Strength for Today for Teen Girls E-Book

BroadStreet Publishing Group LLC

• Herausgeber: BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Serie: Ziparound Devotionals
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2022

Seitenzahl: 429

Beschreibung

You can walk in confidence when you rely on God to be your strength. Be encouraged with truth as you spend time with God, reflecting on these devotions, Scriptures, and prayers. As you spend time with him, he will fill you with peace and hope for each day. Let your heavenly Father show you that, through him, even in your weakest moments, you are radiant, and you are strong. Take courage in God's love for you and be ready to conquer each day!

Leseprobe

BroadStreet Publishing

Savage, Minnesota, USA

Strength for Today for Teen Girls

© 2022 by BroadStreet Publishing®

9781424565115

9781424565122 (e-book)

Devotional entries composed by Rachel Flores.

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, 1971, 1972, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. 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 (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®. Copyright © 2017, 2018, 2020 by Passion & Fire Ministries, Inc. Used by permission of BroadStreet Publishing. All rights reserved.

Cover and interior by Garborg Design Works | garborgdesign.com

Editorial services by Carole Holdahl and Sarah Eral.

Printed in China.

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CONTENTS

Introduction

January 1: Submit Your Ways

January 2: Bring It All

January 3: Nourished Soul

January 4: I Will Hold You

January 5: Abide

January 6: Choose

January 7: Reliability

January 8: Suffering Celebration

January 9: River

January 10: Instruction Manual

January 11: A Good Friend

January 12: Powerful Girl

January 13: Big Enough

January 14: Troublesome Words

January 15: Paul’s Secret

January 16: Give and Get

January 17: Greatest Gift

January 18: I Believe

January 19: Listen to the Story

January 20: A Little Guidance

January 21: Wisdom

January 22: A Better Band-Aid

January 23: Sick Day

January 24: True Love

January 25: Reputation

January 26: To Be Known

January 27: What You Consume

January 28: Appetite

January 29: Waiting

January 30: For His Glory

January 31: Sound Doctrine

February 1: Seasons

February 2: God in Nature

February 3: You Are Qualified

February 4: Tiny Kittens

February 5: Good News

February 6: He Cares

February 7: True Love

February 8: Passion Meets Purpose

February 9: Builders

February 10: Step Out

February 11: Eternal Mindset

February 12: Dance in the Rain

February 13: Masterpiece

February 14: Perfect Love

February 15: Enemy

February 16: Spending Time

February 17: Belonging

February 18: Who God Is

February 19: Trust and Obey

February 20: Face of Jesus

February 21: Unchanging Love

February 22: Moved In

February 23: Working with Clay

February 24: Hungry

February 25: Hateful Words

February 26: Storehouse

February 27: God’s Table

February 28: Heart Check

March 1: Salty Words

March 2: Dream Big

March 3: All Access Pass

March 4: BFF

March 5: Be Still

March 6: Daughter of the King

March 7: Pride Will Betray

March 8: Muddy Pits

March 9: Beautiful Song

March 10: Not a Fairy Tale

March 11: Keep Going

March 12: Traffic Lights

March 13: Upside-Down Kingdom

March 14: Messy Love

March 15: Know His Voice

March 16: Biblical Beauty

March 17: This Day

March 18: Just Do It

March 19: Unchanging

March 20: Discipline of Diligence

March 21: Ultimate Love Song

March 22: Suffering

March 23: Women of Faith

March 24: Honor Jesus

March 25: Which Road

March 26: Fear Monster

March 27: Blanket Fort Refuge

March 28: Promise Keeper

March 29: Real Love

March 30: By Faith

March 31: Good Fruit

April 1: Excitement and Hope

April 2: You Choose

April 3: You Belong

April 4: Unfailing Love

April 5: Welcome the Outsider

April 6: His Plan

April 7: Unique

April 8: His Disciple

April 9: What It Means

April 10: Inseparable

April 11: Embrace the Weird

April 12: Out of the Box

April 13: The Blessing

April 14: Run Free

April 15: Simple Instructions

April 16: Bon Appétit

April 17: You Need a Rescuer

April 18: You Belong

April 19: Trust Your Commitment

April 20: Baggage Claim

April 21: Words as Weapons

April 22: Gather Your Courage

April 23: Written in Red

April 24: Go for Gold

April 25: Group Project

April 26: The Golden Ticket

April 27: Modesty

April 28: Nearness

April 29: Honor Competition

April 30: Biographies of Faith

May 1: Pay It Forward

May 2: Proper Worship

May 3: All About You

May 4: Boldness

May 5: The Great Commission

May 6: Painting a Picture

May 7: Not Angry

May 8: Step of Faith

May 9: Body Parts

May 10: A Bad Bet

May 11: Eternal

May 12: On the Battlefield

May 13: Simple Gospel

