesus saw you then, and He sees you now. He has compassion on you, and He always wants you to be with Him (Mark 6:34; 10:13-16). In fact, He died and rose to not leave you behind. Consider taking some time to tell Jesus about any memories that come to mind, and ask Him to help you know His love more deeply and learn to keep in step with His Spirit. The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters. Psalm 23:1-2 (NIV)

READ: PSALM 119:11-16, 28, 103-105; JOHN 14:23-27 I love God’s Word, the Bible, and all that He put in it for us. I think it’s so important to commit Bible verses and passages to memory so that we are never without it. Some of the reasons I like to have God’s Word memorized is for comfort in the middle of the night, for peace when I am feeling anxious, or for a reminder that I am not alone. I like to have all kinds of Bible verses and songs in my head for these reasons. Any time I’m feeling down, the verses I’ve memorized can come to me and remind me that life isn’t all bad. They remind me of who God is and how He has come through for me over and over again. I can’t say how many times I’ve thought of different verses or songs in moments when I was starting to feel down, and they made me feel better. Sometimes I am in the deepest, darkest place, and the reminders from Scripture slowly move me from it. In John 14:26, Jesus said, “the Holy Spirit…will remind you of everything I have said to you.” No matter where we are or how anxious our thoughts get, we can remember the promises from God’s Word. He promises that He will be with us (Matthew 28:20), His hand will guide us (Psalm 32:8), and He will give us peace (John 14:27). • Bethany Acker • Can you think of a time a Bible verse or passage brought you comfort or helped you in some way? What was that like? • The Bible is full of God’s promises to us, and all these promises point to Jesus (Luke 24:27; John 5:39; 20:31; Acts 8:26-40). He loves us so much that He died and rose again to save us. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we can know that He is always with us. His Holy Spirit is living in us, reminding us of the truth of the gospel and providing us with peace and strength through His Word. Do you have any Bible verses or passages memorized? Do you have any favorite songs that are based on Scripture? If you’ve never memorized a Bible verse before, why not start today? Who are some friends you could memorize Scripture with? I have hidden your word in my heart…I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. Psalm 119:11, 15 (NIV)

READ: EXODUS 3:1–4:17; EPHESIANS 2:8-10; HEBREWS 11:23-29 Do you ever feel unqualified for something God has called you to do? Moses felt unqualified too. In the book of Exodus, God appears to Moses in a burning bush. He calls Moses to lead His people, the Israelites, out of slavery in Egypt. But Moses says, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11). God responds, “I will be with you” (verse 12). Then Moses asks what he should tell the Israelites God’s name is, and God replies out of the burning bush, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you’” (verse 14). Did you catch that? Moses says, “Who am I?” And God says, “I AM.” Moses is focusing on himself, but God wants Moses to look at Him. Yet Moses continues to be hesitant about his qualifications. He doubts his own abilities more than he trusts God’s abilities. But God knows Moses doesn’t need a laundry list of talents and accomplishments. All he needs is faith in the great I AM. Like Moses, we don’t have to have a ton of qualifications for God to call us. All we need is faith. And faith is a gift God is eager to give us (Ephesians 2:8-10). He is the One who qualifies us, equips us, and works through us for good. God may not speak to us out of a burning bush, but when Jesus came and lived among us, He revealed that He is God, the eternal “I am” (John 8:58). Though our sin separated us from Him, Jesus bridged the gap between us and God by dying on the cross for our sins and rising from the grave. So now we can be in close relationship with God, and we can talk to Him anytime we want. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we can know God has given us the Holy Spirit, who works in and through us. Whenever we experience fear or anxiety about being unqualified, we can go to God with our fears and trust in His abilities as we continue to grow in Him. • Elizabeth Cooper • Have you ever felt unqualified for something God called you to do? Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we can know that He is always with us, and His Spirit is in us (Matthew 28:20; John 14:17). How can these truths embolden us to do the things God calls us to do? • There are certain things God calls all Christians to do, such as loving our neighbors and using the spiritual gifts He has given us to serve others (Matthew 22:37-39; 1 Peter 4:10). When you think God might be calling you to do something in particular, who are trusted Christians in your life who can help you discern God’s guidance and dig into His Word? For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. Philippians 2:13 (NIV)

READ: NUMBERS 21:8-9; JOHN 3:1-17; 11:25-27 Do you ever wonder if you’re really saved? Maybe you prayed to ask Jesus to save you, but you keep wondering, “How do I know I really meant it when I asked Jesus to forgive and save me? Maybe I should ask Him again, just to make sure.” These doubts are normal—lots of Christians experience them. But it can be helpful to remember that saying a prayer isn’t what saves us—whether we pray one time or a hundred times. No matter how many good deeds we do, we can’t save ourselves—not by praying, being baptized, giving money to church, being kind, or doing any other good thing. We’re saved only by Jesus. When we put our faith in Him, it means we trust Him, kind of like how we trust a chair will hold us when we sit on it. Being saved isn’t something we do—it’s something God does for us. All we have to do is believe that Jesus loves us and that He died for our sins on the cross and rose again. In John 6:47, Jesus says all who believe in Him have eternal life. It’s good to ponder Scriptures like these when we have doubts. It’s also good to reach out to Christians we trust, such as friends, pastors, youth leaders, or family members. And we can always talk to Jesus about how we’re feeling. No matter what we’re struggling with, He understands, and He wants to help us. He is faithful to remind us that He already did everything that needed to be done to save us, and He holds us securely in His love, now and forever (Romans 3:23-26; 8:38-39). Remember, even if we believe in Jesus, even if we know that He died and rose again for us, and even if we realize we can’t do anything to save ourselves, we might still experience doubt from time to time. And that’s okay. We can bring all our doubts, fears, and questions to Jesus, and we can share our struggles with other Christians in our lives too. God is eager to help us know for sure that we have everlasting life. • A. W. Smith • Do you ever wonder whether or not you’re saved? Who are trusted Christians in your life you could talk to about this? • The truth is, Jesus willingly went to the cross because God wanted to save us—He loves us that much, and He longs for us to be with Him. We can rejoice in this good news! If you want to know more about trusting in Jesus or find more Scriptures about being saved, see our "Know Jesus" page. [Jesus said,] “Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life.” John 6:47 (NIV)

READ: PSALM 119:105; JOHN 1:4; 2 CORINTHIANS 4:6 Darkness. That was it. No matter which way Aurelia turned, the overwhelming wall of darkness pressed in on her, so thick it seemed smothering. She gasped for air, finding it harder and harder to breathe as she ran madly. She ran as fast as she could, going somewhere, anywhere, away from wherever here was. But, hard as she tried to escape it, the darkness seemed to follow her, encasing her vision in pitch-black nothingness. Suddenly, she felt her toe catch on something on the ground, and Aurelia found herself sprawled on the ground before she could even blink. Exhausted, she lay there, trying desperately to think up a good plan—any plan that could get her out of here. Then she remembered. Immanuel. Her help in times of trouble. Her comfort, and her refuge. Her light in the darkness. Light! Aurelia shut her eyes tight against the pressing darkness, and cried out, “Immanuel! Please, I need help! I’m alone, I’m scared, and I don’t know where to go! I remember Your promise to me—to be my light in the darkness.” With a shaking hand she attempted to stem the flood of tears streaming down her face. “Please come…I need you!” “Look up, child. Do not be afraid.” Aurelia’s eyes snapped open, and she gasped. For there, standing above her, was the glowing figure of a man holding a small, bright lantern. Light! She sprang up and raced straight into His outstretched arms, crying, “Immanuel! Thank you! Thank you for coming for me!” He smiled down at her. “Oh, dear child, have no fear.” He stroked her hair and said in a soft voice, “I never left you. And I never will.” • Anna Tuckfield • Our world is full of great, overwhelming darkness. Things like violence, hunger, sickness, and death all contribute to this unseen void—and so do pride, envy, and a host of other public and private sins. But, we don’t have to walk it alone (Psalm 23:4). God sent His Son to come guide us through our journey in this sinful world. Jesus wants to light our way. By reading His Word, spending time with Him, and learning about Him alongside fellow Christians, we can keep our eyes on His light. We are never alone in the darkness—we will always have a leading light (Psalm 119:105). Though sin may trip us and send us flying, Jesus still promises to be our refuge, strength, and advocate in heaven. When we bring our sins and burdens to Him, He forgives and redeems us (Psalm 55:22; 1 John 2:1-2). He will lead us out of our sins and into life. Consider taking some time to talk to Jesus about the sins and struggles you’re facing today. “I [Jesus] am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 (NIV)

READ: MATTHEW 18:12-14; 25:34-40 Have you ever known a really good pastor? Someone who takes the time to get to know the people of their church, teach them, counsel them, and lend a hand when things go wrong. Someone who goes above and beyond with their wisdom and loving service. Someone who, while they still have their flaws, really makes a difference in other people’s lives. I’ve always wondered why some pastors can be really excellent leaders and still only have a very small church. For years my grandmother went to a church with only three other people. I found their pastor to be incredibly wise, yet he had a surprisingly small congregation. That didn’t make sense to me. Why would God allow such a gifted and influential speaker to only have an impact on a small number of people? But then I realized, since God cares for each of us individually, God values this pastor’s work of ministering to a small number just as much as He values the work of pastors who minister to churches filled with thousands of people. My grandmother loves Jesus, but she lived in a very isolated area where most people had no interest in learning or teaching from the Bible, yet this one pastor devoted a lot of time and effort to strengthen and encourage her. And that’s something God has called all of us to do. Maybe you’ve been trying to share Jesus’s love with someone, and you’ve felt like it’s going nowhere. Or perhaps you have a small number of people you’re ministering to, and you wonder why that number hasn’t grown. But even if you’re only able to reach one person, that one person means the world to God. And even the smallest differences you make can have a tremendous impact. Remember, God cares for the one. God cares for you. • Christina Cheng • Have you ever felt like what you’re doing isn’t making a difference, or like you’re wasting your talents on something small? God sees everything you do, and when you give of yourself to one person, that means as much to Him as if you had taken care of a hundred. • Have you ever felt like your life wasn’t worth investing in? God doesn’t think so! When Jesus came to die on the cross for your sins, He proved how precious your life is to Him. Even after we trust Jesus as our Savior, He is continuously interested in guiding our hearts and drawing us into deeper relationship with Himself. “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” Matthew 25:40 (NIV)

READ: MATTHEW 9:9-12; LUKE 5:27-32 Have you ever wished you were invited to an exclusive event? A movie premier, a party, or a concert with front row VIP seats? Years ago, I watched interviews with celebrities who talked about the exciting invitations they’d been offered. If only I could be like them, I thought. And I wasted time being jealous and despondent, thinking about how fortunate those stars were. Maybe you’ve experienced this too. Or, on a smaller scale, maybe you’ve wondered if something is wrong with you if you haven’t been included in a certain friend group or invited to a particular social event. Missing out on invitations can be disappointing and even painful. But if we dwell on these things too much, we can easily sink into jealousy and low self-esteem. The good news is that Jesus didn’t exclude anyone. He invited Matthew (also called Levi) to follow Him—even though Matthew was a tax collector. His own people probably avoided Matthew and viewed him as a traitor, someone who got wealthy by helping the Roman Empire oppress the Israelites. But Jesus saw Matthew and said, “Follow me” (Matthew 9:9). Then Matthew left everything and followed Him. Jesus didn’t have an exclusive ticket for just one person or a few celebrities, but for all those who would put their trust in Him. Sometimes it’s easy to be so consumed with a longing to be included or invited to social events that we forget the greatest invitation in the world. Like Matthew, we are invited to the most wonderful moment in our lives, to believe in Jesus, follow Him, and belong to Him. Take heart, there is no exclusion of race, gender, class, or intellect. All are invited. Because of His great love for us, Jesus died and rose again to make the way for our broken relationship with God to be restored. He offers forgiveness for our failings and acceptance into His family. You’re invited—to share in the kingdom of God, to be adopted by our Father, to be more than you ever thought possible. It’s a free gift. It just has to be received. All are welcome. • Cindy Lee • Can you think of a time you were overlooked for an event or excluded from a group? This can be a painful experience, but Jesus invites us to share our frustrations and sorrows with Him—He knows what it’s like to be overlooked and rejected, and He wants to help and comfort us (Isaiah 53). • Have you accepted the greatest invitation in the world? No one can make that choice for you, but you. Find out more on our "Know Jesus" page. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 (WEB)

