Unlocked: Daily Devotions for Teens

She is leaving, and I feel so lost I didn’t want it to be this way, but it is Where are you, God? I am hurting, but you’re not healing I am falling, but you aren’t saving me With the psalmist, I cry out How long, LORD? At night, I toss and turn in my bed I open your Book, but I find no comfort Then I see the words, God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble. And I hear the words, I will never leave you or abandon you. Finally, I find peace I close my eyes and sleep. Lucy Viss . Have you ever felt lost because someone in your life was leaving? In times like these, God invites us to come to Him with all our pain and messy emotions. Even though people come and go throughout our lives, as Christians we can know that God will never leave us. Jesus is Immanuel, which literally means God is with us (Matthew 1:23). He has compassion on us, and He promises that He will always be with us (Matthew 28:20) and that He will one day put an end to pain and sorrow (Revelation 21:3-4). . Consider taking a moment to read the verses quoted in this poem: Psalm 13:1, Psalm 46:1, and Hebrews 13:5. How could these verses give us comfort in times of loss? Do you have any favorite Bible verses that remind you of God’s sure love when things are hard? . But I have trusted in your faithful love; my heart will rejoice in your deliverance. I will sing to the Lord because he has treated me generously. Psalm 13:5-6 (CSB) Read Verses: Psalm 13; Psalm 46:1; Hebrews 13:5

It was my turn to do laundry. At my house, wet laundry often gets hung out on a backyard clothesline to dry in the sunshine and breeze. Sometimes, though, we use our clothes dryer. But its timer broke years ago, so we have to set a separate timer when we use the dryer. . One afternoon, I was using the dryer and a load of laundry seemed slow to finish drying. I restarted it and reset my timer. When the timer buzzed, I checked the laundry again. One towel remained damp. I returned it to the dryer to continue drying. Only I forgot to set a timer this time. For the rest of the dayand nightthe dryer ran without me (or anybody else in my family) realizing it. The next morning, I discovered the clothes dryer still in action. After stopping the machine, I snatched the towel out and stomped off to confront my family. . When they all denied leaving the dryer on, I recalled I’d been the one to leave it running for almost eighteen hours. I sheepishly apologized for my unfair accusations, acknowledging my own mistake and my need for their forgiveness after the way I’d treated them. . Being honest about our sins is part of living as a follower of Jesus. When we put our trust in Jesus, He brings us into a relationship with God and makes us part of His family. On top of that, we receive all the forgiveness we’ll ever need because He provided the payment for our sins when He died on the cross and rose from the dead. That means we can be honest about our failures because we know that God already sees all our sin, and He loves us unconditionally. Since we belong to Jesus, we can humbly acknowledge our mistakes and sins, take responsibility for them, and move forward in the grace He gives. Allison Wilson Lee . While forgetting about a laundry machine is a mistake, lashing out against others in anger is a sin (Galatians 5:13-15). Thankfully, God wants to forgive our sins, and He also wants to help us when we make mistakes. How could these truths give us hope when we mess up? . As followers of Jesus, we are called to be humble, to treat each other well, and to forgive one another when we mess up. How does knowing Jesus make it possible for us to be honest with each other about our failures? . Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 1 Peter 5:6 (NIV) Read Verses: Ephesians 4:25-Ephesians 5:2; 1 Peter 5:6

“Search me, God, and know my heart. When my heart doesn’t know itself. When my thoughts and my feelings are so jumbled and confused that I can’t see the truth through the fog. Every day, O Father, search me and know my heart. . Test me and know my anxious thoughts. When previously calm waters are ruffled by wind. When storms blow in and threaten to draw my focus from my Lord. When I’m restless and agitated and need Your peace. When I fail to trust. Every day, O Father, try me and know my anxieties. . See if there is any offensive way in me. When I can’t tell right from wrong. When I feel guilty for wrong although I think I did right. When I can’t seek out my own motivation for my actions. When my desire is to do right, but I know that I sin. Every day, O Father, see if there is any wicked way in me. . And lead me in the way everlasting. When my greatest desire is to glorify God. When I long to trust my Father with all I am, even though I know I can’t do it on my own. When my desire is for You, but I fall. Every day, O Father, lead me in the way everlasting. Macy Lee . Today’s devotion is written in the style of a personal prayer, guided by a psalm. Have you ever tried to pray by using a Bible verse or passage as a model? Consider taking a moment to read Psalm 139:23-24 slowly, praying your own words to God in between the Bible’s phrases. . Do you ever find it difficult to be honest with God about your own failures and shortcomings? How could it be comforting to know that other people feel this way too? . Remember that God has already secured our forgiveness through Jesus’s death and resurrection. As we lay all of our thoughts, feelings, and struggles down at Jesus Christ’s throne in surrender to Him, we can rest in His deep love for us. . Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV) Read Verses: Psalm 139

Kyle hesitated as he came to the doors of the library before opening them and slipping inside. Book dust wafted in the air, illuminated by golden shafts of light that poured in from the tall windows. The rotunda of bookshelves surrounded a wooden desk, where an old woman sat in a wooden chair. . Kyle bit his lip self-consciously as the woman smiled at him. Come here, child, she said in a grandmotherly voice. Step into the light. . Kyle approached cautiously. . You’ve come for a book? . Kyle could only nod. “Reading is the only way I can escape my present circumstances, the endless consequences of past mistakes,” he thought. . The old woman scurried across the room and plucked a blue book off the shelf. The gold letters of the title lit up softly in the radiant surroundings: Kyle Meyers. “What?” Confusion filled his mind. . Go ahead. The woman smiled. Open it. . Kyle grasped the book and flicked through the pages. Memories of joy and sorrowof each moment of his lifedanced across the pages. The day he lost his first tooth the birthday spent at the beach the first band recital then . No! he sobbed as he saw pictures of the moment he had regretted for years. He reached to tear it out, but the woman laid a gentle hand on his arm. . Keep going, she whispered. Painfully, Kyle continued through the memories till he came to a page that reflected his own face. . The past mistakes and sins that plague us can be fuel used for regret and shame, the woman said, or they can be used to show how much God can change us! He will use those chapters of your life. And Jesus will walk with you every step of the way. . Kyle’s eyes filled with tears. . Let the Great Author take those pages and use them for something better than you could imagine! . Kyle looked back at the page and watched the tear stains on his face glow, then dissipate. As he closed his eyes, a smile of relief crossed his face. “Take these pages,” he prayed as he held up the book. “They’re all yours, Lord.” Lily Walsh . Even though our sin might have lasting consequences, God is so good that He works good out of even our worst moments (Romans 8:28). How can this change the way we view our past? . Have you seen God use a mistake from your past to help you or the people around you? Consider taking a moment to thank Him for this. . Why is it hopeful to know that God writes the stories of our lives, and He doesn’t give up on us? (Psalm 139:16; Ephesians 3:20-21; Philippians 1:6) . looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith. Hebrews 12:2a (WEB) Read Verses: Romans 7:21-Romans 7:25; Ephesians 3:20-Ephesians 3:21; Hebrews 12:1-Hebrews 12:2

Hannah took a swig from the can. It wasn’t like anyone cared what she did anymore. Her parents were caught up in dealing with her little sister’s illness; they wouldn’t notice if she came home drunk. . What are you doing? . Hannah startled at the sound of a voice. She spun in a circle but didn’t see anyone near her. Who are you? Where are you? . Hannah, what are you doing with your life? Stop. . As she heard the words spoken directly to her heart, Hannah felt comfort settle over her like a blanket. Still, she said, Whoever you are, you know nothing about what is going on. . There are people who care about you. Your parents careeven though they’re busy helping your sister. You can find someone to talk to about all of this. You are loved, and you are not alone. . Hannah lifted the can toward her lips but paused without taking a sip. She wasn’t sure if the voice was in her head or where it was coming from, but the words were getting to her. Her eyes filled with tears. I just want my parents to pay attention. I want them to notice that I’m hurting too. I want them to remember that they have an older daughter. . I love you. Bring your hurt to Me. I am here. Even though your earthly parents are not paying attention, I am. You are My daughter. . Hannah brushed at her eyes when she heard the voice again. Maybe she wasn’t as alone as she felt. Maybe she really was cared for and loved. Emily Acker . Have you ever dealt with parents who were distracted? Maybe you had a sibling who was sick, or your parents were facing marriage issues or the loss of a job . Read Matthew 28:20, John 11:33-36, Hebrews 4:14-16, and Revelation 21:1-5. Jesus knows what suffering feels like, and He came to the world to live among us, die, and rise again to make all things new and free from brokenness. He is with us through everything we face. As Christians, when we experience abandonment and loneliness, how can these truths comfort us? . When you feel alone, who are trusted people in your life (such as counselors, teachers, pastors, parents, etc.) that you can reach out to? . [God] himself has said, I will never leave you or abandon you. Hebrews 13:5b (CSB) Read Verses: Matthew 10:29-Matthew 10:31; Hebrews 13:5

“If God is loving, why does He deal with sin so harshly?” It’s a great question. Before we go on, let’s remember that God is always the same, always keeps His promises, and is always good, even when we don’t understand (Romans 11:33-35). . Judgement for sin may not seem nice, but it actually shows God’s love. Sin is going against God’s good design for life, and going against God’s plan ultimately leads to death. . Since God is completely good and perfect, He must address evil and sin. Our sin breaks our relationship with Him and those around us, but God loves us so much that He made a plan to rescue us from sin. Jesus is fully God, and He became human and lived among us, eventually dying on the cross for our sins, taking our guilt upon Himself (2 Corinthians 5:21). Through His own death and resurrection, Jesus beat sin and death, providing all who trust in Him with forgiveness and the promise of being with Him for eternity (John 3:16). He defeated the power of sin and evil: this is the best news ever (Luke 2:10)! . God’s justice is also good news when we look at a world full of evil and suffering. Because we know that Jesus is King, we can have peace and comfort in remembering that evil will not go unaddressed. When Jesus returns to judge the world and make all things new (free from the effects of sin and death), there will be no more suffering (2 Timothy 4:1; Revelation 21:1-5). . Love without justice is superficial, and justice without love is cruel. God’s justice shows that He cares about us and doesn’t want us to suffer or inflict evil on each other, and His love shows His grace and compassion. When we look to the cross, we see how bad sin is. Yet, when we look to the cross, we also see how amazing God’s love is. Abby Ciona . Read Isaiah 42:1-7. This passage talks about God’s promised Rescuer: Jesus! How does it show that love and justice go together? . Read Proverbs 21:15. How is justice good news for Christians? (Hint: read Romans 3:22 and Ephesians 2:1-5.) . I will sing of your love and justice; to you, Lord, I will sing praise. Psalm 101:1 (NIV) Read Verses: Isaiah 61:8; Romans 3:22-Romans 3:26; 1 John 4:7-1 John 4:18; Psalm 101:1

