Unlocked: Daily Devotions for Teens

READ: ISAIAH 49:13-17; JOHN 10:1-30 I have a bad habit of losing umbrellas. As a little girl, I flipped through a catalog one day and spotted an umbrella I desperately wanted. It featured an array of soft, pastel colors—baby blue, mint green, and lavender. I begged my parents for it and later unwrapped this present with glee. I was in umbrella heaven! Then one day, after shielding myself from pouring rain at the bus stop with it, I misplaced the umbrella at school. I couldn’t find it anywhere. Although I’d cherished that longed-for umbrella, I couldn’t seem to hang on to it. Even though I tried hard to keep up with something I valued and adored, I just couldn’t manage to hold on to it. Maybe another student took my pastel umbrella; maybe it languished in lost-and-found later in the year. Regardless, I never saw that umbrella again. What if our relationship with God depended on our own ability to hang on to Him? What if being God’s child hinged on how tightly I could hold on to that identity? Thankfully, God’s Word sends a different message. While we were powerless, Jesus came to rescue us from sin and provide us with eternal life (Romans 5:6-11). While we were still His enemies, He went to the cross and gave up His life for us. He loved us before we could love Him back (1 John 4:19). He takes the initiative and sets us in His family—not the other way around. God adopts us as His children. It’s good advice to cling to Jesus throughout life, in good times and bad. No matter how much we love Jesus and seek to follow Him, though, sometimes our grasp weakens. But our assurance flows from God’s strength to cling tightly to us, apart from our flimsy human ability to hang on to Him. We are His much-loved children, and He will allow nothing to snatch us from His hands. • Allison Wilson Lee • Have you ever lost something you treasured, even though you tried to hold on to it? What happened? • How is clinging to Jesus and our relationship with Him different from keeping track of a valuable possession? What assurance does God give to those who know Jesus? (Romans 8:1, 15, 31-39; Hebrews 13:5) “I [Jesus] give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” John 10:28 (NIV)

READ: ESTHER 4:1-17; EPHESIANS 2:1-10 Do you ever wish you had been born during a different time? I sometimes wish I was living earlier in history. I read books about knights, ladies, and castles, and I think I would like to have lived during the Middle Ages. Or I wish we could go back to when people worked harder for themselves and didn’t have to rely so much on technology. Maybe you wish the same. Or maybe you like the technology we have and wish you had been born with even more of it. But as I was thinking about this, eventually I realized that, while we may not like exactly everything about the time we were born, there are things from every time period we might like and dislike. For instance, the Middle Ages were dangerous with brutal warfare and medical practices that were often misguided and even harmful. These days, someone who is sick or injured or disabled can be helped in many ways that weren’t available in the past. Even more so, I realized that God has placed us exactly where we are for a purpose. We are right where we’re supposed to be, right in the time God wants us to be. It might be hard or frustrating, but as we wait for Jesus’s return, God promises to be with us. And, He has a job for us. In the book of Esther, a young Jewish woman named Esther is taken into the harem of King Xerxes and later chosen to become his new queen. When her cousin Mordecai discovers a plot to kill all the Jewish people, he urges Esther to speak to the king. Mordecai says, “Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14). Just like Mordecai said to Esther, we too are here for such a time as this, for a purpose. God has put us right where we are, in such a time as this, to do His good work. • Haley Walts • Do you ever wish you lived during a different time period? Which one? Why? • Ephesians 2 describes how God saved us through Jesus’s death and resurrection, not because of any good things we do, but because of His great love for us. Then verse 10 says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” What are some of these good works we get to do with Jesus? (Genesis 1:26-31; Matthew 28:16-20; Luke 10:25-37; Acts 1:7-8; Philippians 1:21-26; 1 Timothy 6:18; 1 Peter 4:10) • One of the purposes God has for all Christians is to share the gospel. How could you look for opportunities to share the gospel with people around you who might not know Jesus? (If you want to know more about the gospel and how to share it with others, see our "Know Jesus" page.) “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14 (NIV)

READ: DEUTERONOMY 31:8; PSALMS 8:1-9; 139:1-14; EPHESIANS 2:13 I step into the night, surrendering my eyes, enveloped in darkness like plunging into water. Desperate for light, I look up. A few brave stars gleam, unafraid of night’s unknowing. Silhouetted black pines rise and frame the gray sky. Leaves tumble and wrestle, keeping me alert. I can’t tell if I’m alone or being watched. But I know someone sees, someone hears and calls. His love rushes to me like the southeast wind. In the darkness, I am enclosed. Held close and brought near. He created the universe above my head. And He tells me I am loved. • Emma Schoessow • Like Psalm 8, this poem was inspired by how God’s infinite power and love are displayed in the night sky. In a dark world, the light of God’s love comforts us as He draws near to us. On a clear night this week, take some time to step outside and take in God’s marvelous handiwork. • The vast beauty of a starry sky reminds us that God is all-powerful and in control, which can make us feel rather small and unimportant. However, Romans 5:8 tells us how much God loves and cares for us: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Jesus is God, and through Him all things were created (John 1:1-5; Colossians 1:15-22). Yet He came into our dark world to die on the cross and rise again to save us. How wonderful it is to be loved by the Creator of the universe! Even when troubles and trials come our way, we can find peace in knowing that nothing will ever separate us from the love of our Father (Romans 8:38-39). Is there a darkness that you are facing in your life? Consider taking some time to tell Jesus about it, asking Him to help you see His love and light. (John 8:12) When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? Psalm 8:3-4 (NIV)

READ: 2 CORINTHIANS 5:17; GALATIANS 5:16-18; JAMES 1:3-5 For most of my youth, being mature was all the rage. Everyone pretended to be mature. My conception of what that meant was not laughing at sexist and inappropriate jokes, portraying a cooler version of myself, and pretending not to be boy-obsessed while also knowing everything about dating, boys, sex, and love. I wanted to be admired and included among my peers, but deep down I knew my knowledge and experience were insufficient. Meanwhile, I pondered what maturity in Christ truly meant. I rarely heard it mentioned, except when it was used to criticize or condemn someone else. When I turned twelve, I developed a deeper longing for a relationship with God. I wanted my life to be a sweet aroma to Him. Yet, I got caught up putting up a front. I was the “good church girl,” smiling when I should, being gracious, kind, sweet, and mature. That would make God want me, right? Yet, what I truly desired was sin. Taking revenge. Being sassy and rude. Lusting for every boy I wanted with no care. In reality, my “maturity in Christ” was only a mask—a pretty snug one. Inwardly, I was a sinner. God didn’t care for the good things I tried to do. They were filthy coverings before a holy God. What Jesus desires is a humble and contrite spirit. He took our sins upon Himself when He died on the cross so we could be dead to sin and His Holy Spirit could live in us. Through Christ’s death and resurrection, we are forgiven, made alive, and given eternal life—a life where we can have the mind of Christ and be led by His Spirit. I came to realize that He made me a new creation, so I could reflect the faithful nature of God. His plan was to strip the covering of dead works in my life. In time, my words no longer contained dirty hidden meanings. My actions began to be modeled after the works that Jesus did. Through the Holy Spirit, my life is becoming a genuine reflection of Jesus Christ. • Estelle Cardriche • In what ways have misconceptions led you to try to do good things to make God want you? The truth is, God knows everything about us, and He already loves us—so much so that Jesus died and rose again to forgive us and bring us near to Himself! And He is eager to help us grow in true maturity as we seek Him. (If you want to dig deeper, read Psalm 51:17; Isaiah 64:6; 66:2; John 17:3; Romans 6:1-18; 1 Corinthians 2:16; 2 Corinthians 2:15; Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 2:14; James 4:6.) I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 (CSB)

READ: 1 KINGS 18:20-39; PSALMS 115:1-13; 116:1-9 "Can you hear me? Hello? I’m talking…Are you even listening?” Have you ever tried and tried to get someone to listen to you, and eventually just gave up? Maybe after a while, you just couldn’t spend any more energy trying to get them to pay attention, so, you tried to convince yourself that you didn’t really care to tell your story to them anyway, if they didn’t want to listen. The people in our lives don’t always give us their attention when we have stories to tell or needs that must be met. There may be times when we feel like we have to fight to get the attention of a parent or a sibling, especially if they’re on their phone or playing video games or working on a task. It’s beyond frustrating when people ignore us. And then we catch ourselves doing the same thing to others! But God will never be like that. God is always listening. Always ready to hear you. Always ready to step in. God is never too busy for you, never distracted, and He is never going to ignore you. You can tell Him anything—and you can go to Him at any time. In 1 Kings 18, we see how God listens. At this time, many Israelites have turned away from the Lord to worship Baal. So the prophet Elijah challenges them to make an altar for Baal and ask him to bring fire upon it, then Elijah will make an altar for the Lord and pray to Him. When they see which altar is burned, they will know who is the true God. As the people cry out to Baal, Elijah has a lot to say. While they are waiting for their god to act, Elijah suggests that maybe Baal is traveling and can’t hear them. Or maybe he is asleep or busy in some other way. Why was Elijah able to taunt them like this? Because he knew that the Lord was going to listen as soon as he spoke to Him. Elijah knew that his God—our God—was going to move into action right when he needed Him. He knew that God would never be too busy or distracted to act. So remember, whenever you’re feeling ignored, you can always go to God, and He will listen. • Emily Acker • Can you think of a time you felt ignored, or you tried to talk to someone who was too distracted to listen? We often imagine God is like that too, but He always listens to us and gives us His full attention. Because the Father sent Jesus to die for us and rise again, we have full access to God (Hebrews 4:14-16). Consider taking some time to talk to Him about whatever is on your mind. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. Psalm 116:2 (NIV)

READ: DEUTERONOMY 31:8; PSALM 23:4; HEBREWS 13:5-6 I stood anxiously in front of the school doors, feeling as if I was glued to the spot. I had no idea what awaited me inside that building. How could I trust that it was going to be okay when it had all gone wrong before? I was tired of being an outcast. A loner. The one who sat alone at lunch. I hated not knowing what would come next. If only I could see the future and know exactly what I was supposed to do. I would never have to live in fear of what could have or should have been. Instead, I could just be. Then I realized, even though I couldn’t see the future, I didn’t have to live in fear. God knows exactly what our futures hold. He sees us right now. And He isn’t seeing the outcast or the loner that others might see. He’s seeing us for who we truly are. His children. His workmanship. His faithful servants. Sometimes it’s hard to trust His plan. But it can help to remember that Jesus promised us this life will not be easy. Yet He also promised that He will never leave us. He is with us every step of the way. I whispered a silent prayer and looked up at the school doors again. “I don’t know what’s going to happen when I step in there, God,” I said quietly to myself. “But you do. And you’re with me no matter what.” Taking a breath, I stepped into the school building. God knows everything. Even the unknown. And He wants a relationship with you more than you could ever imagine. When you put your trust in Jesus, believing in His death and resurrection, all of God’s wonderful gifts are free. I thank Him every day for giving me the courage to walk into that building. Because it was His plan all along. • Aylen Rosenthal • Can you think of a time you were afraid of the unknown? What happened? Can you now see any ways God was helping you during that time? Consider taking a moment to thank Him for this. And then, talk to Him about the unknowns you’re facing today. You can ask Him for reminders of His presence and His love for you anytime. • If you want to dig deeper, read Matthew 24:45-46; 25:23; 28:20; John 16:33; Romans 8:28-39; Ephesians 1:3; 2:10; 1 John 3:1. “The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” Isaiah 58:11 (NIV)

