Unlocked: Daily Devotions for Teens

READ: LUKE 17:11-19 “Jesus is coming,” Nathanael whispers. “He’s coming.” “Jesus?” I say, scratching another sore on my arm until it weeps. “Oh, you Samaritans! Don’t you know anything?” Nathanael sighs. “He’s the Healer, like the prophets predicted. He can save us—even you.” Ten of us are still alive in this leper colony. Staying at home would put our families at risk. Tears prick my eyes as I think of the day I left behind my wife and son—of the sadness on their faces. I miss them. “Unclean!” people scream at us, hurrying by. “Ugh! Look at them!” “Dear God,” I pray, “please, let Jesus heal me.” “Jesus is coming,” Nathanael cries. “A huge crowd is following Him.” “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” we cry over and over again until our throats dry up. Sunshine scorches us, playing havoc with our wounds, my heart thumps as Jesus stops. He does not run away. His eyes reflect compassion and love. He reaches out to us. The crowd immediately disperses, shuddering. “Go show yourselves to the priests,” Jesus says. I want to shout out that they won’t let us near them. But then I remember my prayer, and I wonder if, maybe, this is God’s answer. All of us obey. As we walk, my skin tingles. The heat is no longer intense. Before I even look down, I know I am well. Overcome with emotion, I jump up into the air! I begin to praise God loudly, running back to Jesus, falling on the stony ground at His feet, unable to stop thanking Him. Jesus speaks, His eyes rich with love, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner? Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you.” I run home, my heart soaring. Jesus has saved my life. • Cindy Lee • Today’s story is how one author imagines Luke 17:11-19. When have you felt like an outcast? Read John 1:12 and 3:16. How does Jesus give us a place to belong? (To learn more, see or "Know Jesus" page.) [Jesus said,] “Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” Luke 17:18 (NLT)

READ: JUDGES 2:16-19; ROMANS 6:1-14 If you’re a pet owner like me, then you know sometimes your pets do things you don’t understand. One thing I don’t understand about my cat Elora is that she loves to get into my bedroom closet. Elora knows how to slip in between the two sliding closet doors, but she doesn’t know how to get out. Whenever she gets stuck inside, I hear her meowing for help, and so I open the door to set her free. This process often repeats itself, and I wonder when my cat will learn not to get stuck in the closet! My cat’s obsession with getting into my closet reminded me of how we often get stuck in cycles of sin. In the Old Testament, the Israelites went through cycles of sin for many years. First they followed God, then they followed other false gods, and so God let their enemies rule over them. Then they cried out to God for help, and God rescued them. And the cycle would start all over again. In the New Testament, we see our lives follow the same pattern (Romans 5:20–8:39). When we’re left on our own, we choose to sin against God because we’re born with a sinful nature. We can’t break out of our sinful habits on our own because, without Christ, we’re all slaves to sin. The good news is that Jesus, God in flesh, gave His life for us. He died on the cross and rose from the dead so we could be forgiven of our sin and be made right with Him. God loves you so much, and He doesn’t want you to be separated from Him. If you’ve put your trust in Jesus as your Savior, He has delivered you from sin and death and brought you near to Himself. Like I rescue my cat from the closet, Jesus rescues us. He teaches us not to wander into sin, but even when we do, He comes for us every time. • Brooke Morris • Can you think of a time you felt like you were stuck in a cycle of sin? You might feel like there’s no way out, but there is hope! Jesus took our punishment on Himself when He died on the cross for our sins. If we’ve put our trust in Him as our Savior, He has already delivered us from sin’s power and given us the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to say “no” to temptation and break our sin cycles. Consider taking some time right now to pray. You can thank Jesus for being your Savior, confess any sin that comes to mind, rest in His sure forgiveness, and ask for His help to escape any sin cycles you may be stuck in. So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. Romans 8:1-2 (NLT)

READ: EPHESIANS 6:10-17 Have you ever been deceived? Confused, lied to, twisted around, and pulled into a pit of despair? We all have. Deception is one of the enemy’s favorite tactics. The devil is “the father of lies” (John 8:44). He tells us we aren’t good enough—that God couldn’t possibly love us. He uses the world’s voices to shout lies like: “Make straight As at school, join every club that will have you, and dress like a model—then you’ll be worth something.” We start to believe these lies and pursue things like popularity, good grades, trophies, or experiences above all else. We forget that true value comes from Jesus, our Creator and the one who has already done everything needed for us to be in relationship with Him (Ephesians 2:8-9). The good news? God’s truth protects us from the devil’s lies. In Ephesians 6, the apostle Paul uses armor to describe the way truth protects us: it reminds us of all we have in Jesus. As Christians, we are called to wear “truth like a belt” (verse 14). Just like no Roman soldier would go to battle half-dressed, we can’t fight the devil’s lies if we aren’t clothed in God’s truth. The truth of the good news of Jesus is our protection, our shield, and our sword in the midst of any struggle. Once we know Jesus, no lie can separate us from God’s immense love for us (Romans 8:38-39). We can talk with Jesus about any lies we’re dealing with. We can ask Him to replace the lies with His truth, trusting His Holy Spirit to show us what lies we’re believing and lead us to the truth of God’s Word. Jesus is the one who can drown out the enemy’s lies. • Sharon Rene • Are you aware of any lies you’ve been believing about yourself? Sometimes, even when we recognize lies, it can be hard to stop believing them. Consider taking a moment to write them down and give them to God. This may not makethelies go away, but it’salwaysagood first step. • Can you think of any truths from the Bible that refute these lies? Consider writing these down and thanking God for them • If you can’t find a Bible passage to refute a lie you’re believing, who is a trusted Christian in your life— such as a camp counselor or pastor—who can help you find some verses? [Jesus said,] “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32 (CSB)

READ: ISAIAH 43:19; 61:3; EZEKIEL 37:1-14; PSALM 107:20 Draw near, Lord I’m waiting for You To do a new thing, A God-thing. Bring beauty only You can From these dust and ashes. Open the grave and Breathe Your life Into me Over me All around me. Restore my hope and Resurrect these bones to Praise You once again. • Kelly Hope Parke • One of the Scriptures that inspired today’s poem is Ezekiel 37. When the Israelites were saying, “We have become old, dry bones—all hope is gone” (verse 11), God spoke to the prophet Ezekiel, showing him a valley covered with dry bones. Then the Lord said, “Look! I am going to put breath into you and make you live again!” (verse 5). And that’s exactly what happened: the bones became living people! This passage points forward to Jesus, the one who died on the cross and came back to life so that people who were dead in their sins (that’s all of us) could be forgiven and made alive. If you’ve put your trust in Jesus, this is your story too. You have the Holy Spirit, the breath of life, in you. And when Jesus returns, He will raise you from the dead to live forever with Him on the new heavens and new earth. For more about this good news, see our "Know Jesus" page. • Is there anything in your life right now that feels like those dry bones—things that seem hopeless and beyond repair? Consider taking some time to talk to God about whatever is on your mind. You can be honest with Him about how badly your suffering hurtsand how much you long for Him to bring hope. Remember, Jesus is with you, and nothing can separate you from His love. (Romans 8:38-39) • Why is it never foolish to hope in Jesus? (Hint: read Romans 5:5; Hebrews 4:14-16; Revelation 21:1-5) “This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Look! I am going to put breath into you and make you live again!” Ezekiel 37:5 (NLT)

READ: 2 CORINTHIANS 5:17; GALATIANS 5:13-23; PHILIPPIANS 2:13 Last night I accidentally let a popsicle melt on my desk. It dripped down onto my manuscript, and fifty pages of a book I was writing were ruined. The amazing thing about all this is that I wasn’t the least bit upset. It truly astonished me that I felt no anger or frustration over it. God must have been working in me again, because this surely wasn’t the old me. The old me would have cried out something like, “Forget it—it’s not worth it. I’m going to quit writing this!” (Although I wouldn’t have quit.) How God does it, I don’t know. I don’t feel anything going on inside. A light doesn’t flash and display the words “I’m different today.” But somehow, in God’s own timing, I am being lovingly changed, little by little, into the image of His Son. The fruit of the Spirit is beginning to blossom in my soul. This time the particular fruit was patience, or maybe it should be called longsuffering. Whatever you call it, it was something not evident in me yesterday, and it certainly wasn’t something I brought forth from myself. It’s God’s work. • Sharon Roberts • If we’ve put our trust in Jesus, believing in His death and resurrection, He lives in us through the Holy Spirit. As the Holy Spirit works in us, He produces fruit in our lives: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). Have you ever been surprised to see one of these fruits pop up in your life? What was that like? Consider taking a moment to praise Jesus for this! • As we grow in our faith, Jesus has so much patience with us. He loves us, and He knows that we will continue to struggle with sin until the day He returns. And He wants to help us. So when we fail, we can confess our sins to Him and rest in His sure forgiveness (1 John 1:9–2:1). He won’t give up on us. He keeps walking with us, forming us more and more into His perfect image (2 Corinthians 3:18). Consider taking some time to talk to Jesus in prayer, confessing any sins that come to mind and resting in His patient love. I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6 (CSB)

READ: MATTHEW 11:28-30; 2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-7; HEBREWS 4:14-16; 1 PETER 1:22 When I was growing up, my grandma was always ready for visitors. She’d often have homemade cookies that she would plate up for us, along with a glass of cold milk. Or if she didn’t have any baked, then she would get out a package of cookies and serve them up. She welcomed us warmly, and our visits always ended with a hug. Those were some special times, and looking back now, I think she gave us a good example of pure love, like God offers us. God is always ready for a visit. He always welcomes us. He is always prepared for us to sit and talk for a while. God meets us with comfort and love. You never have to feel like it’s a bad time to go to God. You never have to worry that He won’t be prepared for your prayers. Just like a loving grandparent, God is always there for you. He will always hear you. He will always love you. If you ever begin to doubt God’s love for you, then consider the most loving person in your life—and know that He loves you even more than they do. He wanted so badly to become your Father that He went all the way to the cross and grave for you! Jesus died and rose again so you could be forgiven and adopted into God’s family. That means, if you’ve put your trust in Jesus, God is your heavenly Father. So remember, you are His priceless creation, and you are infinitely special to Him. He always wants to hear from you. • Bethany Acker • Do you have someone in your life who is always welcoming and ready to visit? This is the kind of love God has for you! He is always eager for you to “visit” by drawing near to Him. Can you picture God this way? Consider taking some time to draw near to Him in prayer, and receive His warmth in whatever way you need it today—whether it be sharing in your joy, comforting you in your pain, listening compassionately as you process frustration, giving wisdom and direction in your confusion, covering you with forgiveness as you confess your sins, or something else. [Jesus said,] “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

READ: PSALM 34:18; MATTHEW 11:28-30; HEBREWS 4:12-16 Sometimes, I feel like a disco ball. Everyone thinks I’m the life of the party, that I’m always happy, having fun. If they looked a little closer, though, they’d discover the truth: I’m mostly broken, spinning in the dark, reflecting so many chaotic emotions that I feel like I just might crash. If that resonates with you, know you are not alone. God’s Word warns us that big, glittering smiles could hide a great deal of pain—sometimes our own. While we may be able to fool the people around us—and even ourselves on occasion—God is not deceived. He knows the griefs we carry. He knows each one of our broken pieces. And while He can shine light that brings joy, whimsy, and laughter into even the darkest of places, He is not interested in us spinning through the dark, putting on a show. He wants to heal us, to make us new, to give us purpose even when we are in pain. He wants our lives to rotate to the rhythm of His grace. And that grace is revealed in Jesus. God loves us so much that He took all our pain, sin, and brokenness on Himself on the cross. Then He rose from the grave, making the way for us to be with Him forever. When Jesus returns, all the chaos will be over, and we will be completely healed, whole, and restored. In the meantime, He’s with us in our pain—bringing hope and help. People around us may not be able to see a difference between spinning in chaotic brokenness and having faith in Christ’s redemption of the brokenness. They may only see us as the cheerful life of the party they’ve always seen, simply because they’re not privileged to deeply know us. But God notices all the deepest truths of you, and He sees how you’re coping. You can bring all your brokenness and chaos to Him, trusting Him to redeem it somehow, to heal it. You don’t have to carry the burden of making everyone else happy, especially when you’re struggling. You can release your burdens to Jesus, and rest in His love. • Abigail Aswegen • Do you ever pressure yourself to be happy for everyone else? Because of Jesus, we can slowly let down our guard, be honest about our brokenness, and rely on Him to bring healing. • When you feel the chaos inside of you ramping up—whether it’s anxiety, emotions, or pressure—how can you step back, slow down, and recenter on Christ? Who are trusted Christians in your life who can come alongside you and help you do this? Laughter can conceal a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains. Proverbs 14:13 (NLT)