May 14: Endurance

May 15: Fully Equipped

May 16: Slaying Giants

May 17: Who You Are

May 18: Hope

May 19: Brand-New

May 20: He Is Kind

May 21: Obsessed

May 22: Busy Lives

May 23: Mentors

May 24: Ambassador

May 25: None Perfect

May 26: Don’t Be a Fool

May 27: Watch for the Lion

May 28: Everlasting Peace

May 29: Supporting Roles

May 30: Burning

May 31: Truly Alive

June 1: Powerful

June 2: Qualified

June 3: Coming Soon

June 4: In His Image

June 5: Cookie Cutter

June 6: Cry Out to God

June 7: Personal Convictions

June 8: God Is Able

June 9: New Heart

June 10: Nobody Gets Me

June 11: Big Emotions

June 12: Eternal Focus

June 13: What Is Good

June 14: Uniquely You

June 15: Let’s Party

June 16: Building Blocks

June 17: Never Abandoned

June 18: Okay to Cry

June 19: Questions

June 20: The Show

June 21: Peace with Everyone

June 22: Teachable

June 23: Poolside Day

June 24: Sit Down

June 25: Smells Good

June 26: Unity

June 27: Reason to Pray

June 28: Flip the Coin

June 29: Book Covers

June 30: Partner with God

July 1: Let Go

July 2: Hold Tight

July 3: Surprise

July 4: Clean

July 5: The Good Fight

July 6: Jesus My Desire

July 7: Deep Truth

July 8: Marathon of Faith

July 9: Massive Love

July 10: Present the Gospel

July 11: Remodel

July 12: Smoke and Mirrors

July 13: Security Detail

July 14: Some Slack

July 15: Your Identity

July 16: Belt It Out

July 17: Listen Up

July 18: Gain and Loss

July 19: Leap of Faith

July 20: Just Ask

July 21: Passion

July 22: Love God and Others

July 23: My Jewel

July 24: Final Words

July 25: Image of God

July 26: The Cost

July 27: Chosen

July 28: Following Idols

July 29: Stand Out

July 30: Intimate Relationship

July 31: Inner Battle

August 1: Pray Scripture

August 2: Build a Bridge

August 3: Crown of Life

August 4: With You

August 5: Blessed with Gifts

August 6: Daughter of the King

August 7: Great Things

August 8: A Gentleman

August 9: His Protection

August 10: Replace Fear

August 11: Golden

August 12: Restoration Process

August 13: Like Sheep

August 14: Signs of Love

August 15: Tools on a Shelf

August 16: Emotional

August 17: Overconfident

August 18: Your Unique Gift

August 19: A Direct Line

August 20: Chutes and Ladders

August 21: You Belong

August 22: Idols

August 23: No Mini Spirit

August 24: A Broken Heart

August 25: Discipline

August 26: Wisdom

August 27: Gift of Today

August 28: Take Ownership

August 29: Revenge or Obedience

August 30: Life’s GPS

August 31: Cause and Effect

September 1: Nesting Dolls

September 2: Come to Him

September 3: Nothing Is Impossible

September 4: Give Thanks

September 5: Farmer’s Harvest

September 6: Checklist

September 7: Daughter of God

September 8: Meekness Not Weakness

September 9: Stood Up

September 10: Greatest Story Ever

September 11: Hard Times

September 12: False Teachers

September 13: True Beauty

September 14: Progress

September 15: Do Justice

September 16: Consider Your Friends

September 17: Dreamer

September 18: Faith

September 19: Self-Doubt

September 20: Accountability Partners

September 21: You Can’t Lose

September 22: Not Perfect

September 23: Conquered Death

September 24: Light in the Darkness

September 25: Stand Up

September 26: The Same

September 27: Draw from the Well

September 28: Love

September 29: Pray for Others

September 30: Scarcity Mindset

October 1: Follow Love

October 2: Light

October 3: Superhero Words

October 4: Never Alone

October 5: A Helper

October 6: The Perfect Gift

October 7: Justice

October 8: Seek Him

October 9: Study Ahead

October 10: Most Important Thing

October 11: Silence

October 12: True Freedom

October 13: Hard Work

October 14: Connection

October 15: You’ve Got Issues

October 16: Growing Down

October 17: Praise Him

October 18: The Journey

October 19: Steady Ground

October 20: Integrity

October 21: Image of God

October 22: Body of Christ

October 23: On Repeat

October 24: His Light

October 25: How You View God

October 26: Terrible Twos

October 27: Follow the Trend

October 28: God’s Kingdom

October 29: Only One Way

October 30: Crowns in Heaven

October 31: Mystery Books

November 1: Belt It Out

November 2: Guilty by Association

November 3: Forgiveness

November 4: Coming Soon

November 5: No Longer Stranded

November 6: He Hears

November 7: Campfires

November 8: Alarm Clock Woes

November 9: Home Field Advantage

November 10: Be Generous

November 11: Hold His Hand

November 12: Common Knowledge

November 13: Who You Are

November 14: Ask Him

November 15: Autopilot

November 16: In His Strength

November 17: Seek Him

November 18: Love

November 19: Appearance

November 20: Upstream

November 21: The Tongue Is Fire

November 22: Day of Praise

November 23: Honor Your Body