READ: JOHN 21:21-22; PHILIPPIANS 2:1-11; HEBREWS 12:1-3 Picture this: you’re getting ready to run a race. You stand at the starting line, stretching and nervously shifting your weight from one foot to the other. You get into position, adrenaline coursing through your veins, and wait until you hear the BANG! of the starter pistol. You burst forward as fast as you can, your feet pounding the ground, your arms pumping back and forth, your head…turned to the side as you stare intently at the other runners. How do you think this race would end? With you triumphantly crossing the finish line—or tripping over your own feet, crashing to the ground, and probably taking a few other runners down with you? I would guess the second option is more likely. I wonder if that’s why Hebrews 12:2 instructs us to keep “our eyes on Jesus” as we run the race of faith. When this letter was written, runners would often look down the track at someone seated in the place of honor. By using this metaphor, the author shows us that Jesus is the one sitting at the end of the track. So, to run the race well, we need to fix our eyes on Him. Sadly, we often get distracted. Instead of looking straight ahead at Jesus, we crane our necks to get a peek at our “competition.” Who’s doing more service projects? Who has better grades? Who has more social media followers? Who missed church last week? Who cracked the best joke? Who got in trouble? Who’s wearing the right clothes? Who’s wearing the wrong clothes? And on and on. Instead of fixing our eyes on Jesus, we size each other up, jockeying for position. Ultimately, we end up in a heap of sprained ankles and bloody knees—or worse. But Jesus offers another way. He ran the race perfectly on our behalf, and He died and rose again to save us from all our sin, including envy and judgement. When we fix our eyes on Jesus, trusting Him to guide our steps in His timing, He helps us see our fellow runners not as our competition, but as our companions and co-workers in the gospel. And when we get distracted and glance to the side, we can point each other back toward our shared goal— following our loving Savior. • Taylor Eising • When are you tempted to compare yourself to the people around you? Why do you think that is? Consider spending some time in prayer, confessing any envy or judgement that comes to mind and asking God to remind you how much He loves you and the people you compare yourself to. So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up. Romans 14:19 (NLT)

READ: ISAIAH 40:28-31; 1 CORINTHIANS 9:23-27; HEBREWS 12:1-3 What’s the number one thing you need to win a race? Speed, right? It seems obvious. So why isn’t that what Hebrews 12:1 says? In this passage, the author of Hebrews is encouraging the audience to run the race of faith, but the verse doesn’t say, “run with speed.” It says, “run with endurance.” This caught my attention. Honestly, I’d rather run a race with speed. I would like to be done running as quickly as possible and make it to the good part— the finish line! That’s the whole point of a race, right? Apparently, that’s not how God sees it. He’s not interested in making us rush to the finish line as quickly as possible. No, His way is a lot less glamorous. God doesn’t call us to effortlessly grow in our faith by sudden leaps and bounds, accomplishing amazing things for His kingdom constantly—without any mess or stress or trouble. Rather, He calls us to endure. Day in, day out, faithfully following Him one step at a time. And while this will certainly include incredible growth and amazing accomplishments, these moments may be fewer and farther between than we might like. But that doesn’t mean we’re doing it wrong. Endurance may be messy and boring and mundane, but any athlete will tell you that it’s the most important part. Skills and speed are useless if we don’t have the endurance to use them. So, how do we run the race with endurance? By daily relying on Jesus, who ran the race perfectly before us, and who empowers us to keep running even when our own energy is totally spent. His love spurs us onward as we rely on His strength. Hebrews 12:2 says He “endured the cross, disregarding its shame.” Why? “Because of the joy awaiting him.” On the other side of endurance, there is everlasting joy. The joy of knowing and being known by Jesus, and seeing others know Him too. Friend, there is no sweeter joy than that. • Taylor Eising • Running the race of faith includes things like resisting sin, growing in our knowledge of God through His Word and prayer, engaging in a church community, serving others, and helping people know Jesus. All of these things take endurance. We will hit bumps along the road, get exhausted, and be tempted to give up. In these moments, Jesus is right there with us, offering His strength, comfort, and rest. Which Bible passages can remind you of this truth? Who is a trusted Christian you could talk to during these times, such as a parent, pastor, youth leader, or friend? But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. Isaiah 40:31 (NLT)

READ: PSALM 63:1-5; MATTHEW 11:28-30; JOHN 4:7-15; 7:37-39 Not much farther, Mai chanted to herself. Not much farther. Brittle sand attacked her eyes, blinding her, but she was so dehydrated they weren’t even watering. She’d sweat until her dusty and crusty robes were caked to her skin. Her utterly dry throat hurt when she swallowed, and the air she breathed only scratched her sand-filled nose. Water. Not much farther. The sandstorm refused to relent, its billows wrapping around her, pushing her this way and that. But she kept her eyes narrowed on the bluish glow on the horizon—her oasis. In a hoarse voice, the wind ushered her toward the blurry hope, “This way. Water has sprung up from the world, and it is good. It will save you.” Mai obliged. Not much farther. It was close, she had to be getting closer. But with every step, the haven seemed to float away. “No, it’s that way!” the wind howled in outrage. A blustery current of sand made her swirl around to see a pool that was just behind her. She pulled off her gloves. Now she was so close, if she reached out her hands she could—Mai heaved a sigh of relief. Water. She reached farther so her elbows soaked in the coolness. “Drink. The water from this world is good,” the wind murmured in her ear. She could feel the wind’s presence looming over her, weighed down by the sand and particles it carried. She leaned forward so her lips were a mere breath away from the surface of the pool, and hesitated. Will it really be enough? Mai shook the doubt away and plunged her face in. The cool water ran down her cheeks as she scooped more into her palms to sip from. Each mouthful of water left her desperate for more. The water travelled down to her empty stomach where she felt it sloshing like acid burning a hole within her. It was salty; her mouth was still parched even full of it, and she couldn’t help choking at the taste. The blustery wind died down completely, and the heat of the sun settled afresh on Mai’s back. She blinked. The oasis in front of her seemed to waver. She shook her head, and it disappeared into the sand. Mai was again alone in the desert, feeling as dry and parched and weary as the land itself. Her throat burned from the salt water that did nothing to cure her dehydration. She tried to journey on, but each step had her wavering, and there was nowhere else to go. The horizons were void of all signs of life. “Mai,” a voice sang from behind her, as smooth and sweet as honey itself. She turned to see a figure swathed in robes like the ocean. He held a chalice out to her. “Come, have a drink.” Deep longing and desire for just a sip of water soared through her, but she said, “No. The water from this world is poisoned. I’ve already tried.” The man beckoned her closer. “Only the water I give will quench your heavy and labored soul. What I give you is life—it is not as this world gives. Come.” Slowly, Mai approached him, dizzy and lightheaded. His hand steadied her as she reached out for him, and the life-giving water he offered. Mai took the chalice. The moment the water touched her chapped lips, and the first trickle of water slipped down her throat, she was anew. • Zoe Brickner • In this allegorical story, the wind is like Satan’s lies and the misleading voices all around us that promise hope and renewal. But when we look to created things for what only the Creator can give, we always come up empty-handed. Can you think of a time you got something you really wanted, but it didn’t end up being as satisfying as you thought it would be? • Unlike all the world’s offerings, Jesus gives us “living water” that not only satisfies us but sustains us— this water is the Holy Spirit, which He gives freely to everyone who puts their trust in Him. John 4 tells the story of a Samaritan woman’s encounter with Jesus at...

READ: PHILIPPIANS 4:4-9; 1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-18 The sudden screeching from the children had me running down the stairs. I’d only left for a moment, but in that time the littlest kid in the house had taken the wrong bite out of her snack, and now the bigger kids were fearfully yelling for me. They met me with the choking toddler. I grabbed her, but inside I froze. I had had all the training on how to handle this situation. I knew my best bet was the Heimlich maneuver. But she was so little, and it had been years, would I be able to remember? I grabbed her and flipped her facing away from me, getting ready to squeeze her abdomen. “Jesus, help me!” I exclaimed, loud enough for everyone else to hear. I gave the toddler a tight squeeze. The kids around me were whimpering, watching to see what would happen. Another rough squeeze, and onto the floor fell the too-big bite she had taken, and then she took a deep breath and started hollering. I took a deep breath too, the relief setting in. Within a few moments, everyone was crying tears of joy. We sat in a circle, hugging for a very long time. “Jesus helped you!” one of the kids said. I sat there amazed that my exclamation had resonated with any of them in such a short time. There I was, quickly crying out for help in a tough spot with no time to spare, and in the end that was what these kids remembered the most about the whole experience. In a moment when I needed to remember a skill, and I was second-guessing my own ability, I knew who to turn to. I hadn’t even realized it would be an opportunity to be an example for others, showing them where to start in a frightening situation. I should get used to Jesus being there for me, but I never do. Every time I cry out for help, He hears me and comes to my aid. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we can call on Him in every situation, big or small, and He will always be there to guide and support us. • Abbi Bloem • In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Paul says, “pray continually.” Sometimes a quick request is all we have time for, especially in an emergency, and God loves to answer these prayers. He also invites us to set aside longer periods of time to talk to Him. He may not answer how we expect Him to, but as we talk to Him about the situations in our everyday lives, it becomes our habit to turn to Him. Then, when we’re faced with an emergency, it’s only natural that the first place we’ll go is to Jesus. Consider taking some time to talk to Him about whatever is on your mind today. I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4 (NIV)

READ: GENESIS 2:9; 3:1-7, 22-24; DEUTERONOMY 21:22-23; 1 PETER 2:21-25 The American poet Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. once wrote, “In fact, there’s nothing that keeps its youth, so far as I know, but a tree and truth.” Truth is eternal, and the long life of trees gives them the appearance of eternality. Perhaps it is not surprising then, that our ultimate source of truth in this world, the Bible, contains the running theme of trees throughout its pages. In the beginning, God places two trees in the Garden of Eden with the first humans. One tree represents their faith and obedience to God, and it leads to life. The other represents their disobedience and their choice to seize power and knowledge apart from God, and it leads to death. Sadly, they choose the second tree, plunging all of humanity into exile from God’s life-giving presence and under the inescapable curse of death. As the biblical narrative progresses, people choose to reject God over and over again. Even God’s people, the Israelites, choose their own version of the second tree—doing what is right in their own eyes rather than trusting and obeying God. And every time, it ends in death and destruction. But despite humanity’s faithlessness, God provides a path of repentance and restoration back to Himself (Jeremiah 3:12-15). Jesus, the eternal Son of God, became human and took upon Himself our curse of death by dying on a cross, fashioned from a tree. Galatians 3:13 says, “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, because it is written, Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” In His death and resurrection, Jesus destroyed “the one holding the power of death—that is, the devil” (Hebrews 2:14) and gave us participation in His divine life. So all who trust in Jesus will have restored access to the tree of life in the world to come (Revelation 22:1-4). As we wait for His return, trees are a living testament to Christ’s sacrifice and His victorious resurrection, pointing us forward to the eternal life we have in Him. • Kayla Esguerra • We all face the temptation to think and act in ways that make sense to us but would be in opposition to trusting and obeying God’s Word. Can you think of a few examples? When you face choices like these, who are trusted Christians you can be honest with about your questions and struggles—people who will help you dig into Scripture, pray with you and for you, and encourage you to confess your sins to Jesus and rest in His great love and forgiveness? He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree; so that, having died to sins, we might live for righteousness. “By his wounds you have been healed.” 1 Peter 2:24 (CSB)

READ: EPHESIANS 6:10-20; 1 TIMOTHY 2:1-8; JAMES 5:16 We see bad things happen all the time. We can’t help it; trouble is all around, and people are suffering. Maybe something hard is affecting your family right now, or your friends, or your community. Do you feel helpless when you see the sorrow and pain of those you care about? It often feels like there is nothing we can do. Sometimes people say, “The situation is hopeless. I guess all we can do is pray.” That makes it sound like prayer is the last resort, something we settle for because we can’t do any real work to make things better. But the exact opposite is true! Prayer is actually a super powerful weapon! And when we pray—behind the scenes, under-cover—it’s like we are God’s Special Forces, called upon to wield the weapons of our warfare for good. God has placed each of us right where He means for us to be, to affect real change and make real things happen, from a posture of prayer. When we pray, we are joining our Savior, Jesus, who is always interceding before the throne of God the Father (Romans 8:34). It’s not like we’re going in solo. No, we are joining His team—a team that He is working through every day to make a difference in the world. It’s actually kind of fun. Here’s how it works: Where you see darkness, you pray in the light of Christ. Where you see captivity to sin, you pray for freedom and newness of life. Where you see rebellion, you pray for God’s Holy Spirit to open minds and soften hearts. This is God’s heart for the world. He loves us, and He is eager to work on our behalf. What a joy it is to join His team! We get to pray for His will to be done, as a part of His Special Forces, under the cover of light. • Kristen Merrill • Prayer is one of the most powerful things a Christian can do. Because of Jesus’s death and resurrection, we get to approach the almighty God of the whole universe and pour out our hearts before Him. We get to join in the work He is doing to bring healing and wholeness to broken places in our world. What are some ways you can spend intentional time in prayer this week, both by yourself and with other believers? Therefore, he [Jesus] is able to save completely those who come to God through him, since he always lives to intercede for them. Hebrews 7:25 (CSB)