Three items: one dress, one skirt, one jumpsuit. These were the pieces I wanted to sell at a consignment shop. If they sold, the store owner would earn a profit, and I would also walk away with some cash. . I located a consignment store and arranged to sell my items there. Then I called the store once a week to check if they had sold. Each time, I learned they hadn’t. After a few weeks, nobody answered my calls. I finally spoke to the manager, who I’ll call Iris, and she informed me that she had decided to cut back on store hours because profits were low. I didn’t understand but agreed to contact Iris later about whether the clothes had been purchased. . After a couple more weeks, I passed by the shopping center, only to discover that the store was shut down and completely bare. I don’t know what happened to the clothes I tried to sell, but I never saw them again. I was frustrated and didn’t know how to fix the problem. Though I might have wanted to make Iris pay for what she’d done, I also wanted to consider how God would have me approach the situation. . Having a relationship with God is possible through Jesus. He died and rose again so that we could be forgiven from all our sins. I had put my faith in Jesus, and that meant He had something to say about my mindset in these circumstances. Jesus taught His followers to be merciful and to pray for those who mistreat us, as God is merciful to us even though we all do wrong against Him. As His children, we have been set free to forgive others and let offenses go because God has forgiven us, and we can trust Him to carry out perfect justice. In the end, I chose to let those pieces of clothing go, acknowledging that God was still good even in this loss. . As God’s children, we can trust Him to show us His kindness even when people mistreat us. As we follow our merciful Savior, He helps us be merciful to others. Allison Wilson Lee . How could remembering that God has shown us mercy make it easier for us to show mercy to others? Consider taking a moment to pray for someone who has wronged you. . In certain situations, it’s important to pursue justice (the righting of wrongs), especially when someone has been hurt. If you’ve experienced an injustice, who is a trusted adult you could talk to? . Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Luke 6:36 (NIV) Read Verses: Luke 6:27-Luke 6:36

Join Natalie and producer Dylan (who dat? find out) for an update on George’s next few months, plus a look behind the scenes on their experiences creating the Unlocked audio devotional. And Dylan’s looking for feedback on the music that goes under the story narration: lame? awesome? indifferent? Email [email protected] to him know.

One element in storytelling that I enjoy is called a redemption arc. It’s where we get to see a character who was evil, hurtful, or just made a lot of mistakes …turned to good and brought into community. This theme in stories has strong ties to Christianity and to God’s own story of redemption. . In the Bible, Jesus is often called the Redeemer. But how does Jesus redeem us? Ever since humans first went their own way against God, we all became sinful, doing wrong against God and against one another. Our sin separated us from God, but He wanted us to be near Him again. That’s why He took our sins upon Himself on the cross. When Jesus died and rose again, He was the One who paid for our sins and brought us back into the folds of God’s grace. In books and movies, characters often redeem themselves, but for Christians, our redemption is a gift from Jesus, bought at the price of His own blood and suffering (Ephesians 1:7; 2:8). . One way the Bible explains it is that we were slaves to sin, owned by our sin. But we were bought at the price of Jesus’s death on the cross, and now we are free! We get to be with our resurrected Lord and become part of God’s family, the church. Jesus has brought us back into His light, so we don’t have to hide in the shadows anymore (Colossians 1:13-14). Now, we can live free from the guilt and shame of our own sins, because we have been redeemed. Naomi Zylstra . Can you think of a book or movie character who had a redemption arc? How did they change over the course of the story? . Have you ever done something you regret, and then wanted to somehow make up for it? While God does call us to turn away from wrongdoing and work to make things right, we can never earn God’s forgiveness or our place in His family. We are only redeemed by Jesus’s death and resurrection, not by any of our own efforts. In light of these truths, what might it look like for us to follow God out of love and gratitude, not obligation or fear? . I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. Job 19:25 (NIV) Read Verses: Romans 3:23-Romans 3:24; Romans 6:17-Romans 6:18; 1 Corinthians 6:19-1 Corinthians 6:20; Job 19:25

God’s plan is good. We don’t have to worry when it seems like things aren’t going well. We can be patient because we can know that God is still good, and He is still on the throne. . Remember people like Paul and Peter, who were put in prison for their faith in Jesus. Even when they were locked up and put in chains, they didn’t lose hope. They kept praising God. More than once, He got them out of dangerous situations so they were free again. Eventually, both Paul and Peter were imprisoned one last time and put to death. But death will not have the last word, because Jesus has promised to return bodily to earth and raise us from the dead, and everyone who has put their trust in Jesus will live with Him forever in restored creation! . God’s ultimate plan to redeem the world cannot be thwarted. Though our lives aren’t always easy, we have the sure hope of eternity with Jesus. Before then, we might not get relief from our suffering, at least not in the way we hoped, but He is still good. . When Christians like Paul and Peter were released from prison, they could have gone on to live easy lives. They could have thought that they’d done enough for God and could just relax and try not to get caught again. But instead, they went on spreading the good news about Jesus: that He is the Messiah, and He died for us and rose from the grave so that all who believe in Him could be saved. Paul and Peter both continued to serve God despite the challenges they knew they would face because of it. . Following Jesus is not always easy. While we might not go through the same things Paul and Peter did, this life on earth still isn’t perfect and people can be cruel. We will face many challenges that come, not just from other people, but also from sicknesses or any kind of setback. But with Jesus, we can get through it all. His love for us never fails. He has compassion on us, and He comforts us in all our troubles (2 Corinthians 1:3-11). God knows what’s best for us. He knows what’s best for His plan. And He is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). We can trust that no matter what’s in store for us, He will be with us. Bethany Acker . Why do you think Christians like Paul and Peter continued to spread the good news about Jesus, even though they kept getting thrown in prison because of it? (Hint: read Acts 4:13-30.) . If you want to dig deeper, read Luke 21:12-13; Acts 5:17-32 and 26:29. . Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I [Jesus] have overcome the world. John 16:33b (NLT) Read Verses: Acts:12:1-Acts:12:11; Acts:16:22-Acts:16:40; John 16:33

Who helped you understand the love of Jesus? For me, it was a woman I’ll call Amelia, a youth group leader I had at church. She provided conversation, encouragement, water, food, and sometimes a place to sleep if someone’s own home wasn’t a safe place. To be honest, I remember her practical care more clearly than any Bible lesson she ever taught, and her faithful care and listening ear helped me grow in my Christian faith. She gave me a tangible picture of Christ’s love for me and for the church as a whole. . It is interesting that God seems concerned that His people are known for their practical and even mundane care for each other: providing water, clothes, and visits in times of suffering. That’s probably why, just a few chapters before today’s passage, Jesus said that loving God and loving our neighbor are not only the two most important commandments, but also the motive behind every part of the Old Testament (Matthew 22:37-40). . And Jesus fulfills the entire Old Testament. He embodies God’s love as the Good Shepherd who cares for us, who are His sheep (John 10:11). In Psalm 23, we see how the Good Shepherd provides His flock with water, food, and safe places to rEsther As Christians, we are called to follow His example by caring for one another. . So, even in the busyness of our days, let us remember that the gospel (the good news of Jesus) is made clear not just by our words but also through our love for each other. And this love comes from the wellspring of God’s deep love for us as shown when Jesus died on the cross and rose from the grave to rescue us from sin and death. It is only when we rest in the love and work of our Good Shepherd that we may truly love others well. Aurora Scriver . Who is a Christian in your life who has shown Jesus’s love to you? Consider taking a moment to thank God for what they’ve done, and maybe thank the person too! . What are some tangible ways you can show Jesus’s love to your siblings in Christ? . What are some tangible ways you can show Jesus’s love to those who don’t know Him yet? . Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. John 13:35 (NLT) Read Verses: Matthew 25:31-Matthew 25:46; John 13:35; Psalm 23

With a sickening crunch, a piece of my tooth snapped at the back of my mouth. Shocked, I momentarily paused, anxious about how broken it would be. Carefully taking out the broken piece of the tooth, I realized it was a tiny fragment. . “I can live with it until my next dentist appointment,” I foolishly thought. “I’m booked in for a check-up in a couple of months anyway.” . How wrong was I? Within hours, I found that the jagged edge of my tooth was scraping my tongue. It was stabbing me so much that I struggled to speak properly and kept piercing the offending wound. I knew I would have to do something about it. I could not live with the pain. . Thankfully, the dental clinic could fit me in. The dentist smoothed away the sharp edge and patched it up to stop the pain until my tooth could be fixed properly at my next appointment. . Sometimes my own life has a jagged edge. In this imperfect world I live in, I constantly make mistakes and choose the wrong decisions. When I do, whether it’s a tiny or colossal error, it still has the power to hurt me or others. And when I sin, it also harms my relationship with God. The Holy Spirit prompts me and reminds me that, like my tooth, my relationship with God needs repairing. . How wonderful that we have Jesus, who heals our broken relationship with God. Because Jesus took all our sins upon Himself when He went to the cross, and then defeated sin and death when He rose from the grave, everyone who puts their trust in Jesus is forgiven and brought near to God. Whenever we mess up, we can come to our loving Father, who is always ready to forgive us and restore what’s been broken. Cindy Lee . Are you living with regrets for something you did wrong in the past? Whenever we experience guilt, Jesus invites us to repent: to turn away from our sin and come to Him for forgiveness and healing. Consider taking a moment to write down or simply reflect on particular sins you’ve committed, and then offer them up to God and thank Him for His forgiveness. Remember that no matter what you’ve done, you are deeply loved, and our loving Father will always forgive you and welcome you with open arms. . If you would like to know more about Jesus’s forgiveness, check out our “Know Jesus” page. . For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:17 (NIV) Read Verses: Psalm 32:1-Psalm 32:5; Romans 8:1; Hebrews 4:14-Hebrews 4:16; 1 John 1:9; John 3:17

Sometimes I feel like I am not enough. I feel like I am not trying hard enough or doing big enough things with my life. I feel bad for not being as successful as others. You may have days like that too. You might have days when you mess up and you feel like you’re not good enough. You might have days when you fail to get into the college you wanted to attend, or you don’t land the job you were excited about, or when you feel like the dreams you have for yourself don’t compare with the dreams your friends have. . But our value in God’s eyes has nothing to do with what we have accomplished, or what we are hoping to accomplish. Our value in God’s eyes has nothing to do with the way we act or how perfect we are. Our value in God’s eyes is based solely on the fact that we are human and He created us in His image (Genesis 1:27). He loves us no matter what we do and no matter what we accomplish. As Christians, we know God’s love is unshakable because He became human and died and rose again for us, beating sin and death so that we could be with Him forever (Romans 8:38-39). . God chose to love us before we even turned to Him, and that is a great sign of how He feels about us. We are enough because He loves us. We do not have to accomplish anything to be seen and cared for by Him. Emily Acker . Jesus came to die for you while you were still a sinner and an enemy of God. In fact, God loved you so much that He chose to save you before He created the worldbefore you had ever done anything good or bad (Ephesians 1:4-5; 1 John 4:19). How might it be freeing to know that God’s love is not affected by what you do or don’t do, and that forgiveness for all your sins is accomplished through Jesus’s death on the cross, the ultimate expression of love? . We all need Jesus’s love and forgiveness. To find out more about what this means, check out our “Know Jesus” page. . But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 (CSB) Read Verses: Romans 5:6-Romans 5:11

When did you become God’s? When did God first notice you and pay attention to you? The psalms talk about that happening before we were even born. Before we made our appearance in the world, we were already seen by God. We were already claimed by God. We already had God looking out for us. . When we were babies, relying on adults for everything, God saw us. When we were young and we didn’t fully understand what it meant to know God, He knew us. . God has such a great love for us, and He paid attention to us before we were even born. When you think about the life of a baby while they’re still in their mother’s womb, there’s not a lot of exciting stuff going on. But God still paid attention to us when we were small like that. . When we start to wonder if anyone cares about us, the Bible can help us see just how much God cares for us. In Psalm 139, David writes, For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place Your eyes saw my unformed body (verses 13-16). . When we start to wonder if anyone really loves us, we can look to the Bible to see how God has always been loving useven before we were born! Emily Acker . Have you ever thought about how God loved you and paid attention to you before you were born? How might it give you comfort to know that He was watching over youand your mothereven then? . For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Psalm 139:13, 16 (NIV) Read Verses: Psalm 22:9-Psalm 22:10; Psalm 139:13-Psalm 139:16; Ephesians 1:4-Ephesians 1:5

The Aramean army surrounded Samaria. No one could get out or go in. People were starving since no one could get past the Aramean army. Those outside the gateslepers who were unclean since leprosy was a fatal skin diseasewere also starving. . Four lepers sat outside the gate. Trying to figure out a way to survive, they weighed their options. No reason to go back inside. No food in there. But if they sat where they were, they would die. No food outside the gates either. So, they considered going to the Aramean army to surrender. The army had food, but they might kill them. No good choices, but if the army accepted their surrender, they might live. . When the four lepers entered the Aramean camp, no one was there. God had sent noises of chariots and horses to terrify the Aramean soldiers. When the soldiers heard what sounded like a great army, they had swiftly run away. . The lepers discovered food, tents, horses, donkeys, and great amounts of gold coins. After eating, they gathered gold in their hands. But then they felt guilty. They had found great treasure from the enemy, yet they hadn’t gone back and shared their discovery with the others. Quickly, they made their way back to the city to tell of the great provision. . Upon hearing the lepers’ news, the king believed it was a trap, so he sent some of his soldiers to investigate. They found the Aramean soldiers had gone, so they joyfully came down and raided the camp. In our hardest times, God is there, just like He was there for the people of Samaria in today’s reading. He knows firsthand what we are suffering (Hebrews 4:14-16). And He made a plan to rescue us: Jesus died and rose again so that death and suffering would one day be no more (Revelation 21:1-5). Like the lepers who were rescued, let us share the good news of what Jesus has done for us! Anna Gregory . Can you think of a time God showed His love for you in the midst of difficult circumstances? Consider taking a moment to thank Him for this, and maybe even tell others about it! . When you are going through a challenging time, who are trusted peoplesuch as pastors, parents, counselors, or teacherswho you can reach out to for help? . My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. Psalm 73:26 (NLT) Read Verses: 2Kgs:7:3-2Kgs:7:9; Psalm 27:1; Psalm 73:26

It’s God’s desire that every one of us is saved. God is loving and does not desire to see anyone perish (2 Peter 3:8-10). Jesus came for all people, irrespective of race, tribe, or culture. Salvation is meant for anyone who will come to Jesus. Anyone who confesses their sins and puts their trust in Jesus to save them from sin and death shall receive forgiveness (Romans 10:9). . In Matthew 18:10-14, Jesus was sharing a parable about lost sheep. He said if one sheep is lost among ninety-nine, the shepherd (who represents God) cares about that one sheepthat one person who is lost in sin. God won’t say, Oh, I already have ninety-nine people who are righteous. I don’t need to seek after the one. No, as Jesus’s parable says, God will go search for the lost one till He finds it. In Luke 15, Jesus went even further to say that there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent (verse 7). This tells us the extent of God’s love for each one of us. . If God hasn’t given up on any one of us, then we also shouldn’t give up on anyone. As Christians, we shouldn’t look at those who don’t know Jesus as beyond restoration. We shouldn’t give up on them, no matter their level of sin, because God can still bring them back to Himself. Instead, we have the opportunity to share the good news of Jesus’s love shown through His death and resurrection. . No sin is beyond Jesus’s forgiveness, and in fact, our sin is the reason why He came to live among us, die, and rise again. When religious leaders accused Jesus of mingling with the sinners of His day, Jesus emphatically told them, It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance (Luke 5:31-32). Indeed, Jesus is the Great Physician, who brings the only healing from sin and its effects. . Therefore, it’s necessary we extend our hands in love to all unbelievers we come into contact with, showing them the same love God showed usfor no sinner is beyond God’s love and saving grace. Shadrach Goni . If you know Jesus, who were the people who introduced you to Him? What do you remember about the love they showed you? . If you want to learn more about what it means to know Jesus, check out our “Know Jesus” page. . And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Acts 2:21 (NIV) Read Verses: Matthew 18:10-Matthew 18:14; Luke 15:1-Luke 15:7; Acts:2:21

I believe in You And then I don’t I trust in You Then I get scared I waver and doubt I mess up and hide I don’t cling to You like I should I rest in peace And then I wake scared I cry to You Then I turn away I stumble and fall I don’t live like I know I should Take imperfect me Keep me close to You Emily Acker . Even when we give up on God, He never gives up on us (Luke 19:10; 2 Timothy 2:13). When we are doubting, He remains with us, always patient and merciful (Hebrews 13:5; Jude 1:22). How can these truths give us hope when we feel far away from God? . Read Colossians 2:6-15. When we start to doubt God, how could it be helpful to look at Jesus and remember the good news of what He has done for us? (If you want to know more about this good news, check out our “Know Jesus” page). . Throughout our lives, we all have questions, frustrations, and concerns about Christianity. Who are trusted Christians in your life you can talk to about these things? . Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we areyet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16 (NIV) Read Verses: Psalm 119:176; Colossians 2:6-Colossians 2:15; Hebrews 4:14-Hebrews 4:16

Ayesha, you are under arrest for violating the curfew, the words echo inside. Tomorrow you are sentenced to the Ocean of Mistakes. “God, please save me,” I pray. I’ve been pleading all night in my prison cell. “I know I’ve failed. Please forgive me.” . Sunrise peeps through the window. CLANG. The door opens. My jailers clamp chains around my hands. The rule book is clipped to my clothes. Silence. . They drag me, throwing me into an open top truck as an example for all to see, a warning for others to avoid making the same mistake. Screaming and crying rings in my ears, and with horror I realize they are my own tortured screams. I can’t take any more, I sob as the truck bounces along the uneven track to the sandy beach. I tried to follow your rules and regulations. I can’t be perfect. Silence. . The truck stops with a screech. I’m carried onto the speed boat. Mouth dry, bile burns inside of me until we reach the ebony part of the ocean. Hands grip mine. I taste salt and fear. Struggling, fighting to stay on the boat until weakness takes over. My body is thrown overboard. Icy water prickles my skin. Gasping, flailing, tears pour down my face, the chains and the rule book drag me down. The boat speeds off in the distance, a tiny speck. Here, then gone. . Ayesha, don’t try to swim, calls a voice. “Am I hallucinating?” I wonder, choking on the water. Suddenly the waves stop; a shining figure on the water glides toward me. Stay calm. . Jesus? I whisper. Jesus? . Ayesha, I love you more than your mistakes, He says, love in His eyes, His words breaking my chains. I heard your prayers. I forgive you. This is a fresh start. Leave your old life behind. Follow me. His words of love shred the pages of the rule book until it disappears. Reaching out to me, He grasps my hand. He leads me, and I follow Him to a fresh start and a new life. Cindy Lee . Have you ever felt like you were drowning in guiltpulled down by the weight of your sin? It’s never too late. God loves us deeply and sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross for sin and brokennessand rise from the dead to renew His creation and His people. Through Jesus, God heals our brokenness. Consider taking a moment to bring any sin to Him and receive His forgiveness. . he freed us from the penalty for our sins. Romans 3:24 (NLT) Read Verses: Psalm 32:1-Psalm 32:7; Romans 3:23-Romans 3:28

I love mosaicspictures made of tiny pieces of random materials, arranged together on some type of canvas. It could be a literal canvas made of cloth stretched over a wood frame, or a cement paving stone, or even a wall or ceiling. I think what I love most about mosaics is that you can make them out of anything. You just need a canvas and lots of tiny items in the colors you want. When all those random pieces come together, I’m always amazed at the picture that forms. . And what holds all those random pieces together? The canvas. That unity in diversity reminds me of the church, God’s family. Christians all have different talents, spiritual gifts, backgrounds, and cultures. Even with all those differences, God unites us through Jesus and makes us into His beautiful mosaic. Therefore, when we worship Jesus together, we know that it is His death and resurrection that truly unites us as Christians. . What’s amazing to me is that this diversity is how God planned it. He wants His people to have all kinds of beautiful differencesjust like all the seemingly random pieces that make up a mosaicto make up a beautiful church. A church that glorifies Him. A church made up of people who look different, have different spiritual gifts, and come from different places and cultures and backgrounds. A church united around one thing: Jesus. . God uses our different backgrounds and gifts, making us His beautiful mosaic that shows the wonderful story of Christ’s death and resurrection. As Christians, we are united by Jesus’s work on the cross and at the resurrection, and we get to celebrate the amazing diversity of God’s family. Aurora Scriver . What are some of the different talents, backgrounds, and cultures in your local church? What about in the church around the world? . How have you seen God glorified through those differences? . God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. 1 Corinthians 12:6 (NLT) Read Verses: Revelation 7:9-Revelation 7:10; 1 Corinthians 12:4-1 Corinthians 12:31

Genesis 1:26-27 says God created humans in His own image, in His likeness. This tells us God places the same value on all people, because each of us is created in His image. . Sometimes, we tend to think that we are of less value than others. We might compare ourselves with those who seem better than us because of their appearance or beauty, or because they come from rich families who can give them nice things that we ourselves cannot afford. . When I was still in school, I used to feel inferior in the company of students who came from rich families as I watched their rich parents drop them at school in personal vehicles while I had to walk to school. To me, it looked like God placed more value on those people. . But now, I’ve come to understand that God does not value us because of how we look or what we have, but because we are created in His own image. He places the same value on all people, be they poor or rich. And He creates all people beautiful. . I came to this understanding as I listened to the testimonies of people who are less valued by society. They told of the things God had done for them, and I saw that God doesn’t just work on behalf of those who society places more value on. Through listening to others and reading God’s Word, God has been teaching me to see myself and others as He sees us. . James 2:1-4 shows us God wants us to place the same value on all people. He tells us not to show special attention to the rich while ignoring the poor, and not to treat people with honor or dishonor based on the way they’re dressed. John 3:16 teaches us God values all people the samebecause He loves us, Jesus died for us on the cross, and He offers eternal life to all who put their trust in Him. So let us learn to look at ourselves and others as God sees us: as His valuable creation. Enid Adah Nyinomujuni . How have you seen wealth, status, appearance, etc. influencing how people treat each other in your community? . When do you find it difficult to see all people (including yourself) as inherently valuable, no matter what we look like or what we have? God invites us to talk to Him about this, relying on His love to help us see people as He sees us, remembering that each person is someone Jesus died for. . So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. Matthew 10:31 (NLT) Read Verses: James 2:1-James 2:4; Genesis 1:26-Genesis 1:27; John 3:16

Throughout the Bible, God calls His people to tell one another about all He has done. As we wait for Jesus to return bodily to earth and fully restore His creation, we go through a lot of hard things. But God is at work restoring this broken world, and when we experience Him bringing wholeness and goodness into our lives, we can look at how this fits into His bigger story. Because of His great love for us, God came and lived among us, and He took all our sins upon Himself when He went to the cross. Through Jesus’s death and resurrection, God is drawing people to Himself and rescuing the world from sin and death. Let’s see what today’s devotion writer shares about remembering God’s faithfulness: . When we talk to others about the great things God has done for us, both in the Bible and in our own lives, a number of things happen. . When we share about the good things God has done, we help ease our own anxiety, and maybe help others feel less anxious too. When we talk about the ways God has looked out for us in the past, we remember He will look out for us again in the future. . When we talk about the good things God has done for us, we are acting as His witnesses (Acts 1:8). When we share about the ways God has worked in our lives, we help others see God as He truly is: good and kind. Our stories could inspire them to want to know Him. . When we talk about the things God has done for us, we worship God and show our gratitude for all He has done. Talking about some of the ways God has been faithful to us in the past also makes us want to serve Him and please Him in the future. . What has God done for you? How could you tell others? As you share, take time to thank God for His kindness to you, and remember His goodness. Emily Acker . Today’s devotion points out three reasons it’s important for us to tell one another about what God has done for us. Which of these reasons resonates with you the most? Why? Can you think of any other reasons? . Can you think of a time God helped you (physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, relationally )? Consider taking a moment to thank God for this, and then think about how you might share it with others. . The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Psalm 126:3 (NIV) Read Verses: Deuteronomy 6:20-Deuteronomy 6:25; Psalm 107:1-Psalm 107:2; Psalm 107:43; Psalm 126:3

When I was eleven years old, the public school teachers in my district went on strike to call for much-needed improved wages. The students missed a few weeks of school as a result. To make up some of the missed days, the school board instituted something I’d never heard of before: Saturday school. For one month, a modified version of school would take place for a half-day on Saturdays. I attended the first session, only to discover that merely a handful of students had shown up. We spent the day watching videos and playing a few games as a substitute teacher kept an eye on us. . Not only had that day bored me (and my classmates too), but we hadn’t accomplished anything either. So, the following Saturday, I asked my parents to let me stay home. I earned good grades and (mostly) enjoyed school, but I judged spending a Saturday indoors doing busy work as a waste of time. Just going to the school building for a few hours simply so it could be called a school day seemed pointless. My parents agreed. On that Saturday, I played outside and helped with chores around our house instead. . I didn’t really consider whether I was being a good steward of my life when I begged to skip Saturday school. But as we grow up, we realize our time is limited and it matters how we spend it. Once we begin a relationship with God by trusting Jesus to save us from our sins, we can then honor the Lord by stewarding the lives He has entrusted to us. As He leads us, we can learn to make the most of the days He gives us. In addition to being productive, we can also invest our time in relationships, in relaxation, and in fun. As followers of Jesus, we are free from the idea of simply being busy for busyness’s sake. Instead, we can rest in His love for us and in the work He has already done through His death and resurrection, and we can choose how we spend our days in light of those truths. Allison Wilson Lee . How do you decide what to prioritize in your life? . What distracts you from investing your time in what’s most important? . How can knowing that we belong to and are loved by Jesus help us become better stewards of our time? . Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12 (NIV) Read Verses: Deuteronomy 5:13-Deuteronomy 5:15; Mark 2:23-Mark 2:28; Ephesians 5:15-Ephesians 5:17; Psalm 90:12

I struggled to lift my head up to peer into the distance. I was sure it was close, but I wasn’t sure if I could make it. My battle with the dragon had left me deeply wounded; I had barely survived the attack. My only hope was to get to the King’s strong tower for healing and protection. . But I still couldn’t see it. The dark gloom of the day and the smoke from the battle were clouding my view, making it impossible to see much past my position. I continued to struggle forward, hoping I was heading in the right direction, hoping that I would make it before I collapsed and succumbed to my wounds. . And yetthose wounds? Once I finally began to look at myself, I couldn’t see any major gashes or bleeding. Some bruising to be sureI remembered when thedragon knocked me off my feet, disabled both my sword and shield, and came in close for the kill. But he didn’t kill! He bent his head toward my ear, and told me I was pathetic. I was no warrior! No child of the king! I would die miserable and alone, with no hope of help or rescuehe whispered into my ear. All of a sudden, I realized the dragon’s words were all lies. . So that was it! I had not been mortally wounded but poisoned by the lies of the enemy. The mere recognition of the truth began to clear my head and my thinking. The sun’s light started to burn the dark fog away, and I could see the hills before meand the strong tower of the King! Boldly I moved forward with every ounce of my remaining strength, and found I had more life in me than I realized. The tower guards saw me approach and ran to help me make it to the gates. I was able to cry out triumphantly the name of my God and my King: For El Shaddai! In the name of the Kingmy strong tower! Laura N. Sweet . Jesus said the devil is the father of lies (John 8:44). In Revelation 12:7-17, the devil is described as a dragon who accuses those who belong to Jesus. But because Jesus died and rose again, we can be freed from all the devil’s lies and accusations (Romans 8:1, 31-39). And we can look forward to the day Jesus will put an end to the devil’s tyranny, and we will live with God forever, free from all pain and deception (Revelation 20:10; 21:1-5). In the meantime, how can spending time in God’s Word help us recognize lies and draw near to Jesus? . One of God’s names in the Bible is El Shaddai, which is often translated God Almighty (Exodus 6:2-3). What does God say is true about us, His people? (Read Ephesians 1:3-14.) . For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. Psalm 61:3 (NIV) Read Verses: Psalm 61:1-Psalm 61:5; Proverbs 18:10; Revelation 12:7-Revelation 12:17

I’ll never forget something God reminded me of in a hospital room. We were visiting a dear friend who had just had a baby. A few minutes into our visit, her newborn son woke up from his slumber and began to cry. I’ll never forget the words of comfort she spoke to her wailing son as she scooped him into her arms: Tell Mama about it. . As she rocked him, held him close, and found out his needs, her opening words set the tone, telling him something really important: his tears and cries were not too much for her. She wanted him to share what was going on in his world, no matter how piercing his communication might be. . And that really reminded me of Jesus. He wants us to share with Him what we’re experiencing, telling Him how we’re feeling and what we need. He promises to be with useven in our most tearful moments. He is the One who will meet our needs, and His presence is what we need most. In other words, God says the same thing to us that my friend said to her baby: Tell Me about it. . What amazes me is that no emotion we experience is too big for God. In fact, in the book of Psalms in the Bible, we find all kinds of people who loved God and talked with Him about their deepest hurts, questions, and feelingseven when those feelings were piercing and loud. . I’m really glad that God showed us in His Word that He wants to comfort us, even in our hardest and loudest moments. And there’s more good news: because Jesus died on the cross and rose from the grave, He promises He will one day make all things new, free from sin and free from tears (Revelation 21:1-5)! Even now, as we look on Jesus’s work on the cross and at the resurrection, as Christians, we can know that Jesus is with us now and forever, weeping with us and working on our behalf, no matter what we need or what we face. Aurora Scriver . Read Psalm 42. What emotions do you notice in this psalm? How might the intense emotions shown in this and other psalms give you comfort when you talk with God? (If you want to dig deeper, read Psalms 43, 56, and 69.) . Read Matthew 6:9-13. This is an example prayer Jesus used to show His followers how to pray. What is surprising about this prayer? casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7 (CSB) Read Verses: Psalm 56; Matthew 6:9-Matthew 6:13; 1 Peter 5:7

I struggle with anxiety. There are times when my anxiety gets to me and keeps me from being at peace. I can pray in those times and feel like it’s not helping at all. . As Christians, sometimes we are made to feel bad for having anxiety. Aren’t we supposed to trust that God will take care of everything and just feel at peace? Well, for some of us, that is not always possible. Mental health issues are real issues, and they can significantly impact how we are feeling. . When I’m feeling anxiousand praying and reading the Bible and trying to feel God’s presence isn’t working for meI remind myself that just trying to trust God and turn to Him for help is good enough. God sees that I want to trust Him, and He doesn’t reject me (Romans 8:26-27). He is not judging me for feeling anxious. We can rest in true faith even as we experience anxiety. . God knows that we can’t always control the way we are feeling. God is patient with us when our anxiety keeps us from fully trusting Him to work all things for His good purpose, even when things don’t turn out the way we want them to (Romans 8:28). Nothingnot even anxietycan separate us from God’s love for us (Romans 8:38-39). Emily Acker . When do you feel anxious? Are there especially hard times in your life when you find it difficult to trust God with all that’s going on? . Read Mark 14:32-34, John 11:35, and Hebrews 4:14-16. Jesuswho is fully human and fully Godfeels emotions. How can this truth comfort us during times of anxiety or other strong and difficult feelings? . If you are experiencing anxiety, who are some trusted people in your life you can talk tosuch as counselors, parents, pastors, or teachers? . If you are experiencing anxiety and you need someone to talk to, you can set up an appointment for a one-time complimentary phone consultation with a Christian counselor through the Focus on the Family Counseling Service. In the United States, call 1-855-771-HELP (4357) weekdays 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Mountain Time) to set up an appointment. In Canada, book your appointment by calling 1-800-661-9800 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) and ask to speak with the care associate. . Do not be far from me, my God; come quickly, God, to help me. Psalm 71:12 (NIV) Read Verses: Psalm 118:5-Psalm 118:9; Romans 8:26-Romans 8:28; Romans 8:38-Romans 8:39; Psalm 71:12

Do you ever hear the phrase God knows the number of hairs on your head and think to yourself, “Really? Why would God need to know that about me? Or why would He even care?” . Psalm 139 talks about the intimate way God knows us. We are His creation, and He knits us together before we’re born. God cares about the small details in your life, and throughout His Word He has shown His love in the small things. . For example, in the Old Testament, God had the Israelites wander in the wilderness for forty years before they could enter the land He had promised them. And during that time, God made it so their shoes and clothes didnot wear out. I’ve never had a pair of shoes last more than five or ten years, let alone forty. Even when the Israelites were wandering through the desert, God still paid attention to their needs, down to the very soles of their shoes. . In the New Testament, Jesus (who is fully God) also demonstrated this special attention to the details of the lives of those around Him. Through one of His miracles, He made sure everybody in a hungry crowd had lunch. When Jesus performed the miracle of feeding over five thousand people, He showed the abundance of provision that will be in the new creation. Everyone who ate had enough, and there were even leftovers. Keep in mind, Jesus didn’t need to provide food for this crowd who’d been following Him. He could have sailed away from them in a boat, but instead, He had compassion on them. He chose to provide a meal for this crowd and display God’s love through service. Naomi Zylstra . Can you think of a time when you noticed God caring about a small detail? . What do these two examples from the Bible (Deuteronomy 29:5 and Matthew 14:13-21) reveal about God’s love for us? . the Lord says, During the forty years that I led you through the wilderness, your clothes did not wear out, nor did the sandals on your feet. Deuteronomy 29:5 (NIV) Read Verses: Deuteronomy 29:5; Psalm 139:1-Psalm 139:18; Matthew 14:13-Matthew 14:21; Luke 12:7

You win a contEsther The rain holds out long enough for you to go outside with your friends. You have a loving family. You get a good grade on a school assignment All those things could signal to others that you are blessed. Our world often associates blessing with being rich, comfortable, talented, successful, and happy. But is this really what it means to be blessed? . In Matthew 5:1-12, Jesus teaches something called The Beatitudes, which means Blessedness. Jesus lists qualities of what it looks like to live a life of blessing, of following Him in life to the full (John 10:10). Many of these blessed qualities are surprising: Blessed are the poor in spirit? Blessed are those who mourn? Blessed are those who are persecuted? What is Jesus saying? . Especially at that time in history, no one would have thought people who were weak, sorrowful, or poor could be blessed. Blessing was about strength and wealth and status. But Jesus reveals that in God’s kingdom, things look different. His definition of blessing isn’t about how much we have or how happy our family is or how healthy we are. These are all good things, but blessing is about what matters most of all: knowing God through Jesus. This is the good news, that through Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection, we are rescued from sin and death, we get to live a purposeful life in restored relationship with God, and we have hope for eternal life with Him. . Being blessed doesn’t mean our circumstances instantly transform to be better, but God transforms us through the Holy Spirit and helps us realize God’s blessings are all around us, even in the hard times. Because even on the hardest days, in all the highs and lows of the craziness of life, we can be deeply joyful and peaceful as we rest in God’s truth: He loves us deeply, and nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:35-39). We can learn to trust Him through all the challenges of life because our hope is beyond our present. God is always good, and He works even the hardest things toward His good plan. And all along the way, He helps us grow closer to Him. Abby Ciona . In Matthew 5:1-12, who does Jesus say are blessed? Which of these lines do you think is the most surprising? Why? . Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 (NIV) Read Verses: Matthew 5:1-Matthew 5:12; James 1:12

When Jesus was born, He didn’t even have a crib. He was born where the animals were kept and laid in a manger. . When Jesus was growing up, He was a carpenter’s son. He wasn’t rich. He didn’t live in a castle or have nice, expensive things. He had a humble life. . When Jesus became an adult and started preaching, sometimes He spoke in the synagogues or in the temple courts, but He also taught people in a lot of other places too. Crowds followed Him to the countryside. One time when Jesus was teaching by a lake, the crowds were so large that Jesus got into a boat so He could be heard by those on the shore (Mark 4:1-2). He didn’t have a fancy church building or some nice place to preach in, but He met His audience where they were and didn’t mind where that was. . Jesus wasn’t ashamed to sit down with sinners. He knew that we all needed saving. He was humble in every way from the time of His birth to His death. . When Jesus was beaten and told to carry the cross, He could have refused. When He was nailed to that cross and left to die, no one could have forced Him to give up His life for ours, but He chose to (Matthew 26:39, 53). . Jesus came humbly to the earth because of His love for us. God took on human flesh. He was born to the virgin Mary and raised as her and the carpenter Joseph’s son. Jesus was humble His whole time on earth, and He lived and died to take away our sins. When He rose from the dead, He defeated sin and death forever. Now everyone who comes to Him, the humble Savior, will be saved. Bethany Acker . When you look at Jesus’s life on earth, what strikes you about how humble He was? How might knowing He endured so much, because of His great love for you, give you hope? . Jesus entered people’s everyday lives and invited them to follow Him. What might it look like for us to follow Jesus in humility, knowing that He Himself is humble? (Hint: read Philippians 2:1-18. If you want to dig even deeper, read Matthew 11:28-30; 21:5; John 13:1-17; and Hebrews 12:2.) . And being found in human form, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, yes, the death of the cross. Philippians 2:8 (WEB) Read Verses: Luke 2:1-Luke 2:7; Philippians 2:5-Philippians 2:8

The universe is so large, the stars so far away in the night sky, and yet the same God who made the stars also made us. . When we start to doubt our worth or worry that there isn’t a reason for our lives, we can consider the stars in the night sky and the flowers in the field. In Matthew 6:26-33, Jesus says the flowers do nothing to become beautiful, and yet they are. God made them that way. They remind us that we don’t have to worry about anything, whether in this life or what is to come, because the same God who cares for the flowers will also take care of us. . God took the time to create everything in the universe, from the faraway galaxies to the flowers underfoot. He made all things good. He created a beautiful world, and that includes us. . Whenever we start to wonder why we are here or what our purpose is, we can turn to Him. He made us, and He does not make mistakes. Each of us is so immeasurably valuable to God. He showed how much we are worth to Him when He came to earth in human flesh to live and die for us. But death couldn’t hold the loving CreatorJesus rose from the grave! Each of us has life because of HimHe is the author of life. And if we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we have the sure hope of eternal life with Him. . When we look to God, the Creator of the universe, we find out just how valuable we truly are. As we seek to follow Jesus with our lives, we can have peace in doing whatever He calls us to do. Any small task for Him is a worthy cause. He made the stars in the vast night sky, He made the flowers in the nearby fields, and He made us. Bethany Acker . How can looking at the things God has made remind us of our own worth and value? . How might remembering that we are each created by God affect the way we treat one another? . And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers he will certainly care for you. Matthew 6:30a (NLT) Read Verses: Psalm 33:6; Matthew 6:26-Matthew 6:33

I have a confession. I used to hate the people who disagreed with me politically. It’s understandable to feel strongly about how we practice politics. Voting and activism have the potential to bring about much good in our communities. Politics can also be incredibly scary because we’re often dealing with life-and-death issues that affect us and our neighbors. . Here’s the good news: Jesus understands what it’s like to be in the middle of scary political situations. His homeland was occupied by the Roman Empire, and injustice was rampant. . But Jesus didn’t respond in violence toward those who threatened Him. In the same way, Jesus calls His followers to love our enemiesto pray for them and to respond to hatred with love and care for the needs of others, even our enemies (Matthew 5:38-47). . When we join Jesus’s kingdom, we no longer put our trust in chariots or swords, weapons or symbols of power (Psalm 20:7; Matthew 26:52). Instead, our trust is in the living God, our Risen Savior Jesus Christ. He’s the One who beat sin and death through His own death and resurrection, and He’s the One who will return to make all things newwith every wrongdoing and injustice finally taken care of (Revelation 20:1121:5). . Today, when I’m tempted to hate people I disagree with, I remember Jesus on the night He let people take Him away to kill Him. When His enemies surrounded Him in the Garden of Gethsemane, He did not allow His disciples to lead a violent counterattack. Instead, Jesus stopped, healed one of His enemies, and moved forward in peace and truth, making the way for restoration through His very death and eventual resurrection (Luke 22:49-52). . As Christians, we don’t have to be afraid of changing political systems. Instead, we can remember we belong to an eternal and unafraid kingdom through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. His kingdom is built upon love of God and neighbor, so no matter who is in power, we can continue to share the good news of God’s love through our words and actions (Matthew 22:37-40). In Christ, we are free to love our neighborsand even our enemiesas we follow our unchanging and healing Savior. Aurora Scriver . Have you ever been tempted to hate your political enemies? Consider taking some time to bring those thoughts and feelings to God. Your cares are never too big for Him, and He can help you process even your angriest thoughts in a way that is safe for yourself and others (1 Peter 5:7). . The psalms are filled with peoples’ prayers against their enemies, allowing them to process their hurts and trust that God is at work to bring about justice. Try praying Psalm 69 about your political enemies. What do you notice about the psalmist’s hope? . Amazingly, God is just as patient with us as He is with our enemies. According to 2 Peter 3:8-10 and John 3:16-17, why is God patient with us? What are some practical ways you can love your political enemies? (Matthew 5:38-47) . Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. Psalm 20:7 (NIV) Read Verses: Matthew 26:36-Matthew 26:55; Luke 22:49-Luke 22:52; Psalm 20:7; Matthew 5:38-Matthew 5:47

Fireheart’s eyes sharpened as she beheld an opalescent creature on the highest peak of the cliffs, glinting like a thousand diamonds in the sun’s waning light. As she flew nearer, she noted with surprise that it was a dragon. Fireheart hovered above, waiting for a warning signal of flames or the flash of claws, but neither came. . Softly, she landed next to the dragon. In his eyes, she saw her whole lifetime reflected. The fathomless depths of these emerald irises seemed to echo all her longing, reveal all her weaknesses, and yet, even as she felt completely known, somehow she felt completely loved by this shimmering dragon. It was impossible to tell how old or young he was, for he seemed to be from another realm entirely. . Surely a dragon this majestic would know of the treasure! Fireheart opened her mouth and asked, her heart’s desires spilling out, Do you know where to find the great treasure? I’ve heard the legends and searched far but I cannot find it. The dragon smiled knowingly, and his expression shook Fireheart to her core. Who are you? she whispered. It is as though you have known me all my life, and my very soul feels complete as I stand here with you. . The dragon answered in an impossibly beautiful voice, I am the one you have been seeking your whole life. Child, I am the treasure. Store up treasures no longer, for you have found me. Give your jewels and your gold away, and devote your heart to me. I will fill up all the places in your soul that are longing. Where your treasure is, there your heart will be. Fireheart, will you choose me as your treasure? . Joy welled up in Fireheart’s soul and spilled out of her eyes in the shape of tears. “Mother said I would know I found the treasure when I felt it in my heart,” she thought, “and now it burns brighter than a thousand flickers of flame in my soul!” . Come, follow me and take hold of the life that is truly life. Savannah Coleman . In Mark 10, a wealthy man came to Jesus and asked Him how to inherit eternal life. How did Jesus respond? According to verse 21, how did Jesus see this man? . Have you ever felt like Fireheart, or like the man in Mark 10, who were desperately searching? What is Jesus’s invitation to us in today’s passages? (Mark 10:21; 1 Timothy 6:11-12, 17-19) . the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. Matthew 13:45-46 (NIV) Read Verses: Matthew 6:21; Mark 10:17-Mark 10:27; 1 Timothy 6:6-1 Timothy 6:19; Matthew 13:45-Matthew 13:46

Legends passed down from generation to generation told of a treasure so pure and valuable that it rivaled all others. Fireheart made it her mission to obtain this treasure. When she was still the tiniest of dragons, tucked under her mother’s massive wing, she was told stories of the dragons who made it their life’s quest to seek the treasure. Where they had failed, Fireheart was determined to succeed. . Stretching her sleek saffron wings, Fireheart stepped out of her cave into the morning sun. Rays of light glinted off her amber and ruby colored scales. Last night, she had unearthed the long-coveted strand of sea pearls that dragonkind had been searching for for centuries. As elated as the discovery had made her, Fireheart now felt that familiar emptiness squeeze her soul. . Mother, it must not be the pearls after all, Fireheart contemplated aloud. Her Mother had long since passed, but every now and then Fireheart found it comforting to speak to her as if she was still by her side. It would help immensely if I knew what I was searching for. She snorted, and smoke billowed out of her nostrils. In the deep recesses of her memory, she could hear Mother’s musical laugh, quite dainty for her size. “Fireheart, you will know you have found the true treasure when you feel it in your heart.” . Salt spray from the sea showered Fireheart’s body as she dipped low, dragging her claws across the ocean’s surface. She then rose higher until her wings crested the misty lavender clouds of evening. The day had been filled with unfruitful searching, and she was growing weary. “I’ll rest, then continue searching tomorrow.” Savannah Coleman . Have you ever gotten something you really wanted, but then felt empty inside? Every created thing will ultimately leave us feeling empty. Only the Creator can fill the deep longing in our hearts. In Philippians 3, Paul says that knowing Jesus far surpasses everything else. Once Jesus revealed Himself to Paul, everything that Paul used to chase after paled in comparison to knowing Jesus, the One who loves us and gave His life for us on the cross and rose from the dead so that we could be with Him. What does Psalm 63:3 say about God’s love? . In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus tells us to store up treasures in heaven rather than accumulate earthly possessions and accomplishments. Following Jesus is the only way to a truly fulfilling and restful life (Matthew 22:36-40; 2 Timothy 4:6-8). What kind of treasure are you seeking? . For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21 (NIV) Read Verses: Matthew 6:19-Matthew 6:24; Philippians 3:4-Philippians 3:21

I once watched a video that asked an unusual question: What year of life tends to be the best? Pretty deep, right? Not surprisingly, the video didn’t come to a definite conclusion. Depending on what you think the answer is, you might either feel hopeless that the best of life is done, or disappointed when the future doesn’t end up how you hoped. . When I began wondering about whether the past, present, or future would be the best part of my life, a certain Bible passage came to mind. It’s John 2:1-12, where Jesus is attending a wedding banquet that unfortunately runs out of wine. Just when the party is about to be ruined and end early, Jesus tells the servants at thebanquet to fill jars with water. He does a miracle, and when a sample is brought to the master of the banquet for tasting, the water has been transformed into wine! . The banquet master was shocked. He didn’t know where the wine came from, but he praised the groom for saving the best wine for last. People didn’t do that: they used the good stuff first so that once people were satisfied, they wouldn’t notice the latter wine’s poorer quality. . When everyone thought the wedding party was ruined and over, Jesus transformed ordinary water into extraordinary wine. He saved the best for last, showing that the end wasn’t really the end. In our lives too, when we follow Jesus the best is always yet to come. Because He died and rose again for us, we can look forward to the day He will return bodily to earth, raise us from the dead, and restore His creation! Even if our present is hard, when we fix our eyes on Jesus and remember God’s promises for an eternity with Him, we have purpose in our present to live for Him, and hope for the future through our struggles (Hebrews 12:1-3). Our loving God works everything toward His good plan, and He can bring miracles when we least expect it. We may think our lives are ruined, but even through challenges He is working out His great plan. Abby Ciona . Do you more often long for the past or for the future? . How can Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection give us (1) peace about our past, (2) hope for the future, (3) and purpose in the present? (If you want to dig deeper, read Romans 8:18-39 and 2 Corinthians 4.) . 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 Verses: John 2:1-John 2:12; Philippians 1:6

Something I realized about the world recently is how seriously broken it is. I knew this before, but I didn’t have any profound personal experiences to help me understand what that truly meant. I can recall times of sadness and hopelessness during difficult circumstances in my life, but those feelings passed fairly quickly. Now, I see that brokenness amplified; it seems to be everywhere I look. Starting with the onset of COVID-19, the world as I knew it, bright and full of possibility, slowly grew dark as COVID-19 dimmed my optimistic perspective. Ironically, it was there in the dark that I could see the world’s brokenness so clearly. . I learned to live in that darkness, the tension of seeing the world’s brokenness and being suddenly confronted with my own. In a way, COVID-19 has felt like a reality check. Beforehand, I was just minding my own business, living my sweet little life. I felt alright, not like I was seriously broken or weak. But when things changed and everyone was under lockdown, it was so weird. The fact that weas a nation, as the world, as the human raceweren’t able to defeat this illness was terrifying. I didn’t realize until then just how incapable, weak, and broken we really are at the core. . But that’s when I had to remember God. I had to remember that even though the sickness going around is bad, He’s still good. He has compassion on His creation, and He’s still working out His good purposes (Psalm 100:5). I had to remember Jesus said that though we will have trouble, He has overcome the world (John 16:33). Because God loves us, Jesus died and rose from the grave for us, and we can look forward to the day He will return bodily to earth and restore His creation. I had to remember that even though I am weak, He is my strength (Psalm 28:7). And as I recall His Word, He’s using it in my life daily, renewing my joy. Emily Rondello . How have you seen brokenness on display, either in your own life or in the world around you? . Especially when we’re confronted with pain and suffering, God invites us to draw near to Him and receive His comfort. Why is it important for us to take time with God, remembering the hope He gives us in the gospel? (If you want to know more about the gospel, check out our “Know Jesus” page.) . If you want to dig deeper, read Psalm 77 and follow its model by telling God about the hard things you’re experiencing, and remembering who He is and some of the things He has done. . I [Jesus] have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world. John 16:33 (CSB) Read Verses: Psalm 77; 2 Corinthians 1:3-2 Corinthians 1:11; John 16:33

Some people might describe me as a goal-oriented list maker. And they would be right. So, it’s no surprise that I start a new year (sometimes the new calendar year in January, sometimes the new school year in the fall) with journal and pen in hand, writing out goals I want to accomplish. One New Year’s Eve, I sat thinking about hopes and dreams for the upcoming new year. But I had one thought I just couldn’t shake. . Gazing at a fresh page in the calendar, I fretted about the ways I would inevitably mess up the new year. It hadn’t even arrived yet, and already I’d begun to regret and even fear the sins I would certainly commit. I became bogged down, knowing I would spoil the new year in no time. . But for those of us who have entered a relationship with God through Jesus, believing in His death and resurrection and trusting Him to forgive our sins and provide new life, we can choose something betterbetter than living in regret over the past or in fear about ruining the future. We can live in freedom, resting in His sure love for us. . Will we sin in the new year? Of course, and the Lord already knows this. He is not caught off guard by our failures, and He has already secured our forgiveness inJesusforgiveness for our sins in the past, present, and future. The Lord extends compassion to us, separating us from our sins so that we are never joined with them again. So, we can hope, dream, and plan for each new year, knowing that our compassionate Heavenly Father does not treat us as our sins deserveeven the ones still in our future. Allison Wilson Lee . If we know Jesus, we can be free from the fear of failure because His love and forgiveness don’t change, even when we fail. How can resting in these truths give us hope as we look forward to the future? . Whenever we sin (by doing or thinking anything that goes against God) He calls us to confess and repent, turning away from our sin and back toward Him. Are there any sins on your mind that you can confess and repent from? Consider taking a moment to come to God in prayer, resting in His sure love and forgiveness. . He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the wEsther Psalm 103:12 (NLT) Read Verses: Psalm 103:8-Psalm 103:14

In high school, I had a plan for my life, and I didn’t want anything to get in the way. I loved Jesus, but I didn’t want to surrender my goals to Him. . My junior year, I had the chance to go on a trip with my church to Honduras. We had a week of medical clinics, building homes, and soccer games. But my favorite part was the relationships we built with our Honduran coworkers and neighbors. The last night of the trip, we sprawled on the driveway of the guest house with our new friends and stared up at the stars. I’ve never seen anything so magnificent as that sky. . As we laughed and shared stories together, God revealed Himself to me in a whole new way through the night sky. I realized God was greater than I had ever imagined. Even the stars sang His praises, for at his command they were created (Psalm 148:5). And these stars were the same ones I’d be able to see again when I stood on my porch in Pennsylvania. It was too much to comprehend. We talk about being starstruck by celebrities, but I was starstruck by God. Stunned by the glory of His creation. . Why had I held so tightly to my own plans? Wouldn’t my Creator know what’s best for me? What would it look like to surrender my goals to Him? . Since that trip, my life hasn’t looked the way I expected. Every time I think I have a grasp on what’s coming, God shows me something different. Surrendering the future to God involves a lot of sacrifice, waiting, and trust. But it’s worth it. When we loosen our grip on our own goals and trust our Creator with all we have, we will find many gifts along the way. Becca Wierwille . What aspects of God’s creation make you feel closer to Him? . While it’s good to have goals and plans, God calls us to follow Jesus first and foremost, and to entrust our dreams to His tender care. What are some goals you have a tight grasp on as you look toward your future? What might it look like to surrender those goals to your Creator? . Paul oriented his life around the gospelwhich is the good news about Jesus restoring His people to relationship with their Creator and, ultimately, restoring His creation. In following Jesus, we find a full and satisfying life. If you’d like to dig deeper, read John 10:10 and Colossians 1:15-23. Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. . Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. Isaiah 40:26 (NIV) Read Verses: Psalm 148; Isaiah 40:25-Isaiah 40:31

Changing situations and changing circumstances often come with changing moods, like unease, irritability, or even irrational behavior. These changes may be due to the loss of employment, a loved one, or something else we once held so dear. We might lose something that used to occupy our time, or something that’s just always been there. When a part of our lives that has felt normal since childhood suddenly isn’t there anymore, life can feel empty. . The apostle Paul experienced a lot of changes. He was one of the most educated people of his day. He sat at the feet of Gamaliel, one of the best teachers of the Jewish Scriptures (Acts 5:34; 22:3). No doubt Paul was envied by some who didn’t enjoy the same privileges he did. . But when Paul came to faith in Christ Jesus (whose followers he had persecuted severely up till then) things took a different turn. That privileged position was no more. Now, as a follower of Jesus Christ, Paul was the one being severely persecuted for his faith. He went through very uncomfortable situationssometimes because of persecution from non-Christians, and sometimes because of natural disasters beyond his control. Paul was shipwrecked more than once. There were times when he had very little to live on and he went hungry and thirsty. He experienced sleepless nights and shivered in the cold without enough clothing. He worked hard and for long hours. He was beaten with rods and imprisoned frequently (2 Corinthians 11:23-29). Sometimes Paul had more than enough, but other times he had less than enough. . Through all this, rather than complaining and becoming bitter or even abandoning his faith in Christ, Paul says he learned the secret of being content with whatever he had and whatever circumstances he was going through (Philippians 4:12). And that secret was knowing Christ. Paul learned to bring all his anxieties to the Lord and to trust and depend on Him (4:6). But this is something he had to learnit didn’t happen automatically. Because Paul had met the risen Jesus, he had hope that Jesus would return to raise the dead and unite heaven and earth. This is the message Paul constantly told the churches, and this is what drove him. In good times and bad, Jesus was the One who provided Paul’s contentment. As we go through life’s challenges, twists, and turns in this ever-changing world, we can learn to be content as we draw near to Jesus. Only He can bring true peace of mind and rest to our souls. Charity Kiregyera . What might it look like to draw near to Jesus during times of change? (Read Philippians 4:4-7.) . I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. Philippians 4:11b (NIV) Read Verses: Philippians 4:4-Philippians 4:7; Philippians 4:10-Philippians 4:13

There are times when we feel like no one really loves us or cares about us. We might have a family member hurt us or cut us out of their life. We might go through a breakup or deal with teasing from people who we thought were our friends. There are times when we get lonely and feel sad, but God is there for us in those times. . In John 15, Jesus talks about us being His friends. He talks about the love He has for us. He gives us hope we can hold onto when we are feeling lonely. Who better to have as a friend than Jesus? . Even when others don’t accept us, God accepts us fully. He wants to be our friend, and He is the One who has made our friendship possible. If we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we get to be His friends. We never have to be alone again. In those times when people hurt us and when we feel rejected, God is there. Jesus is by our side, and He knows firsthand what it feels like to be hurt and rejected by people. He was willing to go to the cross for us and endure all that suffering, both physically and emotionally, so we could be in relationship with God. Even death could not stop His love. Jesus rose from the dead and promised to be with His followersforever. . When we feel all alone, Jesus is our companion in suffering. When we feel like the people around us are done with us and they don’t want to be in our lives any longer, we can reach out to God. He is always there, ready to wrap us in His arms of love. We are never truly alone or abandoned. Emily Acker . When do you feel alone? . If someone has hurt you deeply, who is a trusted adult you could talk to about setting up healthy boundaries? . If you have questions about what it means to be in relationship with God through Jesus, see our “Know Jesus” page. . Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close. Psalm 27:10 (NLT) Read Verses: Ephesians 3:17; Mark 14:43-Mark 14:52; John 15:9-John 15:16; Psalm 27:10

We have a friend saying goodbye and meeting a new friend on today’s Unlocked Connection episode! Andrew has decided to step away from hosting Unlocked (listen to find out why), and Natalie introduces us to George Moss, a new friend taking over from Andrew. He’s going to be an awesome host and we hope you can embrace him too. His first Unlocked episode will be in just a few days, kicking off the new year for us. Take a listen to the episode and you might just find your next artist to check out too.

Gazing up at the ever-darkening sky, people in the kingdom of Worne waited. How long had they looked for salvation? Where was the promise of rescue and freedom? All at once, there was a crack in the heavens, a blaze of light that burned stark against the night. Some shielded their faces in fear while others raised open palms toward the skies, waiting for a miracle. Then it came, falling soft as a spring rain: tiny golden seeds. . A man, who everyone saw as strong and confident, knelt on a path where the seeds lay scattered. He heard the song of salvation and there the seeds lay, within his grasp. The man reached his hand out, then pulled it back. No. I am capable; I do not need this seed. His face impassive, the man watched as the seed was trampled on the path by others passing by. . Filled with joy, a woman gathered seeds that had fallen among the rocks. As she hurried home, her foot caught a root and she tumbled to the ground. Searing pain shot through her arm. Bleeding, she bent to collect the scattered seed. A menacing growl from the dreaded creatures of the night sounded nearby. With one fleeting glance back at those seeds, she escaped into the night. . A boy filled his pockets with the seeds, thinking that life would surely be different now. He passed by a cavern filled with sparkling gems. Perhaps if I take a detour through this cavern, I will reach my destination faster. The jewels were so close, there for the taking. He pocketed a gem. Around the next bend, the boy worried that one might not be enough. I’ll just take a few more Hours later, the pockets he had filled with seeds were replaced with gems. . Salvation is here, the girl breathed deep of sweet-scented flowers that had sprung up from the seeds she planted. Now, she gently picked the flowers and peace washed over her soul. I won’t keep it to myself, the girl determined. I will share the seeds of salvation. The girl set off into the afternoon sun, a bucket of seeds swinging from one hand and a bouquet of shining flowers in her arms. Savannah Coleman . This story is based on a parable Jesus told about a farmer sowing seed. Why do you think the good news about how Jesus, the promised Savior, died and rose again to forgive our sins and give us life with Godis meant to be received, enjoyed, and shared? What might it look like for you to embrace this good news today? (John 3:16; Colossians 1:13-14; 1 John 5:11-12) . I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2b (NIV) Read Verses: Matthew 13:1-Matthew 13:23; Luke 8:4-Luke 8:15; 2 Corinthians 6:2

I grew up thinking I needed to hold it together. My teenage problems seemed minuscule next to extreme poverty and world hunger. But I did have problems. And they felt big to me. . In John 16:33, Jesus says, In this world you will have trouble. He doesn’t say if; He says will. You will have trouble. Jesus’s statement has stood the test of time. Our brothers and sisters in Christ have experienced pain and sorrow, including Martha and Mary. . Their brother, Lazarus, became very sick. The sisters sent word of his illness to Jesus. Jesus came but not right away. He arrived after Lazarus had died. Martha ran to Jesus at once, but not Mary. She stayed back, hidden and hurting, with the other Jews who had come to comfort the family. . Martha approached Jesus with incredible trust and strength, declaring her confidence in His holy power. After Jesus spoke with Martha, He called for Mary, and she also came. She came, and she cried. She didn’t understand why Jesus hadn’t come and saved her brother, why He let the last breath escape from Lazarus’s lungs. . Jesus knew the story wasn’t over, that Lazarus would breathe and walk and talk again, but He didn’t pass over Mary’s grief. Instead, He wept with her. . It’s okay to feel sad and share our pain with others. It’s what Jesus did. Both Martha and Mary had incredible trust in Jesus and His ways, but that didn’t stop them from feeling grief. At first, Mary stayed back, not bringing her full self to Jesus. But He called, and she came. . Jesus also calls to us. He is ready to come alongside us and weep amid any situation we find ourselves in. Jesus knows what happens on the other side of our griefbecause He died and rose again, He will put an end to death, suffering, and everything else that causes pain and sorrow. But that doesn’t mean He expects us to pass over our current feelings. Jenna Brooke Carlson . What feelings are you experiencing today? Do you feel like you can bring these to Jesus? . Why do you think we are sometimes hesitant to show others how we feel? . Who is one person in your life you can share your true feelings with? If no one comes to mind, you can ask God to help you identify someone in the future. . When Jesus saw her weeping he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. Where have you laid him? he asked. Come and see, Lord, they replied. Jesus wept. John 11:33-35 (NIV) Read Verses: John 11:1-John 11:44; John 16:33

He will never leave you But will be by your side Staying with you forever He promises to stay the whole ride . He will never forsake you No matter how big a mess you make You can confess your sins to Him His patience will not break . He will never forget you You are His child God is there for you forever Even when things get wild He will always love you . He sent His Son To live and die for you On this earth, your life has just begun Bethany Acker . In the Old Testament, God promised He would never leave His people, even though He knew they would continue to sin against Him. Then, in the New Testament, we see how God the Son came to live among us. Jesus is Immanuelwhich means God with us (Matthew 1:23). Because God loves us, He died and rose again to forgive our sins and provide the way for us to be with Him forever. Even though Jesus ascended to heaven, He is still with His followers through His Holy Spirit, His Word (the Bible), and His people (the church). When life gets messyand when we mess uphow can it be comforting to know that God never stops loving us? . If you want to dig deeper, read Deuteronomy 31:6, 8; Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 4:15-16; 13:5. . But God will never forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted will never perish. Psalm 9:18 (NIV) Read Verses: Psalm 9; 2 Peter 3:9; 1 John 1:8-1 John 2:2

The air was full of excitement. It was Christmas day, and everyone was preparing to go to church. I also prepared myself to go and worship among others at the small village church that had become the center of attraction on this day. . Every Christmas, the church would be filled with worshippers. Everyone would be waiting to hear the story told again. In one way or another, everyone participated in telling the story of the Messiah’s birth, either in greetings or in singing those beautiful Christmas carols. Christmas day was indeed a special day to me. As a teenager, I would always wait in great anticipation to join with all the congregants in singing the Christmas carols as we celebrated the Messiah’s birth. Oh, the joy that we felt! Singing and praising Jesus Christ our Savior who was born on such a day for us! . According to Luke 2:15-17, after the angel proclaimed the birth of Jesus to a group of shepherds, they decided to go to Bethlehem to see what had happened. There, they found Mary and Joseph and the newborn baby lying in a manger, just as the angel had told them. Then they told others what the angel had said about the childthat He was the Messiah, the Lord, the Savior they had all been waiting for (verse 11). . Today being Christmas day, many people around the world are preparing to gather together to hear the story of the birth of Jesus proclaimed and to worship Him. Let us join with other Christians as we praise our Lord who came to save us, and let us also proclaim the good news of the Messiah’s birth to those around us! Enid Adah Nyinomujuni . Celebrating the birth of Jesus as the promised Messiah can happen anywhere and anytime! How can you celebrate this good news today? Even if you can’t gather with other Christians, you can know that your brothers and sisters are rejoicing with you all around the world! . I rejoiced with those who said to me, Let us go to the house of the Lord. Psalm 122:1 (NIV) Read Verses: Psalm 122:1; Matthew 2:1-Matthew 2:11; Luke 2:8-Luke 2:17

The night started just like any other night. A clear, star-lit sky. Sheep sleeping in the field. The shepherds finishing their evening meal around the campfire. Quiet talk about families and the price of wool. But this was no ordinary night. . An angel of God coming to proclaim the coming of the Messiah, and the heavenly host glorifying and praising God! The shepherds going to Bethlehem to find the newborn Savior after the angels had left. The shepherds seeing the Messiah for the first time. This was no ordinary night. . Have you ever thought about what these shepherds talked about when they left Bethlehem to return to their sheep? While it’s true the Bible never tells us about their conversation, it would be fun to speculate. . They may have talked about the prophet Isaiah of long ago. How they remembered his writings: The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means God is with us’) (Isaiah 7:14). And the prophet also said this child who is born this night will be called Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (9:6). . The shepherds may have shared their amazement with each otherhow they, the outcasts of society, were to witness the fulfillment of prophecy. Prophecy that was first written 400 years ago, seen this very night. They may have talked about the angels singing praises to God, about the young mother, but mostly about the childthe Messiah coming to Bethlehem. God sending His Son as a baby, fully human, fully God. What a wonder, how amazing. . Perhaps these shepherds didn’t realize they had a part in history. God intervening in human affairs quietly. Not in a big city, but in a small town. Not using government officials or religious leaders, but shepherds. Not in broad daylight, but in the dead of night. Perhaps these shepherds didn’t realize they had a part in God’s history, or perhaps they did. Doug Velting . Read Luke 2:8-20 again, and then take a moment to imagine being one of the shepherds who experienced the events of that night What sticks out to you the most? What fills you with awe and wonder? What questions do you have? . When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about. Luke 2:15 (NLT) Read Verses: Luke 2:8-Luke 2:20

Bookends are those supports that keep books from falling over on a shelf or desk. By way of analogy, there are two events that bookend the life of Jesus as recorded in the Gospel accounts of Luke and Matthew: two angelic appearances, two unlikely recipients of the angel’s message, and two responses that teach us how to live in this Advent season. . Angels appeared to two unlikely sectors of society: shepherds at Jesus’s birth (Luke 2:8-20) and women at Jesus’s resurrection (Matthew 28:1-10). In Jesus’s time, shepherds were looked down upon in society. Similarly, women were not regarded as reliable witnesses in those days. However, God saw fit to announce both the birth and resurrection of the Lord Jesus, the Messiah of Israel, to these marginalized people. Note the angel’s words to the shepherds: don’t be afraid, look, good news, great joy, and glory to God. And to the women: don’t be afraid, come and see, go and tell. . When the shepherds obeyed the directive to go and see the baby in the manger, they found it to be exactly as the angel had said. They left worshiping God and telling others what they had seen and heard. And when the women left the tomb with great joy (Matthew 28:8) they met the risen Lord Jesus and worshiped Him. Their testimony was followed by the eleven disciples receiving the great commission for every Christian to go and make disciples of all nations (verses 16-20). These bookends give us some clear examples to follow when it comes to our relationship to the Lord this Christmas season. . Don’t be afraid. Look to the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Savior of the world. Believe in Him, praise Him, and go with great joy to tell all that the Lord has made known to you. Cameron DeCou . Why do you think God chose unlikely messengers for these two essential moments in Jesus’s life? . What are some things God has done for you? How could you share these things with others? . Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I [Jesus] have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20 (CSB) Read Verses: Matthew 28:1-Matthew 28:10; Matthew 28:16-Matthew 28:20

This time of year, many people set out nativity scenes that depict baby Jesus in the manger to remind us of our Savior’s humble birth. My family’s nativity set was made of sturdy wooden pieces so the kids could touch the figures and play with them. Even children can understand something of the beauty and wonder of Jesus Christ’s birth (Matthew 11:25-26). But even though He was born in Bethlehem, today’s reading reminds us that Jesus, who is God the Son, has always existed. In fact, we owe all life to Him! . In the beginning of John’s Gospel (his account of the good news), John uses the term the Word to refer to Jesus. Jesus has always been with God (John 1:2). And Jesus has always been God; all things that are in existence were created through Him (verses 1, 3). He became flesha human beingand lived among us (verse 14). But even as Jesus came to His creation, the world and the people tainted by sin no longer recognized Him (verses 10-11). . In this short introduction to his Gospel account, John reminds us of why Jesus was willing to come to earth as a human being, and even be rejected by the people He created and loved. Verse 12 says, Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. This is the main point of the Christmas storythe main point of the gospel! Jesus came into the world to save sinners. He would die for their sins on the cross, and He would be raised again to give eternal life to all those who believe in Him. Jesus wasn’t just a baby in a manger; He is the Creator of the universe and the Ruler of all things, and He is the Savior we all need! Laura N. Sweet . Read Hebrews 1:1-3. Why do you think John called Jesus the Word? . Jesus is both fully God and fully human. Why is it important for us to remember that Jesus is the eternal, glorious Son of God, especially at Christmas time? . If someone asked you about the main point of the Christmas story, what could you tell them? . The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. John 1:14a (NIV) Read Verses: Luke 2:4-Luke 2:7; John 1:1-John 1:14

When discussing Christmas with family or friends, I get a variety of responses when I say these words: No cross, no cradle. Some reply with a puzzled look, others have laughed saying the opposite is true. Every once in a while, someone will nod. They know exactly what I’m talking about. . God became a real human and walked among us, but He didn’t choose to descend from atop a lofty mountain or emerge all muscled and powerful out of the sea. No, Jesus chose to take the route we’ve all taken in order to inhabit the earth. He came as a baby. He had a mom, an earthly dad (or stepdad, depending how you look at it), and a heavenly Father. If it had all stopped there, we might never have known a single thing about Him. . How wonderful it must have been to hear Jesus speak, watch Him heal, and listen to His prayers. He challenged the ruling and religious authorities, but He was also able to speak aid and comfort to the downtrodden and forsaken. The people must have thought He could be the promised warrior Messiah. . But then came the cross. . In Mark 8:31, Jesus began telling a different tale, one that included His suffering, rejection, and death. What was this? Not at all what the disciples or the people wanted to hear. But as each of the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) tells Jesus’s story, we get to an undeniable tRuth This wonderful, healing, gracious man was going to die. . Believers know the reason Jesus had to die: to become the real Savior. A temporary ruler, a great president or general, would have come and gone like so many others before them. But Jesus? He died so that we could have eternal life. He saved us by rising from the dead. . If Jesus had not done that, His manger-cradle that we celebrate at Christmas would have no significance. No cross, no cradle. Susan Sundwall . What part of Jesus’s life and continued work gives you the most hope? How could you celebrate the gospel this Christmas and beyond? . If you want to learn more about the good news (gospel) of Jesus, see our “Know Jesus” page. . Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests. Luke 2:14 (NIV) Read Verses: Isaiah 9:6; Micah 5:2; Mark 8:31; Luke 2:7

Christmas season is always something I look forward to. Excitement can be seen and felt everywhere I turn: music is coming from shops, and people are singing carols. The Christmas season brings to town upcountry folks, and the streets of the cities are full of people as the shopkeepers have brought in new merchandise just for the Christmas season. The atmosphere in people’s homes changes as well. This is a time when friends are invited to share meals and relatives who live far away are also invited for meals and fellowship. It’s a family reunion! . The coming of Jesus from heaven to earth, which we celebrate during the Christmas season, truly changed the world forever. It changed human history! It gave the hope of a family reunionthe reunion of God and His creation. Though the world had become alienated from God because of humanity’s sin, God was reconciling the world to Himself through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus (Romans 8:18-25; 2 Corinthians 5:18-21). . The celebration of Jesus’s birth brought excitement and singing in heaven before it did on earth. The angel who broke the good news of Jesus’s birth to the shepherds was joined by the heavenly host, and they praised God and said, Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased (Luke 2:13-14). . And the giving and receiving of gifts during Christmas season is a reminder of what God the Father did for us over two thousand years ago. He gave us the greatest and best of gifts that ever can be givenHis own Son, Jesus Christ! Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words! (2 Corinthians 9:15). Jesus came from the Father to die for our sins, and because of His death and resurrection, He gives us the gift of everlasting life (John 3:16). Receiving this gift brings great joy to whoever puts their trust in Jesus. It also causes great joy in heaven, for Jesus says, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents (Luke 15:10). Charity Kiregyera . Do you have any favorite Christmas traditions? How might these traditions point to the good news of Jesus? (If you want to know more about this good news, see our “Know Jesus” page) . Read 2 Corinthians 9:13-15. How does receiving God’s gift (of knowing Him through Jesus) enlarge us to give generously to others? . For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son [ Jesus Christ], so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NLT) Read Verses: Luke 15:10; John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 9:13-2 Corinthians 9:15

In the book of Malachi, we see God’s chosen people imploring Him to be gracious to them even while they keep disrespecting Him and showing contempt for His commands. . By God’s law, they are to make unblemished animal sacrifices to God for their sins. Instead, they sacrifice blind, diseased, and injured animals. Even the priests offer God what they themselves do not want. God tells them He wants the whole tithe and offering from them, not leftover bits. He also calls out people who have broken faith by marrying unbelievers or divorcing their spouses without reason. . The actions of the people suggest that what they want is a savior, not a lord. They seek a cosmic genie to do their bidding rather than the ruler of the universe to rule their hearts. They don’t want to love God and their neighbor, and so they break God’s commands, ignoring Him and disregarding the vulnerable in their midst. . But God knows what’s going on in their hearts. In this last book of the Old Testament, He points to the Savior and Lord the people need: Jesus. Jesus will be the sinless, unblemished sacrifice people need to receive forgiveness for their sins and attain eternal life with God. God will make this sacrifice because He loves us. Jesus will die for us willingly, and once Jesus is sacrificed for the sins of all, the old laws with animal sacrifices will be fulfilled. People who put their trust in Jesus, believing He died and rose again, will be transformed by the Holy Spirit and be able to lead God-pleasing lives under grace and mercy, not sacrifice. Ronica Stromberg . How does the book of Malachi make it clear that everyone has fallen short of loving God and loving their neighbor? (If you want to dig deeper, read Matthew 22:36-40 and Romans 3:23.) . How does Malachi point to Jesus, the Son of God, who has made the only way for us to have a right relationship with God? . For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings. Hosea 6:6 (NIV) Read Verses: Malachi 3:6-Malachi 3:7; Hosea 6:6; Malachi 1:7-Malachi 1:9; Malachi 1:11-Malachi 1:12; Malachi 2:13-Malachi 2:16

I cannot fight this darkness deep I cannot find my way Help me, O my God . The faithful, godly people Have vanished from the world Help me, O my God . The poor and needy gasp for help That’s nowhere to be found Help them, O my God . The wicked encompass the earth They shout out, exalting all evil Help us, O my God . Your light has fought its way to me Parting through the mighty sea Help me, O my God . The strength of God enables us Helps us finish what we must Help us, O my God . Drive away the dark of night Draw me ever to your light Help me, O my God Leah Najimy . What problems feel overwhelming to you todayeither in your own life or in the world? . God invites us to be honest with Him about the suffering we see and experience, and to cry out to Him. God hears the prayers of His people, and He does help. He parted the Red Sea to save the Israelites (Exodus 14:29), and His Son came to earth to save everyone who would believe in Him. Jesus is the Light of the World, and the darkness can never overcome Him (John 1:4-5; 8:12). How might remembering the ways God has revealed His power and love in the past give us hope to bring our concerns to Him in the present? . Hasten, O God, to save me; come quickly, Lord, to help me. Psalm 70:1 (NIV) Read Verses: Psalm 12; Psalm 94:16-Psalm 94:22; Psalm 70:1