November 24: Thankful Jar

November 25: The Proper Cover

November 26: Patterns Versus People

November 27: A Way Out

November 28: Victory

November 29: Study the Word

November 30: True Happiness

December 1: God of Justice

December 2: Beautiful Work

December 3: Give or Receive

December 4: Strength of Waiting

December 5: Comparison Trap

December 6: True Wisdom

December 7: Awe and Wonder

December 8: Good Night’s Sleep

December 9: The Golden Rule

December 10: The Name of Jesus

December 11: Abundant Love

December 12: A Delicious Fragrance

December 13: Christ’s Kingdom

December 14: A Little Empathy

December 15: Sabbath

December 16: Landlocked Surfer

December 17: History Lesson

December 18: Fitting In

December 19: Worthy

December 20: To Be With You

December 21: No More Troubles

December 22: New Bodies

December 23: Tell All

December 24: Christmas Lights

December 25: Many Roles

December 26: Idol Worship

December 27: Friend Request

December 28: Self-Promotion

December 29: My Attention

December 30: Signaling Lights

December 31: New Year New You

Introduction

You can walk in confidence when you rely on God to be your strength. Be encouraged with the truth as you spend time with God and reflect on these devotions, Scriptures, and prayers. As you spend time with him, he will fill you with peace and hope for each day.

Let your heavenly Father show you that through him, even in your weakest moments, you are radiant and strong. Take courage in God’s love for you and be ready to conquer each day!

JANUARY 1

Submit Your Ways

In their hearts humans plan their course, But the LORD establishes their steps.

PROVERBS 16:9 NIV

New year, new you!” is the world’s mantra after the emotional high of Christmas. January pushes for change. It may demand a more culturally acceptable body or a new lifestyle. The pressures vary. The truth is, you can work out, read self-help books, get into the best schools, and make straight As, but none of these things will fulfill you.

Before going through all that effort, why not slow down and submit first to God? The Lord asks us to submit our plans to him. Kneel at his feet, surrender your ideas for a good life, and ask him what he wants to work on this January. In doing this, you will find a satisfying journey with a dear friend instead of an exhausting, lonely marathon. As you plan your new goals, plan to submit to the Lord first.

Jesus, I give you this new year. I submit my plans to you. Will you walk with me and guide me on this journey?

 

JANUARY 2

Bring It All

When you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

JAMES 1:6 NIV

If you doubt, you’re out. Is this James’ message? One bit of uncertainty and suddenly your prayers are not heard nor answered? How can that be when Jesus asks us to come to him with our fears and doubts? The word for doubting here means double-minded. James is telling his readers not to have one foot in the door and one foot out.

Where does your allegiance lie? When we pray, we can bring anything before the throne of God. Don’t just bring a little bit of yourself and trust your own strength to take care of the rest. Bring it all to God. Rely completely on him, not on your own resources or strength. Tell him all about your doubts, fears, and insecurities. Trust that he is listening and wants to move in your life.

Jesus, I trust you completely. Help me not to rely on my own strength and instead bring everything to you.

 

JANUARY 3

Nourished Soul

I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me.

PSALM 131:2 ESV

A child weaned from a mother is still completely dependent upon the parent to provide food. A mother has a level of maturity and understanding that an infant does not. An infant doesn’t know if they will be fed again, so they cry and fret every time they need nourishment. The infant grows in trust as the mother feeds and cares for the baby regularly. As the child is weaned, they learn whom they can rely on for nourishment and care.

That is how we are supposed to grow in Christ. At the beginning, we hope he will meet our needs. As we mature, we gain calm because we know and trust God will meet our needs. Do you feel anxious today? Remember how Christ has cared for you in the past. Let the certainty that he will always take care of you calm your soul.

Father, thank you for caring for me. Thank you that you meet my needs and hear my prayers. Remind me of all the ways that you have brought nourishment to my soul.

 

JANUARY 4

I Will Hold You

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”

ISAIAH 41:10 NLT

Has fear ever given you heart-racing, palm-sweating butterflies in your stomach? This kind of anxiety can hold you hostage. You are not alone in these feelings. Our broken world offers plenty of things to lose sleep over.

God offers us his peace. When we come to him with our brokenness, fears, and anxieties, he takes them from our hands and wraps his arms around us. He holds us during storms that threaten to drown us. Though circumstances may not change, your state of being can change when you rely on God. You don’t have to fear or have sweaty palms; God is with you always. Bring your anxieties and cares to him in prayer and ask his hand to lift you up. Ask him to hold you as he has promised.

God, you are strong and mighty. Thank you for offering to calm my anxious heart. Will you help me with my anxiety today? Take my fears and help me trust you.

 

JANUARY 5

Abide

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.”

JOHN 15:4 NKJV

A popular trend around New Year’s is to pray over and pick a word to guide and define your life for the year. Instead of an overwhelming list of resolutions, this one word becomes your theme. The Bible has many reoccurring theme words. One of them is abide. The concept of abiding in Christ is an essential theme in the Christian faith. Think of it this way: what is the difference between your home and the home of a stranger? In your home, you’re comfortable. You can relax. You don’t feel forced to put on a mask or be proper. In a stranger’s home, you might tiptoe around, be careful to not spill things, or come dressed in your best.

Jesus wants you to be at home, to abide, with him. He wants to know all the nooks and crannies of your heart, get comfortable, and live daily life with you. As you pray over this new year, consider the word abide and invite Christ to make his home with you.

Jesus, I want to abide in you this year. Show me what that means. Be at home in my life.

 

JANUARY 6

Choose

In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.

JUDGES 21:25 NIV

You do you!”

This catchphrase has gained popularity as a way to say each person should follow their own ideas. “Follow your truth” is another cliché that says every inclination of our hearts and minds must be good. Rewind a few thousand years and that’s exactly what is written here in Judges. However, Judges offers insight into the past and how life was for people who “did as they saw fit.” Everyone followed their own truth and called out, “You do you!” It was a godless and debased time in Israel’s history. Judges is one of the most violent and bloody books in the Bible, proving that when people don’t listen to God and just do what they think is right, it is not a good time.

There are bright spots in Judges. For example, Deborah was full of faith in God, and she led her people in his truth. God’s Word is truth, and it sets the standard. Which will you choose: to live with faith as Deborah did, or to do as you see fit?

Jesus, remind me that your Word is truth. I don’t want to follow the ways of the world; I seek you. Even when it’s hard, help me live my life according to your Word.

 

JANUARY 7

Reliability

Being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform.

ROMANS 4:21 NASB

Have you ever been super excited about plans you made with someone only to have them bail at the last minute? Maybe you have a friend who is unreliable. You are never sure if they will do what they say they will do because they get serious FOMO. Reliability is a character quality most people value in others. When you can rely on your friend to show up, it builds trust between you.

God is reliable. He never makes a promise and then backs out of it. He never claims that he will show up or be with you always but then bails. No, our God is always true to his word. When you read a promise of God in Scripture, rest assured that he will do what he says. You can always trust him.

God, thank you for keeping your promises. I can trust you will do what you say. Show me the things you have promised me and help me cling to them as truth.

 

JANUARY 8

Suffering Celebration

We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.

ROMANS 5:3-4 ESV

When was the last time you were invited to a party celebrating someone’s suffering? Seems like a crazy idea, doesn’t it? You should avoid hard things in this life. Right? Actually, Paul is saying the opposite here. He tells the church in Rome that the hard things they go through don’t mean that God doesn’t love them or that they’re cursed.

God doesn’t love people who seem to have easy lives more than he loves you. He is working in your life in both the good and the bad. In tough situations, Paul says you can rejoice! Difficulties are never wasted in the life of a believer. Suffering creates good things like endurance, character, and hope. There’s no need to throw a celebration or a pity party, but there is a need to be encouraged. Everything you go through can be used for the glory of God.

God, thank you for sharing this perspective through Paul. I know you work all things together for my good. In hard times, show me the good and lasting fruit you are growing in my life.

 

JANUARY 9

River

“Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”

JOHN 4:14 NKJV

According to 2 Corinthians 5:17, when you become a Christian, you are a new creation. On the inside, your spirit is made new. God awakens your dead-in-sin soul and begins remaking it. As part of this renewal, you are given the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the third person in the trinity of God, promised to all believers by Jesus before he left the earth.

The relationship between your spirit and God’s is like a river. It’s always there and always moving. You might not always feel it, but it is. You can be refreshed by the Spirit of God by taking time with this river inside of you. Reading Scripture, praying, fasting, and singing are spiritual disciplines that can lead you back to the ever-fresh spring in your soul.

Holy Spirit, water of life, thank you for being with me. Through the Word and this prayer, refresh me. Make me new and alive in you.

 

JANUARY 10

Instruction Manual

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for showing people what is wrong in their lives, for correcting faults, and for teaching how to live right.

2 TIMOTHY 3:16 NCV

Do you wish there was a guidebook to life? It would be nice to have a handy little instruction manual like the ones that come with gadgets and furniture. And there is a manual! It’s called the Bible. The Bible is the Word of God, and it reliably guides us in life.

