A Little God Time for Teens E-Book

BroadStreet Publishing Group LLC

• Herausgeber: BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Serie: A Little God Time
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2016

Seitenzahl: 384

Beschreibung

A little God time gives you strength for your day and hope for your future. With an endless supply of images, information, and ideas waiting at your fingertips, how can you know what is really true? What is lasting and real? As you reflect on these devotions, Scriptures, and prayers, be encouraged with God's truth. Let him show you that you are beautiful, you are loved, and you were created with a purpose. This devotional is written specifically for teenage girls—like you! It will engage you in topics specific to the issues you face each day. Read about themes like beauty, courage, dignity, identity, integrity, and value, and be encouraged to find everything you need in Christ. Gain confidence as you learn that the God who created you delights in spending time with you. As you embrace his words of truth, be filled with joy, strength, and renewed purpose for the day ahead. There is no one quite like you, and God is delighted to call you his.  

Leseprobe

BroadStreet Publishing Group LLC

Racine, Wisconsin, USA

Broadstreetpublishing.com

A LITTLE GOD TIME FOR TEENS

© 2016 by BroadStreet Publishing

ISBN 978-1-4245-5207-8 (hard cover)

ISBN 978-1-4245-5208-5 (e-book)

Devotional entries composed by Cari Dugan, Claire Flores, Laura Krause, Cate Mezyk, and Stephanie Sample.

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. www.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. www.Lockman.org. Scripture quotations marked (NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (TLB) are taken from The Living Bible copyright © 1971. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (NKJV) are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (TPT) are taken from The Passion Translation® of the Holy Bible. Copyright © 2014, 2015 by BroadStreet Publishing. All rights reserved.

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Edited and compiled by Michelle Winger | literallyprecise.com

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16   17   18   19   20   21   22     7   6   5   4   3   2   1

FOR THE LORD GOD

IS OUR SUN AND

OUR SHIELD.

HE GIVES US

GRACE AND GLORY.

THE LORD WILL

WITHHOLD NO

GOOD THING

FROM THOSE WHO

DO WHAT IS RIGHT.

PSALM 84:11 NLT

Contents

Introduction

January

January 1 Built on Purpose

January 2 Test of Time

January 3 He Has My Back

January 4 Submission?

