Strength for Today for Teen Guys E-Book

BroadStreet Publishing Group LLC

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

Seitenzahl: 411

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 courage and hope for each day. Let your heavenly Father show you that, through him, even in your weakest moments, you are significant, and you are strong. Find your purpose in God and be ready to conquer each day!

Leseprobe

BroadStreet Publishing

Savage, Minnesota, USA

STRENGTH FOR TODAY FOR TEEN GUYS

© 2022 by BroadStreet Publishing®

9781424565092

9781424565108 (e-book)

Devotional entries composed by Jared Winger.

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.

Design by Garborg Design Works | garborgdesign.com

Editorial services by Michelle Winger and Carole Holdahl.

Printed in China.

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CONTENTS

Introduction

January 1: Established

January 2: Capable and Caring

January 3: Overcome With Gratitude

January 4: Honesty With Feelings

January 5: Chill Out

January 6: Leadership

January 7: In the Face of Failure

January 8: Hopeful

January 9: Alive

January 10: My Defender

January 11: Understood

January 12: The Voice of the Spirit

January 13: Bold

January 14: Speaking Without Gossip

January 15: Poverty and Plenty

January 16: Likeness

January 17: Do It

January 18: Guardian

January 19: Storytime

January 20: Difficult Things

January 21: Follower

January 22: Healing

January 23: God Sighting

January 24: Loving as Jesus Does

January 25: Great Things

January 26: Created

January 27: Noble Thoughts

January 28: Maturity

January 29: The Need to Wait

January 30: For His Glory

January 31: Do the Hard Things

February 1: With the Father’s Love

February 2: Majestic

February 3: Joy in Following

February 4: About You

February 5: Ungodly Desires

February 6: President Chores

February 7: Source for Love

February 8: Wake Up

February 9: Yes and No

February 10: Eyes Fixed

February 11: Flooded and Filled

February 12: In the Day-to-Day

February 13: Small Things

February 14: Like You Love Me

February 15: Devoted and Faithful

February 16: Self-Control

February 17: Loyal

February 18: Glory

February 19: Never Let Down

February 20: Closer through Challenges

February 21: Received With Mercy

February 22: Obey Only God

February 23: Shaped

February 24: Commit to the Goal

February 25: Unselfish

February 26: Remember Really Well

February 27: Away from Worldly Passions

February 28: In the Heart

March 1: Testimony

March 2: Jesus Knows

March 3: Rewards

March 4: Choices

March 5: Creation

March 6: A Good Follower

March 7: Simply Serve

March 8: Listen for His Voice

March 9: Valid

March 10: Fellowship

March 11: Together in Faith

March 12: Speak Truth in Love

March 13: Immediate Access

March 14: Overflow

March 15: Follow Me

March 16: Awe

March 17: Rejoice

March 18: Party On

March 19: Steadfast and Stable

March 20: Hardworking

March 21: A Mighty One

March 22: Optimists Are More Fun

March 23: No Confidence in Flesh

March 24: Holiness

March 25: Blessing of Enjoyment

March 26: Strength to Be Brave

March 27: Refuge

March 28: An Enduring Relationship

March 29: What Is Good

March 30: Reconnecting

March 31: Exercise

April 1: Greatest Desire

April 2: Outcome of Surrender

April 3: Adoption Takes Sacrifice

April 4: Abundance

April 5: Unruffled By Circumstances

April 6: His Fruit in Your Life

April 7: Creative

April 8: Not Idle

April 9: Subject to Him

April 10: When the Time Comes

April 11: Acknowledgment

April 12: Returning

April 13: Guarded Heart

April 14: Free to Serve

April 15: The Heart Is Full

April 16: Desires Met

April 17: Grace

April 18: Repent

April 19: Not Anxious

April 20: You See All

April 21: Wholesome

April 22: Sheltered

April 23: Integrity

April 24: Run Well

April 25: Freed to Follow

April 26: For the Promises

April 27: Empowering Grace

April 28: Mighty

April 29: Attentive

April 30: Never Give Up

May 1: Kindness

May 2: Identity

May 3: Warfare

May 4: Bravery Over Time

May 5: Dynamite

May 6: Brilliance

May 7: Not a Liar

May 8: Symbols

May 9: Choosing Friends

May 10: Bow the Knee

May 11: Everlasting

May 12: Warrior

May 13: Seasoned

May 14: Power in Your Walk

May 15: See and Do

May 16: Perceiving Danger

May 17: Behaving with Honor

May 18: Expectations

May 19: New