Timothy lists several ways it does so in this verse. The Bible teaches us about the character of God. It shows us right from wrong and how to live in a way that pleases God. It reveals what to repent from and what to turn away from because it is doing us harm. Contrary to what the world says, there is a standard of truth and a measurement of what is right, and it can be found in the sixty-six books that make up the Bible. Reading it daily is like reading your life’s instruction manual.

Jesus, thank you for your Word. Thank you for the guidance that it brings me. May I live according to its truth.

 

JANUARY 11

A Good Friend

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

Walk a mile in someone else’s shoes” means we should learn from others’ experiences and understand them from their own perspectives. Isn’t it easier to relate to people who have been through the same struggles? Common experiences are a bonding agent. However, even if someone experiences a similar situation to you—perhaps you both have divorced parents or a sick sibling—they still don’t one hundred percent know your specific pain.

Thankfully, there is someone who can. Jesus, our great high Priest, can relate. He knows your situation, empathizes with you, and knows the depth of your pain. He knows the difficult nature of what tempts you and the complicated emotions you feel. When no one else understands, Jesus does. Not only does he know, but he experienced it all with victory and without sin. He is a trustworthy friend.

Jesus, I know I can trust and rely on you. You know my weaknesses, emotions, and struggles better than anyone else. Will you help me with them today?

 

JANUARY 12

Powerful Girl

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you.”

ACTS 1:8 NIV

Willpower is the control you exert to do something or to restrain your impulses. It is the ability to control your own actions. Throughout life, we are often taught to get by on willpower alone. “Just suck it up!” “Pick yourself up by your bootstraps!” Phrases like these tell us to find the power to control ourselves. The more independence you gain as a teenager, the more it may be difficult to find the power to say no to things that might harm you.

The power of God is far more effective than willpower. We cannot beat every hard test and temptation that comes our way. As believers, we have the Holy Spirit living inside us. He gives us the power to say no to temptation and yes to God’s will even when we are afraid. No amount of training or discipline can match the amazing power of the Holy Spirit. Instead of burning yourself out trying to do it all on your own, ask the Holy Spirit to work his power in you.

Holy Spirit, I want to be a girl who is full of your power, conquers because of your strength, and walks according to God’s will. As I face today, give me your power and strength.

 

JANUARY 13

Big Enough

“Why are you frightened?” he asked. “Why are your hearts filled with doubt? Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You can see that it’s really me. Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don’t have bodies, as you see that I do.” As he spoke, he showed them his hands and his feet.

LUKE 24:38-40 NLT

Maybe you grew up going to church and reading the Bible; maybe you’re new to this whole Jesus thing. Either way, you will have times of doubt. Perhaps a tough struggle leaves you asking if God is actually good. Maybe you meet someone who seems really smart but tells you everything you believe about the Bible isn’t true.

Doubts are a normal part of the Christian life, and they don’t scare God. The question is, what are you going to do with your doubts? Are you going to bury them deep inside of yourself, hiding them from God and others and letting them take root? Or are you going to bring them to God, tell him about them, and ask him to reveal his truth? Just as Thomas needed to see the hands and feet of Jesus, it’s totally okay for us to ask for the same. Ask God to show up when you doubt and allow him to open your eyes to the truth.

Jesus, thank you for not rejecting me when I have doubts. Instead, you care for me. You offer me your hands and feet so I know who you are. Show me who you are; meet me in my doubts.

 

JANUARY 14

Troublesome Words

You can’t trust a gossiper with a secret; they’ll just go blab it all. Put your confidence instead in a trusted friend, for he will be faithful to keep it in confidence.

PROVERBS 11:13 TPT

Have you heard?” These seemingly innocent words can start so much trouble! It is tempting to listen when someone leans your way and whispers this sentence, but the Bible is clear that gossiping only hurts. Our desire is to be in the know and not left out, and it comes from our heartfelt desire for relationships. However, listening to and sharing gossip is not the way to make new friends. There are good secrets, like birthday parties and presents. Gossip, however, always has bad secrets which tear down instead of building up.

God created us to have relationships with each other, but when we give in to the desire to gossip, sin corrupts that relationship. Instead of building a healthy relationship with someone, we might tear others down to gain the acceptance we crave. Next time your phone pings or that person whispers, “Have you heard?” be sure to lean away. Be a trusted friend even to those you don’t yet know.

Jesus, I want to have friends. I want to walk away from gossip and not share my own. Instead, help me build good, healthy relationships with others.

 

JANUARY 15

Paul’s Secret

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

PHILIPPIANS 4:12 NIV

Here in Philippians, Paul invites you to lean in for a secret. This secret answers a huge question: how do you find contentment? Contentment means to have satisfaction. Paul says he knows how you can be satisfied with your life when you have everything you need as well as when you lack it all. At each end of the spectrum, Paul knows how to be satisfied with life. What’s the secret, Paul?

It’s too good of a secret to keep to himself. The secret is Christ! The secret is to trust that God is in control and working everything in your life for his glory and your good. No matter what you face, you know the ultimate ally is in your corner. Next time you feel the uneasiness of not having enough, ask Christ to satisfy you. Next time you look at your life and see everything going your way, yet you still have a gnawing in your soul, ask Christ to be your everything in the midst of plenty. In plenty and in want, Christ is the secret to contentment.

Jesus, thank you for both the gifts and lack in my life. Help me find contentment in you alone. I surrender my life to you.

 

JANUARY 16

Give and Get

Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything. The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.

PROVERBS 11:24-25 NLT

Have you experienced the wonderful feeling that comes when you give? We just finished Christmastime, a season marked by giving and receiving gifts. Many of us are asked what we got for Christmas, but a better question is what did we give?

Proverbs tells us it is better to give than receive. When you give to others and meet the needs of those around you, it’s like a two-for-one deal at your favorite store; they benefit and you do too. The joy of helping someone is a gift that won’t fade or perish with time. You may think you don’t have enough money to live this generous life, but your gift doesn’t have to be extravagant to be extraordinary in someone’s life. Give a friend a listening ear. Give a parent a cup of coffee they didn’t have to make themselves. Give a sibling the gift of a clean room. Get creative! Think of ways that you can refresh others.

Jesus, help me be a generous person who refreshes those around her.

 

JANUARY 17

Greatest Gift

By grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.

EPHESIANS 2:8 ESV

Yesterday, we talked about how great it is to give gifts. Today, you need to hear about the ultimate gift that has been given to you. That’s right. This gift is for you personally. Here’s the deal: each person on this earth, you included, is separated from God because of sin. Sin is the stuff we do that goes against the Word of God. Our hearts and wills are bent on sinning. This sinful nature, as it is called, makes us dead in our spirits.

God wants us alive and in relationship with him, so he gave us the gift of his Son, Jesus. Jesus extends perfect grace to us. All we do is acknowledge our need for a savior and turn from our sins knowing that Jesus can take care of them. When we show this faith, it restores us to a right relationship with God. We are a people at peace with God! That is the greatest gift. No longer do we face this world alone and separated from the goodness of God. Thanks to the grace of Jesus, we can be united with him forever.

God, thank you for sending your Son to this earth to save me. Thank you for your grace. I repent of my sin and declare you the King of my life.

 

JANUARY 18

I Believe

“Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.”

MARK 7:6-8 ESV

Why do you follow God? Have you really thought about it? Do you follow God because it’s what your parents do? Maybe they bring you to church every week, everyone there is nice, and you have a good time, so why not? Do you follow God because it’s expected of you, or do you really love God? Is your relationship with God yours, or is it the faith of tradition?

Your parents and youth leaders teach you about God because they have experienced him for themselves. They know how great God is and how deeply he loves us. At some point, however, you have to find out for yourself. Is your faith your own or is it just the tradition of your family? Have you experienced God in your life, or is Christianity just another part of your routine? These are important questions. Take some time in prayer today to ask God to search your heart. Don’t just honor God with your lips if your heart is far from him. Ask him to make his Word alive to you and to move in your life today.

God, I want to know you. I want to follow you because I know you, not because of what anyone else says about you. Will you show yourself to me?

 

JANUARY 19

Listen to the Story

We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the LORD, about his power and his mighty wonders.

PSALM 78:4 NLT

Have you ever stumbled across an old photo album? Flipping through the pages, the black and white pictures may be of people you are related to but never met. Though they say a picture is worth a thousand words, pictures will never tell the whole story.

There are stories to be told, generation to generation, of what God has done in the lives of his people. Maybe you don’t come from a lineage that loves Jesus; maybe you are the beginning of that line. Maybe you do have parents and grandparents who love the Lord. Either way, you are connected to the family known as the body of Christ. The people in the body of Christ have thousands of years of stories about his faithfulness to them. You can find some of these stories in the Bible and also in the lives of believers throughout church history. These tales can encourage us in our walks with the Lord. Next time you are with an older believer at church or at home, ask them to tell you about some of the powerful ways God has moved in their lives.

Jesus, thank you for moving in your people. May your story of love and faithfulness be told from generation to generation, and may I add my story to the list.

 

JANUARY 20

A Little Guidance

He shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, And guided them with his skillful hands.

PSALM 78:72 NASB

Wouldn’t life be easier if God wrote a letter only for you? Have you wished that a note with instructions on being a teenager would fall from the sky? And it would be great not to just survive but thrive! Maybe you would rather have a person guide you, someone to take your hand and lead you through each decision.

Jesus knew we would have this desire. In the Bible, he is called a shepherd for us. A shepherd takes care of his sheep; he leads, feeds, guides, and protects them. Jesus does all these things and more for us. He is the guide you’ve always wanted. Your personal letter is the Bible. God cares deeply for you, and he knows the ins and outs of teen life. Jesus and the Bible are the perfect combination! Next time you feel lost, alone, and in need of a guiding hand, cry out to Jesus. He will shepherd you.

Jesus, life can get so confusing sometimes. Can you help me? Guide me! I could use a shepherd.

 

JANUARY 21

Wisdom

Your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil.

ROMANS 16:19 ESV

We live in the information age. Today, more than any other time in history, people have access to massive amounts of news largely from the internet. The internet also brought us social media, the endless stream of information about people we know and don’t know. Not all information is good. As the saying goes, just because it’s on the internet doesn’t make it true. The only standard of truth we have is the Bible.

Here in Romans, Paul says there is a variety of wisdoms, and God wants us to be wise in the good things. Good things mean the things of the Lord, the things that honor him. Social media is full of things that are opposite of that. Following the instruction of Paul, let us be women who are careful in what and who we allow to instruct us. Let us crave wisdom in the things of the Lord and not of the world.

Jesus, I want to be wise. Guide me in this pursuit, and may I become wise to good things and innocent of evil things.

 

JANUARY 22

A Better Band-Aid

“I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,” declares the LORD.

JEREMIAH 30:17 NIV

A childhood scrape always felt better when your mom kissed it and gave you a Band-Aid. It was less about the Band-Aid and the kiss and more about the care and affection she gave you. As a teen, you can still fall and scrape your knee, but many of the wounds you get will be emotional and spiritual instead of physical. You will hear cruel words from someone you thought was a friend. You’ll have negative thoughts you can’t cast out. You might experience the abandonment of a parent or the rejection of a child. These emotional wounds sting, and no Band-Aid will help.

You are not alone with these wounds; God promises to restore you. He cares deeply about every pain you feel. He is ready to come to you with the care and affection you need. He is a good father who will wrap his arms around you and speak tenderly to you. It’s never too late to bring a hurt to him. There is no expiration date on his love. What wounds do you need healing from today?

Jesus, will you heal the broken parts inside me? Restore me and make me new.

 

JANUARY 23

Sick Day

The LORD is all I need, he takes care of me. My share in life has been pleasant; my part has been beautiful.

PSALM 16:5-6 NCV

January falls in the middle of flu season. When we are sick, most of us want someone to take care of us. Maybe you have fond memories of your parents taking care of you. It’s wonderful when someone who loves you puts cool washcloths on your head, brings you tea and toast, wraps you in warm blankets, and pushes your hair back from your feverish forehead. The care of a parent can make sickness more bearable.

In this sinful world, we come across hard times, but we don’t face them alone. Jesus is always taking care of us. He loves us more than earthly parents can, and he knows exactly what we need at any moment. When we learn to look for the touch of the Lord in our lives, we see how beautiful his love is. We see his hand moving in tough situations and feel the comfort of his embrace. The Lord is with you, and he cares for you. You are never alone.

Jesus, thank you for caring for me through all life’s hardships. Through the valleys and on the mountains, you are with me.

 

JANUARY 24

True Love

God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

ROMANS 5:8 NIV

When you imagine someone showering you with love, what comes to mind? Is it the romantic love we see on TV, complete with flowers, chocolates, and candlelight dates? Perhaps what comes to mind is the love between a parent and child, a dad swooping up a small child into his loving arms.

Do you ever consider someone dying for you? Most people don’t think of love like that, but this is the greatest demonstration of love we know: Jesus died for us. He loved us so much, he laid down his life so we could have eternal life with him. He wanted to restore you to a relationship with him so much that he paid the ultimate price to save you from the grips of death and sin. Jesus offers that relationship to you. Jesus performed the most loving act for you, wrote the longest love letter to you, sang the sweetest ballad about you. How will you respond?

Jesus, I am blown away by your great love for me. Thank you! Help me honor you and the sacrifice you made for my life. I love you.

 

JANUARY 25

Reputation

I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.

PSALM 77:11-12 NIV

The reputation of a person is based on the beliefs and opinions people hold about that person. You can have a good or bad reputation. Even God has a reputation. People base what they think about God upon their past experiences, their interactions with believers, and what they have seen in and around church, among other things.

The tricky part is that a reputation isn’t always accurate. It’s based on perception. That’s why it’s important that we, as believers, remember all the miracles God has done. Not only is the Bible full of stories of how he has moved in the lives of his people, but church history and your own life have the miracles of God written in them too. When we remember the great deeds of God and share them with others, it helps people, including ourselves, create an accurate picture of who God is. Let us praise him together, for he is good!

