A Little God Time for Girls E-Book

BroadStreet Publishing Group LLC

• Herausgeber: BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC
• Kategorie: Für Kinder und Jugendliche
• Serie: A Little God Time
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2017

Seitenzahl: 434

Beschreibung

This 365 daily devotional is for girls aged 8-12. It provides them with godly wisdom and in-sight for each day. Be encouraged with truth and flooded with joy as you spend time with God, reflecting on these devotions, Scriptures, and prayers. Let him show you that you are beautiful, you are loved, and you were created with a purpose. There is no one quite like you, and he is delighted to call you his daughter. Let God's everlasting promises strengthen your heart, mind, and spirit as you spend a little time with him.  FEATURES: • Devotions written especially for girls • Exquisite cover with special treatments • Beautifully-designed full-color interior • Ribbon marker  

Leseprobe

BroadStreet Publishing Group LLC

Racine, Wisconsin, USA

Broadstreetpublishing.com

A LITTLE GOD TIME FOR GIRLS

© 2017 by BroadStreet Publishing

ISBN 978-1-4245-5391-4 (hardcover)

ISBN 978-1-4245-5392-1 (ebook)

Devotional entries written by Carol Garborg.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. zondervan.com. The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™ Scripture quotations marked (NCV) are taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. Lockman.org. Scripture quotations marked (NIrV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Reader’s Version®, NIrV® Copyright © 1995, 1996, 1998, 2014 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIrV” and “New International Reader’s Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™ Scripture quotations marked HCSB are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Used by Permission HCSB ©1999,2000,2002,2003,2009 Holman Bible Publishers. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

Design by Chris Garborg | garborgdesign.com

Editorial services by Michelle Winger.

Printed in China.

17  18  19  20  21  22  23    7  6  5  4  3  2  1

THIS IS THE DAY THAT

THE LORD HAS MADE.

LET US REJOICE AND

BE GLAD TODAY!

PSALM 118:24 NCV

Contents

Introduction

January

January 1: A New Year and a New Baby Sister

January 2: Stressing out and Being Still

January 3: Do and Don’t

January 4: Messing Up

January 5: Being Bold

January 6: Snowballs

January 7: Feeling Good

January 8: Dr. Pepper and Sprite

January 9: Designer Label

January 10: Vending Machine

January 11: A New Dress

January 12: Healthy Body, Healthy Bones

January 13: Tasty Bites

January 14: Picking Friends

January 15: Owies

January 16: Google It

January 17: The Hidden You

January 18: Hope

January 19: Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

January 20: It All Counts

January 21: Super Creative

January 22: Free!

January 23: Pay Back?

January 24: Super Slow

January 25: Keeping Track

January 26: Dear Diary

January 27: I Was Made to Live for You

January 28: The Munchies

January 29: Best Friends

January 30: Raging Ocean

January 31: Feelings

February

February 1: A Snuggle

February 2: Father Time

February 3: A Case of the Sillies

February 4: Downright Smart

February 5: Chew on It

February 6: Thumbs-up

February 7: Soda Can and Self-control

February 8: But, Mom!

February 9: A 21st Century Princess

February 10: Caved In

February 11: Someone You Can Count On

February 12: Worry Wars

February 13: Ordinary

February 14: What Love Isn’t

February 15: What Love Is

February 16: Great Expectations

February 17: Loving the Unlovable

February 18: Beauty That Lasts

February 19: Shine!

February 20: Blame Game

February 21: Just Want to Jump

February 22: Keep on Keeping On

February 23: Just Being There

February 24: I’ve Got This!

February 25: Practice Makes Perfect?

February 26: Just Say No

February 27: Run!

February 28: Authenticity

March

March 1: Baby Steps

March 2: The Perfect Find

March 3: Better than Good

March 4: Anywhere, Everywhere

March 5: When Dad and Mom Are Wrong

March 6: Puzzle Pieces

March 7: Powerhouse

March 8: That Hurts!

March 9: My Own Fault

March 10: Faith in Action

March 11: Dignity

March 12: A Good Name

March 13: When It’s Ok to Get Angry

March 14: Feeling the Way I Do

March 15: Me First?

March 16: Band Trip

March 17: Being Strong

March 18: Sprinkle It with Salt

March 19: God’s Masterpiece

March 20: Shadows

March 21: Emily Elizabeth

March 22: Spring Garden

March 23: A Broken Elbow

March 24: If You Had a Choice

March 25: I Can’t Wait!

March 26: Just Hit Refresh

March 27: Elephant in the Room

March 28: Free to Be

March 29: Seashells

March 30: Right Where You Are

March 31: Brain Battle

April

April 1: Thunderstorms

April 2: How to Decide

April 3: Just like Jesus

April 4: Sweet Tooth

April 5: Easter Resurrection

April 6: A Runaway

April 7: Spring Cleaning

April 8: Are We There Yet?

April 9: Jack and the Beanstalk

April 10: Just Because

April 11: God Shares His Riches

April 12: Rich

April 13: Do-over

April 14: Lost in Translation

April 15: When It’s Dark Outside

April 16: Sticking Close

April 17: What I like about You

April 18: I Am

April 19: The Big Fat Lie

April 20: Promises, Promises

April 21: Big Things Are Going Down

April 22: Unashamed

April 23: The Family Name

April 24: Help, Please?