January 5 Don’t Be Stupid

January 6 Words with Action

January 7 Letting Go

January 8 Lifted in Prayer

January 9 Depth of Feeling

January 10 Joy of Salvation

January 11 No Words

January 12 Wisdom at Every Turn

January 13 Strength to Turn Away

January 14 Wisdom in Words

January 15 Already Selected

January 16 You Belong

January 17 Party Invitation

January 18 Indwelling

January 19 Temple of God

January 20 Another Mirror

January 21 The Trap

January 22 Dependable

January 23 Top Priority

January 24 Shared Strength

January 25 Light of Truth

January 26 Forever New

January 27 Changed from Within

January 28 Life of Peace

January 29 Don’t Lose Heart

January 30 Facing the Sun

January 31 Trouble

February

February 1 He Hears

February 2 Worry-free

February 3 Joy in Obedience

February 4 Choosing Peace

February 5 Ultimate GPS

February 6 Taste and See

February 7 Reward of Hope

February 8 All Good Things

February 9 Weight Lifted

February 10 Held Together

February 11 Preoccupied with Things

February 12 Wisdom in Waiting

February 13 Better Ways

February 14 The Smooth Way

February 15 You Are Strong

February 16 First Response

February 17 Joy and Peace

February 18 Delivered from Fear

February 19 God’s Toolbox

February 20 To-Do Lists

February 21 Glowing

February 22 Joyful Song

February 23 My Shield

February 24 A Beautiful Plan

February 25 Better than Life

February 26 Be Still

February 27 Gift of Music

February 28 A Gift To Be Given

March

March 1 Don’t Give Up

March 2 Always Welcome

March 3 True Contentment

March 4 A Good Friendship

March 5 Anger Under Control

March 6 Boldness

March 7 Influencing Voices

March 8 Creative Skills

March 9 A God of Miracles

March 10 Created by Love

March 11 Total Dependence

March 12 Need for Friends

March 13 Source of Confidence

March 14 Standard of Perfection

March 15 Slave to Temptation

March 16 Courage to Stand

March 17 Not Defined By the Past

March 18 Going After the Hopeless

March 19 Rest and Relaxation

March 20 Staying Pure

March 21 No Room for Fear

March 22 Embrace the Day

March 23 Releasing Worry

March 24 Misplaced Words

March 25 Standing Strong

March 26 Hope Within Reach

March 27 A Beautiful Gift

March 28 Definition of Justice

March 29 List of Imperfections

March 30 Fruit of Self-Control

March 31 Living in Worry

April

April 1 Second Chance

April 2 Treasured Friend

April 3 Faith and Fear

April 4 Being Real

April 5 All You Have

April 6 Totally Trust

April 7 Broken

April 8 The Truth About You

April 9 I Can’t See You

April 10 The Perfect Fit

April 11 Running in the Right Direction

April 12 Blessing of Friends

April 13 Outward Focus

April 14 Patience: the Key

April 15 Foolproof Plans

April 16 Arms Open Wide

April 17 Unearned Respect

April 18 Love Your Enemies

April 19 Intimacy within Marriage

April 20 The Good Path

April 21 Guilty or Not

April 22 Connection

April 23 Decisions

April 24 Just Playing the Part?

April 25 What About Me?

April 26 Managing Priorities

April 27 Beautiful Humility

April 28 Do the Impossible

April 29 Sticks and Stones

April 30 Real Beauty

May

May 1 Greatness

May 2 Beauty That Lasts

May 3 YOLO

May 4 Finding Your Way Back

May 5 Owe Love

May 6 Not Your Master

May 7 Living Now

May 8 The Best Path

May 9 Someone to Turn To

May 10 God’s Word, My Life

May 11 Valued Advice

May 12 Before You Speak

May 13 The Worth of Kindness

May 14 Father to the Fatherless

May 15 I, the Lord, Love Justice

May 16 The Good Wife

May 17 Worth all Your Love

May 18 Know Your Heart

May 19 Stay Close

May 20 To Bring Him Joy

May 21 Paths of Righteousness

May 22 Praise from Someone Else

May 23 Like a Mist

May 24 Wanderer

May 25 Voice of Conviction

May 26 Forever Love

May 27 A Living Sacrifice

May 28 Because of His Mercy

May 29 God Will Comfort Them

May 30 Hidden in Fear

May 31 God Is There

June

June 1 Trade Regret for Hope

June 2 The New Thing

June 3 Being Fair

June 4 Be a Light

June 5 Let Him In

June 6 Avoid a Fight

June 7 Listen to Correction

June 8 The Name of the Lord

June 9 Love the Unlovely

June 10 Better than Gold

June 11 Nothing Too Difficult

June 12 Guided by Honesty

June 13 Acceptable Thoughts

June 14 Meet with Him

June 15 Becoming Perfect

June 16 Your Story

June 17 This Is Possible

June 18 Call to Him

June 19 Leave It Behind

June 20 Look for Me

June 21 Power to Save

June 22 Greater Love

June 23 Compliments

June 24 Comparing

June 25 The Same

June 26 Your Word Gives Light

June 27 Positions of Authority

June 28 I Will Still Have You

June 29 Good Gifts

June 30 How to Treat Others

July

July 1 Working for the Lord

July 2 Do Good

July 3 Rejoice in this Day

July 4 Freedom in Truth

July 5 Able to Save

July 6 Love with Action

July 7 The List

July 8 Living in Purity

July 9 Unselfish & Considerate

July 10 Stand in Faith

July 11 The Reality of Eternal Life

July 12 Enjoying Rules

July 13 Our Fight

July 14 You Loved Them

July 15 Not One Forgotten

July 16 Multiplied Worry

July 17 Do What It Says

July 18 All God Has

July 19 Unless the Lord

July 20 Think About God

July 21 Give Me Your Heart

July 22 Have Nothing to Do

July 23 A Powerful Force

July 24 Enemies at Peace

July 25 Putting on the Brakes

July 26 A Thousand Generations

July 27 Weight of Criticism

July 28 Peace or Envy

July 29 This Is the Way

July 30 Safer in His Hands

July 31 Not Embarrassed

August

August 1 Turn Back the Clock

August 2 Choose Wisely

August 3 Tender Love

August 4 Run Away

August 5 Everlasting Love

August 6 Listen to Advice

August 7 Forgiven & Free

August 8 Remain Connected

August 9 True Friendship

August 10 Taking Up Space

August 11 Real Beauty

August 12 It Looks Like Fun

August 13 Truthful and Kind

August 14 Lean In

August 15 Immeasurable Glory

August 16 You Are Creative

August 17 Every Happy Moment

August 18 Lost in Joy

August 19 Bigger, Better, More

August 20 God Is Forever

August 21 Wait

August 22 Let Him Take It Away

August 23 Known For What?