READ: JEREMIAH 29:1-14; PSALMS 37:1-6; 139:1-24 Are you or someone you know graduating this year? While a graduation is a momentous occasion, what follows is the question: “What are your next steps?” When I graduated from high school, it was the general expectation that you went to college. Being an adventurous non-planner, I left for a college that was located over twelve hours from home, not even sure what I wanted to do, but assuming I would figure it out along the way. You might be like me, or you might be more like my son. He just finished high school with the ultimate plan. He’s interning at a tech company while setting up his own business. His life is well-planned, from his first vehicle to his finances. Often, I wrestled with being “in God’s will.” What was He trying to tell me? What if I didn’t listen hard enough? What if I missed the grand plan He had for my life? Other people might wrestle with inviting God into their plan. What if He calls me to do something other than what I want? What if He calls me to do something or go somewhere I feel unqualified for? What if God’s five-year plan doesn’t mesh with the plan I have laid out? If you’re wrestling with questions like these, I have good news. Whatever type of graduate you are or will be, I can tell you the best next steps you can take in your life! Before you think I’m presumptuous, or even nuts, read Jeremiah 29:11-13, emphasis on verse 13. Did you catch what God said? “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Seeking God is your best next step, and the step after that, and the one to follow. Many people refer to Jeremiah 29:11, and the hope and future God promises us. But then they forget to include the surrounding verses, where God tells His people they are not going to be delivered from exile for a long time, but His people will seek Him and pray to Him, and He will listen and be found. It’s easy to worry about our plans and God’s will. But what is the will of God? For us to have a relationship with Him through trusting in Jesus, to know His love more and more deeply, and to be transformed to become more and more like Jesus. Every plan of our hearts, every question about our future—everything pales in comparison to seeking the one who created us and knows every intimate detail about our past, present, and future. • Savannah Coleman • Do you tend to be more of a planner, or a non-planner? How could you be intentional about seeking God in His Word, through prayer, and with fellow Christians? “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)

READ: EZEKIEL 36:16-38; PHILIPPIANS 2:5-8 Which is better: a heart of stone, or a heart of flesh? To be honest, some days I want to choose the stone. A heart of stone doesn’t feel pain, and it doesn’t have to bend to anyone else’s will. It seems strong and immovable, impervious to hardship and unchanged by anything it comes up against. But the truth is, a heart of stone is basically useless. Stone can’t pump blood or sustain life. A heart of flesh serves the body, nourishing and strengthening it with freshly oxygenated blood. A heart of stone serves nothing, nourishes nothing, and strengthens nothing. In Ezekiel 36, God calls out Israel’s sin—their idolatry, injustice, and stubborn refusal to follow His commands. But He also promises to cleanse them of their sin. He says, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws” (verse 25-27). In ancient Hebrew, the word translated here as heart refers to more than one’s feelings. It refers to all of one’s internal life—thoughts, feelings, desires, and decision-making. All of these take place in the heart. So having a heart of flesh doesn’t necessarily mean we have a lot of feelings—though that can certainly happen. It means our thoughts, feelings, desires, and decision-making have been cleansed and forgiven and made alive by the Holy Spirit so we can put our faith in God and place our confidence and hope in Him. Then we can be moldable, humble, teachable, and willing to let ourselves be fully shaped by God and His good ways. Having a heart of flesh feels risky. It requires opening ourselves up to pain. Jesus knows what that’s like. Jesus, God the Son, allowed all His desires, thoughts, feelings, and decisions to be shaped completely by God the Father, even when it led to the cross. We betrayed Him, and He still kept His heart soft because of His great love for us. Jesus will never betray me, but other people have. And when Jesus tells me to love them anyway, it helps to watch Him do it first. I can walk forward with a living, soft, obedient, easily bruised heart because I’ve seen Jesus do it. And if we know Jesus, His Spirit lives in us, and He’s given us a heart of flesh so we can respond to His love. And that is way better than any stone. • Taylor Eising • How can looking at Jesus help us live from the heart of flesh He has given us? Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 (NIV)

READ: JOHN 1:1-14; COLOSSIANS 1:15-20; REVELATION 21:1-6 In my life, there are many starts and stops. I start a new hobby, and I finish a TV show. I wake up and start my workday, and I end the day by going to bed. At the start of my life, I came into being. And eventually my days on this broken earth will end. In the last book of the Bible, Jesus calls Himself “the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End” (Revelation 21:6). This name signifies the completeness of God. Alpha and Omega are actually just the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. These Greek letters work like a metaphor here. It’s similar to saying you sang the alphabet from A to Z. Jesus was there at the beginning, before time began, and He played an important role in creation. John 1:3 says that everything was made through Jesus. Jesus is also the end of all things. He is the end to sin and suffering. Jesus ended the power of sin and death in His own death and resurrection. And Jesus will be there at the end of time to bring justice down and right the wrongs of the world. It’s important to remember that Jesus is God the Son, and when He calls Himself the Alpha and the Omega, He is helping us better understand who He is. God does not have a beginning, or a starting point. God has always been. Similarly, God does not have an end. God is eternal, and in Jesus, we can share that eternal life in His new creation. • Naomi Zylstra • When Jesus returns and makes all things new, everyone who has put their trust in Him will live with Him forever! As we experience the many starts and stops of life, how could it be comforting to look forward to eternal life with Jesus, when sin and brokenness will finally come to an end? • Are you starting something new? How have you seen Jesus present with you in this new beginning? Consider spending some time in prayer, asking God to help you see how He is working in and around you. • Endings can be sad, scary, and difficult, but Jesus is always Lord, and He rules over every beginning and every end. How can this truth give us hope when we experience endings? This is what the LORD says—Israel’s King and Redeemer, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies: “I am the First and the Last; there is no other God.” Isaiah 44:6 (NLT)

READ: PSALM 27; ISAIAH 40:31; LAMENTATIONS 3:25 Waiting for things to work out can be exhausting, scary, frustrating, and stressful. Sometimes it feels like there won’t ever be an end. Sitting in the uncertainty can be the hardest because we don’t know which way things are going to go. We don’t know if they’re going to work out like we hoped—or if they’re going to work out in a way that makes our world feel like it’s crashing down around us. But God is with us no matter what. It doesn’t matter if what you’re facing is small or large. It doesn’t matter if the thing that’s weighing on you might seem silly to someone else. God is there by your side, and He’s going to walk through it with you. In Psalm 27, David describes how God helps us in all kinds of troubles, and he concludes by saying, “I am certain that I will see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart be courageous. Wait for the LORD” (verse 13-14). So keep seeking God. Keep trusting Him. Keep following Him, even when it doesn’t make sense, even when following God feels like it’s not making a difference. God loves you so much that Jesus died for you, and then He rose again to make the way for you to be with Him forever. He is right by your side through it all, and He’s never going to leave you on your own. Stay strong, and lean into Him, even when you don’t know what’s happening around you. Keep waiting. It’s not in vain. • Tynea Lewis • Are you waiting to see how something works out right now? Consider taking a moment to talk to God about it. We can be totally honest about what we want and ask boldly, and we can also ask Him to help us trust Him no matter what the outcome is. • Waiting in uncertainty can be a form of suffering. Thankfully, God has compassion on us in our distress, and He promises to work all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 5:3-5; 8:28-29; Hebrews 13:5). In the midst of uncertainty, how could it be helpful to remember that everything will ultimately work out for our good when Jesus returns—and also to remember that God will still be with us, helping us, even if what we feared most were to happen? What is something you can do while you’re waiting that brings your focus back to God? The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the person who seeks him. Lamentations 3:25 (CSB)

READ: PSALM 115:3; EPHESIANS 1:3-10; HEBREWS 12:2 For a long time, I’ve had this nagging thought that God just loves us because He has to. He’s God, so that means He’s obligated to love us, right? But the other day, I was struck by a new thought: Why would God feel obligated to love us? Who would He feel obligated to? He’s God! And that, to me, makes the good news even better. God really doesn’t have to love us or save us…But it pleases Him to do so. Just look at what the Bible says: Psalm 115:3 says, “Our God is in heaven and does whatever he pleases.” How often do we forget that God is so high above us? He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things! There is no set of rules or ethical standards that supersedes God. And no one can make God do anything. No one can pressure God into doing something He doesn’t want to do. That means, if it didn’t please God to save us, He wouldn’t have done it. Hebrews 12:2 says, “For the joy that lay before him, he [Jesus] endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Jesus is God the Son, and everything He did, He did out of love for God the Father—and for us. Jesus didn’t endure an excruciating death on a cross because anyone made Him do it. He was willing to face the cross because He knew the joy that would come because of His sacrifice. He was looking forward to the restoration His death and resurrection would bring—not just the restoration of creation at His return, but also the restoration of each person who trusts in Him. It brings Him joy to forgive our sins and bring us near to Himself! Ephesians 1:4-6 says, “For he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in love before him…according to the good pleasure of his will.” Not only does God love us and want to save us, He chose us. It was because of “the good pleasure of his will” that He chose to adopt us as His dearly loved children, to forgive all our sins, to transform us to become more and more like Jesus, and to bless us with every spiritual blessing. Even though we could never do anything to earn His love and kindness, He delights to be extravagantly generous to us—because He delights in us. • Hannah Howe • Have you ever felt like God had to love you, even though He didn’t really like you or care about you? This is simply not true! Yet, throughout our lives, we often feel like it’s true. Consider taking some time to talk to Him about this as you read today’s Scripture. And we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love… 1 John 4:16 (CSB)

READ: PSALMS 68:4-6; 139:13-18; ISAIAH 49:15; 1 JOHN 3:1 Mother’s Day is not a simple holiday for everyone. Maybe your mom is kind and caring and you have a wonderful relationship with her. If so, that’s great! Praise God! But for some, Mother’s Day comes with a lot of hurt. Maybe you lost your mom when you were young, and you don’t celebrate Mother’s Day because you’re always reminded of your loss on that day. Or maybe you never had a good relationship with your mom. She’s not the kind and loving person most people think of when they imagine a good mom, so it doesn’t feel right to celebrate her. Different people have different reasons why Mother’s Day is difficult for them, but whether you dread or look forward to the holiday, one thing is the same for everyone: We have a God who loves us more than any mother ever could. We may all have different experiences when it comes to our mothers. Things may not be perfect in that relationship. But we have a God who cares for us and wants to meet our needs, like a caring mom would. We have a God who is always keeping an eye on us and who loves us more than we will ever know. So, no matter how things are with your mom this Mother’s Day, know that you have God too. He will always love you and care for you. • Bethany Acker • Is Mother’s Day a struggle for you or someone you know? God sees our pain, and He weeps with us. He designed the relationship between a mom and her child to be full of life and love, and it grieves His heart whenever that relationship is broken by the sin that invaded His good creation. That’s why Jesus came—He cares for us so much that He gave the ultimate expression of love. Jesus sacrificed His own life to save us and bring us near to God. And after Jesus rose from the dead, He promised that He would make all things new, including our bodies and our relationships. As we wait for this glorious day, we can know that Jesus will never leave us. He sits beside us in our hurt and frustration and longing, and He promises to help us heal. Consider taking some time to pray—you can talk to God about your own relationship with your mom, or you could pray for someone in your life who might be hurting this Mother’s Day. • Are there any moms or mother figures in your life who’ve shown God’s love to you? Consider taking a moment to thank God for them, and maybe thank the person/people too! And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. 1 John 4:16 (NIV)

READ: GALATIANS 3:13; COLOSSIANS 2:13-15; HEBREWS 12:1-3 Growing up, my siblings and I played a lot of baseball together. When I was batting, there was no better feeling than to have the bat connect with the ball. Whether the ball went flying or it was a ground ball going out in front of the plate, it just felt good to have the two connect. I remember my brothers telling me, “Keep your eye on the ball,” encouraging me as they were pitching to me. It was only by really staring at the baseball and focusing on hitting it that my bat would stand a chance of connecting with it. As Christians, it’s important for us to keep our eye on the cross. Without all that happened on that cross, we would have nothing. If Jesus hadn’t come and lived among us, fully God and fully human, to suffer and die on the cross for our sins, we wouldn’t have salvation. We would still be dead in our sins. We wouldn’t have hope, we wouldn’t have peace. On the days when we feel overwhelmed because of mistakes we’ve made or sins we’ve committed, we can look at the cross and remember Jesus loves us that much, and He has already provided us with forgiveness. On the days when life on earth feels too stressful, we can keep our eye on the cross and remember that this life isn’t all that we have been given. Just as Jesus rose from the dead, we will one day be raised from the dead to live with Him forever in renewed creation. And until that day, He promises to be with us, and He invites us to be part of the good work He is doing in and around us. But we can only do this good work as we rest in God’s great love—shown on the cross. The only way you can get a hit in baseball is by watching the ball and really keeping your gaze fixed on it. As we go through life, the Holy Spirit empowers us to keep our gaze fixed on the cross and remember all that Jesus has done for us. • Emily Acker • What are some practical ways we can take time in our everyday lives to remember Jesus’s death on the cross and His victorious resurrection? And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV)