April 25: Loving like That

April 26: Oh Brother

April 27: Just Delete

April 28: Tulip Mania

April 29: Calling It What It Is

April 30: Pelicans

May

May 1: Txtspk

May 2: When It’s Hard to Forgive

May 3: Praying Flowers?

May 4: Robin’s Nest

May 5: The One Thing

May 6: Spots

May 7: The Oval Office

May 8: Voices

May 9: Loving and Liking

May 10: What God Sees in You

May 11: Sea Anemones

May 12: Stop and Go, Quick and Slow

May 13: Dumb Stuff

May 14: Secret Weapon

May 15: The Power of a Name

May 16: Lost at Sea

May 17: Good Gifts

May 18: Career Day

May 19: Spirit Week

May 20: Take Your Parents to Work Day

May 21: A Little Odd

May 22: Move over, Please!

May 23: Three Ways to Say Thank You

May 24: Knock, Knock

May 25: Little Lambs

May 26: Real Friends

May 27: Totally Offended

May 28: Muddy Latte with a Shot of Everything

May 29: Creatively You!

May 30: Good, Better, Best

May 31: That’s the Beauty

June

June 1: Being Bold

June 2: Homemade Ice Cream

June 3: Deep Joy

June 4: Sunshine in the Middle of Rain

June 5: Washing Machine

June 6: The Hand Off

June 7: Growing!

June 8: Favorite Perfume

June 9: Hello, Summer!

June 10: Party Time!

June 11: Literary Devices

June 12: No Secrets

June 13: Messy Room

June 14: When It’s Not Ok for You

June 15: When It’s Not Ok for Others

June 16: All or Nothing

June 17: Walking the Dogs

June 18: The Greatest Thing!

June 19: Blow Pops

June 20: Eyeballs

June 21: Showdown

June 22: Double Blessing

June 23: Purpose

June 24: The Top Three

June 25: A Dog Named Roscoe

June 26: Beach Sand

June 27: A Small Job That Wasn’t so Small

June 28: Boys

June 29: Great Wall of China

June 30: The Good Kind of Fear

July

July 1: What to Do with Fear

July 2: Unopened Gift

July 3: But, Why?

July 4: Fourth of July

July 5: When Tough Things Happen

July 6: I’m Listening

July 7: Tall, Dark, and Handsome

July 8: Candyland

July 9: Beauty and Sense

July 10: Driven to Do What Is Good

July 11: Thunder Lungs

July 12: Life That Is Shared

July 13: Use Your Head

July 14: The Big Picture

July 15: Horse Sense

July 16: What’s for Lunch?

July 17: A Racehorse

July 18: The Size of a Gift

July 19: Good Enough

July 20: Changed!

July 21: Dear Dad

July 22: Across the World

July 23: Star Light, Star Bright

July 24: Lotsa Love

July 25: Spilled Lemonade

July 26: Beyond Talk

July 27: Pool Party Bust

July 28: Thankful for That?

July 29: Got to Have It

July 30: Pound-a-peg Toy

July 31: How to Break a Habit

August

August 1: Trash Talk or Truth Talk?

August 2: What to Say When You Pray

August 3: Truth Bonus

August 4: Having a Mentor

August 5: Download

August 6: Why Prayer Is Powerful

August 7: Abigail’s Influence

August 8: Double Check

August 9: Cause and Effect

August 10: Poor, Poor Hannah

August 11: Adventure!

August 12: A Girl Named Kay

August 13: Mixed Up

August 14: Keep It Super Simple

August 15: True Love

August 16: That Kid

August 17: Take My Advice

August 18: Being the Boss

August 19: Courage

August 20: Standing Up

August 21: Summer Splashes of Joy

August 22: When God Is Family

August 23: Pure Religion

August 24: Holes

August 25: Patience Power

August 26: Help Is on the Way

August 27: Back-to-school Mercy

August 28: Just Believe

August 29: A Smile on His Face

August 30: Surprise!

August 31: S’more, Please

September

September 1: Bold and Beautiful

September 2: Corn Maze

September 3: Stressed out at School

September 4: Changes

September 5: A Real Bully

September 6: The Funny Side of Things

September 7: Just Imagine

September 8: Prayer Laundry

September 9: Nothing Too Small

September 10: Secrets

September 11: He Gets It

September 12: Knitting

September 13: Looking Behind

September 14: No Limitations

September 15: Praise!

September 16: Know for Yourself

September 17: Style with a Smile

September 18: A World of Possibilities

September 19: Choosing Joy

September 20: Sour Milk

September 21: Band Practice

September 22: What It Will Be Like

September 23: Count Me In!

September 24: The Goal of Gold

September 25: A Good Kind of Stubborn

September 26: Eyes Wide Open

September 27: One-of-a-kind Design

September 28: Breakdown or Buildup?

September 29: Hidden Love

September 30: Membership Privileges

October

October 1: Pretty Packages

October 2: A Good Night’s Sleep

October 3: The Deep, Deep Blue

October 4: Pleasing God

October 5: Reset

October 6: Building Each Other Up

October 7: Dear Diary

October 8: Prickly People

October 9: Apple Picking

October 10: Diy Project

October 11: Never Ashamed

October 12: Barrel Racing

October 13: A Unique Whistle

October 14: The No Good, Very Bad Day

October 15: Show Off

October 16: Starting Small

October 17: Painting Pumpkins?