God, remind me of the wonderful things you have done in my life. Show me people I can share them with, and may they also praise you for how amazing you are.

 

JANUARY 26

To Be Known

Since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

ROMANS 1:20 NIV

Discovering God is a sweet experience that never gets old. It’s not limited to people of a certain age, race, or social class. God wants to make himself known to everybody.

Think about your best friend. What do you know about them? How would you describe them? You’ve probably spent a lot of time with them and have gotten to know things a stranger would never know. It’s the same with God. He has left his fingerprints all over this world. When we really look, we can see him in nature, humans, and the wonderful things he has created. There are many ways you can learn new things about God. If you look closely at nature or the things around you, you can discover things that remind you of him. Try it! This week, look for one thing that tells you something about God. He wants to be known.

God, thank you for wanting to be known. You have left obvious clues of your presence all around me. Help me notice them. Help me grow in my knowledge of who you are.

 

JANUARY 27

What You Consume

Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

PHILIPPIANS 4:8 ESV

Think of your soul as a cup. Then consider what you watch on TV, look at on your phone, listen to for music, or read in books—that is water. You are pouring into your cup all day long, consuming content from all these places. Is your soul full of dirty water like a cup filled from a muddy river? Or is your cup brimming with refreshing, cool water that others want to drink too?

Maybe you are unsure of what is dirty water or clean water. Paul gives us a great checklist today. It is also helpful to take inventory of how you feel after feeding your soul. When you scroll for two hours straight, how do you feel afterwards? When you see a movie star’s photos of her glamorous life, does it make you hate your own? Do you feel discontent and irritable after watching a show? Our emotions can alert to us how dirty the water is. When you say no to negative content and consume good things, you are then feeding a refreshing cup that brings life to yourself and others.

Jesus, I repent of all the things I’ve let into my life that don’t honor you. Help me discern between good and bad. May I recognize what content points me toward you and what pulls me away.

 

JANUARY 28

Appetite

Solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

HEBREWS 5:14 NIV

Most baby food doesn’t taste good. Fruit options aside, the mushy, unsalted, bland veggies can be gross to your teenage taste buds! Once you’ve had the delights of a juicy hamburger or a cheesy slice of pizza, who would choose to go back to mushed peas? Yet milk and baby food are all a baby can stomach; they don’t have the physical capacity to chew up a burger.

This is the comparison being made in this Hebrews verse. If you think of the Word of God as food, new, baby Christians of any age can only take milk. You start with the basic principles of good and evil and who God is. As you mature and read the Word more, you learn to listen to the Holy Spirit, and you begin to eat solid food. You gain a taste for the goodness of God, and you learn how icky sin tastes. Your appetite changes. Don’t be discouraged if you are still in the milk stage; keep eating! The Word of God will satisfy you and help you grow.

Jesus, help me grow into a mature Christian.

 

JANUARY 29

Waiting

I waited patiently for the LORD; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry.

PSALM 40:1 NKJV

There’s a lot of waiting in life. Maybe you’ve experienced the famous parental phrase, “It’s time to go,” only to have your mom talk for thirty more minutes. We wait for Christmases and birthdays, in lines for rides and food, and to be old enough to do things on our own like drive or get a job. There are countless situations in which we find ourselves waiting. With so much waiting, you’d think we would learn to do it well! How would you rate your ability to wait?

Having the patience to wait is a skill we must develop. We often wait on God and his timing. Maybe you’ve asked God for something and haven’t seen any progress. When we are waiting to hear from God, it’s not because he is late. Sometimes, we need to slow down and give him our full attention. Take time today for more than prayers thrown in God’s general direction. Sit in his presence, take in the silence, and wait for him to speak.

God, I will wait for you. Help me quiet my mind, quit all distractions, and wait for you to speak. You have my attention.

 

JANUARY 30

For His Glory

Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.

1 CORINTHIANS 10:31 NRSV

If you are going to do something that gives God glory, it has to be big, right? We’re talking sell-everything-you-own-and-move-to-a-remote-tribe type of big! Maybe you think it means leading ten thousand people in worship or writing a profound book. While none of these things are bad, your actions don’t have to be big to give glory to God.

God receives glory from our lives in the tiniest, most mundane things that we do. You can wash dishes for the glory of God. You can sing alone in your car and give God glory. You can serve burgers and fries for God’s glory. It is less about the acts of grandeur that we do and more about the posture of our hearts. A heart that seeks to please God, have a relationship with him, and love him more than anything, is a heart giving God glory. Stop waiting for the right time to pull off a big show and start finding God in every moment.

God, I want to live a life that glorifies you. Help me be humble and praise you with all that I do.

 

JANUARY 31

Sound Doctrine

Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.

TITUS 2:7-8 ESV

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