READ: ROMANS 8:1, 31-39; 1 JOHN 1:8–2:2 Have you ever felt like your sin could never be forgiven? Like what you did is surely too much for God to handle? Or, even if God could forgive you, it seems like it wouldn’t be fair or right, so you think you should sit in your guilt and shame a little longer to even the scales? I think we’ve all been there. Satan loves to push us into our sin and away from God, insisting that we are too bad for Him, too gross, or too broken. But all of these are lies from the pits of hell. The next time Satan is trying to keep you stuck in your guilt and shame, ask yourself this question: Is God just? It might seem odd, but it’s a vital question in these moments. Because, friend, if you know Jesus, it would actually be unjust for God to not forgive you. The first time I heard my Bible professor talk about this, it blew my mind. We might think that, because God is just and He can’t tolerate sin, it would be more just for Him to leave us unforgiven. But that’s not the whole story. God loves us and wants to be with us, so He sent Jesus, whose death and resurrection paid for all of our sin. If we’ve put our trust in Him, our debt has been covered. Our punishment has been taken. So would it be just for God to make us pay a debt that’s already been paid? Would it be just for us to take a punishment that’s already been taken? We don’t deserve forgiveness. But because of what Jesus has done, if God didn’t forgive the sins of believers, He wouldn’t be just. And it’s impossible for God not to be just because He is the very definition of justice. That’s why 1 John 1:9 says, “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” God’s forgiveness of our sins is part of His justice. It can’t be removed from Him. Jesus’s sacrifice cannot be undone or forgotten. God’s forgiveness is not dependent on you or what you have done or how guilty you feel. It’s dependent on Him—His unchanging love and perfect justice, which was satisfied on the cross. So, when you feel stuck in guilt and shame, when you feel unforgivable, don’t stare at yourself and your sin. Look up at God and His justice. Look up at Jesus and His sacrifice. God will be just and forgive. You are not the exception. You are freely forgiven and fully loved. • Taylor Eising • Do you ever feel unforgivable? Consider spending some time talking with Jesus in prayer, confessing any sins that come to mind and resting in His sure forgiveness. In addition to talking to Jesus, who are trusted Christians in your life who can remind you that God has forgiven you? So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1 (NLT)

READ: 1 SAMUEL 17; 2 KINGS 6:8-23; EPHESIANS 6:12 One name for God found in the Old Testament is Yahweh Sabaoth, which means Lord of Hosts or Lord of Armies (sometimes translated “Lord Almighty”). This name shows us a side of God that I don’t always think about. This is the God who fights and wins for us. And this name of God reminds us that He has already won the battle. In 1 Samuel 17, when the Israelites faced the mighty foe Goliath, God is called Yahweh Sabaoth. God had already determined the victory—now it was time for the young shepherd boy named David to step out in faith and win the battle with just a stone and a sling. Another instance where we see how God is the Lord of Hosts is in 2 Kings 6. The servant of the prophet Elisha had doubts about an upcoming battle. The army of Aram looked fearsome, but Elisha prayed to the Lord of Hosts, and his servant’s eyes were opened to see that they were surrounded by God’s army. Then, God struck the Aramean army with blindness and brought peace. The name Lord of Hosts reminds us that God is the ruler of the hosts of heavenly armies and His kingdom is the eternal kingdom. It reminds us that Jesus is the final Victor who will one day bring full and final justice to the rebellions of sin. Jesus has already won the battle over sin and death by His sacrifice on the cross and resurrection from the dead. He made the way for us to be forgiven of sin and live in restored relationship with Him. He fought that battle because God loves us—He freed us from our captivity to sin! Jesus’s victory over sin and death shows that He is the ultimate victor and leader—the Lord of Hosts. Hallelujah! So when you’re facing an upcoming battle or conflict, remember that God doesn’t ask you to be the best fighter, or arguer, or the most clever person in the room. Instead, we can trust that He is the Lord of Hosts, and He already holds the ultimate victory. • Naomi Zylstra • If we’ve put our trust in Jesus, then no matter what battle or conflict we’re facing, we can know that the Lord of Armies goes with us. This doesn’t necessarily mean we will “win” from our perspective, but it does mean that, because Jesus has already won the victory over sin and death, God and all His armies are fighting on our behalf for our good and for God’s glory (Romans 8:28-29). And someday, we’ll see that goodness and glory on full display when Jesus returns. How can this truth affect the way we face conflicts in our own lives? (Exodus 14:14; Joshua 1:9) David said to the Philistine [Goliath], “You come against me with a sword, spear, and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord of Armies, the God of the ranks of Israel.” 1 Samuel 17:45 (CSB)

READ: JOHN 15:1-8 A friend of mine trained as a physical therapist. So when my shoulders are tense and give me headaches, I’ll go sit on her living room floor in front of her couch while she massages my shoulders. And it HURTS. She feels my neck and back to locate the places that are tense or out of whack. Then she bears down, patiently coaxing the muscle back to its proper state, sometimes bending my arms in uncomfortable directions, all while compassionately saying, “I know, I’m sorry it hurts,” as I cringe and wince. But my friend loves me, and I can trust her. If I tense up and fight the good work she’s doing, she gently reminds me to take a deep breath and relax. All that discomfort is worth it, because afterwards my shoulders and neck can move freely without pain. It reminds me of my spiritual life. Sometimes a habitual sin, a persistent lie, or a broken situation will hurt my heart. I’ll try to work around the pain, accommodating it or distracting myself from it as it grows and grows until I finally bring my pain to Jesus to work through it. Often, the process of dealing with that spiritual pain is uncomfortable. I feel like I’m sitting on my friend’s living room floor while Jesus shows me the areas of my heart that are tense or out of whack. Then He bears down on the problem, patiently coaxing my heart back to its proper state, sometimes bending it in uncomfortable directions, all while compassionately saying, “I know, I’m sorry it hurts,” as I cringe and wince. But Jesus loves me, and I can trust Him. When I tense up and try to fight the good work He’s doing, He gently reminds me to relax. I know it’s worth the discomfort if it means I get to walk in freedom, knowing His love more deeply and showing His love to others more readily. It often hurts when Jesus addresses things in our hearts we’ve been trying to avoid. Sometimes we’d rather just try to get by, pretending the achy pain in our heart isn’t there. But Jesus wants something more for us. He wants us to work through the pain, even though it can be intense, so that we can be free from the aches and mobility limitations of a muscle that’s too tight. While we’ll never be fully healed in this lifetime, He invites us to come sit on the living room floor and receive His healing—daily, hourly depending on His work to set us free. • Taylor Eising • Have you ever felt like God was working out something uncomfortable in you? He uses many things— interacting with the Holy Spirit in prayer, reading His Word, and being with His people. Consider spending some time asking God to show you any areas He wants to bring healing to. LORD my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me. Psalm 30:2 (NIV)

READ: MATTHEW 11:28-30; LUKE 10:38-42 My stomach churned looking at my to-do list: Send out graduation announcements, study for final exams, review college prerequisite requirements, create an RSVP list for graduation parties...The list seemed to go on and on. I closed my eyes hoping that the pit in my stomach would go away, but the more I thought about the list, the worse I felt. I thought the days leading up to graduation were supposed to be fun and carefree, but here I was with a to-do list longer than I could have imagined. How was I going to complete every task? I tried putting together a plan, but nothing seemed to shake away the nerves. It wasn’t until I opened my Bible and read Luke 10:38-42 that I received the answer I was seeking. In this Bible passage, Jesus and His disciples are visiting the town of Bethany, where a woman named Martha opens her home to Him. Martha’s sister Mary is there, and while Mary is sitting at the Lord’s feet listening to Him, Martha is distracted by her to-do list. Martha becomes overwhelmed with all the preparations, and she comes to Jesus frustrated that her sister is not helping her. Jesus replies, “You are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her” (verse 41-42). I realized that, like Martha, I was so distracted by my to-do list that I forgot to spend time with the Lord. So I decided to pray about my list and set aside dedicated time to read the Word of God. In the final days leading up to graduation, I truly felt as if a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Whenever we are feeling anxious and overwhelmed with to-do lists and decisions about the future, Jesus always invites us to come to Him and rest. • Joy Jones • What are a few things that have been weighing on you lately? Maybe it’s items on your to-do list, or decisions about your future, or something else entirely. Consider taking some time to give these to Jesus in prayer. It can be hard to trust Him with the things we care about, but remember, He went to the cross for you because He loves you and wants to carry every burden for you. • Especially in busy seasons of life, it’s hard to prioritize spending intentional time with God. Yet praying and being in God’s Word, both together and with fellow Christians, are vital to the Christian life. What are some practical ways you can set aside time with Jesus this week? “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

READ: JOHN 1:1-5; 8:12; COLOSSIANS 1:9-14 "Look for the light.” Marcos stumbled over a tree root in the path and wondered how his brother Thiago had made it seem so easy. Here in the forest, in the darkness of the cloudy night, there wasn’t any light to be had. But Thiago had said that even here it was possible to see, for the Master said the light was always available to His people. Marcos took a deep breath and said it out loud. “Look for the light.” An owl hooted above his head, and he glanced up into the night sky. “I’m looking for the light!” he exclaimed in a whisper. No need to let any creatures larger than the owl find him there. For what seemed like forever, he turned slowly in the dark, listening and looking for any help. There! At first he thought he was imagining things. But now he could see it clearly—just a few yards away was a moonflower. And shortly beyond its glow was another. As plain as they were during the day, moonflowers collected sunlight. Then at night, they could glow in the dark! There was nothing for Marcos to do but follow the flowers. It would be foolish not to. As quietly as possible, Marcos tiptoed across the forest floor to the first moonflower, and then stepped the distance to the one beyond it. Not far from that flower, another one glowed, and beyond that still more, making up what seemed like a clear path. Then he realized, he shouldn’t have been surprised. He had become so overwhelmed when he got lost, he’d forgotten the very basics of being a citizen of the Great Kingdom. It was law here to plant moonflowers beside the path. In the daylight there was nothing very special about them, but now he understood the flowers were there to help citizens like him keep to the path, even in the darkest places. It was not long before he found home. “You forgot the firewood!” Thiago called as he opened the door. “I got lost,” Marcos said, out of breath. Thiago clasped his younger brother’s shoulder. “Are you alright?” Marcos nodded. “The Master helped me follow the light.” • Abbi Bloem • As you read the passages that inspired today’s allegorical story, what sticks out to you? Even in the darkest places, Jesus is our light. He saved us from darkness by His own death and resurrection, and now He is always with us, and He guides us through His Word, His Spirit, and His people. What are some ways you can look for His light when it feels like night has fallen? • Even just a little bit of light can shine a long way in the darkness. What are some things you can do to point someone to Jesus when they really need it? Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105 (NLT)

READ: PSALM 86:11-13; LUKE 9:20-25; 1 JOHN 2:15-17 Sometimes life feels Like an unending race And I’m being tugged So many places You say You want All that I am My head and my heart My dreams and my plans But friends, fun, and fortune Demand my attention I’m pulled two ways In a terrible tension I want to follow You And I want the world too I can’t have both Oh, what do I do? I know Your way is best But it’s hard to let go I remind myself You’re all I need You love me more than I know So here I am God, help me get started I want to live for You Undivided, wholehearted • Faith Lewis • Do you ever feel tugged in many directions at once? Sometimes, we know what we should do, but we don’t really want to. In these moments, it’s easy to think it would be no big deal to give in just a little. But remember, we can trust that Jesus’s way is best, even if it’s hard in the moment, because Jesus has proved that He loves and cares about us. He gave up everything for us first, becoming human and living among us, ultimately dying on the cross, all so that we could be forgiven and saved from sin and live with Him forever. So now, we can rely on His Holy Spirit, His Word (the Bible), and His people (the church) to help us discern right from wrong—and do what’s right. It’s not wrong to desire things like friends and fun—in fact, that’s part of how God created us! Yet so often we end up idolizing created things rather than worshiping our Creator. Even after we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we’ll continue to discover idolatry in different areas of our lives until Jesus returns. Thankfully, Jesus is always ready to forgive and help us. And even as we live in the tension of wanting to follow God, but also realizing we want to sin, we can be totally honest with Him about our hesitations and struggles. As we confess our sins to Him, we can rest in Jesus and have confidence in Him. Consider taking some time to talk to Him now. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” Mark 12:30 (NIV

READ: 1 KINGS 17:8-24; LUKE 4:14-30; 7:11-17; JOHN 6:28-40 In a time of drought and famine, God sends the prophet Elijah to a non-Jewish area to look for a widow who would feed him. Surprisingly, when Elijah finds this widow, she tells him she cannot feed him because she has only enough for one last, meager meal before she and her son succumb to starvation. The woman is hopeless, resigned to a bleak future in which she cannot save herself or her child. But Elijah tells her that God is going to do something miraculous: He is going to make sure her flour and her oil won’t run out until the famine is over. And that’s exactly what happens. The woman is able to feed her family and Elijah for some time with flour and oil, but her son eventually becomes sick and dies anyway. The widow says to Elijah, “Man of God, what do you have against me? Have you come to call attention to my iniquity so that my son is put to death?” (1 Kings 17:18). But when Elijah prays, God brings her son back to life, demonstrating His great mercy and power. Generations later, when Jesus compares His ministry to this story of Elijah and a Gentile (non-Jewish) widow, His Jewish listeners are so enraged, they try to push Him off a cliff. Miraculously, Jesus is able to walk away from the mob unharmed, but this incident illustrates just how hard their hearts were to the idea of God loving and helping people unlike themselves—even though the Old Testament is full of stories of God reaching out to Gentiles. Beyond being a message about God’s love for all people, this story of Elijah and the widow points forward to Christ in very profound ways. Jesus calls Himself the Bread of Life, and He also raises a widow’s son from the dead. The raising of these widows’ sons anticipates how Jesus would rise from the grave too. Through His own death and resurrection, Jesus delivers us from hopelessness and from death. We don’t have to fear the future or try to save ourselves because He is our salvation, and His plan is to raise us to new life at His return. Then there will be no more famine, no more death, and we will live with Him forever. • Amber Vanderhoof • Is there any area of your life that feels hopeless right now? Consider taking a moment to talk to Jesus about this and ask Him to help you see how He is bringing hope. • Are there any people or groups in your life that you don’t expect God to reach with His good news about Jesus? Consider taking a moment to pray and ask God to open your eyes and your heart to His work among people who are different from you. “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news…” Luke 4:18 (CSB)

READ: MARK 10:46-52; 1 PETER 2:9 "Mom, look!” The whole drive home from the eye doctor, I kept pointing at the world outside the car window. For the very first time, I could read the billboards over the interstate and make out the vibrant green leaves on the trees. Everything that was once dull and blurry had become bright and detailed. But as the weeks and months went on, my glasses grew smudged and dusty—an inevitable byproduct of sticky fingers and many childhood adventures. So, I would climb down the stairs to my dad’s office and pull out a small bottle of glass cleaner from his desk. A few swipes of a rag later, the world was clear again. In a similar way, the moment I made a decision to follow Jesus, a veil was lifted. The whole world around me became clear, vibrant, and beautiful. But over time, my spiritual vision became clogged and dusty again. Sin, struggles, shame—all of these smudged my spiritual glasses. In order to see myself, the world, and God clearly, I have to step into His presence and reacquaint myself with the truths of His Word. When we stop cleaning our spiritual glasses, we forget how clear and detailed the world can be. Soon all we see are smudges and dust. But God waits patiently for us to turn our gaze to Him so that we might see clearly again. • Janise Holmes • If we’ve put our trust in Jesus, believing that He died and rose again to save us from sin and death, we have His Holy Spirit living within us. The Holy Spirit transforms us and helps us see everything through the lens of the gospel, or good news. How does the gospel affect the way we see ourselves, the world, and God? (For more about the gospel, check out our "Know Jesus" page.) • We all have times when it’s hard to see clearly, especially when we’re hurting or weary or when we’ve experienced something really hard or confusing. But God longs to remind us of the truth of His love. What are some ways you can be intentional about spending time with God this week and being refreshed in His presence through reading or listening to His Word, talking with Him in prayer, and gathering with His people? Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2 (CSB)

READ: PSALMS 25:16-20; 28:6-9; 38:1-8; 138:1-8 One of my favorite Bible verses is Psalm 138:8. It says, “Yahweh will fulfill that which concerns me. Your loving kindness, Yahweh, endures forever. Don’t forsake the works of your own hands.” This verse is incredibly comforting to me, and it genuinely applies to every aspect of my life. In the psalms David wrote—including Psalm 138—he alludes to God, or Yahweh, saving him from his enemies, and he expresses his gratitude for God’s goodness. As I read Psalm 138, I can’t help but think of the enemies God has saved me from: sin, shame, and separation from Him. Because Jesus sacrificed His life for mine, then rose from the grave, I can be forgiven from sin, set free from shame, and reconciled to God. There’s no reason for me to fear anything now! But I still have so many concerns and fears. I agonize over almost everything—from my schedule to my personal goals to my relationships— rather than entrusting them to God. It’s difficult for me to rely on Him, even though I know how much He loves me. Learning to trust God is a lifelong process—a process that will only be complete when Jesus returns and makes all things new (Philippians 1:6). But it helps to remember that His lovingkindness is greater than our past, present, and future concerns. He’s able to conquer the concerns we’ve spent hours, days, and even years worrying about. Because He conquered our greatest enemies on the cross, we can trust Him to conquer everything else we fear. • Grace McCready • Can you think of any ways you’ve seen God’s loving kindness in your life? Consider taking a moment to remember and thank God for these things. • Learning to trust is not simply an individual activity. God places us in community with His people (the church), and it’s in this community that we learn to trust Him together. Who are Christians in your life you can be honest with about your concerns—people who will listen well, pray with you, and point you to Scripture? • What are your deepest concerns right now? Consider taking a moment to bring these to God (1 Peter 5:7). He may not answer our prayers the way we expect, but we can rest assured that He is working in all things for the good of those who love Him, transforming us to become more and more like Jesus. And on the day Jesus returns, all our concerns will be done away with! In the meantime, we can rest securely in His love, knowing He is always with us. (Romans 8:18-39) Yahweh will fulfill that which concerns me. Your loving kindness, Yahweh, endures forever. Don’t forsake the works of your own hands. Psalm 138:8 (WEB)

READ: ROMANS 8:18-39; REVELATION 21:1-5 Think of your favorite T-shirt. How long have you had it? How much have you worn it? Is it the same now as it was on the day it was first made? Probably not. Why? Because of something scientists call entropy. Entropy is something we’re all familiar with, even if not by that name. It’s one of the laws of physics that states how, over time, order gives way to disorder. When it comes to T-shirts, that means the fabric wears down and the threads can’t hold tension as well, until one day you realize your favorite T-shirt is stretched out and full of holes. And for living things, like the human body, it means that we age, and our bones, muscles, and organs gradually become weaker and more susceptible to disease until one day, the body can no longer function properly…and dies. Entropy is everywhere—it’s even present in the fabric of the universe itself. Scientists tell us that in a number of years—a number so huge it’s impossible to fathom—entropy will cause the universe to die too. How that will happen exactly is a topic of debate, but one day, scientists say, everything at the subatomic level will break down, and the universe will be no more. Now, there are lots of reasons why Christians need to be discerning when it comes to what scientists say about the universe, because not all scientists view it as God’s creation or believe what God says about it. And God has said something amazing about the universe. In the Bible, Jesus says that when He returns, He will make all things new. He won’t just give us new, immortal bodies and make a new earth free from sin and death—He will make the heavens new too. The fabric of the universe will no longer be defined by a tendency toward disorder and decay. Instead, all of creation—even the laws of physics—will be made new and eternal. So, while scientists debate how the universe might end, we can take comfort knowing it won’t. Jesus promises to intervene and put an end to entropy for all eternity. • Courtney Lasater • Have you heard things about humanity, the world, or the universe that make you feel hopeless? When we were hopelessly lost in our sin, Jesus intervened on our behalf at the cross (John 3:16-17), and He promises to intervene again one day when He returns to make everything new—all because He loves us. Consider taking a moment to pray, bringing Him any messages of hopelessness or despair you’ve heard. You can always ask Him to remind you of the hope and peace of His promises. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 5:5 (NLT)

READ: PSALMS 55:16-18; 57:1-11 I’ve had days when I’ve cried out to God again and again because I cannot face all that is going on in my life without Him. It takes humility to admit that I need Him to get through my life, and that I especially need Him to step in when things aren’t going well. I have had days when I’m at my computer, and I close my eyes and cry out to God. On those same days, I might get down on the floor and shed tears, or pray to God while I wash the dishes. I am acutely aware of my deep need for God when I am struggling, and I reach out to Him for help. In Psalm 55, we read that David also had those kinds of days. In verse 17, he mentions crying out to God in the morning, at evening, and at noon. He had days when he needed to constantly bring his distress to God. In this psalm, David describes not only how he cried out to God when facing difficult times but also how God rescued him. I have had that happen in my own life. Not only have I felt the presence of God when I’ve been struggling, but I have also seen Him take care of my problems so that I no longer have to deal with them. It’s good news that we can cry to God over and over again. We can cry out for help as we eat our lunch, or when the pain is too much, and we reach noon without an appetite. We can ask for God’s help in the evening and all throughout the night when sleep won’t come. Just as David did, we can go to God again and again and know that He hears us. • Emily Acker • As Christians, we can be sure that God is with us all throughout the day and night because Jesus is Immanuel, which means “God is with us” (Matthew 1:23). He died and rose again to bring us near to God. He always wants us to cry out to Him, and He can truly empathize with our struggles because He knows what it’s like to be human (Hebrews 4:14-16). Can you think of a time when something bad happened in your life or in the world around you, and you turned to God to seek His help? What was that like? • The more we choose to turn to God in our distress, the more it becomes second nature, something we do without thinking. And God never gets tired of hearing from us! Consider taking some time to tell God about whatever has been weighing on you lately. I cry out to God Most High, to God who will fulfill his purpose for me. Psalm 57:2 (NLT)

READ: MATTHEW 6:25-34; 18:1-4; 19:13-15 When I was a young child, I didn’t worry about the future or what I was going to do next. I was focused solely on the present, and I relied completely on my parents to guide me. They prepared my meals, drove me places, and bought me clothes and toys. My complete dependence on my parents created an unavoidable humility within me. I relied on their help and support in almost everything. I didn’t know much as a child, and I had complete faith and trust in my parents to provide for me. In Matthew 18, Jesus’s disciples ask Him, “Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?” (verse 1). The disciples aren’t asking about God. They’re thinking about themselves. In response, Jesus calls a little child to Him. Then Jesus says, “Unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven” (verse 3). What does it mean to become like a little child? Jesus isn’t telling us to become immature, He’s telling us to think back to when we were completely dependent on someone else. Jesus wants us to have complete dependence on Him! That’s what it’s like to become as humble as a child—admitting there’s a lot we don’t know, and fully relying on God for everything. Faith like a child is believing that God loves us, and He will provide for all our needs. Earlier in the book of Matthew, in chapter 6, Jesus tells us not to worry about the future or what to do next. He calls us to focus on the present. And when we do look to the future, we can rely on God to guide us. It’s easy to get prideful and try to depend on ourselves for provision, but that never ends well. Instead, God invites us to seek His Kingdom and His righteousness (verse 33), remembering that He has already provided us with salvation through the perfect life, death, and resurrection of His Son, Jesus. So now we can have humble faith that God will continue to provide for us! • Elizabeth Cooper • What might it look like for you to practice humility like a child? What is one specific thing you can depend on God for? • God provided Jesus as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. And He also provided us with His Holy Spirit so we can always be with Him. It’s not because of anything we do that we can enter God’s kingdom. It’s all because of Jesus’s sacrifice. For more about this good news, see our "Know Jesus" page. Then he [Jesus] said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.” Matthew 18:3 (NLT)