October 18: When Everything Seems to Fall Apart

October 19: What You See

October 20: Get up and Dance

October 21: Behind the Bragging

October 22: Face Forward

October 23: Dreaming Big

October 24: Salad Bar

October 25: The Way We Think and Learn

October 26: Carnival Mirrors

October 27: Itty Bitty Kitty

October 28: Imagination

October 29: Hands and Feet

October 30: An Unopened Gift

October 31: Everybody’s Doing It

November

November 1: Bitter to Blessed

November 2: Voices

November 3: Perfectly Good Perfume

November 4: Inside Beauty

November 5: Hideaway

November 6: A Soft Spot

November 7: But It’s Wrong!

November 8: Getting Along

November 9: Priorities

November 10: Cheerleading

November 11: Influence

November 12: A Little Respect

November 13: Double the Friends

November 14: A Heaven Home

November 15: They Call It Karma

November 16: Compliments

November 17: Lunchroom Dilemma

November 18: Open Arms

November 19: Grace

November 20: What Do You Mean, I’m Wrong?

November 21: High Ticket Item

November 22: Ripple Effects

November 23: Laugh a Little

November 24: When No One Not Ices

November 25: Stuffed

November 26: Going to Be Great

November 27: Family Night

November 28: A Letter in the Attic

November 29: Winter Coats and Warm Weather

November 30: Disney World

December

December 1: Happy Endings

December 2: Cinnamon Rolls

December 3: Making It Big

December 4: Chinese Takeout

December 5: An Outsider

December 6: Under the Sea

December 7: Family First

December 8: Boy Crazy

December 9: Bless Her Heart

December 10: Secondhand Stuff

December 11: Green with Envy

December 12: Redefined

December 13: Imperfect People

December 14: Letting Go of Baggage

December 15: A Birth Announcement

December 16: I Wish

December 17: You Are Enough

December 18: Crushing It

December 19: Jealous for You

December 20: Accepted

December 21: Christmas Cookies

December 22: All Wrapped Up

December 23: A Tiny Gift

December 24: Jingle Bells

December 25: A Christmas Gift

December 26: A Lady Named Lorraine

December 27: Lost Chance, Big Gain

December 28: One Kid, Two Worlds

December 29: Loaded

December 30: Dear Mom

December 31: Worry-buster

INTRODUCTION

If you are looking for a great way to start off your day, you’ve come to the right place!

Be encouraged with truth and flooded with joy as you spend time with God, reflecting on these devotions, scriptures, and prayers. Let him show you that you are beautiful, you are loved, and you were created with a purpose. There is no one quite like you, and he is delighted to call you his daughter.

Let God’s everlasting promises strengthen your heart, mind, and spirit as you spend a little time with him.

JANUARY

God chose us to belong to Christ

before the world was created. He

chose us to be holy and without

blame in his eyes. He loved us.

EPHESIANS 1:4 NIRV

JANUARY 1

A NEW YEAR AND A NEW BABY SISTER

Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person.

The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

2 CORINTHIANS 5: 17 NLT

Sophia looked down in her arms at her new baby sister. She was so beautiful! Soft, perfect skin. Tiny toes and little fingers that wrapped around her own finger. And look at her little mouth when she yawns! Sophia thought. Pretty soon she’d be cooing and belly laughing, crawling and blowing bubbles. Babies were just so much fun.

Babies are a reminder of new birth. New birth means a new beginning. Jesus said that if you believe in him, he promises to take away everything you’ve ever done wrong and give you new life. With that new life comes a new beginning. You can start over fresh and new.

There’s nothing that would make Jesus happier than to have you believe in him and start this New Year with a new beginning.

Dear Jesus, I believe in you. Please forgive my sin and give me new life. Thank you that you don’t hold anything against me or keep track of how I’ve messed up in the past. With you I have a new beginning. Amen.

JANUARY 2

STRESSING OUT AND BEING STILL

Be still and know that I am God.

I will be praised in all the nations;

I will be praised throughout the earth.

PSALM 46 : 10 NCV

Jessica could never sit still. She couldn’t watch TV without wiggling her foot. She couldn’t sit in class without bouncing her leg up and down. Her hands were always fidgeting or texting or twirling her hair. Being still was out of the question. She loved to be moving and doing.

Sometimes that’s how we are on the inside. We can’t “sit still” inside because we’re busy thinking and stressing out…

about a stupid comment we made yesterday

about how to fix a broken friendship

about falling apart at dance tryouts

Maybe you’re stressing out about all the bad news on TV and the violence and problems in the world. It’s so awful, you think. I’m starting to freak out. God says in this verse, “Be quiet inside. Be still. I’ve got things covered and I’m in control.”

So instead of stressing out, talk to God. Then just chill and be still, knowing that he is God.

God, sometimes I get worked up on the inside and get really stressed out. Remind me to quiet my heart and remember that you are a big, powerful God. Amen.

JANUARY 3

DO AND DON’T

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.

Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

PHILIPPIANS 4 : 6 NLT

Problems are like magnets. They attract all your attention. You think about them, talk about them, text about them, and journal about them. Most people worry about problems. All. The. Time.

God says, “Don’t worry about anything.” Which is good advice (we are, after all, talking about God’s Word here), but he knew you needed a little more than a list of don’ts.

Don’ts can be discouraging because they tell you what you can’t do.

• Don’t forget to wash your hands.

• Don’t go outside until you finish your homework.

• Don’t worry.

Do’s are empowering because they tell you how you can change the situation. In this verse, you find out what you can do to change the situation you’re in.