READ: PHILIPPIANS 4:4-9; JAMES 1:21-27 Picture this: You’re walking through a beautiful garden, admiring the carefully planted flowers and foliage and appreciating their beauty. Then, you look closer and notice some things that the gardener definitely didn’t plant: weeds! They seem to crop up everywhere, even when we didn’t plant them. In a way, our minds are a little like a garden, and our thoughts are like the plants. Bad thoughts are like weeds. We don’t have to try to put bad thoughts in our minds. They seem to just come on their own. We all catch ourselves thinking about bad things sometimes. Those bad thoughts might be sinful, like hating another person, or they might be troubling, causing our stomachs to tighten in fear. But like weeds, they can be pulled out. Often, the best way to get rid of bad thoughts is to focus on the good seeds God has planted in us instead. When we remember that Jesus died and rose again to free us from sin and that He has given us His Holy Spirit and His righteousness, it helps us weed out bad thoughts and cultivate good thoughts instead. These good thoughts could be things like Bible verses, or thinking of ways we can help others and share God’s love with them, or even just remembering good things God has done in our lives. And we can always think about Jesus—remembering what He’s like, what He did when He lived among us, and how much He loves us. Even though we still have bad thoughts sometimes, it’s hard for weeds to take root when our minds are focused on good things like that. The reality is, everyone struggles with bad thoughts. Sometimes it seems like they just pop into our heads. But that doesn’t mean we have to let them stay there. We can weed them out and plant good thoughts instead. The more we let God fill our minds with His love and truth, the less room there will be for weeds. • A. W. Smith • What are some good thoughts you could fill your mind with? Consider keeping a journal, on paper or on your phone, of Bible verses, songs, ways God has blessed you, ways you can serve others, and people you can pray for. Then, the next time bad thoughts crop up in your mind, you can pull out the list and try focusing on those things instead. • When bad thoughts come, we might feel like we can’t talk to God about them, but He already knows it all and wants to help us (Psalm 139). What thoughts could you share with Him today? May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 (NLT)

READ: ISAIAH 54:7-14; JOHN 16:33; ROMANS 8:31-39 Eight centuries before Christ’s birth, a Hebrew girl clung to her mother’s leg. Rumors of war loomed over Judah like an ominous raincloud. The ruthless Assyrians pressed against the northern border. Could Judah’s towns withstand an attack? Northern tribes had already fallen. The little girl’s future looked uncertain; at any moment her life might crumble to pieces. Her community gathered around to hear the words of the prophet Isaiah, hoping for any promise of God’s deliverance. The girl lifted her head when she heard: “‘Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken, nor my covenant of peace be removed,’ says the LORD, who has compassion on you.” God didn’t promise immediate deliverance from the chaos. The mountains could shake, the hills may disappear—but even in an uncertain world, His unfailing love will prevail. Eight centuries later, God-in-the-flesh announced that the promise of this coming peace was fulfilled in Him. But first, His followers would grieve. Though Jesus will surely renew creation and all who belong to Him will live with Him forever, until that day He said the world will bring troubles, but He has already prevailed (John 16:33). When uncertainty and dread overwhelm us, what do we look to for relief? Often, we blame God for not easing our burdens. Or we take the burden on ourselves to do better, try harder—and then we beat ourselves up when things don’t turn out as we hoped. But Jesus says, “Take heart!” (John 16:33). The peace of God never depended on our strength, but on God’s unfailing love which can never be shaken. Even when the earth shakes beneath us, God’s covenant of peace steadies us. • Shannon Smith • Isaiah spoke of God’s judgement on His people—how enemy nations would conquer them and take them into exile because of the people’s stubborn rebellion and sin. Yet Isaiah also spoke of a promised Rescuer—Immanuel, “God with us” (Isaiah 7:14). He would take upon Himself the punishment for the sins of the people. He would die, but then live again, justifying all who turn to Him and bringing peace to the whole world. Have you ever thought about what it might’ve been like for the people who lived during Isaiah’s time in the Old Testament? When we face trouble, how could it bring us hope to remember God’s promises, especially in light of what we now know from the New Testament about how these promises are fulfilled in Jesus? “My unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed.” Isaiah 54:10 (NIV)

READ: PSALMS 31:20; 62:6-8; JUDE 1:1, 20-21; 2 TIMOTHY 4:18 It’s hard to feel safe. Since the attacks of September 11, 2001, many of us have grown up with an awareness of terrorism and the need for precautions like metal detectors at airports and large events. Just in case. Maybe you’ve grown up knowing you could get bullied, jumped, or shot at in school, and that it’s best to always be aware of your surroundings and where the exit routes are. Just in case. You may have learned it’s not safe to talk to strangers, or to be female or an ethnic minority walking alone at night, or to leave your phone location settings turned on. Just in case. Between stories of violent romantic and family relationships, and the increasing prevalence of mental health concerns that can make us feel like even our own minds might not be a safe place, safety itself can feel like a myth. That grieves the heart of God. He created us for safety in relationships, with each other and with Him. After all, in the Garden of Eden Adam and Eve were able to live and work entirely naked, completely open with each other and with God, without fear of being victimized, mocked, or sinned against, without fear of judgment, awkwardness, or feeling unworthy (Genesis 2:25). They did not know what it was to hide from creation or Creator. That’s the kind of safety God wants us to experience in His presence now (Romans 8:1)! He wants us to openly share our struggles, passions, flaws, insecurities, questions, and doubts with Him. And He wants us to create communities of safety for each other—that’s what the church is for! Though the Bible rarely promises us physical safety (John 16:33; 15:18-21; Romans 8:35-39), the presence of Jesus is the one place we can know we are eternally safe from everything the devil throws at us (2 Timothy 4:18), and we can invite His presence into every moment and every relationship of our lives. • Abigail Aswegen • Can you think of a time you felt safe with another person? What was that like? • Have you ever experienced feeling safe in the presence of God? You can ask God for this anytime. • In what ways can we help the people around us feel safe, and also invite them to experience true safety in Christ? If you think you might be in an unsafe relationship or situation, or if you’re struggling with your mental health, who is a trusted adult you could talk to today? [Jesus prayed,] “I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one.” John 17:15 (NLT)

READ: PSALM 13; ISAIAH 41:9-13; 2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-11 Stuck in this grief I feel like You can’t see But You lift me up You comfort me, once more Eyes fill with tears Start to think of all my fears But You stop those thoughts You give me peace, once more Feeling all alone Wondering where to go But You give direction You hold my hand, once more Pain is too great Feel like I might break But You keep me together You show me love, once more • Bethany Acker • Can you think of a time God helped you when you were hurting? Maybe He provided comfort, peace, direction, strength, or a reminder of His love. Consider taking a moment to remember and thank God for this. • Whenever we’re hurting, Jesus can truly empathize with us in our pain and turmoil because He experienced it firsthand (Mark 14:33-34). He is not some far-off, distant god; He is God in human flesh. He came and lived among us, ultimately suffering the cross for us because of how greatly He loves us. Then He rose from the dead, so now everyone who puts their trust in Him is brought near to God and has the sure hope of eternal life with Him. One day there will be no more death or grief or crying or pain (Revelation 21:1-5). Until that day, sometimes it can feel like we’re all alone in our pain and uncertainty, but Jesus is right there with us, ready to help us. Consider taking some time to be honest with Jesus about whatever you’re struggling with today. • One of the primary ways God helps His people, is through His people. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by grief or fear, who is a trusted adult you could talk to? If you need someone to talk to, you can request a free conversation with Focus on the Family’s Counseling Department by calling 1-855-771-HELP (4357) weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Mountain Time). Please be prepared to leave your contact information for a counselor to return a call to you as soon as possible. In Canada, book your appointment by calling 1-800-661-9800 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) and ask to speak with the care associate. Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (CSB)

READ: ROMANS 12:4-8; 1 CORINTHIANS 12:4-27 Mehul balanced the mud-colored bowl in his palms as he stared out at the shore from his small workshop. Down at the ocean’s edge, his friend Sadira was training the young sea dragons, preparing them for the sea riders. Her brother, Taizeen, sat in the sand nearby practicing his harp. The soft plucks intermingled with the lapping of water, threatening calmness to Mehul’s restless mind. With a furrowed brow he gazed at the bowl in his hand. It was plain, like all the bowls, jars, and cups he made. What purpose do these pieces of pottery even serve in the village? What purpose do I serve? He dashed the bowl to the ground. It shattered, and the pieces flew across the room. He bent and pulled at a shard that had struck him in the leg, wincing at the pain. A gasp came from the doorway of his workshop. Looking up, Mehul saw Mother Elyah, the village doctor, coming toward him. She said, “Let me help with that. I was stopping by anyway for a jar.” Before he knew it, she had tenderly extracted the piece. Then she motioned for him to sit while she got a fresh cloth and cool water to clean the wound. Grabbing a strip of fabric and a pinch of sweet-smelling herbs from her bag, she wrapped his leg expertly. After she finished, Mother Elyah inspected the shards on the dirt floor. “What happened here?” Mehul felt his face flush. Turning to his workbench, he searched through the clutter of clay to find a jar for her. “I guess I was just preoccupied.” He handed her a dirt-colored container. Another ordinary piece of pottery. Smiling, she ran her hand across the smooth exterior. “This will be a great help to me, thank you Mehul. Make sure to clean up those shards.” She turned to leave. “Wait…you said I helped you?” “Of course, as you do the entire village.” Mother Elyah nodded. She hesitated, then continued, “Remember Mehul, that our bodies have many parts, and each part does its own special work. The feet need the legs, the hands need the arms… and so it is with us. As people of the Living One, we are His body. Each of us does certain things well, and we all belong to each other. No one part of the body—and no one person—is less important than the others. All are needed.” And with that she was on her way. Mehul was left staring at the doorway. He thought of her using his jar to store away the sprigs of fragrant herbs she used in her medicine. Other images also appeared in his mind, of the meals he shared with Sadira and Taizeen—spiced curries served in his simple brown bowls. He retrieved a broken piece from the floor and held it up to the light with a growing smile. “I’ll have to start a new one. Someone will need it.” • Sophia Bricker • Have you ever felt like Mehul? Like you don’t have a purpose, or like what you do makes no difference or is just ordinary? We all feel this way from time to time, and Jesus sees us, with all our pain and questions, and He longs to help us. Consider taking some time to talk to Him about whatever you’re struggling with. You can also ask Him to show you how He sees you. You may notice His reply in the next few days or weeks as you spend time in prayer, as you interact with fellow Christians, or as you read His Word, the Bible. • Jesus died and was raised from the dead so that His body—the church—could be made whole. Once we put our trust in Jesus, we are included in His body and we receive the Holy Spirit. How could thinking about the ways our bodies function help us remember that each of us has value and purpose in the body of Christ? • Reread 1 Corinthians 12:4-7. What kinds of spiritual gifts, natural abilities, skills, or talents has God given you? Who are trusted Christians in your life who could help...