READ: JUDGES 6:1–7:25; ROMANS 5:6; 2 CORINTHIANS 12:8-10 Have you ever made excuses to God? Blamed God when bad things happened? Feared what others would think if you obeyed God’s voice? I have. But so did Gideon, and God worked through Gideon to rescue an entire nation. When the Israelites were oppressed by the Midianites, the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon and called him a “mighty warrior” (verse 12). But Gideon’s response is not what you’d expect from a typical hero. First he asks why God would let the Midianites oppress them, and he accuses God of abandoning them (Judges 6:13). Bold words! Then he moves on to excuses. Gideon says he is the weakest of the weak, not the mighty warrior God told him he was. Gideon essentially says, if God finally wanted to rescue Israel, it would have to be through anyone except him. And, because Gideon doubts that the angel of the LORD is who he says he is, Gideon asks for a miraculous sign. It’s not until God consumes Gideon’s offering with fire that Gideon finally starts to believe. But Gideon is not all-in yet. When God tells him to cut down his father’s altar to the false god Baal, Gideon obeys—but he does it at night, when nobody can see him, because he is afraid. Then, after summoning the Israelite men to arms, apparently he still has some doubts, because he asks God for two more signs. Yet God works through this unlikely hero—who accused God of abandonment, who reluctantly obeyed, and who had very little confidence—to save Israel. Not with the 32,000 men he had originally summoned, but with only 300, because God wanted His people to know that they were saved by Him, not by their own strength. Even though Gideon was scared, struggled with doubts, and had far fewer resources than his enemy, he obeyed the Lord. And because of this, God worked through Gideon to save Israel from their enemies. So be encouraged that no matter what doubts you may have, or how scared you may be, or how many excuses you can come up with, God will work through you if you keep saying yes to Him, despite your fears and doubts. • Emily Gwaltney • We all have weaknesses, but God is so good and merciful, He works in and through us even with our weaknesses. Remember, Jesus took on our weakness when He became human, died on the cross, and rose again. Because He loves us, we can trust Him with all our weaknesses. And once we know Jesus, He lives in us through the Holy Spirit, offering His strength. What are some of your weaknesses? Consider spending some time in prayer, bringing these to God. God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 1 Corinthians 1:27 (NIV)

READ: PSALM 139:1-18; 2 CORINTHIANS 5:16-17 Who am I? What is my purpose? Do I matter? If you’ve asked these questions, you’re not alone. When describing ourselves, we often list physical attributes such as age, height, hair color, and ethnicity. Or we may list hobbies, accomplishments, or skills that we are proud of. Perhaps we discuss our family heritage, or other relationships that we look to for meaning. Often, we depend on our own feelings, perceptions, and the opinions of others to determine who we are. But what happens when these subjective feelings change? Do our identities depend on sometimes-shaky relationships? What happens when, as we age, abilities that used to seem effortless are lost? When our hair turns gray or falls out and our skin wrinkles with the wear of time, what then? Sometimes we define ourselves by mistakes made in the past. Failures, wrongdoings, mix-ups—they become more than actions forgiven and forgotten. They become who we are. But we are more than this. Our true identity is known by our Creator in the deepest way possible. We were created by the Living God, woven together in our mother’s womb by His hand (Psalm 139:13). He says, “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered” (Luke 12:7). We bear the image of our Maker. And even though we all sin against God and against each other every day, if we believe that Jesus died in our place and rose again to give us new life, surrendering to Him as Lord of our lives, we can receive our new identities as forgiven, beloved children of God. This is the unchanging rock we can hold onto, and it’s here that we find our true selves. Through Him, our mistakes and sins need no longer define us. We can be sure that, “if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). • Julia Faith Steward • If you’ve put your trust in Jesus, God has wiped out your past, present, and future sins through Jesus’s death and resurrection. He has given you a new identity as His beloved child. And He has also given you a new purpose: to glorify Him. How can the knowledge that God Himself knew you before you existed, and created you just as you are for His good purpose, affect how you view yourself? Consider spending some time in prayer, asking God to help you see yourself more fully as He sees you. (Genesis 1:26-27; Ephesians 1:17-18) I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 (NIV)

READ: PSALMS 1:1-3; 92:12-15; ROMANS 4 Arbor Day has come around again, prompting us to take notice of an important part of God’s creation—trees! It’s good to appreciate all the good things trees provide us with, like clean air, food, wood, beauty, and shade. On a trip I took to southern California, I noticed that even in the desert, palm trees can flourish. As their spindly trunks stretch upward, their green fronds soak up sun rays. And where I live, cedar trees are slow but steady growers, persevering through countless storms that come their way. In fact, Psalm 92 recognizes the strength of these trees, saying that righteous people will flourish and remain steadfast like palm trees and cedars. But what does it mean to be righteous? Righteousness simply means having a right relationship with God, and the Bible is clear about how this works. Romans 4:5 says, “People are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners” (NLT). How amazing is that? When we believe and put our trust in Jesus, who is God the Son, He puts the wrongdoings of our past behind us and welcomes us with open arms. Moreover, as we grow in our relationship with God the Father, our behaviors and actions change. To go back to the previous analogy, we become like trees rooted in God’s goodness. As a result, we begin to bear the fruit of “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23, NLT). In this, the psalmist’s words are fulfilled: “The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, ‘The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him’” (Psalm 92:12-15, NIV). • Emma Schoessow • We are saved by faith in Jesus’s death and resurrection, not by works. But as we learn to walk with the Holy Spirit, God will lead us to do good works. As Jesus says, “A good tree produces good fruit” (Matthew 7:17, NLT). If we embrace our right relationship with God by spending time in prayer, reading His Word, seeking relationship with His people (the church), and being obedient to His Holy Spirit, we will display the fruit of righteousness through what we do. Consider taking a moment to ask God to help you notice the ways He is inviting you to pursue His righteousness in your life. (Matthew 6:33) The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon. Psalm 92:12 (NIV)

READ: PSALM 18:1-2; MATTHEW 7:24-27; 1 JOHN 4:9-10 When my high school sweetheart broke up with me in college, my whole world turned upside down. He had been my everything: my best friend, my anchor, my fortress, my rock. And suddenly it was all gone. I was devastated, lost, and alone. I kept pursuing him in the hopes that we might get back together. I even followed him to a Christian organization on campus. But instead of getting my boyfriend back, I found someone so much better—Jesus. Little did I know that, as I had been pursuing my ex-boyfriend, Jesus had been pursuing me. Slowly but surely, I began rebuilding my life upon the true Rock, my Savior, Jesus Christ. As I grew in my relationship with Jesus, seeking Him more and more each day, He turned my world right side up again. And now, not only am I married to a man who is a much better match for me, but I can also look back in gratitude at the turn of events that led me to Christ. Therefore, I praise God for His pursuing love, and that He “set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand” (Psalm 40:2). Now I know that when my world turns upside down, I will never again be lost. I can cling to Jesus, my Rock. He says, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). God the Father’s love—shown through His Son Jesus Christ and poured into us through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5)— continues to pursue us through everything. • Tracy Mikula • God is always pursuing us with steadfast love. He wants to be our best friend, our anchor, our fortress, and our rock. That’s why Jesus came to die on the cross and rise again—to bring us near to God. Can you think of a time you realized God was pursuing you with love? What was that like? You can ask God to open your eyes to His pursuing presence anytime. • An idol is anything—or anyone—that is more important to us than our relationship with God. We all stray into idolatry throughout our lives, but God is eager to forgive and help us. What might be some idols in your life right now? Consider taking some time to talk with God about these. Remember, you can be totally honest with Him about all your questions, frustrations, fears, and doubts. And you can also ask Him for the strength and wisdom to pursue Him first and foremost (Matthew 6:33). This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4:10 (NIV)

READ: PSALM 139:1-12; ROMANS 8:26-39; HEBREWS 13:5 My heart beats quickly in my chest, and I feel a bit nauseous. Everything feels out of my control again, and I don’t like it. Moments like this come and drag me to a dark place. I feel uncertain. I feel alone. But as my head starts to clear, as I slowly release the anxiety inside of me, I see that it’s all lies. I am not alone now, and in fact, I have never been. Even as I face a new challenge, I have not been abandoned. My God sees me, and He knows the struggles I am going through. He hurts for me when I hurt. He makes a way for me when I don’t see how one could be made. My struggles aren’t mine alone to carry. God will help me through them. He knows what I am starting to panic about, and He is already there to help me. God opens doors that I don’t know exist. He keeps me moving forward when my feet feel unsteady. No matter what I’m getting worked up about, God has my back every time. He sent Jesus to die and rise again to save me. Because I know Him, I am never alone. He always helps me through. God has never abandoned me, and I am so glad to know He will be there for me through all my future problems. Even when I start to go into a dark place, He is with me. • Bethany Acker • What kinds of things have made you feel anxious lately? Consider taking a moment to talk to God and ask Him to remind you of His presence with you and help you see how He is already working to help you. (Romans 8:38-39) • We all feel worried or anxious from time to time. When Jesus returns, He will put an end to everything that is worrisome! But as we wait for that glorious day, sometimes we experience thoughts and feelings that are too much for us to handle on our own, even by praying and reading the Bible. But God has so much compassion on us, and one of the ways He wants to help us is through other people. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by fear, stress, or worry, and you don’t know who to talk to, you can request a free conversation with Focus on the Family’s Counseling Department by calling 1-855-771-HELP (4357) weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Mountain Time). Please be prepared to leave your contact information for a counselor to return a call to you as soon as possible. In Canada, book your appointment by calling 1-800-661-9800 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) and ask to speak with the care associate. We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (CSB)

READ: PSALM 19:1-6; MATTHEW 27:45-54 The sky is one of the most varied and beautiful parts of God’s creation. In the morning you can see soft pinks and yellows amid golden sunlight as the sun rises up. In the afternoon you can see fluffy white clouds sailing. In the first part of the evening there are bold reds, oranges, purples, pinks, and blues while the sun is going down. After the sun has set you can see the moon suspended against a dark blue backdrop, sprinkled with twinkling stars. Incredible, isn’t it? Psalm 19:1 tells us, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” The word proclaim means to declare publicly, make plain, or affirm. The sky is just one of the many things in creation that show us there is a God. When we look at the sky, we can see that there is a Creator. And when we read His Word, we discover this same Creator is still in control and actively working in our lives. He even became one of us and died for us! He loves us completely, eternally. The sky helped convince people that Jesus was the Son of God on the day He was crucified for our sins. The Gospel writers record the sky turning dark in the middle of the day (Matthew 27:45; Mark 15:33; Luke 23:44). Then, when Jesus breathed His last, the earth quaked, the rocks split, and even the tombs broke open! When the Roman centurion and the soldiers who were guarding Jesus’s cross saw all this, they exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:54). So the next time you see a sunset, a sunrise, or a sky full of stars, think of our Creator. Because that’s who they’re trying to tell you about. • Morgan A. Mitchell • What is your favorite kind of sky? Have you ever thought about the fact that the same God who created the sky also created you—and He loves you so much that He was willing to die a horrible death on the cross for you? Consider taking a moment to ponder this and praise Him for His unfathomable power, beauty, and mercy. • Jesus is both fully human and fully God—all things were made through Him, and when He walked on earth, creation recognized Him as the Creator. He rose from the dead, and He promised to return one day and renew the heavens and the earth. Hallelujah! If you want to dig deeper, read Luke 8:22-25; 19:40; John 1:3; Colossians 1:16-17; Revelation 21:1-5. The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Psalm 19:1 (NIV)

READ: MATTHEW 28:16-20; JOHN 20:19-31; 1 PETER 1:5-9 Doubt can be so sneaky. It could be that our whole lives we feel like we’ve had rock solid faith, and then one day we find ourselves asking, “Is God real?” For anyone experiencing doubt today, this week, or even years from now, I have some great news. God is big enough for you to explore your doubts and questions. If He wasn’t, He wouldn’t be God. You don’t need to shy away from your doubts, you can bring them to God. Go ahead and ask Him all the questions you’re wondering and all the doubts you’re having: “God, why does the church hurt people sometimes? God, why do people claim to be Christians, yet disregard the people who you created and love? God, why can’t I see, hear, or feel you when other people say they do?” These are all questions I’ve brought to God. And if you’re having any similar questions, there are many ways to bring these to God. One way to explore doubts is to bring them to a pastor or trusted Christian advisor. Someone who is deeply familiar with Scripture may be able to help answer your questions. You can also dive into Scripture for yourself. When the disciple Thomas had doubts about Jesus’s resurrection, Jesus invited him to come and see that He was for real. What happened was, after Jesus died on the cross and was buried in a tomb, “the disciples were meeting behind locked doors” (John 20:19). Suddenly, Jesus came and stood among them, showing them that He had risen from the dead! But Thomas wasn’t there. So, when the other disciples told Thomas they’d seen Jesus, Thomas didn’t believe it. But then, Jesus appeared again and said to Thomas, “Look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side” (verse 27). Thomas exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” (verse 28). When Thomas questioned if Jesus had really come back to life, Jesus didn’t shy away from his questions. Instead, Jesus invited Thomas to come close, to see and feel with his own eyes and hands that Jesus had risen bodily from the grave. In the same way, God is big enough to handle our doubts and questions. He invites us to come close to receive answers—and to experience His goodness for ourselves. • Naomi Zylstra • Have you experienced doubts in your faith recently? What have they been about? Consider taking some time to bring these to Jesus. In addition to talking to God, who are trusted Christians in your life you can be honest with about your questions, frustrations, and fears? “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark 9:24 (NLT)

READ: LUKE 23:50–24:12, 36-48; JOHN 20 The resurrection is vital to the Christian faith. It proves that Jesus is both fully God and fully human. But did Jesus really come back from the dead? Or did someone steal His body? Let’s look at some facts. The Roman soldiers guarded the tomb day and night. Nobody could get past them. Even if they had fallen asleep, a huge rock that took several men to move was placed in front of the opening and sealed. Anyone attempting to move it would’ve been heard. After Jesus rose, the Jewish leaders who had plotted to kill Jesus couldn’t produce a body to prove He was deceased. Instead, they bribed the guards to lie, saying they fell asleep and the grave was robbed. Also, women discovered the tomb was empty. In that culture, women were treated as second-class citizens. The Gospel writers (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) were men, yet they recorded how women found out the important news, and then the men didn’t believe it until they saw the empty tomb and the risen Jesus for themselves. Admitting this fact would’ve been humiliating for them. If they fabricated the story, surely they would’ve made themselves look good. How many of us would record a story that made ourselves look bad unless it was true? On top of that, after Jesus rose again, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene and then to groups of His disciples, showing them He was not a ghost but that He was truly resurrected. He ate and drank with them and let them feel His wounds. He even appeared to five hundred people at one time (1 Corinthians 15:6). Some claim these people hallucinated and thought they saw Jesus. But five hundred people experiencing the same hallucination is highly improbable. Besides all that, every apostle was killed or exiled because they preached about a crucified, resurrected Lord. If it was all a lie, they would’ve dropped it as soon as the persecution began. Instead, they were willing to die for their resurrected Savior. Nothing is impossible with God (Matthew 19:26; Luke 1:37). Jesus did rise again. As Christians, we serve a living Lord who conquered the grave to save us! • Morgan A. Mitchell • Why is it important to know that Jesus really did rise from the dead? If you want to know more about this good news, see our "Know Jesus" page. And if you want to dig deeper, read 1 Corinthians 15. Suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead?” Luke 24:4-5 (NIV)

READ: MATTHEW 20:17-19, 28; 27:27-54; JOHN 19:16-37 One of the questions people often ask about Jesus is, “Did He really die? Or did He just pass out and revive later on? Did He fake it so He could get everyone’s attention…and then pretend to rise from the dead?” All good questions. What evidence is there for Jesus’s death? Let’s take a look at what the Bible says. First, Jesus went through extreme physical torture. When Pilate ordered that Jesus be flogged, that meant using a whip with bits of bone and metal braided into the thongs that would rip the flesh and expose the bone. The Roman soldiers also beat Him and struck Him on the head with a stick over and over again. By the time they led Him out of town to be crucified, Jesus was so weak He couldn’t even carry His cross. After being beaten by the soldiers, walking to Golgotha, and being nailed to the cross, Jesus hung on the cross for hours in that state. He would’ve lost a severe amount of blood, causing His body to go into shock. Second, the Roman soldiers didn’t need to break Jesus’s legs. They were experts in killing people, and if a person being crucified didn’t die fast enough, they broke that person’s legs to accelerate death. When the soldiers came to Jesus, they would’ve broken His legs if there was even the remotest chance of Him being alive. Instead, just to make sure He was dead, they stuck a spear in His side. Remember, to them Jesus was just another criminal, and they took killing criminals seriously. Jesus’s disciple John was watching, and he records that blood and water came out of the wound, meaning the fluid that surrounded Jesus’s heart and lungs flowed out. Medically speaking, Jesus couldn’t have survived the ordeal. Even though He was God, He was also human and able to die. In fact, He came specifically to die. What’s most awe-inspiring is that Jesus knew what He was in for, and He still went through it—because He loves us. He died for us so we could be saved from our sins and live forever with God. • Morgan A. Mitchell • Why is it important to know that Jesus really did die on the cross? What questions do you have about His death and resurrection? Who are trusted Christians who could help you look into these things? • Jesus’s death holds special significance for Christians because we know that He endured the horrors of crucifixion for us. The cross reveals His deep love for us, and the lengths He went to to save us. Consider taking some time to picture Jesus dying on the cross for you, and thank Him. “…the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28 (NIV)

READ: MATTHEW 27; ROMANS 10:9-13; 1 JOHN 1:7–2:2 "His blood is on us and on our children!” the people shouted. This quote comes from Matthew 27:25. The people are gathered around the Roman governor of Judea, Pontius Pilate. They are begging him to have Jesus crucified. At this point Pilate has already reluctantly agreed, literally washing his hands to show he does not condone this punishment. He declares in verse 24, “I am innocent of this man’s blood…It is your responsibility!” I was re-reading this passage in preparation for Easter, and I couldn’t help but be struck by the terrible irony in the words of the people. They are declaring they want Jesus dead so badly they don’t care if they, and future generations, are basically held responsible for His murder. They’re shouting, “His blood is on us and on our children!” Little do the people know that Jesus is about to go to the cross and shed His blood—for them. For the crowd. For the criminals beside him. For Pilate. For everyone. For you. For me. And here they are insisting He be crucified, lying about what He’s done to deserve death, and shouting for His murder. And it’s not like the people stopped once Jesus was on the cross. No. They kept mocking Him, even putting up a sign labeling Him as “King of the Jews” (verse 37). Yet, He is King of the Jews. And of everyone else. He is the Messiah, the one the Jews had been waiting for. But it was the Jewish religious leaders who paid Judas, Jesus’s disciple and friend, thirty pieces of silver to betray Him (26:14-16). But that is our Jesus. His blood covers us all. But not because anyone said, “His blood is on us and our children.” No. It’s because the cost of our sin was death. And a perfect sacrifice was required to pay off our debt. And that’s what Jesus offered willingly. His blood covers us and all of our guilt—for everyone who trusts in Jesus and receives it. • Natty Maelle • Have you ever done something so bad you felt like God would never accept you? Well, that’s why Jesus died for you and rose again. He made the way to forgive and cleanse those who mocked and killed Him. He can—and wants to—forgive you (Romans 15:7). Consider taking a moment to confess any sins that have been weighing on you, and thank Jesus for shedding His blood to forgive you. If you want to know more about this good news, check out our "Know Jesus" page. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:7 (NIV)

READ: MATTHEW 26:14-56; 1 CORINTHIANS 11:23-25; HEBREWS 4:14-16 Have you ever been betrayed? From large betrayals to small disappointments, betrayal is a hard thing to bear. And yet, it is so common. There probably is not a person in the world who hasn’t felt that sense of astonishment when a trusted person lets them down. As the hurt settles into our hearts, we learn to guard ourselves against further treachery. And, we also learn to betray others. If you go to church and take Communion (also called the Last Supper, The Lord’s Supper, or the Eucharist) you might hear the leader read from 1 Corinthians 11, describing what Christ told His disciples when He shared the wine and bread. Jesus explained, “This [bread] is my body, which is for you…This cup is the new covenant in my blood” (verse 24-25). Jesus knew that His blood was about to be shed for the world, and His body would soon hang on a cross. There’s an interesting thing about the way Paul introduces this passage. Paul writes, “The Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed…” (verse 23, emphasis added). I wonder why God led Paul to include this part. Maybe because it’s important. Maybe because betrayal is something we all face—and something we all do. It’s important for us to understand that Jesus, too, felt the pain of betrayal. We have all betrayed Him, and yet He still loves and forgives us. And with His help, we can bear up under the pain of our betrayals, knowing that Jesus feels our hurts with us. Jesus knew what it felt like to have a beloved, trusted friend deliver you over to the enemy. He has felt this extreme human emotion. He understands. Of all the people in the world, Jesus is the only one who never deserved betrayal. He was so good, so loving, and He was perfect. He not only lived perfectly, but He died perfectly too. He died in perfect humility, forgiveness, and compassion. And then He rose from the grave, defeating sin and death. So now, when we are betrayed, we can look to Jesus and find healing and comfort. And when we give in to temptation and betray others, we can turn back to Jesus and find forgiveness and restoration. What a wonderful Savior! • Kristen Merrill • When we are betrayed, it helps to remember that Christ has suffered betrayal. He offers the best listening ear there is. We can entrust our pain to His loving arms. If you’ve been betrayed, consider spending some time with Jesus in prayer, pouring out your heart to Him. Don’t hold back; He already knows everything, yet He wants to hear from you because He loves you. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3 (NIV)

READ: 1 PETER 2:22-25 It seems so unfair, how Jesus was taken to the cross. He is perfect. He never did anything wrong, much less anything deserving of death. It seems so confusing that He would allow it to happen. Jesus had all the power. He is God the Son—He could have gotten away at any point. But He didn’t. Instead, Jesus fulfilled God the Father’s plan for Him. He was to be the Savior of the world, and that is what happened on the cross. Jesus died, and by doing so, He took our sins upon Himself. The Bible says that Jesus is the way, and the only way, for us to know God and have eternal life. Without His sacrifice on the cross, we would not have the hope of heaven. But because Jesus was willing to take the unfair treatment and punishment of the cross, we are made alive and free. When we put our trust in Jesus, we receive forgiveness, and we can know that we are fully forgiven because Jesus took our sins to the cross with Him. He was placed in a tomb after His death, and just three days later, He rose to life again. His death on the cross was not the end. Jesus was not controlled or defeated by those who put Him to death, but He knew just what was going to happen, and He did it to give us life. • Bethany Acker • When we consider Jesus’s death on the cross, sometimes it’s easy to forget how amazing it is that God-in-flesh allowed people to put Him to death, but also that He had a plan to rise again. When you picture Jesus’s crucifixion, do you see His love? Consider taking a moment to thank Him for taking your sins. • If you want to know more about what Jesus accomplished for us through His death and resurrection, and what it means to put your trust in Him, check out our "Know Jesus" page. And if you want to dig deeper, read Isaiah 53:4-6; Matthew 26:49-56; Luke 22:41-44; Colossians 2:14. Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 (NLT)

READ: ROMANS 8:1; GALATIANS 6:14; HEBREWS 12:1-3; 1 PETER 2:23-25 When I see a cross, I don’t think much of it. People use the shape of a cross on jewelry, t-shirts, tattoos, logos, books, and church buildings. But back in the New Testament times, crosses were a symbol of condemnation and shame. Crucifixion was the most brutal, humiliating death the Roman Empire could come up with, and it was shameful even to mention the word cross. However, after Jesus died on a cross—and rose again three days later—the cross gradually became a sign of Christianity and salvation. Today, whenever I see a cross, I connect it with church, Christians, and Jesus. For those who’ve put their trust in Jesus, the cross can be a reminder of His sacrifice on our behalf, of His victory over sin, and of our forgiveness and redemption through Him. Our own lives are similar. Before Jesus came into our lives, we were covered in sin and shame. We were condemned to be eternally separated from God. But, when we put our trust in Jesus as our Lord and Savior, our lives were redeemed. Where there was once condemnation and sin, there is now Jesus’s love and forgiveness. Our lives now tell a story of His victory over sin. That’s the whole reason Jesus came. He is the Son of God, and He became human and lived among us, fully God and fully human, for thirty-three years. Ultimately, He faced an unspeakably horrifying death on a cross. He died for our sins and rose from the dead on the third day because He loves us, and He wants to redeem and transform us. So now, if we know Jesus, our lives are a testimony of His work on the cross. We were not meant to live in shame, but in our forgiven identity in Christ. And even though we will continue to mess up and sin until Jesus returns, God is with us in the messes, and He even uses them as opportunities for His glory. • Morgan A. Mitchell • What do you think of when you see a cross? • How have you experienced Jesus’s work of redemption in your life? Consider taking a moment to thank Him for this. • If you want to dig deeper, you can read about Jesus’s crucifixion in Matthew 27:11–28:10; Mark 15:1–16:8; Luke 22:63–24:12; John 19:1–20:18. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. Colossians 2:15 (NIV)