• Pray about everything.

• Tell God what you need.

• Thank him, even though you haven’t seen an answer yet. It’s coming!

What would help you remember to pray and tell God about everything instead of worrying so much?

Lord, my mind gets stuck on problems like bees buzz around honey. Help me to focus on you instead of on my problems. When I’m tempted to worry, would you remind me to thank you that you’ve got things covered? Amen.

JANUARY 4

MESSING UP

To him who is able to keep you from stumbling

and to present you before his glorious presence

without fault and with great joy.

JUDE 24 NIV

Zoe and her dad were hiking down a steep road, carefully placing one foot in front of the other. Zoe’s left foot hit loose gravel on the rocky road and she stumbled, tripped, and fell onto her back. Zoe’s dad held out his hand and helped pull her up. She came away embarrassed and with a few bruises.

When the Bible talks about stumbling, it’s talking about making mistakes and messing up. A thoughtless word. An angry look. The results can be a lot more serious than bruises and embarrassment. A quick, unkind word can ruin a friendship. An angry look can hurt feelings. When it’s past, we feel terrible. We really do. But the damage sometimes has already been done.

The Lord is your helper. He can keep you from slipping, stumbling, and messing up. He can keep you from making mistakes you really don’t mean, or want, to make and keep you standing. His specialty is taking failure and turning it into success.

Dear God, thanks for your patience with me. Thanks for continuing to work in my life even when I mess up. I want to let you have your way in me. Amen.

JANUARY 5

BEING BOLD

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of

God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.

ROMANS 1 : 16 NIV

There’s an idea floating around these days that if you tell someone about God you’re forcing your beliefs on them. But forcing your beliefs on someone has more to do with how you tell others about God than actually telling them about him.

Say you just got tickets to the next Taylor Swift concert. (Don’t you wish.) You call your friend and say, “Guess what? I’m going to the Taylor Swift concert! I’m so excited!” That’s not forcing your friend to be excited too. You’re just sharing your joy.

Or say you found a new app you love. Wouldn’t you tell all your girlfriends about it? You’re not forcing the app on anyone. You just want them to use what you think is amazing.

The gospel—the news that Jesus Christ died on the cross and offers forgiveness and salvation to everyone—is good news! Share it without being apologetic or ashamed or pressured into thinking that you’re doing something wrong.

Dear God, I don’t want to be ashamed of your Word. It’s the power of God and it brings salvation. Bring people my way who I can encourage to believe in you. Amen.

JANUARY 6

SNOWBALLS

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable,

and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable.

Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

PHILIPPIANS 4 : 8 NLT

Every snowman starts with a little snowball. Scoop up cold, wet snow and pack it into a small ball. Drop that little snowball and then roll it around in a patch of snow or send it rolling down a sledding hill. With every roll, the ball picks up more snow and grows bigger and bigger until you’ve got an enormous snow “body.”

Thoughts are like a snowball that start small and get bigger. Say you’re on the way to art class. A few friends pass you in the hall without smiling. I wonder why they didn’t say anything to me, you might think. Maybe they’re mad at me. But I didn’t do anything wrong. I didn’t do anything to deserve getting mad at. That’s totally unfair!

See what happens. Once a negative thought gets rolling, it’s hard to stop it. Thinking things that are unkind, untrue, and impure is a great way to become worried, irritated, and angry. But once you get a good, true, encouraging thought rolling it can make your heart soar!

How do negative thoughts make you feel? How do good thoughts make you feel?

Dear God, sometimes my thoughts roll around like a snowball getting bigger and bigger with each roll. When I’m “on a roll,” remind me to think about things that are true and lovely and right. Amen.

JANUARY 7

FEELING GOOD

We have thought on Your lovingkindness, O God.

PSALM 48 : 9 NASB

Jessica was the kind of person everyone loved to be around. She was fun and funny and kind. She always wore a smile and gave out hugs like they were Skittles. Being around Jessica just made people feel good.

If you’ve ever had a friend like that, you come away feeling encouraged and happy. Spending time with God does exactly the same thing. Thinking about who he is makes you feel loved and special. That’s because he…

shows mercy,

is kind,

does not become angry quickly and

has great love. (Psalm 103:8 NCV)

In fact, his love reaches all the way up to heaven; his faithfulness stretches up to the sky (Psalm 33:5). Close your eyes, breathe in deep, and think about this: God’s love for you doesn’t fail. It will never stop but go on and on and on and on. How does that makes you feel?

Dear God, your love reaches to heaven. Your faithfulness stretches up to the sky. You never change. You never stop loving. Thank you for loving me. Amen.

JANUARY 8

DR. PEPPER AND SPRITE

We use our tongues to praise our Lord and Father, but then

we curse people, whom God made like himself. Praises and

curses come from the same mouth! My brothers and sisters,

this should not happen…. Can a fig tree make olives,

or can a grapevine make figs? No!

JAMES 3 : 9 - 12 NCV

Karissa sprinkled her fries with salt and then walked across the food court for a soda refill. She pressed the lever under the Dr. Pepper sign and bubbly white came out. What? She took a sip. It was Sprite. Weird. She pressed it again and the same thing happened. She pressed it a third time and foamy Dr. Pepper filled her cup. She walked away happy but puzzled. That was strange, she thought. Really strange.

Everyone knows that you can’t get Dr. Pepper and Sprite from the same spigot. You can’t pick pears from apple trees or blueberries from strawberry plants. It just doesn’t make sense.