READ: MATTHEW 25:34-40; 2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-7 Have you ever visited a friend or family member in the hospital? Maybe you brought some of their favorite games or books or movies. While they might have been happy to see you, maybe they weren’t up for games or movies. It can be discouraging, especially if you visit again and again and they aren’t getting better. You might reach a point where you just don’t want to visit anymore. Visiting someone when they are sick or injured can feel awkward, even if you know the person well. They might not want to talk much, or they might be too tired to carry on a long conversation. You may not know what to do or say, worried you’ll make things worse somehow. But the truth is, we don’t need to say much. Just being there for someone can be a powerful expression of love—the kind of love Jesus has for us. He never leaves our side, even when we’re sick or injured, even when we don’t have anything to say. Visiting someone in the hospital is a chance to show them that kind of love in a time when they might be feeling alone or forgotten. It’s hard to see someone we love in pain, but Jesus will provide us with the strength we need. It can be so comforting for the person we’re visiting to know that someone cares enough to come and be with them. Your presence can comfort them, even if you feel awkward and uncomfortable and don’t know what to do. You can ask Jesus to reveal His love and hope in this situation. He will help you be the kind of friend He is—one who’s always with us, in good times and bad. Do you have a friend or family member who is sick or injured right now? Maybe you could visit them and tell them you’re praying for them. You don’t have to know just the right words to say—just being there for them is enough. Or if visiting isn’t feasible, you could let them know you care about them by sending flowers or a card or something to make them smile. Remember, Jesus is the greatest Friend of all, and He will help us comfort one another. • A. W. Smith • Jesus knows what it’s like to see someone you love hurting, and He also knows what it’s like to be the one who’s hurt. How could it be encouraging to know that, no matter what we’re going through, Jesus understands? • Have you ever visited someone in the hospital? What was that like? Have you ever had to stay in the hospital, or stay home for a long time, because of a sickness or an injury? Can you think of any ways Jesus brought you comfort in that time, maybe through a person, a song, a Bible passage, something seemingly random that made your day, etc.? He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. 2 Corinthians 1:4 (NLT)

READ: GENESIS 1:26-31; PSALM 139:13-17 As I was washing dishes recently, I got to thinking about how amazing the human body is…and how great the God who created us is. As I picked up each dish and took care of it, I was grateful for my ability to do that. As I felt my heart beating inside, I had a new kind of amazement. From fingers that can grasp the smallest objects to hands with the ability to lift, scrub, and wave, we were created in a special way. From feet, legs, and toes that keep us balanced to a heart that keeps us alive, we have so much to us, so much that makes us who we are and gives us the ability to enjoy and take care of this earth. I think about our lungs and how we can breathe without thinking as we go about our day, but also how they struggle—but still work—when we take off on a run. I think of all the other parts of our insides and how they keep us going, from our kidneys to our brains. God knew what He was doing with each decision He made regarding the human body. He definitely had a plan, and He certainly put care into how we were formed. He didn’t just throw us together without thinking about it or create a body that’s simple but “good enough.” I think of our bodies and I’m filled with gratitude for a God who made us this way. A God who showed love for us even as He worked on our design and put attention into every detail of our bodies. • Emily Acker • What is it about your body that amazes you the most? Have you ever stopped to really think about the design of your body and the way God made you? Consider taking a moment to thank Him. • Have you ever thought about how Jesus has a body like we do? When Jesus came and lived among us, He became fully human. Since the first humans sinned by rejecting God and rebelling against Him, our bodies experience pain and sickness and injuries. But the good news is, because Jesus was willing to let His body be broken for us, now everyone who’s put their trust in Jesus has the sure hope of being raised from the dead like He was. At Jesus’s return, our resurrected bodies will be like His resurrected body—free of pain, sickness, and injury, and we will get to enjoy living on the new heavens and new earth with Jesus forever! I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14 (NIV)

READ: MATTHEW 6:25-34; 11:28-30; LUKE 2:40-52; EPHESIANS 5:15-17 When you see little kids playing, do you ever find yourself getting a little nostalgic for those “good old days” when you didn’t have any responsibilities? The older we get, the more time we spend on school, chores, part-time jobs, extracurriculars, or volunteer work. Meanwhile, little kids spend their days playing, coloring, exploring, and napping. The truth is, we all need some time to relax and have fun. God calls us to rest and enjoy His good gifts often! But it’s also true that as we get older, we enter different stages of life. Kids need to spend a lot of time playing in order to learn and grow. But as we get older, we have different opportunities to learn by studying and taking on more responsibilities. The little kid stage of life isn’t better—just different. It’s normal to have very few responsibilities when you’re a little kid, but by the teenage years, that changes. And that’s a good thing. We wouldn’t want to spend every day playing with blocks and finger paint, after all! If we didn’t ever challenge ourselves or learn new things, how could we mature? While schoolwork and chores and part-time jobs may sometimes get mundane or difficult, God uses these things to help us grow and know Him more and more. At this stage in life, even Jesus spent time learning and growing, all the while preparing to sacrifice His life for us. He loves us that much. So we can talk to God about all the exciting and challenging things that come with growing up. He knows what it’s like. We’ll have more and more responsibilities as we get older, but these responsibilities don’t have to be burdensome because we can trust God to care for all our needs and help us mature as we follow Him. Growing up can be hard, but God created us to learn and grow through different stages of life, and He’ll use the things we learn to help us know Him better and point others to Him. As we follow Jesus, He’ll help us make the most of every opportunity to learn. • A. W. Smith • As we approach adulthood, our responsibilities continue to grow. And Jesus will be with us every step of the way. How can stewarding our responsibilities well now help us prepare to have more responsibilities later? • What are some responsibilities you have now that you didn’t have when you were a little kid? What have you learned through them? What new things have you learned about God and about yourself as you’ve grown up? But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18 (NIV)

READ: PSALM 116:1-2; PROVERBS 3:5-6; HEBREWS 13:8; 4:14-16 One of my coworkers approached me about examining our new employee handbook. We just hired a third-party organization as our human resources department, so they redesigned our old handbook. My job was to compare the two. While I was going through them, I came upon a small section titled “open-door policy.” It basically explained that our supervisors agree to have listening ears to our complaints, concerns, and ideas. It got me thinking. God gives us that same opportunity. He is inviting us to share everything with Him. Even though I know my supervisors mean well and want to listen, I know there will be times when they won’t listen well or won’t say the right thing. But God? He always listens. He always says the right thing. And He wants to share His wisdom with us (James 1:5). What’s more, when I was reviewing the new handbook with our HR representative (the writer), she informed me that we could actually remove the open-door policy section. But, as God’s character doesn’t change, we know that He will never remove His “open-door policy.” He’s always ready to listen. And He will do so perfectly. Because, as we know, Jesus is perfect. He lived the perfect life that we cannot, whether we be supervisors or employees, and He died on the cross and rose from the grave to pay for our transgressions. Once we put our trust in Jesus, we have full access to God (Ephesians 2:18; 3:12). He loves us, and He wants to hear from us. Always. • Natty Maelle • When you talk to God, what do you talk to Him about? Is there anything you’re reluctant to discuss with the Lord? Why do you think you might feel this way? Consider talking to Him about this. • If Jesus is our model, and He creates a place for us to be heard, we should be aspiring to do the same for others. Is this something that comes naturally to you? Why or why not? Consider taking some time today to talk to the Lord about this too. If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. James 1:5 (NLT)

READ: ISAIAH 55:8-9; 2 CORINTHIANS 12:7-10 When I was in high school, I struggled with depression and anxiety. A boy broke my heart, none of my friends understood me, I struggled with family issues at home, and it felt like nothing in my life went right or ever would go right. Psalm 34:18 says, “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” And Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” I’d read Bible verses like these…And I just didn’t get it! If I’d been asking God to heal and help me, then why wasn’t He healing me? Why was I still hurting? If God gives us peace in the storm, then why was I feeling so far from peace? One day, I came across 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. Paul had been asking God to remove what he called a thorn in his flesh, similar to how I had been repeatedly asking God to remove the pain and hurt in my life. It felt like God was speaking directly to me when He said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (verse 9). Eventually, God did bring me out of my season of depression and anxiety. He brought better friends into my life, and He brought healing to my heart and mind. I think during that long season of my life, God was teaching me to rely on Him. He was teaching me that He, and only He, was sufficient for my life. God’s grace and presence are all we need. He was strengthening my faith even when I couldn’t see it and teaching me to trust Him when nothing made sense. The truth is, God loves us more than we could ever know, and we can trust that even in the hurting, He is with us. • Elizabeth Cooper • Have you ever felt like nothing in your life was going right, or ever would go right? Do you feel like that today? You’re not alone. Jesus is with us in our pain, grieving our hurts alongside us. We can be totally honest with Him about anything we’re going through. • Believing God is with us and entrusting ourselves to that promise doesn’t automatically make every situation in our lives better. But it does give us hope in the midst of the hurting—hope that we are held securely in God’s love, and hope that one day Jesus will return and then terrible things like depression, anxiety, and broken relationships will be no more (Romans 8:31-39; Revelation 21:1-5). As we wait for that glorious day, God gives us His Word, His Spirit, and the community of His people here on earth to help with our struggles and pain. Do you have a trusted Christian in your life you can talk to about what you’re experiencing? * • Throughout our lives, we’ll read verses in the Bible that we don’t understand or that don’t seem to be true in our own lives. Every word in the original manuscripts of the Bible is completely true. However, that doesn’t mean we’ll always understand everything we read right away. In fact, there are some things in the Bible we may never fully understand. Yet God wants to help us grow in our understanding of His Word (Psalm 119:34; Luke 24:45; Acts 8:26-35). Are there any Bible verses that you’ve found unsettling or frustrating, or that just don’t seem true? Who is a trusted Christian in your life who could help you dig deeper so you can understand it better, using tools like study Bibles, commentaries, or scholarly articles, videos, or podcasts? (Whenever we read the Bible, it’s important to keep in mind the whole Bible points to Jesus. If you want to know more about the good news of Jesus, see our "Know Jesus" page.) • * If you’re struggling with anxiety or depres...

READ: PSALM 32:8; PROVERBS 16:9; MATTHEW 6:25-34; JAMES 4:13-15 I am a planner. I love to plan out my future and what I want to do next. Maybe you’re like me and you find yourself thinking a lot about the future and what comes next. What am I going to do after school today? Or this weekend? Or what am I going to do this summer? What am I going to do after I graduate high school? Sometimes, planning our future is good. Other times, the desire to plan stems from a desire for control. We might find ourselves wanting to be in control of our lives, what we do, and what happens, in a way that forgets—or perhaps ignores— the truth that God is the One who is ultimately in control. I saw this desire for control play out in my life one year when I was applying for summer internships, planning out what I was going to do all summer and how that was going to support my future. But guess what? All my plans fell through because I didn’t end up getting any internships. God had a better plan for me. That summer, God sent me to Glacier National Park to serve with a ministry team and spread the gospel. It was so last minute because God knew I didn’t need to plan out every detail, I just needed to trust Him to guide me. He knew I needed a summer of adventure, spending time with Him, and not thinking about my future so much. The truth is, God is the only One who’s in control of our future. And that’s a good thing! God’s plans for us are always better than anything we could plan for ourselves. We don’t have to strive so hard to control the outcomes of our lives. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, no matter what happens, we will always be with Him. And, through the Holy Spirit, He will help us learn to trust Him more and more throughout our lives. God knows what we need, and He is worthy of our trust. We can always rely on Him to guide us. • Elizabeth Cooper • Do you have any examples from your life when you realized God’s plans were better than what you had planned? What happened? Consider taking a moment to thank Him for this. • Are you someone who likes to plan? While it can be good to think ahead and consider what we might do in the future, planning can sometimes become an idol—something we go to for security or satisfaction instead of going to God. What might it look like to practice holding our plans loosely, being open to where God will guide us? Who are trusted Christians in your life who can help you discern how God might be leading you? Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Psalm 31:3 (NIV)

READ: PROVERBS 19:11; EPHESIANS 4:31-32 "Oh no, I’ve been bitten!” I cried as my ankles began to itch and burn. Looking down, I saw the culprits scurrying away—tiny ants with the power to inflict pain and leave punctures on my skin. My husband and I were on vacation, and after an amazing—but blisteringly hot—day, we had been grateful for the coolness of the evening. But the ants had ruined it. I desperately wanted to scratch the wounds, but I knew this could cause harm. Instead, I dashed back up to the hotel room and cleaned up the wounds to keep them from getting infected. In life, we are faced with annoyances, much like the ants on my vacation. These annoyances might be disagreements with our family or friends. Unpleasant memories of past mistakes and hurts can cause inner pain. The problem is, it’s easy to let these painful memories fester. But, much like the ant bites on my legs, if these hurts are left untreated they will continue to itch and burn. When we scratch at bug bites, they can easily get infected. Then they’re even more painful! In the same way, if we let unforgiveness fester, it leads to bitterness and a hard heart. Thankfully, we have a caring heavenly Father who loves us, listens to us, and is always ready to forgive us and heal our hurts. God loves us so much that, even though our sin broke His heart and separated us from Him, He sent His Son Jesus to fix the broken relationship caused by our sin. Through Jesus’s death and resurrection, He provides the gift of salvation for all who put their trust in Him (John 3:16-18). In Jesus, we can be forgiven, and then we can learn how to give and receive forgiveness. Instead of letting offences fester, we can come to Jesus, confessing what we’ve done wrong and also telling Him about how others have wronged us. Only He has the healing balm of forgiveness that’s needed to change lives—including our own. • Cindy Lee • Are you currently dwelling on a past hurt caused by someone you trusted? Are you disappointed in yourself for your mistakes? Jesus invites us to talk to Him about all these things. He is eager to remind us that in Him we are fully forgiven, and to help us forgive those who have hurt us. As we rest in His unshakeable love, He helps us walk forward in freedom. Consider taking some time to write down any minor irritations that are bothering you. Then, offer them up to God, thanking Him for empowering you to let go of any bitterness in your heart. And then, get rid of the list. (If you’ve experienced a deep hurt, who is a trusted adult you could talk to about it?) Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32 (NLT)

READ: PSALM 119:130; PROVERBS 2:1-5 Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a deep sea diver? If you’ve been to the ocean, you know how beautiful it is to see waves crashing on the shore. And yet, when we begin to explore what’s beneath the surface, we see things that are even more beautiful. Deep sea divers find an amazing variety of marine life, from stunning sea creatures to colorful coral. It’s the same way with the Bible. If you grew up in church, you’ve probably heard lots of Bible stories and learned many biblical principles. These are good and important—and beautiful. And yet, when we dive beneath the surface and explore deeper into the Bible, we keep discovering more and more wonderful truths about who God is. It can be easy to think that reading the Bible isn’t very important, especially if we learn about what it says in church or at home. But learning about Jesus through His Word is a lifelong process. There’s always more He wants us to know, and He will continue to reveal treasures of knowledge, insight, and wisdom as we dive deeper into the Bible. He will help us grow in our faith, coming to grips with the power of God Himself, understanding His ways, and enjoying fellowship with His Spirit. It’s so refreshing to be in God’s Word. No matter how long we’ve been a Christian, as we spend time reading and studying the Bible, He will keep teaching us new things. He’ll help us understand more about Himself and what He did to save us, and He’ll show us His promises and how He calls us to live life with Him. As we dive deep into His Word, we will see wonderful things. • A. W. Smith • What parts of the Bible are you curious about? Consider spending some time reading them today, asking God to help you see what He wants to show you. • When you have questions about the Bible, who are trusted Christians in your life who can help you find scholarly resources like study Bibles, commentaries, articles, or videos? Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. Psalm 119:18 (NIV)

READ: NUMBERS 23:19; PSALMS 100:5; 102:25-27; MALACHI 3:6 If you had asked me three years ago if I could ever see my life being what it is today, I would have given a definite “no.” At the time, my family—and world— were in a completely different place. The changes that I’ve gone through were unexpected and unrequested. As you go through life, there are periods when big changes take place. Sometimes you’re expecting the changes, like when you start at a new school or when you graduate and it’s time to begin your adult life. And other times, changes seem to come out of nowhere. You might feel like your life is up in the air and you have no control over any of it. As we face all kinds of changes, it’s important to remember that God doesn’t change. The One who made us and loves us—the One who wants so much for us to be with Him that He sent Jesus to die for us and rise from the dead—He remains the same through all the ups and downs. He has saved His people from sin and death, and He promises to return one day to make all things new and dwell with us forever. In the meantime, if we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we can know that He has given us His Holy Spirit to live in us, providing strength, comfort, and God’s own presence. Through all of the changes in my life, I have been left a little more in awe of God than I was before. One, because He brings me through the changes and helps me as I adjust. And two, because I see how He is right there, the same as He has always been, being that constant in my life that keeps me steady. • Emily Acker • Are you ever overwhelmed by the changes happening in your life? God sees you. He loves you, and He is carrying you through these changes. He will never abandon you. There is nothing in the world, or beyond, that can shake His everlasting love for you (Romans 8:35-39). Because Jesus went to the cross for us, we can always rest in His care for us and in His sure forgiveness. How could it be comforting and steadying to remember God’s faithfulness in chaotic times? Can you think of any ways you’ve experienced His faithfulness? What was that like? • When life feels chaotic and unpredictable, God invites us to bring these feelings to Him and ask Him to help us remember His steadying presence. He delights in answering these prayers. In addition to talking to God, who are trusted Christians you can talk to when you’re struggling to keep up with life’s changes—such as friends, parents, pastors, youth leaders, or counselors? Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8 (NLT)

READ: GENESIS 3:1-9; PSALMS 89:9; 107:29; EPHESIANS 2:4-10 Nyoka twisted her scaly blue body around and laughed as she watched the other merpeople, who swam behind her. The chilly ocean water and vibrant coral made it a perfect day for a game of capture the flag. As she continued to maneuver her way through the seaweed, looking for the red flag, a flash of a dark fin caught her eye. Nyoka had never seen a creature like that before, so she ducked behind some particularly large stalks of kelp and then tore off after it. Within minutes, she found that the gray figure was swimming farther and farther down into the depths of the ocean. Her Father’s voice of warning tugged at the back of her mind, but Nyoka continued her pursuit. She watched the creature abruptly change its course and dive down into a narrow, rocky hole. She knew the passage well, for it was the one place her Father forbade her to go. The mermaid waited only a moment before following. Darkness engulfed her. As her eyes started to adjust, Nyoka shook her head. That was when she heard a cackle from behind her. Through the haze, she felt she could almost make out the creature’s form, its tail swaying back and forth. “Finally, you are mine!” Her heart skipped a beat. “Wh-who are you?” She managed to stutter. But the creature only laughed again and then appeared in front of her face. “I am Death.” The faint light from above started to dim, and the water churned darker. Nyoka felt herself starting to fade, her scales beginning to lose their color. Her eyes closed, and she managed to cry out softly, “Father, save me.” At the whisper of those words, the ocean came alive. The salt water went from midnight black to clear blue as light flooded the space around her. A thunderous voice echoed into the deep, and the dark form fled in terror. Nyoka opened her eyes and saw her Father swimming toward her. “I’m sorry, “she sobbed. “I’m so, so sorry.” He only pulled her closer and softly spoke into her ear, “Even here, I am with you.” • Molly McTernan • Has there ever been a time when you felt like you were too deep for God to save you? We’ve all sinned, choosing to go our own way instead of listening to God. The result of sin is death, and none of us can save ourselves. Yet God, in His great mercy, is so eager to save us. Jesus was willing to die for us, and then rise again, so we could be forgiven and saved from sin and death. (For more about this good news, see our "Know Jesus" page.) Even as Christians, we sometimes think we’re too far gone, and we need to be reminded again that Jesus saved us and is still saving us and will save us in the end. What He started—that is, salvation—He will complete (Philippians 1:6). But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions. Ephesians 2:4-5 (NIV)

READ: PSALM 139:7-10, LUKE 15:1-7, 11-32 My dog Ellie likes a good run around the neighborhood. She likes to escape out the front door, even if it’s only open a crack. She doesn’t come back without a chase, she is NOT smart when it comes to the busy street we live on, and if there’s a rabbit she’s long gone! More often than not she comes home muddy. More than once she’s come home injured and needing extra care. When I catch up with Ellie and call for her to come, she wags her tail, and then she’s off again. Other times she looks at me with wild, laughing eyes as if to say, “Come home? Not happening!” These times she goes a little farther, gets a little closer to the cars, or visits the unfriendly dog down the street. And there I am, calling, shadowing, hoping to get close, and always waiting for her to come back. By the time she does, Ellie is usually extra thankful to be back under my protection, and usually she regrets running out the door in the first place. It took a few years of this for me to realize how like my dog I am. I’m a runner. If that door gets opened even just a crack, there I go, away toward whatever sin looks interesting at that moment. I don’t come back without a chase, I am NOT smart when it comes to the lure and lies of the devil, and if there’s a rabbit trail to follow, I go! More often than not, I get covered in the muck and mud that comes along with sin, and sometimes I get injured by my choices and need extra care. Always, always I am sorry and so thankful to be back under Jesus’s protection. I think about how I never leave Ellie to run the neighborhood alone. I’m always as close as she’ll let me get, hoping to snatch her up out of harm’s way. Jesus is the same way with me. There I am getting into more and more trouble, and there He is—calling, shadowing, and snatching me up out of harm’s way. And eventually, when I realize I need to be back under His wing of protection, Jesus is right there, ready to care for my hurts and help me follow Him again. We all go through doors we shouldn’t and find ourselves out from under the protective wing of our loving Father. Don’t let the lies of the enemy keep you from going back to where you’re well-loved. Jesus is always waiting, and often closer than we think. • Abbi Bloem • As Christians, we know Jesus is always as close as can be (John 10:27-30; Romans 8:35-39). Yet, there may be times when we feel distant from Jesus because we’ve been stubbornly going our own way. But because He loves us, He wants to help us turn away from sin and back to Him. How could today’s analogy give us hope to turn to Jesus, even when we’ve really messed up? Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? Psalm 139:7 (NIV)

READ: ISAIAH 9:6; ROMANS 5:1; COLOSSIANS 1:15-22 Jesus purchased peace for me,died upon that cursed tree;Now He is my hope and rest,beneath His blood our righteousness.Yes, He offers peace to all—always, ever, loving.Jesus fills my heart with song,paid the debt for every wrong;Now He makes my face to shine,His own love becoming mine.Yes, He offers peace to all—always, ever, loving.Christ the King, once a child,by His body reconciled;Lord of Life, strong yet meek,glory to the Prince of Peace.Yes, He offers peace to all—always, ever,loving. This poem celebrates the reconciling peace Jesus offers. Reconciling implies something has been torn apart or broken. And so it has! Our relationship with God has been broken. We—and creation itself—are “cursed” (Romans 5:17; Galatians 3:10, 13), separated from God by sin and ruled by its consequences: death and decay. We are living in a good creation gone bad. However, as Colossians 1:20 wondrously proclaims, God “made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.” By faith we simply accept God’s payment for us. Jesus took the curse of sin upon Himself on the cross—and by His resurrection destroyed it! This means every kind of brokenness will be undone (Romans 8:18-25; Revelation 21:1-5). Though we are still waiting for the final Hallelujah upon Christ’s return, the payment has already been made. Heaven and earth will again be at peace. On that day we will join the heavenly host in their joyful shout: “The world has now become the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever” (Revelation 11:15). • G. Kam Congleton • What sticks out to you about the reconciling peace Jesus offers? (If you want to learn more, see our “Know Jesus” page.) Through Him [Jesus Christ] God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross. Colossians 1:20 (NLT)

READ: JOHN 16:33; ROMANS 1:12; 12:15; 2 CORINTHIANS 1:1-12 Second Corinthians 1:1-12 has been one of my favorite Bible passages for quite a while. Paul and Timothy are encouraging the Christians in Corinth, saying, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (verses 3-4). I have quoted this passage to other people, and also reminded myself of its truths, many times. But recently, I was struck by just how wonderful God’s comfort is. I had been going through a long, drawn-out season of stress. It felt like whenever one thing in my life got easier, something else got harder, and I was just feeling so discouraged. But, in the midst of this hard season, I had a friend who was going through suffering too. Some of her struggles were similar, some were different. But her friendship has helped me understand this passage in a deeper way. That we comfort each other “with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” It’s such a rich and sweet thing to be able to share, not only our prayer requests, but also the ways God has been revealing Himself to us along the way. This friend and I text each other verses and worship songs and other things that have been resonating with us. We tell each other what we’re wrestling with, what’s confusing to us, and how we’re trying to lean into God’s love. We help each other process, and sometimes we cry together. We pray for each other—on the phone, through text messages, on walks, in our living rooms, and at church. We also celebrate good news together, and just generally help each other laugh! I feel like I’m beginning to understand the gift God has given us in the church in a new way. Because even though we suffer, there’s something really amazing about knowing that we suffer alongside each other. We have companionship, not just with fellow Christians, but with Jesus Himself, the One who suffered for us as He went to the cross to save us. He made the way for us to be with Him. And once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we not only have the promise of eternity, we also experience God’s great love and kindness and wisdom in so many ways in our everyday lives. Yes, we will suffer. But 2 Corinthians 1:5 touches on a beautiful mystery: “For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.” Somehow, in some way, our suffering is participation in Christ’s suffering. And whenever we go through hard things, His comfort is always so near. As I’ve shared some of the ways I’ve seen God working in my life with friends, it’s helped me to realize that what God is doing in and around me really matters. It’s good to celebrate and treasure the ways God reveals His love to us—whether through His Word, His people, music, nature, or any number of things—not just brush these gifts aside and forget about them. Our God is alive and active, and being in relationship with Him is just so good. As we press into His invitations, as we notice and ponder the ways He is offering us help and comfort and even joy, our understanding of the good news of Jesus continues to grow and deepen. And as we tune our hearts to the work of His Spirit, we find a hope and purpose that goes beyond our suffering. Because even in the midst of hardship, we find joy in living life with Jesus. • Hannah Howe • Can you think of a time you were encouraged by hearing about what God is doing in someone else’s life? What was that like? • Especially when we go through hard things, why is it so important to be on the lookout for the ways God is working in and around us? • Can you think of any ways yo...

READ: DEUTERONOMY 31:6; PSALM 94:14; JOHN 14:18 I am adopted from China. From what little I know (and understand), my biological mother abandoned me in a public area to be taken to an orphanage. Even though I was adopted as a little baby, I have insecurities about being abandoned or left behind again, although none of that has happened since I’ve been adopted. But I’ve heard that traumatic events, like being abandoned as a baby, can still affect a person, even if you don’t actually remember the event. While I have not been abandoned since that time, I know people who’ve had family and friends abandon them, and they often wonder if God will abandon them too. But the truth is, God never leaves His children. No matter what trials are going on in our lives, or no matter how far we’re running from God, He never leaves His children! And nothing can ever tear us away from Him (John 10:28-30). Once we belong to Jesus, nothing we do could ever separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39). Because He died on the cross for us and rose from the grave, nothing—including people, circumstances, or wrong choices—can take us away from Him. How can we be sure? Because He has promised never to leave us! And God keeps His promises. People on this earth may leave us, but God never will. He is a faithful Father. • Lilly Wiscaver • Life in our broken world can be really hard, and there are times in all of our lives when we wonder if God has abandoned us. And so, it’s good to remember God’s faithfulness and His promise never to leave us. Can you think of a time you experienced God’s faithfulness in your life? Do you have any favorite Bible verses that remind you of His trustworthy love? If you want to dig deeper, read Psalms 9:10; 23:4-6; 27:10; Isaiah 49:15; Luke 15. And if you want to know more about what it means to become God’s child through Jesus, see our “Know Jesus” page. • If you struggle with fears of being abandoned, don’t keep these fears to yourself. God has so much compassion on us, and He invites us to tell Him all about our fears, and also to tell trusted people who can help us find healing. Who is a trusted adult you could talk to? If you need someone to talk to, you can request a free conversation with Focus on the Family’s Counseling Department by calling 1-855-771-HELP (4357) weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Mountain Time). Please be prepared to leave your contact information for a counselor to return a call to you as soon as possible. In Canada, book your appointment by calling 1-800-661-9800 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) and ask to speak with the care associate. For he himself has said, I will never leave you or abandon you. Hebrews 13:5 (CSB)

READ: 2 CORINTHIANS 9:6-11 Have you ever thought, “I’d give all my money for that”? We may have this thought about possessions we really want to have, but it also may occur to us when someone we love is hurt. We might be hesitant to give our hard-earned dollars to something that feels distant, like the church offering or an organization we don’t know much about. But when someone we love is seriously hurt or sick, we’d pay anything to help them get well again. We wouldn’t even hesitate to give away our whole savings. When we really love someone, we’re glad to give. That’s how God wants us to give to Him—not because we have to, or because He needs anything (He doesn’t), but because we love Him. That’s what the Bible means when it says, “God loves a cheerful giver” in 2 Corinthians 9:7. Being a cheerful giver is when we don’t even hesitate to give all we have because we love the person we’re giving to so much. Of course, giving our money to God won’t always feel this way. But when we remember all He has given us, it makes us more cheerful givers. Jesus gave up everything for us. God became human and took the position of a servant. He was willing to die a terrible death on a cross so He could heal us from the sickness of sin and death and bring us near to God. He gave His life for us, and then, He rose from the dead. So now, everyone who puts their trust in Jesus is made new. As Christians, we can know that we will be resurrected like Jesus was, and we will live with Him forever in the new heavens and new earth when He returns. And in the meantime, He is always with us through His Spirit. So we can experience the immense comfort, joy, and purpose that comes from knowing the living God. When we rest in God’s immeasurable love for us and remember all He has done for us, that is what compels us to give cheerfully. • A. W. Smith • In the Old Testament, God instructed His people to give a tenth (or tithe) of their income to Him. In the New Testament, we see Christians giving to God in a variety of ways. When you’ve received money—whether from a part-time job, an allowance, or doing work for neighbors, etc.—have you ever given part of it to God through tithes and offerings? He calls us to give back part of what we’re given, remembering it all belongs to Him. But He wants us to do it willingly, not because we feel guilty or pressured. Consider taking a moment to pray and talk to Jesus, thanking Him for all He’s done for you and asking Him how He is calling you to give. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)

READ: EPHESIANS 6:13-18; HEBREWS 4:12 Have you ever tried to cut food with a dull knife? The process can be frustrating—and messy! Similarly, a dull pencil can hardly write, and a dull chisel will not only make slow progress, but it might end up ruining the item it’s supposed to be shaping. A dull tool rarely does its job well. But there is one tool that never needs sharpening—the Word of God. Hebrews 4:12 says the Word of God is “sharper than any double-edged sword.” Knives and other blades get dull and need to be sharpened pretty often, but God’s Word is always sharp and powerful. God calls us to engage with His Word often by taking time alone to read the Bible and apply it to our lives, and also by gathering with fellow Christians and learning more about what it says. God often speaks to us as we read and study His Word. Sometimes He convicts us of sin, which can be painful. It may feel even sharper than a sword. But it’s really a good kind of pain, sort of like the pain we feel when we exercise our muscles. And God always tells us how to deal with the sin in our lives: by confessing it to Jesus. He freed us from sin’s power so we could be brought near to God and learn to walk in His good ways. But resisting sin isn’t easy. At times, it’s an outright battle. People used to fight battles with swords, so we use “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17) when we fight against sin and against lies Satan wants us to believe—lies like, God doesn’t love us or won’t forgive us for the wrong things we do. But interacting with God’s Word isn’t always painful. We can be comforted and encouraged when we remember God’s many promises, and when we remember the gospel—how Jesus, God in flesh, died on the cross and rose from the dead to defeat sin and death, and how He promises to return one day and resurrect us from the dead so we can live with Him eternally. We can find great hope in these promises. And that hope will never grow dull. • A. W. Smith • As you read the Bible, do you think about what God might be saying to you? It can be easy to forget that God’s Word isn’t like other writings—it’s written by God Himself, and it’s “alive and active” (Hebrews 4:12). Consider taking some time to read today’s Scripture again, paying attention to what God might be saying to you. Sometimes He reveals sin in our lives that we need to confess and turn away from, or He reminds us to trust Him through a difficult time, or He gives us clarity on a situation in our lives, or He assures us that He will always love us. For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword… Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)

READ: PSALMS 34:4-10; 46:1-3; JEREMIAH 29:13-14; 1 PETER 5:6-7 Since I was eleven, I would write down the exciting points of my life and put them in my journal. It was a way to acknowledge all the hidden thoughts and emotions in my mind. This journal was also filled with anxious thoughts. These pages would often be left negative and unresolved. And when I reread them, I would get anxious and mad all over again. It’s been six years since I first started journaling. In that time, I’ve found that writing prayers at the end of my journal entries, whether difficult or happy, gives them a reason for hope and joy. When I pray, I talk to God and often become filled with joy because I know that God always hears me and won’t push me away. We all express our emotions in different ways. But one thing that is true for all of us is that God wants us to pray and rely on Him by giving Him all of our cares—He invites us to trust Him to take care of us (1 Peter 5:7). When we do this, we acknowledge that He’s in control of everything in our lives and we have no need to worry, because He loves us. We have hope in knowing that God will never leave us. Because of Jesus’s death and resurrection, we can be sure that He is always with us. Through everything we face, God is our hope. He is our reason to rejoice. • Chloe Chambers • What are some ways you process your feelings? Journaling, talking with a trusted person, going for a walk outside, etc.? • If you’ve put your trust in Jesus, you can know that He is with you all the time, including when you’re processing your thoughts and feelings. Have you ever tried talking to God as you process? It’s okay to be totally honest with Him—He gets it, and He is eager to listen to us and help us (Hebrews 4:14-16). We can trust Him with all our feelings, even the messy ones. Consider taking some time to process whatever thoughts and emotions you’re experiencing today, maybe through journaling. You can talk to God in prayer as you go, or end your time with a prayer. God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble. Psalm 46:1 (CSB)

READ: MATTHEW 28:20; ROMANS 8:12-25; REVELATION 2:12-17 Just when you think it can’t get any darker, I murmured as I watched over the hidden compound where we had to bring more Believers that morning. A small girl and her older brother were wrapped in a ragged blanket, hungrily eating hot soup. I wished we had arrived sooner, but now their parents were gone. There was a rustle in the dense trees just beyond where I kept watch. Tensing, I gripped the handle of my weapon and crept forward. Zon, be with me! This prayer echoed in the frantic beating of my heart. When I burst through the trees, I nearly stumbled in my astonishment. He stood before me, brandishing a double-edged sword that gleamed like sunshine on the sea. “Do not be afraid, Psephos.” His voice was the sound of mighty, rushing water. “Zon? Is it you?” Tears of hope and longing welled up in my eyes. “It is I,” He answered, “the Living One.” I fell at his feet, tears tracking down my cheeks. Zon dropped His sword and sank to the ground, wrapping His arms around me. “I know you are weary. I have seen the evil and darkness in this land. You and many Believers have remained true to my name, even in the face of death.” “How much longer until you come to rescue us?” Zon seemed to look into the depths of my soul. “Through my Spirit, I have given my people the power to remain faithful, Psephos. Yet, some among you are returning to their old ways and running after gods and possessions and experiences that will not satisfy. Only my love can satisfy you, and I have given it freely through my own death and resurrection. Remind the people of my words; encourage them to repent and return to me.” “Will you stay with me, Zon?” “I am always with you, to the very end of the age. Those who love me will be victorious, because I am the Victorious One. Here is something to remind you that you are mine, and I will always provide for you.” Zon placed something small and cool into my hand. I opened my palm to see a white stone with a single word written on it. I read aloud, “Athoos. What does it mean?” “It is your new name, my child. It means, innocent.” • Savannah Coleman • Today’s devotion is inspired by Revelation 2:12-17. This passage was written to the church in Pergamum. They lived in a culture where there was a lot of idol worship and sin, not unlike today. Jesus, the Living One, commends them for remaining true to His name and standing strong even in the face of severe persecution leading to death. How could it be encouraging to know that Jesus sees everything we’re going through, and He is always close beside us, even in our suffering? • As we continue reading in Revelation 2:14, we find that some of the Christians in Pergamum were turning back to idolatry and sinful practices, and Jesus urges them to repent. Then Jesus says that the victorious one will be given “hidden manna” (verse 17). Various Bible scholars debate what this passage means, but in Exodus 16, we see how God provided for the Israelites by giving them manna, bread from heaven to eat in the wilderness. Jesus harkens back to this in John 6, and He says, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry” (verse 35). Just as God provided manna, He gave us His one and only Son—Jesus is everything we need (John 3:16; 1 Peter 1:3; 2 Peter 1:3). Once we put our trust in Jesus, we become children of God; we are adopted into His family forever. He promises us eternal life, and He satisfies our deepest longings. We no longer need to live according to the flesh—reverting to our old, sinful ways—because we have God’s power in us to walk in freedom. Consider taking some time to ask God to reveal any old, sinful ways you’ve...

READ: 1 SAMUEL 20:41-42; ROMANS 12:10, 15-16 Do you ever feel ashamed for crying? Sometimes, it can feel like we need to be tough and strong, not weepy. But that’s not what we see in the Bible. In 1 Samuel 20:41, for example, we see how the mighty warrior-king David openly wept when he had to move away from his best friend Jonathan. It says, “David got up from the south side of the stone Ezel, fell facedown to the ground, and paid homage three times. Then he and Jonathan kissed each other and wept with each other, though David wept more.” And if you keep reading in the books of 1 and 2 Samuel, and in the psalms David wrote, you’ll find other instances when David cried. Yet, you’ll also find stories of David’s bravery in facing countless enemies. He killed lions and bears that came after his sheep, and he faced down the giant Goliath when everyone else was afraid to (1 Samuel 17:1–18:7). David was tough and strong—and weepy. It was because of his confidence in God that David could have the courage to face his enemies, and the honesty to face his own emotions. He cried openly and without shame—and he’s not the only one. Jesus cried too. Jesus is the ultimate Warrior-King, and He wept when His friend Lazarus died, even though He was about to bring the dead man back to life (John 11:35). God gave us our emotions. It’s not wrong to cry—it’s how we process the way we feel when we’re hurting. God invites us to use our tears, not only to grieve our own losses, but also to enter into the sadness of others. This is possible because Jesus promises to be with us in our grief, and He also promises to return one day. Then, He will wipe away every tear when He resurrects us from the dead and restores His creation. But in the meantime, we can take comfort knowing that Jesus sits beside us in every sorrow and weeps with us. • A. W. Smith • Does crying make you uncomfortable? God is not ashamed of your tears. In fact, God created us to have emotions, and crying is a healthy way to express those emotions. God loves us and cares when we’re hurting. Jesus died and rose again for us so He could be with us in our pain, weeping alongside us. The next time you feel like you need to cry, you can picture Jesus weeping with you. How might knowing that He weeps with us affect the way we view our own emotions? Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. Romans 12:15 (CSB)

READ: PSALMS 27; 63; 84 We sing of Your power,We lift up Your might,We praise Your goodness and grace!We exalt You as holy,We kneel to Your Name—But for a glimpse of Thy face.In Your face is delightthat none can contain,gladness, glory, and beauty!For You are our Maker,our soul’s one desire—Our spirit is thirsting for Thee.Your presence, O God,Your beauty we seek,Your face as fair as the dawn!For nothing on earthshall yet satisfy—Our heart yearns for Thee alone. What do you think it means to gaze at God’s beauty (Psalm 27:4)? Some Bible teachers describe it as simply taking pleasure in God—praising and delighting in every aspect of His being, much like we might take a long hike just to enjoy the coolness and calm of a secluded waterfall. Likewise, we can travel paths that lead us to the refreshing peace of God’s presence (Psalm 23:2-3). The path is not hidden—many have gone before. Most notably, we can follow the words of the psalmists. May we read them, sing them, pray them—and let God speak through them. Day by day, let us join with David in saying, “Your face, LORD, I will seek” (Psalm 27:8). And as we do, may we grow to recognize and delight in His glory, His goodness, His grace…and yes, His beauty. For once we know Him, nothing less than beautiful will do. • G. Kam Congleton • What kinds of circumstances are the psalmists facing? Do they seem shy about asking for God’s help? Is it possible that being in God’s presence is one way we experience His help? • Now the question is: How do we seek the presence—or face—of God? A great way to begin is to simply do what the psalmists do. Consider taking some time to talk to God, using the psalms as a model. Remember that as you seek God, He is already seeking you. We know this because Jesus “came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). Without Jesus, we are all lost—adrift, cut off from where we belong—because our sin separates us from God. But, through Jesus’s death and resurrection, we can be reconciled—or reconnected—to God (Romans 5:10; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20; Colossians 1:22). And so, putting our trust in Jesus is the first step in experiencing God’s presence (Hebrews 4:14-16). (You can find out more about trusting Jesus on our “Know Jesus” page.) One thing I ask from the LORD…that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. Psalm 27:4 (NIV)

READ: GALATIANS 5:16-25, 6:7-10; COLOSSIANS 3:1-17 Have you ever thought about how your habits form you and take you places? For example, if you have a habit of brushing your teeth every day, your teeth are likely healthy. If you were to neglect this habit, it would be quite obvious. Developing intentional, healthy habits is something that we, as Christians, are called to do. But there are other habits that seem to sneak in without us even realizing, and sometimes these habits are negative. These unexamined, negative habits could be hours of scrolling through social media, staying up way too late every night, or even keeping a messy bedroom (I’ve really struggled with that last one). These habits can leave us anxious, exhausted, and overstimulated. Why do our habits matter to God? Well, Romans 12:1 says to “offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” It calls this our “true and proper worship.” Being a “living sacrifice” affects our whole lives—including our day-to-day habits. Of course, we can’t do this perfectly. Jesus is the only perfect sacrifice. Through His sinless life, death on the cross, and resurrection from the dead, He made the way for us to be with Him forever. And, if we’ve put our trust in Jesus, He is living in us through the Holy Spirit, empowering us to live as holy and pleasing sacrifices and to develop intentional, God-honoring habits. These habits help us focus on Jesus’s presence with us and remember that we are dead to sin and alive in Christ. They could be Scripture reading, prayer, worship, being part of a Christian community, or journaling. These habits are easier some days than others, but when we continue in them, we often find that we continue to trust Jesus and His love for us more and more. And as we grow in our understanding of His love, we also grow in our love for God and our neighbors. We learn to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Jesus (Matthew 16:24). Forming habits is not about trying to earn your way into the Kingdom of God. We can only become God’s people by putting our trust in Jesus. Habits, however, are great practical ways to deepen our relationship with Jesus and learn to walk in step with Him. • Joshua Schmitz • Over the next few days, consider paying attention to your habits. What do you do when you get up in the morning? Before you go to bed? Before you leave home? When you get home? As you notice these habits and patterns in your life, ask, “Where is this habit leading me?” Is it leading you to live according to today’s Bible passages (Galatians 5:16-25, 6:7-10; Colossians 3:1-17)? And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)

READ: ISAIAH 41:10; JOHN 14:18; 15:12-15; HEBREWS 13:5 Have people ever let you down so much that you don’t want to get up again? I know I have felt like this many times. Or maybe you see all of your friends hanging out, and you feel like you’re the “backup friend.” Many times in my life, I saw my friends hanging out without me, and they would rarely talk to me. I’d always have to be the first one to reach out to them. Sometimes, I felt so severely depressed, I felt I couldn’t even tell my family about what I was going through. And I felt that Jesus was ignoring me too. But the truth is, even if it feels like you’re alone in your troubles, someone is always next to you. Jesus is with you always and forever. He never ignores you. He sees your troubles and your sorrows. He always understands what you’re going through, and He wants to be there for you. Jesus died and rose again to make the way for you to become His friend. And Jesus empathizes with you—remember, He knows firsthand what it’s like to be abandoned by your friends—and He invites you to talk to Him sincerely (Mark 14:50; Hebrews 4:14-16). Just tell Him what’s on your heart, and He will listen and comfort you, often through His Word, the Bible. Jesus is the best friend who will never betray you. He will never leave you alone in the darkness. • Violet Kotovets • Friendships are an important part of life. In fact, friendship was God’s idea! Yet, in our world that has been broken by sin, friendship can sometimes feel out of reach. And even when we are surrounded by friends, these relationships can often leave us feeling disappointed. In times like these, how could it be comforting to know that Jesus is the friend we can always count on? • If you’re having difficulty finding good friendships, consider taking some time to be honest with God and tell Him how this makes you feel. You can also ask Him to help you notice opportunities He may be giving you to invest in relationships with the people around you. • Today’s devotion mentions feeling severely depressed. If you are feeling depressed, or if it’s been more than a couple weeks since you’ve felt happy, tell a trusted adult. If you need someone to talk to, you can request a free conversation with Focus on the Family’s Counseling Department by calling 1-855-771-HELP (4357) weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Mountain Time). Please be prepared to leave your contact information for a counselor to return a call to you as soon as possible. In Canada, book your appointment by calling 1-800-661-9800 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) and ask to speak with the care associate. “And remember, I [Jesus] am with you always, to the end of the age.” Mathew 28:20 (CSB)

READ: ROMANS 12:16-21; EPHESIANS 4:31-32; 2 TIMOTHY 2:22-26 Have you ever worked on a complex math problem, only to realize that you made a mistake partway through? By the time you get to the end, there’s no fixing it. All you can do is start over from the beginning. The same can be true in our relationships with other people. Sometimes, we realize that a problem has been building and building in our relationship with a friend or family member. And the only way to fix it is to go back to the beginning of the problem. Often, this means we’ll have to admit where we did something wrong and apologize. This can be difficult to do, but God is eager to help us. He invites us to admit our sins to Him, remembering that He forgives us, and He helps bring us into right relationship with others. How does God help us in our relationships? Well, through Jesus’s death and resurrection, God made the way to bring us into right relationship with Himself. He forgave our sins, giving us His righteousness and restoring us to friendship with God. And if Jesus restored that relationship, He can help restore our friendships too. Because of His forgiveness, we can admit the things we’ve done wrong, and we can also forgive others for the ways they’ve wronged us. So, when we get into a fight with someone, we can think back to the beginning. We can ask ourselves where we said or did unkind things, and we can ask Jesus to show us how we caused hurt. We can confess our sins to Jesus and rest in His sure forgiveness, and we can also pray for the other person and ask Him to heal the hurts we’ve caused each other. Then, we can go to that person and talk it over. It can be tempting to carry a grudge, but when we rely on Jesus—the ultimate restorer of relationships—we can admit our mistakes and our sins, we can experience forgiveness, and our friendships can be restored. • A. W. Smith • How can knowing that Jesus restored our relationship with God help us lean on Him to restore our other relationships? • Is there a relationship you’re struggling with? Consider spending some time in prayer, asking Jesus to help you see where you caused hurt and asking Him for forgiveness and healing in that relationship. Remember, forgiving someone doesn’t always mean being in close relationship with them, and full restoration may only come when Jesus returns. If your situation involves a deep hurt, who is a trusted adult in your life who could help you set up loving boundaries? And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone…not resentful. 2 Timothy 2:24 (NIV)

READ: MATTHEW 14:22-23; LUKE 5:16; 1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-18 Have you ever had to face the same problem over and over again? I think we all have from time to time. A few months ago, I had a difficult situation at work. It went on for quite some time, and I relied heavily on the Lord for guidance. It was during this time that I was reminded of the importance of prayer. The problem that I faced leaked into everything, but with practice, so did prayer. When I sit in small groups at church, there are often moments when we’re asked what we need to be doing more of in our walk with the Lord. I’d guess that seven times out of ten, people say they need to “pray more.” And this is a great goal—God loves to hear from us, and He invites us to talk with Him through prayer continually. But then the next Sunday would roll around, and no one had prayed more. I don’t know about you, but I’m big into routines. So, I ended up building a routine of prayer. I prayed first thing when I sat down in my car, all the way to work, and on my drive home. There were two sets of stairs that I frequently prayed on. And to this day, when I reach those stairs or sit down in my car, I automatically launch into a prayer. And you know what? I saw God open and close doors for me in ways that I didn’t deserve and couldn’t imagine. Prayer is important. But don’t just take my word for it. The Bible tells us in the book of Luke that “Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (Luke 5:16). And in Matthew 14:23, Jesus goes alone to pray after the death of His cousin, John the Baptist. Later, we see Jesus go to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray before He goes to the cross for our sins. Even though God the Son knew He would rise again, He still cried out to God the Father. Jesus loves us, and He knows that we need to be talking with Him continually through prayer. He is our lifeline. So, what could your prayer stairs be? • Natty Maelle • If you know Jesus, He is always with you through His Spirit, offering guidance, comfort, and strength. Why is it important that we regularly take time to talk, and listen, to Him through prayer? • Do you have something that you could make your “prayer stairs” today? Think about your habits and the places you go regularly. Could any of those places become places of prayer? How might you go about building a habit of prayer in your life? Pray continually… 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV)

READ: LUKE 11:9-13; JOHN 16:1-15; EPHESIANS 1:18 In college, I had a professor who started class discussions about readings by showing us a picture of a lightning bolt striking the earth. Then she’d ask the question, “What struck you?” Sometimes, I like to ask myself this kind of question when I read the Bible. I like this simple approach of just looking for one thing that sticks out to me. It could be a word, a phrase, something someone did or said—or didn’t say or do. I like to pay attention to how this one thing makes me feel, because when we read the Bible, we’re not just reading for information or instructions. God is inviting us to interact with Him. The Holy Spirit helps us notice things, and He invites us to go deeper with God, to know Him better, to trust Him more. So, when I read a passage in the Bible, I usually start by asking God to help me see what He wants to show me. I might have to read the passage more than once, but something almost always “strikes me” or sticks out to me. As I spend some time thinking and praying about it, I ask God questions and tell Him what I like—or don’t like—about that one thing. Here’s an example: On Monday, I read John 16:1-15. In this passage, Jesus knows He is going to the cross the next day—and that He will rise from the dead three days later—and He promises His followers that the Holy Spirit will come to them after He ascends to the Father. When I read this passage, the word receive stuck out to me in verses 13-15: “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth…He will glorify me [Jesus] because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.” As I contemplated the word receive, I marveled at the mystery of the Trinity—one God in three persons: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As I dwelt on the idea of the Holy Spirit receiving from the Son, I was struck by how God is so giving, and I felt restful. So, on Tuesday, I wanted to journal about the word receive, and I did. But as I was reading John 16:1-15 again, another word stuck out to me. This time it was guide. I had recently been thinking about how Jesus is our Good Shepherd (John 10:11), and it made me feel relieved to be reminded that God guides us—it was just what I needed to hear. Isn’t our God so kind? As we seek Him and spend time in His Word, Jesus draws us into deeper and deeper relationship with Himself. He is so generous to give us understanding and to guide us. • Hannah Howe • How do you like to read the Bible? Have you ever tried talking to God about what you read? Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. Psalm 119:18 (NIV)

READ: PSALMS 32:1-11; 103:4; JOHN 8:12; ACTS 26:9-18 Blinking open his eyes he looked out into darkness. “How long have I been here?” he asked the darkness. “Innumerable days,” came the melancholy response. “How long shall I stay here?” he asked the darkness. “An insurmountable time,” came the dreary response. “Who shall stay with me?” he asked the darkness. “None but your shadow,” came the disdainful response. Then, a light flickered in the corner of his sight. A soft glow, glowing ever brighter. “How long have I been here?” he asked the light. “Long enough, my dear child,” came the loving response. “How long shall I stay here?” he asked the light. “Not a moment longer. Come and return to me,” came the guiding response. “Who shall go with me?” he asked the light. “My spirit shall guide you forever, no matter how far you stray,” came the gracious response. A single tear of joy streaked his face as he now saw to whom he spoke. “Then my Lord, I’ve but one last question. When may we leave?” • Gracee Terrell • Have you ever felt you’ve strayed so far from God that He couldn’t possibly want you back? Sin is like a hopeless, dark pit. But God tells us in His Word that He always wants to restore us, and that Jesus is the One who seeks and saves us (Luke 15:1-32; 19:10; 1 Timothy 2:4-6). Jesus is the Light, and because He died for our sins and rose again, everyone who puts their trust in Jesus is forgiven and saved from the darkness of sin and death (Colossians 1:13-14; 1 Peter 2:9). Once we belong to Jesus, nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:35-39). No matter how far we fall, God will always be there to guide us back. He works through His Word (the Bible), His people (the church), and His Spirit—who guides us into all truth (John 16:13). Even when we forget our identity as beloved children of light, He mercifully reminds us of His love and truth and helps us follow Him faithfully (Ephesians 5:8-14; 1 Thessalonians 5:5-11). “…to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me [Jesus].” Acts 26:18 (NIV)

READ: PSALMS 62:5-8; 87:7; ISAIAH 1:18; 1 CORINTHIANS 1:30 Sure is the hope of our righteousness,pure is the Word of the Lord;He is the rock of my salvation,He alone is my reward.“Come now, let us settle the matter,”says the LORD,“Though your sins are like scarlet,…they shall be like wool.” *My soul waits in silence for God only,His face, as the morning sun;In Him my refuge and my salvation rest,He is the Eternal One.“Come now, let us settle the matter,”says the LORD,“Though your sins are like scarlet,…they shall be like wool.” *He is the fountain of all our joy,He is the song that we sing;Jesus the Son of Righteousness—our God, the glorious King!* Isaiah 1:18 Bible scholars describe the gift of Christ’s righteousness in different ways: some picture it as being washed clean in God’s eyes; others say it is to be in right standing with God—like a person on trial being found not guilty. Receiving Christ’s righteousness certainly includes these truths, but it goes a step further. It not only means we are set free from guilt and punishment—that is, we are “free to go”—it also means we are joyfully welcomed into the fellowship of God’s family. Here, we are clothed in Christ’s righteousness: our place is set, our name is known, and we never need to prove our worth. In Christ, we are Home indeed. • G. Kam Congleton • Because Jesus has made the way for us to be transformed and made new, as Christians, we can freely confess our failures, while at the same time rejoicing confidently in Christ’s love, for we have received His gift: the sure hope of His righteousness. How is Jesus our ultimate refuge from sin, guilt, and fear? Consider taking a moment to confess any sins that come to mind to Jesus, resting in His forgiveness. (For more about the gift of Jesus’s righteousness, see our “Know Jesus” page.) For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” Romans 1:17 (NIV)

READ: JOHN 13:1-17; 2 CORINTHIANS 5:15-21; 1 PETER 2:21-25 A few days after arriving in Romania as a missionary, I discovered two things: First, one of the sandals I had brought along, hoping they would last my entire year overseas, broke. Second, on the ground floor of my apartment building, a family ran a small shoe repair booth. When I brought the busted shoe to the family members sitting behind their table, I primarily used gestures to indicate what I needed, since I spoke only a few words of Romanian. The broken sandal spoke for itself, of course. But they began communicating an idea I couldn’t understand. Finally, the woman looked at me and stated in English, “The other shoe!” I nodded, then jogged up to my apartment and retrieved the sandal’s partner. I handed it to the woman and settled on a plan to retrieve the shoes—one intact, the other soon to be made whole—later in the week. Back upstairs, I pondered the request for the other shoe. I realized these small-business owners understood that restoring the mangled sandal required using the other one as the example to follow. Had they not looked to the unharmed sandal as the model for fixing the damaged one, they risked missing the mark with their work. In our own lives, we are like that broken sandal, because we have all sinned. But Jesus, who is fully God and fully human, is like the intact sandal. He never sinned. We may be tempted to try to fix whatever seems to be wrong in our lives, but the truth is, we’ll never be able to repair ourselves. Only God can do that. When we surrender trying to do life on our own and instead trust in Jesus—with faith in His death and resurrection—we enter a relationship with God. We also become new creations and embark on a lifetime of being restored to the way God designed us to be. So, as we wait for Jesus to return and finish His work of restoration in and around us, we can grow in loving and living sacrificially, in serving others and living righteously. How? By keeping our eyes fixed upon Jesus and relying on His love (John 15:1-13; Philippians 2:1-18; Hebrews 12:1-3; 1 John 4:19). We meet Jesus when we’re broken. But when Jesus saves us, He forgives all our sins, and His Spirit begins transforming us to become more and more like Jesus. Because it’s only through Jesus that we are made whole. • Allison Wilson Lee • Living in our world that has been broken by sin, we encounter lots of confusing messages about which examples to follow. How could it be freeing to follow the example of Jesus, who never changes and always loves us, instead of the ideals of the world, which change over time? “I [Jesus] have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” John 13:15 (NIV)

READ: PSALM 90:4; JAMES 4:13-14; 2 PETER 3:8 Have you ever heard the saying, “Life is short, and then you die”? That saying certainly applies to cicadas. Cicadas are big, noisy bugs that look kind of like grasshoppers. And every seventeen years, a certain type of cicada shows up from underground in a massive swarm to mate and lay eggs. But the cicadas don’t last very long. They live for only about six weeks once they emerge from the ground. Their lives are short, and then they die. A cicada’s life is very brief compared to the lives of most people, but in a way, our lives are just as short. Sure, we may know people who live to be over ninety years old. This seems like a long time to us, but ninety years is only a brief time to God—after all, He is eternal. James 4:14 says, “What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” So, in a way, the saying is right. We live for just a short time, and then we die. But it’s missing something. As Christians, we know that when we die, our spirits will be with Jesus. And one day, when He returns, He will resurrect our bodies from the dead and we will have eternal life with Him. For those who trust in Jesus, death is not the end. We will live with Him for ever and ever! We don’t have to fear death—or even a short life— because Jesus promises us eternity with Him. • A. W. Smith • Do you know someone who has lived a really long time? No matter how old they are, their life is like a vanishing mist when compared to eternity. Our lives are short, but that doesn’t mean we have to fear death. Jesus was willing to die for us, and then He rose from His grave so we could be saved and have eternal life. And when we put our trust in Him, we can know that He will resurrect us from the dead and we will live forever with Him. (Find out more on our “Know Jesus” page.) • Do you ever think about the brevity of your life and the opportunities you may or may not have? How could it be comforting to know that, as Christians, we get to look forward to living in restored creation with Jesus and the whole family of believers for eternity? And how could this hope give us courage to follow Jesus here and now? (Romans 14:8-9; Philippians 1:21-26) What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. James 4:14 (NIV)

READ: EPHESIANS 4:22–5:2; HEBREWS 12:1-3; 2 PETER 1:3-9 Do you have vivid dreams? I dream vividly almost every night. Once, I had a hilarious dream about a team of ostriches flying, pulling me on a sleigh in the sky. We landed in a parking lot so they could take a break and join an exercise class. But last night, I dreamed I was crossing an immense desert on rollerblades. Every few feet, there were tarantulas the size of umbrellas coming out of the sand to grab me. I had to be very careful where I stepped (not easy on rollerblades in sand) because, at any moment, the sand would start to move, and another spider would surface from beneath. This ridiculous dream reminded me of living as a Christian. In life, we encounter many difficulties and fears (giant spiders, anyone?), and some of these surface when and where we least expect. So, we need to rid ourselves of things that hinder us from navigating well. If I had been wearing different footwear in my dream, I would have been able to avoid the tarantulas more effectively and quickly. Similarly, as we rely on Jesus to help us rid ourselves of things not glorifying to Him, we’ll be able to walk through hard times in a way that honors Him and helps us grow. When we rest in the truth of the gospel and Jesus’s love for us, it gets easier to let go of the sinful patterns that hinder us. In addition, Jesus helps us put on the good things God equips us with, such as self-control, perseverance, and godliness (2 Peter 1:3-8). In Ephesians 4, Paul reminds followers of Christ that, because Jesus has made us new, we will live differently than we used to. Not only are we to put off our old self, but we are to renew our minds and put on our new self, holy and righteous like God. As Jesus helps us shed the old ways of bitterness and anger, He helps us put on compassion and forgiveness. Then we can walk in His love, just as He loved us. • Savannah Coleman • How does sin hold us back from responding well to the fears and difficulties we face? Consider asking God to search your heart and reveal what sins you need to put off. Even as children of God, we will struggle with sin, but it no longer has to own us. As we renew our minds in the Word, spend time with the Lord in prayer, and pursue community with other believers, God will illuminate the things that need to change. He loves us so much that He sent Jesus to die and be resurrected to save us, and His ways are always best. He will walk with us in compassion and mercy, giving us the strength and hope we need to walk in His good ways. For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace. Romans 6:14 (NIV)

READ: PSALM 139:13-16; ISAIAH 49:15; ROMANS 5:1-11 Have you ever felt undervalued? You try to speak and state your views, but people disregard them, ignoring your ideas or even ridiculing them. Perhaps you have been overlooked in the planning or details of an event. In situations like these, it would be easy, and only human, to believe we are insignificant. Negative comments, not being included, or breakups in friendships can leave anyone feeling despondent and miserable. We may be left with a sense of being second place or even completely overlooked. We feel hurt and disappointed. What can we do in times like these? Remember that this world is imperfect and broken. People don’t always realize they have excluded you or ignored you. You can accept the emotions you experience, and process them with Jesus and with people you trust, but you don’t have to dwell on them too long. Instead, you can find hope in remembering the truths of God’s kingdom. God is a loving Father. He deeply cares for each one of His children. You are His unique creation. You are adored and cherished. Whatever situation you are currently dealing with matters greatly to God. You are a priority to Him. He wants you—and all of us—to enjoy relationship and eternal life with Him (1 Timothy 2:4). He loves you so much that He gave His Son, Jesus, to save you. Jesus’s sacrifice was enough to cover your sins, and the sins of others who have hurt you. And through His death and resurrection, He is working to restore the brokenness inherited since humans first sinned at the fall. Jesus sees your pain, and He weeps with you. But He also says, it will not always be this way. He wants to draw you into community with other believers who will extend His love to you. Your laughter, trials, dreams, and ideas are important. Even if everyone else abandons you, God’s love for you is constant. Whenever you feel insignificant, you can reach out to Him. • Cindy Lee • When have you felt marginalized, forgotten, or last on someone else’s agenda? You can offer this hurt and sadness up to God. Take heart, you are a priority to Him, and He loves you deeply. (If you want to know more about God’s love and how to have a relationship with Him, see our “Know Jesus” page.) • Who is someone in your life you can build up, reassure, and remind that they are valued? Kind words, sincere compliments, listening, a phone call, a thoughtful email, text, or message in a card are all ways of reminding people that they are valued and they matter. What could you do today? See how great a love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God! 1 John 3:1 (WEB)

READ: PSALM 10:4; MATTHEW 11:28-30; PHILIPPIANS 2:5-13; 1 PETER 5:5-7 One of the things that gives me the greatest anxiety in life is thinking about what others think of me. I worry about what the other shoppers think of me when I’m in the store, and I worry about what my family thinks of me when we get together. I’ve started to wonder, is it pride that makes me worry about all of this? Wanting to look good, and wanting others to think well of me? In 1 Peter 5, we read about pride and anxiety—and the two seem to be linked here, just like they are in my own life. It says, “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (verses 5-7). We’re called to be humble because God is not a fan of pride. Pride keeps us focused on ourselves instead of on God, and pride can easily turn into anxiety when we realize we fall short. But, once we know Jesus, we’re given a new identity in Him, so we don’t have to fear what others think of us. And, as His Spirit transforms us, He helps us repent of pride and grow in humility. When we are humble, we’re trusting God will lift us up and put us in a good position at the right time, and when Jesus returns, we’ll share in His glory. While I concern myself with trying to make sure that I don’t fail and trying to look good in front of others, God asks that I just be humble. He wants to carry my anxieties for me, and He is always looking out for me. • Emily Acker • It’s easy to worry about how others see us and try to figure out how we can impress them, whether with our lifestyle, accomplishments, humor, appearance, etc. But when we put our trust in Jesus, we receive a new identity: we are forgiven children of God, and we don’t need to try to impress Him or anyone else. We know we’re not perfect—that we desperately need Jesus every moment—and that’s okay, because He loves us. How could this kind of humility be freeing? • Jesus shows us what true humility looks like. Jesus is God the Son, yet He “made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant…he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:7-8). Jesus died for us, and then He rose again so we could be saved from sin and death. How can looking at Jesus help us walk in humility? “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 14:11 (NIV)

READ: PSALM 19:9-10; JOHN 1:1-5, 15; LUKE 4:14-21; HEBREWS 4:12 Of all the things I learned at Bible college, the most important thing I learned was from Dr. Kroeze. In every class, Dr. Kroeze’s excitement for the Bible was contagious. As he talked about the Scriptures, he would bounce up and down on his toes, close his eyes and gesture with his hands, and sometimes take off his glasses and spin them. Most classes ended a bit late because he never wanted to skip any detail. In fact, he got so caught up in teaching the Word that he’d never have time to finish everything he wanted to cover. I don’t think we ever completed the syllabus. But that’s okay, because the most important thing Dr. Kroeze taught me was how to love the Bible. He spoke with such wonder, affection, and excitement about Scripture that I couldn’t help but fall in love with it. If you’ve grown up in the church, it’s easy for the stories in the Bible to become just that—stories. We can forget that these were real things that happened to real people engaging with a real God. But when we approach Scripture with childlike wonder and curiosity, letting ourselves get swept up in the drama of the story instead of only ever pursuing the exact correct theological interpretation of every little detail, we get a fresh taste of who God is. Don’t get me wrong—I love theology! And pursuing solid Biblical interpretation and sound doctrine are vital to the Christian faith. But sometimes we get so bogged down in the details that we miss the beauty of the larger story. We miss out on beholding the divine mystery of grace. Scripture tells the story of God’s ridiculous, never-ending love for us, and His pursuit of His people through hundreds of generations. This pursuit culminates in God taking on human flesh in Jesus, walking among the people He’d been pursuing for thousands of years, teaching them the true meaning of the Scriptures they had been studying for generations, embodying God’s own presence with them, then being killed by Jewish authorities on a Roman cross, only to resurrect from the dead three days later and then ascend into heaven. All because He loves us. I think that’s what made Dr. Kroeze fall in love with the Bible. It tells the story of Jesus, who loves us enough to lay down His life for us, who is powerful enough to rise from the dead, and who promises to raise us from the dead and give us eternal life when He returns. And that’s a story worth listening to. • Taylor Eising • What part of the Bible captivates your attention? Why is that? “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my [Jesus’s] words will never pass away.” Matthew 24:35 (NIV)

READ: MATTHEW 7:1-5; ROMANS 8:1; JAMES 3 Yesterday, we talked about how the little habits we maintain as Christians can make a big difference. I shared the story of how I forgot to post information online prior to an important meeting at work—a responsibility that previously hadn’t felt all that important. After the meeting, I found myself trying to justify why I hadn’t uploaded the agenda. Generally, someone else sends it to me, then I upload it. So, I went through my emails to see if the agenda had ever been given to me. I saw that I had requested it, never received it. But that was months ago. It was my job to keep track of what was or wasn’t posted, and it was my responsibility to reach out to this individual and follow up with them. I’d had plenty of time. At work the next day, it took everything in me not to pin the blame on this person. And while maybe I shouldn’t take on all the responsibility for this error, it was in the end, mine. As Christians, taking ownership of our thoughts, words, and actions is huge. In Matthew 7:3-5, Jesus warns us against calling out other people’s faults but ignoring our own. Similarly, the book of James talks at great length about the impact of our words and deeds on other people who are made in the image of God. As Christians, we are called and empowered to walk with integrity and represent Christ well. Part of that is owning up to our mistakes and sins. But taking ownership doesn’t just apply to our interactions with people. Taking ownership for our sin is a massive part of salvation. When we accept Jesus’s gift of forgiveness and become a Christian, we are admitting that, apart from Him, we are sinful people. And as we grow in our relationship with Jesus, He calls us to be open with Him about all our mistakes and sins, along with all our frustrations and hopes. As we yield to the Holy Spirit, He works in us, transforming us to become more and more like Christ and grow in His love. • Natty Maelle • A big part of ownership is accountability. We all make mistakes, and we all sin. It’s tempting to not own up to what we’ve done—or worse, let someone else take the blame for it—and that’s why it’s important to have people in our lives who can hold us accountable. Who is a trusted Christian you can be honest with, especially when you’re struggling? Consider asking them to help you grow, check in on you to ask how certain problems are going, pray with you, etc. • Have you received Jesus’s gift of freedom from sin? Carrying around sin can be incredibly heavy—especially when guilt gets involved. You can give all that to Jesus today. He died on the cross, taking all of that sin on Himself, and then He rose again, cancelling it all out (“Know Jesus” page). Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other. James 5:16 (NIV)