August 24 Free To Go

August 25 Sharpened

August 26 Just Because

August 27 Where You Send Me

August 28 He Calls You Precious

August 29 More Like You

August 30 A Single Spot

August 31 He Wants It All

September

September 1 Just Be There

September 2 Forever Made Perfect

September 3 Pleasing People

September 4 Entirely Lovely

September 5 Who We Follow

September 6 What Breaks His Heart

September 7 Who Do You Love?

September 8 He Wants You

September 9 Best Friends

September 10 How Does Your Garden Grow?

September 11 How Did I Get Here?

September 12 Because He’s God

September 13 To Know His Daughter

September 14 The World Is Wrong

September 15 No Such Thing as Lost

September 16 Patience over Power

September 17 God Doesn’t Wander

September 18 Primary Distraction

September 19 Altogether Different

September 20 Deeply Loved

September 21 It Has To Be Him

September 22 A Source You Can Trust

September 23 What Are You Waiting For?

September 24 He Knows When We Don’t

September 25 Choosing Well

September 26 Surrender to Freedom

September 27 Direct My Steps

September 28 Through the Storm

September 29 The Narrow Gate

September 30 Incredible Inheritance

October

October 1 Gift of Guilt

October 2 Live Wisely

October 3 What Are You Eating?

October 4 Am I a Jonah?

October 5 Incapable of Failure

October 6 In the Love of God

October 7 Persistence Pays Off

October 8 Believe

October 9 High Quality

October 10 Learning How to Pray

October 11 In Need of a Father

October 12 Attacked

October 13 Never Unloved

October 14 Thankful for Life

October 15 A Perfect Plan

October 16 Where Do I Turn?

October 17 Meditation

October 18 Earn a Good Day?

October 19 Nights

October 20 A Life of Dependence

October 21 Thirsty

October 22 Secret Sins

October 23 No More Shame

October 24 It’s Not Over Yet

October 25 Arguing with God

October 26 Best Years?

October 27 How Many Days?

October 28 In the Beginning

October 29 God Isn’t Moody

October 30 Tough Choices

October 31 Make Me Clean

November

November 1 Designed for Honor

November 2 What to Wear?

November 3 Right Discipline

November 4 Greater than Fear

November 5 Full Life

November 6 Who Are Your Friends?

November 7 Roots

November 8 Stream of Grace

November 9 What Makes You His Friend

November 10 Submissive Heart

November 11 Father of Lies

November 12 Prince of Peace

November 13 Playing with Fire

November 14 Rewards

November 15 Just Pray

November 16 Don’t Hide

November 17 Hearing the Truth

November 18 Brother’s Keeper

November 19 A Protective Dad

November 20 Not Just a Children’s Song

November 21 Catch a Glimpse

November 22 Just a Taste

November 23 The Pre-existent Jesus

November 24 Strength and Joy

November 25 Waiting for Justice

November 26 A Good Leader

November 27 Walking in Obedience

November 28 Finding Rest

November 29 A Marathon Life

November 30 Winter

December

December 1 Faithful Without Fail

December 2 Dwelling on Truth

December 3 An Ideal Outcome

December 4 Measured Worth

December 5 Adored

December 6 Equipped to Conquer

December 7 Only One You

December 8 Simply Delighted

December 9 A Choice in Anger

December 10 A Woman of Dignity

December 11 The Measure of Success

December 12 Done with Excellence

December 13 Thankful for Family

December 14 Strangling Fear

December 15 A Goal of Peace

December 16 Showing Gratitude

December 17 Devoted in Love

December 18 Magnificent Creation

December 19 May It All Come True

December 20 In Awe of Grace

December 21 His Power in Me

December 22 Glimpse of Love

December 23 Supernatural Strength

December 24 Journey of Hope

December 25 Blessed

December 26 Worth Worrying?

December 27 Complete Healing

December 28 Shoes and Righteousness

December 29 Walking in Truth

December 30 Desert Seasons

December 31 Tomorrow’s Troubles

INTRODUCTION

This devotional is written specifically for teenage girls—like you! It will engage you in topics specific to the issues you face each day. Read about themes like beauty, courage, dignity, identity, integrity, and value, and be encouraged to find everything you need in Christ!

Gain confidence as you learn that the God who created you delights in spending time with you. As you embrace his words of truth, be filled with joy, strength, and renewed purpose for the day ahead.