But that’s what sometimes happens with our mouths. Praise songs pour out of our mouth in church on Sunday and a dirty joke spills out on the bus the next day. We say, “Hi, Gina. How’s it going?” at volleyball practice and then, “Gina is such an idiot!” at a sleepover the next day. It doesn’t make sense. More than that, it’s just not right!

Dear Lord, help me guard my heart. I pray that what’s inside my heart would be consistent with what I say and do. Amen.

JANUARY 9

DESIGNER LABEL

We are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew

in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things

he planned for us long ago.

EPHESIANS 2 : 10 NLT

You can tell a real Coach purse from a knock-off by the label. That label tells you who made the purse—and that’s where the real value is. Who made the purse makes all the difference. It tells you about the soft leather, the quality, the detail, and ultimately how much the purse is worth.

You were made by the Creator of heaven and earth. You’re his masterpiece and you wear his label. That’s where your value comes from. It doesn’t come from what you have, do, or what people say about you any more than pasting a “Coach” label on a cheap purse turns it into the real thing. Your value never changes either.

You can make the dance team, or not.

You can have a swimming pool and a big house, or not.

You can be part of the “in” group, or not.

Someone can say hurtful things about you, or not.

And your value won’t change—because who made you doesn’t change. So if things get tough or someone questions your value by calling you names, remember who made you. Remember your value.

Dear God, I am your masterpiece: a priceless person in your eyes.

Thank you for making me who I am. Not someone else.

Not different. Just me. Amen.

JANUARY 10

VENDING MACHINE

Here is what we can be sure of when we come to God in

prayer. If we ask anything in keeping with what he wants,

he hears us.

1 JOHN 5 : 14 NIRV

“Okay, Lena. What’ll it be?” asked her Dad. “Chips or pretzels? Or does a chocolate chip cookie sound better? And please do not let your mother know we’re eating from a vending machine for dinner.”

Sometimes we treat God like a vending machine. We go to him when we need something, and then expect him to deliver.

Step one: Insert prayer and a lot of faith.

Step two: Press your request.

Step three: Reach in to receive your delivered answer.

That’s not of course how it works. Yes, God loves to answer your prayers. Yes, he likes to give you good things. But he’s not a request-on-demand God. He’s a real person with a big plan and reasons for why he says yes or no. Just like your mom. Just like your dad.

When you pray, expect God to listen—because he will. But trust him if the answer is different than what you wanted.

Dear God, thank you for hearing my prayers. I pray that I’d trust you no matter what the answer is. I know that you are good. Amen.

JANUARY 11

A NEW DRESS

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves,

you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy,

kindness, humility.

COLOSSIANS 3 : 12 NLT

Finally! Molly held up the pale green dress and smiled. On Saturday she was going to be a bridesmaid in her cousin’s wedding. After weeks of waiting, her dress was finally here.

Molly unzipped her jeans and left them in a puddle on the floor. She slipped the dress over her head then twirled around in front of the mirror. She felt layers of soft silky fabric swish around her. The dress was perfect!

One of the best things you can dress yourself with is humility and kindness. (Of course a perfect bridesmaid dress runs a close second.) You can choose how you treat people like you choose the clothes you wear. Being humble and kind looks good on you and it feels good. And it makes those around you feel good too.

Can you think of anyone who “dresses” with humility and someone who is always kind?

Dear Lord, when I get dressed every morning, remind me how beautiful humility and kindness looks to you. Amen.

JANUARY 12

HEALTHY BODY, HEALTHY BONES

Don’t depend on your own wisdom.

Respect the Lord and refuse to do wrong.

Then your body will be healthy, and your bones will be strong.

PROVERBS 3 : 7 - 8 NCV

Push-ups. Sit-ups. Jumping jacks and jogging on the treadmill. Do all that and eat salads, fruits, veggies, and cut out sugars and fried foods and you’ll be healthy, right? Sort of.

Physical fitness is what comes to mind when we think of having a healthy body. Things like food, exercise, vitamins, and a good night’s sleep. But refusing to do what’s wrong and fearing, or respecting, the Lord instead of relying on yourself brings health too.

God’s Word and his commands protect us from what’s harmful and what’s wrong. They keep us healthy and strong. Worry, anger, and unforgiveness all have a serious negative effect on the body and on our stress levels. And these things—sin—also make God sad so he can’t have his perfect way in our bodies. Think healthy, do healthy, and be healthy by fearing God and staying away from what’s wrong.

Dear Lord, when I think about being healthy my mind jumps to working out, playing sports, eating healthy. But I don’t want to forget the most important health component of all—obeying you and trusting in your Word. Thanks for your commands that protect my mind and heal my body. Amen.

JANUARY 13

TASTY BITES

The words of a gossip are like tasty bits of food.

People like to gobble them up.

PROVERBS 18 : 8 NCV

Melissa was propped on her bed doing homework when the phone rang. “Hey, Taylor,” she said.

“You’re never going to believe what I just heard? Jackson said Samantha isn’t going to the party Saturday. She’s grounded for something really serious.”

“Really? I wonder what it is. Maybe it’s….”

Gossiping can be fun. Who doesn’t like handing out delicious bits of information that no one else knows? You become the center of attention as every ear turns—to you! It makes you feel important, the expert on a subject everyone else is clueless about.