May 20: Decent

May 21: Demonstrate Love

May 22: Necessary Caution

May 23: Money

May 24: Despite the Knocks

May 25: Loved By the King

May 26: Job to Learn

May 27: Prepared

May 28: Bringing Purpose to Light

May 29: Stand in Difficulty

May 30: Recognized

May 31: Living on Bread

June 1: Infinite

June 2: Qualified

June 3: Hospitable Heart

June 4: If Paul Can Do It

June 5: Renewed

June 6: A Firm Path

June 7: Considerate

June 8: Provision

June 9: Share

June 10: No Blame Shame

June 11: Active in the Word

June 12: Security Belongs to God

June 13: A Sun and Shield

June 14: Genuine

June 15: Found

June 16: Power in Words

June 17: Alert

June 18: Sensitive

June 19: Assured

June 20: Captivating

June 21: Digging for Gold

June 22: Elder Honor

June 23: Refreshing

June 24: Fervent

June 25: Sharpened

June 26: Core Elements

June 27: Not Holding Offense

June 28: Dependent

June 29: Goodness, Justice, Protection

June 30: Unfailing

July 1: Faith Is a Key

July 2: Courteous

July 3: Imagine

July 4: Cleansed and Forgiven

July 5: Determined

July 6: Delight

July 7: True Transparency

July 8: Practicing for the Win

July 9: Strong

July 10: Innocent of Evil

July 11: Intelligent

July 12: Forthright

July 13: Comfort

July 14: Show Me Pride

July 15: Chosen

July 16: Worship

July 17: In Times of Trouble

July 18: Pursuit

July 19: Directed

July 20: Learn

July 21: New Heights

July 22: Kind of Love

July 23: Belief

July 24: Watchful

July 25: Efficient

July 26: Flexible

July 27: Grow and Adapt

July 28: Admiration

July 29: Insightful

July 30: God’s Value

July 31: Freedom

August 1: Reflections

August 2: Show Character

August 3: Endure

August 4: Perfect Trust

August 5: Show Faithfulness

August 6: Well Done

August 7: Admitting Weaknesses

August 8: Hang Out

August 9: Delivered

August 10: Joy

August 11: Purified

August 12: True Peace

August 13: Innocent

August 14: Grasping Your Faith

August 15: Satisfaction for the Soul

August 16: Only Way to God

August 17: Needs of Others

August 18: Living for Others

August 19: Not Boring

August 20: Rewarded for Diligence

August 21: Acceptance

August 22: Regarded

August 23: Type of Work

August 24: Safety

August 25: Reputable

August 26: Stunning

August 27: Into Your Feelings

August 28: Persuasive

August 29: Humor

August 30: Listening for the Plan

August 31: Aware

September 1: Potential

September 2: He Cares

September 3: Seek Him

September 4: Content and Thankful

September 5: Reward of Resurrection

September 6: Unquestionable

September 7: Against the Odds

September 8: Sympathetic

September 9: Perfection

September 10: Greatness

September 11: Never Abandoned

September 12: Incredible

September 13: Ability

September 14: Good Work

September 15: Reliance

September 16: True Source

September 17: Dynamic

September 18: Strong Faith

September 19: Needs Not Your Own

September 20: The Best Standards

September 21: God Authors Confidence

September 22: Run to God

September 23: Eternity

September 24: Shepherd

September 25: Acknowledged

September 26: Competent

September 27: Vulnerable and Unashamed

September 28: My Witness

September 29: Thoughtful Encouragement

September 30: Made to Give

October 1: Possessions

October 2: Deliverance

October 3: Destiny

October 4: Believe

October 5: Redemption

October 6: Rich

October 7: His Beloved Children

October 8: Part of the Plan

October 9: Meaningful

October 10: The Better Choice

October 11: Approachable

October 12: One Hundred Percent

October 13: Reconciliation

October 14: What the Father Does

October 15: Unity

October 16: Firmly Rooted

October 17: Praise

October 18: Modesty

October 19: Try to Follow

October 20: Exceptional

October 21: Polite

October 22: Ultimate Achievement

October 23: Read

October 24: Affirmed

October 25: Needed

October 26: Receptive

October 27: Reflective

October 28: Charitable

October 29: Enough

October 30: Rest

October 31: Validated

November 1: Relationship

November 2: Friends

November 3: Necessary

November 4: Prepared to Survive

November 5: He Is Close

November 6: Cling

November 7: Unwavering

November 8: Daring

November 9: It Is Today

November 10: Wealth

November 11: Fearless

November 12: Guard Your Heart

November 13: To Be Understood

November 14: Pleasure Forever

November 15: Stay Awake

November 16: A Grain of Rice