JANUARY

Before he made the world, God chose us to

be his very own through what Christ would

do for us; he decided then to make us holy in

his eyes, without a single fault—we who stand

before him covered with his love.

EPHESIANS 1:4 TLB

JANUARY 1

BUILT ON PURPOSE

It was you who formed my inward parts;

you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Wonderful are your works;

that I know very well.

PSALM 139:13-14 NRSV

Even before you were born, the Lord was busy working on you. God knew what color your eyes were going to be, and how thick or thin or curly or straight your hair would turn out. And even better, he knew all the character traits that add up to exactly what makes you, you!

Here’s the best thing: God doesn’t make mistakes. What does that mean for you? It means that he knew what he was doing with every trait he gave you. He thinks you are wonderful! You may be questioning why you were born with such and such, or why you have this or that personality trait. But he built you that way on purpose, to use it for his glory, because he saw the beauty in it!

Lord, help me to see how wonderfully you’ve made me, each and every day.

JANUARY 2

TEST OF TIME

“People are like grass;

their beauty is like a flower in the field.

The grass withers and the flower fades.

But the word of the Lord remains forever.”

And that word is the Good News that was preached to you.

1 PETER 1:24-25 NLT

When you are in the middle of troubling times, it can feel like it’s going to last forever. The teenage years can feel like one big competition. Who is the most popular? When will the school record for such and such be broken? Who is wearing what, and who is going out with whom? There’s intense pressure to keep up with it all.

Take heart, and be encouraged. There is nothing wrong with being popular or succeeding, but it isn’t enduring. The Bible tells us earthly things are like the flowers of the field. They’re beautiful while they last, but they fade away. What’s left to stand the test of time is the Word of the Lord. Stand on that truth when the pressure begins to build in your life.

Lord, I pray that I would see past the glories of the here and now and instead see what’s enduring. Help me to stand on your truth when pressure threatens to get to me.

JANUARY 3

HE HAS MY BACK

What shall we say about such wonderful things as

these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?

ROMANS 8:31 NLT

Sometimes it feels like the whole world is out to get you. Even your friends can’t identify with you at times. But there is one who always understands you. One who grasps exactly who you are, right down to the depths of your soul. When it seems like the rest of the world is pitted against you, God is always for you, rooting for you, and on your side.

Doesn’t it feel good to know that you are never alone? You’ve always got someone to turn to, no matter how big your problems may seem. It’s amazing how just knowing that someone has your back can turn things around.

Lord, thank you for being there for me. I praise you for being the one I can turn to in my every moment of need, regardless of the circumstance. Since you are for me, who can be against me? I pray I’d look to you when I’m feeling alone, and that I’d remember that someone always has my back.

JANUARY 4

SUBMISSION?

Submit therefore to God. Resist the

devil and he will flee from you.

JAMES 4:7 NASB

One of the hardest things to do in life is to submit to someone else’s authority. Giving up control sounds like a terrible idea! We want complete jurisdiction over the decisions we make, right? And yet, we’re asked to give that up. As believers in Christ, we are told that we need to give our lives over to him.

Submission means to yield to another person. In Christ’s case, he is superior to us in every way, shape, and form. Although he is superior, and though he could have forced us all into submission, he has given us the choice. We can choose to live a better life through him, full of wisdom and joy, or we can choose otherwise. He loves us enough to let us decide.

Lord, I pray I’d choose daily to submit myself to you. Give me wisdom in my decisions and the joy that comes from knowing you in a deep and real way. Thank you for giving me the choice, and for loving me so well.

JANUARY 5

DON’T BE STUPID

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,

but whoever hates correction is stupid.

PROVERBS 12:1 NIV

Sometimes things need to be said in plain English. That’s what is so great about Proverbs. It’s a book that tells it like it is. Proverbs says that hating correction is just plain stupid.

Nobody likes to look stupid. On the other hand, taking correction can be an incredibly difficult thing to do. And discipline? Well, that doesn’t seem like much fun.

Discipline is what we need in order to grow spiritually. We need to be corrected when we are living under a false assumption or making the same mistake time and time again. It’s good for us to be disciplined, especially when it’s done in love. So while it may not be fun, it’s what’s best for our lives.

Lord, thank you for your discipline. You are loving in all that you do, and your gentle corrections are no different. Thank you that you don’t allow me to go about my days making mistakes without accountability. Instead, you step in and let me know when I’ve done wrong. I pray I’d take your instruction and the instruction of others with a grateful heart.

JANUARY 6

WORDS WITH ACTION

My children, we should love people not only with

words and talk, but by our actions and true caring.

1 JOHN 3:18 NCV

We’ve all seen people who preach about what Christians should be doing but don’t apply it to their own lives. Perhaps they shout it in all caps on social media, but there’s no love behind their words.

The fact is you can talk all day long about what it means to be a Christian, but without action, it’s meaningless. A better approach is to show love to Christ by putting faith into action. Serve others around you. Stand up for what’s true. Treat people with kindness and put them first. Give selflessly. Your words are only a part of how you’re called to live differently. Look around you for ways that you put your love into action.

Lord, I know that there are many ways I can live out your love here on earth. Open my eyes to see how I can serve others and show your love to the people around me. Help me to live as an example of your truth.

JANUARY 7

LETTING GO

Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another,

if anyone has a complaint against another; even

as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.

COLOSSIANS 3:13 NKJV

When someone hurts you, it can be really tough to let go of your frustration and forgive that person. Everything in you wants to maintain a firm grip on anger. It’s not fair, you might think. It’s not right! You want to hold on to the injustice of it all. But the Lord created forgiveness as a way to relieve a burden. Hanging on to that hardness of your heart is like hanging on to a pile a bricks that needlessly weigh you down.

Forgiving isn’t easy. And letting go of your anger and hurt doesn’t mean you’re saying that what happened was okay. But when you stop being resentful it’s as good for you as it is for the one you’re forgiving. You may be surprised to find that you actually feel lighter after you’ve figured out how to let it go.

Lord, help me to forgive others like you’ve forgiven me. Forgive me for any resentment I’ve had. Relieve me of any burden I’ve carried in my resentment. I pray I’d be able to move on and let go.

JANUARY 8

LIFTED IN PRAYER

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray

for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of

a righteous person has great power as it is working.

JAMES 5:16 ESV

One of the greatest gifts the Lord has ever given us is the community we have with other Christians. Friends who also love Jesus keep us accountable for our actions. We can turn to them in times of trouble and be lifted up in prayer.

The Lord wants each of us to spend time in prayer on our own, but there is something special and powerful about praying with others. When we come together, asking God for something in unity, amazing things happen. Not only are prayers answered, we’re drawn together in a deeper way than we’d ever thought possible. When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable in this way, it pulls us together and our relationship with God will grow.

Lord, thank you for the gift of friendship. It’s an incredible blessing to be prayed over and in turn to pray for others. Help me to ask for prayer when I’m in need.

JANUARY 9

DEPTH OF FEELING

Jesus wept.

JOHN 11:35 NIV

It’s the shortest verse in the Bible, and yet these two words say so much. They tell us that the God we serve is one who understands us. He gets where we are coming from because he’s been there. He has experienced everything we have because he humbled himself to become human. He has intimate knowledge of just how we feel.

When Jesus felt sorrow, he wept. Weeping doesn’t mean a little sniffle and an “I’m sort of sad” shrug of the shoulders. Weeping can bring you to your knees; it’s a deeply felt kind of misery. When it seems like there isn’t anyone else who understands how you feel, picture Jesus weeping, and know that you are never alone. There is someone who gets you.

Lord, thank you for the ways in which you truly understand me. I know that I can turn to you because you grasp just how I am feeling in every situation. I love how you love me.

JANUARY 10

JOY OF SALVATION

Restore to me the joy of your salvation,

and sustain in me a willing spirit.

PSALM 51:12 NRSV

There’s an excitement that goes along with being a new believer. You overflow with joy, and you want everyone to know exactly what you’re feeling. Over time, that initial feeling of excitement can fade. Eventually it can be tempting to be complacent in your relationship with the Lord. It’s like it might have been once you were past an initial crush or the excitement of a new friend.

Sometimes you need to pray for protection over your relationship with the Lord. Pray that you’d come back to the same eagerness and enthusiasm you had at the beginning. Your relationship with God is meant to go the distance, not simmer hot then fizzle out. As you grow in your spiritual life, you’ll learn more and more. That growth will sustain you for the long run.

Lord, thank you for the joy of your salvation. I want our relationship to grow strong and deep.

JANUARY 11

NO WORDS

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We

do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit

himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.

ROMANS 8:26 NIV

Ever feel like you want to pray, but you have no clue what to say? Guess what? Even when you have no idea what to say, it doesn’t matter! God’s Spirit is always with you, helping you along. When your mouth opens, but you freeze up and no words come out, he fills in the gaps and gives you the words to say. If your heart is willing, he does the praying for you.

He knows you better than you know yourself. He cares about every detail, even when it comes to the words you pray. So you never have to worry. Just place yourself in his presence, and the rest will come.

Lord, thank you for filling in the gaps for me when I have no idea what to say. I praise you for knowing me so well. Help me to be open to your presence today and every day.

JANUARY 12

WISDOM AT EVERY TURN

If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove

it by living an honorable life, doing good works

with the humility that comes from wisdom.

JAMES 3:13 NLT

When you think of a wise person, is there anyone specific who comes to mind? What is it about that person that makes you think they are so wise? Certain qualities define a wise person. How they live their lives and show wisdom is the most important quality of all. It’s more than talk; it’s their walk. Boasting about their greatness or knowledge doesn’t do it. Twisting situations to put themselves in a better light certainly doesn’t either.

But living a life that follows the example Christ set is a great way to become wise. When we are humble, ask for others’ opinions, seek knowledge, and live to serve, we find wisdom for ourselves. Be wise and follow the Lord!

Father, thank you for being the ultimate giver of wisdom. I want to seek your wisdom at every turn. I pray that I’d resist the temptation to tell people how knowledgeable I am. I pray I’d remain your humble servant.

JANUARY 13

STRENGTH TO TURN AWAY

We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize

with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect

has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

HEBREWS 4:15 ESV

Do you ever feel like the Bible just doesn’t apply to modern life? Or that God doesn’t understand because he’s a distant God who couldn’t possibly get what’s going on in your life? After all, you’re faced with daily temptations, and there he is, up in heaven, unable to see what you’re going through.

Here’s the thing: God went through it all himself. The clothing styles may have been different and the technology certainly wasn’t there, but Jesus Christ came to earth and faced the same things you do today. Greed, jealousy, lust—he saw it all. So he really does understand. Jesus knows what you’re facing, because he faced it too—and won. You can look temptation in the eye and beat it, because you have Jesus in your life.

Lord, thank you for your empathy. Thanks for understanding where I am and walking through many of the same temptations yourself. Give me the strength to turn away from temptation today.

JANUARY 14

WISDOM IN WORDS

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make

the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation

be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so

that you may know how to answer everyone.

COLOSSIANS 4:5-6 NIV

Picture this scene: You’re chatting with a friend, and suddenly she asks a question about your faith. It’s a deep one, and it feels like so much hinges on your answer. There’s pressure to get it right because you don’t know when this opportunity will arise again! Do you freeze up and let the pivotal moment pass you by? Or do you open your mouth and let God use you as a tool to reach your friend in the way she needs?

The Lord will give you wisdom in every situation if you are open to it. He will give you the words to say, even when you have no idea what they are. Let him use you to reach those around you!

Father, I pray that you will use me in conversation with my friends. I pray I’d make the most of every opportunity that arises, and that my friendships would become my personal mission field. Thank you for giving me wisdom when I don’t have the words to say on my own.

JANUARY 15

ALREADY SELECTED

You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood,

a holy nation, His own special people, that you

may proclaim the praises of Him who called you

out of darkness into His marvelous light.

1 PETER 2:9 NKJV

Remember in school when you divide into groups, and slowly the captains select people for their team? For someone who isn’t picked early on, the waiting can seem like forever. No one wants to be the last one picked. Guess what? God has already chosen you for his team. He picked you, right away, with no hesitation. He even calls you his special possession!

The rules of the game are simple: believe in him, follow his Word, speak out for him, do his work, and share his love with others. Tell everyone you know about the ways he has changed you for the better. He wants as many people as possible on his team, and he’s calling you to add those members.

Lord, I praise you for all you’ve done for me. I pray I’d have the courage to be an active team member for your kingdom, sharing your love.

JANUARY 16

YOU BELONG

You, dear children, are from God and have

overcome them, because the one who is in you

is greater than the one who is in the world.

1 JOHN 4:4 NIV

Do you ever feel like you just don’t belong anywhere? You might feel you don’t fit in and that no one truly cares for you. That’s a lie that the enemy wants you to believe. The truth is you are created by God. If you’ve put your faith in him, he lives in you and cares for you. And that means you belong. You belong to the best team you could ever imagine. It’s the team that wins, and the team that’s been formed out of love.

When you feel like an outsider, remember that you’ve been handpicked to be a part of the best. God wants you as an integral member of his team, and his Holy Spirit is in you, urging you on to victory over those that would bring you down.

Lord, thank you for choosing me for your team. I know I am created by you, and you are in me. I’m simply in awe.

JANUARY 17

PARTY INVITATION

We through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting

for the hope of righteousness.

GALATIANS 5:5 NASB

When you were little did you ever have anything that you couldn’t wait to happen? Like a best friend’s sleepover or a birthday party? How many times did you ask, “How much longer,” or “When will it be time to go?” You just couldn’t wait to get there, and the minutes ahead of time felt interminable.

There’s an exciting party happening soon, and we’re living in anticipation of its starting time. The theme of this party is righteousness, and it’ll be the most happening event in heaven. It’s not an exclusive party. God wants to invite anyone and everyone. And as long as we live in faith, we’ve got an invitation.

Father, I cannot wait for the party you’ll be throwing in heaven. I pray that I’d see the faces of everyone I know there too, and that my life would serve as an invitation to others to join the fun.

JANUARY 18

INDWELLING

A person who does not have the Spirit does not accept

the truths that come from the Spirit of God. That person

thinks they are foolish and cannot understand them,

because they can only be judged to be true by the Spirit.

1 CORINTHIANS 2:14 NCV

If you met someone on the street and they said, “There’s this guy that wants to live inside you and change your life,” you’d probably run in the opposite direction. At the very least, it sounds a little goofy, doesn’t it? And yet, it’s true. There is someone who wants to take up residence within you! The person will give you the greatest joy you’ve ever known.

The Lord has given those who believe in him an incredible gift—his Holy Spirit. He’s the one who resides with us and within us. He gives us the wisdom, knowledge, and power we wouldn’t otherwise have without him. We can turn to him at any time.

Lord, I praise you today for the gift of your Holy Spirit. I know that without this gift, my life just wouldn’t be the same. I’m thankful for it!

JANUARY 19

TEMPLE OF GOD

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the

Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received

from God? You are not your own; you were bought

at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

1 CORINTHIANS 6:19-20 NIV

When we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, we are asking him to enter our lives and lead us in everything we say and do. As we mature spiritually, we walk closer and closer to him, making wise decisions in our daily choices. So why is it that we often forget that self-care is a part of that? So many times we choose to obey the Lord in other areas of our lives but forget one of the most important things—caring for ourselves.

God created us and formed us in his image. If he cares about us, we should care about us! That means getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, exercising, and not giving our bodies to anyone or anything else that would displease him. He tells us that our bodies are his temples, and we should care for them as if they are worthy of that distinction.

Father, thank you for creating me. Help me to take good care of your temple.

JANUARY 20

ANOTHER MIRROR

If any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like

those who look at themselves in a mirror; for they look at

themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what

they were like. But those who look into the perfect law, the

law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget

but doers who act—they will be blessed in their doing.

JAMES 1:23-25 NRSV

Before you leave your house every day, you look in the mirror, right? You check to see that your hair isn’t out of place, or that you don’t have any crumbs on your face, or that your clothes look ok. But there’s another mirror you want to be looking in daily, and it’s often overlooked completely.

The book of James says you’re a reflection of Christ in this world. He provides his Word, the Bible, for you as a way to learn how to be like him. It’s his mirror. You can look into that mirror, see how he loves others, and see the ways you can reflect him.

Lord, I pray I’d turn to your Word for help and show others what you’re like in all I do and say.

JANUARY 21

THE TRAP

The fear of man brings a snare,

But he who trusts in the LORD will be exalted.

PROVERBS 29:25 NASB

It’s hard not to worry about what others will think of us. The opinions of our friends and family can mean a lot, and we don’t want to appear any less than perfect in their eyes. Contemplating how our actions might come across can actually keep us from moving forward at times.

The Bible tells us that this is a snare. So don’t fall into the trap! While we do need to go to others for good judgment, we ultimately want to look to Christ. When we avoid being wrapped up in the good opinion of others, we’ll be kept safe. He will protect us. So be confident in the decisions you make, knowing that the opinion that matters is the Lord’s. People’s view of you may change as easily as the breeze blows, but God’s view of you is unchanging. He loves you always.

Father, thank you for keeping me safe. Help me to look to you for my confidence instead of to others. You love me so well!

JANUARY 22

DEPENDABLE

“For I hold you by your right hand—

I, the LORD your God.

And I say to you,

‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.’”

ISAIAH 41:13 NLT

Did you know that the Lord would never lie to you? He won’t lie because everything about him is truth. So when he flat out says that you have nothing to fear because he will help you, those aren’t empty words. They’re a promise, and he will see it through because his words are truth.

If you’re afraid, reach out your hand to the one who loves you. He’s ready to take it with a firm, yet gentle, grip. God is ready to pull you up out of whatever has you down. There is no need to fear, no need to worry, and no need to panic. He has it all under control and is always available to you. Depend on him. You won’t regret your choice!

Lord, I give you my hand. Take it in your firm grip and help me through. Thank you for your truth. I know you will not let me down!

JANUARY 23

TOP PRIORITY

It is the LORD your God you must follow, and

him you must revere. Keep his commands and

obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.

DEUTERONOMY 13:4 NIV

What are you holding onto today? Is it fear? Hurt? Brokenness? Are you looking to your friends for their approval? Here’s the thing: if you are not holding on to Christ himself, whatever else you’re grasping will eventually slip from your grip. Hold on to him and only him, as if your life depends on it—because it does!

There is only one God, and he loves you with fierceness beyond comparison. He wants you to put him first and follow his commands. Anything else that you’ve placed above him in your list of priorities needs to be re-thought and re-shifted. Put God at the top. Hold firmly on to him. He will hold you, protecting and loving you.

Father, thank you for loving me. I pray I’d always put you at the top of my priority list. I want to hold on to you and your great love and never let go.

JANUARY 24

SHARED STRENGTH

Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power.

EPHESIANS 6:10 NRSV

There’s no doubt about it. God is strong, and he wants you to be strong too. In fact, there is nothing that you can’t overcome when you have him on your side. You’ll find a fortitude and resilience that you didn’t know existed, all because his power is inside in you. He is mighty and he will save you.

God’s strength is offered to you as a gift. Take that gift and put it to good use. When you are weary, or don’t believe that you can make it through your current situation, turn to him and know that his power will get you through. You can’t always go through life on your own, and the good news is that you don’t have to. He promises to be right by your side, encouraging you all the while, sharing his strength and might with the child he loves.

Father, thank you for your strength. I need it today! I pray that your power would come upon me, helping me through each day.

JANUARY 25

LIGHT OF TRUTH

You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of

God in a dark world full of people who are crooked

and stubborn. Shine out among them like beacon

lights, holding out to them the Word of Life.

Then when Christ returns, how glad I will be that

my work among you was so worthwhile.

PHILIPPIANS 2:15-16 TLB

You, my friend, shine like a star. If you’ve got the love of Christ inside you, it’s like a radiant beam that shines bright for all to see. You just can’t help it. Let that light continue to sparkle by keeping close to God and following his Word of life and truth.

Even though circumstances around you might seem bleak, you stand out because you have Christ within you. People are drawn to you because of it. If you hold tight to the Lord’s truth, his love and his light shine through you. Everyone who sees you will see his light too!

Father, I want to shine for you as a light. Thank you for your Word of life!

JANUARY 26

FOREVER NEW

My flesh and my heart may fail,

but God is the strength of my heart

and my portion forever.

PSALM 73:26 NIV

Getting old may seem a long way away, but eventually skin begins to wrinkle and hair starts to gray. Muscles and bones start to weaken, and working out gets less fun.

The exciting news is that even when earthly bodies might not be perfect, or even when you’re just feeling tired, the Lord promises to refresh your soul and give you strength. It’s like he makes you new inside. He gives you strength when you don’t feel like you have any of your own. All you need to do is ask. As you begin to rely on him, you will find a reward in your relationship with him that you may not have expected.

Father, thank you for being my strength and for renewing my spirit. My body will eventually wear out, but my soul is forever new in you.

JANUARY 27

CHANGED FROM WITHIN

Do not be shaped by this world; instead be changed

within by a new way of thinking. Then you will be able

to decide what God wants for you; you will know what

is good and pleasing to him and what is perfect.

ROMANS 12:12 NCV

We all want to fit in, don’t we? That’s because when we blend in, others won’t see us as weird or different or unusual. Sometimes, though, as we try hard to fit in, we might find ourselves fitting in too much. So much that we may not even notice when our values slip and we become more like the world around us than like Jesus.

God’s desire is to lift you up and bring out the best in you. So be careful not to get pulled down into poor choices and unwise decisions. God wants you to be changed for the better.

God, I want to be above the things of this world and keep my focus on you and your will for me. Change me from the inside out!