Listening to gossip can also be fun. Eating up all that juicy information about her or him or that puts you in the know, inside the circle of people who understand what’s really going on. And knowing what’s really going on is important, right?

God says that in the end gossip stirs up trouble. It morphs into rumors and divides friends instead of bringing them together. It assumes things are true even when they’re not. And gossip spills secrets that are best kept locked-up safe.

When you’re in a conversation and someone starts to gossip, what could you do?

Dear Lord, I want to be the kind of friend who can be trusted—with secrets, with sticking up for others, with telling the absolute truth. If I start to say something I know doesn’t need to be shared, please remind me to stop! Amen.

JANUARY 14

PICKING FRIENDS

The righteous choose their friends carefully,

but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

PROVERBS 12 : 26 NIV

Hmm, what should I wear? thought Harper as she stood in her closet. Will it be the pink tunic with black leggings or the three-quarter sleeve tee with skinny jeans? Big decision.

Choosing friends is a little like choosing clothes, only far more important of course. Actually being careful about picking friends isn’t something we usually think about. After all, some friendships just happen.

Here are some questions to think about:

• Where are my friends headed? (And we’re not talking about the mall here.) If I lived like they’re living, how would I end up?

• What’s important to my friends? Is it what I want to be important to me?

• What kinds of things do they encourage me to do?

• Do they make doing what’s right easy or hard?

• Do my closest friends share my faith in Jesus?

The answers will empower you to decide if they’re the best friends to have or if they’re headed in a direction you’d rather not be going.

God, thank you for good friends. I don’t know what I’d do without them. Help me to be careful choosing my friends. Amen.

JANUARY 15

OWIES

Whoever would foster love covers over an offense,

but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.

PROVERBS 17 : 9 NIV

When Addison’s brother was four, he fell off his trike onto the pavement and skinned his knee. He started to cry, and Addison wrapped him up in a hug and told him it was going to be okay. She took him inside to her mom who cleaned the owie and covered it up with a superhero Band-Aid.

After a few days her little brother’s owie started to heal and a small scab covered the sensitive skin underneath. But being curious he pulled off the Band-aid and the scab, and the owie started to hurt again.

When someone hurts us with what they do or say, it’s like we get an “owie” inside. What we do with that hurt can make it worse or help it heal. Reminding someone of what they did wrong and turning it over and over in our mind is like what Addison’s brother did. It uncovers the hurt, makes it worse, and keeps it from healing. But choosing to forgive allows the hurt to heal. Forgiveness makes love grow.

Is there someone who has hurt you? Or do you know someone who’s been hurt? How can you encourage them to let love grow?

Dear Lord, I don’t feel like forgiving. What they did hurt. But you said forgiveness makes love grow, and that’s what I want. So I let go of hurt and hug forgiveness. Amen.

JANUARY 16

GOOGLE IT

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching,

rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.

2 TIMOTHY 3 : 16 NIV

Want to know what the number one selling cosmetic brand in America is? Google it.

Want to know how much a singer is worth? Google it.

With Google, Bing, Yahoo, or any search engine, you can access any information you want. If you need it, you can find it.

In some ways, God’s Word, the Bible, is the ultimate search engine. It doesn’t just pull together answers though; it has all the answers for life. Struggling with temptation? Want to know how to get along with others? Not sure what decision to make? God’s Word will lead you to the answer. It’s packed with true stories, principles, and truth that give you God-power and God-wisdom to live everyday life.

What’s the first thing you’d like to “google” in God’s Word?

Dear God, you’ve given me everything I need to know about you. The Bible isn’t just a book. It’s your Word, and it’s life! Teach me how to learn your Word inside and out. Amen.

JANUARY 17

THE HIDDEN YOU

LORD, You have searched me and known me.

You know when I sit down and when I stand up;

You understand my thoughts from far away.

PSALM 139 : 1 - 2 HCSB

She had two strikes against her. First, she was a woman in a country where women weren’t important. Second, she was a bad woman. She had done so many bad things no one wanted to be her friend, which is why she grabbed her bucket and walked past the chickens and sheep to get water at the village well—all alone.

Truth was, even though she seemed strong on the outside, she hurt on the inside. Because it hurt not to have people like you. But she brushed away that thought as she brushed the sweat from her forehead. Boy, it is hot out here!

At the well she met a man unlike any other person. His name was Jesus.

Jesus talked to her.

Jesus was kind to her.

Jesus knew all about her. He told her that he wanted to give her a gift, a gift of living water and of eternal life.

Just like Jesus knew that woman, he knows you. Even when you’ve done something bad, Jesus loves you. He knows all about you and he wants to give you the same gift he gave her—kindness, hope, and eternal life.

Dear Jesus, you’re not like anyone who ever lived. You’re God! You know everything about me and you came so that I would have life. Amen.

CHECK IT OUT: You can read the story of the woman at the well in John 4.

JANUARY 18

HOPE

Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run

and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

ISAIAH 40 : 31 NIV

I hope I get Mrs. J. for my teacher.

I hope we can go camping.

Hope is that sparkle of excitement inside that keeps us going. There’s always that possibility that even if today isn’t that fun or exciting, something better will come along.

What happens when what you hope for doesn’t happen? When you don’t get Mrs. J. as your teacher and your dad says it won’t work to go camping. Or worse, when the person you hoped would be your best friend says unkind things about you. Then what?

Everyone talks about hoping for something—a good grade or a spot on the softball team. The problem is that people and circumstances change. If that’s where our hope is, we’ll be disappointed—a lot.