November 17: Driven

November 18: Captured

November 19: Control

November 20: Hated First

November 21: Closer

November 22: Walk and Talk

November 23: Celebrated

November 24: Give Thanks

November 25: To Love Others

November 26: Hungry

November 27: Companion

November 28: No Comparison

November 29: Quiet

November 30: Adoration

December 1: Adrenaline Junkie

December 2: Splendid

December 3: Inconvenient

December 4: Informer

December 5: Take Care of Everything

December 6: Just as Jesus Did

December 7: Amazing

December 8: Shrewd

December 9: Part of His Story

December 10: Secret Door

December 11: Strong but Gentle

December 12: For Real

December 13: Not Boring or Harsh

December 14: Power and Light

December 15: Earthquake

December 16: Listen and Obey

December 17: Your Devotion

December 18: Live to Give

December 19: Valued like Gold

December 20: Sharpshooter

December 21: You Are Thankful

December 22: Man of Valor

December 23: No Restraint

December 24: Received

December 25: Jesus Left Heaven

December 26: Focus on People

December 27: Someone Honest

December 28: Humble

December 29: Helper

December 30: Happy Heart

December 31: Belonging

INTRODUCTION

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 courage and hope for each day.

Let your heavenly Father show you that, through him, even in your weakest moments, you are significant, and you are strong. Find your purpose in God and be ready to conquer each day!

JANUARY 1

ESTABLISHED

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

PROVERBS 16:9 NIV

We all dream about taking our abilities to the next level. There is nothing wrong with a desire to become great. In fact, God would encourage strong desires that lead to positive pursuits. However, we want to be aligning ourselves with his plans as our first priority. He made us and knows what we are best equipped for. When we make and follow our own plans without involving God, pride or shame trip us up. But when we confidently follow God’s plans, we can know that he is guiding us. When execution goes well or it falls apart, we are not prideful or ashamed because we have followed God, and he is leading us.

Know that God wants you to be next level. He will give you all you need to walk according to the plans he has for you.

Father, help me to plan according to your will and in all things please you. Guide my steps this year as I walk with you.

 

JANUARY 2

CAPABLE AND CARING

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

One of the hardest things we face is peer pressure. Try as we might, it is really difficult to stand up against a crowd and speak for what we believe in. We can be influenced to say and act in manners that we never intended because we want to be part of a group. Ultimately, we just want to belong.

The same things happens when we question whether or not we are God’s children. Does he hear us and does he even care? Jesus encourages us that he certainly does care, and he does hear. He wants us to ask the Father with assurance that we will be answered, and that our tiny faith will be rewarded. We belong to him, and as a part of his tribe we are taken care of by the biggest, most powerful, capable, and caring Being in the universe.

Jesus, I am encouraged to ask you for all that I need today because you care for me. I am part of your family.

 

JANUARY 3

OVERCOME WITH GRATITUDE

His bow remained steady, his strong arms stayed limber, because of the hand of the Mighty One of Jacob, because of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel.

GENESIS 49:24 NIV

This verse is about Joseph, an Old Testament example of the nature of Christ. In his youth, Joseph was boastful and overly confident in himself. But as he aged, he demonstrated the steadfastness of God. He faced brothers who wanted him dead and sold him as a slave. He was confronted with incredible temptation and was unjustly imprisoned. Yet, in all these things he trusted God and was faithful to him.

Why, when he went through so much, was Joseph able to be godly? Well, that was entirely because he kept God at the center of his life. Joseph’s focus was on God and not on his circumstances. He prayed, he praised, he was thankful, and he believed. Ultimately, his trust in God led him to become a prince of Egypt. God is mighty and strong to uphold us in all seasons of life.