READ: ACTS 1:8; 8:4-8, 26-40 The first time I visited Ireland, I toured Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin. I saw a museum exhibit of an ancient stone slab with a cross on it. The slab was from a nearby well that Patrick may have used to baptize people who converted to Christianity in the fifth century. The reason we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on March 17 is to remember Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. When Patrick was about sixteen years old, he was captured by foreign raiders, carried off to Ireland, and sold as a slave. Patrick was enslaved for six years until God brought him back to his home country in Britain. Patrick recognized that God’s presence was with him at all times, and we can see this through the prayer of Saint Patrick, part of which says: “Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me.” What amazes me is that, after Patrick escaped home to Britain, God called him back to Ireland as a missionary. Patrick knew there were dangers if he returned, but he still obeyed what God was calling him to. He shared the hope of Jesus with the Irish people, in spite of opposition from the church in Britain. He shared the message of the gospel—the good news that Jesus loves us so much that He died on the cross and rose from the dead to save us from sin and make the way for us to have eternal life with Him. God worked powerfully through Patrick’s ministry, and pagans who formerly worshiped nature came to put their trust in the one true God. God loves to draw people to Himself, and we get to be part of that work! If we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we are equipped and empowered by the Holy Spirit to share the gospel with people from around the world, like Patrick did with the people of Ireland. • Brooke Morris • Similar to how Patrick went to the place that formerly enslaved him, Jesus came to be with us—people who were God’s enemies (John 1:1-18; Romans 5:6-11). And, like Patrick, Jesus came with a mission to love and save the people who hated Him. Jesus even died for us! Then He rose from the dead, defeating sin and death on our behalf so we could have eternal life with Him. What good news! To learn more about the gospel, and how to share it, check out our "Know Jesus" page. • Can you think of a time someone shared the gospel with you? Maybe it was a pastor, family member, youth leader, or friend. What did they say that stuck with you? • Have you ever shared the gospel with someone? What was that like? Consider taking a moment to ask God to help you notice any people in your life He is inviting you to share the gospel with. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 (NIV)

READ: 2 KINGS 22:8-11; 23:1-3; MATTHEW 1:1; 24:35 The following story is an allegory based on 2 Kings 22-23, which tells the true account of King Josiah and the rediscovery of the book of the law. The lieutenant of the fourth galactic league rushed into General Lazlo’s office: “General, my platoon was searching old Lymerian archives. We found something you should see.” The lieutenant pulled up a document on his hologram pad and passed it over. The general gasped. “Is that Earthen religious law? Weren’t all Earthen religious laws catalogued already?” Tears began to form in the general’s eyes. How could we have lost something so precious? She started to read the text, “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.” She paused. “Lieutenant, I need you to contact the old earth religious order. I must speak to a representative at once.” As the lieutenant made contact with the order, the general paged through the document. She saw messages proclaiming fathomless love and a God who reached down to rescue the world He created—and over and over, the name “Jesus.” It sounded familiar, but she couldn’t remember where she’d heard the name. “General,” said the lieutenant, “I have a leader of the old earth religious order.” The general spoke with the leader, who said the rediscovered book was Christian Scripture—a text thought to have been lost over four hundred years ago. When the leader ended the communication, the general was left staring at a blank screen. She reflected on her own life. She was a hard worker and good at her job, but she often felt unfulfilled, even in success. She wondered if this rediscovered book had answers. She also thought of the chaos in her colony and wondered if the book contained the path to true peace. General Lazlo pressed the emergency broadcast button and began to address the entire colony: “Dear citizens, something vital was rediscovered today, and I have the privilege of reading it to you.” • Naomi Zylstra • How is today’s story similar to 2 Kings 22–23? How is it different? • The Bible is about Jesus, the one who died and rose again to save us from sin and death (John 20:31; Acts 10:43). That’s why it’s such an important book. How does this affect the way we study and understand it? But he [Jesus] said, “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God, and keep it. Luke 11:28 (WEB)

READ: PSALMS 13:5-6; 149:1-5; ISAIAH 42:10-12; EPHESIANS 5:19 Sometimes I find myself in an empty house, and I can’t stop myself from singing at the top of my lungs. I tend to belt numbers from The Sound of Music, especially “Climb Every Mountain.” There’s something about hitting those high notes, with the sound filling the space around me, that brings me great joy. Our voices, lifted in songs of praise, bring glory to God. Not just in church during worship, but all the time. In the car, singing along to your favorite worship playlist…softly humming a hymn to yourself…or, my favorite, when you’re all alone and can sing out with your entire being. God doesn’t care if you can carry a tune or if your voice sounds even halfway decent. It’s your heart that counts. When you take the time out of your day to glorify Him, it’s music to His ears. We don’t worship to sound good or because it’s a good Christian thing to do. Our worship is supposed to be an outpouring of the gratitude we feel for what God has done in our lives and in the lives of others, what He is doing in the present, and what He promises to do in the future. We rejoice that God delights in us—though we were messed up, broken people, He loved us and made us blameless in His sight (Psalm 149:4; Colossians 1:22). We praise Him for His majesty (Psalm 8:1), and because He is always right (Psalm 119:172). We sing because He is powerful, faithful, and full of unfailing love (Psalm 59:16). Finally, we sing to point the world to the hope we have in Christ—the one who died and rose again to save us from sin and death (Psalm 66:2). Worship brings glory to God, and it takes our focus off ourselves. When we’re praising, our eyes are open to the ways God is moving and working, and we are reminded of how good He’s been to us. Incredible things happen when we choose to worship, even when it doesn’t make sense. Think of Paul and Silas in prison—as they prayed and sang through the night, God sent an earthquake that freed all the prisoners, and ultimately, this miracle led to the salvation of the jailer and his family (Acts 16:22-34). So let’s rejoice—because God is so faithful and good to us! Sing a song of praise to the Lord! • Hannah Ruth Johnson • When does it come naturally for you to worship God? When do you find it harder to offer a song of praise? • What are some of God’s qualities we can rejoice in? (Hint: read Psalm 103:8) I will sing to the LORD because he is good to me. Psalm 13:6 (NLT)

READ: EXODUS 15:2-3; PSALMS 46:1-3; 59:16-17; EPHESIANS 1:15-23 In life, I tend to approach a problem thinking I can handle it all by myself, like a toddler taking on a task that’s obviously too big for them. I think, “I know tons of things—I can reason my way out of this mess, and I don’t need anyone’s help. I can do this, right?” Unfortunately, reality sets in as I try to solve everything and I discover that I am not strong enough to put my world to rights. I am a fallible human with limited resources and a small amount of strength. If I rely on myself and my own strength to get through things, then I will end up crushed by the troubles of life. I need someone who’s bigger than me and my world to take care of the trials infiltrating it. When we try to solve everything in our own strength, we are doomed to fail. But when we recognize that God is the only one strong enough to calm the storms in life, then something amazing happens. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, God gives us His strength so we can bear—and even overcome—the trials. When Jesus was on earth, His strength was evident when He healed people and performed miracles. It was this divine power that changed people’s lives and raised Jesus from the dead. And that same power lives in us through the Holy Spirit! As Christians, God’s strength is something we can rely on. And when we do, it changes our lives for good. • Morgan A. Mitchell • When are you tempted to rely on your own strength? Why do you think that is? • Relying on God’s strength might look like reading the Bible to find wisdom and guidanceabout your situation, telling God how you feel, asking Him for help throughout the day, turning to other believers for help and support, praising God with songs, and resting in His presence. What are some ways you could implement at least one of these practices in your life? • When we rely on God’s strength, that doesn’t always mean our trials will resolve in the ways we want them to. But it does mean that His strength is with us in the midst of our trials. We can know that He sees us, He loves us, and He cares about what we’re going through. And, one day, Jesus will return to raise us from the dead and put the whole world to rights, getting rid of sin and brokenness forever. How can these truths encourage us in the midst of our trials? The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. Psalm 28:7 (NIV)

READ: ACTS 9:1-22; 2 TIMOTHY 1:5; 3:15 Of all the conversion stories in the Bible, none are more dramatic than the Apostle Paul’s. Before knowing Jesus, Paul—also called Saul—was one of the most vicious, violent persecutors of the early church. Brilliant in intellect, he used his mind to orchestrate beatings and deaths against the converts of this new religion called Christianity, fearing it threatened his Jewish faith. His conversion story has been told and retold countless times. He was traveling the road to Damascus when he was blinded by a great light and the voice of Jesus asked, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” (Acts 9:4). Saul’s conversion was so dramatic that the leaders of the fledgling church didn’t believe him at first. It took a good amount of time before they finally accepted the truth: Saul the persecutor was now a disciple of Christ. My conversion was nothing like that. My brother shared the gospel with me when I was twelve, and I prayed a simple prayer while sitting on the side of my bed. There were no fireworks, no lights, certainly no voice from heaven. Later, my story of conversion was mostly met with shrugging shoulders and blank stares. I wasn’t a rebel or criminal before my conversion, so afterward, few people noticed any differences. But, like the Apostle Paul, I was different, even if nobody really saw it. I was a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). The death and resurrection of Christ that was sufficient to convert Paul in ancient Israel also covered a twelve-year-old in California. Maybe you don’t have a Paul conversion story either. Whatever your story, your sins are forgiven and you’re a new creation in Christ, all based on His sacrificial death and victorious resurrection. • Mike Hurley • If you’re a Christian, how would you describe your salvation story? • If you know Jesus as your Savior, you are a new creation. Jesus has freed you from the power of sin and death. And one day, when you see Jesus face to face, you won’t struggle with sin and its effects anymore, because sin and death will be gone forever (1 Corinthians 13:12; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Revelation 21:1-5). How might remembering that we are forgiven and that we are new creations help us rely on Jesus through the ups and downs of life? Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17 (CSB)

READ: JOHN 4:1-30, 39-42 There was something about His eyes, the way He looked at her. It was unsettling. She thought she knew all about men, understood how they thought. But this was different. “Go and call your husband,” He said. She hesitated, eyes lowered. “I have no husband.” He nodded. “True. You’ve had five—and the man you live with now isn’t one of them.” Her fists tensed defiantly. “Since you know so much, prophet, tell me this. Is God’s chosen place of worship here, among my people, or in Jerusalem, where the Jews worship?” Her eyes flashed up to meet His, ready for the judgment and rejection surely waiting. What she saw startled her. An intense compassion in His eyes matched by words washing over her in love. He said, “The Father is seeking worshipers in spirit and truth.” She heard, “The Father is seeking you.” Her battered heart leapt for joy. It didn’t matter—it never had! What she’d done, where she’d been—her fruitless search for God’s hiding place. He’d been there all along, pursuing her, waiting for her to see Him. Her water jar forgotten, she ran into the city. The words burst out, a testimony that wouldn’t be held back. “Come and see a man who told me all I ever did! Could this be the Messiah?” He knew her past, and He still wanted to give her a future. Jesus gave Himself to save us. There is no greater love, no greater offering to be made. God in flesh went to the cross so we could have life with Him. This love, freely given, cannot be earned. Only received. Jesus knows all you’ve ever done. Everything. And He loves you and wants you anyway. He loves you just as you are. • Remi Oyedele •Today’s story is how one author imagines John 4:1-30. Consider taking some time to read this passage for yourself. What do you notice? What questions do you have? • Can you think of a time you felt like the woman at the well? Sometimes it can be hard to believe that Jesus loves us just as we are. Thankfully, God knows we need reminders of His love, and He invites us to come and see Jesus, the one who knows everything we’ve ever done, the one who went to the cross to die for us and be raised from the dead so we could be forgiven and brought near (Romans 5:6-11). Consider taking a moment to tell Jesus whatever is on your mind. • To learn more about Jesus’s love for you, and what it means to receive it, check out page 104. [The Samaritan woman said,] “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” John 4:29 (CSB)

READ: 1 KINGS 11:4-6; 1 CORINTHIANS 7:39; 2 CORINTHIANS 6:14-18 He’s cute, he’s sweet, and he’s oh-so-nice. But he’s not a Christian. She goes to church, and she’s so much fun, but Christ is not particularly important to her. Is it okay to date them? Being attracted to someone who doesn’t love Christ can be a really tough situation. Trust me, I’ve been there. What can you do? First off, dating them is a bad idea. I’m really sorry. If Christ is the center of your life and identity, you can’t have a partner for whom Christ isn’t important. Even if they’re happy to live your Christian life right now, they don’t share your ultimate goal to love God and serve in His kingdom. It doesn’t matter how nice or “good” they might be. Entering a romantic relationship with someone who doesn’t know Jesus is often a path to heartache, sin, and regret. So, you say no. Sound hard? It is. It’s the most heartbreaking thing I’ve ever done. But if I survived it, so can you. Because Christ is sufficient for us (2 Corinthians 12:9). “But wait!” you may ask, “what if they become a Christian? Then can I date them?” If they really are sincere about following Christ—and wouldn’t give up on Him even if you weren’t in their life—then, yes. They’re God’s child, and you’re on equal footing. Good news: there are lots of real-life examples of this happening! Bad news: there are also a lot of real-life examples of someone “converting,” but really only doing it for the other person, and never truly loving Christ. That’s an even worse situation, so be careful. If someone says they know Jesus, take your time before starting to date them. Find out why they believe and get lots of counsel from godly Christian adults in your life. When in doubt? Wait and pray. And remember that, if Christ has a future spouse for you, it’ll be someone who really loves Him. You can trust God for your future. • Christiana Albrecht • Have you ever been attracted to someone who doesn’t love Christ? What did you do? • Do you know any Christians who are currently married to non-Christians? What could you learn from their experiences? How could you pray for them? • If you’re attracted to someone who doesn’t share your faith, talk to Jesus about it. He has so much compassion on you. He knows your hurts, and He’s with you through it all (Hebrews 4:14-16). Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 2 Corinthians 6:14 (NIV)

READ: 1 CORINTHIANS 7:1-9, 25-38 You know that cute couple who’s always taking pictures of how much fun they’re having together and raving about one another? Ever been envious of them? It can feel really lonely to be the person who is still single when your friends are all dating. The Bible has good news: it’s okay to be single! In fact, sometimes it can be better than being in a relationship. In 1 Corinthians 7:7, the apostle Paul writes, “But I wish everyone were single, just as I am.” Why on earth does Paul say that? Think of that couple again. They spend a lot of time thinking about each other, don’t they? Some of that is good, but the trouble begins when we’re so busy thinking about making our partner happy that we don’t think about living to please God. He has great plans and purposes for each of us. But it’s easy to lose our focus on God’s love and goodness when we start to place our identity in our relationship status instead of in Jesus Christ. So, is it okay to date and get married? Absolutely. In this same chapter in 1 Corinthians, Paul makes it clear that it’s not a sin to get married and that faithful, loving Christian marriage between a man and a woman is one good way people can serve God and show His love. But it’s important to think honestly about whether your romantic relationship helps you serve God better. Do you help each other grow deeper in your relationships with Christ? Are you able to serve each other and work together to serve others? When you’re together, do you see the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)? Those are good reasons to date. But if you’re in a relationship just to make you happy, the way you see yourself may start to be defined by that relationship, instead of by how God sees you and what Christ has done for you. Being single can have its challenges, but remember, a lot of people in “happy” relationships end up very unhappy, and very regretful. The good news is, God wants to share His joy with us, and He can redeem even the messiest of circumstances. If you’re single, you might be surprised by how content you can feel as you eagerly look for opportunities to serve God, only pursuing a romantic relationship if that’s where He leads you (1 Corinthians 7:33-35). Regardless of our relationship status, as we seek to follow Christ above all else, we find true joy. • Christiana Albrecht • As Christians, we’re part of God’s family (Romans 8:16-18). Married or single, we are never alone because we have Jesus and the community of His people. Who in the church has shown God’s love to you? How could you show Jesus’s love, especially to those who might be lonely? But I [Paul] wish everyone were single, just as I am. Yet each person has a special gift from God, of one kind or another. 1 Corinthians 7:7 (NLT)

READ: ISAIAH 55:8-9; PHILIPPIANS 2:12; HEBREWS 11 In middle school, I was open in sharing my faith with friends, and they openly shared their beliefs with me too. It was fun having conversations about what we believed in and why. That is, until my friends started asking me more difficult questions, like, Was the Garden of Eden story true? Did the flood actually happen? Why would this man named “Jesus” die on the cross for us? I didn’t always have an answer. This sometimes made me feel embarrassed, like I didn’t really know what I believed in. Thankfully, I was involved in an awesome youth group where I could bring up these big questions I had about my faith. I was never ashamed to have questions; rather, I was encouraged to ask. My youth pastor and mentors would pray with me and open God’s Word to seek answers. And when I discovered an answer, I often had another question! But I realized that asking questions, seeking answers in God’s Word, and even asking a trusted adult for help massively grew my faith. You might have questions about your faith and not know where to look for answers. First, take a deep breath. It’s okay to feel this way. God is so huge and beyond our understanding that we get to spend our whole lives learning about Him! Second, don’t be afraid to take your questions to a trusted adult—like a parent, mentor, or youth pastor—asking them to pray and study God’s Word together with you. Over time, you may notice that the more you ask questions and seek answers and ask more questions, the more your faith will continue to grow. • Rachel Wierenga • Have you ever felt embarrassed to have questions about what you believe? Why do you think that is? God isn’t embarrassed by your questions. In fact, He invites them! He doesn’t expect us to know everything about Him and the Bible. Rather, He loves it when we’re curious about Him and His Word. And He loves to provide wisdom as we seek out answers. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, believing in His death and resurrection, He is with us through the Holy Spirit, guiding us as we seek to know Him more. And even when we don’t find clear answers, God walks with us through the process of discovery, using all of it to draw us closer to Himself. • What are your three biggest questions about what you believe? Who is a trusted Christian adult you can share these questions with? Consider seeking them out this week and see if you can set up a time to talk, pray, and study God’s Word together. “You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 (CSB)

READ: 1 KINGS 3:4-14; 1 JOHN 1:9–2:2 “What are you afraid of?” Ask ten different people, and you will likely get ten different answers! Our fears are very personal to us, depending on our past experiences. Still, one of the most common is the fear of failure. In the Bible, Solomon also feared failure. He was called to follow in the footsteps of Israel’s greatest king, his father David. It was a daunting task, and Solomon felt inadequate and unprepared. When God appeared to Solomon in a dream, this is what the young king prayed: “Give your servant a receptive heart to judge your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of yours?” (1 Kings 3:9). Solomon feared failure! He knew he needed God’s help, so he asked for a wise and discerning heart. Solomon’s prayer pleased God so much He not only gave Solomon wisdom, but riches and honor as well. Like Solomon, when we fear failure, we are invited to call out to God. As James 1:5 says, “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him.” Knowing that God will give us wisdom for whatever He asks us to do is a great way to combat a fear of failure! We’re all going to fail sometimes—even Solomon failed (1 Kings 11:1-13). But, if we know Jesus, we are secure in Him. Jesus lived a sinless life, died on the cross, and rose from the grave—and in doing so He covered all our failures. So we can always lean on Him. He is faithful, not only to give us wisdom, but also to pick us up when we fall. • Laura N. Sweet • Can you think of a time you were afraid of failure? How could remembering that we are secure in Christ help quiet those fears? • In your own life, what are some situations where you need wisdom? Have you talked to Jesus about these situations? Consider taking some time to talk to Him now. • One of the ways God gives wisdom to His people is through wise counsel from mature Christians (Proverbs 11:14; Galatians 6:1-2; Colossians 3:16; James 3:13-18). Who is a trustworthy Christian you can talk with about any questions or fears you have? (If no one comes to mind, you can ask God to help you identify someone in the future.) [Solomon said,] “So give your servant a receptive heart to judge your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of yours?” 1 Kings 3:9 (CSB)

READ: PSALMS 19:1-6; 96:5-6, 11-12 Dominic stepped out of his car into the crisp, cold air. It had been in the teens during the night, and the weather felt as cold as the relationships in his home. Things had gotten tense between his parents, and he needed time to think. Dominic pulled on his gloves and zipped up his coat as he headed for the muddy hiking trail. Ever since his dad had taken him out here when he was young, Dominic had always processed hard things by hiking. Drifts of snow mixed with melting runoff made his pace slow. But Dominic wasn’t in a hurry. He embraced the challenge and pushed through the remnants of winter to climb the hill. Working his way toward the top, Dominic’s muscles relaxed. The familiar climb brought rest to his mind. With every step, he was reminded that Jesus was with him through this. The quiet helped him remember. As he rounded the second bend, he glanced out and saw the bluish-white valley stretching out to the amber horizon. The majesty of the landscape motivated him to continue. The same God who sustains all this is the one who sustains me, he thought. Within thirty minutes, Dominic was standing at the top of the hill. Shorter hills encircled this slope, and Dominic gazed out as the sun climbed higher, reflecting off the snowy mounds. Suddenly, the hills were studded with brightly shining diamonds. Golden light jumped and danced off the crystalline snow. The brilliance was stunning. Dominic breathed deeply and basked in God’s morning masterpiece. • Eric Downs • Can you think of a time when being outside helped you relax, and maybe even reminded you of God’s goodness and power? What was that like? • What is one part of God’s creation you’re thankful for today? Consider taking a moment to tell God what you like about it. The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Psalm 19:1 (NLT)

READ: EPHESIANS 4:2; 1 THESSALONIANS 5:14; JAMES 5:7-8 I’m going to be honest—I am terrible at being patient. I get frustrated with long lines, slow computers, and people who walk at a snail’s pace but take up the whole sidewalk so there’s no way to pass them. I also get impatient when I feel like God isn’t listening to my prayers. Doesn’t He know how much I need the thing I’m asking for? Doesn’t He care about my hurts and all that is wrong in the world? The answer to both of these questions, turns out, is a resounding yes. God knows all our needs even before we ask, and He cares so deeply for us—and for all His creation—that He came in flesh to set us free from sin and death and bring us into relationship with Himself. He invites us to come to Him with all our struggles—to trust Him, patiently. Although practicing patience is sometimes unpleasant, it’s possible because God is patient with us. Jesus, who is God the Son, was patient with people when He lived among us on earth. Throughout His ministry, even though He told people who He was and what He came here to do, many of them—even His closest friends—still got confused about His purposes. They wanted someone who was going to come in and overthrow Rome, but that wasn’t the kind of king Jesus set out to be. Instead, He endured the cross, knowing that on the third day, He would rise again. In the same way, God the Father is patient with us as He waits for our repentance, those moments when we come to our senses and turn away from sin, back toward Him (2 Peter 3:9). God continues to love us and wait for us, even if we’re ignoring Him (Luke 15:11-24). Since God is so patient with us, that means whenever we’re struggling to wait, we can go to Him. As we rest in His love and remember His goodness, we often find it becomes easier to wait on the Lord. • Naomi Zylstra • What’s something you do that requires patience? • If we know Jesus, we have His Holy Spirit in us, and one of the fruits the Spirit produces in our lives is patience (Galatians 5:22-23). On top of that, we have the sure hope that all our waiting will be worth it, because when Jesus returns, He will make everything new and we will live with Him forever in restored creation, finally free from sin and brokenness (Revelation 21:1-5). How could these truths give us comfort and strength in times of waiting—whether we’re waiting for something in our own lives, or waiting for God to right the wrongs we see in the world? Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12 (NIV)

READ: PSALM 103:4; ROMANS 8:38-39; COLOSSIANS 2:13-15; 2 PETER 3:8-13 Life digs a pit and throws me, kicking and flailing, inside. I hit the bottom hard. There’s no escape, so I call out, “Lord, save me! I’m not meant to exist in this pit. I know Your plan is good!” I sit down and wait for my Savior, expectant for His face to appear over the edge. Time passes, and I fidget, wondering why it’s taking Jesus so long to intervene. I know He heard me. I stand up. I hear noises! My eyes flit back and forth, expecting a rope or a hand. Instead, I see dirt from a shovel come flying into the pit. I duck my head just in time to protect my eyes. More scoops come until my head and shoulders are dusty and my nostrils twitch with oncoming sneezes. “Who’s up there?” I shout. Satan pokes his head over the edge and grins. “It’s me. Adding misery to what Life does. Fun, isn’t it?” Another scoop follows his words down to the bottom of the pit. I back myself against the dirt wall. I press my lips together, trying to keep my heart steadfast. I know my Savior loves me. But the shovelfuls don’t stop, and eventually, I snap. “Lord, if you’re not gonna get me out of here, could You at least bring me a shovel so I can throw some dirt back at him?” I shout. “Don’t You care that Satan’s winning?!” Jesus comes. All the way to the bottom. He has a board, and He begins using it to tamp the loose dirt. He sings the Song of Grace as He works. I frown. “Why are you down here? Can’t You get me out? Don’t You wanna thwart Satan’s dirt?” Jesus looks at me with love. “Trust Me,” He says. “It might look like Satan is winning, but here’s the secret. I am using his evil, feeble work to fill in the pit. He thinks he is destroying forever. But I am restoring things—even this very pit— using his evil intentions for good. When I am done tamping, we will walk out of the pit together on solid, level ground.” • H. K. Rausch • Today’s story is an allegory. Though we live in a world that has been broken by sin, Jesus came to save us through His death and resurrection. He has defeated all the powers of sin and Satan, and one day Jesus will return and make all things new and whole! Until then, we will experience suffering and hardship, but we can know that Jesus is right here with us in the midst of it. What kinds of struggles have you had lately? Consider taking some time to tell Jesus about them. • In addition to talking to Jesus, who are trusted Christians you can talk to about your struggles? And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (NIV)

READ: PROVERBS 27:9; ECCLESIASTES 4:9-12; 1 JOHN 4:19 Sometimes it’s hard to share the thoughts and feelings weighing most heavily on our hearts. Maybe we’re struggling with depression, bullying, a parent’s divorce, the death or illness of a loved one, or the sins we are most often tempted by. We might feel embarrassed or ashamed that we feel the way we do. We might worry how others might react. We might even feel like we’re a burden to them when we tell them how we’re feeling. But God doesn’t want us to suffer alone! He gave us friends, family, teachers, and our church families to help us—in good times and in bad. Aaron supported his brother Moses’s arm when he was too tired to hold up his staff (Exodus 17:10-13). Jonathan protected his friend David from King Saul, who wanted to kill David (1 Samuel 18:1-5; 20:1-42). As Christians, we are meant to support, challenge, and encourage each other no matter what we’re going through—loving each other as Jesus has loved us (Matthew 28:20; John 13:34-35; 1 John 4:19). Maybe at church, you feel like you don’t belong. “Nobody knows or understands what I’m going through. I’d better just stay quiet.” But Christians aren’t a bunch of perfect people: they’re a bunch of people who are all in different places on their journeys to become more like Christ. Some might be at a high point in their lives, others at a low point, but everyone will face their own unique struggles sooner or later. You don’t have to be ashamed to have them. In fact, being open about them may encourage someone else to share their burdens too! We bless others when we let them help us. Purpose and special blessing are found in demonstrating the love of Christ as we “share each other’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2). Please don’t deny that privilege to those who care about you and want to help you! When we are refreshed and encouraged by the body of Christ, we find new strength to give the same gift of encouragement to others. • Jessica Kleeberger • What kinds of struggles or burdens have you been dealing with lately? Who is a trusted Christian in your life you could share them with—such as a parent or other family member, pastor, friend, or youth leader? • What are some ways we can help friends who are going through hard times, even if they might be reluctant to ask for help? How can this show Jesus’s love? Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NLT)

READ: PSALM 23; JOHN 10:10-18 In college, I shared an apartment with a buddy. We lived in complete poverty: we owned a couch, a desk, a chair, and an old TV. Late one afternoon, I fell asleep on the floor. I heard some noise and assumed it was my roommate rummaging around. It wasn’t. A guy had broken in by slicing a hole through our bedroom screen. Even though I heard him, I pretended to sleep, which is a good thing since he carried a knife. I can’t imagine a more disappointed thief as he wandered through our sparse apartment, ultimately leaving empty-handed. Jesus describes a different thief—followed by a stark contrast—in John 10:10, saying, “A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” Those are powerful words. Stealing. Killing. Destroying. The thief cares not about you or me. A thief will take what isn’t theirs and may harm others in the process. Satan, the greatest thief of all, wants your joy, peace, and even your very life. He hates God and the people He has created. But here’s the contrast. In verse 11, Jesus goes on to say that He is the Good Shepherd, and He is willing to lay down His life to protect the sheep. The sheep are His people—everyone who puts their trust in Him. He not only protects the sheep, but He has “come so that they may have life and have it in abundance” (verse 10). Sheep are very vulnerable to predators, but the Good Shepherd provides both safety and abundant life, safeguarding them from thieves who want their death. Jesus accomplished all this by laying down His life for His sheep, providing the ultimate sacrifice at the cross. He gave His life so the thief would not take ours. A hired hand might run, but a real shepherd will safeguard his sheep, even to the point of death. And because Jesus rose from the dead, we can rest in the promise of the Good Shepherd: that He will not lose a single sheep (John 6:39; 10:28-30). • Mike Hurley • Jesus isn’t the only one who talks about sheep and a shepherd as a metaphor for people and God—we see this comparison throughout the Old Testament as well. In fact, all these passages point forward to Jesus. Why do you think God describes our relationship to Him this way? • Jesus offers us life and peace through His death and resurrection—while sin and Satan only offer us death. To learn more about how Jesus saves us from sin and death, check out our "Know Jesus" page. [Jesus said,] “A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.” John 10:10 (CSB)

READ: PSALMS 37:23; 119:105, 133; MATTHEW 28:16-20; ACTS 18:1-4 “What are you going to do when you grow up?” While this question can be fun to ask a small child, it becomes more stressful as you inch closer to graduation. Everyone seems to expect you to have an answer—as though there is only one “right answer.” Perhaps you find yourself exhausted with all the questions, feeling a mounting anxiety about “getting it right.” Perhaps you have thoughts, but you aren’t feeling “called” to a specific career. Maybe you’ve known since you were nine what you want to be. Maybe you have no idea or too many ideas! Take a breath. It’s okay. Sometimes, a career is just a job—funding and fueling the passions God will give you in your personal time. Always, it is a mission field, to reach people with the love of Jesus who may not know Him yet. But a career is not always static. You may start in one field or one position, and branch into one or more different areas as time goes on. Even Jesus wasn’t pigeonholed into one job. Fully God and fully human, He probably worked as a carpenter first; then as His public ministry began, He did the work of a teacher, healer, and exorcist, to name just a few of His roles. The apostle Paul was a teacher, a writer, and a tent maker! Personally, I worked as a criminologist and a social worker before becoming a stay-at-home parent and freelance creative. My path has not been what I expected, but it’s been filled with the presence and empowerment of God, growing and stretching me continuously. You don’t have to know what you’re going to do “for the rest of your life.” You’re free to focus on the next step. You can trust the Holy Spirit to direct you—to whisper behind you, “This way!” every time you’re faced with a crossroads—and to help you be open to change (Isaiah 30:21). Remember, Jesus will walk with you every step. • Abigail Aswegen • Consider taking some time this week to talk to a few trusted Christian adults about what they planned to do when they were your age. You can ask if their plans turned out the way they expected, and how they saw God show up in the midst of it. • If we’ve put our trust in Jesus, our most important identity is “beloved child of God.” Any jobs we do can never take that place. How does this identity free us to pursue whatever path God calls us to? So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)

READ: EXODUS 33:11; JOHN 15:13-15 Most of our friendships begin by meeting someone new and getting acquainted with that person. A stranger remains a stranger until we start to get to know them. This can happen through conversations, shared activities, or interacting in group settings. As we grow closer to someone, we may refer to them as an acquaintance and eventually a friend. As love and trust are developed, it becomes easier to rely on each other. Like how we need to acquaint ourselves with people to become friends, we must acquaint ourselves with God to feel close to Him. It’s easy to know a lot of things about God—such as His sovereignty, love, mercy, and grace—but just because we know a lot of things about Him doesn’t mean we know Him. We can possess a lot of information about the Lord without having much of a personal relationship with Him. So how do we get to know God? We can start with reading the Bible—the words He wrote for us. Another way is by prayer—either pouring out our hearts to Him or simply being still and silent in His presence. Jesus communicated intimately with His Father when He was on earth, often going away to pray alone. As God the Son, He and God the Father remained close even though they were not in heaven together. Jesus set the example of what a relationship with God should look like for us. And He made the way for that relationship to be possible! Before, sin separated us from God’s presence. Now, because of Jesus’s death and resurrection, we can have friendship with God. He draws near to us, and He longs for us to draw near to Him. What an amazing gift! • Morgan A. Mitchell • How is getting acquainted with God similar to getting acquainted with a person? How is it different? • Can you remember a time when you felt like you were really getting to know God? What was that like? • In what ways do you feel like you know God well? In what ways do you feel confused or distant? Consider taking some time to talk to Him about whatever comes to mind. • What questions do you have about getting to know God? Who could you talk to about this? “Acquaint yourself with him now, and be at peace. By it, good will come to you.” Job 22:21 (WEB)

READ: DEUTERONOMY 31:6; PSALM 46:1; ISAIAH 41:10 When I was little, I was terrified of dogs. Going to family or friends’ homes was always a nightmare when I knew they had a dog. However, one thing that comforted me was knowing that my parents or older siblings would be there with me. I wasn’t alone. I had experienced that if I went to them for protection, they would pick me up, away from the “danger,” or stand in front of me and shield me from my fear, or ask the owners to put the dog outside. No matter what, I was confident in their protection, and I knew they didn’t mind doing it! Their love and care always made being in those situations less stressful. I realize God is just like that. Just as my family was there for me when I was afraid, He is there for us in intimidating and uncertain situations. He lovingly waits for us to come and ask Him for help, and He loves when we have the confidence to trust Him to protect us. He doesn’t get tired of us or get annoyed when we keep coming to Him. He opens His loving arms and becomes our refuge and strength, our very present help in trouble. • Ellie Stephens • Can you think of a time someone protected you—maybe when you were a little kid, or maybe more recently? What happened? • Can you think of a time you experienced God’s protection? What was that like? • God loves us so much that when we were helpless to save ourselves from sin and death, He rescued us through Jesus’s death and resurrection. Once we put our trust in Jesus, we can look forward to the day He will return and put an end to all the evil and brokenness in our world—then there will be nothing left to fear (Revelation 21:1-5). As we wait for that day, we can rest knowing that we are held safely in God’s arms (Romans 8:35-39). Whenever we’re afraid, God wants us to call to Him. It doesn’t even matter if the danger is real or perceived—He is always happy to reassure us of His love and care (Psalm 34:4). Does it feel like you can count on God’s protection? Why or why not? Consider taking a moment to talk to Him about this. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 (NIV)

READ: EXODUS 20:1-6; 32:1-8; PSALMS 86:12; 135:5-7, 15-18 Over and over again in the Bible, God condemns the worship of idols. The Israelites, God’s chosen people, struggled with idolatry. Even though they repeatedly witnessed God’s power and saw Him work mightily on their behalf, they still turned to human-made images and worshiped them. They turned to statues and other false gods for protection, provision, or sometimes just a little extra “insurance” while they pretended to fully trust in God. It can sometimes seem silly to us as we read through the Bible. How could they put their trust in an object that has nothing to offer them? No personal relationship. No power. Nothing. The truth is, God created us for worship. We have a yearning, a hunger, a deep desire within us to worship. And if we don’t give our full worship to Him, we will find ourselves worshiping something else. The idols we bow down to are the things we cling to or value more than Jesus. They can set up shop in our hearts and distract us from our need for Him and the life He gives us (John 10:10-11). While we might think bowing before a golden calf or a wood-carved statue seems silly, what might the Israelites say about how much time and affection we give our phones? Or the time and energy we spend trying to attain popularity, a prominent position on the team, or a starring role in the play? While it’s not necessarily bad to spend time playing sports or rehearsing lines, the problem occurs when we give something our total devotion and turn to it first for our worth and comfort—when we put our identity in anything other than our relationship with Jesus. Thankfully, we can ask God to show us the idols of our hearts. Where is our attention and affection going? What is the central reason behind the decisions we make? Who or what do we turn to when life feels uncertain or hard? Remember, Jesus delights in us, and He wants us to experience the freedom of finding our identity in Him. He is worthy of all our worship. • Cara Campbell • God extends forgiveness and help to us every time we stray into idolatry. Consider taking a moment to ask Him to reveal any idols in your life that you’re turning to instead of Him. What kind of trust are you putting in that idol? What are you hoping it will do for you? • God loves us more than any idol ever could. How does Jesus provide all the things we think our idols will give us? Why is He the only one worthy of our total trust and devotion? • Who are trusted Christians in your life you can be honest with about the idols you struggle with? With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God. Psalm 86:12 (NLT)

READ: HABAKKUK 1:1-11; 2:3, 14; 3:11-19; REVELATION 21:1-5 Ever heard of Habakkuk? This book of the Bible isn’t preached on or discussed very often, which is a shame because it’s a fantastic gem in Scripture. Like the other eleven minor prophet books, Habakkuk provides a snapshot of Israel’s history, one that reveals not only God’s plan but also relates to us today. The prophet Habakkuk prays a prayer I think many of us have uttered at some point: “How long, LORD, must I call for help?” (Habakkuk 1:2). Simple. Direct. Clear. Lord, we’re in trouble here. When are You going to step in and help us? God answers, but not how Habakkuk wanted. God raises up the Chaldean army, the ultimate fighting machine, to invade Judah and imprison the Israelites living there. Huh? How is that an answer to Habakkuk’s prayer? He wanted an end to the pain, and yet it looked like God was going to make the situation worse. Enslavement by the mighty Chaldeans seemed the unlikeliest solution of all. What Habakkuk didn’t know was that the Chaldeans were merely an object in God’s plan to save His people. Fast forward 600 years. Israel is awaiting a Messiah, one who would deliver them from their suffering. At that time, it was no longer the Chaldeans who oppressed them but the Romans. So the Israelites wanted a mighty warrior, the ultimate fighting machine who would propel them to victory. Instead, they received Jesus, a wandering rabbi and His ragtag group of followers. Their hopes ended at Calvary, where Jesus hung on a cross and died. What they didn’t know is that the only means of deliverance—which is what they had been waiting for—was the Messiah’s death, not His army. Jesus’s work on the cross and His resurrection from the dead give us hope now and forever. He was and is our answer to the question, “How long?” • Mike Hurley • Have you had a situation that made you ask, “How long?” God invites us to be totally honest with Him about how badly suffering hurts us and what we want Him to do about it. He sees, and He cares—so much so that Jesus came to conquer sin and death to save us. So now, we can look forward to the day Jesus will return. Then there will be no more sin or suffering or death (Revelation 21:1-5). In the meantime, we can rest knowing that He loves us and promises to be with us, strengthening us even in hard times. How does knowing Jesus give us hope in suffering? How long, LORD, must I call for help and you do not listen or cry out to you about violence and you do not save? Habakkuk 1:2 (CSB)

READ: MATTHEW 11:28-30; JOHN 14:26-27; 15:10-13; 1 JOHN 4:7-19 I was already asleep when my grandpa called, asking for help with Grandma’s diaper. I don’t feel especially loving when sleep-deprived, but the quiet stirring of God’s Spirit within me assured me what the next step was. I slipped on a sweater and puddle boots and stumbled down the darkened dirt road between our house and their snug log home. With barely open eyes, I pushed open the door into Grammy’s room. She only weighed ninety pounds at that time, but it’s hard to lift someone when they don’t have strength to help. My cousin and I got Grammy cleaned up and settled in bed. Her osteoporosis was so bad we had to prop the pillows and blankets around her twisted form to make her comfy. There was no way for her to lie straight. The next night they didn’t need me. Grammy didn’t wake from her deep and quiet slumber. She didn’t wake the next day either. Only once after that late night did she stir, when I stopped by and brushed her white hair off her forehead to give her a kiss and say, “I love you.” She blinked weary eyes at me and said, “I love you too, Honey Girl.” She died the next morning. Waking to go and help my grandma when she was in need made me so grumpy at the time. Yet, the still small voice of God’s Spirit urged me on, and so I went. As I walk by her house today and miss her—miss having tea from real china cups at her one-hundred-year-old oak table and hearing her urge me to take just one more cookie—what brings me the most joy is knowing our last exchange was one of love. That late night, it was the Holy Spirit who urged and sustained my reluctant spirit onward. While it was tempting to ignore His call to show love to Grammy, I followed His gentle leading. When we obey—walking in the love of Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit—we find true joy. Grammy taught me that. • Kristen Joy Wilks • How does the truth of the good news of Jesus help us show love? How can loving others show Christ’s love for all of us? • Have you ever felt a prompting from the Holy Spirit to show God’s love to someone? How can we know when a prompting is from the Holy Spirit? Who are trusted Christians you can talk to about this? We love each other because he [Jesus] loved us first. 1 John 4:19 (NLT)

READ: LUKE 15:11-32; COLOSSIANS 1:11-14; 2:13-15; 1 JOHN 1:9–2:1 There was no going back. Talia took a step forward, reached out, and grabbed the berry. It was as black as night, blacker than any berry in her home realm, and plump with juice. “What are you waiting for?” the mage asked. “I’m not sure,” she said. “Was my life really all that bad?” “Your father was keeping you from being happy, right?” Talia shrugged and looked away. “I don’t know. I’ve lived in this dark realm for too long. All I can remember is how much he loved me.” A tear trailed down her cheek, and she wondered where it came from. “Take a bite. You’ll forget all that once more.” She lowered the hand holding the berry and looked behind her, down the path from which she had come. “It’s too late for that,” the mage said. “You knew the deal. Once you accepted my offer, you abandoned that life. There is no way back.” Another tear fell, and she took a shuddering breath. “I want to go home. I made a mistake.” He laughed. “You are home, girl. Enough of this. Eat the berry. I’ve other things to do, you know.” She glared at him. “You tricked me. You promised I would be happy here.” “Tricked you? You knew exactly what you were doing when you followed me.” She closed her eyes. It was true. Her father had warned her to stay away from the dark mage. “I was wrong, Father,” she whispered. “I’m so sorry.” Then, as though carried on the breeze, she heard His voice. Return to me. Even here, in this dark realm, the power of her father’s love called to her. It wasn’t too late. Facing the mage once more, she released the berry. It fell on the path and burst, its poisonous juices burning the ground like acid. He stepped forward and grabbed her arm. “You can’t defy me. You belong to me.” “Not anymore.” Wrenching her arm free, she turned and ran down the path, the power of her father’s love protecting her and guiding her steps. She was going home. • Jessica McFarland • Have you ever felt like Talia in today’s allegorical story—that you had gone too far for God’s love to reach you? Bad decisions can lead us to dangerous places. But Jesus always comes for us, always offers us a way home. He died and rose again to forgive us and set us free from sin. Because of His powerful love, we can choose to reject the sins we thought we wanted, and we can listen to His voice instead (Psalm 119:32). Are there any sins you want to give up, but you feel stuck in? Consider taking some time to talk to Jesus about these, asking Him to show you how He is providing a way out (1 Corinthians 10:13; Hebrews 4:14-16). In addition to talking to Jesus, who are trusted Christians in your life you could talk to about this—people who will listen with compassion, encourage you in your walk with Jesus, and pray with you and for you? • Sin is very powerful, but God’s love and Jesus’s sacrifice are even stronger. What does Colossians 2:13-15 reveal about our sin and God’s power? • If you want to know more about how Jesus rescues us from sin and death, and what it means to put your trust in Him, see our "Know Jesus" page. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (WEB)

READ: JOHN 8:1-11; ROMANS 3:23-24 I don’t even know why we need to have this conversation. Although I didn’t say that thought out loud, my eyebrows slanted halfway toward my nose and my arms wrapped tightly around my chest declared exactly what I was thinking. Why in the world we had to have a discussion about what music we listened to in youth group, my sophomore self couldn’t figure out. I’d shunned anything under a secular label and only listened to Christian hip hop if I felt edgy that day. Hadn’t I already checked off the box for listening to God-honoring music? So, why did I have to endure this talk? A girl with curly hair that went to her knees hugged her legs. “To be honest, I really struggle with this. A lot of the music I listen to swears left and right, and I’ve just become numb to it. I’m not even thinking about what the words mean.” Another boy in a hoodie seconded a reply. “If I really think about it, the way some singers talk about women in the music I listen to…” He shook his head, ears a slight scarlet. “Let’s just say, my mom’s not in my room when my Spotify’s up.” Three others spoke about their struggles with music that glorified everything from drug overdose to all manner of things that happened behind closed doors. Oh. I unraveled my arms and let my shoulders relax. Why was I being judgmental about this when I struggled with my own kind of music? Sure, it may not have come from a Spotify playlist, but on a regular basis, I listened to plenty of tunes called Jealousy, Pride, Anger Problems, and the occasional Gossip. And to be honest, I didn’t want my mom in my room when I played that playlist. Why did I want to throw stones, when we all played the same music of sin? • Hope Bolinger • When some religious leaders were getting ready to stone a woman who was caught in the act of adultery, Jesus said, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw the first stone at her” (John 8:7). Then, one by one, everyone dropped their stones and left. Jesus is the only one who is without sin, and He loves us sinners so much that He died on the cross so we could be forgiven. The truth is, every kind of sin is bad for us, but Jesus has come to set us free. How does knowing that we all sin, and we all need Jesus’s grace, help us view ourselves and others with compassion instead of condemnation? But when they continued asking him [Jesus], he looked up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw the first stone at her.” John 8:7 (WEB)

READ: GENESIS 18:1-15; 21:1-3; HEBREWS 11:11 Have you ever trusted a friend and then found out they were not trustworthy? Maybe you confided in them, spilling your guts about something personal. And, even though your friend promised to keep it to themselves, they didn’t. Or maybe you’ve been an untrustworthy friend to someone else. When someone has broken the trust of another, it’s a serious problem. It can damage and even destroy relationships. Some people never get over the hurt broken trust has brought them. Another lamentable consequence of broken trust is that we tend to view our relationship with God like we view our relationships with friends and family members who have mistreated us. Because people have broken our trust—and we’ve broken theirs—we think, Maybe God is the same way. In Genesis 18, God promised Abraham and Sarah that they would become parents, but Sarah laughed when she heard this. After all, Sarah was ninety, and Abraham was one hundred. Perhaps Sarah thought He meant well, but He would probably turn out to be like some of her friends, who just wanted to comfort her or say the right thing but ultimately weren’t reliable. Yet, in verse 14, God makes it clear He keeps His promises: “Is anything too hard for the LORD? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” A year later, guess who had a son? We live in a broken world where people let us down, but thankfully, we can learn to separate how people sometimes act from how God always acts. God’s promises may seem too good to be true, but 2 Corinthians 1:20 says that all His promises are fulfilled in Jesus. Even His promise to create life from Sarah’s dead womb points forward to His promise to raise Jesus from the dead—and then to raise all His people from the dead when Jesus returns (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Through Jesus’s death and resurrection, we can be in relationship with God. And as we get to know Jesus, we find that God is always trustworthy, and we can count on Him. • Susan Grant • Why is trust so important in relationships? • In what ways have people broken your trust? How have you broken others’ trust? Consider taking some time to bring these things to Jesus. In His trustworthy love, we find healing and wholeness. God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? Numbers 23:19 (NIV)

READ: MATTHEW 6:8; PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7; 1 PETER 5:7 The other day, I was so frustrated. I had misplaced three things that were important to me and my family. One was my bank card. I always put it back in my purse, but for some reason it wasn’t in there, and neither was my paycheck, which I hadn’t taken out since I got it. Finally, the last thing was my earbuds. I know, I know—they aren’t that important in the grand scheme of things, but I start most mornings with a walk while listening to my favorite music, and these earbuds were a gift, so losing them had some emotional weight too. I hadn’t been robbed, so I knew these three things were around my house... somewhere. After a few days, I was ready to give up. It was early morning; I was about to miss another walk. Finally, I remembered God cares about what I care about…but I hesitated. What I cared about, especially my earbuds, weren’t important to the rest of the world. However, I took it to God and let Him know how minor I knew these things were before I asked for His help to find them. Within five minutes, I found my earbuds! I then had a peaceful walk that boosted my day. After walking, I had an idea where my check might be. Remembering my purse had fallen once, I realized it was possible that it fell out. I found my check hidden under something on the floor! I checked my jacket pockets for my bank card and found it immediately. After I gave my small problems to God, He turned things around within a few hours. He always wants us to ask Him for help. We might think our lives are miniscule compared to the things He must be dealing with right now, but in truth, God cares for every little thing we care about—because He cares for us. • Jordyn Johnson • Can you think of a time you asked God for help with something? What happened? • Why do you think we often try to fix our problems on our own before going to God? Consider taking some time to talk to God about whatever you need today, even if it seems small. • As Christians, we will experience times when we ask God to help us in a particular way, but He doesn’t answer our prayers the way we hoped. Why can we still rest knowing that God loves us and will provide for us? How does Jesus give us this assurance? (If you want to dig deeper, read Matthew 6:25-34; Romans 8:28-39; Philippians 4:11-13; Revelation 21:1-5) Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)

READ: GENESIS 2:2-3; EXODUS 20:8-11; MATTHEW 11:28–12:8 Life’s busy—we all know that. Between school, friends, part-time jobs, and extracurriculars, by the end of the day, we’re burned out. And then we have to start homework. God knows our lives are busy. That’s why He created Sabbath. God invented all kinds of rhythms in nature. Night and day, the different seasons, and the tides of the ocean all show patterns in creation. The cycle of work and rest is another one of those patterns. In the beginning, God showed us how to schedule rest into our hectic lives. In Genesis 2, it says God not only rested on the seventh day of creation, but He also “blessed the seventh day and made it holy” (verse 3). God even takes it one step further: rest gets its own commandment in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8-11). Jesus did not die for us so we could work until we burn out. Jesus died and rose again to save us, and because of His sacrifice, we can live joy-filled lives in the rhythm of God’s grace. As we grow in our relationship with Jesus, He teaches us to live in a pattern of work and rest, acknowledging that, as created humans, we are dependent on our Creator (Psalm 127:1-2). So how do we practice Sabbath? The simple answer is, we plan ahead. It might sound difficult to think a whole week ahead, but it makes finding time to rest much easier. Next, find something that is restful to you. That might mean taking a nap or going for a hike, but whatever it is, it should be rooted in restfulness. Finally, seek God in your rest. Taking a Sabbath is a great way to recenter ourselves on Jesus. In pausing from work and busyness, we remember we can trust Him enough to take a break. This is why Christians typically gather once a week. Together, we can remember that Jesus is the one who gives us rest. • Naomi Zylstra • What activities do you find restful? How could you plan to practice Sabbath this week? • Different Christian churches meet together on different days of the week, and our personal days of rest might fall on a different day than the day we go to church (just ask any pastor!). According to Colossians 2:13-17, why are we free in Christ to rest and gather on different days? • In Matthew 11:28–12:8, Jesus reveals He is Lord of the Sabbath. He doesn’t simply offer us rest, He is rest. In fact, this is the picture of Jesus we see in Revelation 21:4—He is the one wiping away our tears and healing our pain. If you want to dig deeper, read Hebrews 3:11–4:11. [Jesus said,] “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

READ: JOSHUA 1:9; PHILIPPIANS 4:6-8; HEBREWS 4:14-16 Anxiety can haunt you in many forms. When I was 10, I was officially diagnosed with anxiety. It was minor compared to other cases. I sometimes got stressed over social interactions, feeling like I might’ve said something mean, and stressing that everyone hated me for something that wasn’t even that bad in the eyes of someone else. It made me feel like God couldn’t love me because I only made a negative impact. I’d also get really stressed over little tasks like my homework. Currently, I’m still battling anxiety, but it’s nowhere near as bad. There are many strategies that help me get through it, and I’d love to share some of them. My prayer is that it will help you, whether or not anxiety is something you struggle with long-term. My first strategy is to memorize. Memorize Scripture. Hold it in your heart so when times of trouble come, you can use Scripture to help you rest in Jesus and stand firm against the devil’s schemes (Psalm 9:9; Matthew 4:1-11; Ephesians 6:11). For example, Joshua 1:9 and 1 Peter 5:7 encourage us that God is with us and He wants to help us with all our struggles. Additionally, Philippians 4:6-8 is a great reminder that when we are struggling with anxiety, we should pray, which brings me to my second point. Pray. God already knows what is on your heart, but He wants you to cry out to Him and honestly tell Him what you’re thinking and feeling (Psalms 62:8; 139:1-4). He loves and cares for you. He died and rose again just for you. He always wants you to come to Him for peace. My final tip is to share. You’re not in this alone. It’s so helpful to have someone who can listen to you with compassion and tell you which thoughts are simply not true. The enemy wants you to feel isolated and like you’re in this alone, but you’re not. You’re loved and valued, and people want to share your burdens with you (Galatians 6:2). Remember, anxiety is nothing to be ashamed of. Anxiety can be a major struggle, but if you draw near to Jesus, you’ll see Him work in you and through you to do things more amazing than you can even imagine (John 15:5; Ephesians 3:20). • Riley Ament • What kinds of things make you anxious? Are there any strategies that have helped you in times of anxiety? • We all feel anxious from time to time. Thankfully, Jesus knows how we feel because He experienced anxiety too, and He wants to help us (Mark 14:33-34; Hebrews 4:14-16). In fact, He loves us so much that He died and rose again to save us, and He promises that one day anxiety will be gone for good (Revelation 21:1-5). How might knowing that Jesus can truly empathize with our struggles make it easier for us to be honest with Him? Consider taking a moment to talk to Him about anything you’ve been struggling with lately. • Do you know anyone battling with anxiety long-term? What are some ways you could extend love and compassion to them? Consider taking a moment to pray for them now. • God wants to help us in lots of ways, not only through prayer and Scripture, but also through community with other people, such as friends, parents, pastors, and sometimes medical and mental health professionals. When you find yourself feeling anxious, who is a trusted person you could talk to about what you’re experiencing? • 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). Cast all you...

READ: MATTHEW 4:1-11; 26:36-56; 27:27-46; HEBREWS 4:14-16 When was the last time you were hungry? I’m not talking about your typical hunger; I’m talking about the “I haven’t eaten a single thing in over a week” kind of hunger. Most of us have not had to experience this level of hunger, and it’s mind-boggling to consider how Jesus did this willingly—not just for a week, but for forty days! Matthew wrote that Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted, or tested, by the devil (4:1). It wasn’t until after Jesus had fasted for forty days and nights that Satan came to tempt him. Why would the Holy Spirit lead Jesus into this wilderness? Why would Jesus fast? Jesus was being prepared for the journey before Him—specifically to the cross. Laying down His life as His Father asked was no simple task. It was bloody and brutal, painful till the end. He took on the punishment for all of our sins on the cross. The whole experience was so excruciating that He cried out to His Father, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (27:46). All of this, including Jesus’s temptation in the wilderness, was for our benefit. Jesus loves us. He is fully God, yet He is also fully human, and He was tempted in every way when He was on this earth. So we can take comfort in times of testing, because Jesus is with us, and He knows how we feel. And Hebrews 4:14-16 calls Jesus our Great High Priest. Because of His sacrifice on the cross for us and His victorious resurrection, we no longer have to go to a priest to make atonement for our sins as they did in the Old Testament. Instead, we can trust in the blood of Jesus alone to save us. God the Father no longer sees our sins, but the righteousness of His Son covering us. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we can approach God’s throne with freedom and confidence, certain that we will receive God’s mercy and grace to help us in our times of need and temptation. • Savannah Coleman • Resisting temptation is hard—Jesus is the only one who did it perfectly! When we’re struggling with temptation of any kind, Jesus empathizes with us. He has so much compassion for us, and He wants to help us. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we can know that He has given us His Holy Spirit, along with His Word (the Bible) and His people (the church), to help us resist temptation and follow God by living in His good ways. Can you think of a time Jesus helped you resist temptation? Consider taking some time to thank Him for that today! Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7 (NIV)

READ: JOHN 4:7-42; 7:37-39; 10:10-11 I stand in a large room, staring at a table. About twenty cups, ranging from jeweled goblets to simple glasses, are arranged before me. I walk to the table and pick up the biggest, fanciest goblet. The word “Money” is laid out in beautiful jewels. The drink inside tastes like soda. It satisfies my thirst for a moment, but soon my mouth is dry once again. I take another cup, this one engraved with the word “Popularity.” It’s full of what looks like pink lemonade. It tastes wonderful for a second, but then, once again, I am thirsty. I drink from several more glasses, tasting “Power,” “Lust,” and “Control.” Another, which reads, “Good Works,” is filled to the brim with water mixed with a drink powder. None of the cups satisfy me. I am always left dry. But what is this? Hidden behind an ornate goblet is a humble mug with the words “Salvation in Jesus” painted on it. It’s filled with…water? That doesn’t seem as good as the other drinks. But nothing else has worked. I taste the water in the mug. It is good! I take another sip, and another. I drink the whole mug. At last, I am no longer thirsty. The water has quenched my unquenchable thirst. • Natalie Crowe • Today’s allegorical story is inspired by John 4:7-15 and John 7:37-39. Which cup has been most enticing to you lately—money, popularity, power, lust, control, good works, or something else? How has this cup disappointed you in the past? • Jesus offers us “living water” (John 7:38). If we put our trust in Him, we receive eternal life and the Holy Spirit—who is God living in us—and the love of God fills us! Why is God’s love the only thing that will never leave us empty? (Hint: read Romans 5:5-8; 8:28-39). • If you want to know more about what it means to put your trust in Jesus, see our "Know Jesus" page. Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:13-14 (NIV)

READ: GENESIS 1:1-3; PSALM 102:25-27; JOHN 1:1-3; EPHESIANS 1:4-6 Before the stars in radiance shone, Before anyone had ever seen or known The beauty of a sky at night, Before there was even dark or light, You were there. Before the earth had shape or form, Or the sea was told its bounds, Before the hills were adorned with trees And never had a plant been found, You were there. Before the waters teemed with life Or any creature had its name, Before man breathed Or life became, You were there. Forever You have been. You made it all with “Let there be.” You brought it forth with just a word. You are the holy Lord of lords. God has always been and always will be. He doesn’t have a beginning or an end. Just imagine, long before the world was made, long before God brought it into being, He already had a plan for saving us from sin. Sin didn’t come as a surprise to Him. He knew all along that we would turn away from Him, and He still created us. He had the plan in place from the beginning—to rescue us from sin and death through Jesus’s death and resurrection, and to restore all that has been broken by sin at Jesus’s glorious return. And God has had a plan for you—ever since He first made the world—and even before. He knew exactly when and where you would be born, and who would come into your life to lead you to Him. Praise be to God, the Eternal One and the Creator of the world! • Haley Walts • Have you ever thought about how God has always existed and always will? We can never fully wrap our brains around God’s eternality, and that’s okay. Consider taking some time to praise God in prayer or song, expressing any awe and wonder you feel about His eternal nature. • How does it make you feel to know that God always had a plan to save you? (If you want to know more about this good news, see our "Know Jesus" page.) Before the mountains were born or You brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. Psalm 90:2 (NIV)

READ: MATTHEW 5:14-16, 1 CORINTHIANS 3:6-9 Do you know that painful feeling when you turn on a light first thing in the morning or in the middle of the night? When you’ve been in a dark room for a while, light stings your eyes and makes you want to keep them closed. In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus says, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Light is good! If you are a Christian, you are light in a world filled with darkness. But not everyone knows this light is good. In John 8:12, Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” This is good news! Jesus is God. He lived a perfect, sinless life on earth, sacrificed His life for our sins, rose from the grave, and ascended into heaven, where He sits enthroned over all. Because of His sacrifice and resurrection, God forgives us for our sins and promises to raise us to eternal life when Jesus returns and makes all things new. If you’ve put your trust in Jesus, you have His Holy Spirit living in you, and that means you can share the light of Jesus with everyone through what you say and what you do. But sometimes, it can be hard to share this good news with others. They might not want to hear it at first, or they might not understand it right away. It’s not easy to hear you’re a sinner who needs forgiveness! When you’ve been living in darkness for a while, light can be painful. We need patience when telling others the good news. Eventually, as they experience God’s love and kindness, they will learn the light is good—but for a while, they may choose to keep their eyes closed. But be encouraged. If you plant the seed, God can make it grow. We are called to share our faith, but ultimately, God is the one who leads people to Him. • Elizabeth Cooper • God is so very patient with us, and He keeps loving us, even when we pull away from Him. If we know Jesus, His love fills our hearts to overflowing, so we can love others and be patient with them too (1 John 4:19). Is there someone in your life God might be inviting you to share your faith with? How could you keep patiently loving them even if they seem uninterested? • If you want to dig deeper, read Matthew 4:16; John 3:19-21; Ephesians 5:1-20; Philippians 2:1-15 [Jesus said,] “You are the light of the world.” Matthew 5:14 (NIV)

READ: LUKE 15:1-4; ROMANS 5:5; 1 JOHN 4:7-21 God loves you. If you’ve grown up in church, you’ve probably heard that a thousand times (I hope!), but it’s always worth repeating. So what does it mean that God loves us? To get the most accurate picture of God’s love, we can look to Jesus, who is God. Love is, at its core, selflessly giving oneself to someone else. Jesus did this for us when He came and lived among us as a human, took our sins upon Himself, gave up His life through the excruciatingly painful death of the cross, and then rose from the dead so that everyone who trusts in Him can live with Him forever. This truth is completely absurd. It makes no sense. Why would God do any of this for us? Maybe it would be slightly less crazy if we had done something amazing for God—if we had somehow earned even a tiny particle of the love He gives us. If we had something incredible to offer God in return for His love, then maybe, just maybe, we could start to wrap our minds around His reasons for loving us the way He does. But, unless His Holy Spirit changes us, do you know what we have to offer God? Sin. Rebellion. Intentional disobedience. Hatred toward His goodness and love. The only thing we have to offer God is our incredible neediness. And you know what? Jesus went to the cross because God saw our neediness and reached out to help us. When we recognize how badly we need Jesus, and put our trust in Him, we are covered with Jesus’s righteousness. Though we’ll continue to struggle with sin until Jesus returns, God sees us as blameless. And as we grow in our relationship with Jesus, we experience God’s love more and more. His love is so good, it transforms us and overflows to others. The Bible tells us God is love (1 John 4:8, 16). That doesn’t mean God is sentimental—it means He is self-sacrificing. He will do whatever it takes to bring us to Himself. That is the love He has for us. And that is the love He empowers us to show others. • Taylor Eising • If someone were to ask you about God’s love, how could you describe it? How could you show it? • When you have questions about Jesus’s love, who is a trusted Christian in your life you could talk to about it? (And for more about how God’s love can change our lives, see our "Know Jesus" page.) This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. 1 John 4:10 (NLT)

READ: JOHN 15:12-15; ROMANS 12:9-10; GALATIANS 6:2 I’ll never forget Valentine’s Day my freshman year of high school. There was a boy in my English class who was super cute, and even though we hadn’t ever uttered more than a greeting to each other, I kept my hopes up that Valentine’s Day would spark something more. On my way to catch the bus that morning, I found a balloon bouquet on my porch. Giddy, I spent the whole ride to school wondering who could’ve sent it to me. All day in class, my mind spun with romantic fantasies. When I arrived home, I read the note attached to the balloons, only to discover this wasn’t a grand romantic gesture from a secret admirer. It was a surprise from my best friend, a sister in Christ who I didn’t get to see often but always encouraged me. I’ll admit, I was disappointed. I didn’t feel special anymore. This wasn’t my year to be someone’s valentine. Later, God helped me realize He had given me a good gift, even if it wasn’t a mutual crush. He blessed me with a godly friend who showed me the genuine and generous love of Christ. While romance (and, maybe someday, marriage) are good things that God created to bless us and further His kingdom, sometimes we forget that friendship is also a gift from our Creator. Crushes may come and go, but godly friends can leave a lasting impact on our spiritual journeys. Friendships offer us a unique opportunity to live out the selfless love of Jesus, whether that be through forgiving mistakes or supporting each other through hardships. Practicing selflessness not only helps cultivate authentic relationships, but it reminds us of how Jesus, who loves us most of all, laid down His life so that we can have an eternal relationship with Him. It’s natural to long for romance and affection, particularly from someone we admire, but what our hearts need most of all is the sustaining love of Christ. As we walk closely with Jesus, we will overflow with His everlasting love (John 15:5; Romans 5:5). • Hannah Chung • It’s not wrong to desire romance and, maybe someday, marriage. As we navigate crushes, and all the hopes and disappointments they bring, it helps to talk with trusted Christian friends and mentors who can remind us that God sees us and cares about us. Who could do this for you? • Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be a lonely time for single people—it can be an opportunity to show friends how much they mean to us. Even though we may feel alone, God is with us, ready to welcome us into His family with open arms (Genesis 16:13). Consider asking God to help you notice ways you could bless others and show them the love of His eternal family this week. [Jesus said,] “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13 (NIV)

READ: JOHN 17:13-19; 2 CORINTHIANS 3:18; 2 PETER 3:9 I waited for my turn at the campground shower stall with my coin ready. After dropping the coin in the slot, I turned on the hot water and began rushing through my morning shower. As a missionary in New Zealand, I joined a group of students and ministry staff on what we called “Beach Project.” In a resort town over a holiday week, we interacted with vacationers on the seashore in hopes of sharing about Christ. We stayed in tents at a campground during the mission project and aimed to have spiritual conversations with people there too. Showering at the campsites presented a challenge. For one coin, we got access to a limited amount of hot water. Once the time expired, no more hot water. During those showers, I really needed to hurry. Sometimes situations in life require that we rush (such as oversleeping for class or work). In my case, limited hot water on a cool morning pushed me to hurry. But God Himself never gets in a hurry, especially with our spiritual growth. In Philippians 1:6, we read, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” God launches that “good work” of transformation in us— making us more and more like Jesus—when we acknowledge our need for forgiveness of sins and put our trust in Christ, believing He died and rose again to secure that forgiveness. Though our rescue from sin and death happens the moment we turn to Jesus for forgiveness and new life, our maturity is a process. It takes time to “grow up” in Christ. Romans 8:1 assures us, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” This is good news for us: In Jesus, we’re accepted and loved, right where we are, by the Father who takes His time to grow us and transform us through and through. • Allison Wilson Lee • Is there an area of your life where you’ve been discouraged by lack of spiritual growth? Consider taking a moment to bring your discouragement to Jesus. In addition to talking to Him, who are trusted Christians in your life you could share your hopes and frustrations with? • Why is it so important for us to know that we’re fully accepted in Christ while we’re still “in process”? Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6 (NIV)

READ: GALATIANS 3:26–4:7 She chose the name Sojourner Truth because she believed God had called her to speak the truth to others—especially about slavery. But she was born in New York as a slave named Isabella Bomfree in 1797, and she and her five children were legally owned by others. In 1827, she took her infant daughter and left, finding shelter with an abolitionist family, the Van Wegenens. They bought her freedom for twenty dollars. This family’s faith strongly affected Isabella, who became a Christian and went to work for an evangelist named Elijah Pierson. Isabella changed her name to Sojourner Truth and began to speak at revival meetings. Though uneducated, she spoke powerfully about the evils of slavery, often quoting the Bible in her speeches. Sojourner’s influence increased during the Civil War, and she was invited to meet President Lincoln at the White House in 1864. She lived to see slavery ended, and her children as free people in America. Sojourner Truth died in Battle Creek, Michigan, in 1883, where there is now a statue to her memory. In an 1863 speech, Sojourner said, “Children, who made your skin white? Was it not God? Who made mine black? Was it not the same God?…And did not the same Savior die to save the one as well as the other?” Sojourner knew Jesus loved her. Everyone is made in God’s image, and Christ’s cross makes all people equal in God’s eyes. In Galatians, the Apostle Paul writes that we’re all born slaves to sin, but everyone who has put their trust in Jesus is now God’s child by faith. Therefore, as Galatians 3:28 says, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Sojourner Truth was God’s free woman in Christ because of her faith in Jesus’s death and resurrection. Her work to abolish slavery—and the work of many others—made her a free woman in America as well. • Laura N. Sweet • Because she believed God had called her to speak the truth, she changed her name from Isabella Bomfree to Sojourner Truth. What truth has God called you to speak? About God? About humanity? About the Bible? • How does Christianity leave no room for racism? (Genesis 1:26-31; Romans 10:12-13; Revelation 7:9) So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir. Galatians 4:7 (NIV)

READ: JOHN 1:12; 16:25-33; ROMANS 8:14-17; 1 JOHN 3:1 It seemed like a good idea at the time: jumping from the chair in our pre-school Sunday school class. But I changed my mind in mid-air, reaching my arm toward the floor to break the fall. I did break the fall; I also broke my little three-year-old arm in the process. Just as the pain rocketed through my body and I began wailing, my teacher, Miss Diane, scooped me up in her arms. She held me close, whispering reassuring words. I looked in Miss Diane’s face and saw such tenderness that, all these years later, it’s her compassion that stands out in my memory more than the injury. Our lives sometimes surprise us with pain that seems to come out of nowhere—much like my broken arm that resulted from Sunday morning playtime. Sometimes we experience loss and hurt due to our own mistakes or sins; other times, we’re wounded (physically or emotionally) because others harm us; and often, we go through pain simply because we live in a broken world. Even after we’ve placed our faith in Jesus to pay the penalty for our sins and we’ve received God’s forgiveness, we’re not immune to troubles and disappointments. Jesus Himself knew pain during His life on earth. Isaiah 53:3 refers to Him as “a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. But, as God’s much-loved children, we can count on His presence with us throughout our lives—especially during the most painful times. He’s near to the broken-hearted (Psalm 34:18), and He’s the good Shepherd who restores our souls (Psalm 23:3; John 10:11). Like Miss Diane comforted me during my tears and agony, Jesus remains close in our suffering so that, in Him, we may have peace. • Allison Wilson Lee • Has any hurt slammed into your life recently? Do you have long-term pain or grief from a past event? Consider taking some time to tell Jesus about this. Remember, He can relate to our loss. • What difference can it make to know that Jesus is close when we feel broken? Do you feel like you can trust Him for that? Why or why not? [Jesus said,] “Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me.” John 16:32 (NLT)

READ: GENESIS 1:26-27; PSALM 139:13-17; ZEPHANIAH 3:17; EPHESIANS 2:4-10 I shouldn’t have even brought this into the fitting room, Makenna thought. Dresses like these don’t look good on girls like me. But her friends hadn’t understood her hesitation. They were trying on prom dresses and thought she should do the same. Tears stung in Makenna’s eyes as she took a glance in the mirror. She hated her size and shape. She wished she looked like her friends. “Come out and show us,” the other girls called. Makenna swallowed. “It doesn’t fit right. I must have grabbed the wrong size.” “What size do you need? I’ll go get it.” “No!” Makenna tugged on the zipper at the back of the dress. “I’m done for today.” When she stepped out of the fitting room in her t-shirt and jeans, the other girls were all wearing the dresses they’d found. To Makenna, they looked perfectly petite and happy. Makenna slouched into a chair in the corner of the room, wishing she could be like them. Many of us have felt this way. Maybe your story isn’t exactly the same, but it’s close. Maybe you feel ugly. Maybe you think that you’re too fat or too thin or that you don’t belong with your friends. Maybe you’ve even felt unworthy of God’s love because of how you look. But your worth and the love God has for you are not based on your appearance. The truth is, God created you in His image, and He loves you so much. You are precious to Him. So precious that He came to die and rise again to save you from sin and death. When Jesus returns, He will make all things new, and all the pain and heartache that sin causes will be gone forever. But until that day, even though worldly beauty standards will continue to change based on where and when we live, our worth and beauty in the eyes of Jesus will never change. We can rest securely in Him, knowing that our worth is found not in what other people think of us—or even what we think of ourselves—but in the love of our Creator and Savior. • Bethany Acker • We all struggle with feeling uncomfortable in our own bodies from time to time, and Jesus has so much compassion on us. Consider taking some time to ask Him to help you see yourself how He sees you—and to see others how He sees them too. • If you’re struggling to see your worth, who is a trusted Christian you could talk to about this? This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. 1 John 4:10 (NLT)

READ: HEBREWS 12:1-13 Ask any athlete at any level, and he or she can discuss the value of home field advantage. Cheering, screaming, clapping, frenzied fans make a difference to athletes. Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium, Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field, or Buffalo’s Highmark Stadium—these are tough places for visiting teams to play. But they’re amazing venues for the home team, elevating teams to victory on the voices of their fans. What does this have to do with our faith? Home field advantage can remind us of a powerful truth we find in the Bible. Several passages metaphorically describe the Christian faith as running a race. Hebrews 12:1 even offers the image of a packed stadium, describing it as “a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us.” While there will be fatigue, pain, setbacks, and losses, we can be encouraged by that great cloud of witnesses, which includes the people mentioned in Hebrews 11. They are cheering us on, exhorting us to keep our eyes on Jesus to win the race, just as they ran and finished it before us (Hebrews 12:2). Here’s the great irony in the cloud of witnesses cheering us to victory. We’re running in a packed stadium today because Christ paid the price on a lonely hill called Calvary. He had no home field advantage. He was crucified alongside two criminals. There were a few hardened Roman guards and a few supporters, including His mother. All the fans Jesus seemed to have during His ministry had deserted Him. But a few days later, alone in a tomb, Jesus overcame death and threw off the burial clothes. What He accomplished on a hostile hilltop—and then alone in the dark of a tomb—has enabled us to run the race before us. Not only that, but we have a stadium full of cheering fans. • Mike Hurley • Look at the list of some of the witnesses in Hebrews 11. Who are some of the people cheering for you? • What can Hebrews 11:1–12:13 tell us about running the race of the Christian life? Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus. Hebrews 12:1-2 (CSB)

READ: EXODUS 34:29-35; 2 CORINTHIANS 3:7-18 When you know someone well, you generally know how they’ll act. Your dog will bark at anyone who walks by, your teacher will stand in front of the class to teach, etc. But what if your teacher started doing handstands in class, or your dog started meowing? That might be a little strange. In Exodus 34, there was something strange about Moses. His face literally glowed! Verse 29 tells us this happened to Moses “because he had spoken with the LORD.” Speaking with God—having a real encounter with Him—made Moses seem weird to his friends and family. When Jesus died on the cross and rose from the grave, He changed everything. If we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we are now saved from the power of sin. This good news changes us! We might not have glowing faces like Moses did, but we will become more like Christ as we get to know our Savior. We will start loving others better, being kind to those who aren’t kind to us, speaking truth instead of lies, and glorifying God in all areas of our lives. Moses had to cover his glowing face, but now that Jesus has come, 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “we all…with unveiled faces…are being transformed into his [Jesus’s] image with ever-increasing glory.” As we grow in our relationship with Jesus, we don’t want to hide the things God is doing in our lives because we want others to know what we have in Jesus and to perhaps draw near to Him too. We might still be afraid it will change our friendships, our family relationships, or our social status, but all of that is worth the love and peace we find in Jesus. Being like Jesus will sometimes mean we seem as strange as a dog who meows. Yet, we can find comfort in verses like 1 Peter 3:14: “But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.” Why are we blessed? Because we have a relationship with Jesus—He is our hope, and He is always with us. Let’s pray God will grant us courage to be more like Jesus, even if it means people will notice—and maybe even think we’re strange. • Kristi Dennis • Have your friends ever told you that you’re weird or that what you were doing wasn’t normal? What made you seem so different to them? • Why does following Jesus mean we will sometimes seem very different to people who don’t know Him? (If you want to dig deeper, read Acts 4:29-31; Romans 12:14-21; 1 Peter 2:12; 3:8-18) 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 53; JOHN 20:24-28; REVELATION 21:1-5 Jayden stood outside the Renewal Center, staring at the glowing sign. A fresh start. No more pain. No more grief. Everyone said it was the best decision he’d ever make. Just one session, and all the hurt would be gone. His fingers tightened around the cross pendant at his neck. Could he really let it all go? He closed his eyes. His dad’s steady voice reading the psalms. His mom’s soft humming in the kitchen. The warmth of his childhood church. And then—sirens, phone calls, the crushing weight of loss. He had begged God to take the pain away. Now, here was his chance. A beep sounded. “Next,” the receptionist called. Jayden stepped inside. The air smelled sterile, the machines humming softly. A woman in a lab coat smiled at him. “You’ll feel a small pinch, and then—peace.” Jayden hesitated. Then he noticed something. The people leaving…they did seem happy, but they weren’t just happy. They were empty. Would he forget the nights he had clung to God, desperate for strength? The moments when God’s love felt so near, even in the midst of heartbreak? The kindness of strangers, the prayers that carried him? If he erased the pain, what else would disappear? His heart pounded. “I can’t,” he whispered. The technician frowned. “Why?” Jayden swallowed hard. “Because my pain wasn’t pointless. God used it to shape me. He showed me that He stays close beside me, even in the pain. If I forget everything, I lose that too.” The woman’s smile flickered. “That’s your choice.” Jayden turned and walked out. The grief was still there. But so was his faith. And he would never trade that. A small smile tugged at his lips as he walked away. Thank you, Jesus, for never forgetting me. • Olamide Agemo • Today’s story is science fiction. If you had the option to erase your painful memories, would you want to? • How does our past shape who we are? • Isaiah 53:3-4 calls Jesus “a man of suffering, and familiar with pain…Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering.” Jesus faced the excruciating pain of the cross. He also went through other terrible things, like loss, rejection, anxiety, and violence. All of this physical, emotional, and spiritual pain was worth it to Jesus because He loves us—so much so that He would do whatever it took to rescue us from sin and death and make the way for us to be with Him forever (John 3:16-17; Hebrews 12:2; 1 Peter 3:18). How can it give us comfort to know that Jesus faced all this on the cross for us to ultimately free us from our pain, and also to stand in solidarity with us in our present pain? (For more about this good news, see our "Know Jesus" page.) • When Jesus rose from the dead, He had a new resurrected body, yet He still bore the marks where the nails were driven into His hands and the spear was plunged into His side. Why do you think God chose to keep the marks of crucifixion on His resurrected body? • If we know Jesus, we always have hope when we experience pain. God is so good and He loves us so much that He promises to use everything for the good of those who love Him, even our suffering (Romans 5:3-5; 8:28-29, 38-39). When Jesus returns, He’ll make all things new, free from sin, death, and all the brokenness sin causes (Revelation 21:1-5). Until that day, He invites us to be honest with Him about all our pain and grief—knowing that He weeps alongside us and holds us close in His love (Matthew 11:28-30; John 11:32-35; Romans 8:38-39). Consider taking some time to talk to Jesus about your pain, past or present. Instead of trying to forget,...

READ: JOHN 3:15-18; ROMANS 3:21-30; 10:9-13 Last year, I went to traffic court after being cited for an illegal left turn. When the judge asked for my plea, I said, “Guilty with circumstances.” I told him the sign prohibiting the left turn was obscured by tree limbs: “Your honor, I never saw the sign.” Despite my articulate defense, he dropped the gavel, found me guilty, and fined me $120, a hefty price for my ignorance. An offense demands a consequence. But Paul announces in Romans 8:1, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.” That’s good news! But note the qualifier. Paul doesn’t say there is no condemnation for anyone. This isn’t universal salvation. There is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. I see two takeaways. First, there is condemnation for those NOT in Christ Jesus. Second, Christ has paid the price for my offense. Remember, an offense demands a consequence. Someone has to pay the price for sin, just like I had to pay the price for breaking a law. Romans 8:1 announces that, for those in Christ Jesus, the Judge (God) has dropped the gavel. The case is closed. God knew how guilty you were, but because He loves you, He paid the full price for your sin Himself. You will never appear before the Judge again—no charges will ever be brought against you. There is no condemnation today, tomorrow, or ever. I paid a fine for my illegal left turn last year, but, if I am cited again, I have to pay again. If you’re in Christ, you will never pay the price—it’s been paid for you forever on the cross. That’s the good news: you will never be condemned by the heavenly Judge. • Mike Hurley • When Jesus died on the cross and rose from the grave, He paid the price for our sin. So now, if we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we are blameless in God’s sight! How is this justice similar to courtroom justice? How is it different? • If you want to know more about what it means to be in Christ, see our "Know Jesus" page. Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1 (CSB)

READ: DEUTERONOMY 31:6; ROMANS 8:28-39; COLOSSIANS 3:12-16 When I was thirteen, my parents divorced. My dad remarried and moved out of state. My mom had to work two jobs to provide for us, so our time together was special, but limited. Eventually, we had to move so Mom could find a better job. Whenever I tried to give my opinions about moving, she cast them aside. And, over the years, we kept moving. At each new school I attended, I struggled throughout the day. I felt invisible when the other kids passed me on their way to class. Most days, I felt alone. My heart hungered for friendship. Each time we moved, Mom and I would search for a new church. I always felt special and loved in God’s house. In my junior year, the musical theater department at my newest school scheduled auditions. I tried out, and the music instructor gave me one of the solo parts. A few classmates made comments saying they didn’t understand how I, the new kid, got a solo. Then, on opening night, I found the sleeves of my costume ripped off and my shoes missing. A few students smirked as I ran to the bathroom to sort out my feelings. I remembered that Jesus felt abandoned at times—not only by His friends but by His Father too. Jesus cried out on the cross, “Why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). As I struggled in my pain, I talked with God about it. I saw that Jesus knew how I felt. God empathizes with me, and He loves me. His incredible promise—to work all things for the good of those who love Him—helped me to sing my solo that night. No matter what happens, Jesus will never cast me aside. • Linda Ray Center • Can you think of a time you felt cast aside, alone, or invisible? What was that like? • If we know Jesus, we can rest in God’s promise to never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). God loves us so much that Jesus was willing to die on the cross to save us. Because He died and rose again, we can look forward to the day our suffering will be over forever (Revelation 21:1-5). Until then, we can always go to God in our pain and receive His comfort (1 Peter 5:7). Consider taking some time to talk to God about any hurts you’ve experienced lately. • If you’re going through a tough time, and especially if you’re being bullied, who is a trusted adult you can talk to about it—such as a parent, pastor, or teacher? We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (WEB)

READ: EZEKIEL 47:1-12; 2 CORINTHIANS 5:16-17 Anew thing is coming with the rising of the sun, Old things have passed away; a new story has begun. For death has been buried, wherever the life water flows; In the dry, sandy soil of the desert, the flower now grows. Animals and fowl have returned, filling the land with life; Fawns frolic, wild goats play, and the eagle takes to flight. The stream teems with fish, where salt waters are now fresh, The river, widening still, brings life to all flesh. The water, always reaching out with life it freely gives, Thirst it completely quenches; all around it, abundance lives. Trees ever bearing fruit replace the barren, rocky slade; They nourish those residing there, giving rest beneath their shade. Their leaves, they never wither, as they border the life water shores. What waters could be so living, unless they flowed from sanctuary doors? This is the paradise, in the place where all hearts are kneeling. He’s provided all our needs: food for the soul, grace for our healing. • Madison Mae • Today’s poem is inspired by Ezekiel 47:1-12 and 2 Corinthians 5:16-17. In Ezekiel’s vision, he saw a river of life. Later, Jesus announced that He gives living water and new life to all who come to Him. If we know Jesus, we have His living water flowing from within us right now, and we’re also looking forward to the day Jesus will return and make all things new. The book of Revelation tells us part of the new creation will be the river of life described in Ezekiel 47! How can these Scriptures give us hope? What questions do you have about the river of life? (If you want to dig deeper, read John 4:1-14; 7:37-39; 10:10-11; Revelation 7:17; 21:6; 22:1-2, 6, 17.) Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life. Revelation 22:17 (NIV)