Read the three words after “hope” in the verse above. It says to be hopeful in someone. God never changes. He’s always good, always loving, always in control. Even when it doesn’t seem like it. Even when bad things happen. Hope in God is never disappointed.

Dear God, I know that you’ve put desires in my heart, to do, go, and be different things. But things and people and places change. Help me to put my hope in you—the only thing that stays the same from day to day. Amen.

JANUARY 19

MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL

Those who hear God’s teaching and do nothing are like

people who look at themselves in a mirror. They see their faces

and then go away and quickly forget what they looked like.

JAMES 1 : 23 - 24 NCV

Leah was headed out the door for cheer practice. She stopped for a quick look in the hallway mirror and—ack! A little zit was poking out from the bottom of her chin. And was that PopTart filling on her shirt?

If you’re walking out the door, glance in the mirror, and something’s off, you fix it, right? If your zipper’s undone, you zip it up. If your braid is loose, you tuck it in. If you’ve got a spot on your white shirt, you go and change. The point is you do something.

Listening to God’s Word without doing what it says is like looking in a mirror and then walking away without doing a thing. It’s like shrugging your shoulders and saying, “Oh well. No big deal.”

All that good stuff you read in the Bible, all the sermons you listen to at church, all the amazing worship music you sing, don’t just listen to it—do it. Don’t just hear—act. The result? You’ll be blessed! (Read James 1:25.)

Dear Lord, I hear a lot about you—at church, at home, through friends and family. I haven’t always been good about putting what I hear into practice. If there’s any area like that, please show me what it is. I want to put words into action—and be blessed! Amen.

JANUARY 20

IT ALL COUNTS

Whatever you do, whether in word or deed,

do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks to God the Father through him.

COLOSSIANS 3 : 17 NIV

If you divided this list into two different sets, what would they be?

Apples, oranges, carrots, squash, pineapple, green beans, strawberries

Easy, right?

How about this list?

Reading your Bible, playing card games with your cousin, going to youth group, praying, going to the zoo

Most people, and you may or may not be one of them, put them into two categories: things that are spiritual and things that are not. Things that you do for God and things that you do just because.

Truth is, anything you do can be a beautiful act of worship to God. Unloading the dishwasher, vacuuming the living room, even picking up dog poop (well, maybe not). You can practice piano as if Jesus were sitting in the room, do your English assignment as if he were going to read it the next day. Not out of a sense of fear, like, I have to get this perfect or God will be disappointed—but out of joy, like, I love the Lord and want to give him my best.

What’s something you never thought was a way to show your love to God? Would you change anything about how you did it?

Dear Lord, I want everything I do to show my love for you—because you deserve the best. Thank you that even the ordinary things in my day can praise you. Amen.

JANUARY 21

SUPER CREATIVE

“He has filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom,

with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of

skills—to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver

and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood.”

EXODUS 35 : 30 - 33 NIV

Some jobs sure seem more important than others. Like being a nurse or doctor or a pilot. After all, doctors and nurses save lives. And hundreds of people rely on a pilot’s skill. Or being a pastor. Pastors tell people about God, and what’s more important than that?

God chose a guy named Bezalel to create works of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood for the tabernacle, a place of worship. Then God filled him up with the power and creativity of his very own Spirit. Not to preach, not to sing, but in order to build and make crafts.

God values creativity and beautiful things. As the one who’s super creative, he can give you special gifts of creativity—like writing a poem or a song, or designing a hand-crafted card for a grandparent, or painting a portrait. And because it’s special, he’ll give you all that you need to do it well. You just have to ask.

Dear Father, thank you for the gift of your Spirit. It’s amazing to think that you are inside of me, empowering me to do the jobs I have. Fill me up with your creativity and joy. Amen.

JANUARY 22

FREE!

We have freedom now, because Christ made us free.

So stand strong.

GALATIANS 5 : 1 NCV

Chloe, her mom, and her best friend Layla stood just inside the mall’s entrance. Chloe’s mom handed her a twenty-dollar bill.

“You’re free to do whatever you like,” Chloe’s mom said. “Just meet me back here in an hour.”

Free to do whatever I want, thought Chloe. “Hello, Yummy Yogurt shop,” Chloe said. “Come on, Layla. Let’s go.”

Nowhere in the back of Chloe’s mind did she think “free to do whatever” meant she could shoplift or trash the food court. She knew what her mom meant.

Freedom isn’t something you use to do whatever you want. Real freedom means being free from what’s wrong so you can do what’s good. Freedom is being free to stand up for others. Free to speak truth. Free to learn. Free to worship God. Free to be strong and do what’s right.

How would your life be different if you weren’t free?

Dear God, thank you that I’m free—free to pray, have friends, and do things I love. Thank you mostly that you freed me from sin. Show me how to use that freedom to serve and love you with all my heart. Amen.

JANUARY 23

PAY BACK?

The LORD your God has….watched over your journey through

this vast wilderness. These forty years the LORD your God has

been with you, and you have not lacked anything.

DEUTERONOMY 2 : 7 NIV

For forty years the people of Israel wandered around in the desert. No swimming pools. No air-conditioning. No glasses of iced tea. No houses, just tents and a lot of dust and sweltering heat. And yet…their clothes never wore out, they didn’t get blisters on their feet, they never went thirsty or hungry—even though the reason they were in the desert was their own fault. They had messed up and God grounded them for forty years.

When it comes to his children, and that includes you, God isn’t into payback or getting revenge for something you’ve done wrong. God does correct. He does discipline, but it’s with a real goal—to turn your heart back to him and get you on a path that’s good.

Dear God, thank you that you love me enough to correct me. Thank you that your love doesn’t go away. You always care for and watch over your people, and that includes me. Help me be quick to listen, so I can get on a path that’s good. Amen.

JANUARY 24

SUPER SLOW

You are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate,

slow to anger and rich in faithful love.

NEHEMIAH 9 : 17 HCSB

Have you ever turned the honey jar upside down and waited and waited for the honey to slide slowly down the side of the jar and dribble onto your toast? Or whacked the bottom of a ketchup bottle hoping just a little would sloooowly make its way down and plop onto your hot dog?

In a different kind of way, God is really slow too—slow to get angry. It takes forever to make him angry. He’s gracious and full of compassion and extremely patient with you. He’s not in a hurry to get angry because he loves you.

When you love someone, you believe in that person. You give them not just one chance but two, three, four, five because deep inside you know they’re going to get it right. That how God sees you. “From everlasting to everlasting the LORD’s love is with those who fear him” (Psalm 103:17).

How would you explain God’s snail-slow anger to someone else?

Dear Father, thank you for being slow to anger and patient with me. Thank you for believing in me and giving me more than just one chance. Amen.

JANUARY 25

KEEPING TRACK

Love…keeps no record of being wronged.

1 CORINTHIANS 13 : 4 - 5 NLT

Once upon a time a man owed his king 10,000 bags of gold. He didn’t have the money, so the king ordered that the man, his wife and kids, and everything he had be sold to pay the debt.

“Be patient with me,” the man begged the king. “Please give me more time!”

The king not only was patient—he cancelled the debt. The man didn’t owe a thing!

The man was ecstatic! He went out and found someone who owed him 100 silver coins, grabbed him by the neck, and said, “Pay up—now!”

The second man fell to knees. “Please, be patient with me. Please give me more time!”

But the first man said “Absolutely not!” and he… (Read what happened in Matthew 18:21-35).

The king didn’t keep track of the first man’s debt. He said, “You don’t owe me anything” and let him go free. God doesn’t keep track of everything you’ve done wrong.

When you confess your sin, he completely forgives you and says, “You are forgiven and free!” Remembering that can help when others… start a rumor about you, dump you for another best friend, or even borrow your sweater and then lose it.

Being patient with others is like forgiving a 100-coin debt when God has forgiven your debt of 100,000 bags of gold.

Dear God, when I run into people who are difficult to be patient with and hard to forgive, remind me how patient and forgiving you are with me. Amen.

JANUARY 26

DEAR DIARY

Hatred stirs up conflict,

but love covers over all wrongs.

PROVERBS 10 : 12 NIV

Dear Diary,

I think I’m going to be sick. She has that effect on me. It’s bad enough that she brags about their family’s new cars and vacation homes and how her mom works for the NFL. As if anyone cares about football. Seriously. Then today she tried to steal Mackenzie’s crush. She was totally gushing over him, “Oh, Michael, you’re so funny!” and then she laughs this fake laugh and puts her hand on his arm. Like he’s her pet or something. Argh!

Alaina

You can hardly avoid conflict. It happens to everyone. A classmate says something mean. A friend does something hurtful. Someone tries to take away your friend’s crush.

But you can keep that conflict from turning into something worse. An angry remark or a sharp look stirs up conflict and makes it more intense. Showing kindness and forgiveness, even if you don’t feel like they deserve it, erases conflict. Love makes up for what’s wrong.

What is it about love that makes things better?

Dear God, I get frustrated when people are mean, especially when it hurts those I love. I know getting mad only makes things worse. Help me support my friends and forgive and love those who aren’t being nice. Amen.

JANUARY 27

I WAS MADE TO LIVE FOR YOU

Since God has shown us great mercy,

I beg you to offer your lives as a living sacrifice to him.

Your offering must be only for God and pleasing to him.

ROMANS 12 : 1 NCV

There once was a blind man who sat by the side of the road asking for money. He did this all day. Every day. It was what he could do. He couldn’t hold down a job. Who would hire him? So he held out his hand and asked for a few bucks from those who passed by.

One day Jesus passed by. He gave that man who was born blind his sight. But better than that Jesus gave the man purpose, a reason to get up every day—live for God!

You were made to live for Jesus. He gives your life purpose. Whether you’re babysitting or washing dishes or hanging out at the mall, every day is filled with a reason to live—getting to know him and praising him in everything you do, think, or say.

How has Jesus given your life meaning?

Dear God, thank you for giving my life purpose. No matter what I’m doing remind me that I live for you. Amen.

CHECK IT OUT: You can read the whole story about how Jesus gave the blind man purpose in John 9.

JANUARY 28

THE MUNCHIES

You satisfy me more than the richest feast.

I will praise you with songs of joy.

PSALM 63 : 5 NLT

Cheesy pizza. Walking tacos. Juicy steaks with mashed potatoes. Stir-fry with noodles or a huge taco salad. If you’ve got a case of the munchies, what would you want to eat?

Whether it’s an all-you-can-eat buffet or hamburger and potato salad feast, munchies are a part of every sleepover, youth retreat, and birthday party. Salty, sour, gooey, sweet. They tease your tongue in a way that begs for more.