God, help me to look to you and not be overwhelmed by what I feel. Fill me with gratitude and praise.

 

JANUARY 4

HONESTY WITH FEELINGS

“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

Have you thought about what makes you afraid? Is it external like physical pain, the behavior of certain people, or just you and your friends doing crazy things? Maybe it is mostly internal like thoughts and feelings. Perhaps you are afraid of what others think of you. Shame drives the feeling that others may not like us or that we are somehow not worth knowing. Shame comes from Satan. God dislikes shame. He wants us to be fearless around him and know that we are loved and accepted.

God is faithful to keep you close to him and he will always love you no matter what you are going through. What he wants from you is honesty and openness with him. Keep yourself open to God and allow him to see all the things you want to hide. Ask for forgiveness when you need it, and trust that he loves you. Fear not!

Father, help me to be open and honest with you. Thank you for your forgiveness. I ask that you would encourage me to follow you and walk with you without fear.

 

JANUARY 5

CHILL OUT

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

JOHN 15:4 NKJV

When do you find yourself talking differently or acting in ways that you may not have before? Usually it is when you hang out with certain groups of people. If you think about how you acted a few years ago, what has changed? What do you do more or less of now? Likely you changed the way you were because you were hanging out with a particular group of people, and you started acting like they act. This is normal human behavior.

Jesus knew people imitated those they hung out with. This was why he was calling his disciples to dwell with him. He knew the more they gathered together, the more like him they would be. He wasn’t asking them to learn the Bible and then take a test. He wasn’t asking them to memorize facts about him. He was telling them to chill, rest, be, and dwell with him.

Jesus, help me learn to be with you, and not just to learn about you. I want my life to be like yours. I want to hang out together and hear from you.

 

JANUARY 6

LEADERSHIP

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

JUDGES 21:25 NIV

Not long ago, there was trouble afoot in Africa when young elephant bulls were rampaging, destroying nature, and killing other animals including fellow elephants. Poachers had killed the older male elephants, so there was no one to keep the young males in check. Once the rangers recognized this, they introduced some mature bull elephants and peace was restored.

When leadership is lacking, people will do what they want, casting aside consideration of others and only caring about themselves. They will steal, loot, destroy, and even kill without remorse. As Christians, we always have a King. He never leaves us, nor does he forsake us, and we do not want to rebel against him because he is good, righteous, just, and true.

Lord, I commit my heart to be led by you, and I ask that you would show me where my life is not submitted to you. Help me to be your servant in a wicked and self-serving world. I want to love others and show them how good you are.

 

JANUARY 7

IN THE FACE OF FAILURE

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

ROMANS 4:21 NASB

It is easy to be confident when we come up against competition that we think we can beat. When we do, we are usually confident because of our practice record, skill level, natural talent, and so forth. But what do we do when we recognize our weaknesses? How can we be confident then? Confidence in the face of failure and inability can only happen because of some outside force. Perhaps we are on a team of good players? That was what Abraham felt like when he was told to do things that he knew he could not do. He trusted his team, which was God alone. His faith was what enabled him to do things that only could be done through the power of God.

You are no different, and God says that even when you are weak, he will be your strength. Trust in him to help you do things you are both skilled at and things that you feel overwhelmed by. Be full of faith, knowing that God is with you.

Father, help me to believe in you. Give me the faith that Abraham had to do the impossible. I want to live my life in obedience to all that you ask me to do.

 

JANUARY 8

HOPEFUL

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

ROMANS 5:3-4 ESV

It is good to look at the words of this verse and understand the way we can be moved forward from suffering to hope. We all suffer, some of us more than others. And when we do, we can become overwhelmed by our situation. But this verse encourages us all to not be overwhelmed; we can have hope. If this is true—that our suffering produces hope—then we can rejoice in it. All of this can happen when we place God at our center, draw close to him, and dwell upon his Word.

You are not alone in what you suffer, and through Christ you can actually find a new hope. But also notice that this verse is plural; it is that we rejoice in our sufferings. Together with other people who believe, you can overcome and have hope.

God, help me to be with other Christians who encourage me to be thankful, to push through difficulty, and to be strengthened in you. I want to learn how to overcome and to be filled with hope.

 

JANUARY 9

ALIVE

“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

Have you ever been so thirsty that when you finally drank water, it was like the best thing you ever tasted? Your body needs water. Dehydration causes your body to conserve water. Kidneys send less water to your bladder and that makes darker urine. Your blood thickens, making your heart work harder to keep up the oxygen levels. All of this happens for the lack of a few drops of water.

Jesus knew what he was talking about when he equated a connection from himself to everlasting water. Just like water is critical to life, if we don’t remain connected to him, our spirits weaken and die. He is our sole provider, and he sustains our life.

Jesus, help me to drink from your everlasting water. I want to remain connected to you so that I am alive and in full strength for the great things that you have for me to do.

 

JANUARY 10

MY DEFENDER

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

It is not fun to be corrected. It is even harder when someone corrects you and you already know you did something wrong, like when you are feeling convicted by God’s Word and then someone also points out your wrongdoing. The reality is, that this conviction and the resulting repentance, is good for us. God says that he lifts up the humble, and that the repentant heart produces good fruit.

Ultimately, if you are reading this, you are a person who wants to follow Jesus, so you are willing to receive his Word and be corrected by it. Let this encourage you today, and when you are shown your fault in some matter, admit it and humble yourself as Christ would.

Jesus, like you, I want to be humble. Help me to receive correction from others and not allow my pride and self-defense to get in the way. You are my defender and I trust in you.

 

JANUARY 11

UNDERSTOOD

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

Think about God and his power. With his word he created the earth and all its inhabitants. Think about all he can see and understand. So many things are beyond our comprehension. He is a marvel, unparalleled to men. Yet he agreed to leave his place of power and authority and become what he created! Wow. He humbled himself so much that he became as weak as men. He didn’t need to do this to understand us because he made us. He did it to show us his power over sin and death; he did it to free us from Satan. Now as God-man, seated in heaven, he fully understands our plight; he sees our weaknesses and our temptations. He prays for us.

You can be full of confidence because Jesus knows all you are experiencing. He has lived it. He also has the power to change you and your circumstances! You need not fear anything with him on your side!

Jesus, thank you for knowing me and my experiences. I ask for your help with confidence that you will faithfully and powerfully meet me where I am.

 

JANUARY 12

THE VOICE OF THE SPIRIT

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

ACTS 1:8 NIV

Have you ever been shocked by electricity? It is not a fun experience when that kind of power is conducted through you. It is why they call it shocking! The disciples were not expecting electricity, fire, or wind when they sat in prayer awaiting the Holy Spirit after Jesus died and was resurrected. But when he came it was a powerful experience. They even expressed the experience in ways that make us think their senses were being overwhelmed; buzzing, on-fire, pulsing, ecstatic, and awakened!

They were fully alive and engaged with God when the Holy Spirit came, and their lives were forever changed. He wasn’t a shock that came and left. He stays with us and connects us directly to God the Father. The Holy Spirit wants to be an integral part of your daily life: guiding, leading, comforting, and teaching you all things.

Holy Spirit, thank you for being here with me. I ask today that you fill me with your presence and lead me so that I may draw closer to the Father. Help me to hear your voice.

 

JANUARY 13

BOLD

“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

Fear drives us to do things we normally would not do. If a lion appeared behind you as you read this, what would you do to get away? Everything and anything! When Jesus appeared, the disciples shrank back in fear. That is why he invited them to come to him, touch him, and affirm that he was real. He told them he would be resurrected, and he was.

After overcoming their anxieties, they were elated to realize it was really him. It affirmed their faith, and they were emboldened to share with others. Beating fear will give you bravery.

Jesus, help me to see you and to be in touch with you so that I can be brave. Give me your words to share and help me to encourage others to love you.

 

JANUARY 14

SPEAKING WITHOUT GOSSIP

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

How easy it is to listen to someone’s story about another person. It’s juicy information that makes us want to know more. We are all storytellers, and some of the best tales come through gossip. We watch social media and share stories without thinking about what harm they may do. How can we be people of honor when we relish the rubbish of society? How can we give value to the stories that mean nothing and have no basis in truth?

Your best way to grow in honesty, righteousness, faithfulness, and truth is to set aside tales about others. Focus instead on speaking truth. Only repeat what you know. The gospel is truth, and the Bible is full of stories that you can confidently share.

Father, help me to be a man of truth, to share what I know, and to only repeat what I know is founded in compassion. I want to honor you and others with the way I speak.

 

JANUARY 15

POVERTY AND PLENTY

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

If you listed all the painful and difficult things Paul went through, you would find out that he was a man who was full of endurance. He knew what it was like to go through something hard and to continue on regardless. Because of this, he also understood what it meant to have little or lots. Imagine driving the greatest car and having a huge house and lots of money, then losing it all and having nothing but the clothes on your back. Paul knew this but was always thankful. Why? Because it wasn’t about this life right now. He understood that God had so much more for him.

You too, have much more in Christ. It is about what Jesus has given you now through salvation, and what he has in store for you later in eternity.

Jesus, help me to set my heart on your kingdom and not on this world. Fill me with desire for the things that you care about.

 

JANUARY 16

LIKENESS

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

God’s kingdom is upside down compared to this world. He wants us to serve, but this world promotes the idea that each of us is the boss. He wants us to give generously and to care for others, but this world teaches us to put ourselves first and to make ourselves happy. To be first in this life is good, but to be last in God’s kingdom is better. This world tells us to do something because it feels good. But God asks us to do the hard things and be patient for the sake of his kingdom. He desires that men be strong, controlled, and not led by their immediate desires. What a crazy kingdom compared to this world!

In this faith, you learn to constantly challenge the message of the world and to renew your mind in Christ. As you read his Word you will understand his heart and be more like him. You are no longer shaped by this world, but by his Sprit in you!

Holy Spirit, teach me the ways of God and help me to be conformed to the likeness of Jesus Christ.

 

JANUARY 17

DO IT

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

Sometimes we don’t like being told what to do. We like to do things ourselves. The worst is when you go to do something good for your parents, say, clean up the dishes or take out the trash, and they tell you to do it before you get the chance to take the initiative. Grr. That is so annoying. I t is not unusual for us to want to do something good and make it on our own. We want to be independent.

God says that you must depend upon him. He says that it is good for you to believe him and not try to do anything more to be saved. He has saved you, and because of your faith in him you are made right with God. Keep that faith strong and believe that it is a gift to you.

God, thank you so much for saving me and giving me the faith to believe in you. Help me in my unbelief and fill me with joy and thankfulness for what you have done.

 

JANUARY 18

GUARDIAN

“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

As we develop, our brains form greater connections, and we understand things on a deeper level. We are able to think abstractly and take up oppositional arguments to our own thinking. But this doesn’t take place immediately in our adolescent years. During our teens, our brains are starker. We think more in black and white, and we take up causes that we don’t fully understand. We don’t see or comprehend the gray. As we grow, we have to be wary about taking up causes that don’t please God.

As a young person, guard your heart and mind so that you will be able to determine the will of God, and do not be persuaded by the opinions of men. God will watch over you in this formative time as you submit your life to him. Allow his Word to guide your mindset.

Father, I don’t want to become religious and unyielding. Guard my heart and the issues I allow it to be concerned with. I want to demonstrate your character not the rules and declarations of men.

 

JANUARY 19

STORYTIME

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

The Bible is made up of many stories that were eventually recorded in written form. These stories were handed down to each generation through storytelling and song. We still do this today in various forms of media. Movies, especially, give us a visual, emotional, and auditory connection to a story that allows us to obtain a deeper sense of a message or tale. God has given us incredible minds to hear, store, and recall wonderful stories, pictures, and dreams. He intends for those to entice us toward knowing him more. His tales are honest, real, connecting, and inviting.

You are a part of his story, and he wants to share more with you. He wants you to remember his goodness and power so that in whatever circumstances you face, you will have faith in him.

God, help me to recall your wonderful deeds and to be reminded of your character and goodness in all that you do. I want to know you more and to tell those around me about you.

 

JANUARY 20

DIFFICULT THINGS

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

PSALM 78:72 NASB

A shepherd can do things that could cause loss or harm to the sheep or their owner. He can be negligent by taking naps, allowing the sheep to wander into danger; or he could decide to not fight for them when they face trouble. We also have situations in our workplaces that could do harm. We could hurt others or ourselves if we steal, cause damage, or are careless. But Jesus is not this way. He has integrity of heart and is focused and diligent in what he does. He calls us to be the same, whether we are working for a person, a company, a church, or doing things for him.

In all things he asks you to be honest, hard-working, attentive, and disciplined. It is a challenging call. Most likely you will stand out as different but be encouraged that when you walk this way and work this way there are rewards both on earth and in heaven. Employers will want you to work for them. Jesus will increase your abilities and reward you.

Jesus, thank you for being a good shepherd. Please lead me to walk in your ways and to do the hard things regardless of how others are acting.

 

JANUARY 21

FOLLOWER

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

What a great thing to be known for—obedience to God. A person who strives for this and achieves it regularly is a disciplined person who has no other idols in their life. Often our idols are subtle; we can seek first for gratification through media, sports, hobbies, etc. All of them can take the place of God in our lives and lessen our desire to remain disciplined and obedient. This is why he follows up his sentence with the statement that we should know what is good and not dwell on what is evil. This is similar to saying that we should keep our eyes on the things above and not on the world below.

You are made to pursue God passionately and fully. You can fix your eyes on him, and he will guide you into truth and a deeper knowledge of him.

Thank you, God, for keeping me on your path. Help me to obey you and follow after your commands with all of my heart.

 

JANUARY 22

HEALING

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

JEREMIAH 30:17 NIV

God is our healer. The Hebrew name given to him in this definition is Jehovah- Rapha, meaning “the Lord who heals.” But sometimes we see those around us get sick and even die. You may ask yourself, “Why if you are the healer, God, do you allow people to die? Why do so many stay sick?”

This is not God’s desire or design. Sin is why we face sickness and death. Yet at times God chooses, by his mercy, to interrupt normal life and bring healing. Jesus came into our world to break these curses. He made a way for us to live forever and to be healed. Ultimately, those of us who choose him will be healed of all sickness and disease, and we will dwell forever with him on a newly made planet without sickness or other curses! By faith, you can confidently ask for him to heal you and others, which he will do in his timing.

Father, please heal me of my sicknesses, and prepare me for resurrection when you return. Fill me with faith to see healing take place in this life, though I know ultimately all will be healed in the next life.

 

JANUARY 23

GOD SIGHTING

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

How often do you see God taking care of you? When we were children in Sunday school, teachers would ask us to look for God moments in our lives, where God was present and seen in day-to-day activities. We would come back reporting many. Sometimes as we get older, we forget to marvel at how much God is interacting with us.

He may speak through his Word, a friend, a stranger, an answer to prayer, or a sense of his presence. He is very personal and wants us to know his constant closeness through the person of the Holy Spirit. Today, be encouraged that he is with you, and that as you take time to look for him, he will be found. God promises to meet with you when you seek him out.

God, I want to see you today in whatever activity I am doing. Open my eyes to you.

 

JANUARY 24

LOVING AS JESUS DOES

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

ROMANS 5:8 NIV

Can you imagine a bully or someone who hates you asking for you to do something to help them? The obvious answer is, “No, I will not help you.” An even more difficult scenario to imagine would be them asking you to die in order to save them. That would be illogical and ridiculous. Who would do such a thing?

Jesus would! All of humanity was an enemy of God. Our sins and our practices were despised by him. Yet God sent Jesus to become a man, to suffer, and then to die at the hands of men in order to save humanity. What an incredible demonstration of love. It is why Jesus said that we must even love our enemies and those who hate us. This kind of love is beyond feelings. It is found only in Christ, and it is through Jesus that we can love this way. You have Christ in you, and he can teach you to love this way. Ask him, and he will be faithful to answer you.

Jesus, help me to love others like you do. Help me to look beyond myself and my needs to show your character to others.

 

JANUARY 25

GREAT THINGS

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

Have you ever been excited about Christmas? Of course you have! What gets us excited about Christmas is the emotions and the memories of the years before. We have learned to be excited from what we have remembered. In this Psalm, the writer is encouraging the same recall of great things because he was discouraged. He was considering the awesomeness of God so that he would be full of faith to overcome the problems he was facing at that time.

God is faithful and powerful enough to help us through any difficulty. Remembering what he has done helps us believe in what he can do. You have been surrounded by God’s love and redeemed from death. You are loved and empowered by the Spirit of God so you can walk in boldness and authority.

God, thank you for the great things you have done in the past by redeeming mankind. Help me to have faith as I remember all you have done.

 

JANUARY 26

CREATED

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

Have you ever marveled at the power of a storm or sat in awe watching the power of the ocean? Perhaps you have been in the mountains and looked out over creation from a high peak? It fills our hearts with feelings of wonder and praise for the Creator. But when the world can deny what God has made, they can also reject who he ultimately is. We acknowledge the Creator for his good work, and it fills our hearts with worship when we sit and gaze upon his creation.

As you go about your day, look around you at what he has made, from the smallest creature doing its work, to the grandeur of the skies. Be encouraged that not only is God active in his creation, but he is with you as well.

God, thank you for what you have made and how you have made it. Open my understanding of your creation and fill my heart with praise.

 

JANUARY 27

NOBLE THOUGHTS

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

By now you are likely of the age that you practice metacognition. It is a big word that means that you have awareness of your own learning and thinking processes. You may also be aware of your habits of thinking. In other words, you are aware of what you habitually think about.

Paul writes in the book of Romans that we are to renew our minds and have control over our thoughts. In the verse above, he encourages us to think noble thoughts and to dwell upon decency, virtue, justice, and purity. Does Paul mean that we need to think about flowers and such? Possibly, but he is encouraging maturity of thought and recognizing what our minds are set upon. We need to be aware that we can change our thinking habits. When our minds are positive, pure, and set on loving God, it changes our countenance and our actions.

Father, help me to dwell upon you. I ask that my thoughts would be your thoughts and my ways become your ways.

 

JANUARY 28

MATURITY

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

HEBREWS 5:14 NIV

There is nothing like going to the local take-out restaurant and getting that favorite menu item. As we wipe our faces with remnants of the last big bite, we boast that we could eat it every day. And it’s true. We likely could eat it every day, but what would happen if we did? Doctors tell us all the time that weight, blood, and heart issues are the most common health ailments. It’s even likely that eating unhealthy food will lead to early death. So, as we get older, we discern that we need to eat healthier more regularly. In maturity, we discern and practice the way we live differently.

As you grow in Christ, you also learn by training. You learn what the things are that you should avoid in order to be a healthier Christian and a better person. You have within you the Holy Spirit to help you mature in this way. Be confident that he is with you and speaking to you. Listen carefully for his voice.

Holy Spirit, please help me to hear you and to learn the things that you are teaching me. I want to be a mature believer and to know Christ in all areas of my life.

 

JANUARY 29

THE NEED TO WAIT

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

PSALM 40:1 NKJV

Have you ever wanted something really badly and yet you had to wait for it? The desire for it seems to get stronger as time goes by, especially if we think about it constantly. One of the hardest things to do is to wait when we really want something. It might even seem impossible. Our desire to “have” is strong and we must learn how to control it. It is the same impulse that Adam and Eve experienced in the garden of Eden at the fall of man. But when Jesus came, he told us to wait on him, to be with him, and to follow him. If you do this, you will remain in him, and he will live in you. Even better, he will never leave you.

Ultimately, you follow Jesus because you know that it is what you want, and it is right. You will learn to be patient and to stop your wants from being met right away as you practice self-control. Self-control leads to patience and waiting. That is something only Jesus can do in you. God listens to those who wait on him. He is ready for you to wait!

Jesus, help me to learn to wait on you and be patient. I want to remain in you forever!

 

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

Do everything for God so that it glorifies him. That is a big ask. How does that work when you study, work, eat, or even go to the bathroom? Like, literally everything?! Yes, in a way, we are to do everything for his glory, but it happens through our attitude. Whether it is the most common of acts, or it has a high spiritual context, our desire should be to do all things by his Spirit.

Think of the times you have done something for your parents, but you didn’t really want to. They thanked you for doing it, but your attitude stunk. It doesn’t really feel very good. God wants us to serve him in easy or in hard things, and to be happy doing it with a good spirit.

God, help me to be pleasing to you in all that I do. Help my attitude and spirit to be favorable in your sight.

 

JANUARY 31

DO THE HARD THINGS

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