READ: ISAIAH 53:3-5; 1 PETER 2:24; REVELATION 21:4 Throughout human history, a wide variety of cultures have had rites of passage where individuals had to endure something painful to be seen as an adult. Having a high pain tolerance has often brought respect. For instance, a while ago someone close to me had surgery to remove her wisdom teeth. After that type of procedure, the doctor generally prescribes high-strength painkillers. However, she chose not to take any of those. Instead she chose to manage her pain using only over-the-counter medication. This type of thing usually garners admiration from some people—or bewilderment from others. Even though many people see a high pain tolerance as desirable, everyone has their breaking point. This world is full of pain, enough to break anyone. It’s been that way ever since humanity sinned and corrupted the perfect world that God made. All throughout the Bible we see many people in all sorts of pain. But the greatest pain that we see anyone endure in the entire Bible is the pain of Jesus Himself. There were many people besides Jesus who were flogged and crucified in a similar manner, but no one else has ever borne the weight of the entire world’s sin. We can’t even begin to imagine the infinite pain He must have felt while carrying all our sins, and the infinite love that made Him do it. Because of Jesus’s sacrifice and the ultimate pain He was willing to endure, we have hope that all the pain we feel is temporary. All the sorrows of this life will one day pass away, every tear will be dried, every wound will be healed, and everything will be made whole again. • Josiah Eising • Because our world has been broken by sin, we experience pain in so many ways—not just physical, but also spiritual, mental, emotional, and relational pain. But we can take comfort knowing that Jesus can truly empathize with us because He experienced pain firsthand. What kinds of pain have you been experiencing lately? Consider taking some time to tell Jesus about this, pouring out your heart and receiving His compassionate love. • How can looking forward to Jesus’s return give us comfort and help us persevere when we are hurting? (Romans 8:18-39) He carried our pains…and we are healed by his wounds. Isaiah 53:4-5 (CSB)

READ: JOB 40:15-24; PSALMS 57; 142 The young man leaned heavily against the cave’s wall. He gasped for breath, clutching a wound at his side where blood seeped through his shirt and stained his fingers red. “You promised,” he spat into the empty cave to the God he once trusted. “You told me it was mine, but then you let them take it from me. Now I have nothing.” He slid down the side of the cave, slumping against the cold stone. His God had promised him he would be king, that he would rule over his war-torn country and bring peace. But the night of his coronation, his cousin overthrew the government, taking the throne and crown for himself. So the young man had fled into the night with only the clothes on his back and the wound in his side. Now he wanted to scream. He was supposed to be king, but here he was, no better than a mouse hiding from a viper. With the last of his strength, he bound up his wound. Then he let the pain and blood-loss pull him into blackness. He dreamed the North River was flooding its banks, sweeping away homes and fields and livestock. But in the center of the raging water, the great Behemoth stood, unmoving as a mountain. A voice cracked through the vision, “See the beast, standing tall within the rushing water?” The young man opened his mouth but couldn’t speak. “Tell me,” the voice continued, “how much more steadfast is the one who created him? My son, do not look at the rushing water. Look instead to the one who is steady within the flood. You may not understand my ways, but know this: What I have promised, I will do.” The young man woke, gasping. The sun had set. He shivered, and pain lanced through his side. He clenched his fists. When he closed his eyes, he again saw the beast standing still and steady within the raging water. His breathing calmed. Finally, into the cold, dark cave he said, “I do not understand. But you are God, and what you promise, you will do. Even now, even here, I will trust you.” • Margaret Bellers • Today’s allegorical story is inspired by the life of David. In 1 Samuel 16, God sent the prophet Samuel to anoint David to be king when he was likely a teenager. However, David did not actually become king for over a decade, during which he faced beasts, giants, bloody battles, and assassination attempts. Even though it didn’t seem like He would, God remained faithful to David, crowning him as king in His perfect timing. • Can you think of a time in your life when you felt like God wasn’t present or didn’t care about you? Throughout David’s life, he cried out to God, being totally honest about his pain, his sorrow, his anger, and his fears. Consider taking some time to tell God about the hard things you’ve experienced lately. Don’t hold anything back. He can take it. • Even when David’s life was falling apart, he had hope in God’s promise of a coming Redeemer, an eternal King who would save His people. We now know that this Redeemer is Jesus. It’s easy to feel like God is unfaithful to what He’s promised. We often wonder, Does He really love us like He said? Will He truly never leave or forsake us? Does He actually listen and care for us like a good father? When we look at our circumstances, our answers to these questions will change based on how we feel or what’s happening around us. But when we look at who God is—someone who loved us so much that He died for us (John 3:16), someone who knows and listens to every one of our thoughts (Psalm 139:1-4), someone who keeps track of every single tear that we cry (Psalm 56:8)—we can learn to look beyond our circumstances to the one who stands steady within the flood. In moments when it feels like God has abandoned you, what are some promises in His Word that can remind you of His faithful love?

READ: PSALM 10:11-18; EPHESIANS 6:18; HEBREWS 4:14-16 I accidentally tapped “emergency call” on my phone today. Immediately, I felt my heartbeat speed up. I had never done that before, and I wasn’t sure what it would do. Thankfully, I was able to cancel the call before it did anything, but it got me thinking… There are people out there who are available to help us in emergency situations but who should not be bothered otherwise. We don’t want to call an emergency dispatcher just to talk or when we have a silly question that isn’t their job to answer. God, on the other hand, is there for us in both emergencies and non-emergencies. God can be contacted at any time. He is ready to listen to us when we want to share about our day, when we’re panicking about something that’s going on, when we’re grateful for something—such as the ability to stop an accidental emergency call—or when we just need to know that someone is there. We don’t have to worry about “accidentally” calling out to God about a situation that ends up being okay. And we don’t have to worry about the timing when we talk to Him. He is available at all hours, and He is there for all our needs. Because Jesus died and rose again to bring us near to God, everyone who has put their trust in Jesus is free to put out an “emergency call” to God, or simply talk to Him, anytime. And I am so grateful for that. • Emily Acker • Have you ever accidentally called an emergency number? What happened? • Who do you turn to first when things start to go bad in your life? While it’s a good idea to talk to people we trust, God also wants us to talk to Him. He loves us, and He is there for us in emergency situations and also when we just need to know that we can talk and someone will listen. Consider taking a moment to talk to God about whatever is on your mind, no matter how big or how small it may seem. “Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” Jeremiah 29:12 (NIV)

READ: 1 CORINTHIANS 15:20-28, 54-57; REVELATION 1:17-18 Today, we’re going to revisit yesterday’s poem. Not only does Jesus’s death and resurrection give us victory over sin, but it also gives us victory over death! In 1 Corinthians 15, we see how our personal hope of resurrection is tied directly to Christ’s own resurrection—and His coming reign over every evil force in this world. Paul explains that “sin is the sting that results in death” (1 Corinthians 15:56)—but we need not fear, for Jesus holds “the keys of death and the grave” (Revelation 1:18). Why is it that Jesus holds the keys? Because on the cross He purchased the right to buy our freedom back from sin and death. This chapter shows us not only that we will live again, but that evil, wickedness, and suffering will also meet their end when every vile and unjust power is placed under Christ’s pure and just authority. Paul even says, “Death is swallowed up in victory” (1 Corinthians 15:54). The most dreadful thing that can happen to a human being—death—is transformed into a life-giving victory. Satan will not have the final word. In Christ we will share together in this triumphant story: What will appear to be an ending will at once transform into a glorious new beginning—complete with the healing of every sorrow. Amen and amen! I fling at you my fury, Oh, cursed one, destroyer. Catch it! If you would— Wretched, wounded, liar. Wounded, ha! Yes, wounded! Deadly, dark-hearted wounds Canker deep within you— Where your putrid pride swoons. Still, you seek to snare me, Stench of death, foul hypocrite! Sneering, laughing, mocking— Luring me toward your pit. No! I’ll not fall your victim, Fell Satan, sifter of men… For on the cross Christ cast you out— His blood cast out my sin. • G. Kam Congleton • Consider taking some time to read all of 1 Corinthians 15. Through His resurrection, Jesus defeated death on our behalf so we can someday be raised from the dead like He was. He did this for us because He loves us! How can Jesus’s resurrection affect the way we view death? Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” 1 Corinthians 15:54 (NLT)

READ: EPHESIANS 6:10-18; 1 PETER 5:6-10; REVELATION 12:10-11 One year in college, I struggled with an onslaught of repeated failures in my walk with Jesus. Although I confessed these failures, I was plagued with relentless guilt. Most mornings I woke with a foreboding sense of dread. Life just seemed to keep coming at me too fast to regroup. I felt like a boxer down in the ring with my opponent pummeling me long after the bell had rung—sweat flying, nose bleeding, no one intervening. Shamed and defeated. But, with some encouragement, I began to read Scriptures that reminded me that only Jesus can defend me against Satan’s attacks. As these truths began to sink in, I gained hope and courage—and eventually penned today’s poem. Through Christ’s death and resurrection, we can truly experience the power of complete forgiveness. In all our struggles against sin, we call on Christ; He alone is our great Defender. When you feel beaten down by sin, remind yourself often of the sacrifice Christ made on the cross because He loves you. Hold these words close to your heart and ready on your lips: “the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). I fling at you my fury, Oh, cursed one, destroyer. Catch it! If you would— Wretched, wounded, liar. Wounded, ha! Yes, wounded! Deadly, dark-hearted wounds Canker deep within you— Where your putrid pride swoons. Still, you seek to snare me, Stench of death, foul hypocrite! Sneering, laughing, mocking— Luring me toward your pit. No! I’ll not fall your victim, Fell Satan, sifter of men… For on the cross Christ cast you out— His blood cast out my sin. • G. Kam Congleton • Have you experienced times of severe temptation or felt attacked by what seemed to be evil forces? In what ways can you rely on God for help? How might you draw strength from other believers? And what encouragement can you find in today’s Bible passages? Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault. Colossians 1:22 (NLT)

READ: PSALM 119:9-16, 97-104; MATTHEW 5:13-16 Have you ever been told you were too young to do something or go somewhere or hang out with certain people? Maybe nobody told you with words, but their body language, tone, and actions conveyed the message clear enough. I’ve had many people tell me that over the years, and even recently there have been people who’ve expressed that I’m too young for them to bother with, or that I’m too young to do anything worthwhile. And it hurts, no matter who the person is or how they say it. There is someone, though, who will never tell you that you’re “too young” to be noticed or do something important. In fact, God often calls the teens and young adults to do His work and be an example of what to do. Just a few examples of young people who did important things in the Bible are David, Esther, Mary the mother of Jesus, and Timothy. While some belittle young people, God gives us the chance to do more than anyone thinks we can do. When Jesus was on earth He wanted the children to come to Him (Mark 10:13-16). And today He calls us to come to Him. Our risen Lord has a place in His kingdom for those who are seen as “too young”—and it’s not in an obscure corner where we’ll be out of the way. He calls us to be an example and a light to the world. He never thinks we’re too young to do important things. • Morgan A. Mitchell • Have you ever felt unqualified because of your age? What was that like? • How might God be inviting you to make an impact now? God guides us through His Spirit, His Word (the Bible), and His people (the church). Who is a trusted Christian in your life you can talk openly with, someone who will encourage you and help you discern God’s guidance? • If you want to dig deeper, you can read about David (1 Samuel 17), Esther (Esther 1–10), Mary (Luke 1:26-56; 2:15-19), and Timothy (Acts 16:1-5; 1 Corinthians 4:17; Philippians 2:22; 1 Thessalonians 3:2; 1 Timothy; 2 Timothy). Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV)