“Oh God, where are you? I failed the audition. I feel so foolish. Please help me.” Ember prayed, gasping, tears falling. Trembling underneath the weeping willow tree, her quiet space, she shut her eyes tightly, blocking out the world, focusing on what her grandmother used to say.

Pray, darling. Jesus meets us anywhere.

A voice called, “Go inside the workshop.”

Startled, Ember opened her eyes. The tree had disappeared, and now in its place was a stone workshop. The door creaked open. Ember stepped inside. Ruby lights shone—heart-shaped, untouchable myriads of lights, glimmering as if from another galaxy.

Hearing a gentle tapping, she moved forward. A heaviness slowed her steps as crying echoed around her. Layers upon layers of glass-like shards were stacked up on a workbench. So many that, at first, she didn’t notice the figure standing in the corner, his head bent down, obscured by the fragments around him. Patiently he worked, concentrating systematically on the broken, clear pieces until they transformed red, became whole, and floated away.

“Ember, my cherished daughter. Welcome.” His words reverberated in her soul. “Each heart is created beautiful. But in this flawed world, they are so easily broken, like yours.”

Ember’s throat dried up. She cast her head down, silent tears falling.

“I am the Restorer. I understand your pain. I’ve lived with you, throughout your suffering. A heart may be shattered, but I can make it whole again. Trust in me to heal your brokenness, and in me you will find rest.”

Ember looked up. She watched as, one by one, the hearts on the table were restored. The crying had stopped, and she saw the marks on the Savior’s hands, reaching out for each broken piece with love. His eyes were warm and deep, and she got the impression that a luminous light radiated from within Him.

Falling to her knees, she prayed, “Jesus, my Lord and Savior. I offer my heart to you.”

Suddenly, Ember was outside next to the weeping willow. The stone workshop had vanished. Her pain replaced with peace in her spirit. Jesus was with her. Unburdened and free, she ran back home, restored. • Cindy Lee

• Today’s allegorical story offers a glimpse of the kindness and faithfulness of Jesus. So many things can happen in this fallen world that leave us feeling brokenhearted. Ever since the first humans sinned, life is not as it should be. Yet God doesn’t abandon us in our sin and brokenness. He reaches out—and restores us. Whether our sorrow is caused by the general imperfection of the world, other people’s particular sin, or even our own sin, Jesus always wants to heal us. What kinds of things have left you feeling brokenhearted?

• Our hearts were made for relationship with God, and even though humans rejected God and chose sin instead, He paid the ultimate price to make that relationship possible again. When Jesus died for us on the cross and rose from the grave, He made the way to forgive our sins and make us new. Though we often look to created things to give us relief from our grief and despair, it’s only in relationship with our loving Creator that our hearts can truly be restored. How does Jesus meet us in our suffering and give us hope?

• Sometimes when a tragedy or life-changing event happens, it can shake our beliefs or make us angry with God, and this is perfectly normal. Can you think of a time you felt this way? Consider taking some time to share, not just your sadness, but also your worries, your anger, and your fears with Jesus—the one who died for you and loves you dearly. In addition to talking to Jesus, who is a trusted Christian in your life you can be honest with about your pain and any questions you may have? (If no...

As I pull up to one of my favorite hiking locations along the shores of Lake Michigan, I take a deep breath. Intentionally, I leave my phone in the car and head to the trail with only my car keys. Five minutes in, I feel the stress and demands of the week begin to lessen.

Soft green leaves rustling in the breeze. Sunlight dappling the trees, cheery bird song beckoning. Scent of decomposing leaves, springy moss beneath my feet.

I step out from under the trees, and Lake Michigan waves in greeting. Perched high on a dune, bare feet in smooth sand, I recite once again: The Lord is my shepherd (inhale), I shall not want (exhale). He makes me lie down in green pastures (inhale), He leads me beside still waters (exhale). He restores my soul (inhale)...

I can feel it, that soul restoration that comes when I remove distractions, quiet my mind, focus my heart, and listen to my Jesus. Here, I am present and at peace. This isn’t a mindlessness, but a mindful fixation on being here with my Lord—walking with Him.

On the journey back, I ask Him: What do you want me to meditate on today? He brings Psalm 139 to mind, memorized years prior. I whisper each verse as I walk, considering. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. I lift my eyes to the treetops, and there before me, ten or fifteen feet above, hangs a wooden cross about the size of my hand.

I smile, surprised by joy again, unsurprised that He constantly shows me His love…sometimes I just need to slow down enough to see it. Years of hiking this very trail, and I’d never noticed, until I looked up. • Savannah Coleman

• No one needs to tell us that our world is high-tech and fast-paced, but we all need to be reminded that we are capable of taking a break from both the rush and the technology. What do you feel God might be prompting your heart to do in this area? Perhaps it’s turning your notifications off for an hour while you read the Bible and worship. Maybe it’s being out in nature and not bringing devices with you. Even if you can only take fifteen minutes away from your phone, do it. We all need to start somewhere. Consider asking God to give you an idea you can put into practice this week, or even today, that will help you rely less on technology and more on being present to His presence.

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV) 

You may have heard of the old TV show Father Knows Best. This 1950s American sitcom was about a father and his family. You may or may not enjoy old black and white sitcoms, but the title might stir up some questions. It would be naïve to say that earthly parents always know best—they’re flawed people. But it is true that our heavenly Father knows best.

Yet, it doesn’t always feel that way. Many times, I’ve asked God why He didn’t give me the things I prayed for. I lamented to Him when opportunities slipped from my grasp. And I cried after I had doors of opportunity slammed in my face.

One Sunday, in the midst of lamenting over a lost relationship, I heard a sermon about the book of Esther. The pastor spoke about how, even though God isn’t mentioned by name in this Old Testament book, His handiwork is evident throughout the story. Reading it now, we can see God working through the good and the bad to deliver His people.

The problem is, Esther didn’t get a lovely printed, leather-bound version of her story. She lived it. She was placed in the middle of the threat of her people’s extinction and told to act at the risk of her own life. Maybe looking back, she could see how God worked through the good and the bad for His purposes, but maybe not.

The sermon on Esther comforted me. It reminded me that God does have a plan and He is working on it, even if He doesn’t give me all the details. In times of disappointment, I often fall back on the fact that God loves me and wants to show me His love. I know that God’s silence does not equal His absence. Jesus is with me no matter what, and He is working out His good purposes through it all. • Naomi Zylstra

• Can you think of a time you prayed for something you didn’t receive? How did that feel?

• In times of disappointment and heartache, God does not stand far off. He is so very near, longing to wrap us in His arms and remind us that He sees, and He cares. That’s why He invites us to honestly lament—to tell Him all about our pain and what we want Him to do about it. As we lament, we can remember that Jesus weeps with us and that He is working, not only for His glory, but also for our good. Consider taking some time to pour out your lament to Him today.

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28 (NLT) 

“Well, that was a bad decision.”

“I can’t believe we did that.”

“So, now what? You know He’ll find out.”

“Hmmm. I have an idea. See all those bushes and trees over there? Let’s hide.”

“Good plan.”

Perhaps this is how the conversation went between Adam and Eve. Genesis 3 doesn’t tell us their exact dialogue, but in their story, we witness one of the worst strategies ever created. After eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, Adam and Eve felt ashamed and guilty, a common response to wrongdoing. Then, they decided to hide from God.

True story. These two humans were trying to hide from the all-knowing Creator of the universe. Gently and clearly, God drew them out from their hiding places, clothed them, and barred them from the Garden of Eden. It was a humbling moment for Adam and Eve.

As much as we might want to mock them, isn’t our natural response to hide when we do wrong? It’s embarrassing to admit the truth of our sin. Wouldn’t we all rather hide until it all blows over? But God has other plans, and He has gone to great lengths to make it possible for us to receive mercy and grace.

How far? God the Father sent His very own Son as a payment for our sins. While we have committed sin in the darkness and hidden afterwards, Jesus Christ was willing to die during the middle of the day, in front of witnesses, so all could see His sacrifice. And then, three days later He rose again.

Our sin is not the end of the story. We’re not meant to live in the dark shadows of shame. We all sin, every day, but Christ’s death pays the price for our sin, allowing us to live unashamed in the light. • Mike Hurley

• How was God merciful in His response to Adam and Eve’s sin?

• What should our response be when we sin? Why are we free to go to Jesus after we’ve messed up? (Hebrews 4:14-16)

My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ the righteous one. He himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for those of the whole world. 1 John 2:1-2 (CSB) 

In the United Arab Emirates, immigrants are not allowed to proselytize (attempt to convert) anyone from the local population. This makes it hard to share the good news that Jesus loves us so much that He died and rose again to make the way for us to be with Him forever. But that did not stop my parents.

My parents were Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Dubai. They are also Christians. They understood the limits that the local laws put on sharing the gospel with others. Thus, they decided to focus on sharing Jesus with a group of people that they felt they could reach out to better: OFW homeschooling parents like them.

After connecting with a local church in Dubai, my mom began looking for a homeschool co-op to meet new people outside of church. She discovered that no co-op existed in our area, but she recognized a need for one. That was how the Discovery Gardens Homeschool Co-op was founded. It was composed mostly of Filipino expat families who were not Christians.

With one other Christian family, we taught every child who attended about the truth of who Jesus is. That planted seeds in their hearts, and God made those seeds grow. The results were outstanding. Three of the families we taught in that one month eventually put their trust in Jesus Christ. That same year, I witnessed one of my friends be baptized in the Persian Gulf.

During our time in Dubai, I learned something very important. I learned to make the most of the time God gives me (Ephesians 5:16). I never knew when it would end. We stayed in Dubai for only two years. For us to see such an impact in our short time there, I just know it’s one of the many proofs that nothing is impossible for God (Luke 1:37). • John Caleb M. Talusan

• Jesus loves us so much that He died and rose again to make the way for us to be with Him forever. And He wants all people to come to Him (1 Timothy 2:4)! As Christians, He has invited us to do His kingdom work with Him. And a huge part of that work is telling others the good news, relying on the Holy Spirit’s power and wisdom. What an amazing honor! Consider spending some time in prayer, thanking Jesus for His death and resurrection and asking Him who He may be inviting you to share the gospel with. (For more about the gospel, check out our "Know Jesus" page.)

• Can you remember a time when somebody shared the gospel with you? What was that like?

For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. Romans 1:16 (NLT) 

What could be better than God with skin on, walking the planet, in the person of Jesus Christ? On the night before Jesus went to the cross, He told us. Jesus knew that He was going to die, be raised from the dead three days later, and after a short while, ascend into heaven. But first, He told His disciples, “When the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you…It is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you” (John 14:26; 16:7).

So what’s even better than Jesus in the flesh, walking around on our planet? God, inside of us, His believers. Jesus is fully human, and He is God with us (Matthew 1:23). The Holy Spirit is God in us (John 14:17). Today, through the Holy Spirit, we can know God personally.

While we wait for Jesus to return and restore creation, His body is us. He is the head, and we—His church—are all members of His body (1 Corinthians 12). As the body of Christ, we are meant to follow our head and do the work He calls us to do. So where does the Holy Spirit, our Advocate, come in?

The Greek word translated as Advocate in John 14–16 is Paraclete, which can also be translated as Comforter, Helper, or Counselor. God knew that we couldn’t follow Him on our own. Until Jesus’s return, we would continue to mess up, and we’d need the Holy Spirit’s kind correction. He knew that we would need Him as our Helper, our Counselor, our Advocate, and our Comforter too. We would need God Himself, living within us.

God the Father not only sent His own Son to come in the flesh to die and rise again to make the way for us to know God, but then He also sent His own Spirit to all who believe in Jesus. He is with us for the entire journey! What a wonderful God! • Kristen Merrill

• If you’ve put your trust in Jesus, then you have His Spirit indwelling you! What questions do you have about the Holy Spirit? The Bible is full of verses that mention the Spirit. Who are trusted Christians in your life who can help you dig into Scripture and find out more?

[Jesus said,] “But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you.” John 16:7 (NLT) 

How much does God love you? The answer is: a lot!

But sometimes “a lot” can be hard to picture. To show us how faithful His love is, God gave us an analogy in the Old Testament: the story of Hosea and Gomer.

Hosea was a prophet, and God told him to marry a woman named Gomer. But Gomer was unfaithful and left him, causing Hosea deep hurt.

When Gomer cheated on Hosea, God explained that the hurt she caused was similar to the hurt God feels when we sin. Both the Israelite people and we as humans today have cheated on God with idols—things, ideas, and even people we worship instead of our good Creator.

Throughout the book of Hosea, God spelled out His anger and hurt toward His cheating people. But then the book takes a surprising turn.

God told Hosea to take back his cheating wife and love her like God loves the Israelites. Gomer had become enslaved to her lovers, so Hosea had to buy back his own wife and bring her home again. This parallels the story of Christ, who bought us at the much higher cost of His own blood on the cross. Jesus loved us so much that He took on one of the most painful deaths the Roman Empire could offer. Not only did He die to pay the price for our sin, but He also overcame death through His resurrection—He made the way to free us from our slavery to sin and ensure that we could be with Him forever.

Even though we have all cheated on God with our sin—and we continue to sin every day—He still loves us. More than a husband could ever love his wife. • Naomi Zylstra

• God loved us while we were enamored with the sin that enslaved us. As Christians, why is it important to remember that God continues to love us even when we are still enamored with sin? (If you want to dig deeper, read Romans 5:8; 8:38-39; 1 John 4:10, 19; Ephesians 2:1-10)

• If you want to know more about what it means to be rescued and forgiven by Jesus, see our "Know Jesus" page.

• As Christians, we know that our sin is just as bad as anyone else’s. How should God’s love for us motivate us to treat others? (1 John 4:11) Remember, if someone has hurt you deeply, loving and forgiving them doesn’t necessarily mean trusting them again—it might look like setting up healthy boundaries. Who are trusted Christian adults in your life you could talk to about this?

The LORD says, “Then I will heal you of your faithlessness; my love will know no bounds, for my anger will be gone forever.” Hosea 14:4 (NLT) 

Lying on my dorm room floor, I wiped tears from my eyes. Why did I keep doing things I knew grieved the heart of God? Perhaps it was growing up in a strict home? The countless rules just fueled my desire to live a little outside the lines. For me, that looked like a struggle to honor God in my romantic relationships. While I didn’t go “all the way” with guys, stepping over the line with them offered the thrill I craved. Afterward though, I felt worse. The Holy Spirit was gently prompting me to flee sin and run into the arms of Jesus instead.

Time after time this happened, and I wrestled and prayed. I felt like I was finally grasping what Paul said in Romans 7:15-24. I was doing what I didn’t want to do, and I kept on doing it. I really felt like I was a prisoner to these desires—they were battling within me against the Holy Spirit’s leading. God, I prayed, just let me get caught or in trouble or something! I want this to stop, but I feel so powerless!

Turns out, I didn’t get caught or in trouble. Instead, it was the love, grace, and forgiveness of Jesus Christ that eventually drew me back. I was attempting to fill my cravings for ultimate meaning with something other than Him… and that never satisfies. The truth is, when I trusted Jesus as my Lord and Savior, He gave me freedom from sin’s power. Even though I will wrestle with my old sinful nature until I see Jesus face to face, I have His power living inside me. And by His power, I can reject sin—knowing that, in Christ, I am dead to sin. I can be led by the Spirit as I rest in Jesus’s love and set my mind on His good desires for me (Romans 8:5; Galatians 5:16-18).

Now, when Satan throws my failures back in my face, I know I can block his attacks with the truth of God’s Word. When Satan whispers, “What kind of a follower of God are you? How can you expect to reach others with God’s love when you’re trapped in your own sin?” I can shout back: “God has forgiven me—and He’s not finished with me yet! He began a good work in me, and He will continue it until the day Jesus comes again!” (Philippians 1:6). • Savannah Coleman

• Can you think of a time you felt like today’s author, or like Paul in Romans 7? What sin struggles do you feel powerless over? (Remember, Romans 7 applies to all sorts of sins—and we all struggle with sin every single day.)

• You are not alone in this battle! If you know Jesus, you are a child of God, and you are empowered by the Holy Spirit to reject sin (1 Corinthians 10:13). Our sins and struggles may be great, but God is greater—and He gives us the deliverance we need through Jesus Christ (Romans 7:25). Can you think of a time you resisted temptation and did not sin? What was that like?

• God loves us so much that Jesus died and rose again to free us from sin and death. As we rely on Him, we can resist temptation. And whenever we fail, Jesus always wants us to run to Him—to receive His inexhaustible forgiveness and unending love (Luke 15:11-32; 1 John 1:9–2:1). Consider taking some time to talk to Jesus about whatever you’ve been struggling with.

• God created romantic love and sex as good gifts to be shared and enjoyed by a husband and wife within marriage. What questions do you have about marriage, sexuality, sin, repentance, etc.? Who are trusted Christian adults in your life you feel comfortable talking to about this? (If no one comes to mind, you can ask God to help you identify someone in the future.)

Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6 (NIV)

The question is asked,
“What do you believe?”
I open my mouth to recite the familiar words:
“I believe in God, the Father almighty.”

But do I believe?
Can I claim this testimony?
I close my mouth and wonder,
Can I honestly profess these ancient words?

Then I remember
The peace during the storms,
The answers to big and seemingly small prayers—
My stubborn stone heart becomes humble flesh.

And I do believe.
Even though it’s not clear and easy,
I join my voice with the chorus of the redeemed.
Affirming with feeble but fresh faith the words of my confession. • Mary Rozendal

• Have you had times when you wondered whether or not you really believe what you say you believe? What or who has helped you sort out your questions? What questions do you still have?

• What are some of the central truths of our faith in the gospel—or good news—of Jesus Christ? (For more about this good news, see our "Know Jesus" page.)

• The speaker in today’s poem is reciting the Apostles’ Creed. To learn more about this creed, keep reading!

Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, since he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23 (CSB)

WHAT IS THE APOSTLES' CREED?

People have always had questions about what it means to be a Christian. Historically, one way the church has sought to navigate questions like this is by gathering together—through prayer, discussion, and study of Scripture—to create official positions on difficult but important questions. One of the earliest examles of this was the Apostles' Creed, which is printed below.

Over the centuries, through study of Scripture and prayer, Christians have agreed with the basic content of this historical creed, and it is still recited regularly in many Christian churches today. It is recited to connect Christians—around the world and throughout history—to the gospel that unites them.

While this creed is not Scripture, it is a helpful summary of the basic truths of the Bible, vetted by people through the ages who loved Jesus and His Word.

I believe in God the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was cricified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church*,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.

*Historically, the term “catholic” means “universal.” This line basically means “the whole church around the world and throughout history.”

A NOTE: Since the creed was written in Latin, the above text is a translation, produced by the English Language Liturgical Consultation (ELLC) in 1998.

When I was eleven, I marched with a school group in our town’s Christmas parade. We started near the football stadium and then marched through town. After two miles or so, we finished at the end of Main Street. As my friend Meredith watched the thinning crowd, her face drooped as much as her pom poms, and she began to cry. Feeling alone and scared, she wondered, Where’s my mom? How can she find me? What if I can’t find her?

As Meredith’s friends, we tried to reassure her. We told her that her mom knew where the parade ended and would come for her. We reminded her that her mom would look for her until she found her. We assured her that her mom would never, ever leave without her. And we were right. Meredith couldn’t see her mom when she needed comfort most, but her mother searched for her until she was reunited with her daughter. Then they went home together.

Meredith’s anxiety arose from not being able to see her mother. She didn’t stop believing her mom cared for her. But not being able to lay eyes upon her mother left Meredith feeling abandoned. Each of us can experience that same fear in our relationship with Jesus. When we put our trust in Him, believing in His death and resurrection, we are united with God. He becomes our Father, and we gain a new identity as His children. God loves us, and as a good Father, He promises never to leave us (John 10:28-29; Hebrews 13:5; 1 John 3:1).

Sometimes it seems like our worries would calm down if we could just see God, right? Though we can’t see Him with physical eyes, we can trust what the Bible teaches about Him: that He is with us. He loves us, He pursues us, and He will never let us go. • Allison Wilson Lee

• Can you think of a time you felt like God was far away? We all go through times like these, but God is eager to remind us of His love and nearness. Consider taking a moment to talk to Him about how He has seemed distant and how that’s made you feel. In addition to talking to God, who are trusted Christians in your life you can talk to—people who can remind you of His presence with you? Are there any Bible verses that help you feel closer to God?

• After Jesus rose from the dead, He promised to be with us always (Matthew 28:20). He ascended into heaven and sent His Spirit to live in all believers (John 14:15-18, 26-27). How could it be encouraging to remember Jesus is always with us through His Holy Spirit dwelling in us?

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy. 1 Peter 1:8 (NIV)

As an old story goes, in the Old West, thieves trying to escape law enforcement would sometimes turn their horses’ shoes backwards. These “bank robber horseshoes” supposedly tricked investigators into assuming the criminals traveled on horseback in the opposite direction. With tracks from the horseshoes pointing one way—but the thieves traveling in the other—they hoped to evade capture. This deception allegedly sent officers of the law away from the robbers they tracked.

In my relationship with God, I notice Satan practices a similar kind of deceit. With his lies about who we are and who God is, Satan disguises untruth as truth and points us away from God.

When we trust in Christ, believing His death and resurrection provide forgiveness and eternal life, we become new creations. Our enemy, the devil, will remind us of past sins, accusing us and saying we’re not blameless in God’s sight. But in His Word, God says, “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.” (Hebrews 10:17). In Jesus, we don’t carry the burden of guilt any longer.

The Bible assures us nothing can separate us from God’s love once we are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:38-39). Yet our enemy wants to convince us that our mistakes and sins will leave God shaking His head at us in disgust. The enemy may highlight rejection we’ve experienced and nudge us to ask, “Who could ever love me?” Yet God’s Word reminds us we are His much-loved children (1 John 3:1). And Jesus always comes to seek and save us when we’re lost (Luke 19:10).

Scripture labels Satan as the “father of lies,” but Jesus is the Truth (John 8:44; 14:6). How will we know when our beliefs have followed the enemy’s deception down the wrong path? When our thinking doesn’t match up with what Scripture teaches about the character of God and about who we are in Christ. God’s Word directs us on the right path to keep us walking in truth, and the Holy Spirit lovingly guides us back to this truth again and again. • Allison Wilson Lee

• When have you been tempted to believe Satan’s lies about who you are or who God is? What past hurts or sin does the enemy remind you of as he attempts to derail you from the truth?

• Which Bible verses or passages can help you remember the truth? Who is a trusted Christian in your life who could help you find Scriptures like these? Remember, God has designed us to fight Satan’s lies in community, so we can always remind each other of what’s really true.

[Jesus said,] “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32 (NIV) 

When we’ve done something wrong, and someone calls us out on it, what’s our response? Shrug it off? Refute their claims? Sink into shame or self-hatred? Or do we remind ourselves of our identity in Christ—as beloved, forgiven children of God—then take the time to think about what they’ve said and consider how to do better next time?

Friends, we are—by nature—not very good at accepting correction. We can get so wrapped up in our anger, defensiveness, and hurt that we miss out on what loving correction is supposed to be—a nudge onto a better path. As I put it to my youth group a few weeks ago, “Humility is in short supply.”

God puts people in our lives to encourage and support us, and also to call us out when we’re missing the mark or wandering down the wrong path.

There are plenty of examples in the Bible. Apollos didn’t have the full picture of the gospel, so Priscilla and Aquila explained God’s ways to him more fully in Acts 18:24-28. In 2 Samuel 12, the prophet Nathan rebuked David for sinning when he used his power as king to have sex with Bathsheba and arrange for her husband’s death. In Exodus 18, Jethro, Moses’s father-in-law, worried that Moses was overworking himself while he was settling disputes between the people of Israel, and Jethro proposed a new system.

All three of these leaders took the correction and went on to continue to follow God and see Him do amazing things! What about me and you? It’s so hard to accept correction with humility and grace, but as we lean on the Holy Spirit, with time and practice, we can get better at it. We can ask God to soften our hearts and open our eyes to see the whole truth—not just what we want to see. Correction isn’t supposed to tear us down—it’s supposed to build us up! It makes us wiser, stronger, and better equipped for what God has in store for us.

The next time you find yourself standing corrected, slow down, breathe, and take the time to think before you respond. Is the heart behind their advice or rebuke to hurt you, or to help you? Lean on Jesus, lay aside your pride, and learn to listen. That’s how we grow! • Hannah Ruth Johnson

• Can you think of a time when someone’s advice or correction has been helpful for you? Consider taking a moment to thank Jesus for that person and the advice they gave!

If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding. Proverbs 15:32 (NLT) 

I have been riding horses for a while, and at first, I thought I would never fall. It was so simple in the beginning—just walking around with an adult guiding me the whole time.

Eventually, I decided I wanted to become a real rider. So my mom found some lessons for me to do once a week. I was so excited to canter, jump, and learn all sorts of things that I could be proud of. Even though I couldn’t do any of this at first, I developed skills over years of hard work. But one day, my confidence was derailed.

I was mounting a horse when it got spooked and bucked. I was flung into the dirt, and I had nothing left to do but watch the horse gallop away.

Now, I still fall off sometimes and lose confidence. However, I know the only way to keep pursuing my dream is to trust the horse and get back on. In the same way, we can be deceived and fall into sin (James 1:14-15). The enemy’s goal is for us to be thrown into the dirt and stay there—to give up at the first sign of trouble or difficulty.

The truth is that life isn’t easy. We’re going to be tripped up sometimes, especially as we grow in our relationship with Christ. In John 16:33, Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” The good news is, once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we can know that even when we walk through trials and temptations, God will hold on to us. His love won’t let go (John 10:28-30; Romans 8:38-39). He will help us resist sin. And, when we do fall, He will be right there to offer forgiveness, compassion, and help. Because Jesus is our foundation, we can remain strong and get up even when we fall. • Carys James

• The Bible has many, many examples of people who followed the Lord and then fell flat on their faces in sin. And God didn’t give up on them! He forgave them, picked them up, dusted them off, and continued to walk with them. We see this in the lives of Abraham, David, and Peter—not to mention the entire nation of Israel in the Old Testament walking away from God over and over. Falling down never has to be the end—because Jesus will never stop pursuing us. Can you think of any times in your life when you’ve fallen down and Jesus has helped you get back up?

• Sin, confession, repentance, and forgiveness is the normal rhythm of the Christian life. Consider spending some time in prayer, confessing any sins the Lord brings to mind and resting in His sure forgiveness.

[Jesus said,] “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV) 

Have you ever read a psalm and thought, Wow, they’re really mad at God. Are you even allowed to say that to Him? The short answer is, yes, and it’s called lament.

In fact, about a third of the psalms in the Bible are lament psalms or complaint psalms. A lament is when you bring your honest, unfiltered frustrations, angers, griefs, and disappointments to God in prayer. It says, “God, I’m not okay. This stinks. I hate it. I feel like You’ve forgotten me. Why did You let this happen?!” That doesn’t sound encouraging, does it? But lament is so important that, throughout the Bible, the prophets, the leaders of Israel, and even Jesus Himself lamented. And yet, as Christians, we often avoid lament for two reasons.

First, sometimes we mistakenly think that lament shows a lack of trust in God. But, in lament, we actually entrust God with our deepest, most uncomfortable feelings. And we are trusting Him to do something about our hurts—whether it be now, later, or when He returns (2 Peter 3:1-13; Revelation 21:1-5). So lament is a faithful response to the pain and brokenness sin causes in the world. The lament psalms show us what this looks like. Almost all of these psalms end by praising God for how good He is—after the psalmists have expressed their hurts to Him.

Second, we might avoid lament because, when something bad happens, we want to skip all the terrible feelings and rush to the healing. My friends, that isn’t healthy. True healing happens only by walking through the pain and hurt, relying on Jesus as He walks through it with us. Jesus loves us unconditionally. He lived among us on earth, He died for us, and He rose again—He knows our pain. He even laments on our behalf (Hebrews 7:25). As we bring our pain to Him, we can know, by the power of His resurrection, suffering’s days are numbered.

Today, let’s lay our laments at His feet, as loudly as we need to. God is big. He can handle it. • Taylor Eising

• What do you need to lament right now? Something in your past or present? Something happening to a loved one? Injustice in the world? Bring these to God. If you’re not sure where to start, try using a lament psalm as a blueprint for your prayer, such as Psalm 44, 55, 77, 79, 90, or 142.

• Do you have a tendency to rush through processing your pain with God? Why do you think that might be? Who is a trusted Christian in your life you could talk with about lament?

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (CSB) 

Did you know God commands His people to party? Just skim through Leviticus 23 and count how many times God tells His people to celebrate. In fact, Jesus’s first miracle took place at a wedding celebration (John 2:1-12). And, as we can see in today’s Bible passage, sometimes holy festivities can look pretty wild.

Celebration is vital to the Christian life. A birthday, a holiday, a graduation, or just a long weekend can be a reminder to look backward at all the good things God has done for us. Many of the festivals in the Bible commemorated times God saved His people, so festivals acted as regular reminders of God’s faithfulness. When we celebrate, we also look around at the good things God is doing in this moment, and we pause from normal life to acknowledge His great works. Then, we look forward to the good things He will do in the future, including our ultimate celebration with Jesus at the Wedding Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:6-9).

We also celebrate because we follow a God who celebrates. Zephaniah 3:17 says God rejoices and even sings over His people. When we rejoice, we are joining in with God’s perpetual celebration over us. Heaven echoes with the songs of God, and we can take every opportunity to sing along. As Christians, we always have a truth worth celebrating: we get to live in relationship with the God of the Universe because of Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection.

That’s why King David danced in the street until his clothes fell off—because the ark of the covenant, where the very presence of God dwelt, was among them. David realized this incredible truth, and his joy was so great, he couldn’t hold it in. Celebration bubbled up from within him when he was in God’s presence. Today, everyone who has put their trust in Jesus has the joy of having the presence of God with them. Jesus’s love for us is wild, so let us celebrate with abandon! • Taylor Eising

• What is your favorite celebration? What about it do you find fun and/or meaningful?

• How do celebration, joy, remembrance, and merrymaking help us draw near to God?

• Celebration is an act of faith that acknowledges life doesn’t depend on us. In Leviticus 23, how many times does God tell His people not to work? By resting, the Israelites remembered they depended on God to provide for them. What are some ways you can practice rest in your life?

[Jesus said,] “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:10 (NIV) 

The space weather alarm buzzed on my cruiser, Nova. I was halfway back to Earth after gathering medical supplies on Triton. Sensors indicated a dense solar wind heading my way—usually bringing a geomagnetic storm.

I routed extra power to shields, retracted stabilizers to prevent shearing, and strapped myself to the chair. One minute to impact.

I slid sweaty hands down my legs and took a deep breath. “Flight tracker, this is Nova. I am 2.3 billion kilometers from Earth, returning from one of Neptune’s moons, Triton. A strong solar storm approaches. May need assistance.”

Before I could transmit the message, the storm hit. The sudden radiation overwhelmed my systems, and red lights started flashing all over my controls. As I whirled, I tried to track my orientation, but sensors refused to lock. The navigation screen blanked—probably fried from the magnetic pulse.

The Nova spiraled relentlessly. Nausea surged through my insides. I closed my eyes and wished the dizziness away. Which way was Earth? Could I stabilize the ship?

I tapped the side thrusters. The engines hissed. My rotation slowed, but the sun’s brightness still whipped around several times per second. I burned the thrusters again. Sensors showed that Nova had stabilized, but my head was still reeling. In space, fluid in the inner ears continued to spin, causing vertigo. Should I trust my disoriented brain to navigate, or rely on the sensors, possibly damaged by the magnetic pulse?

Thud! Something collided with Nova’s lower deck, followed by a high-pitched grating of titanium. I reversed the thrusters and saw my communications antenna drifting away amid a cloud of space debris.

I ran a systems diagnostic. Along with my ability to communicate, navigation was also down. I scanned for a homing beacon signal, but found none.

I closed my eyes and prayed. Father, lead me through the storm.

I breathed deeply and opened my eyes. I could see the sun through a window. At this distance, it appeared more like a very bright star, but its shining was unmistakable. That’s what I needed—something steady, something outside myself. I turned the ship toward that brightest spot and engaged the main thruster. • Michelle Cochran

• Today’s story is an allegory. So many things can leave us feeling disoriented. When the storms of life throw us off balance, we may not know how to find steadiness, or how to move forward. Thankfully, Jesus is always constant. He never changes, no matter how unsteady our lives may get (Hebrews 13:8). He always wants to help us and lead us safely home. What kinds of storms have you experienced lately?

• Can you think of a time when a circumstance you went through or an idea you heard left you feeling disoriented, but then something helped you find stability and clarity again? Maybe it was a Bible passage, a conversation with another Christian, a time of prayer, a hymn or worship song, or something in nature that reminded you of its Creator. Consider taking a moment to thank God for this.

• God sees everything you’re going through, and He has so much compassion on you. What might it look like for you to rely on Jesus to lead you through the storms you’re currently facing?

That we may no longer be children, tossed back and forth and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error; but speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him who is the head, Christ. Ephesians 4:14-15 (WEB)

Have you ever considered who you can count on when times get tough? For thirty years, I had an undetected brain tumor. While it wasn’t cancerous, it took over every part of my life and affected how I behaved and thought. Many people got scared of me and left me. However, my family and close friends did not…because they knew me the best. They knew how I was prior to the tumor.

When the tumor was found, I had a twenty-hour surgery to remove it. My health was restored. After my surgery, I looked back and realized all the support I had received from both earthly family members and my broader Christian family—who stayed with me, encouraged me, and prayed for me. I now call those people my “Centurion Guard.” That name fits because, like the centurions of ancient Rome, they are strong warriors. My guards are my prayer warriors, and they provide encouragement.

It’s been amazing to see how Jesus has used these people in my life. They helped guide and support me before and after my surgery. And, because of the prayers of my Centurion Guards, Jesus Christ, the Great Physician, answered those prayers for healing. In fact, my doctor said I had the fastest recovery he’d ever seen, especially after a twenty-hour brain surgery. What a gift to see Jesus working in this way through my doctor and through His church!

When times get tough, we’re meant to share our struggles with Christian friends and pray together. As we bring our troubles to the foot of the cross, we can rest in Jesus’s love for us, trusting Him to work on our behalf—in His way and in His good timing. • Robert Keur

• Who is your Centurion Guard—faithful brothers and sisters in Christ who God has brought into your life? How can you serve and pray for each other? (If no one comes to mind, you can ask God to help you identify people in the future.)

• Illness and injury are terrible results of the fall (when sin and death entered the world in Genesis 3). Therefore, God wants us to pray for the healing of others, both for people who know Him and people who don’t. Sometimes God heals instantly or gradually, and sometimes He waits to heal someone until they see Jesus face to face (James 5:13-16; Revelation 21:1-5). No matter how God answers, we can know that He hears our prayers and He is always working for our good—and at Jesus’s return, those who belong to Him will be healed in full. (Matthew 14:14; John 5:17; 9:1-9; Romans 8:28-29, 38-39)

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 (NIV) 

We waited outside the pole barn on a brisk winter morning to meet our new foster dog. Cheryl, the head of the animal shelter, brought the little terrier out to us. Nearly furless, the dog cowered at the end of his leash.

“Poor thing,” Cheryl said. “He’s spent the last six years in a small pen outside with little human contact. He had so many mats, the groomer had to shave him down to his skin.”

We named the dog Luigi and went about the challenging job of housetraining him for a future adoptive family. In the first few weeks, the twelve-pound terror dug through the garbage, jumped up on the dinner table, had accidents in the house, and snarled at us.

But as the months went by, Luigi began to scratch at the door to go outside. He laid down on the floor while we ate dinner and even snuggled with us for family movie nights.

One night, Cheryl called to tell us she’d found a permanent home for Luigi. After a family meeting, we called Cheryl back to tell her we’d decided to adopt him.

But here’s the thing. Sometimes, Luigi still jumped on the table, growled at visitors, pawed through the trash, and escaped into the neighbor’s yard. His many flaws made it clear: we didn’t love Luigi because he was perfect; we loved him because he was ours.

The unconditional love we have for our temperamental rescue pup reminds me of the unconditional love God has for me. When I snap at my mom or tell a lie, God loves me. When I choose the easy way instead of the right way, God loves me. While I rejected Him and chose sin, He reached out in love to save me (Romans 5:8).

God loves me no matter what, and He has also made me a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). His unwavering faithfulness holds me as He works in my life, transforming me to become more and more like Himself (2 Corinthians 3:18). And Jesus’s great love for me makes me want to be a part of His rescue plan for the world—by showing His love to other people who are flawed, just like me. • Sarah Rollandini

• Why is it important to remember that we are all like Luigi—imperfect but loved by God?

• Read John 3:16-21 and 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. As imperfect-yet-beloved people, how can we show each other Christ’s unconditional love? (Remember, love can look like setting healthy boundaries, especially in cases of deep hurt. Who are trusted adults you could talk to about this?)

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 (NIV) 

As I was driving down a rural highway, I glanced in my rearview mirror and spotted a car very close behind me. Even though I was driving the speed limit, I worried this driver thought I was going too slow. So I stepped on the gas, then suddenly spotted a deer crossing the road, and slammed on the brakes. Thankfully, I didn’t hit the deer or cause a collision. From then on, I decided that faster drivers could just pass me. I was content—and safest— going my own speed.

Have you ever felt pressured to speed up? Maybe not behind the wheel, but in life? Well-meaning people can sometimes ask questions that make us feel just a little bit panicked about the future, such as “When will you know what career to pursue?” or “Have you picked your college or trade school?” If God hasn’t provided the answers to these questions yet, it can be easy to grow frustrated and doubtful.

But God doesn’t operate the way humans do. He is patient, loving, and all-knowing. He often asks us to wait longer than feels comfortable. He knows that slowing down can allow us to learn to trust in Him and notice His presence in every situation. It can be helpful to remember that God cherishes us as His own children, and He calls us to trust Him with our lives. The surprising thing is, we can have peace in the midst of unknowns as we rely on God in the decision-making process. As a result, we may stand out—and perhaps even encourage others.

It’s okay if your future feels uncertain right now. It’s okay if your path differs from those around you. Only God knows what lies ahead, and He loves you more than you can imagine. • Hannah Chung

• Has there ever been a time when you’ve felt pressured to have your future perfectly mapped out? God doesn’t expect us to figure out every detail of our futures—that’s His job. Instead, He invites us to rest in Him and seek His wisdom, taking one step at a time as He lovingly guides us. While we may sometimes want to know the whole plan ahead of time, Jesus knows what we need each day, and He will never leave us.

• What questions do you have about your future? Consider taking a moment to talk to Jesus about whatever is on your mind. You can be honest with Him about any anxiety you feel—He has so much compassion on you, and He wants to share His peace and comfort. (2 Corinthians 1:3-11)

[Jesus said,] “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34 (NIV)

As the end of the semester loomed, I scrambled to improve my grade. But I’d waited too long to turn things around in this class, and I would simply receive the grade on my report card I had earned.

My seventh grade English teacher, Ms. Tyson, taught our class with a stern focus on correct grammar and punctuation. Some of my test scores reflected that I hadn’t learned as much about grammar and punctuation as she demanded. When I realized I wouldn’t get the grade I wanted, I shyly approached Ms. Tyson to request extra credit work to pull up my semester grade. She brusquely answered, “No.”

Ms. Tyson had no obligation to give me an extra chance. She hadn’t been unfair. After all, even though I felt disappointed, my report card revealed exactly what my work in that class had earned.

We earn grades for the efforts we make (or fail to make) in school. Similarly, the Bible talks about what we earn for our choices in life. Scripture tells us that our sin earns death. This death—eternal separation from God—is what we deserve because of all our thoughts, words, and actions that violate God’s good ways. But, unlike with Ms. Tyson, we have another opportunity. In our relationship with God, we aren’t doomed to receive simply what we’ve earned.

Romans 6:23 informs us that God’s gift is eternal life through Jesus. When we trust in Him as the payment for the punishment we deserve, we don’t simply receive “extra credit” to improve our grade in life. We receive a complete replacement of our sinful failure with Christ’s holy excellence. Christ’s perfection covers our failings, bringing us into right relationship with God—not because of our good “grades” but because of His great love. • Allison Wilson Lee

• Because of the sacrifice of Jesus, we don’t have to “measure up” in God’seyes with good deeds or obedience—and we couldn’t even if we tried! Instead, Jesus is the one who measured up in our place through His sinless life, sacrificial death on the cross, and resurrection from the dead. Through Jesus, God generously gives us eternal life, along with countless blessings—none of which we could earn! How is God’s way of grace different from the way the world operates?

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 (NLT) 

Helen Cadbury was born in 1877 in Birmingham, England. Her father was Richard Cadbury—one of the founders of the Cadbury chocolate company. One night when she was 12 years old, Helen received Jesus Christ as her Savior at a church meeting. The next day, Helen told her best friend about it at school. This girl remarked she was already a Christian because she went to church. “I don’t think going to church makes you a Christian,” Helen said. The morning after this, Helen brought her Bible to school, and she and her friend read it together. That night, after reading more of the Bible at home, her friend also received Jesus as her Savior!

The two girls led 80 students to the Lord that year and went on to form a club called the Pocket Testament League. To be in the club, each member was to read a portion of the Bible every day, pray, and share their faith whenever God provided an opportunity. They even sewed pockets in their dresses for carrying a New Testament everywhere.

However, a few years later Helen was studying music at college when she began doubting God. She heard views different from her own gospel-centered one. But after her father’s death, she came home to help with his programs for social reform, and there she rediscovered her faith.

Later, in 1904, she married Charles Alexander, a song leader who did evangelistic work. Wanting to reach more people with the Bible, Helen told him about her old club, and together they started it up again. So, in 1908, the Pocket Testament League was reborn! To this day, the League has not ceased its efforts to bring many people to Christ, now offering online tools teaching others how to share their faith.

Helen believed strongly in the power of Scripture, saying, “If we could just get them to read God’s Word for themselves, surely they would come to Christ!” Helen died in 1969 at age 92. Romans 1:16, the verse on her tombstone, summarizes her life’s work: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” • Kayla James

• How have you seen the power of God’s Word in your life? Consider taking a moment to thank God for this and ask Him to help you notice who He might be calling you to share His Word with.

• To read the story of one of the people who put their trust in Jesus after reading a pamphlet from the Pocket Testament League, download the free Unlocked app and search for “Rescued: Mitsuo Fuchida” (published on June 21, 2022).

How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Psalm 119:103 (NIV) 

What should I do? What if this doesn’t turn out? What will I do next?

These questions are overwhelming. It’s easy to start overthinking everything and become stressed out about the decisions we have to make, both big and small. It’s easy to be worried about the future and how each decision is going to affect our lives.

When I begin to feel overwhelmed, I try to take a step back and remind myself that God is in control. God has taken care of me all my life, and I don’t have to worry about the future because He is already there and He loves me with an unstoppable love (Romans 8:28-29, 38-39).

One of my favorite verses in the Bible is in the psalms, in chapter 61. When David is growing faint and overwhelmed, he prays, “Lead me to the rock that is higher than I” (verse 2). Generations later, we find out that the Rock is Jesus (Matthew 7:24-27).

Once we know Jesus, we are never alone (Matthew 28:20). We don’t have to be afraid. Even when a lot is going on in our lives, even when there are decisions to make, or even when something goes wrong, we can still trust Him—because He loves us. Whenever we get overwhelmed, we can run to the Rock that is higher than we are. • Bethany Acker

• Can you think of a time you felt overwhelmed? Were there any ways God showed you His love and nearness—perhaps through something you read in the Bible, a way people showed you kindness, a quiet moment in nature, or something else? Consider taking a moment to thank Him for this.

• Jesus died and rose again so we would never have to be alone. He is with us all the time. And He wants us to bring Him anything that overwhelms us, because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). Consider taking a moment to tell Jesus, unfiltered, about whatever is on your mind today.

• In Christ, we have a family of brothers and sisters who also know Him. We are not made to walk alone, especially when we’re overwhelmed (Galatians 6:1-10). When you’re feeling overwhelmed, who are trusted Christians in your life you could talk with?

From the end of the earth, I will call to you when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Psalm 61:2 (WEB) 

Spelunking. The official yet admittedly odd term for cave-exploring. Fun to say, but not so fun when your spelunking gets you hopelessly lost in a complex cave system where the darkness is absolute and you doubt you’ll ever see the light of day again.

Which is exactly the point I’m at right now—hopeless and lost. Every tunnel I try spits me out in the same place again. My map of the cave system might as well be a map of Budapest for all the good it’s doing me. I must have stumbled into an unmapped part of the cave. Unknown territory.

I wonder what will run out first—my food, water, or headlamp batteries. I hope it’s not the batteries. If I’m going to die, I don’t want it to be in the dark.

The hours go by. I open my last bottle of water and take a tiny sip. My headlamp dims, and my heart skips a beat.

Suddenly, a soft glow fills the cavern. I whip my head around and see that words have appeared on the limestone wall behind me. They glow orange like lava. I stare at them, wondering if dehydration has already set in and I’m hallucinating. They say, Choose the narrow path.

The words jolt a memory—one I haven’t thought about in years. I’m sitting in church with my grandmother, her perfume wafting down the pew like incense as the pastor reads from the Bible. “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.”

The words gleam on the wall for a few seconds before fading away, but the memory continues to stab at my heart. What would my grandmother say if she’d lived to see the mess I’ve made of my life? She wanted me to choose the narrow path. She wanted me to choose Jesus, but I chose myself instead.

I look at the tunnels leading out of the cavern I’m stuck in. Dead ends, all of them. I sink to my knees. “Jesus,” I pray, “I don’t have much time left. I want to choose the right path before it’s too late.”

As my head hangs near the ground, I notice a rock jutting out from the base of the limestone at a funny angle. I move closer, then gasp. Behind it is a large crack in the wall—perhaps just big enough for me to squeeze through. This is it—the narrow path. My only hope. I suck in my breath and climb into the opening. After what seems like hours of pulling myself along with jagged rocks scraping my face and arms, a bright warmth floods my vision. Instead of cold stone, my hands fall upon dew-soaked mountain grass, and I crawl into the light of a glorious spring day. • Courtney Lasater

• Have you ever felt like the spelunker in today’s allegorical story—like the path you’d chosen in life got you stuck at a dead end? What made you choose that path in the first place? What made you rethink it later?

• In today’s Bible passages, Jesus says He is the gate that leads to life. He died and rose again to save us from the destruction of sin and death and give us eternal life with Him. Why do you think He calls the path that leads to life “narrow”?

• Even when we’ve really messed up, Jesus is always reaching out to us with love and mercy. He longs for us to trust and rely on Him to forgive and help us—even when we get ourselves into trouble. Consider taking some time to talk to Jesus, confessing any sins that come to mind, resting in His mercy, and asking Him to help you move forward in following Him. (If you want to dig deeper, read Exodus 34:6; Psalms 9:10; 18:19; Acts 17:27; Luke 19:10; 23:34; 15:1-32)

[Jesus said,] “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.” Matthew 7:13 (NIV)

“My father tried to kill me yesterday,” the one in royal attire said. “You were right—he wants to kill you too. You must go.”

The other, armed with a sword, only nodded. They had sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord, and this terrible turn of events could not change that. Tears streamed down the faces of the two young men as they embraced. Then, the warrior turned and strode away through the field as the prince returned to his father.

Jonathan and David shared a deep friendship, although circumstances could have made them bitter enemies. What glued their friendship together?

Jonathan, the heir to the throne of Israel, was to be sovereignly usurped by a lowly shepherd boy. Yet instead of being angry with David, “he loved him as himself” (1 Samuel 18:3). The prince promised to protect David from Saul’s murderous plans and even risked his life for him. The sacrificial love Jonathan showed David preserved their close friendship—and saved David’s life. A true friend loves sacrificially, and Jonathan knew how to be that kind of friend.

Jonathan’s love points to Jesus, who performed the greatest act of sacrificial love when He died for us on the cross. We were His enemies, but Jesus became the friend of sinners—He faced the Father’s wrath, absorbed our punishment, and secured eternal life for us. Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). John writes in his first epistle (or letter to the church) that Jesus’s death demonstrates God’s love for us—a genuine, sacrificial love willing to put aside everything for His beloved.

We may never be asked to physically die for someone, but we are called to daily put to death our selfishness in order to selflessly love others. When we live with a sacrificial mindset in a selfish world, we bear a vibrant testimony to the glory of the gospel. When we sacrificially love others, we point back to the love Jesus first showed us. • Celeste Ashley

• Can you think of a time someone showed you sacrificial love? What did they say or do?

• 1 John 4:19 says, “We love because he first loved us.” As we rest in Jesus’s amazing love for us, we often find His love naturally overflows from us to others. Consider taking some time just to ponder God’s love for you and the sacrifice He made for you, becoming human and dying in your place.

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 1 John 3:16 (NIV) 

One day on a walk through my neighborhood, I spotted an injured duck. As I neared the lake behind a row of houses, other ducks flew away at my approach. Unable to fly, the wounded one hobbled around a tree trunk to hide. It seemed desperate to escape on only one functioning leg. I called Animal Control services in hopes that they could collect the duck and transport it to an animal rehabilitation facility. I stayed outside to keep an eye on the injured creature while I awaited help.

Animal Control arrived, but the duck couldn’t be found. I had attempted to follow it so I could point it out to the animal rescuer. But in panic and pain, the duck hid itself away—not realizing help was close by.

In a way, we do the same thing. When we put our trust in Jesus for forgiveness of our sins, we become God’s beloved children. In His lovingkindness we can experience, not just forgiveness of our sins, but also healing from hurts and bitterness. But, like the wounded duck ran from rescue, our own sin and brokenness may cause us to pull away from the love offered in our relationship with Jesus. Shame may convince us we’re beyond repair.

Adam and Eve did the same thing in Genesis 3. They hid from God “among the trees of the garden” after they’d sinned (verse 8). Their shame and regret kept them away from the only one who could provide healing and restoration. Like Adam and Eve tried to cover themselves with flimsy leaves, we may seek to cover our sins, mistakes, and vulnerabilities, hoping to appear whole. But Jesus died and rose again to provide the way to wholeness. So now, instead of trying to convince ourselves, God, and others that we’re okay, or that we have all the resources we need to “fix” ourselves, we can turn in faith to the God who heals. • Allison Wilson Lee

• What parts of your past or present do you hesitate to share with others? Sometimes we find it difficult to believe God is trustworthy to heal those things. Why do you think that is? Consider taking some time to talk to God about whatever is on your mind.

• We don’t have to endure pain in isolation. God provides help in relationship with Himself, and with fellow Christians. Who are safe people in your life you could open up to about your hurts? (If no one comes to mind, you can ask God to help you identify someone in the future.)

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3 (NIV) 

In the book of Genesis, the author uses several different names for God. One of those names is the “Eternal God.” And the context in which this name is first used may appear strange. Abraham calls upon the Eternal God...after he plants a tree!

There are a few essential things to notice about this passage. First, notice the kind of tree Abraham plants is a tamarisk tree. A tamarisk tree in the Middle East can live for hundreds of years. Second, notice Abraham plants this tree in Beersheba. Several chapters earlier, God appeared to Abraham and promised that He would make Abraham into a great nation, give him a great name, give him many descendants, and give him a land to possess. Beersheba would have been a region included in the land God promised that Abraham would one day possess.

Once these pieces of the puzzle are put in place, we begin to see the significance of Abraham’s action. By planting this tree in Beersheba, he was communicating a message of belief and trust in God’s promises. He believed in God’s promise to give him the land he was currently sojourning in, and he trusted that future generations would enjoy the benefits of this tree!

It is in this context that we read: “Abraham…worshiped the Lord, the Eternal God” (Genesis 21:33). Abraham trusted that the God who promised to bless him would be faithful to those promises, not just in the present, but hundreds and even thousands of years in the future. And today, we can see how His promises to save His people from sin and death have ultimately been fulfilled in Jesus. He made the way for us to become part of God’s family and live with Him forever through His death and resurrection. God loves us, and we, like Abraham, can trust God to be faithful to His promises and His character—day after day, month after month, season after season, and year after year. After all, God is the Eternal God. • Jonathon Fuller

• Not only is God eternal, but if we know Jesus, He is eternally with us. He is also eternally loving, eternally good, and eternally faithful. He always keeps His promises. How can remembering that God is the Eternal God encourage us as we face challenges and trials in life?

• Today is Arbor Day! How can planting trees remind us of God’s faithfulness?

Then Abraham planted a tamarisk tree at Beersheba, and there he worshiped the Lord, the Eternal God. Genesis 21:33 (NLT) 

Did you know the first time Jesus revealed Himself as the Messiah was to a woman? Jewish Rabbis weren’t even supposed to speak to women, and especially not to Samaritans like the woman at the well (John 4). On top of that, Jesus knew all about her disreputable lifestyle, but He offered her everlasting life. Jesus knows us inside and out, and His love for us is undaunted!

A different part of this story caught my attention recently, though. The woman at the well spread the word to the people of her village, but verse 42 says that they believed because they heard Jesus for themselves—not just because of her testimony. Her story drew them in, but it was meeting Jesus, knowing Jesus, that led them to believe.

It’s the same for us. I grew up in church, so I heard stories of how God was moving all the timein other people’s lives. As I’ve grown and matured, though, I’ve often prayed, “God, if You are real, make Yourself real to me.” It isn’t enough to know about God. For our faith to blossom and flourish, we have to experience God in our own lives. We have to know Jesus for ourselves.

And most incredible of all, Jesus wants us to know Him. Isn’t that amazing? I know the Son of God, because He wants to know me! He isn’t like a celebrity shielding Himself from the paparazzi—if we seek Him, He will reveal Himself to us (Jeremiah 29:13). And the more we seek to follow Jesus, the more we will notice Him at work in our daily lives.

If you want to know Jesus better, He’s given us several ways to do so. First, dig deep into His Word—in church, by yourself, and with other believers. The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) tell the story of Jesus’s life on earth, but every book of the Bible points to Jesus, including the Old Testament. Second, pray. Talk to Him. Ask Him to show Himself to you. Finally, connect with other believers. Listen to the stories of how they’ve seen God work in their lives. Then, keep your eyes wide open to see how He is working in your life! • Hannah Ruth Johnson

• What testimonies have you heard about God’s work in other people’s lives that have strengthened your belief or made you want to know Him better? (Psalm 9:10; Acts 17:27)

• How have you experienced God in your own life? Consider taking a moment to thank Him for this.

Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not just because of what you told us, but because we have heard him ourselves. Now we know that he is indeed the Savior of the world.” John 4:42 (NLT) 

Thanks be to God for His innumerable, indescribable gifts. God is wondrous! He continually provides more than enough; He sustains us. He is good.

He gives us many gifts: The tools to sustain our material needs. The support of people around us. The blessing of each new day. And, greatest of all, the gift of His Son (John 3:16).

He gives us His beautiful creation, a marvelously massive globe to cultivate and enjoy—His Earth—and that is a wonderful gift. He gives us passions and abilities and talents—tremendous gifts we can praise Him with!

How humbling. How amazing. Jesus has given up His very life for us—and He has risen from the dead so that we can be with Him forever. In Jesus, we have life, breath, beauty, purpose, and fulfillment.

But sometimes we forget God’s great generosity. Often, we can only view the depth of these gifts when we shift our perspective to one of gratitude for all that our God has given us.

I have found that when I go out of my way to appreciate the little things—the small gems our Lord places in my path—a fresh gratitude begins to grow in my heart for the bigger things too. It is beautifully flooring to observe each tiny treasure He gives and to see every good thing as a gift from my Father. What a joy it is to know such a faithful God! • Chelsea Leigh

• The beginning of today’s devotion is written in the style of a psalm, thanking God for a variety of good gifts. What are some of the things you’re thankful for, in the world and in your own life?

• Today is Earth Day! This planet is one of the most amazing gifts God has given us to steward. What is one thing you can do to take care of it today?

• If you want to dig deeper, read Genesis 1:26-28; Psalms 63:3; 115:16; John 1:14; 10:10; Acts 17:28; 2 Corinthians 5:14-21; Ephesians 2:10; 1 Peter 4:10

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 (NIV) 

O soul, march on in strength
Fear not the pounding steeds
Behold the King of Glory
The fulfills your needs.

O soul march on in strength
Though in horses some do trust
Though chariots are mighty,
The Lord will fight for us.

I love horses, and I wrote these stanzas based on Judges 5:21-22 and Psalm 20:7. They both talk about horses, and they both talk about how God is mightier than anything on earth we put our trust in. At the time these verses were written, a horse and chariot were among the most powerful and intimidating war weapons. They struck fear into the enemy, and the army commander trusted in them to win the battle. But sooner or later, the horses failed. And sooner or later, everything we trust in will let us down. Everything, that is, except for God. He will never let you down, He will never fail, He will always be there for you. He is in the battle with you. Jesus is the mighty warrior who came to fight for us—ultimately saving us through His death and resurrection. We can trust Him with our lives because He is faithful and trustworthy. • Macy Walts

• Is there anything in your life right now that you might be trusting too much in? Whenever we look to a created thing (or being) to be what only the Creator can be, we get into trouble (Romans 1:25). This is called idolatry, and it’s something all Christians struggle with, even those who’ve been following Jesus for many years. Thankfully, God is patient and kind as He draws us to daily lay down our idols and trust in Him above all else (Romans 2:4). Consider taking a moment to confess any idols that come to mind and lay them at His feet. What are you hoping these created things will provide? How might God be wanting to provide for you instead?

• Trusting in Jesus, the one who loves us unconditionally, is what brings true peace and hope to our lives. Everything and everyone else will let us down, but Jesus will never break our trust, never falter, never fail (Psalm 147:10-11; Isaiah 40:28; Zephaniah 3:17). He did what no one else could do—He lived a sinless life and died for our sins so that we could live. If you’re interested in learning more about Jesus, and what it means to belong to Him, check out our "Know Jesus" page.

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. Psalm 20:7 (NIV) 

Elijah is arguably one of the fiercest, most epic prophets of the Old Testament. God worked through him in so many ways. Called fire out of the sky? Yep. Raised the dead? Yep. Repeatedly matched wits with the evilest king in the historical nation of Israel? You know it.

But after a particularly public—and victorious—confrontation with idolatry, when he was directly threatened with death, Elijah got spooked. He took off, curled up, and wanted to die. He was convinced he was all alone, and that the weight of God’s call was just too much to carry.

While there are so many great elements to this story (including an angel reminding him to sleep and eat—which is terrific advice when we feel empty), I want to point out what else he did: he ran to the mountain of God and hid in a cave. Natural disasters raged outside, and for a time, he didn’t engage. He stayed hidden in God, knowing he had nothing in his own strength to give, that he was empty, facing his own internal disaster. He waited, until God called him out in a whisper.

As believers, there will be times when we face battles God has called us to— when we experience God working tremendous victories, even—and we’ll feel absolutely depleted and exhausted by them. There will be times when we’ll need reminders to sleep and eat and take care of our bodies—because we just don’t have the energy. Times when we need to hide out in God and trust that not every disaster or crisis is our responsibility to fix. That’s not apathy; it’s discernment.

Remember, only Jesus can be the Savior—and He’s already done everything that was needed through His death and resurrection. He will teach you to be wise in overwhelming seasons—to draw near to God and wait for the chaos in your soul to still, so you can hear Him whisper truth for what comes next. He has not abandoned you. • Abigail Aswegen

• When have you felt the most empty and depleted? It’s normal to feel this way, especially after intense trials or even intense victories. Feeling exhausted after serving the Lord doesn’t mean you failed, and it doesn’t mean you didn’t do it right. In these moments, Jesus invites us to come to Him and rest. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we can know that He is always with us, always ready to give us comfort and strength. Consider taking a moment to talk to Him about whatever is weighing on you today.

• When the problems of the world or the people around you feel too big, who is a trusted Christian in your life who can help you discern when it’s time to act in faith and when it’s time to rest?

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (NLT) 

How do we speak the truth of the gospel when the world doesn’t always value truth? When I consider the changes my country has made in the name of tolerance toward various beliefs and ideas, fear casts a shadow over my heart. Can you be both truthful and tolerant at the same time? How do you show love, yet also stand for what you know to be truth? Is there a different time and place to speak up and to remain silent? These questions keep percolating in my brain, and you might have had similar thoughts.

Here’s what we can always return to: What does the Word of God say? As children of God, our final authority on everything should be the Bible because it’s God’s Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17). If something doesn’t line up with the Word, it isn’t true. In 2 Corinthians 4, Paul talks about not twisting the words of the Bible but instead presenting “the truth plainly” (verse 2).

So then what does sharing the good news of Jesus look like? You might have heard the saying, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” When talking to someone who may not share the same beliefs as you, remember to listen to them. Jesus is the best at being a good listener. He asks questions, even though He already knows the answers. It’s so good to read the Gospels—the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—and see how Jesus speaks to and treats the lost. Remember, we’re all lost without Jesus.

Colossians 4:5-6 advises us: “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Through us, Jesus invites outsiders to become insiders. If we need wisdom, we can ask God, who is eager to give it (James 1:5). “Speaking the truth in love” means loving the person in front of us, no matter their beliefs (Ephesians 4:15).

As you love others through both words and actions, perhaps they will desire to know Jesus, the source of true freedom and the one who loves you both (John 8:32; 14:6; Romans 5:8; 1 John 3:18). • Savannah Coleman

• Sometimes Christians talk about the tension between grace and truth. Jesus is full of both grace and truth (John 1:14). But, as Christians, many of us tend to find one easier than the other. Do you struggle more with being truthful or being gracious? Why do you think that is?

God our Savior...wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:3-4 (NIV) 

“God is good. All the time.” Have you ever heard Christians say this phrase to each other? Sometimes one person will say, “God is good.” And the other will respond, “All the time.” But what do these words really mean?

God’s goodness means He is both generous and merciful. The problem is, we don’t always feel like He is being good to us. Problem after problem chips away at us until we are exhausted. School, friends, family, jobs—they all demand pieces from us until we feel we have nothing left to give. Personally, I’ve been struggling with fear about finding a job after college. I’ve come across a lot of closed doors, and it’s a time of uncertainty. But, God is good. All the time.

The amazing thing about God’s goodness? It’s unchanging. We can take comfort in the fact that God will always be good to us. The Almighty Creator wants to be generous and merciful toward us. That’s why He came to earth to save us. Jesus suffered the cross so that our sins could be forgiven and we could live with Him forever. Today, Jesus is with His people through everything we face, and He is working to restore all that is broken.

We even see God’s generosity and mercy in passages that warn of God’s just judgment. For example, Nahum 1 is all about God’s anger toward Nineveh, a city steeped in sin. But nestled in this passage is a short but powerful reminder of God’s goodness. Nahum 1:7 says, “The LORD is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him.”

So, even when we are experiencing the brokenness of this world, we can rest in Jesus’s promise to be with us. God is good and remains good—eternally. • Naomi Zylstra

• Throughout our lives, we all experience times when God does not seem good. Can you think of a time you felt this way?

• We live in a world that has been broken by sin, but God is not aloof to our suffering. He loves us, and He came as a human, Jesus, to be with us. Through His death and resurrection, He made the way to defeat sin and death and heal all that is broken (John 1:14; 3:16-18). As we wait for Jesus to return and right every wrong, it helps to remember that He knows how badly suffering hurts, because He experienced it firsthand. So we can come to Him with anything we’re facing (Hebrews 4:14-16). Consider taking some time to talk to Jesus about whatever struggles you’re going through.

The LORD is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him. Nahum 1:7 (NLT) 

Have you ever felt stuck between two phases of life? I know I have. The “in-between times,” as I like to call them, can be really difficult to navigate.

Maybe you’re moving from middle to high school. Maybe your parents are splitting up, and you have to live in two households. Maybe you’re moving between schools, churches, cities, or states. No matter what, times of transition are difficult and filled with many unknowns that can easily cause some anxiety.

In the middle of in-between times, I often catch myself trying to hurry into the next fun stage of life. It’s easy for me to get too focused on the future to see what God is showing me in the present. Instead of pausing to dig into God’s Word and talk to Jesus about what I’m going through, I attempt to take control—forgetting that I’m not ultimately in control of the life God has given me.

Every day, I have to remind myself to “be still” and look for what God wants me to see in the in-between times (Psalm 46:10). It’s definitely a process! But Jesus is with me. I know He is working all things together for my good, and He will finish the work He started. But when I forget to rest in Jesus and His promises, the Lord reminds me to give myself the grace He has already given me.

As we wait, let’s remember: the next stage is coming…but all in His perfect timing. • Abigail Rose

• Can you think of a time you felt stuck in an “in-between time”? What was that like?

• Can you think of something you’ve learned about God, yourself, or the world during in-between times? Or any ways you grew in your faith? Consider taking a moment to thank God for this.

• As Christians, we’re all in an in-between time as we wait for Jesus to come back and make all things new. What promises from God can we rest in while we wait? (Hint: read Matthew 28:20; Romans 8:28-30; Philippians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; Revelation 21:1-5)

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10 (WEB) 

With pounding heart, Riley leapt off the platform for the umpteenth time. Dodging fireballs, she jumped from foothold to foothold, as heat rose from the lava below.

She was almost there! Ahead was that final jump—that final expanse of lava. She could see the cool, grassy paradise at the end of the course.

Her companion, Julius, watched her dart across the expanse, fielding each obstacle with precision. One jump, two hops, a dash…and then a final jump— the most perfect leap Julius had ever seen.

Oh, no! Julius watched as Riley reached out in vain toward the paradise, falling down into the pit of lava. She was still fifty yards short.

FLASH.

Julius and Riley returned to the start of the level. Riley’s eyes brimmed with tears of frustration and anger. “It’s no good, Julius! We can’t do it.”

“We have to—the Game Maker wouldn’t have made it impossible.

“Julius, you saw it. My last jump was perfect. And it wasn’t even close!”

With no other route through the fiery abyss, the pair decided to rest. They lay down, exhausted. As she fell asleep, Riley whispered a desperate prayer: “Game Maker, where are you? We can’t do this!”

When they awoke, a man stood on the platform. “I’ve come,” He said softly. “I’m the Game Maker you called last night.”

They stared. “How…?”

“I wrote myself into the game.” He smiled. “Come.”

He started across the course. Uncertain and confused, Riley and Julius followed.

He motioned them to the final jump. “You’ll make it,” he said. “Trust in me.”

Then, he grasped their hands, and before Riley and Julius could jump, they found themselves flying through the air, the abyss stretching out beneath them. The man’s grip on their hands never loosened, and, finally, they tumbled onto the soft grass of paradise! The pair was in shock.

“Here you are, friends,” the Game Maker said. “The land is yours.”

“That’s it?” Riley asked. “That’s the only way?”

The Game Maker smiled. “Indeed, friend. I am the only way.” • Christiana Albrecht

• Like in today’s allegorical story, sometimes it’s hard to believe that we can be saved without having to work for it—that’s why God gives us so many reminders throughout His Word (such as in Mark 10:15, Galatians 2:21, and Ephesians 2:8-9). Who are trusted Christians in your life who can help you notice when you’re starting to believe that you have to earn God’s love and favor, and who can point you back to the true good news of Jesus? (If no one comes to mind, you can ask God to help you identify someone in the future.)

• According to Romans 3:23-26, it’s impossible for us to overcome the power of sin and death on our own. Why can we only be saved from sin and death through Jesus?

• For more about how Jesus saves us, see our "Know Jesus" page.

Jesus told him [Thomas], “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 (NLT)

Maybe you’re like me. If you grew up in church, it might be second nature to pray about everything. After all, you want to share whatever is going on in your life with your best friend Jesus. So you ask God to help you face the challenges at school. Will you be able to pass the algebra test? What about physics? English literature? You pray about your relationships. Why can’t adults remember what it was like to be a teen? Can the misunderstanding be healed between you and a former friend? Worry steps up with every question.

I have an exercise to help me deal with anxiety. I mentally place my worry in a box and tie the box with red ribbon. I give the package to God and experience a tranquil moment.

But sometimes, another question pops into my mind, and I grab back my worry. After more prayer, I place the situation in God’s hands to regain a sense of peace. But the cycle repeats. Again and again.

One night, the worry war went into overtime. My exercise wasn’t working. Exhausted, I finally said, “God, I can’t give you my worry. Just take it, please.” Then, the anxiety of that evening lifted, and I drifted off to peaceful sleep.

In the daily battle of worry, we can always turn to Jesus. His love for us is something we can rely on, no matter what. • Esther M. Bailey

• We all have times when we feel worried or anxious. Jesus knows how we feel because He experienced anxiety too, and He wants to help us (Mark 14:33-34; Hebrews 4:14-16). He loves us so much that He died and rose again to save us, and when He returns, He will put an end to everything that is worrisome. Until that day, He invites us to bring all our worries to Him and rest in His compassionate arms. Consider taking a moment to talk to Him about your worries.

• God wants to help us in lots of ways, not just through prayer and Scripture, but also through the care and expertise of other people. When you find yourself feeling worried or anxious, who is a trusted person you could talk to? If you need someone to talk to, you can request a free conversation with Focus on the Family’s Counseling Department by calling 1-855-771-HELP (4357) weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Mountain Time). Please be prepared to leave your contact information for a counselor to return a call to you as soon as possible. In Canada, book your appointment by calling 1-800-661-9800 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Time).

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6 (NIV) 

Every time I called the dog’s name, my family laughed. Now that I’m older, I understand why.

I grew up near my uncle Andy, who had a dog named Shep. I adored Uncle Andy and liked his dog too. But—as a child—I couldn’t pronounce “Shep.” Try as I might, the dog’s name sounded like “Botch” every time I spoke it. I understood the name Shep; I just couldn’t get the word out when I pronounced it.

Have you ever tried to say what was on your mind, but you just couldn’t seem to verbalize it? Have you felt this way in your prayers—attempting to call out to God for what you or a loved one needed, but just unable to form the right words?

Throughout the Bible, we read about God’s people crying out to Him in prayer. These believers showed a range of emotions as they talked with God about what they were going through and asked for answers to their problems. When we begin a relationship with God, He gives us that same privilege of prayer. We can enter a relationship with God by putting our trust in Jesus. He died and rose again to provide forgiveness for our sins and to adopt us as God’s beloved children. In this relationship, we can freely approach God’s throne through prayer (Hebrews 4:14-16).

But what happens when we don’t know what words to use as we speak to God? When we long to follow His call in Lamentations 2:19 to “pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord,” but we can’t find the vocabulary? There’s good news: God the Holy Spirit prays to God the Father on our behalf. The Spirit intercedes, asking the Father for what we need. And Jesus—God the Son—also talks to the Father for us.

In our prayers, we’re not on our own. We can rest in the knowledge that Jesus and the Holy Spirit both pray for us, and God knows our hearts better than we know ourselves. • Allison Wilson Lee

• What concerns or needs are weighing on your heart today? Do you feel like you can pray about them?

• How could it be comforting to remember that God knows all our thoughts and needs before we say a word? How could this free us to talk to God without pressure? (Psalm 139:4; Matthew 6:8)

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. Romans 8:26 (NIV) 

Dear Unforgiveness,

I nurtured you after someone hurt me. You grew in the soil of my misery, and I watered you each day with anger and frustration.

Like ice, you crept into my heart, teaching me to shut people out, afraid of future disappointments. You are a storm twisting within, causing confusion. Like fire, you flare up and draw pictures of those I have failed to forgive. The thoughts of them spiral inside me like a movie, re-enacting the scenes over and over again.

The problem is, you are wounding me. The rage that prowls inside and the sadness that creeps in—they warn me I cannot carry on like this.

But you are impossible to give up. I know the only way to conquer this is to open up my heart to God and allow Him to carry the burden of you, Unforgiveness, trusting Him to take care of all my hurts. I am praying to Jesus, asking Him to melt the bitterness and heal me—praying I will rest in the grace He’s given me and extend that grace to others.

Now, it is time to say goodbye to you. Unforgiveness, I am letting you go. In Christ, I’m finally breaking free. • Cindy Lee

• Forgiving someone who has hurt you is a challenging process, and it doesn’t always mean trusting the other person, especially in a dangerous situation. But if you know Jesus, forgiveness is possible because His Holy Spirit lives in you and will empower you day-by-day to forgive others as God has forgiven you (Ephesians 4:32). If you’re struggling with forgiveness, who is a trusted Christian—such as a parent, pastor, or counselor—you can talk with about it?

• What emotions has unforgiveness caused in your life? Consider taking some time to write them down and talk to Jesus about them. He cares about all your hurts, and He weeps over them. You can trust Him to heal you,and to fill you with His loveforall people.

• How could it be helpful to remember that we have all sinned, and God has promised to bring justice for every wrongdoing—whether at the cross or on the Judgment Day? (Luke 23:32-43; Romans 3:23-27; 5:8; 12:14-21; 2 Peter 3:9-13)

Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32 (NLT) 

Do you still feel guilty about it? That thing you did. Maybe it happened yesterday, maybe it happened eight years ago. No matter what it was, you may be holding on to unnecessary guilt.

Guilt does have a purpose. It leads us to repentance and encourages us not to do evil again…but that purpose can be twisted by Satan.

God wants us to feel sorry for our sins so we can repent (or turn away) from them and rest in His forgiveness. But once these sins are forgiven, they’re gone. Poof! God has removed them from us. If we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we carry these old sins no more. The Bible even says that God separates us from our sins “as far…as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12).

God doesn’t want His people to sit in their guilt and pore over sins already forgiven. Jesus took on our punishment for us. He died and was forsaken for our sins, taking on God’s wrath for us so that we don’t have to suffer the punishment our wrongdoing deserves.

Besides guilt, another problem Christians face is shame. Shame is similar to guilt, but instead of seeing wrong in your sins, you see wrong in yourself. Shame changes “I did something bad” into “I’m a bad person.”

As Christians, we were once defined by our sins. But if we’ve put our trust in Jesus, He has given us a new identity. We are now children of God, wrapped in Jesus’s righteousness and blameless in His eyes. God wants us to rejoice in Him, not feel shameful. As Psalm 34:5 says, “Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.”

So whenever you feel guilt or shame, you can repent of any sins that come to mind—acknowledging them to God, turning away from them, and resting in His forgiveness. If you still feel guilt and shame after that, consider taking some time to thank Jesus for the grace and forgiveness He has already given you. You are no longer captive to the power of guilt and shame. You are held in the love of Jesus. • Naomi Zylstra

• If you’ve put your trust in Jesus, then all your sins have been paid for on the cross—past, present, and future. If you want to know more about this amazing forgiveness, see our "Know Jesus" page.

• Are there any sins you still feel guilty for? If you haven’t confessed them to God yet, consider doing that now. If you’re still feeling guilt or shame, who is a trusted Christian you could share openly with— someone who can pray with you and remind you of how God truly sees you?

He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. Psalm 103:12 (NLT) 

“You wear the pink wig; I’ll wear the silver one!” My friend Bridget and I laughed as we dressed in costumes. Playing around with Bridget’s keyboard that day, we decided to put on a show for my grandma, who had stopped by for a visit.

My grandma didn’t know about the tunes the keyboard had been programmed to play with just the press of a button. We thought it would be funny to pretend we played the music and see if we could trick my grandma into believing we possessed more musical skills than we did.

Bridget and I silently tapped the keyboard while recorded music filled the room. After our concert, my grandma praised our abilities. She gushed until we sheepishly admitted our ruse. Though Bridget and I fooled my grandma, that didn’t change anything about our actual talent.

Sometimes in life, we do the same thing. We attempt to hide the reality of a bitter, unforgiving, or selfish attitude by putting on a kind of performance, like an outward show of friendship or kindness. People might be tricked, but God knows the true state of our hearts. God sees everything—including the motives for why we do what we do.

When Jesus lived among us, “he knew what was in each person’s heart” (John 2:25). He spoke harsh words to the Pharisees, calling these religious leaders whitewashed tombs. Outwardly, they displayed good behavior, but they resisted humility and repentance of their sins.

Each of us has a choice. We can try to look “good” with a performance we can never maintain, or we can acknowledge that our good deeds are just filthy rags before a holy God—and turn to Jesus for forgiveness. Once we trust Jesus to pay the penalty for our sins, we start a new-creation life in Christ. His love for us is always authentic and never a mere performance. As He transforms us from within, we grow into Christ followers who don’t just perform. We learn to live and love with a new heart. • Allison Wilson Lee

• Have you ever felt God loved you more on your “good” days than your “bad” ones? What does the reality of being God’s children mean about His love for us? Does His love change based on our performance? (Hint: read Luke 15:11-32; Romans 5:6-11; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5)

• Why is it important to bring our heart issues to the Lord instead of simply trying to modify our outward behavior?

Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 (NLT) 

Ever wonder why we have to go through so much hard stuff in this life? If you do, you’re in good company! All of us prefer the sweet and easy moments, free from the burdens of grief and pain. God created us for wholeness, but humanity’s sin brought brokenness. Yet God made the way for wholeness again through Jesus, who died on the cross and rose from the grave to save us from sin and heal all the brokenness sin causes. One day, Jesus will return, and this earth will be remade. In a brief moment, all will be made right. Our suffering will be but a memory.

If we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we have this good future to look forward to. In the meantime, we have a choice. We can ask ourselves, How will we suffer? The things we face might make us angry or deeply sorrowful. And those emotions only make sense! And yet, in the middle of our afflictions, we can also choose to rejoice in God our Father, Christ our Savior, and the Spirit our Comforter. God invites us to be honest about how difficult or even impossible the hard things are, and to feel our emotions with Him. And at the same time, because His power is in us, we can choose to raise our sights above, “where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God” (Colossians 3:1).

Paul said it this way: he was “sorrowful, yet always rejoicing” (2 Corinthians 6:10). It’s a both/and kind of thing. We can face the reality of any sad or difficult thing in our lives, and we can also cast our eyes upward. When we do, we remember the truths that remain, no matter what: God really is good, He is still trustworthy, and His love for us never ceases. We remember that He chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world. We are His cherished children.

Perhaps this is what Paul meant when he said, “We live by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). Living by faith is a choice we can make, right now. Along with Paul, many other believers have chosen to rejoice even in their sorrows. We can too, when we remember that Jesus walks with us through every step of our life’s journey. • Kristen Merrill

• When it feels impossible to turn our gaze away from the brokenness and rejoice in God’s goodness, God wants us to ask Him for help! We can talk to Him honestly, and we can also share our struggles with trusted Christians. Who in your life can pray with you today?

• If you want to dig deeper, read Psalm 145:9; Lamentations 3:22; John 14:6; 1 John 3:1

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. Hebrews 13:15 (NIV) 

My skin is cold. Though I can’t know for sure how cold—since corpses can’t feel anything. They can’t do anything at all, really.

If I had the ability to touch, I’d feel the icy, rough dirt that holds my stiff body in place. I’d feel the maggots wriggling their muculent bodies around the tips of my fingers, inside my ears, around my mouth, at the corners of my eyes.

If my sense of smell were working, I’d smell the aroma of rotting things decomposing beneath the earth’s surface.

If my tear ducts worked, I might wail as I thought on the fact that I am among them, my body food for the creatures that never see sunlight.

But I can do none of those things.

Because I am dead.

And when a person is dead, that is all they can do. Nothing.

This is my fate. To do nothing. To be nothing. To know nothing. To love nothing.

Until the moment that it isn’t my fate anymore.

Suddenly, the dirt is being pushed away from my body. Gentle hands are brushing the soil from my face, and I feel the warmth of them as they grasp my hands.

I feel them. As I have never been able to feel anything before!

These warm hands that send a blaze of warmth and life flowing up my arms and throughout my body now pull me upward until I’m above the ground.

I squint in the sunlight with eyes that can see!

When my eyes finally adjust to the bright light, I look into the face of the one who pulled me out. The one who has breathed life into my dead body and saved me from a fate of death and nothing.

The Man who smiles back at me wears white robes, free of blemish or spot. On His head is a crown made of the finest metals and precious stones.

This Man is the King. He cares for me. And He has made me alive. • Emily Tenter

• Today’s allegorical story is inspired by Ephesians 2:1-10. Consider taking some time to read this passage slowly. What do you notice? Why do you think dead is the word used to describe us before we know Jesus?

• Our sin leads to death (Romans 6:23). But God wants to rescue us from sin and death. What lengths would He go to to save us? He loves us so much that He gave up His own life for us. Jesus died and was buried—His body dwelt in a grave. But not for long. Jesus rose from the dead, defeating sin and death forever, and guaranteeing that everyone who knows Him will have eternal life! When someone becomes a Christian, they pass “from death to life” (John 5:24), and they have the sure hope of Jesus’s return. On that day, He will raise us from our graves, and our bodies will be fully healed and whole! What questions do you have about death and life? Who are trusted Christians you could talk to about these things? (If you want to dig deeper, read John 11:1-44; Romans 8:10-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17.)

• Have you experienced being made alive by Jesus? For more about what this means, see our "Know Jesus" page. 

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace! Ephesians 2:4-5 (CSB)

The mall food courts in Guatemala City are very different than those I visited in the US. When I came back from four years away from my country, one of the first outings we had was to the mall. Mall runs and window-shopping are common practices among most city folk in Guatemala. We especially like doing this on Sunday afternoons. Food courts get packed—to the point that families usually have to split up to find a spot to eat. It’s crazy, and I bet many of you reading this are already cringing at the thought.

The layout of these food courts is pretty interesting. Tables are all touching each other, basically creating twenty-person tables. There is no room to separate them, so—whether you like it or not—you usually eat lunch with strangers.

And that brings us to today’s Bible passage. Shortly after Jesus’s resurrection, He appeared to two of His disciples, walking along the road to Emmaus with them. But Luke 24:16 says, “they were prevented from recognizing him.” Even though Jesus was an apparent stranger to these disciples, they still invited Him over for dinner. Jesus accepted and ate with them. And He broke the bread—just as He had done on the night before He went to the cross! When that happened, the disciples’ “eyes were opened, and they recognized him”—and then He vanished (verse 31).

Is it too bold to say that maybe by having lunch with strangers—even at such a common place as a food court—we might be dining with Jesus, welcoming Him to have lunch with us? Is it even crazier to think that when others are hosts to us we might recognize Jesus in them?

Hospitality is an opportunity to show and remember Jesus’s love and His presence with us. It’s a chance to recognize and proclaim that Jesus came to dwell with us even when we were estranged from Him (Matthew 1:23; John 1:14; Romans 5:8; Colossians 1:21-22). • Andres López

• Can you think of a time you felt welcomed by others? What was that like?

• As Christians, how can we (safely) welcome the stranger among us into our lives?

• How might God be inviting you to reach out to the outcasts in your school, church, neighborhood, etc.? Consider taking a moment to talk to Jesus about this. Additionally, who is a trusted Christian adult—such as a parent, pastor, or youth leader—you can talk to about what practicing hospitality could look like in your life? (Matthew 25:34-40; Hebrews 13:1-3)

Therefore welcome one another, just as Christ also welcomed you, to the glory of God. Romans 15:7 (CSB) 

I’m just gonna say it—I think Thomas the disciple, commonly known as “Doubting Thomas,” gets a bad rap. When the other disciples witnessed the risen Christ, Thomas was absent. Thomas said he wanted visible, tangible proof of Jesus’s resurrection, saying, “If I don’t see the mark of the nails in his hands…and put my hand into his side, I will never believe” (John 20:25).

It’s easy to criticize Thomas for his unbelief, but I’m not sure I would be any better. Would I take the word of the other eleven disciples? Would I really believe that Jesus had risen from the dead? Thomas loved Jesus deeply. So fervent was his love for the Savior that in John 11:16 he was willing to follow Jesus into possible death when Jesus wanted to go to Bethany.

Perhaps Thomas wanted evidence of the risen Christ, not because he was apathetic, but because he felt the intense hurt when Jesus died. Death is painful, separating loved ones and drawing us into profound grief. Even Jesus wept at the grave of his friend Lazarus (John 11:35). Death is unnatural, a consequence of the curse of sin. Yet Jesus has overcome the power of sin through His death— and overcome the power of death through His resurrection.

The good news is, the story doesn’t end with Thomas’s doubt. A week after Thomas’s statement of unbelief, Jesus reappeared in the upper room where the disciples had gathered behind locked doors. Jesus confronted Thomas and invited him to touch His hands and His side—to touch the very wounds Thomas had said he needed to see.

Thomas immediately believed, exclaiming, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:27-28). In fact, church tradition says Thomas spent the rest of his life as a missionary and died at the point of a spear. He devoted his life to sharing the good news of the resurrection with those who had not seen the risen Christ in person. Thomas may have doubted in the upper room, but Jesus wasn’t finished working in his life. • Mike Hurley

• Do you think “Doubting Thomas” is an accurate label?

• Even people who have been walking with Jesus for decades still wrestle with doubt from time to time. Thankfully, Jesus responds to us like He responded to Thomas—not shying away from our questions and hurts, but coming near. Jesus invites us to tell Him all our questions, frustrations, and fears—and also to share these with trusted Christians who can show us His love, pray with us and for us, and help us dig into His Word. What doubts have been weighing on you?

But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 20:31 (CSB) 

In 1 Corinthians 15:17, Paul writes that if Jesus Christ has not been raised from the dead, then our faith is worthless because we are still in our sins. Jesus’s victory over the grave is what secures forgiveness for our sins and guarantees that we will have eternal life with Him. So how can we be certain that Jesus rose from the dead? Here is some of the best evidence for the resurrection:

Jesus’s followers died for Him. After Jesus rose from the dead and ascended into heaven, His followers continued to proclaim His resurrection, even in the face of immense persecution and suffering. Church tradition tells us that most of these followers were even killed for what they were proclaiming. Would you suffer and give your life for a lie? How likely do you think it is that multiple people would all suffer and die for the same lie?

Hard-to-convince people were convinced. According to biblical records, people like James (the half-brother of Jesus) and Saul of Tarsus were hard-core skeptics, and in Saul’s case, persecutors of the church. Only the resurrection explains their sudden change of heart, which led them to become leaders of the church.

If the resurrection was a lie, the disciples did a terrible job. Several details in the resurrection story would be different if the disciples were trying to invent a believable story. For example, they would not have included shameful information about themselves—like abandoning and denying Jesus at His trial. They would not have shared that women found the tomb empty first—because women in the first century were not considered credible witnesses. They would have removed the part about Jesus’s suffering as He awaited His betrayal in the garden of Gethsemane—to make Him more appealing to a culture that valued strength.

The Christian faith hinges on the resurrection. Thankfully, we have every reason to be confident in the reliability of the eyewitness accounts of the resurrection that we have recorded in Scripture today. • Jonathon Fuller

• Why is it important that Jesus actually rose from the dead, and that eye-witness accounts of His resurrection are recorded in the Bible?

• What questions do you have about the resurrection? Who are trusted Christians in your life who could help you look into these?

But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died. 1 Corinthians 15:20 (NLT) 

The pastor spoke through the laptop sitting on a TV tray in my living room. It wasn’t the typical way I spent Easter Sunday. I took a few steps and opened the blinds, mimicking how the shades opened during service at my home church. My mom laughed, and I returned to the couch to listen to the Easter message.

Several days earlier, I had an ovarian cyst the size of a grapefruit removed from my abdomen. The sixty days before the surgery had been filled with confusion, anguish, and debilitating pain. Unsure of the root cause at first, I spent weeks scheduling tests with doctors until the cyst was finally found.

Even after the doctors found the cyst, I had to wait another month for the surgery. That month was one of the hardest months of my life. Chronic pain and fatigue, while trying to teach a class full of rambunctious first graders, made me question why God was allowing this in my life.

Those sixty days were hard, but through them, I came to feel closer to God. The nights when I had pain so severe I thought it might burst through my body, I called out to God, and He sustained me. When I wasn’t sure how I would endure, I clung to His promises, and He came through. That Easter was different than any other Easter, but it was also the rawest example of the Easter message in my life. My body had felt dead, consumed in pain and anguish, but through the hands of skilled doctors, God had raised my body back to life.

Later that day, my mom drove us to a nearby restaurant. It was a huge accomplishment to get dressed, climb into a car, and sit in a booth. My broken body was being restored. Easter pie never tasted so sweet. • Jenna Brooke Carlson

• On Easter Sunday, we celebrate that Jesus rose from the dead! Through His death and resurrection, He made the way for us to be restored to relationship with God—and for all of creation to be made new one day when Jesus returns. As we wait for this glorious day, we have the incredible blessings of Jesus’s presence with us every moment, and the many ways He shows us His care and healing. Yet we also long for renewal that isn’t here yet. Can you think of a time you felt broken? Were there any ways you noticed God caring for you?

• Where are you still waiting for God’s renewal? Consider taking a moment to talk to Him about this.

But those who die in the Lord will live; their bodies will rise again! Those who sleep in the earth will rise up and sing for joy! For your life-giving light will fall like dew on your people in the place of the dead! Isaiah 26:19 (NLT) 

Long before Jesus was born, many prophets foretold His coming. Isaiah was one of these prophets. And his words (found in the book of Isaiah in the Old Testament) use powerful imagery to convey God’s glorious redemption story. Isaiah had a lot of incredible things to say about Jesus, even before He was born.

One of Isaiah’s most gripping word-picture passages is Isaiah 52:13–53:12. Earlier in the book of Isaiah, we learn of Jesus’s power and divinity (9:6-7). But here, we understand His relatable, humbling humanity. Jesus knows our pain— He was not particularly attractive, He knew suffering and sadness, and He was despised by many (53:2-3). Jesus loves us so much that He willingly took on this pain and affliction, and He suffered to the point of death on the cross. For you and me. We praise Him because through His death and resurrection He has overcome the pains and sins of this world! He offers us new life in Himself— forgiving our sins, saving us from death, and healing all our hurts (53:5).

No matter what you’re going through, you can trust that Jesus loves you, and He understands your pain to the fullest. He knows grief. He knows what it feels like to be unpopular and rejected by people. He knows abandonment. He even knows death. He didn’t have to experience these painful things, but He chose to enter into our suffering in order to heal us.

Jesus knows your pain and loves you immensely, which is why He died for you. He came to heal you from the sin and pain of this world and to bring you into a right relationship with Himself. You can always bring your pain to Him because He understands, and He cares. • Rachel Wierenga

• Consider reading Isaiah 52:13–53:12 slowly. What phrases stick out to you the most? How do these make you feel—curious, confused, sad, thankful, frustrated, peaceful, or something else?

• What sort of pain are you experiencing today? It might be physical, emotional, mental, relational, or spiritual. Consider taking a moment to tell Jesus about your pain. You can be totally honest with Him. He truly knows what you’re going through, and He weeps with you.

• When Jesus returns and raises all His people from the dead, we will have resurrected bodies and live harmoniously together in restored creation! Revelation 21:4 says, “There will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain.” How can this eternal future give us hope for today?

But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. Isaiah 53:5 (NLT) 

Anguished,
Blood splatters
On the sacred ground.
Jesus weeps for us.

Soldiers taunt
Spitting, striking
Upon His holy face
Our Savior scars for us.

Falling, rejected,
Brutal nails pierce
Into the Son of God
Jesus dies for us.

Many did not understand
Who you were and are:
The Lamb, the Messiah,
Restorer of our brokenness. • Cindy Lee

• Today’s poem describes Jesus’s journey, death, and sacrifice. He knew that suffering the cross was the only way to repair the broken relationship between us and God. It was worth it to Him to give up everything for us—because He loves us. Consider taking some time to read today’s Bible passages slowly and ponder God’s love and sacrifice for you.

• If you want to know more about what Jesus has done for us, who are trusted Christians in your life you could talk to about it? You can also find more about Jesus on our "Know Jesus" page.

For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NLT) 

Maundy Thursday is one of my favorite times in the church calendar. The evening service I attend is one I have always found deeply moving. Listening to Scripture during the commemoration, it’s as if the words transport me back in time to the upper room sitting with Jesus and His friends. Key moments from the Bible unfold, like when:

Jesus washes His disciples’ feet. As Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, He humbled Himself and adopted a servant’s role. At times in the history of the UK (where I live), the monarch would reenact this Christian message by washing the feet of the poor and giving them donations. Ministers all over the world still wash people’s feet. It can remind all of us of the way Jesus humbly loved and served us—and the way He calls us to love and serve each other.

Friends gather together. When Jesus gathers His close friends together for a meal, they are celebrating the Jewish Passover (Exodus 12). During this meal, Jesus points to His upcoming sacrifice on the cross. It’s impossible to imagine the sorrow and anxiety Jesus experienced. Even His friends couldn’t offer Him strength. He predicted Judas’s betrayal and Peter’s denial, and loved them still. This caused uncertainty in the room. Everyone wanted to know who the traitor was, and Peter argued with Jesus that he would never deny Him. It paints a raw picture of human frailty.

Jesus’s fulfillment of the plan of salvation draws near. The Last Supper is the start of the horrific events that lead to Jesus’s betrayal, torture, and death. Although the disciples couldn’t comprehend it at the time, today we know that Jesus defeated death through His resurrection—and now He offers salvation as a free gift to all who believe in Him!

Wherever you may be on Maundy Thursday, this special day during the last week of Lent is a wonderful reminder of the love and forgiveness Jesus offers to us—sinful and broken people that we are. The celebration of the Passover in the upper room was the start of a momentous event that would change lives forever, offering hope and salvation to those in the past, present, and future. • Cindy Lee

• Consider reading John 13:1-38 slowly, and imagine you are in the upper room while these events take place. What moments stick out to you? Which people do you resonate with? What do you notice about Jesus? Consider spending some time in prayer, talking to Jesus about all of this.

Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end. John 13:1 (NLT) 

A rooster crowed at the moment of the apostle Peter’s biggest failure.

Let’s back up a few hours before that awful choice. On the night of Jesus’s betrayal, He warned His disciples that they would scatter when He was taken from them.

That’s when Peter spoke up: no matter what the others would do, he would not deny Jesus! But Jesus had sad news for Peter. That very night, he would deny Jesus three times before the rooster crowed.

Sure enough, as we read in today’s Bible passage, Peter denied knowing Jesus. But, upon hearing the rooster crow and realizing what he had done, Peter broke down and wept. Peter loved Jesus and wanted to be faithful—yet he abandoned and denied Jesus in His darkest hour.

Have you had any rooster crow moments? Times when you were sure you would follow what God’s Word said? Times when a quick decision had to be made, and you made the wrong one? Times when you chose sin over Jesus? Then, when you realized what you had done, you stopped and wept. You mourned a choice that couldn’t be unmade. The rooster was crowing in the background.

But here’s the good news. Jesus loves us and knows our struggles against sin. He has not left us alone. When we trust Him as our Savior and Lord, He wraps us in His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). In God’s eyes, it’s like we’ve never done anything wrong. And God has given us His Word and His Spirit to teach us the way and empower us as we learn to walk in it.

When we are tempted to sin, we can listen to the Holy Spirit, rejecting sin and remembering who we are in Christ (Titus 2:11-14). And when we do sin, we can run to Jesus, knowing that we are securely held in His love and forgiveness— even in our rooster crow moments (Romans 8:33-39; Hebrews 4:14-16; 1 John 1:9–2:1). • Deborah del Villar

• Read John 21:15-19. After Peter failed, was Jesus done with him?

• Read 1 Corinthians 10:13 and Hebrews 4:14-16. When we sin or are tempted to sin, why can we always run to Jesus?

My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ the righteous one. 1 John 2:1 (CSB)

I love names. I’m a fiction writer, and every time I start a new book, I have to choose character names. Sometimes one just lands on the character from the very beginning and sticks, but other times I have to do in-depth research about name meanings to pinpoint the name that’s just right.

God also likes using names with meanings! The Bible often outright tells us what people’s names mean, but sometimes it doesn’t, even when a name is significant. So it’s left to us to pay attention—and do some research. And that’s the case with today’s passage.

You may have heard about Barabbas—he might even make it into your church’s yearly Easter service. When Jesus was taken to be crucified, the governor offered to release one prisoner to the people, as was his tradition during Passover. The people opted for Barabbas—a revolutionary and rebel—to be released instead of Jesus. Barabbas, who had actually committed a crime worthy of crucifixion according to Roman law. Barabbas, who deserved to die.

Barabbas’s name is pretty simple to break down: bar and abbas. In Hebrew, bar means “son of,” and you may have heard abba before—it means father. Put it together, and Barabbas means “son of the father,” or even “son of a father.”

Every son is a son of a father, meaning Barabbas is…anyone. And if we look at his story, it’s true—Barabbas is like every single one of us. Barabbas sinned, and he deserved death, just as we do. But Jesus, through God’s great mercy for us, took the penalty for our crimes. Though He did no wrong, the Son of God died in Barabbas’s place…and my place, and your place. Then He rose from the dead, defeating sin and death to save us and adopt us into God’s family.

Barabbas lived out our story. He walked away, set free by the Son. And if we’ve put our trust in Jesus, that’s who we are: beloved sons and daughters of the Father, set free from the power of sin and death, forever. • Hannah Ruth Johnson

• Consider taking some time to read Barabbas’s story slowly, and imagine yourself in his shoes. What do you notice? How do you feel?

• If you know Jesus, you have a new identity—you are a son or daughter of the Father, beloved and free. When do you struggle to remember your true identity? Consider taking some time to talk to Jesus about this. Additionally, who is a trusted Christian in your life you could talk with?

Yet God, in His grace, freely makes us right in His sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when He freed us from the penalty for our sins. Romans 3:24 (NLT) 

I’d been looking forward to the slumber party at our Sunday school teacher’s house for weeks. It was a rite of passage for girls at our church entering middle school. Little did I know the party included a surprise.

After living in a rundown house with a leaky roof in almost every room, our family built a new home. For the party, our teacher asked the girls in our class to bring a present for me to decorate the new bedroom I’d share with my sister. I felt so loved opening the unexpected gifts!

One girl, who I’ll call Nettie (I’ve changed all their names in this story) brought me a painting of a purple balloon with my name emblazoned across it. Carlotta and Lori gave me presents too. Then Kathleen arrived. She didn’t bring a present, and even though I hadn’t anticipated any gifts when I arrived, I suddenly felt cheated by Kathleen.

I didn’t like this self-centered demand I sensed stirring in my heart. I liked Kathleen and didn’t want to hold this against her—after all, Jesus doesn’t hold anything against me. I never asked about the lack of a gift, and we all moved on with the party. But I felt confused by my greedy attitude.

Even though we often desire to do the right thing, it’s hard to be consistently loving and kind. None of us can do it perfectly. We need Jesus to provide forgiveness because we continually miss the mark of righteousness. We also need His Spirit, guiding us in the rhythm of repentance and faith so that we can live in God’s good ways. Trusting in Christ, we receive both. He loves us so much that He lived a sinless life on our behalf, then died on the cross and rose from the grave to make the way for us to be forgiven and be part of His family forever.

But, like the apostle Paul, we often find ourselves struggling with ungodly thoughts or actions—even after we’ve put our trust in Jesus (Romans 7:21-25). It’s part of living in a broken world. We can be confident, though, that Jesus rescued us from the penalty of sin and has also promised to purify us through and through, making us more Christlike until He returns and makes us whole— never to wrestle with greedy or selfish impulses again. • Allison Wilson Lee

• As believers, we shouldn’t be comfortable with our sin. And, because of Jesus, we can experience complete forgiveness. How do these two truths exist together?

• Have you ever been surprised by sin? We can bring these confusing and discouraging moments to Jesus in prayer, lay it all out before Him, and rest in His sure forgiveness and great love for us.

He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. Psalm 103:12 (NLT) 

Two hills stood in ancient Israel. One was the highest peak in the Judean desert where King Herod the Great built his Herodium Palace, a lavish monument to his own fame and military triumphs. The other hill was Golgotha, the “Place of the Skull,” where Jesus—mockingly called the “king of the Jews” was crucified (Matthew 27:29, 33).

The Herodium was so massive it took 200 white marble steps to reach the top. Designed for the king’s enjoyment, it was fitted with Roman baths, a theatre, and other comforts fit for royalty. Herod built more grandiose palaces and fortresses in Caesarea Maritima, Jericho, Masada and other places. He craved the opulence, power, and control that he believed would earn him the world’s admiration and respect. Herod was successful in many ways, but in his megalomaniac paranoia, he put to death anyone he perceived to be a threat to his rule: his own family members, Jewish religious leaders, and even innocent infant boys. Herod just had to be number one.

In stark contrast, just outside Jerusalem’s city gates, the execution hill of Golgotha was likely plain and barren, except perhaps for scattered skulls and bones—and three crosses. The middle cross held the bleeding body of Jesus, on the day He gave up His life for ours.

Herod pampered himself with luxuries. Jesus didn’t even own a pillow for His head. Herod mingled with kings and generals. Jesus ate with outcasts and sinners. Herod surrounded himself with vast armies. Jesus invested in simple folk, changing the history and destiny of humanity. Herod sought to be served and exalted. Jesus served in humility to the point of self-sacrifice. Herod magnified himself on a hill of self-glory. Jesus humbled and gave Himself, and was crucified on an undeserved hill of shame so that we could be forgiven.

Herod’s abandoned monuments are in ruins. Jesus’s kingdom endures forever. Two hills, two kings. Which one do you want to follow? • L. C. Nuttall

• Jesus is a good king because He leads from a place of self-sacrificial love and humility. Every decision He makes flows from His perfect love for us, even when it costs Him greatly. Consider taking some time to praise Jesus for His kind and gentle leadership. (Matthew 11:28-30)

• In what situations are you most tempted to put yourself first at the expense of others? This is something we all struggle with, but the good news is, Jesus wants us to bring Him our struggles.

[Jesus said,] “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45 (CSB) 

When I was little, I would talk with God, praying, “God, if you’re really up there, please show me a sign!”

I think my prayer is one that, at one point or another, we all pray. We want to know if God is there. But we also want to know, “Is He here? Does He care about my thoughts and situations?”

In John 11, Jesus’s close friends, Mary and Martha, sent a message asking Jesus to come to their house: their brother, Lazarus, was dying. They sought Jesus’s help and comfort during this difficult time, but Jesus delayed coming.

When Jesus finally arrived, Lazarus was dead, and the sisters asked Jesus why He didn’t prevent this. They wanted to know: “Don’t you care about us and what happens to us?”

Then Jesus went to Lazarus’s tomb and wept. Jesus knew He Himself was the Resurrection and the Life, and that, in a few minutes, He would raise Lazarus from the dead. So why did He weep?

The simple answer is Jesus grieves over the things we grieve. He grieves over sin and the hurt it causes—including death. He grieves over the fact that the people He made often reject Him. Jesus wants to rescue us from all that is broken, and He knows He’s the only one who can. When we are hurt by the sin and brokenness in the world, it’s as if Jesus goes to the “tombs” in our lives and weeps along with us.

Jesus is Immanuel, meaning “God is with us” (Matthew 1:23). Be encouraged because God has become one of us. God became a human to end sin and the brokenness it causes (John 1:1-14). Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we can know that God is here with us even now. He cares deeply about all the details of our lives. And He promises that we will one day dwell with Him in renewed creation, where we will forever be free from tears (Revelation 21:1-5). • Susan Grant

• What specific things in your life have you wondered if God really cares about?

• Jesus weeps over the things that have hurt you. He weeps over sin and all the brokenness it causes. Have you ever pictured Jesus weeping? How might this help us come to Him in our grief?

Jesus wept. John 11:35 (CSB) 

The sign of the serpent had been engraved on the doors for as long as anyone could remember. Every time she went past, she was reminded of their enslavement. It was carved into the wood deeper than the ocean itself, a writhing ribbon of sickening green. One could almost imagine it was moving, undulating toward them with a rasping tongue and obsidian black eyes that were slits in the emerald irises. All who passed by were to bow before it.

And then one day, a man defied it. Denied it.

The people were amazed, and so was she. Who was dumb enough to ignore the mark of the serpent, the captor of their people? He did it every time he went by, this strange man. Walking as if the green worm upon the doors was invisible.

And of course, the inevitable happened. The serpent kings were displeased. They arrested the man and killed him. In her heart, she sorrowed, for she had begun to hope that their slavery was over. There was no hope now, for it was buried with a dead man.

The third day after his death, she made her way to the market, heavy inside. As she passed the gates, she dared to look up. Her heart swelled even as the awe of what she was seeing made her gasp. It was impossible. And yet there it was.

The snake on the door was gone. The only thing that remained was a small portion of its head, scarred as if an ax had slashed through the image.

Her eyes filled with tears. This was no mere man. Somehow, she knew he had done more than just destroy their captors. This freedom was unlike anything she had ever known. And she needed to know more. Hope swelled again, and she turned, running for the place where he had been buried. Something told her she wouldn’t find it occupied anymore. • Macy Walts

• Today’s allegorical story echoes Bible passages like Genesis 3:14-15 and Hebrews 2:14-15. When the first humans gave in to the serpent’s temptation, sin and death entered the good world God had made. The serpent—Satan—became the ruler of this world, and we became slaves to sin. But God loved us so much, He was determined to rescue His people and restore His creation. That’s why Jesus, God in flesh, came and lived among us. When Jesus gave up His life on the cross, and then rose from the grave, He crushed the serpent’s head and set us free from sin and death! If you want to dig deeper, read Matthew 4:1-11; 11:28-30; 28:1-10; John 12:31; Ephesians 2:2; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Revelation 12:9-11

• Satan—who is also called the tempter, deceiver, or accuser—has already been defeated, yet today we are still waiting for Jesus to return and destroy him forever. In what ways have you seen Satan’s influence in your life or in the world? Are there any sins or lies that you feel enslaved to?

• As Christians, we are free from the power of sin. The Holy Spirit empowers us to say no to any temptation—what a relief! And when we do sin, the Holy Spirit helps us repent—to turn away from sin and back toward Jesus. What questions do you have about temptation, sin, and forgiveness? Who are trusted Christians in your life you could talk to about this?

• Jesus paid the price for our forgiveness with His own blood. Consider taking a moment to thank Him for the ultimate sacrifice, dying for us needy sinners that we might be restored to relationship with God and live with Him forever in renewed creation. (Revelation 21:1-5)

Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death— that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. Hebrews 2:14-15 (NIV)

Liar. Drunk. Adulterer. Coward.

Scroll through the news on any given day, and chances are you’ll find individuals who have been assigned disparaging labels. These labels are not new. In the Bible, we find that Jacob was a liar, Noah was a drunk, David was an adulterer, and Jonah was a coward. And yet, God worked in and through each of them in mighty ways.

What labels do you hear in a day? Theater kid, athlete, gamer? Labels can be positive: all-star, honor student, hard worker. Or negative: loser, cheater, troublemaker.

Problems occur when we let labels define us and those around us. We might try to steer clear of people with negative labels to avoid being associated with them, or we might try to befriend those with positive labels to elevate ourselves.

However, God is concerned with only one label. Are you His child? Have you received the label of believer by putting your trust in Jesus? If so, in the new creation you will be surrounded by people who were given many different labels while on earth, but in eternity, none of those matter. And today, God helps us treat each other in light of eternity (Romans 12:16; James 2:1-9).

Maybe you’ve received Jesus as your Savior, but you messed up big-time. That still doesn’t change who you are in Christ. Our mistakes don’t define us. Sin may have consequences, but it doesn’t change who we are. That’s the beauty and power of forgiveness. God does not look at our mistakes and label us accordingly. Because our sins are forgiven, He looks at us as His unblemished, holy, beloved children. When Jesus died on the cross and rose again, He took all the labels and sins and threw them away. The only label we need to be concerned with is the one He gives us: child of God—loved, forgiven, and adopted into His eternal family. • Erin Nestico

• If you have some time, consider taking a piece of paper and dividing it into three columns. In the first column, list all the labels you think other people give you. In the middle column, list all the labels you give yourself. In the third column, list all the labels God gives you (to get a few ideas, read Genesis 1:27; John 1:12; 1 Corinthians 6:19; 1 Peter 2:9). As you look at each column, how do you feel? Consider spending some time in prayer, talking to Jesus about the labels in each column and asking Him to help you see yourself the way He sees you.

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)

Bullying. It’s painful to experience. But here’s the thing: I don’t know bullying’s pain because I’ve been bullied. I know its pain because I have been the bully.

I’ve made fun of people. I’ve gossiped about people I didn’t like. I’ve secretly judged the so-called “losers.” But I’d been trying to live my life for Jesus and be different. I wasn’t one of those people, right? But I was one of those people. I was a bully.

It took a long week—full of conviction, tears, and prayer—for Jesus to help me see that reality, changing my life and outlook. I realized I wasn’t just hurting the people I was mocking, teasing, gossiping about, and hating. I was hurting Jesus, the one who loved me so much He died so I could be forgiven for my sins, including bullying (Matthew 25:31-46; Ephesians 4:29-32). I was not acting like I belonged to Him. I was taking God’s creations, made after His own image, and raising myself above them. Like I was better than them.

But I’m not. I need Jesus’s grace—just like everyone else. Bullying is a sin because it forgets that every person was created in God’s image. Basically, making fun of other people is hating on God and His good creation.

As I sought to turn away from the sin of bullying, Jesus was with me— working in me to make me more like Himself. I apologized to the people I hurt. God was humbling me so I didn’t see myself as better than others, but equal to them in His eyes. I started to see people as wonderful, interesting creations of God Himself, even becoming friends with people who were still being hated on by others.

No matter how badly we’ve messed up, Jesus can forgive, restore, and transform us (Luke 23:34). We can even become a light to others who are struggling. He redeems us from our brokenness and gives us the opportunity to share His love and truth with others. • Natalie Gilkinson

• Why is it important that (1) God created all people in His image, and (2) we are all sinners in need of Jesus? How might these truths affect the way we see those around us? (Genesis 1:27; Romans 3:11-12, 23-24; 6:23)

• If you are bullying others, are being bullied, or are seeing bullying happen, who is a trusted adult you can talk to about it?

Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all. Proverbs 22:2 (NIV)

“Jesus is coming,” Nathanael whispers. “He’s coming.” “Jesus?” I say, scratching another sore on my arm until it weeps.

“Oh, you Samaritans! Don’t you know anything?” Nathanael sighs. “He’s the Healer, like the prophets predicted. He can save us—even you.”

Ten of us are still alive in this leper colony. Staying at home would put our families at risk. Tears prick my eyes as I think of the day I left behind my wife and son—of the sadness on their faces. I miss them.

“Unclean!” people scream at us, hurrying by. “Ugh! Look at them!”

“Dear God,” I pray, “please, let Jesus heal me.”

“Jesus is coming,” Nathanael cries. “A huge crowd is following Him.”

“Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” we cry over and over again until our throats dry up. Sunshine scorches us, playing havoc with our wounds, my heart thumps as Jesus stops. He does not run away. His eyes reflect compassion and love. He reaches out to us. The crowd immediately disperses, shuddering.

“Go show yourselves to the priests,” Jesus says.

I want to shout out that they won’t let us near them. But then I remember my prayer, and I wonder if, maybe, this is God’s answer.

All of us obey. As we walk, my skin tingles. The heat is no longer intense. Before I even look down, I know I am well. Overcome with emotion, I jump up into the air!

I begin to praise God loudly, running back to Jesus, falling on the stony ground at His feet, unable to stop thanking Him.

Jesus speaks, His eyes rich with love, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner? Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you.”

I run home, my heart soaring. Jesus has saved my life. • Cindy Lee

• Today’s story is how one author imagines Luke 17:11-19. When have you felt like an outcast? Read John 1:12 and 3:16. How does Jesus give us a place to belong? (To learn more, see or "Know Jesus" page.)

[Jesus said,] “Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” Luke 17:18 (NLT) 

If you’re a pet owner like me, then you know sometimes your pets do things you don’t understand. One thing I don’t understand about my cat Elora is that she loves to get into my bedroom closet. Elora knows how to slip in between the two sliding closet doors, but she doesn’t know how to get out. Whenever she gets stuck inside, I hear her meowing for help, and so I open the door to set her free. This process often repeats itself, and I wonder when my cat will learn not to get stuck in the closet!

My cat’s obsession with getting into my closet reminded me of how we often get stuck in cycles of sin. In the Old Testament, the Israelites went through cycles of sin for many years. First they followed God, then they followed other false gods, and so God let their enemies rule over them. Then they cried out to God for help, and God rescued them. And the cycle would start all over again. In the New Testament, we see our lives follow the same pattern (Romans 5:20–8:39).

When we’re left on our own, we choose to sin against God because we’re born with a sinful nature. We can’t break out of our sinful habits on our own because, without Christ, we’re all slaves to sin. The good news is that Jesus, God in flesh, gave His life for us. He died on the cross and rose from the dead so we could be forgiven of our sin and be made right with Him.

God loves you so much, and He doesn’t want you to be separated from Him. If you’ve put your trust in Jesus as your Savior, He has delivered you from sin and death and brought you near to Himself. Like I rescue my cat from the closet, Jesus rescues us. He teaches us not to wander into sin, but even when we do, He comes for us every time. • Brooke Morris

• Can you think of a time you felt like you were stuck in a cycle of sin? You might feel like there’s no way out, but there is hope! Jesus took our punishment on Himself when He died on the cross for our sins. If we’ve put our trust in Him as our Savior, He has already delivered us from sin’s power and given us the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to say “no” to temptation and break our sin cycles. Consider taking some time right now to pray. You can thank Jesus for being your Savior, confess any sin that comes to mind, rest in His sure forgiveness, and ask for His help to escape any sin cycles you may be stuck in.

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. Romans 8:1-2 (NLT) 

Have you ever been deceived? Confused, lied to, twisted around, and pulled into a pit of despair? We all have. Deception is one of the enemy’s favorite tactics.

The devil is “the father of lies” (John 8:44). He tells us we aren’t good enough—that God couldn’t possibly love us. He uses the world’s voices to shout lies like: “Make straight As at school, join every club that will have you, and dress like a model—then you’ll be worth something.”

We start to believe these lies and pursue things like popularity, good grades, trophies, or experiences above all else. We forget that true value comes from Jesus, our Creator and the one who has already done everything needed for us to be in relationship with Him (Ephesians 2:8-9).

The good news? God’s truth protects us from the devil’s lies. In Ephesians 6, the apostle Paul uses armor to describe the way truth protects us: it reminds us of all we have in Jesus. As Christians, we are called to wear “truth like a belt” (verse 14). Just like no Roman soldier would go to battle half-dressed, we can’t fight the devil’s lies if we aren’t clothed in God’s truth. The truth of the good news of Jesus is our protection, our shield, and our sword in the midst of any struggle. Once we know Jesus, no lie can separate us from God’s immense love for us (Romans 8:38-39).

We can talk with Jesus about any lies we’re dealing with. We can ask Him to replace the lies with His truth, trusting His Holy Spirit to show us what lies we’re believing and lead us to the truth of God’s Word. Jesus is the one who can drown out the enemy’s lies. • Sharon Rene

• Are you aware of any lies you’ve been believing about yourself? Sometimes, even when we recognize lies, it can be hard to stop believing them. Consider taking a moment to write them down and give them to God. This may not makethelies go away, but it’salwaysagood first step.

• Can you think of any truths from the Bible that refute these lies? Consider writing these down and thanking God for them

• If you can’t find a Bible passage to refute a lie you’re believing, who is a trusted Christian in your life— such as a camp counselor or pastor—who can help you find some verses?

[Jesus said,] “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32 (CSB) 

Draw near, Lord
I’m waiting for You
To do a new thing,
A God-thing.
Bring beauty only You can
From these dust and ashes.
Open the grave and
Breathe Your life
Into me
Over me
All around me.
Restore my hope and
Resurrect these bones to
Praise You once again. • Kelly Hope Parke

• One of the Scriptures that inspired today’s poem is Ezekiel 37. When the Israelites were saying, “We have become old, dry bones—all hope is gone” (verse 11), God spoke to the prophet Ezekiel, showing him a valley covered with dry bones. Then the Lord said, “Look! I am going to put breath into you and make you live again!” (verse 5). And that’s exactly what happened: the bones became living people! This passage points forward to Jesus, the one who died on the cross and came back to life so that people who were dead in their sins (that’s all of us) could be forgiven and made alive. If you’ve put your trust in Jesus, this is your story too. You have the Holy Spirit, the breath of life, in you. And when Jesus returns, He will raise you from the dead to live forever with Him on the new heavens and new earth. For more about this good news, see our "Know Jesus" page.

• Is there anything in your life right now that feels like those dry bones—things that seem hopeless and beyond repair? Consider taking some time to talk to God about whatever is on your mind. You can be honest with Him about how badly your suffering hurtsand how much you long for Him to bring hope. Remember, Jesus is with you, and nothing can separate you from His love. (Romans 8:38-39)

• Why is it never foolish to hope in Jesus? (Hint: read Romans 5:5; Hebrews 4:14-16; Revelation 21:1-5)

“This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Look! I am going to put breath into you and make you live again!” Ezekiel 37:5 (NLT) 

Last night I accidentally let a popsicle melt on my desk. It dripped down onto my manuscript, and fifty pages of a book I was writing were ruined.

The amazing thing about all this is that I wasn’t the least bit upset. It truly astonished me that I felt no anger or frustration over it. God must have been working in me again, because this surely wasn’t the old me. The old me would have cried out something like, “Forget it—it’s not worth it. I’m going to quit writing this!” (Although I wouldn’t have quit.)

How God does it, I don’t know. I don’t feel anything going on inside. A light doesn’t flash and display the words “I’m different today.” But somehow, in God’s own timing, I am being lovingly changed, little by little, into the image of His Son. The fruit of the Spirit is beginning to blossom in my soul.

This time the particular fruit was patience, or maybe it should be called longsuffering. Whatever you call it, it was something not evident in me yesterday, and it certainly wasn’t something I brought forth from myself. It’s God’s work. • Sharon Roberts

• If we’ve put our trust in Jesus, believing in His death and resurrection, He lives in us through the Holy Spirit. As the Holy Spirit works in us, He produces fruit in our lives: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). Have you ever been surprised to see one of these fruits pop up in your life? What was that like? Consider taking a moment to praise Jesus for this!

• As we grow in our faith, Jesus has so much patience with us. He loves us, and He knows that we will continue to struggle with sin until the day He returns. And He wants to help us. So when we fail, we can confess our sins to Him and rest in His sure forgiveness (1 John 1:9–2:1). He won’t give up on us. He keeps walking with us, forming us more and more into His perfect image (2 Corinthians 3:18). Consider taking some time to talk to Jesus in prayer, confessing any sins that come to mind and resting in His patient love.

I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6 (CSB) 

When I was growing up, my grandma was always ready for visitors. She’d often have homemade cookies that she would plate up for us, along with a glass of cold milk. Or if she didn’t have any baked, then she would get out a package of cookies and serve them up.

She welcomed us warmly, and our visits always ended with a hug.

Those were some special times, and looking back now, I think she gave us a good example of pure love, like God offers us.

God is always ready for a visit. He always welcomes us. He is always prepared for us to sit and talk for a while. God meets us with comfort and love.

You never have to feel like it’s a bad time to go to God. You never have to worry that He won’t be prepared for your prayers. Just like a loving grandparent, God is always there for you. He will always hear you. He will always love you.

If you ever begin to doubt God’s love for you, then consider the most loving person in your life—and know that He loves you even more than they do. He wanted so badly to become your Father that He went all the way to the cross and grave for you! Jesus died and rose again so you could be forgiven and adopted into God’s family. That means, if you’ve put your trust in Jesus, God is your heavenly Father. So remember, you are His priceless creation, and you are infinitely special to Him. He always wants to hear from you. • Bethany Acker

• Do you have someone in your life who is always welcoming and ready to visit? This is the kind of love God has for you! He is always eager for you to “visit” by drawing near to Him. Can you picture God this way? Consider taking some time to draw near to Him in prayer, and receive His warmth in whatever way you need it today—whether it be sharing in your joy, comforting you in your pain, listening compassionately as you process frustration, giving wisdom and direction in your confusion, covering you with forgiveness as you confess your sins, or something else.

[Jesus said,] “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (NIV) 

Sometimes, I feel like a disco ball. Everyone thinks I’m the life of the party, that I’m always happy, having fun. If they looked a little closer, though, they’d discover the truth: I’m mostly broken, spinning in the dark, reflecting so many chaotic emotions that I feel like I just might crash.

If that resonates with you, know you are not alone. God’s Word warns us that big, glittering smiles could hide a great deal of pain—sometimes our own. While we may be able to fool the people around us—and even ourselves on occasion—God is not deceived. He knows the griefs we carry. He knows each one of our broken pieces. And while He can shine light that brings joy, whimsy, and laughter into even the darkest of places, He is not interested in us spinning through the dark, putting on a show. He wants to heal us, to make us new, to give us purpose even when we are in pain. He wants our lives to rotate to the rhythm of His grace.

And that grace is revealed in Jesus. God loves us so much that He took all our pain, sin, and brokenness on Himself on the cross. Then He rose from the grave, making the way for us to be with Him forever. When Jesus returns, all the chaos will be over, and we will be completely healed, whole, and restored. In the meantime, He’s with us in our pain—bringing hope and help.

People around us may not be able to see a difference between spinning in chaotic brokenness and having faith in Christ’s redemption of the brokenness. They may only see us as the cheerful life of the party they’ve always seen, simply because they’re not privileged to deeply know us. But God notices all the deepest truths of you, and He sees how you’re coping. You can bring all your brokenness and chaos to Him, trusting Him to redeem it somehow, to heal it. You don’t have to carry the burden of making everyone else happy, especially when you’re struggling. You can release your burdens to Jesus, and rest in His love. • Abigail Aswegen

• Do you ever pressure yourself to be happy for everyone else? Because of Jesus, we can slowly let down our guard, be honest about our brokenness, and rely on Him to bring healing.

• When you feel the chaos inside of you ramping up—whether it’s anxiety, emotions, or pressure—how can you step back, slow down, and recenter on Christ? Who are trusted Christians in your life who can come alongside you and help you do this?

Laughter can conceal a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains. Proverbs 14:13 (NLT) 

The first time I visited Ireland, I toured Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin. I saw a museum exhibit of an ancient stone slab with a cross on it. The slab was from a nearby well that Patrick may have used to baptize people who converted to Christianity in the fifth century.

The reason we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on March 17 is to remember Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. When Patrick was about sixteen years old, he was captured by foreign raiders, carried off to Ireland, and sold as a slave. Patrick was enslaved for six years until God brought him back to his home country in Britain. Patrick recognized that God’s presence was with him at all times, and we can see this through the prayer of Saint Patrick, part of which says: “Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me.”

What amazes me is that, after Patrick escaped home to Britain, God called him back to Ireland as a missionary. Patrick knew there were dangers if he returned, but he still obeyed what God was calling him to. He shared the hope of Jesus with the Irish people, in spite of opposition from the church in Britain. He shared the message of the gospel—the good news that Jesus loves us so much that He died on the cross and rose from the dead to save us from sin and make the way for us to have eternal life with Him. God worked powerfully through Patrick’s ministry, and pagans who formerly worshiped nature came to put their trust in the one true God.

God loves to draw people to Himself, and we get to be part of that work! If we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we are equipped and empowered by the Holy Spirit to share the gospel with people from around the world, like Patrick did with the people of Ireland. • Brooke Morris

• Similar to how Patrick went to the place that formerly enslaved him, Jesus came to be with us—people who were God’s enemies (John 1:1-18; Romans 5:6-11). And, like Patrick, Jesus came with a mission to love and save the people who hated Him. Jesus even died for us! Then He rose from the dead, defeating sin and death on our behalf so we could have eternal life with Him. What good news! To learn more about the gospel, and how to share it, check out our "Know Jesus" page.

• Can you think of a time someone shared the gospel with you? Maybe it was a pastor, family member, youth leader, or friend. What did they say that stuck with you?

• Have you ever shared the gospel with someone? What was that like? Consider taking a moment to ask God to help you notice any people in your life He is inviting you to share the gospel with.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 (NIV) 

The following story is an allegory based on 2 Kings 22-23, which tells the true account of King Josiah and the rediscovery of the book of the law. 

The lieutenant of the fourth galactic league rushed into General Lazlo’s office: “General, my platoon was searching old Lymerian archives. We found something you should see.”

The lieutenant pulled up a document on his hologram pad and passed it over. The general gasped. “Is that Earthen religious law? Weren’t all Earthen religious laws catalogued already?”

Tears began to form in the general’s eyes. How could we have lost something so precious? She started to read the text, “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.” She paused. “Lieutenant, I need you to contact the old earth religious order. I must speak to a representative at once.”

As the lieutenant made contact with the order, the general paged through the document. She saw messages proclaiming fathomless love and a God who reached down to rescue the world He created—and over and over, the name “Jesus.” It sounded familiar, but she couldn’t remember where she’d heard the name.

“General,” said the lieutenant, “I have a leader of the old earth religious order.”

The general spoke with the leader, who said the rediscovered book was Christian Scripture—a text thought to have been lost over four hundred years ago.

When the leader ended the communication, the general was left staring at a blank screen. She reflected on her own life. She was a hard worker and good at her job, but she often felt unfulfilled, even in success. She wondered if this rediscovered book had answers. She also thought of the chaos in her colony and wondered if the book contained the path to true peace.

General Lazlo pressed the emergency broadcast button and began to address the entire colony: “Dear citizens, something vital was rediscovered today, and I have the privilege of reading it to you.” • Naomi Zylstra

• How is today’s story similar to 2 Kings 22–23? How is it different?

• The Bible is about Jesus, the one who died and rose again to save us from sin and death (John 20:31; Acts 10:43). That’s why it’s such an important book. How does this affect the way we study and understand it?

But he [Jesus] said, “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God, and keep it. Luke 11:28 (WEB) 

Sometimes I find myself in an empty house, and I can’t stop myself from singing at the top of my lungs. I tend to belt numbers from The Sound of Music, especially “Climb Every Mountain.” There’s something about hitting those high notes, with the sound filling the space around me, that brings me great joy.

Our voices, lifted in songs of praise, bring glory to God. Not just in church during worship, but all the time. In the car, singing along to your favorite worship playlist…softly humming a hymn to yourself…or, my favorite, when you’re all alone and can sing out with your entire being.

God doesn’t care if you can carry a tune or if your voice sounds even halfway decent. It’s your heart that counts. When you take the time out of your day to glorify Him, it’s music to His ears. We don’t worship to sound good or because it’s a good Christian thing to do. Our worship is supposed to be an outpouring of the gratitude we feel for what God has done in our lives and in the lives of others, what He is doing in the present, and what He promises to do in the future.

We rejoice that God delights in us—though we were messed up, broken people, He loved us and made us blameless in His sight (Psalm 149:4; Colossians 1:22). We praise Him for His majesty (Psalm 8:1), and because He is always right (Psalm 119:172). We sing because He is powerful, faithful, and full of unfailing love (Psalm 59:16). Finally, we sing to point the world to the hope we have in Christ—the one who died and rose again to save us from sin and death (Psalm 66:2).

Worship brings glory to God, and it takes our focus off ourselves. When we’re praising, our eyes are open to the ways God is moving and working, and we are reminded of how good He’s been to us. Incredible things happen when we choose to worship, even when it doesn’t make sense. Think of Paul and Silas in prison—as they prayed and sang through the night, God sent an earthquake that freed all the prisoners, and ultimately, this miracle led to the salvation of the jailer and his family (Acts 16:22-34). So let’s rejoice—because God is so faithful and good to us! Sing a song of praise to the Lord! • Hannah Ruth Johnson

• When does it come naturally for you to worship God? When do you find it harder to offer a song of praise?

• What are some of God’s qualities we can rejoice in? (Hint: read Psalm 103:8)

I will sing to the LORD because he is good to me. Psalm 13:6 (NLT) 

In life, I tend to approach a problem thinking I can handle it all by myself, like a toddler taking on a task that’s obviously too big for them. I think, “I know tons of things—I can reason my way out of this mess, and I don’t need anyone’s help. I can do this, right?”

Unfortunately, reality sets in as I try to solve everything and I discover that I am not strong enough to put my world to rights. I am a fallible human with limited resources and a small amount of strength. If I rely on myself and my own strength to get through things, then I will end up crushed by the troubles of life. I need someone who’s bigger than me and my world to take care of the trials infiltrating it.

When we try to solve everything in our own strength, we are doomed to fail. But when we recognize that God is the only one strong enough to calm the storms in life, then something amazing happens. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, God gives us His strength so we can bear—and even overcome—the trials.

When Jesus was on earth, His strength was evident when He healed people and performed miracles. It was this divine power that changed people’s lives and raised Jesus from the dead. And that same power lives in us through the Holy Spirit! As Christians, God’s strength is something we can rely on. And when we do, it changes our lives for good. • Morgan A. Mitchell

• When are you tempted to rely on your own strength? Why do you think that is?

• Relying on God’s strength might look like reading the Bible to find wisdom and guidanceabout your situation, telling God how you feel, asking Him for help throughout the day, turning to other believers for help and support, praising God with songs, and resting in His presence. What are some ways you could implement at least one of these practices in your life?

• When we rely on God’s strength, that doesn’t always mean our trials will resolve in the ways we want them to. But it does mean that His strength is with us in the midst of our trials. We can know that He sees us, He loves us, and He cares about what we’re going through. And, one day, Jesus will return to raise us from the dead and put the whole world to rights, getting rid of sin and brokenness forever. How can these truths encourage us in the midst of our trials?

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. Psalm 28:7 (NIV) 

Of all the conversion stories in the Bible, none are more dramatic than the Apostle Paul’s. Before knowing Jesus, Paul—also called Saul—was one of the most vicious, violent persecutors of the early church. Brilliant in intellect, he used his mind to orchestrate beatings and deaths against the converts of this new religion called Christianity, fearing it threatened his Jewish faith.

His conversion story has been told and retold countless times. He was traveling the road to Damascus when he was blinded by a great light and the voice of Jesus asked, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” (Acts 9:4).

Saul’s conversion was so dramatic that the leaders of the fledgling church didn’t believe him at first. It took a good amount of time before they finally accepted the truth: Saul the persecutor was now a disciple of Christ.

My conversion was nothing like that. My brother shared the gospel with me when I was twelve, and I prayed a simple prayer while sitting on the side of my bed. There were no fireworks, no lights, certainly no voice from heaven. Later, my story of conversion was mostly met with shrugging shoulders and blank stares. I wasn’t a rebel or criminal before my conversion, so afterward, few people noticed any differences.

But, like the Apostle Paul, I was different, even if nobody really saw it. I was a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). The death and resurrection of Christ that was sufficient to convert Paul in ancient Israel also covered a twelve-year-old in California. Maybe you don’t have a Paul conversion story either. Whatever your story, your sins are forgiven and you’re a new creation in Christ, all based on His sacrificial death and victorious resurrection. • Mike Hurley

• If you’re a Christian, how would you describe your salvation story?

• If you know Jesus as your Savior, you are a new creation. Jesus has freed you from the power of sin and death. And one day, when you see Jesus face to face, you won’t struggle with sin and its effects anymore, because sin and death will be gone forever (1 Corinthians 13:12; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Revelation 21:1-5). How might remembering that we are forgiven and that we are new creations help us rely on Jesus through the ups and downs of life?

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17 (CSB) 

There was something about His eyes, the way He looked at her. It was unsettling. She thought she knew all about men, understood how they thought. But this was different. “Go and call your husband,” He said.

She hesitated, eyes lowered. “I have no husband.”

He nodded. “True. You’ve had five—and the man you live with now isn’t one of them.”

Her fists tensed defiantly. “Since you know so much, prophet, tell me this. Is God’s chosen place of worship here, among my people, or in Jerusalem, where the Jews worship?” Her eyes flashed up to meet His, ready for the judgment and rejection surely waiting. What she saw startled her. An intense compassion in His eyes matched by words washing over her in love. He said, “The Father is seeking worshipers in spirit and truth.” She heard, “The Father is seeking you.”

Her battered heart leapt for joy. It didn’t matter—it never had! What she’d done, where she’d been—her fruitless search for God’s hiding place. He’d been there all along, pursuing her, waiting for her to see Him. Her water jar forgotten, she ran into the city. The words burst out, a testimony that wouldn’t be held back. “Come and see a man who told me all I ever did! Could this be the Messiah?” He knew her past, and He still wanted to give her a future.

Jesus gave Himself to save us. There is no greater love, no greater offering to be made. God in flesh went to the cross so we could have life with Him. This love, freely given, cannot be earned. Only received. Jesus knows all you’ve ever done. Everything. And He loves you and wants you anyway. He loves you just as you are. • Remi Oyedele

•Today’s story is how one author imagines John 4:1-30. Consider taking some time to read this passage for yourself. What do you notice? What questions do you have?

• Can you think of a time you felt like the woman at the well? Sometimes it can be hard to believe that Jesus loves us just as we are. Thankfully, God knows we need reminders of His love, and He invites us to come and see Jesus, the one who knows everything we’ve ever done, the one who went to the cross to die for us and be raised from the dead so we could be forgiven and brought near (Romans 5:6-11). Consider taking a moment to tell Jesus whatever is on your mind.

• To learn more about Jesus’s love for you, and what it means to receive it, check out page 104.

[The Samaritan woman said,] “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” John 4:29 (CSB) 

He’s cute, he’s sweet, and he’s oh-so-nice. But he’s not a Christian.

She goes to church, and she’s so much fun, but Christ is not particularly important to her.

Is it okay to date them?

Being attracted to someone who doesn’t love Christ can be a really tough situation. Trust me, I’ve been there. What can you do?

First off, dating them is a bad idea. I’m really sorry. If Christ is the center of your life and identity, you can’t have a partner for whom Christ isn’t important. Even if they’re happy to live your Christian life right now, they don’t share your ultimate goal to love God and serve in His kingdom. It doesn’t matter how nice or “good” they might be. Entering a romantic relationship with someone who doesn’t know Jesus is often a path to heartache, sin, and regret.

So, you say no. Sound hard? It is. It’s the most heartbreaking thing I’ve ever done. But if I survived it, so can you. Because Christ is sufficient for us (2 Corinthians 12:9).

“But wait!” you may ask, “what if they become a Christian? Then can I date them?” If they really are sincere about following Christ—and wouldn’t give up on Him even if you weren’t in their life—then, yes. They’re God’s child, and you’re on equal footing. Good news: there are lots of real-life examples of this happening!

Bad news: there are also a lot of real-life examples of someone “converting,” but really only doing it for the other person, and never truly loving Christ. That’s an even worse situation, so be careful. If someone says they know Jesus, take your time before starting to date them. Find out why they believe and get lots of counsel from godly Christian adults in your life.

When in doubt? Wait and pray. And remember that, if Christ has a future spouse for you, it’ll be someone who really loves Him. You can trust God for your future. • Christiana Albrecht

• Have you ever been attracted to someone who doesn’t love Christ? What did you do?

• Do you know any Christians who are currently married to non-Christians? What could you learn from their experiences? How could you pray for them?

• If you’re attracted to someone who doesn’t share your faith, talk to Jesus about it. He has so much compassion on you. He knows your hurts, and He’s with you through it all (Hebrews 4:14-16).

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 2 Corinthians 6:14 (NIV) 

You know that cute couple who’s always taking pictures of how much fun they’re having together and raving about one another? Ever been envious of them? It can feel really lonely to be the person who is still single when your friends are all dating. The Bible has good news: it’s okay to be single! In fact, sometimes it can be better than being in a relationship. In 1 Corinthians 7:7, the apostle Paul writes, “But I wish everyone were single, just as I am.”

Why on earth does Paul say that? Think of that couple again. They spend a lot of time thinking about each other, don’t they? Some of that is good, but the trouble begins when we’re so busy thinking about making our partner happy that we don’t think about living to please God. He has great plans and purposes for each of us. But it’s easy to lose our focus on God’s love and goodness when we start to place our identity in our relationship status instead of in Jesus Christ.

So, is it okay to date and get married? Absolutely. In this same chapter in 1 Corinthians, Paul makes it clear that it’s not a sin to get married and that faithful, loving Christian marriage between a man and a woman is one good way people can serve God and show His love.

But it’s important to think honestly about whether your romantic relationship helps you serve God better. Do you help each other grow deeper in your relationships with Christ? Are you able to serve each other and work together to serve others? When you’re together, do you see the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)? Those are good reasons to date. But if you’re in a relationship just to make you happy, the way you see yourself may start to be defined by that relationship, instead of by how God sees you and what Christ has done for you.

Being single can have its challenges, but remember, a lot of people in “happy” relationships end up very unhappy, and very regretful. The good news is, God wants to share His joy with us, and He can redeem even the messiest of circumstances. If you’re single, you might be surprised by how content you can feel as you eagerly look for opportunities to serve God, only pursuing a romantic relationship if that’s where He leads you (1 Corinthians 7:33-35). Regardless of our relationship status, as we seek to follow Christ above all else, we find true joy. • Christiana Albrecht

• As Christians, we’re part of God’s family (Romans 8:16-18). Married or single, we are never alone because we have Jesus and the community of His people. Who in the church has shown God’s love to you? How could you show Jesus’s love, especially to those who might be lonely?

But I [Paul] wish everyone were single, just as I am. Yet each person has a special gift from God, of one kind or another. 1 Corinthians 7:7 (NLT) 

In middle school, I was open in sharing my faith with friends, and they openly shared their beliefs with me too. It was fun having conversations about what we believed in and why. That is, until my friends started asking me more difficult questions, like, Was the Garden of Eden story true? Did the flood actually happen? Why would this man named “Jesus” die on the cross for us? I didn’t always have an answer. This sometimes made me feel embarrassed, like I didn’t really know what I believed in.

Thankfully, I was involved in an awesome youth group where I could bring up these big questions I had about my faith. I was never ashamed to have questions; rather, I was encouraged to ask. My youth pastor and mentors would pray with me and open God’s Word to seek answers. And when I discovered an answer, I often had another question! But I realized that asking questions, seeking answers in God’s Word, and even asking a trusted adult for help massively grew my faith.

You might have questions about your faith and not know where to look for answers. First, take a deep breath. It’s okay to feel this way. God is so huge and beyond our understanding that we get to spend our whole lives learning about Him! Second, don’t be afraid to take your questions to a trusted adult—like a parent, mentor, or youth pastor—asking them to pray and study God’s Word together with you. Over time, you may notice that the more you ask questions and seek answers and ask more questions, the more your faith will continue to grow. • Rachel Wierenga

• Have you ever felt embarrassed to have questions about what you believe? Why do you think that is? God isn’t embarrassed by your questions. In fact, He invites them! He doesn’t expect us to know everything about Him and the Bible. Rather, He loves it when we’re curious about Him and His Word. And He loves to provide wisdom as we seek out answers. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, believing in His death and resurrection, He is with us through the Holy Spirit, guiding us as we seek to know Him more. And even when we don’t find clear answers, God walks with us through the process of discovery, using all of it to draw us closer to Himself.

• What are your three biggest questions about what you believe? Who is a trusted Christian adult you can share these questions with? Consider seeking them out this week and see if you can set up a time to talk, pray, and study God’s Word together.

“You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 (CSB) 

“What are you afraid of?” Ask ten different people, and you will likely get ten different answers! Our fears are very personal to us, depending on our past experiences. Still, one of the most common is the fear of failure.

In the Bible, Solomon also feared failure. He was called to follow in the footsteps of Israel’s greatest king, his father David. It was a daunting task, and Solomon felt inadequate and unprepared. When God appeared to Solomon in a dream, this is what the young king prayed: “Give your servant a receptive heart to judge your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of yours?” (1 Kings 3:9).

Solomon feared failure! He knew he needed God’s help, so he asked for a wise and discerning heart. Solomon’s prayer pleased God so much He not only gave Solomon wisdom, but riches and honor as well.

Like Solomon, when we fear failure, we are invited to call out to God. As James 1:5 says, “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him.”

Knowing that God will give us wisdom for whatever He asks us to do is a great way to combat a fear of failure! We’re all going to fail sometimes—even Solomon failed (1 Kings 11:1-13). But, if we know Jesus, we are secure in Him. Jesus lived a sinless life, died on the cross, and rose from the grave—and in doing so He covered all our failures. So we can always lean on Him. He is faithful, not only to give us wisdom, but also to pick us up when we fall. • Laura N. Sweet

• Can you think of a time you were afraid of failure? How could remembering that we are secure in Christ help quiet those fears?

• In your own life, what are some situations where you need wisdom? Have you talked to Jesus about these situations? Consider taking some time to talk to Him now.

• One of the ways God gives wisdom to His people is through wise counsel from mature Christians (Proverbs 11:14; Galatians 6:1-2; Colossians 3:16; James 3:13-18). Who is a trustworthy Christian you can talk with about any questions or fears you have? (If no one comes to mind, you can ask God to help you identify someone in the future.)

[Solomon said,] “So give your servant a receptive heart to judge your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of yours?” 1 Kings 3:9 (CSB) 

Dominic stepped out of his car into the crisp, cold air. It had been in the teens during the night, and the weather felt as cold as the relationships in his home. Things had gotten tense between his parents, and he needed time to think.

Dominic pulled on his gloves and zipped up his coat as he headed for the muddy hiking trail. Ever since his dad had taken him out here when he was young, Dominic had always processed hard things by hiking.

Drifts of snow mixed with melting runoff made his pace slow. But Dominic wasn’t in a hurry. He embraced the challenge and pushed through the remnants of winter to climb the hill.

Working his way toward the top, Dominic’s muscles relaxed. The familiar climb brought rest to his mind. With every step, he was reminded that Jesus was with him through this. The quiet helped him remember.

As he rounded the second bend, he glanced out and saw the bluish-white valley stretching out to the amber horizon. The majesty of the landscape motivated him to continue. The same God who sustains all this is the one who sustains me, he thought.

Within thirty minutes, Dominic was standing at the top of the hill. Shorter hills encircled this slope, and Dominic gazed out as the sun climbed higher, reflecting off the snowy mounds.

Suddenly, the hills were studded with brightly shining diamonds. Golden light jumped and danced off the crystalline snow. The brilliance was stunning.

Dominic breathed deeply and basked in God’s morning masterpiece. • Eric Downs

• Can you think of a time when being outside helped you relax, and maybe even reminded you of God’s goodness and power? What was that like?

• What is one part of God’s creation you’re thankful for today? Consider taking a moment to tell God what you like about it.

The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Psalm 19:1 (NLT) 

I’m going to be honest—I am terrible at being patient. I get frustrated with long lines, slow computers, and people who walk at a snail’s pace but take up the whole sidewalk so there’s no way to pass them.

I also get impatient when I feel like God isn’t listening to my prayers. Doesn’t He know how much I need the thing I’m asking for? Doesn’t He care about my hurts and all that is wrong in the world? The answer to both of these questions, turns out, is a resounding yes. God knows all our needs even before we ask, and He cares so deeply for us—and for all His creation—that He came in flesh to set us free from sin and death and bring us into relationship with Himself. He invites us to come to Him with all our struggles—to trust Him, patiently.

Although practicing patience is sometimes unpleasant, it’s possible because God is patient with us. Jesus, who is God the Son, was patient with people when He lived among us on earth. Throughout His ministry, even though He told people who He was and what He came here to do, many of them—even His closest friends—still got confused about His purposes. They wanted someone who was going to come in and overthrow Rome, but that wasn’t the kind of king Jesus set out to be. Instead, He endured the cross, knowing that on the third day, He would rise again.

In the same way, God the Father is patient with us as He waits for our repentance, those moments when we come to our senses and turn away from sin, back toward Him (2 Peter 3:9). God continues to love us and wait for us, even if we’re ignoring Him (Luke 15:11-24).

Since God is so patient with us, that means whenever we’re struggling to wait, we can go to Him. As we rest in His love and remember His goodness, we often find it becomes easier to wait on the Lord. • Naomi Zylstra

• What’s something you do that requires patience?

• If we know Jesus, we have His Holy Spirit in us, and one of the fruits the Spirit produces in our lives is patience (Galatians 5:22-23). On top of that, we have the sure hope that all our waiting will be worth it, because when Jesus returns, He will make everything new and we will live with Him forever in restored creation, finally free from sin and brokenness (Revelation 21:1-5). How could these truths give us comfort and strength in times of waiting—whether we’re waiting for something in our own lives, or waiting for God to right the wrongs we see in the world?

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12 (NIV) 

Life digs a pit and throws me, kicking and flailing, inside. I hit the bottom hard. There’s no escape, so I call out, “Lord, save me! I’m not meant to exist in this pit. I know Your plan is good!” I sit down and wait for my Savior, expectant for His face to appear over the edge.

Time passes, and I fidget, wondering why it’s taking Jesus so long to intervene. I know He heard me. I stand up. I hear noises! My eyes flit back and forth, expecting a rope or a hand. Instead, I see dirt from a shovel come flying into the pit. I duck my head just in time to protect my eyes. More scoops come until my head and shoulders are dusty and my nostrils twitch with oncoming sneezes. “Who’s up there?” I shout.

Satan pokes his head over the edge and grins. “It’s me. Adding misery to what Life does. Fun, isn’t it?” Another scoop follows his words down to the bottom of the pit. I back myself against the dirt wall. I press my lips together, trying to keep my heart steadfast. I know my Savior loves me.

But the shovelfuls don’t stop, and eventually, I snap. “Lord, if you’re not gonna get me out of here, could You at least bring me a shovel so I can throw some dirt back at him?” I shout. “Don’t You care that Satan’s winning?!” Jesus comes. All the way to the bottom. He has a board, and He begins using it to tamp the loose dirt. He sings the Song of Grace as He works. I frown. “Why are you down here? Can’t You get me out? Don’t You wanna thwart Satan’s dirt?”

Jesus looks at me with love. “Trust Me,” He says. “It might look like Satan is winning, but here’s the secret. I am using his evil, feeble work to fill in the pit. He thinks he is destroying forever. But I am restoring things—even this very pit— using his evil intentions for good. When I am done tamping, we will walk out of the pit together on solid, level ground.” • H. K. Rausch

• Today’s story is an allegory. Though we live in a world that has been broken by sin, Jesus came to save us through His death and resurrection. He has defeated all the powers of sin and Satan, and one day Jesus will return and make all things new and whole! Until then, we will experience suffering and hardship, but we can know that Jesus is right here with us in the midst of it. What kinds of struggles have you had lately? Consider taking some time to tell Jesus about them.

• In addition to talking to Jesus, who are trusted Christians you can talk to about your struggles?

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (NIV) 

Sometimes it’s hard to share the thoughts and feelings weighing most heavily on our hearts. Maybe we’re struggling with depression, bullying, a parent’s divorce, the death or illness of a loved one, or the sins we are most often tempted by. We might feel embarrassed or ashamed that we feel the way we do. We might worry how others might react. We might even feel like we’re a burden to them when we tell them how we’re feeling.

But God doesn’t want us to suffer alone! He gave us friends, family, teachers, and our church families to help us—in good times and in bad. Aaron supported his brother Moses’s arm when he was too tired to hold up his staff (Exodus 17:10-13). Jonathan protected his friend David from King Saul, who wanted to kill David (1 Samuel 18:1-5; 20:1-42). As Christians, we are meant to support, challenge, and encourage each other no matter what we’re going through—loving each other as Jesus has loved us (Matthew 28:20; John 13:34-35; 1 John 4:19).

Maybe at church, you feel like you don’t belong. “Nobody knows or understands what I’m going through. I’d better just stay quiet.” But Christians aren’t a bunch of perfect people: they’re a bunch of people who are all in different places on their journeys to become more like Christ. Some might be at a high point in their lives, others at a low point, but everyone will face their own unique struggles sooner or later. You don’t have to be ashamed to have them. In fact, being open about them may encourage someone else to share their burdens too!

We bless others when we let them help us. Purpose and special blessing are found in demonstrating the love of Christ as we “share each other’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2). Please don’t deny that privilege to those who care about you and want to help you!

When we are refreshed and encouraged by the body of Christ, we find new strength to give the same gift of encouragement to others. • Jessica Kleeberger

• What kinds of struggles or burdens have you been dealing with lately? Who is a trusted Christian in your life you could share them with—such as a parent or other family member, pastor, friend, or youth leader?

• What are some ways we can help friends who are going through hard times, even if they might be reluctant to ask for help? How can this show Jesus’s love?

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NLT) 

In college, I shared an apartment with a buddy. We lived in complete poverty: we owned a couch, a desk, a chair, and an old TV. Late one afternoon, I fell asleep on the floor. I heard some noise and assumed it was my roommate rummaging around. It wasn’t.

A guy had broken in by slicing a hole through our bedroom screen. Even though I heard him, I pretended to sleep, which is a good thing since he carried a knife. I can’t imagine a more disappointed thief as he wandered through our sparse apartment, ultimately leaving empty-handed.

Jesus describes a different thief—followed by a stark contrast—in John 10:10, saying, “A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” Those are powerful words. Stealing. Killing. Destroying. The thief cares not about you or me. A thief will take what isn’t theirs and may harm others in the process. Satan, the greatest thief of all, wants your joy, peace, and even your very life. He hates God and the people He has created.

But here’s the contrast. In verse 11, Jesus goes on to say that He is the Good Shepherd, and He is willing to lay down His life to protect the sheep. The sheep are His people—everyone who puts their trust in Him. He not only protects the sheep, but He has “come so that they may have life and have it in abundance” (verse 10). Sheep are very vulnerable to predators, but the Good Shepherd provides both safety and abundant life, safeguarding them from thieves who want their death.

Jesus accomplished all this by laying down His life for His sheep, providing the ultimate sacrifice at the cross. He gave His life so the thief would not take ours. A hired hand might run, but a real shepherd will safeguard his sheep, even to the point of death. And because Jesus rose from the dead, we can rest in the promise of the Good Shepherd: that He will not lose a single sheep (John 6:39; 10:28-30). • Mike Hurley

• Jesus isn’t the only one who talks about sheep and a shepherd as a metaphor for people and God—we see this comparison throughout the Old Testament as well. In fact, all these passages point forward to Jesus. Why do you think God describes our relationship to Him this way?

• Jesus offers us life and peace through His death and resurrection—while sin and Satan only offer us death. To learn more about how Jesus saves us from sin and death, check out our "Know Jesus" page.

[Jesus said,] “A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.” John 10:10 (CSB) 

“What are you going to do when you grow up?”

While this question can be fun to ask a small child, it becomes more stressful as you inch closer to graduation. Everyone seems to expect you to have an answer—as though there is only one “right answer.” Perhaps you find yourself exhausted with all the questions, feeling a mounting anxiety about “getting it right.” Perhaps you have thoughts, but you aren’t feeling “called” to a specific career. Maybe you’ve known since you were nine what you want to be. Maybe you have no idea or too many ideas!

Take a breath. It’s okay.

Sometimes, a career is just a job—funding and fueling the passions God will give you in your personal time. Always, it is a mission field, to reach people with the love of Jesus who may not know Him yet. But a career is not always static. You may start in one field or one position, and branch into one or more different areas as time goes on.

Even Jesus wasn’t pigeonholed into one job. Fully God and fully human, He probably worked as a carpenter first; then as His public ministry began, He did the work of a teacher, healer, and exorcist, to name just a few of His roles. The apostle Paul was a teacher, a writer, and a tent maker! Personally, I worked as a criminologist and a social worker before becoming a stay-at-home parent and freelance creative. My path has not been what I expected, but it’s been filled with the presence and empowerment of God, growing and stretching me continuously.

You don’t have to know what you’re going to do “for the rest of your life.” You’re free to focus on the next step. You can trust the Holy Spirit to direct you—to whisper behind you, “This way!” every time you’re faced with a crossroads—and to help you be open to change (Isaiah 30:21). Remember, Jesus will walk with you every step. • Abigail Aswegen

• Consider taking some time this week to talk to a few trusted Christian adults about what they planned to do when they were your age. You can ask if their plans turned out the way they expected, and how they saw God show up in the midst of it.

• If we’ve put our trust in Jesus, our most important identity is “beloved child of God.” Any jobs we do can never take that place. How does this identity free us to pursue whatever path God calls us to?

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)

Most of our friendships begin by meeting someone new and getting acquainted with that person. A stranger remains a stranger until we start to get to know them. This can happen through conversations, shared activities, or interacting in group settings. As we grow closer to someone, we may refer to them as an acquaintance and eventually a friend. As love and trust are developed, it becomes easier to rely on each other.

Like how we need to acquaint ourselves with people to become friends, we must acquaint ourselves with God to feel close to Him. It’s easy to know a lot of things about God—such as His sovereignty, love, mercy, and grace—but just because we know a lot of things about Him doesn’t mean we know Him. We can possess a lot of information about the Lord without having much of a personal relationship with Him.

So how do we get to know God? We can start with reading the Bible—the words He wrote for us. Another way is by prayer—either pouring out our hearts to Him or simply being still and silent in His presence.

Jesus communicated intimately with His Father when He was on earth, often going away to pray alone. As God the Son, He and God the Father remained close even though they were not in heaven together. Jesus set the example of what a relationship with God should look like for us. And He made the way for that relationship to be possible! Before, sin separated us from God’s presence. Now, because of Jesus’s death and resurrection, we can have friendship with God. He draws near to us, and He longs for us to draw near to Him. What an amazing gift! • Morgan A. Mitchell

• How is getting acquainted with God similar to getting acquainted with a person? How is it different?

• Can you remember a time when you felt like you were really getting to know God? What was that like?

• In what ways do you feel like you know God well? In what ways do you feel confused or distant? Consider taking some time to talk to Him about whatever comes to mind.

• What questions do you have about getting to know God? Who could you talk to about this?

“Acquaint yourself with him now, and be at peace. By it, good will come to you.” Job 22:21 (WEB) 

When I was little, I was terrified of dogs. Going to family or friends’ homes was always a nightmare when I knew they had a dog. However, one thing that comforted me was knowing that my parents or older siblings would be there with me. I wasn’t alone. I had experienced that if I went to them for protection, they would pick me up, away from the “danger,” or stand in front of me and shield me from my fear, or ask the owners to put the dog outside. No matter what, I was confident in their protection, and I knew they didn’t mind doing it! Their love and care always made being in those situations less stressful.

I realize God is just like that. Just as my family was there for me when I was afraid, He is there for us in intimidating and uncertain situations. He lovingly waits for us to come and ask Him for help, and He loves when we have the confidence to trust Him to protect us.

He doesn’t get tired of us or get annoyed when we keep coming to Him. He opens His loving arms and becomes our refuge and strength, our very present help in trouble. • Ellie Stephens

• Can you think of a time someone protected you—maybe when you were a little kid, or maybe more recently? What happened?

• Can you think of a time you experienced God’s protection? What was that like?

• God loves us so much that when we were helpless to save ourselves from sin and death, He rescued us through Jesus’s death and resurrection. Once we put our trust in Jesus, we can look forward to the day He will return and put an end to all the evil and brokenness in our world—then there will be nothing left to fear (Revelation 21:1-5). As we wait for that day, we can rest knowing that we are held safely in God’s arms (Romans 8:35-39). Whenever we’re afraid, God wants us to call to Him. It doesn’t even matter if the danger is real or perceived—He is always happy to reassure us of His love and care (Psalm 34:4). Does it feel like you can count on God’s protection? Why or why not? Consider taking a moment to talk to Him about this.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 (NIV) 

Over and over again in the Bible, God condemns the worship of idols. The Israelites, God’s chosen people, struggled with idolatry. Even though they repeatedly witnessed God’s power and saw Him work mightily on their behalf, they still turned to human-made images and worshiped them. They turned to statues and other false gods for protection, provision, or sometimes just a little extra “insurance” while they pretended to fully trust in God. It can sometimes seem silly to us as we read through the Bible. How could they put their trust in an object that has nothing to offer them? No personal relationship. No power. Nothing.

The truth is, God created us for worship. We have a yearning, a hunger, a deep desire within us to worship. And if we don’t give our full worship to Him, we will find ourselves worshiping something else. The idols we bow down to are the things we cling to or value more than Jesus. They can set up shop in our hearts and distract us from our need for Him and the life He gives us (John 10:10-11).

While we might think bowing before a golden calf or a wood-carved statue seems silly, what might the Israelites say about how much time and affection we give our phones? Or the time and energy we spend trying to attain popularity, a prominent position on the team, or a starring role in the play? While it’s not necessarily bad to spend time playing sports or rehearsing lines, the problem occurs when we give something our total devotion and turn to it first for our worth and comfort—when we put our identity in anything other than our relationship with Jesus.

Thankfully, we can ask God to show us the idols of our hearts. Where is our attention and affection going? What is the central reason behind the decisions we make? Who or what do we turn to when life feels uncertain or hard? Remember, Jesus delights in us, and He wants us to experience the freedom of finding our identity in Him. He is worthy of all our worship. • Cara Campbell

• God extends forgiveness and help to us every time we stray into idolatry. Consider taking a moment to ask Him to reveal any idols in your life that you’re turning to instead of Him. What kind of trust are you putting in that idol? What are you hoping it will do for you?

• God loves us more than any idol ever could. How does Jesus provide all the things we think our idols will give us? Why is He the only one worthy of our total trust and devotion?

• Who are trusted Christians in your life you can be honest with about the idols you struggle with?

With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God. Psalm 86:12 (NLT) 

Ever heard of Habakkuk? This book of the Bible isn’t preached on or discussed very often, which is a shame because it’s a fantastic gem in Scripture. Like the other eleven minor prophet books, Habakkuk provides a snapshot of Israel’s history, one that reveals not only God’s plan but also relates to us today.

The prophet Habakkuk prays a prayer I think many of us have uttered at some point: “How long, LORD, must I call for help?” (Habakkuk 1:2). Simple. Direct. Clear.

Lord, we’re in trouble here. When are You going to step in and help us?

God answers, but not how Habakkuk wanted. God raises up the Chaldean army, the ultimate fighting machine, to invade Judah and imprison the Israelites living there.

Huh? How is that an answer to Habakkuk’s prayer? He wanted an end to the pain, and yet it looked like God was going to make the situation worse. Enslavement by the mighty Chaldeans seemed the unlikeliest solution of all. What Habakkuk didn’t know was that the Chaldeans were merely an object in God’s plan to save His people.

Fast forward 600 years. Israel is awaiting a Messiah, one who would deliver them from their suffering. At that time, it was no longer the Chaldeans who oppressed them but the Romans. So the Israelites wanted a mighty warrior, the ultimate fighting machine who would propel them to victory. Instead, they received Jesus, a wandering rabbi and His ragtag group of followers. Their hopes ended at Calvary, where Jesus hung on a cross and died.

What they didn’t know is that the only means of deliverance—which is what they had been waiting for—was the Messiah’s death, not His army. Jesus’s work on the cross and His resurrection from the dead give us hope now and forever. He was and is our answer to the question, “How long?” • Mike Hurley

• Have you had a situation that made you ask, “How long?” God invites us to be totally honest with Him about how badly suffering hurts us and what we want Him to do about it. He sees, and He cares—so much so that Jesus came to conquer sin and death to save us. So now, we can look forward to the day Jesus will return. Then there will be no more sin or suffering or death (Revelation 21:1-5). In the meantime, we can rest knowing that He loves us and promises to be with us, strengthening us even in hard times. How does knowing Jesus give us hope in suffering?

How long, LORD, must I call for help and you do not listen or cry out to you about violence and you do not save? Habakkuk 1:2 (CSB) 

I was already asleep when my grandpa called, asking for help with Grandma’s diaper. I don’t feel especially loving when sleep-deprived, but the quiet stirring of God’s Spirit within me assured me what the next step was. I slipped on a sweater and puddle boots and stumbled down the darkened dirt road between our house and their snug log home.

With barely open eyes, I pushed open the door into Grammy’s room. She only weighed ninety pounds at that time, but it’s hard to lift someone when they don’t have strength to help.

My cousin and I got Grammy cleaned up and settled in bed. Her osteoporosis was so bad we had to prop the pillows and blankets around her twisted form to make her comfy. There was no way for her to lie straight.

The next night they didn’t need me. Grammy didn’t wake from her deep and quiet slumber. She didn’t wake the next day either. Only once after that late night did she stir, when I stopped by and brushed her white hair off her forehead to give her a kiss and say, “I love you.” She blinked weary eyes at me and said, “I love you too, Honey Girl.” She died the next morning.

Waking to go and help my grandma when she was in need made me so grumpy at the time. Yet, the still small voice of God’s Spirit urged me on, and so I went. As I walk by her house today and miss her—miss having tea from real china cups at her one-hundred-year-old oak table and hearing her urge me to take just one more cookie—what brings me the most joy is knowing our last exchange was one of love.

That late night, it was the Holy Spirit who urged and sustained my reluctant spirit onward. While it was tempting to ignore His call to show love to Grammy, I followed His gentle leading. When we obey—walking in the love of Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit—we find true joy. Grammy taught me that. • Kristen Joy Wilks

• How does the truth of the good news of Jesus help us show love? How can loving others show Christ’s love for all of us?

• Have you ever felt a prompting from the Holy Spirit to show God’s love to someone? How can we know when a prompting is from the Holy Spirit? Who are trusted Christians you can talk to about this?

We love each other because he [Jesus] loved us first. 1 John 4:19 (NLT) 

There was no going back. Talia took a step forward, reached out, and grabbed the berry. It was as black as night, blacker than any berry in her home realm, and plump with juice.

“What are you waiting for?” the mage asked.

“I’m not sure,” she said. “Was my life really all that bad?”

“Your father was keeping you from being happy, right?”

Talia shrugged and looked away. “I don’t know. I’ve lived in this dark realm for too long. All I can remember is how much he loved me.” A tear trailed down her cheek, and she wondered where it came from.

“Take a bite. You’ll forget all that once more.”

She lowered the hand holding the berry and looked behind her, down the path from which she had come.

“It’s too late for that,” the mage said. “You knew the deal. Once you accepted my offer, you abandoned that life. There is no way back.”

Another tear fell, and she took a shuddering breath. “I want to go home. I made a mistake.”

He laughed. “You are home, girl. Enough of this. Eat the berry. I’ve other things to do, you know.”

She glared at him. “You tricked me. You promised I would be happy here.”

“Tricked you? You knew exactly what you were doing when you followed me.”

She closed her eyes. It was true. Her father had warned her to stay away from the dark mage. “I was wrong, Father,” she whispered. “I’m so sorry.”

Then, as though carried on the breeze, she heard His voice.

Return to me.

Even here, in this dark realm, the power of her father’s love called to her. It wasn’t too late.

Facing the mage once more, she released the berry. It fell on the path and burst, its poisonous juices burning the ground like acid.

He stepped forward and grabbed her arm. “You can’t defy me. You belong to me.”

“Not anymore.” Wrenching her arm free, she turned and ran down the path, the power of her father’s love protecting her and guiding her steps.

She was going home. • Jessica McFarland

• Have you ever felt like Talia in today’s allegorical story—that you had gone too far for God’s love to reach you? Bad decisions can lead us to dangerous places. But Jesus always comes for us, always offers us a way home. He died and rose again to forgive us and set us free from sin. Because of His powerful love, we can choose to reject the sins we thought we wanted, and we can listen to His voice instead (Psalm 119:32). Are there any sins you want to give up, but you feel stuck in? Consider taking some time to talk to Jesus about these, asking Him to show you how He is providing a way out (1 Corinthians 10:13; Hebrews 4:14-16). In addition to talking to Jesus, who are trusted Christians in your life you could talk to about this—people who will listen with compassion, encourage you in your walk with Jesus, and pray with you and for you?

• Sin is very powerful, but God’s love and Jesus’s sacrifice are even stronger. What does Colossians 2:13-15 reveal about our sin and God’s power?

• If you want to know more about how Jesus rescues us from sin and death, and what it means to put your trust in Him, see our "Know Jesus" page.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (WEB)

I don’t even know why we need to have this conversation. Although I didn’t say that thought out loud, my eyebrows slanted halfway toward my nose and my arms wrapped tightly around my chest declared exactly what I was thinking.

Why in the world we had to have a discussion about what music we listened to in youth group, my sophomore self couldn’t figure out. I’d shunned anything under a secular label and only listened to Christian hip hop if I felt edgy that day. Hadn’t I already checked off the box for listening to God-honoring music? So, why did I have to endure this talk?

A girl with curly hair that went to her knees hugged her legs. “To be honest, I really struggle with this. A lot of the music I listen to swears left and right, and I’ve just become numb to it. I’m not even thinking about what the words mean.”

Another boy in a hoodie seconded a reply. “If I really think about it, the way some singers talk about women in the music I listen to…” He shook his head, ears a slight scarlet. “Let’s just say, my mom’s not in my room when my Spotify’s up.”

Three others spoke about their struggles with music that glorified everything from drug overdose to all manner of things that happened behind closed doors. Oh.

I unraveled my arms and let my shoulders relax. Why was I being judgmental about this when I struggled with my own kind of music? Sure, it may not have come from a Spotify playlist, but on a regular basis, I listened to plenty of tunes called Jealousy, Pride, Anger Problems, and the occasional Gossip. And to be honest, I didn’t want my mom in my room when I played that playlist.

Why did I want to throw stones, when we all played the same music of sin? • Hope Bolinger

• When some religious leaders were getting ready to stone a woman who was caught in the act of adultery, Jesus said, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw the first stone at her” (John 8:7). Then, one by one, everyone dropped their stones and left. Jesus is the only one who is without sin, and He loves us sinners so much that He died on the cross so we could be forgiven. The truth is, every kind of sin is bad for us, but Jesus has come to set us free. How does knowing that we all sin, and we all need Jesus’s grace, help us view ourselves and others with compassion instead of condemnation?

But when they continued asking him [Jesus], he looked up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw the first stone at her.” John 8:7 (WEB) 

Have you ever trusted a friend and then found out they were not trustworthy? Maybe you confided in them, spilling your guts about something personal. And, even though your friend promised to keep it to themselves, they didn’t. Or maybe you’ve been an untrustworthy friend to someone else.

When someone has broken the trust of another, it’s a serious problem. It can damage and even destroy relationships. Some people never get over the hurt broken trust has brought them.

Another lamentable consequence of broken trust is that we tend to view our relationship with God like we view our relationships with friends and family members who have mistreated us. Because people have broken our trust—and we’ve broken theirs—we think, Maybe God is the same way.

In Genesis 18, God promised Abraham and Sarah that they would become parents, but Sarah laughed when she heard this. After all, Sarah was ninety, and Abraham was one hundred. Perhaps Sarah thought He meant well, but He would probably turn out to be like some of her friends, who just wanted to comfort her or say the right thing but ultimately weren’t reliable.

Yet, in verse 14, God makes it clear He keeps His promises: “Is anything too hard for the LORD? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.”

A year later, guess who had a son?

We live in a broken world where people let us down, but thankfully, we can learn to separate how people sometimes act from how God always acts. God’s promises may seem too good to be true, but 2 Corinthians 1:20 says that all His promises are fulfilled in Jesus. Even His promise to create life from Sarah’s dead womb points forward to His promise to raise Jesus from the dead—and then to raise all His people from the dead when Jesus returns (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Through Jesus’s death and resurrection, we can be in relationship with God. And as we get to know Jesus, we find that God is always trustworthy, and we can count on Him. • Susan Grant

• Why is trust so important in relationships?

• In what ways have people broken your trust? How have you broken others’ trust? Consider taking some time to bring these things to Jesus. In His trustworthy love, we find healing and wholeness.

God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? Numbers 23:19 (NIV) 

The other day, I was so frustrated. I had misplaced three things that were important to me and my family. One was my bank card. I always put it back in my purse, but for some reason it wasn’t in there, and neither was my paycheck, which I hadn’t taken out since I got it. Finally, the last thing was my earbuds. I know, I know—they aren’t that important in the grand scheme of things, but I start most mornings with a walk while listening to my favorite music, and these earbuds were a gift, so losing them had some emotional weight too. I hadn’t been robbed, so I knew these three things were around my house... somewhere.

After a few days, I was ready to give up. It was early morning; I was about to miss another walk. Finally, I remembered God cares about what I care about…but I hesitated. What I cared about, especially my earbuds, weren’t important to the rest of the world. However, I took it to God and let Him know how minor I knew these things were before I asked for His help to find them.

Within five minutes, I found my earbuds! I then had a peaceful walk that boosted my day. After walking, I had an idea where my check might be. Remembering my purse had fallen once, I realized it was possible that it fell out. I found my check hidden under something on the floor! I checked my jacket pockets for my bank card and found it immediately.

After I gave my small problems to God, He turned things around within a few hours. He always wants us to ask Him for help. We might think our lives are miniscule compared to the things He must be dealing with right now, but in truth, God cares for every little thing we care about—because He cares for us. • Jordyn Johnson

• Can you think of a time you asked God for help with something? What happened?

• Why do you think we often try to fix our problems on our own before going to God? Consider taking some time to talk to God about whatever you need today, even if it seems small.

• As Christians, we will experience times when we ask God to help us in a particular way, but He doesn’t answer our prayers the way we hoped. Why can we still rest knowing that God loves us and will provide for us? How does Jesus give us this assurance? (If you want to dig deeper, read Matthew 6:25-34; Romans 8:28-39; Philippians 4:11-13; Revelation 21:1-5)

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT) 

Life’s busy—we all know that. Between school, friends, part-time jobs, and extracurriculars, by the end of the day, we’re burned out. And then we have to start homework.

God knows our lives are busy. That’s why He created Sabbath. God invented all kinds of rhythms in nature. Night and day, the different seasons, and the tides of the ocean all show patterns in creation. The cycle of work and rest is another one of those patterns.

In the beginning, God showed us how to schedule rest into our hectic lives. In Genesis 2, it says God not only rested on the seventh day of creation, but He also “blessed the seventh day and made it holy” (verse 3). God even takes it one step further: rest gets its own commandment in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8-11).

Jesus did not die for us so we could work until we burn out. Jesus died and rose again to save us, and because of His sacrifice, we can live joy-filled lives in the rhythm of God’s grace. As we grow in our relationship with Jesus, He teaches us to live in a pattern of work and rest, acknowledging that, as created humans, we are dependent on our Creator (Psalm 127:1-2).

So how do we practice Sabbath? The simple answer is, we plan ahead. It might sound difficult to think a whole week ahead, but it makes finding time to rest much easier.

Next, find something that is restful to you. That might mean taking a nap or going for a hike, but whatever it is, it should be rooted in restfulness.

Finally, seek God in your rest. Taking a Sabbath is a great way to recenter ourselves on Jesus. In pausing from work and busyness, we remember we can trust Him enough to take a break. This is why Christians typically gather once a week. Together, we can remember that Jesus is the one who gives us rest. • Naomi Zylstra

• What activities do you find restful? How could you plan to practice Sabbath this week?

• Different Christian churches meet together on different days of the week, and our personal days of rest might fall on a different day than the day we go to church (just ask any pastor!). According to Colossians 2:13-17, why are we free in Christ to rest and gather on different days?

• In Matthew 11:28–12:8, Jesus reveals He is Lord of the Sabbath. He doesn’t simply offer us rest, He is rest. In fact, this is the picture of Jesus we see in Revelation 21:4—He is the one wiping away our tears and healing our pain. If you want to dig deeper, read Hebrews 3:11–4:11.

[Jesus said,] “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (NIV) 

Anxiety can haunt you in many forms. When I was 10, I was officially diagnosed with anxiety. It was minor compared to other cases. I sometimes got stressed over social interactions, feeling like I might’ve said something mean, and stressing that everyone hated me for something that wasn’t even that bad in the eyes of someone else. It made me feel like God couldn’t love me because I only made a negative impact. I’d also get really stressed over little tasks like my homework.

Currently, I’m still battling anxiety, but it’s nowhere near as bad. There are many strategies that help me get through it, and I’d love to share some of them. My prayer is that it will help you, whether or not anxiety is something you struggle with long-term.

My first strategy is to memorize. Memorize Scripture. Hold it in your heart so when times of trouble come, you can use Scripture to help you rest in Jesus and stand firm against the devil’s schemes (Psalm 9:9; Matthew 4:1-11; Ephesians 6:11). For example, Joshua 1:9 and 1 Peter 5:7 encourage us that God is with us and He wants to help us with all our struggles. Additionally, Philippians 4:6-8 is a great reminder that when we are struggling with anxiety, we should pray, which brings me to my second point.

Pray. God already knows what is on your heart, but He wants you to cry out to Him and honestly tell Him what you’re thinking and feeling (Psalms 62:8; 139:1-4). He loves and cares for you. He died and rose again just for you. He always wants you to come to Him for peace.

My final tip is to share. You’re not in this alone. It’s so helpful to have someone who can listen to you with compassion and tell you which thoughts are simply not true. The enemy wants you to feel isolated and like you’re in this alone, but you’re not. You’re loved and valued, and people want to share your burdens with you (Galatians 6:2). Remember, anxiety is nothing to be ashamed of.

Anxiety can be a major struggle, but if you draw near to Jesus, you’ll see Him work in you and through you to do things more amazing than you can even imagine (John 15:5; Ephesians 3:20). • Riley Ament

• What kinds of things make you anxious? Are there any strategies that have helped you in times of anxiety?

• We all feel anxious from time to time. Thankfully, Jesus knows how we feel because He experienced anxiety too, and He wants to help us (Mark 14:33-34; Hebrews 4:14-16). In fact, He loves us so much that He died and rose again to save us, and He promises that one day anxiety will be gone for good (Revelation 21:1-5). How might knowing that Jesus can truly empathize with our struggles make it easier for us to be honest with Him? Consider taking a moment to talk to Him about anything you’ve been struggling with lately.

• Do you know anyone battling with anxiety long-term? What are some ways you could extend love and compassion to them? Consider taking a moment to pray for them now.

• God wants to help us in lots of ways, not only through prayer and Scripture, but also through community with other people, such as friends, parents, pastors, and sometimes medical and mental health professionals. When you find yourself feeling anxious, who is a trusted person you could talk to about what you’re experiencing?

• If you need someone to talk to, you can request a free conversation with Focus on the Family’s Counseling Department by calling 1-855-771-HELP (4357) weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Mountain Time). Please be prepared to leave your contact information for a counselor to return a call to you as soon as possible. In Canada, book your appointment by calling 1-800-661-9800 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Time).

Cast all you...

When was the last time you were hungry? I’m not talking about your typical hunger; I’m talking about the “I haven’t eaten a single thing in over a week” kind of hunger. Most of us have not had to experience this level of hunger, and it’s mind-boggling to consider how Jesus did this willingly—not just for a week, but for forty days!

Matthew wrote that Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted, or tested, by the devil (4:1). It wasn’t until after Jesus had fasted for forty days and nights that Satan came to tempt him. Why would the Holy Spirit lead Jesus into this wilderness? Why would Jesus fast?

Jesus was being prepared for the journey before Him—specifically to the cross. Laying down His life as His Father asked was no simple task. It was bloody and brutal, painful till the end. He took on the punishment for all of our sins on the cross. The whole experience was so excruciating that He cried out to His Father, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (27:46).

All of this, including Jesus’s temptation in the wilderness, was for our benefit. Jesus loves us. He is fully God, yet He is also fully human, and He was tempted in every way when He was on this earth. So we can take comfort in times of testing, because Jesus is with us, and He knows how we feel. And Hebrews 4:14-16 calls Jesus our Great High Priest. Because of His sacrifice on the cross for us and His victorious resurrection, we no longer have to go to a priest to make atonement for our sins as they did in the Old Testament. Instead, we can trust in the blood of Jesus alone to save us. God the Father no longer sees our sins, but the righteousness of His Son covering us.

Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we can approach God’s throne with freedom and confidence, certain that we will receive God’s mercy and grace to help us in our times of need and temptation. • Savannah Coleman

• Resisting temptation is hard—Jesus is the only one who did it perfectly! When we’re struggling with temptation of any kind, Jesus empathizes with us. He has so much compassion for us, and He wants to help us. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we can know that He has given us His Holy Spirit, along with His Word (the Bible) and His people (the church), to help us resist temptation and follow God by living in His good ways. Can you think of a time Jesus helped you resist temptation? Consider taking some time to thank Him for that today!

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7 (NIV) 

I stand in a large room, staring at a table. About twenty cups, ranging from jeweled goblets to simple glasses, are arranged before me.

I walk to the table and pick up the biggest, fanciest goblet. The word “Money” is laid out in beautiful jewels. The drink inside tastes like soda. It satisfies my thirst for a moment, but soon my mouth is dry once again.

I take another cup, this one engraved with the word “Popularity.” It’s full of what looks like pink lemonade. It tastes wonderful for a second, but then, once again, I am thirsty.

I drink from several more glasses, tasting “Power,” “Lust,” and “Control.” Another, which reads, “Good Works,” is filled to the brim with water mixed with a drink powder. None of the cups satisfy me. I am always left dry.

But what is this? Hidden behind an ornate goblet is a humble mug with the words “Salvation in Jesus” painted on it. It’s filled with…water? That doesn’t seem as good as the other drinks. But nothing else has worked.

I taste the water in the mug. It is good! I take another sip, and another. I drink the whole mug. At last, I am no longer thirsty. The water has quenched my unquenchable thirst. • Natalie Crowe

• Today’s allegorical story is inspired by John 4:7-15 and John 7:37-39. Which cup has been most enticing to you lately—money, popularity, power, lust, control, good works, or something else? How has this cup disappointed you in the past?

• Jesus offers us “living water” (John 7:38). If we put our trust in Him, we receive eternal life and the Holy Spirit—who is God living in us—and the love of God fills us! Why is God’s love the only thing that will never leave us empty? (Hint: read Romans 5:5-8; 8:28-39).

• If you want to know more about what it means to put your trust in Jesus, see our "Know Jesus" page.

Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:13-14 (NIV) 

Before the stars in radiance shone,
Before anyone had ever seen or known
The beauty of a sky at night,
Before there was even dark or light,
You were there.

Before the earth had shape or form,
Or the sea was told its bounds,
Before the hills were adorned with trees
And never had a plant been found,
You were there.

Before the waters teemed with life
Or any creature had its name,
Before man breathed
Or life became,
You were there.

Forever You have been.
You made it all with “Let there be.”
You brought it forth with just a word.
You are the holy Lord of lords.

God has always been and always will be. He doesn’t have a beginning or an end. Just imagine, long before the world was made, long before God brought it into being, He already had a plan for saving us from sin. Sin didn’t come as a surprise to Him. He knew all along that we would turn away from Him, and He still created us. He had the plan in place from the beginning—to rescue us from sin and death through Jesus’s death and resurrection, and to restore all that has been broken by sin at Jesus’s glorious return.

And God has had a plan for you—ever since He first made the world—and even before. He knew exactly when and where you would be born, and who would come into your life to lead you to Him. Praise be to God, the Eternal One and the Creator of the world! • Haley Walts

• Have you ever thought about how God has always existed and always will? We can never fully wrap our brains around God’s eternality, and that’s okay. Consider taking some time to praise God in prayer or song, expressing any awe and wonder you feel about His eternal nature.

• How does it make you feel to know that God always had a plan to save you? (If you want to know more about this good news, see our "Know Jesus" page.)

Before the mountains were born or You brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. Psalm 90:2 (NIV)  

Do you know that painful feeling when you turn on a light first thing in the morning or in the middle of the night? When you’ve been in a dark room for a while, light stings your eyes and makes you want to keep them closed.

In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus says, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Light is good! If you are a Christian, you are light in a world filled with darkness. But not everyone knows this light is good.

In John 8:12, Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” This is good news! Jesus is God. He lived a perfect, sinless life on earth, sacrificed His life for our sins, rose from the grave, and ascended into heaven, where He sits enthroned over all. Because of His sacrifice and resurrection, God forgives us for our sins and promises to raise us to eternal life when Jesus returns and makes all things new. If you’ve put your trust in Jesus, you have His Holy Spirit living in you, and that means you can share the light of Jesus with everyone through what you say and what you do.

But sometimes, it can be hard to share this good news with others. They might not want to hear it at first, or they might not understand it right away. It’s not easy to hear you’re a sinner who needs forgiveness! When you’ve been living in darkness for a while, light can be painful. We need patience when telling others the good news. Eventually, as they experience God’s love and kindness, they will learn the light is good—but for a while, they may choose to keep their eyes closed. But be encouraged. If you plant the seed, God can make it grow. We are called to share our faith, but ultimately, God is the one who leads people to Him. • Elizabeth Cooper

• God is so very patient with us, and He keeps loving us, even when we pull away from Him. If we know Jesus, His love fills our hearts to overflowing, so we can love others and be patient with them too (1 John 4:19). Is there someone in your life God might be inviting you to share your faith with? How could you keep patiently loving them even if they seem uninterested?

• If you want to dig deeper, read Matthew 4:16; John 3:19-21; Ephesians 5:1-20; Philippians 2:1-15

[Jesus said,] “You are the light of the world.” Matthew 5:14 (NIV) 

God loves you. If you’ve grown up in church, you’ve probably heard that a thousand times (I hope!), but it’s always worth repeating.

So what does it mean that God loves us? To get the most accurate picture of God’s love, we can look to Jesus, who is God. Love is, at its core, selflessly giving oneself to someone else. Jesus did this for us when He came and lived among us as a human, took our sins upon Himself, gave up His life through the excruciatingly painful death of the cross, and then rose from the dead so that everyone who trusts in Him can live with Him forever.

This truth is completely absurd. It makes no sense. Why would God do any of this for us? Maybe it would be slightly less crazy if we had done something amazing for God—if we had somehow earned even a tiny particle of the love He gives us. If we had something incredible to offer God in return for His love, then maybe, just maybe, we could start to wrap our minds around His reasons for loving us the way He does.

But, unless His Holy Spirit changes us, do you know what we have to offer God? Sin. Rebellion. Intentional disobedience. Hatred toward His goodness and love. The only thing we have to offer God is our incredible neediness. And you know what? Jesus went to the cross because God saw our neediness and reached out to help us. When we recognize how badly we need Jesus, and put our trust in Him, we are covered with Jesus’s righteousness. Though we’ll continue to struggle with sin until Jesus returns, God sees us as blameless. And as we grow in our relationship with Jesus, we experience God’s love more and more. His love is so good, it transforms us and overflows to others.

The Bible tells us God is love (1 John 4:8, 16). That doesn’t mean God is sentimental—it means He is self-sacrificing. He will do whatever it takes to bring us to Himself. That is the love He has for us. And that is the love He empowers us to show others. • Taylor Eising

• If someone were to ask you about God’s love, how could you describe it? How could you show it?

• When you have questions about Jesus’s love, who is a trusted Christian in your life you could talk to about it? (And for more about how God’s love can change our lives, see our "Know Jesus" page.)

This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. 1 John 4:10 (NLT) 

I’ll never forget Valentine’s Day my freshman year of high school. There was a boy in my English class who was super cute, and even though we hadn’t ever uttered more than a greeting to each other, I kept my hopes up that Valentine’s Day would spark something more.

On my way to catch the bus that morning, I found a balloon bouquet on my porch. Giddy, I spent the whole ride to school wondering who could’ve sent it to me. All day in class, my mind spun with romantic fantasies. When I arrived home, I read the note attached to the balloons, only to discover this wasn’t a grand romantic gesture from a secret admirer. It was a surprise from my best friend, a sister in Christ who I didn’t get to see often but always encouraged me. I’ll admit, I was disappointed. I didn’t feel special anymore. This wasn’t my year to be someone’s valentine.

Later, God helped me realize He had given me a good gift, even if it wasn’t a mutual crush. He blessed me with a godly friend who showed me the genuine and generous love of Christ. While romance (and, maybe someday, marriage) are good things that God created to bless us and further His kingdom, sometimes we forget that friendship is also a gift from our Creator. Crushes may come and go, but godly friends can leave a lasting impact on our spiritual journeys.

Friendships offer us a unique opportunity to live out the selfless love of Jesus, whether that be through forgiving mistakes or supporting each other through hardships. Practicing selflessness not only helps cultivate authentic relationships, but it reminds us of how Jesus, who loves us most of all, laid down His life so that we can have an eternal relationship with Him.

It’s natural to long for romance and affection, particularly from someone we admire, but what our hearts need most of all is the sustaining love of Christ. As we walk closely with Jesus, we will overflow with His everlasting love (John 15:5; Romans 5:5). • Hannah Chung

• It’s not wrong to desire romance and, maybe someday, marriage. As we navigate crushes, and all the hopes and disappointments they bring, it helps to talk with trusted Christian friends and mentors who can remind us that God sees us and cares about us. Who could do this for you?

• Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be a lonely time for single people—it can be an opportunity to show friends how much they mean to us. Even though we may feel alone, God is with us, ready to welcome us into His family with open arms (Genesis 16:13). Consider asking God to help you notice ways you could bless others and show them the love of His eternal family this week.

[Jesus said,] “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13 (NIV) 

I waited for my turn at the campground shower stall with my coin ready. After dropping the coin in the slot, I turned on the hot water and began rushing through my morning shower.

As a missionary in New Zealand, I joined a group of students and ministry staff on what we called “Beach Project.” In a resort town over a holiday week, we interacted with vacationers on the seashore in hopes of sharing about Christ. We stayed in tents at a campground during the mission project and aimed to have spiritual conversations with people there too.

Showering at the campsites presented a challenge. For one coin, we got access to a limited amount of hot water. Once the time expired, no more hot water. During those showers, I really needed to hurry.

Sometimes situations in life require that we rush (such as oversleeping for class or work). In my case, limited hot water on a cool morning pushed me to hurry. But God Himself never gets in a hurry, especially with our spiritual growth.

In Philippians 1:6, we read, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” God launches that “good work” of transformation in us— making us more and more like Jesus—when we acknowledge our need for forgiveness of sins and put our trust in Christ, believing He died and rose again to secure that forgiveness.

Though our rescue from sin and death happens the moment we turn to Jesus for forgiveness and new life, our maturity is a process. It takes time to “grow up” in Christ.

Romans 8:1 assures us, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” This is good news for us: In Jesus, we’re accepted and loved, right where we are, by the Father who takes His time to grow us and transform us through and through. • Allison Wilson Lee

• Is there an area of your life where you’ve been discouraged by lack of spiritual growth? Consider taking a moment to bring your discouragement to Jesus. In addition to talking to Him, who are trusted Christians in your life you could share your hopes and frustrations with?

• Why is it so important for us to know that we’re fully accepted in Christ while we’re still “in process”?

Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6 (NIV) 

She chose the name Sojourner Truth because she believed God had called her to speak the truth to others—especially about slavery. But she was born in New York as a slave named Isabella Bomfree in 1797, and she and her five children were legally owned by others. In 1827, she took her infant daughter and left, finding shelter with an abolitionist family, the Van Wegenens. They bought her freedom for twenty dollars. This family’s faith strongly affected Isabella, who became a Christian and went to work for an evangelist named Elijah Pierson. Isabella changed her name to Sojourner Truth and began to speak at revival meetings. Though uneducated, she spoke powerfully about the evils of slavery, often quoting the Bible in her speeches. Sojourner’s influence increased during the Civil War, and she was invited to meet President Lincoln at the White House in 1864. She lived to see slavery ended, and her children as free people in America. Sojourner Truth died in Battle Creek, Michigan, in 1883, where there is now a statue to her memory.

In an 1863 speech, Sojourner said, “Children, who made your skin white? Was it not God? Who made mine black? Was it not the same God?…And did not the same Savior die to save the one as well as the other?” Sojourner knew Jesus loved her. Everyone is made in God’s image, and Christ’s cross makes all people equal in God’s eyes. In Galatians, the Apostle Paul writes that we’re all born slaves to sin, but everyone who has put their trust in Jesus is now God’s child by faith. Therefore, as Galatians 3:28 says, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Sojourner Truth was God’s free woman in Christ because of her faith in Jesus’s death and resurrection. Her work to abolish slavery—and the work of many others—made her a free woman in America as well. • Laura N. Sweet

• Because she believed God had called her to speak the truth, she changed her name from Isabella Bomfree to Sojourner Truth. What truth has God called you to speak? About God? About humanity? About the Bible?

• How does Christianity leave no room for racism? (Genesis 1:26-31; Romans 10:12-13; Revelation 7:9)

So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir. Galatians 4:7 (NIV)

It seemed like a good idea at the time: jumping from the chair in our pre-school Sunday school class. But I changed my mind in mid-air, reaching my arm toward the floor to break the fall. I did break the fall; I also broke my little three-year-old arm in the process.

Just as the pain rocketed through my body and I began wailing, my teacher, Miss Diane, scooped me up in her arms. She held me close, whispering reassuring words. I looked in Miss Diane’s face and saw such tenderness that, all these years later, it’s her compassion that stands out in my memory more than the injury.

Our lives sometimes surprise us with pain that seems to come out of nowhere—much like my broken arm that resulted from Sunday morning playtime. Sometimes we experience loss and hurt due to our own mistakes or sins; other times, we’re wounded (physically or emotionally) because others harm us; and often, we go through pain simply because we live in a broken world.

Even after we’ve placed our faith in Jesus to pay the penalty for our sins and we’ve received God’s forgiveness, we’re not immune to troubles and disappointments. Jesus Himself knew pain during His life on earth. Isaiah 53:3 refers to Him as “a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief.

But, as God’s much-loved children, we can count on His presence with us throughout our lives—especially during the most painful times. He’s near to the broken-hearted (Psalm 34:18), and He’s the good Shepherd who restores our souls (Psalm 23:3; John 10:11). Like Miss Diane comforted me during my tears and agony, Jesus remains close in our suffering so that, in Him, we may have peace. • Allison Wilson Lee

• Has any hurt slammed into your life recently? Do you have long-term pain or grief from a past event? Consider taking some time to tell Jesus about this. Remember, He can relate to our loss.

• What difference can it make to know that Jesus is close when we feel broken? Do you feel like you can trust Him for that? Why or why not?

[Jesus said,] “Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me.” John 16:32 (NLT) 

I shouldn’t have even brought this into the fitting room, Makenna thought. Dresses like these don’t look good on girls like me.

But her friends hadn’t understood her hesitation. They were trying on prom dresses and thought she should do the same. Tears stung in Makenna’s eyes as she took a glance in the mirror. She hated her size and shape. She wished she looked like her friends.

“Come out and show us,” the other girls called.

Makenna swallowed. “It doesn’t fit right. I must have grabbed the wrong size.”

“What size do you need? I’ll go get it.”

“No!” Makenna tugged on the zipper at the back of the dress. “I’m done for today.”

When she stepped out of the fitting room in her t-shirt and jeans, the other girls were all wearing the dresses they’d found. To Makenna, they looked perfectly petite and happy.

Makenna slouched into a chair in the corner of the room, wishing she could be like them.

Many of us have felt this way. Maybe your story isn’t exactly the same, but it’s close. Maybe you feel ugly. Maybe you think that you’re too fat or too thin or that you don’t belong with your friends. Maybe you’ve even felt unworthy of God’s love because of how you look.

But your worth and the love God has for you are not based on your appearance. The truth is, God created you in His image, and He loves you so much. You are precious to Him. So precious that He came to die and rise again to save you from sin and death. When Jesus returns, He will make all things new, and all the pain and heartache that sin causes will be gone forever. But until that day, even though worldly beauty standards will continue to change based on where and when we live, our worth and beauty in the eyes of Jesus will never change. We can rest securely in Him, knowing that our worth is found not in what other people think of us—or even what we think of ourselves—but in the love of our Creator and Savior. • Bethany Acker

• We all struggle with feeling uncomfortable in our own bodies from time to time, and Jesus has so much compassion on us. Consider taking some time to ask Him to help you see yourself how He sees you—and to see others how He sees them too.

• If you’re struggling to see your worth, who is a trusted Christian you could talk to about this?

This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. 1 John 4:10 (NLT) 

Ask any athlete at any level, and he or she can discuss the value of home field advantage. Cheering, screaming, clapping, frenzied fans make a difference to athletes. Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium, Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field, or Buffalo’s Highmark Stadium—these are tough places for visiting teams to play. But they’re amazing venues for the home team, elevating teams to victory on the voices of their fans.

What does this have to do with our faith? Home field advantage can remind us of a powerful truth we find in the Bible. Several passages metaphorically describe the Christian faith as running a race. Hebrews 12:1 even offers the image of a packed stadium, describing it as “a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us.” While there will be fatigue, pain, setbacks, and losses, we can be encouraged by that great cloud of witnesses, which includes the people mentioned in Hebrews 11. They are cheering us on, exhorting us to keep our eyes on Jesus to win the race, just as they ran and finished it before us (Hebrews 12:2).

Here’s the great irony in the cloud of witnesses cheering us to victory. We’re running in a packed stadium today because Christ paid the price on a lonely hill called Calvary. He had no home field advantage. He was crucified alongside two criminals. There were a few hardened Roman guards and a few supporters, including His mother. All the fans Jesus seemed to have during His ministry had deserted Him.

But a few days later, alone in a tomb, Jesus overcame death and threw off the burial clothes. What He accomplished on a hostile hilltop—and then alone in the dark of a tomb—has enabled us to run the race before us. Not only that, but we have a stadium full of cheering fans. • Mike Hurley

• Look at the list of some of the witnesses in Hebrews 11. Who are some of the people cheering for you?

• What can Hebrews 11:1–12:13 tell us about running the race of the Christian life?

Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus. Hebrews 12:1-2 (CSB) 

When you know someone well, you generally know how they’ll act. Your dog will bark at anyone who walks by, your teacher will stand in front of the class to teach, etc. But what if your teacher started doing handstands in class, or your dog started meowing? That might be a little strange.

In Exodus 34, there was something strange about Moses. His face literally glowed! Verse 29 tells us this happened to Moses “because he had spoken with the LORD.” Speaking with God—having a real encounter with Him—made Moses seem weird to his friends and family.

When Jesus died on the cross and rose from the grave, He changed everything. If we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we are now saved from the power of sin. This good news changes us! We might not have glowing faces like Moses did, but we will become more like Christ as we get to know our Savior. We will start loving others better, being kind to those who aren’t kind to us, speaking truth instead of lies, and glorifying God in all areas of our lives.

Moses had to cover his glowing face, but now that Jesus has come, 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “we all…with unveiled faces…are being transformed into his [Jesus’s] image with ever-increasing glory.” As we grow in our relationship with Jesus, we don’t want to hide the things God is doing in our lives because we want others to know what we have in Jesus and to perhaps draw near to Him too. We might still be afraid it will change our friendships, our family relationships, or our social status, but all of that is worth the love and peace we find in Jesus.

Being like Jesus will sometimes mean we seem as strange as a dog who meows. Yet, we can find comfort in verses like 1 Peter 3:14: “But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.” Why are we blessed? Because we have a relationship with Jesus—He is our hope, and He is always with us. Let’s pray God will grant us courage to be more like Jesus, even if it means people will notice—and maybe even think we’re strange. • Kristi Dennis

• Have your friends ever told you that you’re weird or that what you were doing wasn’t normal? What made you seem so different to them?

• Why does following Jesus mean we will sometimes seem very different to people who don’t know Him? (If you want to dig deeper, read Acts 4:29-31; Romans 12:14-21; 1 Peter 2:12; 3:8-18)

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV) 

Jayden stood outside the Renewal Center, staring at the glowing sign. A fresh start. No more pain. No more grief.

Everyone said it was the best decision he’d ever make. Just one session, and all the hurt would be gone.

His fingers tightened around the cross pendant at his neck. Could he really let it all go?

He closed his eyes. His dad’s steady voice reading the psalms. His mom’s soft humming in the kitchen. The warmth of his childhood church. And then—sirens, phone calls, the crushing weight of loss.

He had begged God to take the pain away. Now, here was his chance.

A beep sounded. “Next,” the receptionist called.

Jayden stepped inside. The air smelled sterile, the machines humming softly. A woman in a lab coat smiled at him.

“You’ll feel a small pinch, and then—peace.”

Jayden hesitated. Then he noticed something. The people leaving…they did seem happy, but they weren’t just happy. They were empty.

Would he forget the nights he had clung to God, desperate for strength? The moments when God’s love felt so near, even in the midst of heartbreak? The kindness of strangers, the prayers that carried him? If he erased the pain, what else would disappear?

His heart pounded.

“I can’t,” he whispered.

The technician frowned. “Why?”

Jayden swallowed hard. “Because my pain wasn’t pointless. God used it to shape me. He showed me that He stays close beside me, even in the pain. If I forget everything, I lose that too.”

The woman’s smile flickered. “That’s your choice.”

Jayden turned and walked out. The grief was still there. But so was his faith. And he would never trade that.

A small smile tugged at his lips as he walked away. Thank you, Jesus, for never forgetting me. • Olamide Agemo

• Today’s story is science fiction. If you had the option to erase your painful memories, would you want to?

• How does our past shape who we are?

• Isaiah 53:3-4 calls Jesus “a man of suffering, and familiar with pain…Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering.” Jesus faced the excruciating pain of the cross. He also went through other terrible things, like loss, rejection, anxiety, and violence. All of this physical, emotional, and spiritual pain was worth it to Jesus because He loves us—so much so that He would do whatever it took to rescue us from sin and death and make the way for us to be with Him forever (John 3:16-17; Hebrews 12:2; 1 Peter 3:18). How can it give us comfort to know that Jesus faced all this on the cross for us to ultimately free us from our pain, and also to stand in solidarity with us in our present pain? (For more about this good news, see our "Know Jesus" page.)

• When Jesus rose from the dead, He had a new resurrected body, yet He still bore the marks where the nails were driven into His hands and the spear was plunged into His side. Why do you think God chose to keep the marks of crucifixion on His resurrected body?

• If we know Jesus, we always have hope when we experience pain. God is so good and He loves us so much that He promises to use everything for the good of those who love Him, even our suffering (Romans 5:3-5; 8:28-29, 38-39). When Jesus returns, He’ll make all things new, free from sin, death, and all the brokenness sin causes (Revelation 21:1-5). Until that day, He invites us to be honest with Him about all our pain and grief—knowing that He weeps alongside us and holds us close in His love (Matthew 11:28-30; John 11:32-35; Romans 8:38-39). Consider taking some time to talk to Jesus about your pain, past or present. Instead of trying to forget,...

Last year, I went to traffic court after being cited for an illegal left turn. When the judge asked for my plea, I said, “Guilty with circumstances.”

I told him the sign prohibiting the left turn was obscured by tree limbs: “Your honor, I never saw the sign.” Despite my articulate defense, he dropped the gavel, found me guilty, and fined me $120, a hefty price for my ignorance.

An offense demands a consequence. But Paul announces in Romans 8:1, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.” That’s good news! But note the qualifier. Paul doesn’t say there is no condemnation for anyone. This isn’t universal salvation. There is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.

I see two takeaways. First, there is condemnation for those NOT in Christ Jesus. Second, Christ has paid the price for my offense. Remember, an offense demands a consequence. Someone has to pay the price for sin, just like I had to pay the price for breaking a law.

Romans 8:1 announces that, for those in Christ Jesus, the Judge (God) has dropped the gavel. The case is closed. God knew how guilty you were, but because He loves you, He paid the full price for your sin Himself. You will never appear before the Judge again—no charges will ever be brought against you. There is no condemnation today, tomorrow, or ever.

I paid a fine for my illegal left turn last year, but, if I am cited again, I have to pay again. If you’re in Christ, you will never pay the price—it’s been paid for you forever on the cross. That’s the good news: you will never be condemned by the heavenly Judge. • Mike Hurley

• When Jesus died on the cross and rose from the grave, He paid the price for our sin. So now, if we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we are blameless in God’s sight! How is this justice similar to courtroom justice? How is it different?

• If you want to know more about what it means to be in Christ, see our "Know Jesus" page.

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1 (CSB) 

When I was thirteen, my parents divorced. My dad remarried and moved out of state. My mom had to work two jobs to provide for us, so our time together was special, but limited. Eventually, we had to move so Mom could find a better job. Whenever I tried to give my opinions about moving, she cast them aside. And, over the years, we kept moving.

At each new school I attended, I struggled throughout the day. I felt invisible when the other kids passed me on their way to class. Most days, I felt alone. My heart hungered for friendship.

Each time we moved, Mom and I would search for a new church. I always felt special and loved in God’s house.

In my junior year, the musical theater department at my newest school scheduled auditions. I tried out, and the music instructor gave me one of the solo parts. A few classmates made comments saying they didn’t understand how I, the new kid, got a solo. Then, on opening night, I found the sleeves of my costume ripped off and my shoes missing. A few students smirked as I ran to the bathroom to sort out my feelings.

I remembered that Jesus felt abandoned at times—not only by His friends but by His Father too. Jesus cried out on the cross, “Why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46).

As I struggled in my pain, I talked with God about it. I saw that Jesus knew how I felt. God empathizes with me, and He loves me. His incredible promise—to work all things for the good of those who love Him—helped me to sing my solo that night. No matter what happens, Jesus will never cast me aside. • Linda Ray Center

• Can you think of a time you felt cast aside, alone, or invisible? What was that like?

• If we know Jesus, we can rest in God’s promise to never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). God loves us so much that Jesus was willing to die on the cross to save us. Because He died and rose again, we can look forward to the day our suffering will be over forever (Revelation 21:1-5). Until then, we can always go to God in our pain and receive His comfort (1 Peter 5:7). Consider taking some time to talk to God about any hurts you’ve experienced lately.

• If you’re going through a tough time, and especially if you’re being bullied, who is a trusted adult you can talk to about it—such as a parent, pastor, or teacher?

We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (WEB) 

Anew thing is coming with the rising of the sun,
Old things have passed away; a new story has begun.

For death has been buried, wherever the life water flows;
In the dry, sandy soil of the desert, the flower now grows.

Animals and fowl have returned, filling the land with life;
Fawns frolic, wild goats play, and the eagle takes to flight.

The stream teems with fish, where salt waters are now fresh,
The river, widening still, brings life to all flesh.

The water, always reaching out with life it freely gives,
Thirst it completely quenches; all around it, abundance lives.

Trees ever bearing fruit replace the barren, rocky slade;
They nourish those residing there, giving rest beneath their shade.

Their leaves, they never wither, as they border the life water shores.
What waters could be so living, unless they flowed from sanctuary doors?

This is the paradise, in the place where all hearts are kneeling.
He’s provided all our needs: food for the soul, grace for our healing. • Madison Mae

• Today’s poem is inspired by Ezekiel 47:1-12 and 2 Corinthians 5:16-17. In Ezekiel’s vision, he saw a river of life. Later, Jesus announced that He gives living water and new life to all who come to Him. If we know Jesus, we have His living water flowing from within us right now, and we’re also looking forward to the day Jesus will return and make all things new. The book of Revelation tells us part of the new creation will be the river of life described in Ezekiel 47! How can these Scriptures give us hope? What questions do you have about the river of life? (If you want to dig deeper, read John 4:1-14; 7:37-39; 10:10-11; Revelation 7:17; 21:6; 22:1-2, 6, 17.)

Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life. Revelation 22:17 (NIV) 

Do you have, in your area of the world, a tradition where people gather every year in a certain city and pull a type of rodent out of his home in order to predict the weather? Yes, it does sound funny! And if you live in the USA, you might recognize this day as Groundhog Day. Grown men in fancy suits gather around “Punxsutawney Phil” every February 2nd. They take the groundhog out of his hole, put him on top of a red-carpet-lined tree stump, and note whether Phil can spot his shadow. This “foretells” whether or not we will enjoy an early spring or expect winter for six more weeks. Then, they put him back.

Groundhog Day is a funny tradition. Most people don’t believe it can actually predict the weather, but this holiday reminds us that people have always wanted to know the future.

And yet God tells us throughout the Bible to trust Him for our future, even for important things, like when Christ will one day return. You might find a lot of people wondering about the state of the world, and whether or not Christ will return soon. Some start speculating about current events and think maybe they know the date.

And yet, not even Jesus knew when He would return. As God the Son, He was leaving that to God the Father. I think we can leave it to the Father too. We don’t actually need to know anything more than what God has already said to us in the Bible. He has given us everything we need to get to know Jesus, to follow Him, and to live in the power of His Holy Spirit.

Sure, it might seem fun to know exactly what’s ahead, but if God thought that was a good idea, then He would tell us. And since He hasn’t, we can focus on growing in Him and doing the good things He created us to do as we wait expectantly for Jesus’s return. • Kristen Merrill

• Why do you think there are some things God doesn’t let us know in advance?

• God calls us to trust Him with our future. And this isn’t a blind trust—we can have confidence that He loves us and that He will keep His promises, because Jesus died on the cross and rose from the grave for us. As Christians, we can look forward to Jesus’s return joyfully! What questions do you have about Jesus’s return? Who are trusted Christians you could ask?

• If you want to dig deeper, read Matthew 24:1-51; 25:31-46; Acts 1:1-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:11; James 4:13-16; Revelation 21:1-5; 22:20

[Jesus said,] “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” Mark 13:32 (NIV) 

Once I belonged to a church that held services at a school cafeteria. For youth group on Wednesday nights, we met at a daycare that had closed for the evening.

The daycare managers didn’t charge any fees to hold our youth group events there. To express gratitude, our church leadership organized an appreciation lunch for the daycare staff. The pastor asked volunteers to provide food, so I baked homemade cookies to contribute.

On the day I dropped off my goodies, I realized some youth group parents had purchased sandwiches, side dishes, and desserts from a local shop for the staff lunch. My contribution (the only homemade item) looked out of place amidst the professionally catered meal.

That day, I offered what I could but felt embarrassed it didn’t measure up. But when I consider a young boy mentioned in Scripture—and how his simple meal of a few fish and bread loaves blessed a multitude—I think God might have a different view of those cookies.

When we entrust our lives to Jesus, we begin new lives as children of God. Because of His death and resurrection, not only can we receive forgiveness, but we can also believe God has good plans for all of us who trust Him; that includes joining in His work to provide for others. And the success of those plans depends on Him far more than it does on us. Just look at that one little basket of lunch that Jesus multiplied until it fed a whole horde of people!

I’m sure the cookies I delivered to the daycare didn’t transform into enough to feed thousands. But I do wonder if what I shared brought a smile to the face of someone craving a chocolate chip cookie. No matter what, though, we can rest assured that God has the power to take whatever little we offer and use it in big ways. • Allison Wilson Lee

• Do you sometimes feel you don’t have much to offer when it comes to blessing others or sharing in the work of God? What abilities or possessions has God given you that you might have overlooked? Consider taking a moment to talk to Him about this and write down whatever comes to mind.

• How does God measure what we give differently than the world measures?

[Andrew said to Jesus,] “There’s a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish—but what are they for so many?” John 6:9 (CSB) 

There’s something wonderful about French fries. But have you ever had disappointing French fries? I have. They had no salt—the worst thing that can happen to a perfectly good batch of fries! Salt makes things taste good. But do you know what else salt is good for? Our words.

If we know Jesus, the Holy Spirit seasons our words so we can communicate the gospel clearly. He adds things like kindness, gentleness, grace, and love—allowing us to build people up with our words, not tear them down.

But our speech doesn’t just impact others, it also impacts us. If we spend a lot of time telling ourselves we are stupid, ugly, unloved, or failures, that negative self-talk can easily become part of our sense of identity.

Having the ability to speak is special. In fact, language is one of the things that sets humans apart from the rest of creation. God calls us to keep a close watch over our mouths. But Jesus—fully God and fully human—is the only one who could do this perfectly. In His time of temptation, He quoted Scripture (Matthew 4:1-11). When He was mocked and beaten, He chose silence motivated by love (Isaiah 53:7; Matthew 26:62-63; 27:14). And while dying on the cross, He spoke with grace and compassion as He asked God the Father to forgive the people who crucified Him (Luke 23:34).

When Jesus died on that cross, and then rose from the grave, He not only saved us from sin—He redeemed human speech. Once we put our trust in Jesus, He begins transforming our words. We can speak the truth in love as we learn to season every word with the salt of His love and good news. And even when we mess up, we can rest in His forgiveness and start fresh. So let’s stop the trash talk and start saying something good! • Rebecca Morgan

• How have you been speaking about your friends, your family, and yourself lately? How do you talk about the difficult people in your life?

• In Luke 6:45, Jesus said, “The mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” Consider taking a moment to talk to Jesus about what’s in your heart, asking Him to help you see others, and yourself, how He sees us— with truth and love.

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:6 (NIV) 

It’s a beautiful, sunny morning as I write this. I’m sitting in a comfortable and quiet space. When I was getting settled here at my computer though, I was drawn toward a news article that I saw about a sports player I’ve followed and some relationship drama he has going on. I considered opening one of the articles and reading about what he said was happening—and then, of course, what his girlfriend said as well.

But then Philippians 4:8 popped into my head: “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Now, I’ve read about celebrity drama before, and I probably will again. But I can admit that it doesn’t really make me feel good. It doesn’t benefit me in any way. It doesn’t even help me to know what’s actually going on. Each side claims they’re in the right, and I can’t really know who to believe.

The sun is shining—that’s something good that I can focus on, rather than getting drawn into dramatic rumors about two hurting individuals. God is good and loving, and He is the one who has given me the sunshine and a safe, comfortable, and quiet place to write. I can focus on that. I can focus on praising Him. I can be attentive to the Holy Spirit and do the good things God is setting before me to do—things that will bless others, care for creation, and invite people to know and follow Jesus.

I can focus my thoughts on God and all the good He has done and is doing, rather than getting pulled into a dark and sad story where I don’t really even know what’s truth and what’s fiction. What I think about and focus on matters. So, as Colossians 3:2 says, I can choose to set my mind on things above. • Emily Acker

• As humans, we’re wired for connection with other people, and we’re drawn to stories. Sadly, sin twists these good desires toward things like gossip and drama, which are unhelpful at best, or harmful at worst. When do you notice your focus shifting to unhelpful or even harmful things? Consider taking some time to talk to Jesus about this—telling Him how you feel, confessing any sin, and resting in His sure forgiveness and compassion. He will help you refocus on Him every time.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8 (NIV) 

Have you ever been in a really emotional place—one where you’ve never been before? I have. Those situations are hard to navigate. They can be overwhelming, lonely, and sometimes scary. When complex feelings come our way, it can be easy to believe the lie that we need to isolate ourselves until we “fix” the problem or “get over” our feelings. But real freedom is found in asking friends and family to come alongside us and listen to our struggles.

This isn’t always easy. We might worry that the situation will seem small or stupid because we “shouldn’t be feeling like this and just need to get over it.” Or maybe we don’t want to “burden” anyone else with our overwhelming feelings. These worries can make us feel even more lonely—maybe even worthless.

But let me encourage you in your struggle. Any emotion we have, whether someone says it’s “correct” or not, is real. Because—whether we’re misunderstanding a situation or the circumstances truly are that difficult—our emotions are telling us it’s time to take a step back and figure out what’s going on.

Believe it or not, no matter what we’re going through, God understands. He created us with emotions because He has emotions. Yet He knows that, for humans, processing emotions can be messy because we live in a world that has been broken by sin. Thankfully, God doesn’t just understand us—He empathizes with us. How? Because Jesus came and lived among us, fully God and fully human, He experienced all our brokenness firsthand, and every emotion that comes with it, even the deep pain of the cross. He wants us to come to Him with every single emotion we have so we can experience His mercy, His care, and His help (Hebrews 4:14-16; 1 Peter 5:7). We find models of how to do this all throughout the book of Psalms. Many psalms were written by David—a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22). David knew God loved him, so he repeatedly poured out his heart to God, no matter what he was feeling.

When we have unexpected emotions, we can do the same. We can take deep breaths, call out to God and others, and remember we’re not alone. • Abigail Rose

• What kinds of emotions have you been feeling lately? It could be this week, today, or right now. Consider taking some time to let out your emotions to God like David did in the psalms.

• We all have times when our emotions feel overwhelming, and this is nothing to be embarrassed about. Who is a trusted Christian in your life you can be honest with about what you’re feeling?

Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:8 (NIV) 

Aiyanna huddled behind a barrel as the raiders galloped into town. They were looking for slaves to take back to their tower cities. She had to get out of town—to the forest hut, the home of the prophet of Elohim.

Hands grabbed her from behind, and the world turned upside down as she was slung over a raider’s shoulder. Immediately, a sweet smell smothered her into darkness.

The next time her eyes opened, she screamed. She stared into cloud space.

“Turn her away from the window,” a woman commanded.

Rough hands pushed her onto her side, and she faced into a room where a woman stood.

“I will untie you. But first, rules. You will obey. You will not leave my residence or visit other tower city levels. You are a rank zero servant. If you cooperate, you live. If you cause trouble…” She waved toward the enormous windows. “The sky scavengers may have you.”

Aiyanna gulped. Elohim, protect me.

Her days fell into a pattern of cleaning, washing, and repairing for the Mistress and her husband—a captain raider.

Then one day, Mistress shrieked loud enough for citizens a tower city away to hear. Aiyanna found Mistress leaning over Captain. He raised one hand covered in green scales.

“Two weeks,” Captain moaned. “Two weeks until I will be covered in scales, and you must expel me to dwell with the crawlers.”

“No!” Mistress wailed. “Someone, help!”

Aiyanna shrank back. The forest hut flashed across her mind, and she thought of the prophet—the one from whom she’d just begun to learn. Well, now Captain would know what it was like to be dragged from home.

“Someone, help us!” Mistress wept.

Aiyanna clutched her knowledge close. A new prison hardened around her heart—the last stronghold of her freedom—and she could feel herself beginning to sink into shadow.

But then, another memory came to her, of the prophet telling an old story. He said when Elohim told us His name, He called Himself, “the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”

Elohim, she prayed, is your love truly for these people too?

Aiyanna took a deep breath and stepped forward. “The prophet back home. He has a cure for the scales.”

Mistress and Captain stared at her, disbelief in their eyes. And wonder.

Aiyanna felt the threat of darkness flee from her heart. Because she belonged to Elohim, she would always be free. • Judith DeStefano

• Today’s allegorical story is based on 2 Kings 5:1-16. Consider taking some time to read this passage, and let the gravity of the situation sink in. How difficult do you think it was for this girl to offer help to Namaan? Why do you think she did it?

• When Jesus came and lived among us, He called us to love others, even our enemies. The truth is, apart from Jesus, we are all God’s enemies. And yet, God loved us so much that Jesus was willing to give up His life for us on the cross. Because Jesus died and rose again, our sins can be washed away and we can become God’s friends (Romans 5:6-11). Once we experience God’s love for ourselves, His love overflows from us to others through the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5; 1 John 4:19). Consider taking some time just to rest in Jesus’s love for you and thank Him for His sacrifice for you.

• Is there someone in your life who feels like an enemy to you? God calls us to love and pray for our enemies, and He also helps us set up good boundaries (Luke 6:27-28). If someone has hurt you deeply, who is a trusted Christian adult who could help you discern how God might be calling you to love this pers...

Can you think of a time you tried to be someone you’re not? Maybe you were trying to act more talented than you really are, or you tried imitating someone you admire. Maybe you did it to impress your friends, or even to impress God.

In 1 Samuel 17, David fought Goliath, a nine-foot-tall Philistine champion who terrified the Israelites. And David—who was likely a teenager at the time— wasn’t even a warrior yet! He was a shepherd. But David knew God was with the Israelites and would protect them from anyone who sought to harm them. King Saul clothed David in armor in preparation for the battle. But David wasn’t used to wearing armor, and he decided to go without it. He knew he didn’t need this protection because God was his greatest protection. He didn’t even take a sword—he took a shepherd’s weapons: a staff, a sling, and five stones.

David went to battle as who he was. Not a warrior, but a shepherd. David faced the judgment of everyone on the battlefield when he went out with no armor. They probably considered him foolish. But David didn’t try to be or look like anyone other than who he was. Through God’s power, David defeated Goliath.

God doesn’t ask us to be anything more than we are. He doesn’t expect us to be someone else; He loves us just the way we are. Even though we were all covered with the dirt and grime of sin, He valued us—so much so that Jesus died and rose again to save us from sin and death. God invites us to come to Jesus and be washed clean, and He gifts believers with His Holy Spirit so we can be in close relationship with Him. Now, we are free to follow Jesus with our God-given personalities, gifts, and abilities. Whenever God calls us to do something, He calls us to do it as ourselves—not as someone else—because He loves and values us just as we are. • Elizabeth Cooper

• God doesn’t expect us to try to clean ourselves up or fix ourselves before we come to Him. How can knowing this give us greater confidence when we come to Him humbly in prayer?

• God created you on purpose as a unique individual, and you have infinite worth as a child of God. As we yield to the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives, God transforms us more and more to reflect the character of Jesus, and He equips us to do the good work He calls us to do in each season of our lives. How have you seen God work through you just being yourself?

[David said,] “And everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord’s battle, and he will give you to us!” 1 Samuel 17:47 (NLT) 

You’ve probably heard it in youth group or Sunday School: “It’s very important to have daily devotions.” But for many of us, we just can’t seem to make it happen. We have to do homework and study at night. We don’t have time in the morning before school. Sports practice, youth group, robotics club, orchestra concerts, volunteering, family activities, or all of the above fill up our time. It seems impossible to open our Bibles every day. We might even have a couple weeks go by before we find a few minutes to do devotions. It’s normal to wonder, If Bible reading is so important, why can’t I seem to do it every day?

The Bible is important, of course! Why? Because it tells us the good news about Jesus—and that news affects every area of our lives. In His Word, Jesus teaches us how to live and gives us wonderful promises, not just for our eternal futures, but also for today.

But we get stuck in legalism when we say that anyone should adhere to certain practices or habits to prove they know God or to somehow earn God’s favor. That’s what the Pharisees did in Jesus’s day, and Jesus was pretty clear the Pharisees did not understand the God they claimed to serve (Matthew 23). Instead of legalism, we can live in the grace Jesus has given us, going to the Bible regularly because we love Him and want to know Him better.

Your best friend doesn’t chew you out when you don’t spend time with them for a few days, do they? Well, God doesn’t either. He wants us to spend time with Him, but He’s never legalistic about it (Colossians 2:6-18). He wants a relationship with us—not a performance. He loves it whenever we draw near to Him through reading His Word and talking to Him, even if it isn’t every single day. • Robyn Mulder

• When you read or listen to the Bible and pray, how do you feel? Do you feel peaceful, anxious, hopeful, guilty, frustrated, fascinated, bored…a combination, or something else?

• How often would you like to do devotions? What might make it easier for you to set aside this time? For example, what time of day tends to work well for you? Are there certain days of the week when you have more time or less time? Is there a place you can focus easier?

• What is the difference between a legalistic habit and a grace-based habit? Why is it so important that our relationship with God is based on what Jesus did, not on what we do?

For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—not from works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 (CSB) 

Have you ever been through a hard season in your life? I most certainly have. But just because we go through rough patches doesn’t mean we’re alone or that nobody loves us. God is with us every second of the day. He is there in our struggles and in our pain. God never leaves your side no matter how hard life gets.

When I was 14 years old, I went through a heart wrenching time when I found out my great-grandpa had cancer. I believe it was stage 4, so it was pretty bad. I just remember praying to God and asking Him to heal my grandpa, but even though I was talking to God, I felt very alone. I felt like I was going through all these emotions that I couldn’t control.

My grandpa passed away in March of that year, and it was like the whole world went dark. I had never felt so alone in my life, but I prayed to God, asking Him to help me through. And you know what? He did. He put two Bible verses on my heart that helped me through. The first one is Deuteronomy 31:8, which says, “The LORD is the one who will go before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or abandon you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.” The second verse is John 16:33, in which Jesus says, “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” This really gave me a sense of peace and comfort and helped me not feel alone. Another verse, 2 Timothy 1:7, says that “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.”

It’s okay to feel alone sometimes. I did. Just know that you are not alone. You have family, friends, and above all, God. He always loves you, cares for you, and sticks by you.

Lord, I want to pray for the person reading this. I don’t know what they’re going through or the plans you have for them, but I know you do, so I just pray that you would guide them through their struggles and pain, Lord. That you would show your love to them and help them know they are not alone. That when the enemy tries to tear them down, they’ll know they have a loving God by their side. Lord, I pray you will bless this person and their family and help them have an abundance of joy and peace. In Jesus’s name, amen. • Eliana St. Cyr

• Jesus is Immanuel, which means “God is with us” (Matthew 1:23). Can you think of a time Jesus reminded you that He is with you? We can ask Him for these reminders any time.

[Jesus said,] “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20 (CSB)  

As long as we’re breathing, our bodies need a constant input of water; we must remember to drink, or we’ll perish. When Jesus spoke to a Samaritan woman drawing water from a well, He said, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life,” and Jesus called this spring “living water” (John 4:10-14).

When I read this, I used to think “never thirst” meant I would never need again or feel pain again or hurt again. So I had a disconnect between what I read in the Gospels and what I experienced. But it doesn’t mean that at all. “Never thirst” means living water never needs to be replenished. I don’t need to constantly remember to input another dose hour after hour, day after day.

Since Jesus came, we no longer have to perform daily, monthly, or yearly rituals to have a relationship with the God of the universe. If we’ve put our trust in Jesus, believing in His death and resurrection, He is with us always, and His Holy Spirit is in us. God loves us, and He constantly works in us and through us to give us power—the same power that raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 8:11). Now that’s pretty awesome power! If I need something or I feel pain, as I abide in Him, He gives me all the strength I require to experience His peace in the process.

Living water is not like well water. Living water is with us always and forever. Sure, we’ll feel pain. Jesus felt pain! But the Holy Spirit will always be with us, giving us power, comfort, and strength—reminding us that God is working all things for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28-29). • Andrea Bowden

• As Christians, we have living water flowing from within us because we have the Holy Spirit (John 7:37-39). Yet, until Jesus returns, we will still experience difficult things like pain, discouragement, disappointment, and anxiety. These things are normal, and experiencing them doesn’t mean you have less of the Holy Spirit in you at any given moment. God is with us always, and He tenderly invites us to pour out our hearts to Him in prayer, expressing all of our grief, anger, confusion, and everything in between. Because we have the Holy Spirit in us, we have access to God’s peace, comfort, and joy—even if we don’t feel it for a while. Can you think of a time when God’s power has sustained you through a difficult time? What was that like?

• If you want to dig deeper, read John 4:15-42; 14:16-27; Ephesians 3:18; Philippians 2:13.

Jesus answered, “...whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst.” John 4:13-14 (NIV) 

Abidan stretched, looking toward the sun. It was setting, so he left the field and approached the house. He stopped, listening. That sounds like a party, he thought, waving over Baanah the servant. “What’s going on tonight?” Abidan asked.

“Your brother has returned!” Baanah said, “your father has served the feasting calf to celebrate!”

“Jabin’s back?” Abidan’s tone was angry.

Baanah nodded. “Shall I get your father?” Abidan only threw up his hands in frustration.

When Abidan saw his father coming, he turned away. “What do you want?”

“I want you to join the party. Please come see your brother. It’s been thirteen months.”

“I know.” Abidan’s voice was strained. “And I have been here. Working hard every day. Respecting you, always doing exactly what you’ve asked. I’ve given you everything, never once getting a goat to eat with my friends! Jabin runs off and wastes his inheritance. Upon his return, you restore him like he’s been a victim, and I don’t even get told to leave the field early? Isn’t what I do enough to please you? The disobedient son gets all your love?”

“My son, you are welcome to a goat—and all I have!” said his father. “Abidan, you have not entrusted to me what I long for: your brokenness. You keep me at arm’s length all the time. You desire to be loved, but ‘doing enough’ cannot earn what you want.”

His father continued. “Both my sons have been wrong in their perception of my love. One thought he could enjoy it by what he got from me, the other by what he could give to me. I celebrate Jabin’s return because he has come to discover what I will do with the truth about him, however ugly it might be. This is what I long for with you, Abidan. Will you come to the party, that I might celebrate the return of both my sons?” • H. K. Rausch

• Today’s story is based on Luke 15. What was Jesus contrasting in this parable of two brothers? Who was listening?

• Why doesn’t Jesus want us to clean ourselves up before we come to Him? (Hint: read John 15:3-4) Why is it impossible for anything we do (or don’t do) to sustain our relationship with God? How does God sustain His relationship with us? (Romans 3:22-28; 5:1-11; Ephesians 2:1-10)

Jesus answered them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.” Luke 5:31-32 (NLT) 

Have you ever heard someone talk about how people are “made in the image of God?” What does that mean?

Essentially, it means we are God’s representatives here on earth and He created us with some of the same qualities He has: creativity, love, intelligence, a sense of justice, wisdom, kindness, and mercy—just to name a few. Whenever people express these qualities, whether they are Christians or not, they are doing it because they were made in the image of God. And when we see that happen, we can praise God for it!

Being made in God’s image gives each person immeasurable value—not because of anything we do, but because of who God is. Our Creator is perfect and holy and good, so anyone created in His likeness—including you, your best friend, and your worst enemy—is worth more than we can possibly imagine. And while we can’t reflect God’s image perfectly because sin has broken our image-bearing ability, each human life still points to the one who made it.

As people made in the image of God, our primary identity is “people loved by God.” That is at the core of who we are. God made us in His image to love us.

And we have an amazing job description: to do His will here on earth. That’s a very weighty (and sometimes confusing) job, but it all boils down to loving God, loving each other, and caring for creation (Genesis 1:28; Matthew 22:37-40). How do we do that in our broken state? We look to Jesus! He is the One who made it possible for us, as broken-by-sin-image-bearers, to resemble our Creator once more. If we’ve put our trust in Jesus Christ, believing in His death and resurrection, we can know that His Holy Spirit is now living in us, conforming us to the image of Christ. By leaning on the Holy Spirit, we can learn to see the ways God has made us—and others—in His glorious image. And that is a wonderful sight to behold. • Taylor Eising

• Where do you see God’s image reflected in yourself? Where do you see it reflected in others?

• When your friends are struggling with their identities or self-worth, what are some ways you could encourage them about who they are as image-bearers of God?

And just as we have borne the image of the man of dust [Adam], we will also bear the image of the man of heaven [Jesus]. 1 Corinthians 15:49 (CSB) 

Today’s poem is written in the style of a rap.

I’m here every night; too tired to fight.
Just trying to make it, not fake it.
It’s hard…to be a PK,
knowing you want me to say,
“It’s okay. I still believe.”
Though in my heart I still grieve.

But I see a world that’s gone bad.
And it started when Dad
Headed out of the door,
said he wanted no more.

Preacher dad who told me of God—
what a facade.
Now our family’s a mess,
and each day’s got stress.

I pray, but don’t know what to say.
Can I be real? There’s nothing I feel
except empty inside.
See, last time I cried
and said, “God, take it away—
this pain, lift it I pray”—

God, You left it there.
And continued to tear
my family apart. So, don’t start
with me, people in pews,
giving your views
of what I should do.

My best friend Kat—she’s got my back
She has what I lack:
Faith—faith to still pray,
And wants me to be the same way.

Though I wish God really cared
And wasn’t just there, up in the air. • Linda Washington

• Have you ever felt like Shenice? You might be a PK (pastor’s kid) whose dad walked out, or your pain might be totally different. Who, if anyone, did you talk to about what you went through?

• How would you want to respond if Shenice was your friend?

• What do you believe is true about the God who Shenice labels “just there up in the air”? Why?

• When Jesus, the God of the Universe, came and lived among us, He experienced our suffering firsthand. He went all the way to the cross for us—to the grave and back—because He loves us, and He never wants to be apart from us. Jesus is never too far away to hear you when you call. There is nothing you can say or do to Him that will make Him stop loving you or hearing you when you pray. Consider taking some time to talk to Him about whatever hurts you’ve been carrying (Matthew 11:28-30). You don’t need to filter your thoughts before you say them to Jesus.

• When we go through hard times, it’s normal to wonder if God has stopped caring about us. The pain of betrayal is especially deep. Healing from that kind of hurt can be a long, slow process. But God is faithful to bind up the wounds of the brokenhearted, and even to bring us joy again (Psalms 30:5; 147:3). God does His patient work of healing through His Word, through His Spirit, and also through His people. He calls us to pray for one another, to speak the truth—but never without love—and to weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15; Ephesians 4:15-16; 6:18). Who is a trusted Christian in your life you can talk freely with when you’re hurting? (If no one comes to mind, you can ask God to help you identify someone in the future.)

The LORD is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18 (NLT)

Have you ever heard of The Pilgrim’s Progress? This book, written in the late 1600s by a pastor named John Bunyan, is the most famous Christian allegory still in print. For centuries, it has encouraged believers to continue following Christ…despite the difficulties.

At one point in the book, the main character, a man named Christian, is shown around a house by the Interpreter. The Interpreter shows Christian a fireplace with a tiny, trembling flame. Satan is standing near the fire, dumping water mercilessly on the flame to try and put it out.

The Interpreter then takes Christian around the side of the fireplace where Christian sees a man pouring oil on the flame. The Interpreter explains that most of our lives, we only see the devil pouring water on the little flame of our faith. What we don’t see is Christ strengthening us with the oil.

Christ warns us that struggles will come if we follow Him, and that our faith will be tested in many ways (John 16:33; James 1:2; 1 Peter 4:12). During struggles, it may feel like Satan will put out the flame of our faith, but we can look to Christ as the one who will never let us go. We can rely on Christ’s strength, trusting that nothing will ever separate us from His love (Romans 8:39), and that He will help us withstand all the devil’s temptations (1 Corinthians 10:13; Ephesians 6:13). • Chloe Ann

• Have you ever felt as if every hardship and struggle in life was trying to put out the flame of faith you have? Are you feeling that way right now? Consider taking some time to talk to Jesus, asking Him to help you see the ways He is strengthening you in the midst of your trials.

• Can you think of a time you realized God was strengthening you when you were in the middle of a trial? What was that like?

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39 (NIV) 

A girl stands in front of a judge and jury, retelling her traumatic assault, and her assaulter walks free at the end of the trial. A family breaks into tears after learning there was not enough evidence to convict their son’s murderer. You tell your teacher you’re being bullied, and they say they can’t do anything unless they see it.

Our world is riddled with injustices big and small, and they sting. We say, “That’s not fair!” and someone responds, “Life’s not fair.” But there is hope in the midst of these injustices.

The book of Amos says that God’s justice will pour outward like a river. And in the book of Revelation, the apostle John says Jesus will enact justice at His return, even removing our death, crying, grief, and pain. John paints a picture of God wiping away our tears as He takes away our suffering. Doesn’t that sound wonderful? Part of God’s plan is to bring His justice.

And Jesus revealed God’s justice. When Jesus died on the cross, He took on the sins of the world—and God’s just punishment for them—so that all of us who put our trust in Jesus won’t receive the punishment we deserve. God longs for people to turn to Jesus so they can be made right with Him. But those who reject Jesus will face His just wrath at Judgment Day, when He promises to bring justice for every wrong. So, whether through the cross or at Judgment Day, all injustice will be made right (John 3:15-18; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 2 Peter 3:9-13).

In the meantime, we can rest knowing that God hears us whenever we cry out against injustice, and He promises to bring an end to every wrong and heal our every hurt. Not only that, but God also calls His people to act justly here and now as we wait for His upcoming justice. When we look to Jesus, we see that He acted against injustice on our behalf—for example, He flipped over tables in the temple and stopped the money changers who were taking advantage of people who had come to worship God (Mark 11:15-17).

This means one way we can show Jesus’s love to others is through seeking after justice. While we wait for our Savior to return and bring ultimate justice, we can rely on Him to help us shine His light on any injustice we encounter. • Naomi Zylstra

• Where do you see injustice in the world today? Consider taking some time to pray about an injustice, asking God to help you notice any ways you could bring His love and justice there.

“But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” Amos 5:24 (NIV) 

The more I study worship, the more frustrated I get with how we do or don’t do it in our churches today. From coffee snobs to music snobs, we all know “that guy.” Well, I think I may have become “that guy” when it comes to finding a church I like.

I recently moved back home to the United States from Canada, and I’m trying to find “the right church for me.” Before this, finding my church was simple. It was the only one with a worship time late enough for me to attend after working third shift.

Now, I’m church shopping and getting frustrated with myself and with the churches in my area. The megachurch nearby feels like a rock concert with a fog machine and laser light show, which irritates me. But when I go to the smaller churches, they seem lifeless and filled mostly with older people who seem to value tradition more than anything else.

I do hope to get over myself soon. To humbly approach the altar and worship God is an incredible and unique aspect of the Christian life. When we do this, we’re joining the elders around the throne room of heaven that John describes in Revelation 4.

I want to feel the rumble of the thunder, see the flashes of lightning, and smell the smoke coming off the lit torches in heaven’s throne room when I join in and sing, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty—the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come” (Revelation 4:8).

Maybe that fog machine isn’t as terrible as I first thought. Maybe it would do more to aid in my worship of Jesus if I decided to first humble myself before entering the sanctuary, remembering that Jesus—not me—is the one the service is about. He died and rose again for us so we could be forgiven and live with Him forever—He is truly worthy of our worship. • Andy Smith

• How do you normally experience worship services at church? Do you look forward to it, dread it, or something in between?

• How does your church worship service remind you of who Jesus is and what He has done? (If you want to dig deeper, read Acts 4:11-12; Romans 3:22-24; 6:23; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Colossians 1:13-23; Titus 2:11-14; Revelation 21:1-7)

Each of these living beings had six wings, and their wings were covered all over with eyes, inside and out. Day after day and night after night they keep on saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty—the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.” Revelation 4:8 (NLT) 

Baking treats for my family is one way I show love. Years ago, I learned to make brownies from scratch. But one day, something that wasn’t on the ingredients list found its way into the brownies. One family member, Dane, took his first warm, chewy bite—but was dismayed to find a sliver of paper in it. Apparently, I hadn’t removed the entire wrapper from the stick of butter I’d used in the recipe, and Dane found it in his brownie.

I promised to do better. The next time I baked brownies, I offered Dane the first piece, and he enjoyed a paper-free dessert. The next day he got another serving. But this time he found a small scrap of butter wrapper. I’d made the same mistake twice! After that, I assumed it would take a while before Dane would trust my brownies again.

People (and our cooking) can be unpredictable. Some days we treat each other kindly and keep our word. Other days we let each other down in ways that leave behind a trail of hurt and disappointment. Sometimes friends and loved ones break our trust, which can be difficult to rebuild. And sometimes we break theirs. Even after apologies and forgiveness, it may take time for us to open up again as we wonder, What am I going to get this time?

Though we humans are often inconsistent, we can count on God to be true to His character. When we begin a relationship with God by putting our trust in Jesus—the one who took all our sins upon Himself when He died on the cross and rose from the dead—we become God’s children. As we grow in this relationship, we come to know how God relates to His people: with consistent forgiveness, love, and compassion. God poured out all His wrath toward sin and evil on Jesus at the cross, so now His children can rest in His faithful mercy and lovingkindness. Even when we are unfaithful, He will always be perfectly faithful to us, and He will never break our trust. • Allison Wilson Lee

• When is it hard for you to trust God? Consider taking a moment to tell Him about this.

• What are some things that remind you of God’s faithfulness—such as Bible verses, songs, personal experiences, the experiences of others, etc.?

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. Lamentations 3:22 (NIV) 

Have you ever felt like you had to try hard to get people to like you? School, church, homeschool co-op, work—anywhere you go there are expectations to act a certain way, say certain things, do this, and definitely don’t do that! You might feel like you have to guard yourself to make sure no one sees who you really are—because they might not like that person.

Looking for approval is something we all do, but we often look for acceptance in the wrong places. When we focus on being the cool kid or being the teacher’s favorite or wearing the right thing, we sometimes forget we belong to Jesus. He is our loving God, who laid down His life for us so we could become part of His family. We don’t need to earn acceptance, because He has already accepted us through the cross. And yet, it’s so difficult to fight the urge to fit in because, even though our world says, “Be yourself” and “You’re perfect just the way you are,” we’re still constantly being judged and even rejected by others.

But why should we try so hard to fit in when God has called us to be different? In Jesus, He’s given us a new identity as His dearly loved children. When we focus on Jesus, we often find we don’t care how other people are acting. As we experience God’s love for us, our focus shifts to showing others His love and truth, instead of worrying about what they think of us.

As teens, we especially have an opportunity to be a light to the world. Why teens especially? You’ve heard the stereotypes! Teens are lazy. They just want to have fun and be popular. They’re self-obsessed and addicted to their phones.

But, in Christ, we can be the ones to break the stereotypes. We can be the ones who work hard, genuinely care about the people around us, and don’t care if anybody thinks we’re weird. We can be the ones who are respectful, intuitive, smart, and helpful—putting others first. We don’t have to conform to the world’s expectations. Once we know Jesus, we are being transformed to be like Him. • Leah Najimy

• Can you think of a time you felt pressured to look or act a certain way? How did you deal with it?

• According to 1 Peter 2:9-12, what are some things that come with having our identity in Christ?

• How does knowing we are fully accepted and loved in Jesus affect the way we view others and what they think about us?

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV) 

There are times when I have a few free moments, and I reach for my phone. My finger automatically taps on a social media app, a good place to go when I just want to browse for a little while, see some content quick, and move on. The types of things I see on social media, though, can cause me stress or make me feel down. I wish I was quicker to open the Bible app on my phone instead of social media.

When we spend a lot of time on social media, we’re exposed to news that we wouldn’t otherwise see, the lives of others that we automatically compare our own lives to, and drama that has nothing to do with us but still draws us in. Plus, there’s a lot of untrustworthy information online. It’s hard to know what’s true, what’s partially true, and what’s completely made up—even if some people believe it’s real. There is good on social media too, but a lot of what we see on these platforms is not beneficial to us. The more time we spend on social media, and the more we turn to it when we’re bored or we have just a few minutes of free time, the more it can bring us down. Studies have even shown it can negatively affect our brains.

But when we spend time with God, we can find peace. Often, the more time we spend with Him, the more peaceful we feel. We were created for relationship with the one who made us. He loves us so much that He suffered the cross for us—and He’s so powerful that He rose from the grave and promises to make all things new. God knows we need His love and strength as we live in a world that still bears the effects of sin. When we take just a few minutes to turn to Jesus by praying or reading the Bible, we may find our entire outlook changes and we feel better.

Social media can be good and fun in moderation, but I don’t like the way it makes me feel sometimes. Think about how you feel the next time you get off social media. And then think about how you feel the next time you set aside your Bible after reading a passage. How do the two compare? I’ve found there is a special peace that comes through spending time with God in prayer and in His Word. • Emily Acker

• How do you feel after spending time on social media? Are there certain apps or content creators that make you feel better or worse? Why do you think that is?

• How much time, and what kind of time, do you think is healthy to spend on social media each week?

• Have you ever felt stressed or bored, and then read or listened to the Bible? What was that like?

Those who love your law have great peace. Psalm 119:165 (WEB)  

I looked up at the enormous shimmering gates guarding a city of wonders: streets lined with mansions, rivers of crystal water, and a peaceful people ruled by a just and powerful king.

But no person entered the rich kingdom without first earning their spot, and there was only one way to do it.

I gripped the rough, wooden bow and took my stance. I knew the king stood on the wall and watched me, but I wouldn’t look at him. I swallowed hard and narrowed my eyes at the target, a large wooden circle nearly a mile away. With shaky fingers, I nocked my arrow and pulled it to my face.

I’d trained my entire life for this, practicing day and night so I would be able to make this one, impossible shot. I wouldn’t fail. I couldn’t. My muscles burned as I held my bow, arrow drawn, and pointed it at the target. Sweat was beading on my forehead, the muscles in my face twitched.

Breathe. Focus. Release.

My arrow, flying straight and fast, fell immensely short of the mark, disappearing into the thick brush.

I crumpled to my knees and stared after the only chance I had of living in the shining city with the good king. I dropped my bow, buried my face in my hands, and wept.

Someone touched my shoulder.

I looked up, into the kind face of the king. He’d left the safety of the city walls to come to me. He held out his hand. Hesitantly, I picked my bow up off the ground and placed it in his outstretched hand.

He pulled out a shining arrow and took aim, strong and steady, and confidently released the arrow. It flew across the expanse so quickly I nearly missed it hitting the target, directly in its center.

My mouth fell open as I looked back at him. He smiled. “Come,” he said, his voice warm and kind. Again he held out his hand, and I grasped it with my own.

The king walked me through the gates of his kingdom, welcoming me as his child. • Emily Tenter

• Today’s story is an allegory. How does the king act toward the archer in this story? Is this what you would expect from a king? Why or why not?

• The Greek word hamartia is often translated as sin in the Bible, but it’s also an ancient archery term that means “missing the mark.” How could it be helpful to think about sin this way?

• We’ve all sinned, missing the mark of loving God and each other (Matthew 22:37-40), and the result of sin is death. But God loves us and wants to save us so we can be with Him in His good kingdom! That’s why Jesus came. He is fully God and fully human—the only human who never missed the mark. By living a righteous life of obedience to God the Father, dying on the cross for our sins, and rising from the grave to defeat death, He hit the mark on our behalf! How could it be freeing to know we can’t earn our place in God’s kingdom, but Jesus made the way for us?

• When we put our trust in Jesus, He welcomes us into His kingdom as His dear children. And when He returns, He will raise us from the dead to live with Him forever in a world free from sin and death! For more about this good news, see our "Know Jesus" page.

• Jesus is the King of kings, and we can boldly approach His throne because of what He did for us on the cross (Hebrews 4:14-16; Revelation 19:16). Even though we’ll all continue to struggle with sin until Jesus returns, we can know that He empathizes with us because He faced the same temptations we do—yet He didn’t give in. So we can be totally honest with Him about our struggles and shortcomings. He already knows it all, and He wants to cover our faults with His mercy and help us walk in His good ways. Consider taking a moment now to come to Him in prayer. Whatever you want t...

Have you ever done something good…because an adult told you to, or because you wanted to be a “good person,” or because it seemed like the “right” thing to do? Was your heart in the right place? As humans, we’ve all done good things for the wrong reasons. But Jesus makes it pretty clear that following Him means servanthood—the first will be last, and the last will be first—as He had to remind His disciples many times (Matthew 20:16). In John 13, Jesus gives us an example to follow when He washes His disciples’ feet.

Look at verse 3, before Jesus ever makes a move to clean His disciples’ feet. John 13:3 tells us that Jesus knew He was God the Son, that He shared God the Father’s authority over all things, and that He was ultimately headed back to the Father after He suffered the cross and rose from the dead—Jesus knew who He was. And in verse 4, because He knew who He was, Jesus got up to wash His disciples’ feet. Do you see how that worked? Before Jesus served others, He remembered His identity, and He acted in accordance with the Father’s plans for Him.

I think God wants it to be the same for us—before we can serve others (and do it from the right heart space), we have to know who we are. We have to be reminded of our identity in Christ, which is affirmed all throughout His Word. As people who belong to Jesus, we are children of God, coheirs with Christ, and God’s masterpiece. He has good plans for us that we can’t even begin to imagine. Jesus died for us and rose again so we could be freed from the grip of sin, shame, and death. We are the people whose feet have been washed by Jesus.

We need to be reminded of these truths often. Thankfully, God knows this. And as we rely on the love of Jesus and the power of His Holy Spirit within us, He blesses us to serve others and step into the good work He has for us. • Hannah Ruth Johnson

• Have you ever found yourself serving others because you felt obligated or because it seemed like the “right” thing to do? How did that feel?

• In God’s kingdom, we don’t serve to earn love. Rather, we serve because we are loved. How could remembering the ways Christ serves us, and who we are in Him, change the way we view service? (If you want to dig deeper, read John 1:12, Romans 8:17; 1 Corinthians 2:9; 6:11; Ephesians 2:1-10)

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) 

Recently, some friends and I gathered to pray in someone’s living room for a specific need. It was evening, and the room was lit with warm lamplight. As we were finishing praying for the night, it occurred to me that, from outside, people passing by would see a glowing yellow light coming from the windows. And it reminded me of something Jesus said, about a city on a hill.

“You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).

Since I was a kid, I’ve always pictured this city on a hill aglow with yellow light. But for some reason, this passage never really resonated with me before that night I prayed in the living room with friends. I had this sense of the hope and power we have access to as people of God. We know Jesus, and nothing is impossible for Him (Matthew 19:26). In fact, He loves working on behalf of His people. And even if He doesn’t answer our prayers in the specific ways or timing that we hope He will, we don’t need to be afraid of any darkness, because His love surrounds us. And the peace and confidence we have in Jesus is something that will, hopefully, be noticed by people who don’t know Jesus yet. Maybe they’ll want to lean in, to see where the light comes from.

A couple weeks after that prayer night, I noticed a connection between what Jesus said in Matthew 5, and something else He said in John 13: “Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (verse 34-35). Do you know that I always took Matthew 5:14 to mean that I, as an individual, was supposed to be like a city? But it makes so much more sense that we, together as the family of believers, are like a city. As we love each other out of the overflow of Jesus’s love for us, we shine His light for all to see. And we invite those who don’t know Jesus yet to draw near, and experience His love too. • Hannah Howe

• Have you ever been in a gathering of Christians that felt warn and inviting? What was going on?

[Jesus said,] “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:14 (CSB)

Relax your shoulders. Take a deep breath, and let out the tension you’ve been holding. Feel any better?

God calls Himself our Comforter. In John 14:26, Jesus calls the Holy Spirit Paraklētos, which can be translated helper, advocate, counselor—or comforter. Similarly, in 2 Corinthians 1:3, Paul praises God the Father as “the God of all comfort.” One way God acts as our Comforter is by giving us His peace. This is a peace for the soul that goes beyond our understanding—showing up even when we face situations that are anything but peaceful.

Have you ever encountered someone who has lost a loved one, yet they speak about feeling God’s peace? This doesn’t mean they aren’t grieving, or that they feel no emotion. Rather, God’s peace is a way He meets His children in the midst of their grief.

In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus calls all people to come to Him for rest. This is a rest that goes beyond a simple power nap. God’s rest is a deep rest for your soul. It’s a rest rooted in the fact that we are saved through Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and because He died and rose again, everyone who puts their trust in Him has peace with God (Isaiah 9:6; Romans 5:1). We can rest in Jesus’s promises to be with us no matter what—and to one day make all things new, free from sin and death and all the suffering sin causes (Matthew 28:20; Revelation 21:1-5).

So today, consider taking a moment to just rest in God’s peace. Whatever you go through—times of stress, grief, or discontentment; times of rejoicing, celebration, or worship; and everything in between—you can know that Jesus loves and comforts you, always. • Naomi Zylstra

• Have you ever experienced peace beyond understanding in your own life, or seen it in someone else’s life? What was that like?

• What kinds of things have been causing you stress or worry lately? Consider taking a moment to talk to God about whatever is on your mind. (Philippians 4:6-7)

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 (CSB) 

Have you been rejected by your family? Jesus can relate. His own brothers didn’t believe in Him (John 7:5).

Have you been rejected by your friends? One of Jesus’s best friends denied that he even knew Him three times (John 18:13-27).

Do you feel alone in your hometown? Jesus was driven out of His (Luke 4:14-30).

Have you been kind to someone who showed no gratitude in return? Jesus healed ten men with leprosy, and only one came back to thank Him (Luke 17:11-19).

Have you been criticized for doing the right thing? Jesus was constantly chastised by the Pharisees for healing on the Sabbath (Matthew 12:9-14) and for hanging out with people they considered to be the worst of sinners (Luke 5:27-31).

Have you been bullied? Jesus was mocked by His own people (Matthew 27:41-42), brutally tortured by the Romans (John 19:1-6), and taunted and tempted by the devil himself (Matthew 4:1-11).

Have you lost someone close to you? Jesus wept when His friend Lazarus died (John 11:1-44).

Just because Jesus is the Son of God and the Savior of the world doesn’t mean He can’t relate to us. He is fully human. He faced the full range of human experiences and emotions, which gave Him a profound understanding of human rejection, sadness, suffering, and pain—He even endured the deepest of suffering by dying on the cross for our sins. That means He can fully empathize with us in whatever we’re facing right now. He did all of this for us. He is with us. He will never leave us (Hebrews 13:5).

What’s more, Jesus is also fully God. That means He can comfort us in a way no one else can. He offers us the peace that comes from resting in His love— and looking forward to the day He will return and make all things new. Let’s turn to Him for comfort today. • Sarah Elizabeth Child

• What kinds of hurts have you experienced lately—whether physical, emotional, mental, relational, or spiritual? Can you think of any times Jesus experienced something similar? If nothing comes to mind, who is a trusted Christian in your life who could help you find Bible passages that reveal just how much Jesus gets what you’re going through?

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort. 2 Corinthians 1:3 (WEB) 

William Tyndale was publicly executed in 1536 in Belgium for translating the Bible from its original languages into English. When the King James Version was published in 1611, it was made up mostly of Tyndale’s translation—the translation he was executed for writing. For over 300 years, the King James Version served English speakers well. Many people still love its beautiful poetic language.

In the 1950s, a seminary graduate named Ken Taylor and his wife Margaret were raising their ten children in suburban Chicago. As they read to them from the King James Bible (KJV) each evening, the children had difficulty understanding the old English.

Ken remembered his own struggles with understanding the KJV in his youth and wanted to make the Bible understandable to his children—and to everyone. So, he began writing a modern English paraphrase of the Scriptures, first completing the New Testament epistles. He formed them into a book called Living Letters. Unable to find a publisher, Ken and Margaret formed Tyndale House Publishers, named for William Tyndale.

Living Letters caught on when world famous evangelist Billy Graham began offering it on his telecasts. The Living New Testament was published next, followed by The Living Bible in 1971. By the end of the twentieth century, 40 million Living Bibles had been sold. Tyndale House later asked 90 Greek and Hebrew scholars to revise The Living Bible. The result was the 1996 publication of The New Living Translation.

From the beginning, Ken and Margaret Taylor used all the royalties from The Living Bible to support missions, making the Bible available around the world. The Taylors knew the love Jesus had for them, and they wanted everyone to understand the gospel—the good news of how Jesus died and rose again to save us. That is always news worth sharing! • Kathy Irey

• Can you think of a time someone explained a Bible passage in a way that made sense to you? What do you remember about that experience?

• Paraphrases like The Living Bible are very easy to understand, but they do have some limitations. While translations (like The New Living Translation) seek to translate the original text word-for-word, a paraphrase focuses more on relating the thoughts and ideas behind the original text. How can translations and paraphrases be useful in different ways?

Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions. Psalm 119:18 (NLT) 

Originally, the Bible was written in three languages: most of the Old Testament was written in Hebrew, parts of Daniel and Ezra were written in Aramaic, and the New Testament was written in Greek. While Jesus was on earth, He most likely spoke Aramaic.

The English language only began to form around 450 years after Christ’s ascension. And by the 1400-1500s, it was against the laws of England and the Catholic Church to translate the Bible into English. Most church services, and most Bibles, were in Latin—an old language that only clergy and religious leaders had access to. As bizarre as it seems, people were killed for translating the Bible into English.

Along came William Tyndale, born in the 1490s, who believed God wanted everyone in England to have access to the Bible in their language. And while John Wycliffe had translated the Latin Bible into English a few decades earlier (and was executed for it), nobody had translated the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek Scriptures into English. Tyndale—an ardent scholar of biblical languages—went into hiding for twelve years, translating the New Testament and part of the Old Testament into English from their original languages.

But his work was cut short when he was betrayed by a trusted friend and arrested. Tyndale was eventually taken to a public courtyard and tied to a stake. Before he was strangled and set on fire, he called out, “Lord, open the King of England’s eyes.” The year was 1536.

Tyndale’s dying prayer was answered 68 years later when James became king after Henry VIII. Some religious leaders asked King James to have the Bible translated into English. He agreed and appointed 54 scholars to do the work. This was a remarkable answer to prayer!

The scholars worked for seven years using Tyndale’s translation. In fact, 84% of the King James New Testament is actually Tyndale’s work, and most of Tyndale’s completed parts of the Old Testament were used word-for-word in the King James Old Testament. So, 75 years after Tyndale’s execution, his translation was combined with the work of other Bible scholars, and the King James Version of the Bible was published. • Kathy Irey

• The Lord loves us so much that He has worked through countless people to bring the truth of the gospel—the good news of Jesus’s death and resurrection—to us. What questions do you have about how the Bible was translated? Who could you talk to about this?

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105 (NLT) 

“But I don’t want to go.”

For months I begged Mom. I didn’t want to leave our home to move to a new state hundreds of miles away. I didn’t want to say goodbye to friends and neighbors I had known forever. I didn’t want to start all over again, especially in the middle of the school year.

“Why can’t I stay here?”

But I knew why. Cancer. We had lived in Florida my whole life, but now Mom’s doctor said the Florida weather didn’t pair well with her treatment. So my dad took a new job in North Carolina. And they would not leave me behind.

I just wished we didn’t have to move so far away.

Change was scary. Making new friends had always been hard for me. Would they like me? Would I do well in school? What if I didn’t like it?

In Genesis 12, God told Abraham to leave his home in Haran and take his family to Canaan… hundreds of miles away. So Abraham gathered his family and everything they owned and walked across a hot, dusty land to their new home. When they arrived, he pitched a tent and built an altar, “and he called on the name of the LORD” (verse 8).

But I often wonder: Was Abraham afraid to go? Did he ever ask God if he could stay? What gave Abraham hope during this time of transition?

The answer? Abraham looked ahead at what God had promised him—to make a great nation in this new place. In the same way, we can trust in the promises God has given to us, His people.

Because Jesus died and rose again, everyone who puts their faith in Jesus is part of God’s family, His nation (1 Peter 2:9). God is always working in our lives, and He is using even the toughest situations for our good (John 5:17; Romans 8:28). One day, Jesus will make all things new—then terrible things like cancer and homesickness will be gone forever. But in the meantime, we can take the next step knowing He’ll be with us through it all. • Carolyn Bennett Fraiser

• What changes are you facing in your life? What next steps might God be calling you to take?

• How can Jesus’s promise to be with us affect the way we see any situation?

[Jesus said,] “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20 (CSB) 

Have you ever celebrated the Day of the Epiphany? While most North Americans celebrate December 25 as the big gift-giving day of the season, other cultures celebrate January 6 as the day for presents and other surprises. On January 6, the Day of the Epiphany, many people traditionally remember the day when the Magi brought gifts to young Jesus. In many Spanish-speaking countries, children leave out grass and water for the Magi’s camels the day before Dia de los Reyes (the day of kings). They awake to find their shoes filled with gifts “from” the visiting Magi. In Germany, children dress up as the Magi and carol from house to house, asking for charity donations. The Epiphany is celebrated in Italy with bonfires and special treats; the French make a holiday gateau des rois or king cake. There are many other traditions as well.

The word epiphany means revelation or manifestation. The Day of the Epiphany celebrates the revelation of Jesus as the Son of God, born as a baby into the world. As He lived among us, Jesus was a living revelation of who God is—that means Jesus reveals to us what God is like. Hebrews 1:3 tells us that “the Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being.” Throughout His life, Jesus demonstrated God’s power, His love, His mercy, His holiness, His wisdom, and more. The words Jesus spoke were the very words of God (John 5:19). And Jesus’s death and resurrection fulfilled God’s plan of salvation for His people.

The Magi experienced the epiphany of seeing young Jesus. And Jesus invites each of us to have this epiphany as well. Do you see Jesus as God Himself? He invites us to see His glory as “the one and only son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). That’s exactly who He is! • Laura N. Sweet

• How did Jesus demonstrate God’s power while He lived among us here on earth? How did He demonstrate God’s mercy? His love?

• Why is it important that Jesus is both God and human? How does this affect the way we understand His death and resurrection?

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 (NIV) 

I’m fat. My skin is broken out. My nose is too big. I’m ugly.

Thoughts like these have haunted me most of my life, particularly during my teenage years. I often wondered what was wrong with me. Why couldn’t I look different? Sometimes, just looking in a mirror made me want to cry.

My weight bothered me most, so I tried anything to reduce it. I refused my body nourishment, exercised too much, adopted specific and irrational eating rituals, and spiraled into binge eating. All of this was an attempt to quiet the sadness inside. I thought if I could control my weight tightly enough, I would be happy.

What I couldn’t see back then was that I was believing a lie. I hated my body for how it looked. I thought it was worthless. I didn’t think God cared or had anything to say about it. It took me many years and much wise Christian counsel to realize that nothing could be further from the truth.

God created all of us in His image, the crown jewels of His originally good creation. It was only after humanity’s fall into sin that we began misusing our bodies and considering them shameful. But even in our broken state, God came to save us. Fully God and fully human, Jesus was born into the world. He has a body like we have, and that’s why He could die on our behalf and make us right with God again, no matter what our bodies look like (Psalm 34:5; Romans 3:22-26).

And there’s more good news. Before Jesus came, God provided His people with a temple, a place for His presence to dwell so they could worship Him. But now, God doesn’t make His home in a physical building anymore. He lives in us. That’s right, He chose to make the body that I hated and mistreated for so long into His new temple. Scripture tells us that we are not our own, we were bought at a very high price. And that price was the blood of Jesus. Therefore, we are called to glorify Him with our bodies.

So, if you are ever tempted to view your body as I did, please remember that you are worth much more than you think. The staggering reality is that we, bodies included, are immeasurably valuable because God created us, loves us, died for us, and lives in us. And that, my friends, is a beautiful thing. • Alissa Griffin

• Genesis 1:27 says, “So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them.” How does the fact that we bear the image of God affect how we view our bodies?

• After Jesus died on the cross, He rose from the grave, and His disciples saw His resurrected body. If we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we can look forward to the day He will raise us from the dead—then we’ll have resurrected bodies too, and we’ll live with Him forever in restored creation! On that glorious day, we won’t struggle with sin and brokenness anymore. How might knowing that our bodies will be resurrected change the way we view ourselves? What does this say about how valuable our bodies are to God?

• What does it mean to honor or glorify God with our bodies? (Hint: read Romans 6:13 and Ephesians 5:29)

• Today’s devotion mentions disordered eating. If you are struggling with disordered eating or think you might have an eating disorder—such as anorexia nervosa (extreme restriction of food intake), bulimia nervosa (eating large amounts of food followed by purging), or binge eating disorder (repeated episodes of consuming large amounts of food in short periods of time)—who is a trusted adult you could talk to about getting help? Treatment for eating disorders can be long and complex, usually requiring therapy and nutritional counseling, but Jesus will walk with you every step of the way, and He’ll provide fellow Christians to...

So cold. Such nasty weather. The wind is terrible. The voice in my head was full of complaints. I was ready to get inside and tell everyone just how miserable I had felt on my morning walk. I can’t do this. I frowned. How was I even going to make it inside? It was too cold.

Suddenly, a thought popped into my head: I needed to change my thinking if I wanted things to get easier. A hymn came to mind, and I started singing it in my head as I continued forward. In what felt like just moments, I had covered all the ground I needed to cover, and I was back in the warmth.

In Acts 16, life couldn’t have been fun for Paul and Silas when they were in prison. They hadn’t done anything wrong, yet they were publicly “stripped and beaten with rods” (verse 22), then locked up with criminals in the worst part of the jail. What did the two men do as they sat in the dank inner cell, bloody and bruised, with their feet held fast in stocks so they couldn’t even move their legs to ease the pain? They sang. What did they sing? Songs to God.

Sometimes we need to change our focus in order to get through difficult times. Instead of focusing on the trouble in front of us and the pain we’re dealing with, we need to focus on how great our God is and all that He has done for us. Instead of focusing on the cold wind against our faces, we can thank God for the sunshine He created to go along with that wind.

There are going to be struggles in our lives. There is nothing we can do to stop them from coming. When they come, though, will we store up complaints to share with others—or will we turn our focus onto Jesus and praise God? • Emily Acker

• Have you ever found yourself praising God in the midst of a hard time? What was that like?

• God sees all that we go through, and He has so much compassion on us. Jesus has promised to be with us in all our troubles, and He can truly empathize with us because He experienced our suffering when He lived among us and was put to death on the cross. Whenever we’re struggling, He weeps with us— and He also reminds us that He loves us, that He rose from the dead, and that He promises to raise His people too. We can trust that God is in control, and He will work things out for our good. How can these truths help us praise God in the hard times?

Praise the Lord. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him! Psalm 147:1 (NIV) 

I wasn’t hiding
I’ve always been here
All of this time
There is no need to fear

I wouldn’t leave you
This is not the end
Broken as it is
Your heart, I will mend

I am always good
I have good plans for you
My gentle hand will guide
In all that you do

I am your Father
You can come to me
Always, in any moment
I will give you peace • Bethany Acker

• Can you think of a time you felt like God wasn’t there for you? Throughout our lives, we all go through times like these, and it’s easy to wonder if God has left us. Thankfully, God has given us so many promises in His Word, assuring His people that He will never leave us. Because of Jesus’s death and resurrection, He is always with us. (If you want to dig deeper, read Psalms 139:10; 147:3; Isaiah 41:10; Matthew 7:7-11; 11:28-30; 28:20; John 14:27; 1 Corinthians 2:9; Hebrews 13:5)

• God always wants us to turn to Him. When we are brokenhearted, He wants to give us the comfort we so desperately need. He is a loving Father who is always there for us. Consider taking a moment to talk to God about times He’s felt far away, asking Him to help you see how He was with you then, and how He is with you now.

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 (NIV) 

Duke Zeroth pounded on the cell door, then slid to the floor. Every gold piece, mansion, animal, field, and even his wardrobe—gone to pay debts. And still he owed more.

Zeroth clutched his head. Surely he couldn’t have invested everything in that partnership with Lord Drune—the traitor! Even now, Drune was duping a new victim.

Zeroth crawled onto a pile of hay. Something dug into his back as he tossed and turned. He reached into the hay, expecting to find a rock. Instead, he withdrew a metal cylinder. As he raised it, something rustled.

He removed the cap, releasing a warm glow. A parchment fell out—a note.

“I will come for you. Only write and ask.” Below the words was the seal of the king.

A second piece of parchment and writing supplies tumbled from the cylinder.

Zeroth moaned. Was it just last year he’d offered himself to be a king’s courtier? The king had seemed to approve of him, but then! That condition—to give everything away before entering the palace. Everything! All that made Zeroth powerful and respected and self-sufficient.

To write to the king now would seem cheap. It was too late. If the king knew into whose hands this message had come, he would never give Zeroth a second chance.

Zeroth shoved everything back into the metal container and closed out the light. Prisoners’ cries and the jailer’s laughter haunted him.

Too dark! He uncapped the cylinder again, releasing the glow. He took a breath. The king never lied. Ever. This was his last hope.

“I’ve been so foolish,” he wrote. “Please, would you come for even me?” He slipped the missive into the cylinder and replaced the cap. As he fell asleep, the soft glow remained.

He awoke to someone washing his bruised feet. Zeroth sat up straight and stared into the face of his king.

“Sire! You shouldn’t—”

The king held out his hand. “Will you come to my court now?”

Zeroth’s face burned. “But I have only these filthy rags.”

“Leave them,” the king said. “I have brought you a new robe. Come, follow me.” • Judith DeStefano

• Today’s allegorical story is inspired by several passages. In Mark 10:17-22, we see Jesus’s conversation with a rich young ruler. And in Luke 15:11-24, Jesus tells a parable—a story of a son who rejects his father and ends up destitute. How does the end of Jesus’s conversation with the rich young ruler compare to the end of Jesus’s parable of the lost son?

• How do both of these passages show the heart of God for people? (Hint: look especially at Mark 10:21 and Luke 15:20-24)

• Having a relationship with Jesus is worth everything we have, and more (Matthew 13:44-46). Maybe you want Jesus, but you feel like you’ve really messed up. Remember, Jesus has already done all that was needed to forgive you and bring you into His eternal kingdom by dying on the cross and rising from the grave for you. He loves you with an unshakable love. If you want to know more about what Jesus has done for us and what it means to receive Him, see our "Know Jesus" page.

• Throughout our lives, we all find ourselves prizing earthly things above a relationship with Jesus. Even after we’ve put our trust in Him, our hearts still wander sometimes! Yet He always longs for us to repent—to turn back to Him and follow where He leads. Are there any choices you’re making that are keeping you from pursuing a deeper relationship with Jesus? Consider taking a moment to talk to Him about this.

The son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” But the father said to his servants, “...

Have you ever read Philippians 3:1-11? Paul says some pretty surprising stuff in this passage. He talks about all the good things he did—studying God’s Word, living a holy life, and obeying God’s good law—and he calls it all garbage, rubbish, or dung. We might look at passages like this and wonder, “Why on earth would Paul say that?”

By this point in his life, Paul had learned a few things about God. He encountered Jesus on the way to Damascus, and Jesus totally changed his life. Paul realized that all the old things he had been doing were fruitless attempts to earn his own righteousness—or right standing before God. And anything we do to try to earn our own righteousness can rightly be called “garbage.” Only Jesus can actually make us righteous, and He offers it to us as a gift.

So, when we do good things to try to earn our righteousness or favor with God, we are trying to do Jesus’s job for Him—and that never works. Jesus is the only one who can save us. He lived a sinless life, took our sins upon Himself, and died to give His righteousness (or sinlessness) to anyone who trusts in Him. Then He raised Himself from the grave, defeating sin and death and ensuring the resurrection of His people so we can be with Him forever.

As followers of Jesus, it is important for us to study God’s Word and seek to follow God’s good law. But if our actions don’t flow from resting in Jesus and what He has already done, then no matter how good those actions may seem, they are worthless. Good behavior can never make us whole and right before God; only Jesus can do that.

But when we rest in the truth of the gospel, it changes the way we approach everything. It frees us to see how Jesus cares about every aspect of our lives, not just the ones we might consider “holy,” like going to church and doing devotions. Our relationships, our health, our work, our hobbies—all of these things are transformed by the gospel. Jesus cares about all of these parts of your life because He cares about you. Rest in Him, friend. He’s got you. • Taylor Eising

• It can be difficult to discern when we’re doing things to earn our righteousness, and when we’re doing them because of what Jesus has done for us. And we’re never going to get it right 100% of the time— that’s what forgiveness is for. When we’re not sure about our motivations, it can be helpful to ask, “Am I doing this to get God to love me, or am I doing this because God loves me?”

I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. Philippians 3:9 (NLT) 

“King Josiah!” Shaphan called out as he burst into the palace. “We found this book in the temple.” The king said, “Read it to me.” When the scribe did, Josiah tore his robes and wept.

Shaphan read the Book of the Law, the story of God’s love for His people and the rules He gave to sustain His covenant with them. Josiah recognized that Jerusalem was full of sin—the breaking of God’s good rules. There were idols at every corner. So Josiah destroyed them. The next era of Jerusalem was filled with fire—but instead of burning incense to false gods, the city had a thick cloud of smoke over it from burning the shrines, altars, and temples of the idols.

It’s easy to think we don’t have idols like they did. But consider this: when tragedy strikes, do you post about it, or pray about it? When you’re overwhelmed, do you start scrolling, or open your Bible? Often, we go to created things before we go to the Creator (Romans 1:25).

Humans have a desire to worship. But we tend to forget who made us with that desire, and we try to fulfill it by worshiping unworthy idols of many different forms. But only God is worthy of being at the center of our lives, and anything or anyone else we put there is an idol. For example, social media, scrolling, and gaming can be idols if they occupy God’s rightful spot.

So what can we do? We can look to Jesus, the only one who could fulfill the law and forgive our sin—including the sin of idolatry (Matthew 5:17; Romans 10:4). Once we know Jesus, we have the power of His Holy Spirit in us, so we can burn those idols like Josiah did long ago. (Note: please don’t literally burn your phone—the fumes are toxic.) “Burning” could look like setting restrictions on our technology usage and asking others to keep us accountable.

Once we’ve removed an idol, our hearts need to be built up to become an altar to the true God. Like Josiah called Jerusalem together to read God’s laws and recommit themselves to the Lord, we can read God’s Word and rely on the Holy Spirit to help us refocus on Jesus. Because when we look at what He did for us on the cross, every idol pales in comparison. • L. M.

• Consider taking a moment to ask God what created things have become idols in your life. What could you do to “burn” them? Who is a trusted Christian you could talk to about this?

• When you’re tempted to go back to old idols, how could you take time to pause and draw near to Jesus, relying on Him to provide your sense of worth, security, and satisfaction?

“You shall have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:3 (WEB) 

Pain and illness are terrible results of the Fall, which is when sin and death entered the world. Whenever we or someone we know is affected by an illness, God wants us to pray for healing in faith that He will heal all believers in one of three ways: natural healing, supernatural healing, or ultimate healing when Jesus comes back. Jesus, who is God, is at work in all three types of healing, and we see examples of each type in the Bible.

In 1 Kings 19, Elijah is suffering from utter exhaustion to the point of having suicidal thoughts. In this case, God uses natural means to solve his ailment: sleep and food. Unfortunately, not all illnesses can be cured by a snack and a nap (but those things certainly don’t hurt!). God also uses doctors, counselors, and modern medicine to bring about incredible healing using natural means. When we pray for natural healing, we can thank God for the gifts He has given to the people administering treatment and pray for wisdom in forming a treatment plan.

Jesus uses supernatural healing in Matthew 9 when He heals a woman without any medical intervention (see also, Luke 8:43). God brings supernatural healing several times throughout the Bible with the end goal of guiding someone to trust in Him. Often, He heals in this way to deepen our faith—to show He is undeniably in control. When we pray for supernatural healing, we can do so with bold faith, knowing that God is certainly capable of healing in inexplicable ways, and that He is at work whether supernatural healing is His plan for a particular person or not.

Lastly, Jesus will heal all believers when He returns to make all things new and resurrect us from the dead. As Christians, we might not experience full healing now, but we can know that Jesus will bring an end to our pain and suffering. On that glorious day, we will have perfectly healthy bodies, minds, and souls through the power and promise of Jesus’s death and resurrection. Until that day, never stop bringing your pains and illnesses to Him in prayer. He loves us so much. He sees, He cares, and He will act in His perfect timing. • Taylor Eising

• Have you ever seen natural or supernatural healing? What was that like for you or the person being healed?

• Why does Jesus care about our health?

• Why can we always have hope in Jesus, even when we are surrounded by pain and illness? (Romans 8:19-39; Hebrews 4:14-16)

The Lord nurses them when they are sick and restores them to health. Psalm 41:3 (NLT) 

You’re halfway through the story, and the heroes are stuck. Nothing is working, and the enemies are closing in. You don’t see any way of escape. But, somehow, things turn out okay. Maybe a sudden turn of events changes everything. Maybe they knew something you didn’t. Or maybe they had a secret weapon, more powerful than you or their enemies ever dreamt of.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we had a secret weapon, something we could pull out to help us when we just aren’t powerful enough? If we’re soldiers of God’s kingdom, shouldn’t He have equipped us with some really strong way to influence our world?

Good news: He did! It’s called prayer.

What? No bolt of lightning? No neon laser beam? Words we say to God…what sort of a weapon is that? But look deeper. Our actions are limited in ways that prayer isn’t. The fact that we don’t have to do anything is exactly what makes it so powerful. We can influence the other side of the world as we pray for God to change people’s hearts and even work miracles. And the reason we have access to the all-powerful, all-loving God is because of Jesus (Hebrews 4:14-16).

Ever heard of George Müller? He took care of 10,000 orphans in nineteenth century England, receiving tens of millions of British pounds in today’s money without ever asking anyone—except God—for money or help. George Müller knew the power of his secret weapon.

You might be thinking, “Well, he’s basically a missionary. But can I be a prayer warrior?” Absolutely. Who do you know who needs prayer? A friend who doesn’t know Jesus? Someone who’s going through a tough time? Consider making a commitment to pray for them every day for a week. Choose a specific time to help you remember—maybe right before bed or on the way to sports practice. Keep building up the habit of prayer. As you bring your requests to Jesus, the ultimate Healer, you can rest in His promise to restore what is broken—whether it be now, later, or when He returns to make all things new. • Christiana Albrecht

• Can you think of a time you experienced an answer to prayer? Consider taking a moment to thank God for this!

• What are some things in your life, or in other’s lives, that you could start praying about today?

• When can you set aside time to pray? What could help you remember?

• Why is it hard to motivate ourselves to pray? Why do you think Satan would tempt us not to?

The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16 (NIV)

In the Bible, Jesus commissioned His disciples to tell people about Him. As Christians, that is our commission too. And, personally, it’s one area I’ve struggled with. You see, I’m not an extrovert. In fact, there have been times when I’ve wondered if my voice is actually being heard at all. I’ve never imagined myself as the outspoken Peter or the zealous Paul, who both spoke passionately about their devotion to Jesus and His teachings in front of large crowds.

When I was younger, there were many times I worried about not being able to share Jesus with others in the same wonderful ways I’d heard preachers do. It would have been easy for me to give up, thinking, “What use am I to God? Why can’t I be like the courageous witnesses I’ve seen openly professing their faith?”

Now I am older, and I’ve realized that God, the Creator, knows exactly who I am. He knows my strengths and weaknesses. So I write about faith, trials, and dilemmas in the hope that it helps a reader follow Jesus in this broken world we live in, or even trust in Him for the first time.

All of us are called to share Jesus, but all of us have different skills that enable us to reach out to a variety of personalities. Witnessing doesn’t have to look like speaking in front of large groups, and it doesn’t have to be on a platform. It can be in the songs we sing, the words we write, or the loyalty and patience we have. Most of all, it is the kind actions and the integrity we show in our everyday lives that are a testimony to God, who loves us dearly. • Cindy Lee

• How might God be inviting you to share Jesus with other people? There are many different ways we can reach out in a troubled world. Consider taking a moment to talk to God about this. Additionally, who are trusted Christians in your life who could help you discern the Holy Spirit’s guidance and tell you what gifts and skills they see in you?

• How did you hear the good news of Jesus? Was it through your family, friends, a preacher, books, or some other way?

Then he [Jesus] said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Mark 16:15 (CSB) 

What am I? I thought as I stared down at my hand, now covered in words written in permanent ink. Cruel words, words that had been carved into my heart for years, now written all over my hands—they stabbed me, again and again, like knives in my heart.

This can’t be who I am. I thought desperately. Lazy, slow, fat, short, stupid, weak… Every word stung with fresh pain when I looked at it. