Unlocked: Daily Devotions for Teens

As a teenager, one of the reasons I didn’t believe in God was because I didn’t think God cared about my individual struggles. There were people in far worse situations who needed God’s help, so I didn’t think He cared about me. It certainly didn’t feel like He listened to me when I tried praying. There were times I would beg God for help, but I wouldn’t hear a sound. . However, I found myself reading the psalms one day, and I came to Psalm 13. As I read the first few verses, I had never related to something in the Bible more in my life! The author, David, begins by saying, How long, Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long will I store up anxious concerns within me ? (verses 1-2). . It appeared as if David understood me. For the first time ever, I could relate to someone in the Biblethat is, until I got to verses 5 and 6, when David says, 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. How could David go from agonizing over his struggles and feeling like God wasn’t listening to trusting, rejoicing, and singing to God? . As I read David’s words, I realized that, even though he had struggles like me, David had a completely different relationship with God. He had a completely different understanding of God than I did. After reading Psalm 13, I decided I needed to figure out if God really cared, if He could be trusted, and see if I could gain the same understanding of God that David did. . Years later, I would come to understand that God does hear our prayers and He answers them all. However, it just isn’t always how or when we want Him to answer them. But God always reveals Himself to those who seek Him (Psalm 9:10; Jeremiah 29:13). And He loves each one of us. He demonstrated this love when JesusGod in fleshcame to live among us, die on the cross for us, and rise from the dead so that we could live with Him forever. Because God has shown us this unshakable love, we can trust Him with every prayer. Even when it feels like God is silent, His actions speak volumes. Hunter Taylor . David experienced a close relationship with God. Through putting our trust in Jesus, we can start to have this kind of relationship with God too (read more on our “Know Jesus” page). How might David’s story encourage us to seek God for ourselves? . How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? Psalm 13:1a (CSB) Read Verses: Psalm 13

One of my favorite Bible passages is Psalm 19. David, the psalmist, illustrates how God is a master communicator. This psalm has three parts: . 1) God speaks through creation; . 2) God speaks through His Word; and . 3) David’s response to both. . First, we see that God speaks through His work of creation. God’s creation preaches at all times, in all places, and in every language (verses 1-6)! . Second, God’s Word speaks to us even more clearly than creation. God’s Word restores life, gives wisdom, gives joy to the heart, enlightens the eyes, endures forever, brings pleasures and warnings, and gives great rewards (verses 7-11)! . Finally, the psalm closes with David’s humble response: concern about the power of sin in his life and a desire to please God in all he does (verses 12-14). . Like David, people throughout history have been able to look up at the stars and stand in awe of Godincluding Abraham Lincoln, the sixteenth president of the United States. Reportedly, Lincoln said the following while on a stargazing walk: I can see how it might be possible for a man to look down upon the earth and be an atheist, but I cannot conceive how he could look up into the heavens and say there is no God. Daniel Dore . When we spend time in God’s creation, how does God speak to us about His power and divine creativity? . While God communicates wonderful things through His creation, why is it still important for us to spend time in His Word, the Bible? . How is David’s response to creation in Psalm 19 a model for us today? . The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Psalm 19:1 (NIV) Read Verses: Psalm 19

Isaiah 9:6-7 is part of an Old Testament promise of a Messiah: a Rescuer and King for the whole world! This passage lists tons of names that are ultimately fulfilled in Jesus. One of those names is Wonderful Counselor. We may not always think a lot about this name, but it has special importance for me because I meet with a counselor for my mental health. My counselor helps me process my thoughts and emotions and learn how to manage feelings of depression, anxiety, stress, and whatever challenges I am facing. . Counselors are experts at understanding: they study how the brain works and are trained to listen and understand and help people move forward through struggles. Good counselors are compassionate, wise, and full of advice and guidance. . Jesus uses my counselor to help me, and He is available too! Jesus is the perfect counselor. His eternal wisdom is beyond our understanding, and He invites us to come to Him with all our struggles. He is fully God, so He knows and understands us better than anyone else because He created us! Jesus is also fully human, so He knows what it’s like to live in a world broken by sin. However, although Jesus was tempted and suffered, He was obedient and faithful to God through it all. Hebrews 4:14-16 says that Jesus empathizes with our weaknesses, and He invites us to come to Him for help any time. . Sometimes I feel alone in my struggles, but meeting with a counselor reminds me that I’m not alone and that people care for me. Most of all, Jesus reminds me that I am never alone. No matter the challenges we face, He loves us and will never leave us (Matthew 28:20). He died and rose again on our behalf, and even when nothing seems to make sense, we can rest in the truth that He has become wisdom for us (1 Corinthians 1:30), fully redeeming us and uniting us to Himself. . Mental health is a long journey with ups and downs. But I know that God uses our struggles to open up unique opportunities to help and encourage others (2 Corinthians 1:3-5). He can use even the hardest times in our lives for His good purposes (Romans 8:28). Abby Ciona . How is Jesus like a mental health counselor? How is He different? . We all go through seasons of life when we feel overwhelmed, and it’s okay to need help. When you are experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, or other challenges, who is a trusted Christian in your life who you feel comfortable talking to? If 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. . In addition to getting help from friends and mental health professionals, God wants us to come to Him for help. When you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed, do you feel like you can talk to Jesus? Why or why not? . God created the world good, but when humans went their own way against God, the result was death and decay and sicknessincluding mental illness. But God has not left us alone in our struggles. He has compassion on us, and He came to live among us and, ultimately, to heal the world of all brokenness. Because Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead, we have the sure hope that Jesus will return to restore His creationand, as His forgiven followers, we will get to live with Him forever, free from sin, death, an...

Maybe you’ve heard the saying: God will never give us more than we can handle. I’d never thought much about that idea until I found myself in Guatemala, begging God not to let both of my grandparents pass away while I was gone. . My grammy had been sick when I left for my semester abroad, and I’d said a different kind of goodbye to her. But now my pop-pop had cancer too? How could this be happening? . This is too much! I cried out to God. It’s more than I can handle. In that moment, God’s peace surrounded me like a hug. And I knew that even if it was too much for me to handle, I wouldn’t go through it alone. He was with me. My focus had been on trying to cope with the pain on my own, but instead, I had to surrender my suffering to God. . The truth is, God never promises not to give us more than we can handle. In fact, before Jesus went to the cross, He told His disciples, In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (John 16:33). And after Jesus rose from the dead, He told them, I am with you always (Matthew 28:20). It is the strength of Jesus that allows us to continue forward through a broken world, not our own strength. . I also think of Paul, who endured an immense amount of suffering to share the gospel (the good news about Jesus). Paul was imprisoned, flogged, beaten, shipwrecked, endangered, and the list goes on. Paul didn’t handle all this by his own strength. Paul depended on God. . So even when the worst happenswhen the mountains fall and the earth gives way, when we’re afraid of losing someone we love, when life just isn’t going the way we expectedwe don’t have to worry about our own ability to handle it. God is our strength, and God is with us, always. Becca Wierwille . Can you think of a time you felt like God was giving you more than you could handle? How did that impact your relationship with Him? . Read 1 Corinthians 10:13. How is this verse different from the phrase, God won’t give us more than we can handle? What would be a more helpful saying to tell people who are going through difficult things? . I [Jesus] have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33 (NIV) Read Verses: Psalm 46:1-Psalm 46:3; John 16:16-John 16:33; 2 Corinthians 11:16-2 Corinthians 11:33

I need help right now The waves are about to wash me away God, I need you right now This pain is too much for me to bear The sooner you help The sooner I can start to heal The sooner you help The easier things will be I can’t wait any longer This hurts too much God, I need you right now This overwhelms me Work quickly in saving me Come right away to rescue me Please, God, stop all this The sooner you help, the better Emily Acker . This poem is written in the style of a psalm. Whenever we are in distress, God wants us to cry out to Him. He invites us to be totally honest about how overwhelmed we feelmaybe even how abandoned we feel (Psalm 22:1). He hears our cries, and He cares for us. Can you think of a time you were in trouble and God helped you? What happened? . As Christians, we can know that God is with usright now. Jesus is Immanuel, which means God with us (Matthew 1:23). He came to save us, and He didn’t withhold Himself from any of our suffering. In fact, Psalm 69:21 could point to one of the ways Jesus would suffer on the cross for us (Matthew 27:48; Mark 15:36; Luke 23:36; John 19:29). And Jesus guaranteed our salvation by rising from the grave! Then, He promised His followers, Surely I am with you always (Matthew 28:20). Jesus will return bodily to earth one day to right every wrong and heal all our hurts. Until then, how can remembering that Jesus is with us, and that He identifies with us in our suffering, make it easier for us to cry out to Him for help? . How do you need God’s help today? Consider taking a moment to talk to Him. . Do not hide your face from your servant; answer me quickly, for I am in trouble. Psalm 69:17 (NIV) Read Verses: Psalm 69:1-Psalm 69:3; Psalm 69:29-Psalm 69:33; Psalm 70; Psalm 69:17

Elisha is an Old Testament prophet, and God performed many mighty miracles through him. He healed Naaman of leprosy (2 Kings 5), raised a dead boy back to life (2 Kings 4), and stopped the Aramean army from doing violence (2 Kings 6). But in the midst of these stories, we also read about some of the small, quiet miracles God performed through Elishaanswers to prayer for the specific needs of his friends. . In 2 Kings 4, a prophet’s widow is in a desperate situation: she can’t pay her debts, and her two sons may be forced into slavery. The only thing the woman has is a little olive oil, and so Elisha tells her to borrow as many empty jars as she can from her neighbors. With her door closed, and only her sons as witnesses, the woman begins to pour oil from her small container and miraculously fills every single jar she borrowed! Her financial worries are over as she then sells the oil. . In 2 Kings 6, a group of prophets is cutting down trees near the Jordan River, and a borrowed ax head (made of iron) falls into the water. How can they repay the man who loaned them the tool? But then Elisha throws a stick into the water, and the iron ax head miraculously floats so they can retrieve it, and disaster is once again avoided. . Sometimes, God answers prayer with spectacular, awesome displays of miraculous power, but most of the time the answers come in quiet ways. Even if these answers to prayer may not technically be miracles, they are still evidence of God’s power and His care for creation. It’s important to remember that we can bring all our prayers to Godnot just the big stuff, but all the concerns we have for ourselves and others. In big ways and small ways, God delights to hear and answer prayer! Laura N. Sweet . Why do you think God included stories of quiet miracles in the Bible? . Have you ever experienced God answering a prayer? What happened? . What kinds of problems are weighing on you today? Whether they seem big or small to you, consider taking a moment to ask God for help with these things. . Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6 (NLT) Read Verses: 2Kgs:4:1-2Kgs:4:7; 2Kgs:6:1-2Kgs:6:7; Philippians 4:6

It doesn’t matter when you pray. It can be early in the morning or the middle of the night. It can be on a good day or a hard day. It doesn’t matter when, God hears you no matter what. . It doesn’t matter where you pray. You can be at work or school when you talk to God, or you can be at home alone. You can pray while you’re in the car or having lunch with a group of friends. It doesn’t matter where you pray, God hears you no matter what. . It doesn’t matter how you pray. You can say a few simple words when you desperately need Him. You can get down on your knees and say a long prayer when you’re feeling grateful. You can pray alone or with others who share your faith in Jesus. It doesn’t matter how you pray, God hears you no matter what. . The book of Psalms is full of prayers, and many of the psalms were written by David. In Psalm 55, David says that when he cries out in the evening, morning, and noon, God hears him. And in Psalm 61, David says that even when he cries out to God from the ends of the earth, God hears him. . You never have to be afraid that your prayers will go unnoticed. God hears you no matter when, where, or how you pray. Bethany Acker . Have you ever felt like you needed to pray a certain way, or at a certain time, or in a certain place? Have you ever wanted to pray, but you didn’t feel like you could? How can today’s Bible verses encourage us to pray whenever, wherever, and however? Consider taking a moment to talk to God right now. . As Christians, we have the joy of knowing God personally through Jesus. So, when we pray to God, we’re not just crying out to the all-powerful Creator of the universe, we’re also talking to our friend who loves us and came in human flesh to live among us. Because Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead, everyone who puts their trust in Him can have a personal relationship with God. So, when we pray, we can know that God understands what we’re going through, and He cares about us deeply. How is praying to God (who revealed Himself through Jesus) different from praying to another god? . Evening, morning and noon I cry out and he hears my voice. Psalm 55:17 (NIV) Read Verses: Psalm 55:16-Psalm 55:18; Psalm 61:1-Psalm 61:5

A fragment. A shard. A useless bit of glass. A piece among many. Split from the mass. Silenced. Alone. No comfort in sight. An endless abyss. As dark as the night. A yearning. A desire. A never-ending prayer. For comfort. For calm. For someone to care. A piece among many. Split from the mass. Silenced. Alone. A useless shard of glass. An answer to my petition. Peace. Hope. A light in the tunnel. A way to cope. Comforted. Forgiven. Enveloped in love. Joy. New life. On the wings of a dove. A fragment. A shard. Now pure in His sight. A piece among many. Refracting the light. Gracee Terrell When do you feel alone? What is God’s recurring promise in Genesis 28:15, Isaiah 41:10, Matthew 28:20, and John 14:16-18? God has compassion on us, and He doesn’t leave us to suffer alone. Because Jesus died on the cross and rose from the grave for us, everyone who puts their trust in Him is forgiven, brought near to God, and becomes part of His family, the church. Together, we get to reflect His love to one anotherand to the world! Who are trusted Christians in your life you can be honest with when you are struggling? How can you show love to each other in these times? But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:13 (NIV) Read Verses: Colossians 1:19-Colossians 1:22; Ephesians 2:13

Do you ever feel down when you see others doing big things? Do you feel like you would never be able to serve like they do or make as big of an impact? Just because someone is better at something, or has found more success than you have, doesn’t mean what you’re doing isn’t good. We can’t base the value of our accomplishments on what others have done. God has given you your talents and gifts for a reason. He knows the plans He has for your life. It’s not good to get caught up in what others have going on or try to compare yourself to them. God doesn’t make mistakes. He didn’t mess up when He made you. And He loves youno matter what you’ve accomplished. We might not always feel as smart or as talented as the next person, but we weren’t meant to compare ourselves to others. Our gifts are between us and Godand so is how we use them. We don’t have to prove ourselves to others. When we see other people succeeding while we’re still trying to figure things out, we don’t have to be down on ourselves. Instead, the Holy Spirit empowers us to celebrate other people’s successes with them! And we can come to Jesus with all our disappointments and frustrations, knowing that He is not disappointed or frustrated with us. As we rely on Him, He will guide us in how to use our talents and gifts to honor God and serve His people. Bethany Acker In what ways do you struggle with comparing yourself to others? Romans 12 says that, as Christians, we are all part of the body of Christ, and just like a body has many parts with many different functions, so we are all different from each other. But we are still part of the same whole, and we all belong to each other. So, if one of us is honored, the rest of us can rejoice too (1 Corinthians 12:26). How could you encourage others when you see them using their natural talents or spiritual gifts to honor God and serve His people? We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. Romans 12:6a (NIV) Read Verses: 1 Corinthians 12:11; 1 Corinthians 12:25-1 Corinthians 12:27; Romans 12:3-Romans 12:8

Imagine feeling so certain that if you did one simple thing, you’d have your deepest desire fulfilled. What if that desire was to be healed from years of suffering? And what if, after spending all you had on doctors, you heard about someone who could heal you, even when doctors couldn’t? This is the story of the woman who believed that if she could only touch the hem of Jesus’s clothes, she would be cured. This woman was an outcast, shunned by others because of an illness that caused her to bleed continually. This made her unclean, so she couldn’t go to the temple or synagogue to worship God, and those who touched her or sat where she sat would also be unclean. But she hears about a Rabbisome even called Him the Messiahnamed Jesus. This woman sees Jesus’s power and believes she simply needs to get close enough to touch His clothing, and she will be well. But how? The crowds are pressing in. Yet, desperate to be healed, she reaches through the throng of bodies to be transformed by the Son of God. And she instantly feels a change. She feels her body healing, being renewed. And Jesus feels it too. He stops and says, Who touched me? I know that power has gone out from me (Luke 8:45-46). Normally, Jesus is face to face with whoever He heals. This woman, transformed by Jesus’s power, admits what she’s done and why. Jesus isn’t angry. He has compassion for her and all she’s suffered. He accepts her and blesses her, saying, Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace (verse 48). Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah, the One God promised to send to save His people. And this eventwith such power emanating from Him, and such knowing, and such compassion and forgivenessreveals the love of God. Whenever we are suffering, Jesus invites us to come to Him, like this woman did. Lord, give us faith to reach out to you too. Lisa A. Wroble Do you have a deep desire? Jesus invites us to come to Him with all our longings. Sometimes, He answers our prayers with a miracle. Other times, He reveals His love for us in a different way. But if we know Jesus, we are never alone in our suffering. And because Jesus died and rose again for us, we get to look forward to the day Jesus will return and suffering will be no more. She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. Luke 8:44 (NIV) Read Verses: Luke 8:43-Luke 8:48

Death feels so final and real. Death has been on my mind recently because I have a family member who is not in good health. Once someone passes away, we cannot get them back. But, death does not have to be the end. Because God sent Jesus to die for us, death doesn’t have to be final. It wasn’t final for Jesus; He rose from the grave! And it doesn’t have to be final for us and those we care about. While we lose our chance to be with someone when they die, if that person has put their trust in Jesus and we have too, we can see them again when Jesus returns and raises us from the dead. Death can take someone from living here on earth, but, if they are a Christian, they are still held in God’s love, and He promises to give them new life. Death is in all of our futures (unless Jesus comes back during our lifetime), but we can be prepared for it. We can have a relationship with God through relying on Jesus for salvation, and we can look forward to the day He will raise us to eternal life. We can know that He holds us even in death. And we can share this hope with the people around us. Death feels final, but it isn’t. When Jesus returns and raises us from the dead, it will be the start of a new life in restored creation, a life that will last for eternity. Emily Acker Do you ever feel afraid of dying? Jesus Himself experienced deathboth the death of people He loved (like his friend Lazarus, see John 11:1-44) and His own death on the cross. And Jesus overcame death, rising from the grave and securing our resurrection and eternal life with Him when He returns. How could these truths bring you comfort? When you have questions about death, who are trusted Christians in your life you can talk to? And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrownot even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. Romans 8:38 (NLT) Read Verses: 1 Corinthians 15:50-1 Corinthians 15:58; 1Thess:4:13-1Thess:4:18; Romans 8:38

Many people sought Jesus during His ministry on earth. Some went to Him to get healed, and some longed to hear from Him and see His miracles. Jesus said that He came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). He even spoke as if He were a shepherd who would go out and search for a lost sheep (Matthew 18:12-14; Luke 15:1-7; John 10:1-18). One such sheep was a man possessed by a legion of evil spirits (Mark 5:1-20). He was separated from his family. The Bible is silent as to what led him to such a sad and lowly state, but Jesus found the man when he was lonely, avoided, rejected, hopeless, and despised. Nobody wanted him. Nobody associated with him. Until Jesus came. This man did not seek Jesus, yet Jesus crossed the lake to find him. Jesus traveled to reach out to him and set him free from evil spirits. And Jesus set him free without cost or condition. As Jesus cared for this man, He cares for us too. Like the man who was possessed, we can know that Jesus pursues us with God’s never-ending love. Because Jesus died and rose again for us, we can put our trust in Him and have a relationship with God. If we are in Christ, we can be freed from evil’s control. The Holy Spirit empowers us to reject sin, and reminds us of the promise of the resurrection, that one day, we will be freed from sin and death completely. So, no matter what we faceworries dragging us down, fears tormenting us, or other trials we experience in a world that’s broken by sinwe can know that Jesus is always with us. In Him, we find true freedom. We have peace even in the midst of struggles, and the promise of ultimate wholeness when Jesus returns and makes all things new. Like the man who was set free from demons, we can be completely freed indeed. Golda Dilema What things around you cause you to feel like you are a stranger, despised, avoided, or lonely in this world? Consider taking a moment to talk to God about these things, knowing that He cares for you. Read Romans 8. How does Jesus’s love free us from the power of sin and death? How does His love give us hope for the future and comfort in the present? So if the Son [ Jesus] sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36 (NIV) Read Verses: Psalm 118:5; Mark 5:1-Mark 5:20; 2 Corinthians 3:17; John 8:36

Sometimes I struggle when I read the Bible. It sorts people into two groups: the righteous and the wicked. It says God blesses the righteous and punishes the wicked. That sounds kind of good, right? Justice. We should all want that. My problem is, I often don’t feel like the righteous guy. When I read: don’t covet (don’t want something that belongs to someone else), don’t lie, love God and people, and on and on in my mind, I hear: “fail, fail, fail.” And even when I try to improve, I’m never quite as good as that righteous guy. I’m pretty wicked. Does this mean I need to watch out for God’s punishment? What do I do? This is when Jesus helps me. Hey, He’s our Savior for a reason, right? Jesus hung out with a lot of wicked people: adulterers, fraudulent tax collectors, sinners. I’m like, Yeah, I’m one of those sinners! It makes you wonder, why would Jesus hang out with them? If God loves the righteous and is mad at the wicked, why wouldn’t Jesus avoid them or bring on some lightning strikes? The Pharisees, who worked hard to follow God’s commands and felt pretty righteous, wondered the same thing. They asked Jesus what He was doing. Jesus replied, It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick .I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners (Matthew 9:12-13). What? Jesus says He’s here for the wicked? Yup. Jesus is the Savior. He came to help people. Guess who needs help? Wicked sinners! And guess who’s a sinner according to Romans 3:23? Everybody! Guess who’s righteous? Nobody! (Not even the Pharisees.) The amazing truth of the gospel is that Jesus Christ, who never sinned, took our sins on Himself when He went to the cross, and then He rose from the dead, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21). No matter how wicked we are, in Christ, we become the righteous. He takes our sin and gives us His righteousness. What a Savior, huh? Carlita Southworth Read Matthew 9:9-13. What did Jesus say to the people who thought they were wicked? What did He say to the people who thought they were righteous? Jesus freely gives us His righteousnessit’s not something we have to earn. And once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we don’t have to sin anymore because the Holy Spirit in us enables us to turn away from sin and follow God’s good ways. How might Jesus be inviting you to follow Him today? What might it look like to follow Jesus out of love and gratitude, not obligation or fear? God made him who had no sin [Jesus] to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV) Read Verses: Matthew 9:9-Matthew 9:13; Romans 3:9-Romans 3:26; 2 Corinthians 5:17-2 Corinthians 5:21

I sat down for the umpteenth Sunday service. Same row. Same struggle. Same insecurity. Never perfect enough or perhaps just never enough. I was exhausted by the hamster wheel of performance and anticipated leaving church just like I’d come in. Until So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. “Did I hear that right?” I quickly turned my Bible’s pages to Galatians 5:16. “Aha!” I had read this verse beginning to end many times. But all this time, the way I lived it out was backward. All. This. Time. I had been living as though Paul’s letter to the Galatian church implored, But I say, do not gratify the desires of the flesh, and then you can say you walk by the Spirit. Catch the difference? It’s a big one. I looked around to see if anyone else was ready to start a dance party. The truth was suddenly clear: I didn’t have to run faster. I could stop running! I didn’t have to hide. I knew God was inviting me off my hamster wheel and out of my cage too. Let me explain. For years, I walked with Christ (by the Spirit) like this Work really hard. Do better than others. Then you will be named valedictorian. Work really hard. Do better than others. Then you will get the Job Work really hard. Do better than others. Then you will win the scholarship. Give and get. Work and receive. But Galatians 5:16 says the only power to overcome these insecurities and misplaced identities comes from Jesus Christ’s Spirit. It’s His power. We cannot catch it, claim it, or contain it apart from the work of Christ. If you’ve put your trust in Jesus, the Spirit of Jesus lives inside you. So I say, walk by the Spirit. You don’t need to prove yourself. Because Jesus died on the cross and rose from the grave for you, you are counted worthy in God’s sight. You are named Child of God. You already got the Job You already won. Kelly Carlson Do you ever find yourself trying to power through a struggle in order to earn or prove your worth? God loves you so much, it was worth it to Him to go to the cross for you. In Christ, you’ve already received God’s acceptance (Romans 15:7; 1 John 4:19). Read Galatians 5:13-26. What are the acts of the flesh? What are the fruits of the Spirit? Why is it important that the only way we can resist the acts of the fleshand instead produce the fruits of the Spiritis by the Spirit’s power? So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Galatians 5:16 (NIV) Read Verses: Matthew 11:25-Matthew 11:30; Galatians 5:13-Galatians 5:26; Zechariah 4:6

Do you feel like the world is falling apart? Do you wish someone would have the courage to step forward and fix it? Nehemiah knew what that felt like. He was a cupbearer to the Babylonian king, living in a time after God’s people had been exiled for worshiping idols and rejecting God’s good commands. Nehemiah was heartbroken when he heard the news that Jerusalem, the beloved city of God’s people, lay in ruinshomes reduced to rubble, the temple destroyed, and the walls broken down. A city without walls had no defense. Nehemiah wept and prayed for guidance, asking for forgiveness for the sinful things God’s people had done. Miraculously, God not only released him from his cupbearer responsibilities to the king but also provided protection along the way AND the materials to build! Once Nehemiah arrived, he assessed the damage, which was worse than he expected. But Nehemiah was not deterred in what God had called him to do. Instead, he rallied the Jews, newly returned from exile in Babylon, and told them he had a plan, the materials, and most importantly, God’s approval. The people would work together to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls. But Nehemiah faced repeated and discouraging opposition. Still, he trusted in God. He knew God had blessed the rebuilding project, and eventually the walls were rebuilt. As Christians living life in this crazy world full of brokenness and lies, we find hope in Jesus when we read the Bible, God’s love letter to us. In the book of Nehemiah, we hear over and over again reminders and promises that point to Jesus: that God is with His people, no matter how hopeless the situation may seem, and that He is ready to restore and redeem those who repent, even though we have sinned. We are free to serve Jesus, knowing that we are never alone and that He promises to one day make all things newfree from sin and death. Jarm Del Boccio When Nehemiah saw the brokenness around him, he talked to God. What is weighing on your heart today? Consider taking a moment to talk to God about these things. How can the promises of Jesus encourage us to pray about, and maybe even take action to help with, the situations that weigh on our hearts? (Matthew 28:20; 1 John 1:9; Revelation 21:1-6) When our enemies and the surrounding nations heard about it, they were frightened and humiliated. They realized this work had been done with the help of our God. Nehemiah 6:16 (NLT) Read Verses: Nehemiah 1:1-Nehemiah 2:8; Nehemiah 6:16

Kyren adjusted her pendant so that the beam of light emanating from it illuminated the paper in her worn, leatherbound notebook. “Day 52. The darkness is all-consuming. Do I even remember what light looks like? Thank God for these pendantsbut even they seem to be weakening after all this time in the deep. Still, we press on into the depths of the sea, deeper, perhaps, than anyone has gone before. We will fix our eyes on the One who made these ocean depths and remember that this night, though it seems everlasting, is only temporary” Ink splattered across Kyren’s page, interrupting her journaling with a harsh jolt of the underwater craft. Taryn burst into the room, his eyes wide. Ky, the vessel is taking on water. We need to make repairs before it’s too late! The damage to the craft seemed extensive. Kyren paused to survey the inside of the hull and witnessed her people using their various gifts to assist. As several of them worked on reducing the water’s flow and repairing the fissure in the vessel with quick movements and keen minds, Kyren started emptying buckets into the emergency drain and prepared to use her gift. Lifting her voice, she spoke truth over the atmosphere of chaos and fear: The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness will not overcome it! We will not lose heart! These troubles are but for a momentthe glory of eternity with God outshines all of this. Hours later, the group lay sprawled by the vessel’s massive window, gazing at creatures of the deep they had never before seen, some of which glowed bioluminescent in the dark. By working together and relying on the power of God, the damage to the vessel had been repaired. Relief was evident on every face that was, at last, resting. Kyren pulled her journal out and penned the words she would not soon forget: “Miraculous, how the deeper we go, the more we see light. It’s all around us, these creatures of the deep, enabled to shine by the power of our Creator. No hardship can destroy our hopefor we have the Light of God in us through His Son. Though it is hard, we press on, for He is with us and in us. Savannah Coleman Like Kyren and her crew, do you ever feel like the dark is surrounding you and choking out every bit of light in your life? When we walk through inevitable hardships, it can be easy to give in to despair and forget that our God is with us through Jesus and in us through the Holy Spiritand He is always for us. How can remembering God’s presence with us, and that He is greater than all the things we face, give us strength to keep going? If you are a child of God, you can rest in Jesus’s promise: the Light of God will overcome the darkness (John 1:5; 12). And the Light has a name: Jesus Christ. Because we are in Christ, no difficulty we endure has the power to crush or destroy us; because Jesus came to live among us, die on the cross, and rise from the dead for us, we have an eternal glory that outweighs everything we go through on this earth (2 Corinthians 4:7-9, 16-17). How could you remind fellow Christians of these truths in hard times? Can you find the verses Kyren quoted from John 1 and 2 Corinthians 4? (If you want to dive even deeper, read Psalm 112:4; 139:7-12; John 14:16-17; Romans 8:31; and 1 John 4:4.) When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12 (NIV) Read Verses: John 1:1-John 1:18; 2 Corinthians 4; John 8:12

While I was reading Psalm 55 the other day, I was reminded of sixth grade. Most days, I did not want to go to school. I was a lot smaller that a lot of my classmates, and the hallways were packed full. As I struggled up the stairs in the current of backpacks, I often wished I could fly away. When I read Psalm 55, I found out David felt the same way. When David was having a really tough time and he felt overwhelmed, he said, Oh, that I had wings like a dove; then I would fly away and rest! I would fly far away to the quiet of the wilderness. How quickly I would escapefar from this wild storm of hatred (Psalm 55:6-8). But David couldn’t leave. He didn’t have wings. And neither did I. When David couldn’t get away, when his heart was pounding in his chest, he turned to God and cried out for help. David told God all about the conflict, the threats, the cheating, and the violence going on all around him. Even David’s close frienda friend he used to walk with on the way to worship Godwas now taunting and insulting him. David told God about all of it, and God listened. He had compassion on David. And He didn’t leave David to struggle alone. Even when David was in distress, he wrote, But I will call on God, and the Lord will rescue me the Lord hears my voice. He ransoms me and keeps me safe (verses 16-18). Throughout our lives, we find ourselves in places that feel negative, even hostile. For me, school was one of those places. Teasing among peers and even friends, suspicion between teachers and students, gossip, lockdown drills, fights in the hallways sometimes it all felt like too much. But even in these places, God says that He is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). During my days at school, I prayed more prayers than I can count. And God met me in my distress. Slowly, gently, faithfully, He drew me closer to Himself and revealed His great kindness. He gave me the courage to keep going, and He provided safe places where I could find rest in the midst of the chaos and safe people I could talk to. I found what David said to be true: Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you (Psalm 55:22). Hannah Howe Have you ever felt like David did in Psalm 55? We all go through hard things, but if we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we can rest in the sure hope that nothing can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:38-39). Oh, that I had wings like a dove Psalm 55:6 (NLT) Read Verses: Psalm 55

As winter fades into spring, you might feel good about the transition. The birds are singing in the trees again, and the flowers are starting to bloom. As fall fades into winter and the last of the colorful leaves abandon the branches, you might not feel so pleased. The world might feel too cold and dark during that time. But spring will come again. God created a world with many seasons. In addition to the weather and the changes we see around us, there are seasons we go through in our personal lives as well. There are seasons of joy that are as bright and beautiful as spring. Seasons when we feel like everything is going right and we have hope for the future. There are seasons of darkness when it feels like winter. When we aren’t sure what’s happening. When we lose a loved one, or when we just feel scared about what to do next. One thing that remains the same through summer, fall, winter, springand all the seasons in our livesis God. He never changes. His love for us is steadfast, and His promises are sure. Hebrews 13:8 says, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. As people saved by Jesus, we can know that we are held securely in His lovealways. He rejoices with us in seasons of celebration, and He weeps with us in seasons of grief, knowing that one day, He will put an end to death and there will be no more need for tears (Revelation 21:4). When you feel down or sad or worried about anything in life, remember that God is with you through it all. The seasons are always going to changebetter, worse, better. Things in this world never stay the same. But God does. God is the same in every season, and we can always rely on Him. Bethany Acker What season does your life feel like right now: fall, winter, spring, or summer? Why? Can you think of a time God helped you through a transition or a hard season? How might remembering His faithfulness in the past make it easier to face the unknowns of the future? The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever. Isaiah 40:8 (NIV) Read Verses: Psalm 100:3-Psalm 100:5; Isaiah 40:8

Love is not just a four-letter word. Sometimes we want to hear someone say, I love you and really mean it and show it. My dear husband doesn’t say I love you very often. When he does say it, I know he truly means it. More than anything, he shows me he loves me. He drives me to the doctor, or he fixes things for me. If I’m afraid or upset, he wraps me in his arms and holds me tight. I know my husband loves me. Jesus says He loves each and every one of us. His love is real, and He has shown it. Jesus showed love by healing people who were sick. He searched for those who were lost and didn’t know God. He spoke God’s words, saying they too could be part of His eternal kingdom. Doubters and cynics spoke unkind words to Jesus. There were haters who were afraid He’d tell them they were doing the wrong things. But Jesusbeing Godknew what was in their hearts. And He spoke the truth in love. If they refused to listen and hear, He still cared. Jesus proved God’s faithful and undying love for all of us when He died on the cross for us. He gave His life and rose from the dead to open the door to God’s kingdom. That is true love. To lay down your life for other people who might not even receive it speaks of a love we do not understand (Romans 5:6-8; Ephesians 3:19). It’s a love we truly do not deserve, yet He offers it. And Jesus’s amazing love transforms us, making us more and more like Him. As the Holy Spirit works in us, we can act like Him so others can see how amazing His love is. Anna Gregory Can you think of any ways God has shown you His love? Consider taking some time to write a few of them down, thanking Him for each one. Have you ever seen God’s love through His people, the church? What did they do? For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son [Jesus], that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16 (WEB) Read Verses: Psalm 145:8; Ephesians 2:4-Ephesians 2:5; 1 John 4:10; John 3:16

Hating my father hurt. I had stomach-aches that doubled me over at times. But I tried to hide the pain. Mom shouldn’t have to worry about me, on top of everything else. My dad left us and moved in with another woman. Mom said to forgive him, but I won’t. I can’t. I could hear Mom cry at night, and the anger I felt with each of her sobs grew inside of me. But gradually, Mom started to cry less. She started living normally. She even seemed happy! How can you be happy? I asked. Why aren’t you angry? Mom took a deep breath. I still feel angry sometimeslots of timesbut God helps me. She brought out her Bible. Yellow sticky notes poked from between crumpled, worn pages. God’s Words comfort me. He lets me know I’m loved and cherished, and that He will never leave me. And as I’m honest with Him, His love softens my heart so I can forgive, as He does. Well, I can’t forgive. Mom nodded. None of us can, not without the help of the Holy Spirit. For weeks my stomach continued to hurt. One night I wandered into the living room and turned on a light. I saw Mom’s Bible. When I picked it up, the pages opened to one of her sticky notes. Luke 23:34: Jesus said, Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing.’ Jesus said this about the people who crucified Him. He forgave those who whipped His back to shreds, pounded nails into His hands and feet, and let Him hang until He died. If Jesus could forgive them…could He forgive my dad? Could I? }God, I can’t forgive! Help me!” As I prayed those words, a calmness covered me. And, for just a moment, forgiving my dad felt a bit less impossible. Bonnie Carr Have you ever felt like the character in this fictional story? True forgiveness is only possible through Jesus. He paid the price for all our sins by dying on the cross and rising from the dead. Since we’ve received Jesus’s forgiveness, we can forgive others. This doesn’t mean it will be easy, or that our anger will go away completely, but the Holy Spirit empowers us to turn to God in our hurt and respond to others with His love. Forgiving someone doesn’t mean we need to have close relationship with themin fact, loving this person might include setting up healthy boundaries. Who are trusted Christians you can talk to about what forgiveness might look like in your situation? How can pondering the price Jesus paid to forgive you help you extend forgiveness to others? Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive. Colossians 3:13b (CSB) Read Verses: Luke 23:18-Luke 23:34; Colossians 3:12-Colossians 3:13

Are you hungry for justice? Do you thirst for light in a dark world? Are you desperate for a purpose to go on? Are you searching for meaning in life? Do you wish to be understood? Are you longing to be loved? Bring your hopes to the only One who can satisfy, The Light of the World, The King of Kings, The Living Water and the Bread of Life. He understands what you are facing. He is with you in the storm. He knows who you are and loves you as you are. He will satisfy your needs and fill you with His holy life. He will give you strength to carry on, And overflowing grace to share with others. You never have to hunger or thirst again. Abby Ciona Read Hebrews 4:13-16. How does Jesus understand what we’re going through? Read Revelation 7:16-17 and 21:1-7. One day, when Jesus restores His creation, He will right every wrong and there will be no more pain or suffering. What is one way this truth can give you hope through challenges? In what ways does Jesus satisfy our deepest longings? (If you want to dig deeper, read Isaiah 58:6-11; Luke 4:14-21; John 1:5-9; 6:32-48; 7:38-39; 8:12; 1 John 4:19; and Revelation 17:14.) Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6 (CSB) Read Verses: Matthew 5:6; Psalm 139:1-Psalm 139:4; Isaiah 55:1-Isaiah 55:3; John 4:1-John 4:15

I held the paper in my hand, reading the message in surprise. A telegram! I didn’t know anybody who sent (or received) telegrams, yet there I stood with one of my own. I’d competed at a local level in a national scholarship program and then advanced to the state event. Participating at the state competition involved traveling several hours away from home and staying with a host family for a week. On the final evening of the contest, the telegram had been delivered to me. It came from Alice, a friend of my grandmother. She sent a note of support, reminding me that many people back homesome who I barely knewcheered me on while I attempted to do my bEsther Although I got several cards in the mail that week, I received only one telegram, and it’s the only good luck message I remember from that season many years ago. The final recorded word that Jesus spoke to His disciples before He ascended was a message they wouldn’t forget either. The resurrected Jesus had instructed His disciples to meet Him on a mountain in Galilee, and when they had gathered there, He gave them what we often call the Great Commission. This included Jesus’s command to share the good news (or the gospel) with all the world, teaching others to follow and obey Him. And the Great Commission still applies to Jesus’s followers today. We also have been commissioned to make disciples wherever we gosharing with others the hope and purpose we have in Christ through faith. Because He has forgiven our sins, we get to have a relationship with God, living transformed lives through the Holy Spirit and looking forward to the day Jesus will return bodily to earth. The telegram from Alice boosted my spirits during a challenging week because it reminded me that I wasn’t alone. The Great Commission also carries a reminder that God’s people (then and now) need to hear: Christ has all authority…in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). As He calls us to live in service to Him, He also promises that He will remain with us, even to the very end. Allison Wilson Lee Why do you think Jesus saved the Great Commission for His final talk with His disciples? Read Matthew 28:16-20. How might the Great Commission pertain to our lives today? What difference does it make knowing that Jesus promises to be with us always? Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations… Matthew 28:19a (CSB) Read Verses: Matthew 28:16-Matthew 28:20

Ugh, my daughter said in disgust. Whole peppercorns covered Eloise’s broccoli alfredo and looked like mini meatballs floating on a sea of white sauce. The culprit: a broken pepper grinder. Lately, our pepper grinder had been breaking the peppercorns in half instead of grinding them. Now, the grinder lay in pieces, and I made a mental note to add a new one to the shopping list. Eloise set the broken pieces on the counter. I thought about throwing it all in the trash as I headed out the door to my weekly small group. My husband was doing the dishes, so I decided to let him deal with it. To my surprise, the grinder was put back together when I came home. I twisted it and smiled in delight at the finely ground pepper on my counter. We didn’t need a new grinder; the old one only required tightening and some TLCTender Loving Care. What about you? Is there something in your life that seems broken beyond repair? Has a friendship ended? Has your chance at making the team evaporated? Have you given up on a dream? Or made a decision you regret? As humans, we all make mistakes and we all sin. However, we are never out of God’s reach for His forgiveness, grace, or love. He never looks at what you’ve done and thinks you’re a lost cause. There is nothing that will make God stop loving you. The most magnificent gesture of TLC in all human history is Jesus’s death on the cross for our sins. Because of His sacrifice, we are never broken beyond repair. When Jesus rose from the dead, He revealed that God is greater than every kind of brokennesseven sin and death. If we’ve put our trust in Jesus, our sins are totally forgiven, and the Holy Spirit is in us, healing the broken places in our hearts and transforming us to be more and more like Jesus. If you feel broken, remember that God is ready to pick you up and put you back together. When you ask for His forgiveness and guidance, He’ll get you back on track. With His strength, you can ask others for forgiveness and work to make amends. With His love, you’re never broken beyond repair. Erin Nestico Can you think of a time when you felt broken? Is there a broken area in your life right now? Have you ever been hesitant to come to Jesus in your brokenness? How can remembering His tender loving care give us hope to approach Him? (Hebrews 4:14-16). No power in the sky above or in the earth belowindeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:39 (NLT) Read Verses: Romans 8:1-Romans 8:4; Romans 8:15-Romans 8:39

When you read Psalm 136, you might see why I’ve called it a psalm of thanksgiving. The first three verses say, Give thanks. This Psalm was written to be a group song of thanks, meaning that one person or part of the group would sing the first line, then the majority of the group would sing back, His love endures forever. But what exactly is the psalmor songthanking God for? Each verse thanks Him for a specific thing in Israel’s history. The verses can be grouped together to find four main themes about God’s actions and character that the singers were thanking Him for. First, in verses 1-9, they thank God for what He has made: the heavens, the waters, and the light. These verses praise God for being the Creator. Second, in verses 10-16, they thank God for saving Israel from slavery in Egypt by striking down the firstborn, dividing the Red Sea, and leading the Israelites (along with many other people, see Exodus 12:38) through the wilderness. By saving them from slavery, God revealed that He is the Redeemer. Third, in verses 17-22, they thank God for striking down their enemies so that Israel could live in the land that He had promised them as their inheritance. Israel praises God for being the great Conqueror. Fourth, in verses 23-26, they thank God for remembering them, for freeing them from captivity, and for feeding all living creatures. They praise God for being the Deliverer. God is not only the Creator, Redeemer, Conqueror, and Deliver for the people who sang this psalm many years ago; He is also all these things for us today! He created us and everything around us. Through dying on the cross and rising from the dead for us, JesusGod the Sonredeemed us from sin, delivered us from death, and conquered all evil, and He will one day return to deliver all of creation from captivity to decay, brokenness, and death. What a thing to be able to thank Him for! Kimberly Brokish Have you seen God acting as the Creator, Redeemer, Conqueror, or Deliverereither in Scripture, in your own life, or in someone else’s life? Consider taking some time to thank God for who He is and what He has done. How could it be helpful to look back on your own life to remember the things God has done for you? Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever. Psalm 136:26 (NIV) Read Verses: Psalm 136

There have been times in my life when I would hear hurtful words, especially when I made a mistake. But there were also moments when I would speak harshly and hurt others. I would be inconsiderate of them. I would be insensitive and fail to understand people. I have been careless with my words. Whenever someone speaks unkindly to me, I have a tendency to speak with rudeness as well. I used to not care if I offended a person with my words. I only cared about airing my negative thoughts without minding if my words would offend the other person. Now I realize that spoken words can open the door to new and better relationships, but words can also cause relationships to break down. The Bible tells us that words can give peace, but they can also spark disagreements and anger. Words can bring joy, but they can also bring sadness and bitterness. Words can give life or bring death (Proverbs 18:21). Words have power. When you speak, you have the power to influence and impact your hearers. God calls us to use our words the way He does, to speak words that encourage. Speak words that empower. Speak with kindness. Speak words of comfort, healing, gratitude, and appreciation. Jesus said, The mouth speaks what the heart is full of (Matthew 12:34; Luke 6:45). If you’ve put your trust in Jesus, your heart is being transformed by His love. You are a child of God, and He has blessed you with a beautiful tongue to speak the right words. Soak yourself in the love and kindness of God. He will guide you with kind words to say. As you rely on God, the Holy Spirit will give you the right words and help you speak gently and with respect. Golda Dilema When people speak unkindly to us, it hurts. God invites us to come to Him with all our hurts and receive His healing love and kindness. Can you think of any hurtful words people have spoken to or about you? Consider taking some time to bring these words to God in prayer. Can you think of a time you hurt others with your words? You can confess all these things to God, knowing that Jesus’s forgiveness covers all your sin, and you can ask Him to help you speak in ways that are wholesome and build others up (Ephesians 4:29-32). Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel. Proverbs 20:15 (NIV) Read Verses: Proverbs 20:15; Proverbs 11:9; Proverbs 15:1-Proverbs 15:4; Proverbs 16:24

Military conflict breaks out. A tsunami hits. Justice is not accomplished. Christians are martyred. Violence escalates. At times, it seems there are unanswered ills that God is (at best) ignoring or (at worst) endorsing. This conundrum of God’s righteousness in the face of evil circumstances is not new. The prophet Habakkuk wondered how God could allow wickedness among His people. God’s reply was inconceivable: He said the Babylonian empire would be an instrument of judgment upon them. But how could a holy and righteous God allow His chosen peoplerebellious as they wereto be consumed by a people even more wicked (Habakkuk 1:12-13)? Instead of answering Habakkuk’s questions, God revealed that there would be judgment against Babylon too. But, in the midst of all the brokenness and injustice, God made an important promise: The righteous one will live by his faith (2:4). This statement is quoted three times in the New Testament (Romans 1:16-17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38), and it declares the gospelthe good news that Jesus Christ died for sinners, rose again, and offers new life and righteousness in Him to those who believe. This means that right standing with God (righteousness) is offered to everyone on the basis of faith. And persevering in the faith that God has given leads us to our eternal and lasting inheritance of life with Him: God’s people will dwell with Him forever, and all things will be made new, free from sin and death (Revelation 21:1-5). For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord’s glory, as the water covers the sea (Habakkuk 2:14). So even when it seems like everything is lost, we can still rejoice in the God of our eternal salvation (Habakkuk 3:17-19). We can also pray for those who perpetuate injustice, knowing that even they can experience the gift of salvation, by God’s grace through faith (Romans 3:21-26). Cameron DeCou Have you ever asked God why He would allow something bad to happen? When you are hurt or treated unjustly, who are trusted people in your life you can talk with about what you’re experiencingsuch as counselors, parents, teachers, youth leaders, pastors, etc.? For in it [the gospel] the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith. Romans 1:17 (CSB) Read Verses: Habakkuk 2:4; Habakkuk 3:17-Habakkuk 3:19; Romans 1:17; Habakkuk 1:2-Habakkuk 1:4; Habakkuk 1:12-Habakkuk 1:13

We often feel like we have to be a certain way or reach a certain goal because that’s what will make the people around us respect us. I have struggled with this. I feel like I need to be at a certain point financially, bringing in a certain amount of money, in order to not feel ashamed of my life and what I’ve accomplished. The Bible talks about how people admire the rich and those who are able to save up a lot of wealth. But God makes it clear that no one will be able to take anything with them in the end. Money is not going to do us any real good when we die. More important than money, Jesus reveals that God loves us unconditionally, and through Jesus’s death and resurrection, we can be set free from every kind of shame. If we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we can know that God is already pleased with us, and we don’t need to accomplish anything to earn His acceptance. So, we don’t have to orient our lives around getting the respect of the people around us. Instead, we can orient our lives around following Jesus. As we make decisions in our lives, we don’t need to try to get rich. Instead, we can look to God for guidance and wisdom in our finances. He calls us to rely on Him for all our needs as we seek to live according to His Word, and to store up treasures in heaven. Money and power are not going to last, and we are not going to be able to take any cash we earn now with us when we die. But if we follow Jesus, our lives can bear fruit that will last (John 15:16; Galatians 5:22-23). Emily Acker Have you ever felt pressure to live a certain way in order to earn respect from others? Sometimes, we try to store up wealth to get people to accept us. Other times, we try to get more money or possessions because we want to feel secure. God sees our needs for acceptance and security, and He has compassion on us. He wants us to rely on Him for all our needs, instead of relying on money. Do you tend to want money more for acceptance or for security? What questions do you have about money? Who are trusted Christians you could talk to about these questions? But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. Matthew 6:20 (NIV) Read Verses: Psalm 49:16-Psalm 49:20; Matthew 6:19-Matthew 6:34

Jesus had the power to heal sickness. He had the power to forgive sins. He still does. You can trust Him with everything because He is great and powerful. Jesus has compassion for the hurting, and He cares for you. He loves the broken. He forgives sinners. Jesus can heal people who are blind, sick, paralyzed, and hurtingand He can forgive our sins. Jesus had the power not to die on the cross. He could have gotten away. He could have refused to do it. He could have left us in our sin. But He didn’t. Jesus, who is fully God and full of power, allowed Himself to be hung on the cross because He loves us so much. He was willing to take our sins on Himself even though He didn’t deserve any of it. Jesus endured the pain of the cross. He endured the full weight of God’s just wrath against sin. He was in the grave for three days because of our sins. But then, He rose again. Jesus had the power to do anything. He chose to love us. We can see the power of Jesus when we read about all He has done in the Bible, and we can also see His power in all He has done for us. Jesus can heal us, help us, and save us from our sins. If we’ve put our trust in Jesus, all our sins are forgivenpast, present, and future. As His people, we can come to Him and receive His help at any time. And we can know that one day, Jesus will return and heal all our hurts, and we will live with Him forever. Bethany Acker Read Mark 2:1-12. How did Jesus reveal His power in this passage? Is there an area of brokenness you’d like Jesus to healeither in your own life or someone else’s? God invites us to pray about all these things. He might answer our prayers with a miracle, or He might show love to us in another way. But we can know that when Jesus returns, There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain (Revelation 21:4). Why was Jesus willing to go to the cross? (If you want to dig deeper, read Matthew 26:36-56; John 18:1-14; 1 Peter 2:24; and Hebrews 4:14-16.) But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 (NIV) Read Verses: Mark 2:1-Mark 2:12; Romans 5:6-Romans 5:8

When life is busy, our minds are constantly full of things we have to do, places we have to go, and people we have to see. It’s very easy to find ourselves becoming a little self-centered. We never intended to live in our own little worlds, but that’s what life seems to demand right now. In the event of Jesus feeding the five thousand (which is recorded in all four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), we find Jesus and His disciples trying to find a secluded place to rest after a busy series of days (Mark 6:30-32). But the crowds are eager to hear more of this great miracle worker’s teachings, and they follow the Master and His disciples. When Jesus sees the crowd, He has compassion on them (verse 34). Knowing these people are hungry, Jesus decides food is needed. He then turns to Philip and asks, Where can we buy bread to feed all these people? (John 6:5). When Jesus asks where, I imagine Philip doing a quick calculation in his mind, figuring the impossibility of what Jesus wants to do. This disciple responds by saying there’s not enough money to buy food for the whole crowd. There are five thousand mennot even counting women and children! That means there could be more than ten thousand hungry mouths to feed. There’s no point asking where to buy food when there’s no money to buy food. Then, I imagine Andrew scanning the crowd searching for something or someone to help solve this problem. He spots a boy with five loaves and two fish. What is this disciple’s response to Jesus’s question? He tells Jesus about the boy’s food then adds, But what good is that with this huge crowd? (verse 9). The need is massive; what can five loaves and two fish accomplish? Jesus then quiets the people and gives thanks. As the crowd watches in amazement, those scant five loaves and two fish are handed out. The food keeps on coming until everyone has their filland there’s even some leftover! It’s so easy to underestimate what Jesus can do. When life gets busy, we might feel like there aren’t enough resources to go around. But, as followers of Jesus Christ, we’re called to be attentive to the needs of those around us. Instead of living our Christian lives in our own little worlds, Jesus enables us to be compassionate and reach out to help those who need it, knowing He will provide. Doug Velting Read John 6:1-13. What was Jesus’s disciples’ role in feeding the crowd? What did Jesus do? Especially when life gets busy, why is it important to take time to rest? (Mark 6:31) Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. John 6:11a (NLT) Read Verses: John 6:1-John 6:13

Do you ever think about eternity? As a little kid, I used to lie awake at night, thinking about what it would be like to live forever and ever and everwith no end. An eternal life with God! There was no way to wrap my mind around the idea. No matter how many zeroes I put on the end of the number of years, it would still be just a beginning to eternity. This is the perspective that the apostle Peter wanted his readers to have when they read his letter to themwe now call this letter 1 Peter. In it, Peter is writing to believers in the early church during a time of suffering and persecution. Although he addresses their suffering in much of the letter, Peter wants them to remember their living hope, their eternal salvation and their inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade…kept in heaven (1:3-4). The little while that believers have to suffer grief in all kinds of trials (1:6) cannot be compared to the eternal salvation that awaits God’s children. Jesus will return and unite heaven and earth, and everyone who has put their trust in Jesus will live and reign with Him forever. Even now we can be filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy (1:8) as we rest in Jesus’s love for us and anticipate eternity with Him. Peter also reminds his readers they are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession (2:9). He encourages them to remember that, even if they suffer for doing good, ultimately they will be blessed for doing what is right. Since the end of all things is near (4:7), believers should live self-controlled lives that are marked by prayer. Above all, love each other deeply, Peter urges, because love covers over a multitude of sins (4:8). Suffering is temporary. Our salvation in Christ is for all eternity! These themes in 1 Peter have encouraged believers ever since he wrote them two thousand years ago. Laura N. Sweet Have you ever stopped to really think about eternity? What amazes you the most about eternal life with Christwhich is promised to everyone who has put their trust in Jesus, believing He died on the cross and rose from the grave for us? When we are going through hard times, why might it be helpful to remember that our suffering will only last a little while compared to living forever with Jesus in renewed creation? How might looking forward to Jesus’s return affect the way we live now? In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3 (NIV) Read Verses: 1 Peter 3:13-1 Peter 3:18; 1 Peter 4:7-1 Peter 4:8; 1 Peter 1:3-1 Peter 1:9

Why is this happening, God? When will it stop? Tears fell as I poured out my heart and journaled to the Lord. I had prayed for a particular person in my life for years, but the grueling situation continued. My emotions ranged from despair to anger. What emotions have you experienced lately? What about in the last twenty-four hours? Emotions encompass a wide range: love, happiness, fear, anger, hatred, and more. Our feelings are typically affected by the circumstances, people, or objects surrounding us. The Bible is filled with people who experienced emotions of every kind. Their stories display a wide range of human experiences, and through them, I’ve learned that God can handle all our feelings. While He does want to hear our praises and happy emotions, He also longs for us to share our hearts, pouring out our negative feelings as well. We can see this modeled in the book of Psalms. David wrote over seventy of the psalms, and he is described as a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22). In some of David’s psalms, he praises God and gives thanks for all He’s done. In others, David is full of lament, anguish, and despair as he questions God and wonders why his circumstances have not changed. David had a personal, intimate relationship with God. He shared all his heart and didn’t hold back. God invites us to have this kind of relationship with Him through Jesus. God knows our hearts, minds, and the innermost thoughts of our being (Psalm 139:1-4). Even though He doesn’t need us to tell Him how we feel, He desires us to share everything on our minds. Similarly to how human relationships grow with trust and communication, we also grow closer to God when we share our deepest thoughts. God longs for us to give our concerns to Him. He’s ready to handle our big questions. No matter what emotions you’re feeling today, God is ready to listen to everything you have to say. Erin Nestico Why do you think God longs for us to pour out our hearts to Him? Are there any emotions you don’t feel comfortable sharing with God? Which ones? O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:8 (NLT) Read Verses: Psalm 61; Psalm 100; Psalm 62:8

READ: PSALM 73:26; LAMENTATIONS 3:21-23; MATTHEW 11:28-30 When my alarm clock first went off, I did not want to rise; I laid within my bed awhile; It held me like a vice. A blackened cloud hung over me, Of doubt and fear and pain; I shut my eyes and thought I would Not open them again. It felt like I could not get up, Nor could I face the day; But then in my deep dark despair, I heard my Savior say: “Oh come to Me, dear weary soul, And I will give you rest; My grace is all sufficient for Your every trial and test. Oh come to Me and I will give You peace and strength anew; And when you cannot carry on, Then I will carry you.” ⦁ Jacob Bier ⦁ Life can feel overwhelming at times, but Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and He wants to help us. In what areas of your life do you need His peace today? ⦁ Sometimes, depression can make it difficult or even impossible to get out of bed on our own. In times like these, Jesus does not scold us. He knows how badly suffering hurts—He endured it here on earth. He has compassion on us and invites us to rely on His love. One of the primary ways God helps us is through other people. If you are experiencing feelings of despair, intense emotional pain, or emotional numbness, who is a trusted adult you feel comfortable talking to? If 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. • If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. You can also talk with someone via web chat (suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat). If your situation is potentially life-threatening, call 911 (or the emergency number for your area) or go to the local hospital emergency room right away. Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (NLT)

We all have them: thoughts or desires that pop into our headssome uninvited, others invited. There have been many times when, after such a thought, I was relieved that it was only in my mind and not flashing in lights for all to see. On one occasion, a thought had been plaguing me for several days. I just wanted to be rid of it. This thought was not helpful and would not further my relationship with Christ or others. Although I had prayed about it many times, my heart felt restless. I knew the temptation itself was not sin, nor had I acted on it, but why would this thought not leave me alone? That Sunday, my pastor talked about the importance of being real in our relationships. A few days later, I was having coffee with a close friend. As we shared the normal and the messy, I felt like God kept prompting me to share the messiEsther But what would my friend think of me? God reminded me that He sees all of meincluding the parts I am most ashamed ofand His love for me is unshaken. I knew I needed to be open and honest with my friend, who also loves God. I took a deep breath and said, Could I tell you a thought I’ve been having that I know isn’t good? I need someone to listen and give me some godly wisdom. After I told my friend, I felt such freedom. She listened, gave wise advice, did not judge, and committed to pray for me. I also asked her to keep me accountable to make sure I did not cross the line into sin. Being open and honest healed. Savannah Coleman ⦠Temptation is not a sin (Hebrews 4:14-16), and neither are intrusive thoughts, a common mental health struggle that happens when the brain overfocuses on something that horrifies or disturbs you. When a thought pops into your head, you are not bound by it. It’s just a thought. It only becomes sin when it begins to impact how you view and treat God, yourself, and others. Who are trusted peoplesuch as counselors, friends, parents, or pastorsyou can be open and honest with? How can you be a safe person for others, someone who will listen without passing judgment and offer to help shoulder a burden? Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 (CSB) Read Verses: Ecclesiastes 4:9-Ecclesiastes 4:12; Galatians 6:1-Galatians 6:10

Ready for Bible trivia? What is the longest chapter in the Bible? The answer: Psalm 119, with a whopping 176 verses! Though it’s long, this psalm is all about the importance of God’s Word and how much the psalmist loves God’s law that He gave to the Israelites. A song about laws seems strange at first. We sometimes think of rules as annoying restrictions that keep us from doing whatever we want to do. But imagine a stop sign or a traffic light. Those things might seem frustrating at times, and we might think that they are getting in the way of our freedom. But without them, travel would be chaotic and dangerous. Stop signs and traffic lights point us to a better and safer way of sharing the road. God’s law is like that. It holds us back from certain things to protect us from the danger and damage of sin. It points us to the new way of life God desires for us: to love Him and our neighbor (Matthew 22:35-40). Therefore, the psalmist loves the law because it’s good for God’s people. It’s not surprising that the psalmist closes with a prayer, asking for God’s presence and help in following the law (Psalm 119:174-176). As humans, we constantly sin against, or reject God’s plan, and His laws make us realize how sinful we really are. But that’s why Jesus came. He followed God’s plan perfectlynot to get rid of the law, but to complete the law so that through Him, we can be made right with God (Matthew 5:17-20; Galatians 3:10-22). Jesus’s fulfilled law is not based on rules, but on relationship: following Him out of love and trust. When we become Christians, the Holy Spirit changes our lives and transforms us to be more like Jesus (Hebrews 10:15-24). That’s good news worth singing about! Abby Ciona Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17. When we read Old Testament laws, we can know they were fulfilled in Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection. How can laws that don’t apply to us anymore (like animal sacrifices) still teach us about following God and living a life centered around Him in all we do? Read Hebrews 4:12. God’s Word is powerful. How can it transform our thoughts, attitudes, and actions? Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. Psalm 119:18 (NIV) Read Verses: Psalm 119:1-Psalm 119:8; Psalm 119:33-Psalm 119:40; Psalm 119:137-Psalm 119:144; Psalm 119:18

Glistening gold, embedded with rubies, topaz, emeralds, sapphires, amethysts, and pearlsthe throne beckoned for something, or someone, to sit upon it. What would suffice? What could fill the desires of my heart and be worthy of that royal seat? First, I placed my family and friends on the throne. “Nothing is as precious as family and friends, surely. How selfless and thoughtful of me.” As I poured my soul into them, the ebb and flow of relationships just did not satisfy. No matter how hard we tried, we always ended up disappointing each other in one way or another. I loved them, yes, but placing them on the throne had more distorted life than enriched it. Next, I placed my dreams and goals on the throne. These pursuits were indeed worthy: to grow, better myself, and work hard. Sometimes I achieved and conquered, other times I failed, but I pressed on. Yet, no matter how many improvements I made, it was never enough. Sadly, I discovered that dreams and goals did not belong on the throne either. Then, I positioned my religious works on the throne. I served at church, volunteered in my community, and gave to those in need. While the longing in my heart was subdued for a while, eventually I became burnt out and jaded. No, religious works could not fill this void. Desperate and weary, I stared at the glittering throne. I was at a loss. Then, I felt a steady hand on my shoulder. I turned and saw Jesus, His eyes kind. Will you trust me? He asked. I hesitated, then nodded slowly…and Jesus took His rightful place on the throne of my heart. He invited me to spend time in His presence. I found His Words to be sweet, life-giving, and convicting. When I spoke to Him, He always listened to me…and I learned in time to be still and listen to Him speak to me. Living with Jesus on the throne of my heart not only transformed me, I watched as He slowly began to transform every part of my life. In relationships with family and friends, He helped me to love more deeply than I had imagined possible. My dreams and goals were no longer my own, but shaped by what God was doing in my heart. As I continued to serve others, I was sustained by the overflow of daily peace and strength that I received from Jesus. As I spent time with Him, He guided me, leading me into both seasons of productivity and seasons of rEsther As I contemplated my life, one thing was abundantly clear: the only One who was worthy to claim the seat on the throne of my heart was Jesus Christ. Savannah Coleman What are you tempted to place on the throne of your heart? How have these things let you down? Jesusthe One who died and rose again to save His people and restore His creationis enthroned as King over all. But, we can choose whether or not we submit to Jesus in the context of our personal, loving relationship with Him. Why is Jesus the only One worthy to be on the throne of our hearts? I heard every created thing which is in heaven, on the earth, under the earth, on the sea, and everything in them, saying, To him who sits on the throne…be the blessing, the honor, the glory, and the dominion, forever and ever! Amen! Revelation 5:13 (WEB) Read Verses: Psalm 37:4; Matthew 6:33; 1 Peter 5:6-1 Peter 5:7; Revelation 5:13

If only they took the time to really know me…. If only they took the time to ask how I’m doing… If only they understood my interests and what I want my life to be about… Do you sometimes feel like no one knows you or understands you? Do you feel as if your family members are so caught up in their own lives that they don’t really see you or notice when you are struggling? Do you rejoice alone when good things happen? If you feel lonely, know that God sees you. If you feel like no one will spend any real time with you, know that God is there and He understands you. God knows your secrets. He sees your pain and your celebrations. And He cares. He grieves your hurts alongside you, and He rejoices with you. God knows you in ways no human ever could. He created you, and He has been by your side through all you’ve faced in life. At least He really knows me… At least He pays attention to how I’m doing each day… At least He understands my interests and what I want my life to be about… He truly cares. He wants to know me. Emily Acker Do you ever feel unknown? How does it make you feel when you think about God seeing you and knowing you? God loves you so much. He knows you completely, and He wants you to know Him. Because Jesus came to die and rise again, you can have a relationship with the God who made you. Consider taking a moment to talk to God about something that matters to youit could be how you’re doing today, or something you’re interested in, or even what you want your life to be about…God invites you to talk to Him about all of it. He always has the time to listen, and He always understands. God does not want us to be lonely. That’s why He built the churcha community of people who seek to know and love God and each other. Has anyone shown God’s love to you when you felt lonely? What did they do? How could you show God’s love to others who might be lonely? You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. Psalm 139:1 (NIV) Read Verses: Psalm 139:1-Psalm 139:12

There are things in my life that I had once that I don’t have anymore. There are relationships that were once a big deal to me that were taken from me and are gone now. There are times when the pain of what I lost is very heavy …And there are times when I realize that the fact that I feel pain means I once had something good. I look back on the things I used to have, and I realize I have memories because life used to be different. I can smile at some of the things I used to do and the events I got to experience. I look back on the life I’ve lived because of the relationships I used to have, and I know those relationships made me a better person. I grew up because of all I went through. I’m grateful to God. He is working all things together for His good purposes (Romans 8:28). He gave me special moments with people before I lost those people. He used situations in my life to help me become who I am today. Jesus has been with me through it all, and He will continue to lead me. Emily Acker Have you had things come up in your life that hurt you but led to growth? Read Hebrews 4:14-16 and 1 Peter 5:7. How might the promises in these verses make it easier for you to bring your hurts to God? Who are safe peoplesuch as parents, counselors, teachers, friends, or youth leadersyou can go to when you are processing hard things? Read Romans 8 and Revelation 21:1-4. In light of God’s good plans for the future, what promises are included for the present? How can these plans and promises give us comfort when we face difficult times? Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21 (NIV) Read Verses: Proverbs 16:1-Proverbs 16:4; Proverbs 19:21

Have you ever witnessed an incredible storm? These amazing forces of nature can be mind-blowingand dangerous. One of Jesus’s well-known miracles happened in this context. Because of the hills surrounding the Sea of Galilee, this body of water was prone to sudden storms with fierce winds. When Jesus’s disciples were taking a boat to the other side, a sudden storm came over the high country surrounding the Sea of Galilee. Four of the disciples were fishermen and knew how to handle these situations, but even they panicked. And where was Jesus? That’s right, asleep in the stern, exhausted after a full day of ministry. In a fearful state of mind, they shook Jesus out of a deep sleep and demanded, Teacher, don’t you care that we are dying? (Mark 4:38). The disciples wanted Jesus to do something, even if they weren’t sure what it was. Jesus handled this situation as only Jesus could. Peace! Be still! (verse 39). He spoke to the untamable, unpredictable forces of nature with authority and certainty. This rough sea became smooth as glass. On any body of water, it takes a period of time for rough waves to gradually become calm; storms don’t just vanish. But when Jesus commands, they do. The disciples witnessed something amazing about Jesus that day; He commands all of creation. He is God in human flesh. We serve the same Jesus who calmed the storm on that day. His mighty power is still at workin all of creation, and in every detail of our lives. Doug Velting Can you think of a time you felt like Jesus’s disciplesoverwhelmed, confused, and scared? You can bring all these feelings to Jesus, who loves you and died and rose again for you. In stormy times, how could it be comforting to know that Jesus reigns over all of creation? Jesus has promised that He will return one day to renew and restore creation, and His people will live and reign with Him forever (Revelation 21:1-5). He also promised that He will be with us always (Matthew 28:20). When things in our world seem out of control, or even deadly, how can Jesus’s promises give us hope? Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10 (WEB) Read Verses: Mark 4:35-Mark 5:1; Psalm 46:10

Injustice is everywhere; just look outside. It’s hard not to see injustice. Why does God allow it? Humans have been wondering this for a long time. Psalm 73 was written by Asaph and records his struggles as he considers the wicked and those with callous hearts and evil imaginations. He sees how they are prosperous, healthy, and don’t have basic human burdens. Why would God allow this? Where is He? The wicked prosper while the innocent are trampled. Asaph wonders if he labored in vain to keep his heart pure. But, in trying to understand all this, Asaph enters the sanctuary of God. Then I understood their final destiny, he says in verse 17. Asaph realizes that, though the wicked may seem safe and untouched, they will be judged. God comes as an avenger, and in the end, He will repay them for their deeds. We can learn a lot from Asaph. We see all the injustice in the world and can’t help but wonder why God would allow it to happen. But when we understand the final destiny of evil, it’s easier to comprehend. God will one day destroy all evil. He is the Just God. It would be against His character to ignore injustice. That’s why He sent Jesus to become human, die on the cross, and be raised from the dead. Through His work, He has defeated death and sin and evil, and one day He will return to destroy all injusticepermanentlyand restore His creation. We have all participated in evil and injustice. Everyone has been infected by the curse of sin. But the amazingly good news is that God provided a way for justice to prevail and for mercy to be given. He sent His Son, Jesus, to pay the price for you so that if you believe in Him, you will be forgiven and restored. While evil may shudder at the thought of judgment, if we are in Christ, we can rest satisfied that God the Just will follow through, and His justice will prevail. Emma Pamer Has something unjust ever happened to you, and if so, how did you feel? Jesus has compassion on us, and He invites us to tell Him about all these hard things, knowing that He also suffered injustice on earth, and He came to set things right. In addition to talking to Jesus, who are safe peoplesuch as parents, counselors, teachers, friends, or youth leadersyou can talk to about these experiences? How can we find hope in the fact that (1) God is the avenger of evil and He will not let evil win, and (2) God is also merciful and forgives sinners through Jesus Christ? And the heavens proclaim his righteousness, for he is a God of justice. Psalm 50:6 (NIV) Read Verses: Psalm 73; Romans 16:20; Psalm 50:6

If you listen, you can hear it: the wind moving branches of trees long dead, these creaking bones that ache to live again. You hear it in the weary words of a mother at the store, comforting her crying child. You hear it in words unspoken in the eyes of the man holding a cardboard sign on the side of the road. You hear it in the undercurrent of sharp voices and the wound of words too hastily spewed. All this need, all this thirst. If you slow, you can hear it in your own heart: the beat of the broken. You can hide behind a smile; you can gloss over it with your busy or a facade of bravery. You can gather or give until your heart busts wide open, pouring out all this longing. If you listen, He will speak. Most likely not in roaring tones of gusting winds or blazing flames, but in a still, small voice. In the silence of your slow, His presence comes. Like softly falling snow on hard ground, His love comes and settles on you like a holy blanket. He invites you to draw near and listen, that you may live (Isaiah 55:3a). He will remind you of what you really need for life. Not a half-life, but a full, satisfying, abundant life (John 10:10). In His presence is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11). Children of the One True King have His everlasting covenant, His faithful love (Isaiah 55:3b). When life crashes in and you wonder whyin your rushing, worrying, hurrying, and hurtingremember to listen. Seek the Lord and listen (Isaiah 55:6). Live in light of His presence and allow His Word to light up your path (Psalm 119:105). When you listen, you hear it: God delighting in you…He sings His love over you (Zephaniah 3:17). Will you choose to come, to still, to listenand truly live? Savannah Coleman Jesus came so we could have life to the fullan abundant life (John 10:10). When He died and was resurrected for us, God’s old covenant with His people was replaced with a new and better one (Romans 3:20-24). When we choose to focus on His sacrifice for us, it will impact our lives not only on an eternal level but also on a daily one. What does it mean to you to know that the God who saves you also delights in you and sings over you (Zephaniah 3:17)? What are some ways you can be still from rushing this week and listen to the voice of God? Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live. Isaiah 55:3a (NIV) Read Verses: 1Kgs:19; Isaiah 55

The nightmares had started again. It had only been a few nights, and already I felt like I was sleepwalking through the dayspure exhaustion from the moment I opened my eyes. As the shower water beat down on my weary head, I prayed a prayer of the strength-sapped: God, help. Immediately, the words of Jesus filled my mind: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28). How easy it is to forget, especially when you’re tired: the thing the weary need most of all is to come to Jesus for rEsther When I endure days or even weeks of that mind-numbing exhaustion, I tend to flit from one task to the next throughout the day, keeping physically busy until I’m about to drop. Sometimes, the one thing I fail to do is the very thing I need most of all: to find my rest in Jesus. After several failed attempts to sit and open up my Bible, my rampaging thoughts stilled enough for me to sit at the feet of Jesus. As I read through Psalm 62, my heart lifted. I found my heart echoing David’s words: Truly my soul finds rest in God…Yes, my soul, find rest in God…Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him (verses 1, 5, 8). The Bible has hundreds of verses about rEsther Taking time to sleep and care for our bodies is important, and the rest that’s even more crucial for our lives is found in the presence of Jesus. In Luke 10:38-42, when Jesus visited Martha’s house, He encouraged her to remember the one thing that was more important than all the things she needed to get done: sitting at His feet. Jesus offers us rest in His presence. As we spend time in His Word, in prayer, and with His people, He gives us the spiritual rest our souls crave. We can embrace the soul-rest God offers by pouring out our hearts to Him and allowing His unfailing love to fill us up. Savannah Coleman When do you find it difficult to rest? Why do you think it’s important to spend time pouring out our hearts to Jesus and being reminded of His love, both individually and with other Christians? Sleep is an important part of our physical and emotional health. Sometimes, we need help in order to give our bodies the sleep we need, and that’s okay. If you’re having difficulty sleeping, who is a trusted adult you can talk to, such as a parent, counselor, or doctor? Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I [Jesus] will give you rEsther Matthew 11:28 (NIV) Read Verses: Matthew 11:25-Matthew 12:8; Psalm 62

God, not in my own strength I can’t do this alone God, not without your help I am too weak to press on God, not without your promises I can’t keep going God, not without you holding me I am too weak to stand God, I need you to lift me My head has fallen God, I need you to help me fly My wings are broken God, I need you to breathe into me My breath is gone God, keep my heart beating Keep me close to you ⦠Emily Acker Have you ever felt like the author of this poem? How could it be comforting to know that, even when we are at the end of our strength, God’s strength will never run out? When we feel like life is too hard and we are too tired, God has compassion on us. He doesn’t expect us to be able to do everything in our own strengthHe invites us to come to Him and rely on His strength through the Holy Spirit (who lives inside every believer). Through Jesus’s death and resurrection, God has made a way for us to live in union with Him, constantly relying on Him for our every need. He will never leave us, even at our weakest points. When is it difficult for you to rely on God? Who can you talk to during those times? What promises does God give us in Isaiah 40:28-31? Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (CSB) Read Verses: Isaiah 41:10; Isaiah 40:28-Isaiah 40:31; 2 Corinthians 12:9-2 Corinthians 12:10

I am adopted. From what I hear from my parents, adopting me was not an easy task! Lots of paperwork, government background checks, and other miscellaneous thingsit took them many months before they could adopt. Adoption takes lots of money and time. It’s definitely not a calling for everyone, but when God does call people to adopt, it’s a reminder of the adoption we have in Christ. As Christians, we are adopted into the family of God. This adoption is much different than when earthly parents adopt a child. It’s free for us, because Jesus paid the price by dying on the cross. In this adoption, there is no paperwork or money involved, and it’s simpleeven a young child can be adopted into the family of God. The only thing needed for our adoption is salvation, and it’s free to all who believe that Jesus is their Savior! When we receive Christ as our Lord and Savior, we are adopted as sons and daughters of God. Because we are in Christ, nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39)! God loved us so much that He sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross and rise from the dead so we could be His children. Praise Him for making a way for us to be adopted into His family! Lilly Wiscaver Have you been adopted into God’s family by putting your trust in Jesus? If not, what’s holding you back? (For more about what it means to put your trust in Jesus, check out the Know Jesus page.) Can you think of any other ways earthly adoption reminds us of the adoption God has made for us? For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26 (NLT) Read Verses: Galatians 3:26; Romans 8:14-Romans 8:17; Galatians 4:5-Galatians 4:7; Ephesians 1:5-Ephesians 1:7

Sometimes, I don’t know how to pray for people. And that’s a bummer, because Jesus calls us to pray for othersfor our friends, our leaders, and even our enemies (Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:28; 1 Timothy 2:1-4). But how do you pray when you have no idea what to pray? One thing I’ve started doing is using some of the prayers in the Bible as a guide. After all, they are in the Bible. One of my favorite prayers is found in Ephesians 3. Paul is writing to Christians in Ephesus, and in the middle of his letter he includes a prayer. At the heart of it is a desire for his brothers and sisters in Ephesus to know Jesus’s love. I like to insert the name of the person I’m praying for into this prayer, and then read it aloud or silently as my own prayer to God. And, because Paul mentions that he kneels before God the Father at the beginning of this prayer, sometimes I kneel while I read these verses: I kneel before the Father…I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you [ _____ ] with power through his Spirit in your [ _____’s] inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts [ _____’s heart] through faith. And I pray that you [ _____ ], being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledgethat you [ _____ ] may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:14-19). So, the next time you want to pray for someone but you’re not sure what to say, consider using a prayer from the Bible as a guide. As we ask according to God’s will, we can rest assured that He hears us (1 John 5:14-15). Hannah Howe Have you ever wanted to pray for someone, but you weren’t sure how? Read Romans 8:26. How could it be comforting to know that the Holy Spirit prays for us, even when we don’t know how to pray? Who is someone you could pray for right now? Consider taking a moment to read a prayer found in the Bible (such as Numbers 6:24-26; Ephesians 3:14-21; Philippians 1:9-11; or Colossians 1:9-14) and pray these words for this person. I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people. 1 Timothy 2:1 (NIV) Read Verses: Numbers 6:24-Numbers 6:26; Ephesians 3:14-Ephesians 3:21

In our day-to-day lives, we meet different people who affect us in different ways. Some say and do things that break our hearts and cause us tears. Some of the people who hurt our feelings are those closest to usour friends, schoolmates, and even our parents. There are other things that break our heartsbroken relationships, sickness and disease, and the loss of loved ones. When these things happen, we might feel all alone in our sadness, like nobody cares. Sometimes, we get in our beds and cry ourselves to sleep. We ask the Lord many questions, and we wonder why God allowed such things to happen to us. But, in times of pain and heartache, the Lord knows and feels our pain. As we see in John 11, Mary was very sad because of the loss of her brother, and when Jesus saw her crying, He was deeply moved in spirit and troubled (verse 33). He felt her pain. And when He was shown where Lazarus had been buried, Jesus wept. Jesus felt for Mary as she grieved this loss. However, Jesus did not stop at crying. He healed Mary’s pain by calling Lazarus from the grave. When we are hurt and our hearts are broken, it can seem like no one understands our pain. When we see others around us laughing and happy, we might not see any reason to be happy ourselves. In such times, let us remember that our Lord understands our feelings, and He is ready to heal our pain. So, when our hearts are broken and we are in tears, let us run quickly to Jesus, and He will help us. Enid Adah Nyinomujuni What kinds of things have left you broken-hearted? Jesus invites us to tell Him about what we experience (even though He already knows) and pour out all our messy questions. As we come to Him, He brings healing to our hurts. And, if we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we can look forward to the day He will return and raise us from the dead, and all our pain will be forever healed. As Christians, God calls us to empathize with other’s pain and mourn with those who mourn (Romans 12:15; 1 Corinthians 12:26). Have you ever experienced someone doing this for you? How could you do this for others? When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled…Jesus wept. John 11:33, 35 (NIV) Read Verses: Psalm 56:8; John 11:32-John 11:44; Psalm 30:5

When I talk about my mom, it’s easy to become emotional. After losing my mom in 2020, I wondered at the ways she mirrored God’s grace. In moments when I stood guilty, I knew I was still loved by Mom. Growing up in my house, we saw this grace in actionand to be honest, sometimes it got a little personal. For example, when arguments broke out between me and my brothers, she was on it. First, she separated us, allowing everyone to calm down. Then, she let each of us tell our side of the story. Next, she brought us together and quietly pointed out how we had hurt, or perhaps manipulated, the other person. Finally, came the part I dreaded: we faced each other and apologized. This meant not only saying I’m sorry, but following it with: Will you forgive me? Sometimes, just uttering the words Yes, I forgive you was the hardest part. Other times, swallowing my pride and saying I’m sorry was harder. But Mom dealt with our pride by reminding us how Jesus humbled Himself to die on the cross for our sinsnot Hisbecause He loves us. Second Corinthians 5:21 says: For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. Because Jesus Christ willingly died for us, and then rose from the grave, we have the sure hope of experiencing His grace…and extending that grace to others. When I remember Christ’s humility, how much easier it is to let go of the grip of resentment. God’s inexplicable grace leads us to experience His forgivenessa forgiveness so strong, we can pass it on to others. G. Kam Congleton Have you experienced God’s forgiveness by trusting in Jesus? (Read more by checking out the Know Jesus page.) Even after we’ve experienced Jesus’s forgiveness, it can still be difficult to forgive others. But God is patient with us, and He invites us to rely on His power and love to forgive. How might remembering what Jesus has done to forgive us help us to forgive others? (Remember, if someone has hurt you deeply, forgiving them doesn’t mean you need to be in close relationship with them.) Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13 (NLT) Read Verses: Ephesians 4:31-Ephesians 5:2; Colossians 3:13

We can serve God in many different waysin our families, at church, at school, and beyond. But sometimes, we can get discouraged when we feel like our service is not appreciated. We might feel like the prophet Isaiah when he said, But my work seems so useless! I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose (Isaiah 49:4). For instance, we might help someone in need and never hear a thank you from them. I know a young man who helps an elderly lady, but she never seems to voice appreciation; instead, her words sound more like complaining, and this has been so discouraging to him. There have been times when we’ve tried to encourage others to come out of sin, to be committed to God, and to come to church…but we haven’t seen results, at least not right away, and this has also been so discouraging. In situations like these, we sometimes think that God Himself does not appreciate our service, so we feel like giving up because it seems all our efforts are being wasted. But God takes notice of everything we do for Him. Going back to Isaiah 49, after Isaiah complained of having labored in vain, he said, Yet I leave it all in the LORD’s hand; I will trust God for my reward (verse 4). The words of Jesus in Mark 9:41 are similar; Jesus says that a person who gives just a cup of water to one of His followers will not lose their reward. We can continue doing the Lord’s workand not give upas we remember that every little thing we do for Him matters, as it says in 1 Corinthians 15:58, nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. So let us be encouraged that our labor in the Lord is not in vain, even when things don’t seem to be going right every time we serve, because God takes notice of everything we do for Him. Enid Adah Nyinomujuni Have you ever tried to serve others, but it didn’t seem to be doing any good? When you’re feeling discouraged, how could it be helpful to remember that God appreciates your hard work, even when others don’t? For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do. Hebrews 6:10 (NLT) Read Verses: Isaiah 49:1-Isaiah 49:7; Mark 9:41; Hebrews 6:10

By day, the town of Goshen was like any other. People went to work, children went to school, and families gathered to share a meal at suppertime. But after dark, everything changed. Doors were locked and drapes were pulled tight over windows. Because here, the dead ruled the night. They came from the ground and from the sea, their howls and moans and screams filling the darkness. They wanted one thingthe living. They coveted their beating hearts and longed to feel air rush through their lungs once again. And though death had severed them from such joys, they wanted them all the same and went searching for them every night. But the living had been given protection. Every evening, before the sun went down, they would sprinkle lamb’s blood in the doorways of their homes. Any house sealed with blood, the dead could not enter. But the sound of their horrifying cries continued throughout the night, and people huddled away from the windows, covering their ears against the terror outside. One day, a man no one had seen before walked into Goshen. He went from house to house, knocking on each door. Who are you? people asked when they saw him. I am the Lamb of God, he said. He showed them the bloody wounds in his hands. Will you trust me? One by one, the people looked down at the blood, then back to his face. Yes, they replied. Then the man dipped his finger into his own blood and touched it to each of their foreheads. No more sprinkling blood in the doorway, he told them. No more hiding in your houses at night. I have power over death and have sealed you with my blood. Death can never rule you. That night, when darkness came, doors and windows remained open, letting in a cool, fresh breeze. There were no sounds of terror from the dead, for death could no longer hold its captives. Instead, the dead were raised to true life and the serenades of crickets wafted through the air as people poured into the streets. Men and women gazed up at the stars as children chased fireflies across the grass. Their fear of death and darkness was gone, for now an eternal light glowed inside them. They were the living people of God. Courtney Lasater Read John 11:25-26 and Romans 6:23. Why do those who trust in Jesus have no reason to fear death? Do you ever feel afraid when you think about death? You can talk to Jesus about this and ask Him to give you His peace as you remember the sacrifice He made to save you from sin when He shed His blood on the cross. While we will still experience death, we can find comfort knowing that Jesus has defeated death through His resurrection and will someday return to raise us to eternal life. How can this truth affect the way we view death now? How much more, then, will the blood of Christ…cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! Hebrews 9:14 (NIV) Read Verses: Exod:12:21-Exod:12:23; Exod:12:29-Exod:12:30; 1 Peter 1:18-1 Peter 1:19; 1 Peter 2:9; Hebrews 9:14

How quickly the grass changes. From green to brown to covered in white snow How quickly the trees shift First orange, then bare and gray How quickly the air cools From warm and balmy to cold and crisp How quickly our appetites change Craving something warm and hearty Summer goes away Seasons change Our God remains the same His love never leaves His love never fails He sees what is going on and has a plan Our lives change Seasons change God remains the same Emily Acker Do you have a favorite season? Does the changing of seasons impact you? So many things in our lives change. We might enjoy some of these changes, and we might dread others. Do you ever feel like your life is moving and changing so quickly that you feel out of control? Take heart, God always remains the same. His love for you does not change. And Jesus has promised to be with you no matter what (Matthew 28:20). How might these truths give you courage? Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8 (CSB) Read Verses: Hebrews 13:8; Isaiah 40

We all have times in our lives when we mess up and things are not right. We all have times when we feel guilty and dirty. We want to make things better, but we aren’t sure what steps we need to take. God is there in those times. He is all about second chances and new beginnings. You don’t have to live with the weight of what you’ve done. He can take away your guilt and shame and make things new. We can see how God gives new life in nature. For example, a caterpillar goes into the process of becoming a butterfly not knowing what all is about to happen. An insect that had to crawl to get around is given beautiful wings and the chance to fly. God gives new life to that insect, new opportunities, a new future. No matter what you have come through, by putting your trust in Jesus, you can have a new beginning. Through Jesus’s death and resurrection, you can receive forgiveness for every wrong thing you have ever doneand ever will do. You can receive hope after pain. You can smile again after going through grief. You can trust God to bring about real change in your life and give you a new beginning, like a caterpillar gets after morphing into a butterfly. Emily Acker Have you ever felt like you needed a new beginning? Can you think of a time God’s transformative power brought hope to a seemingly hopeless situation? Consider taking a moment to thank Him for this! Even when we go through hard things, Jesus wants to walk beside us, heal our hurts, cleanse us from sin, and give us hope in Him. Who is a trusted Christian in your life who can remind you of these truths when life gets messylike it does for the caterpillar who’s still inside the chrysalis? Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead …1 Peter 1:3 (NIV) Read Verses: Isaiah 43:16-Isaiah 43:19; 1 Peter 1:3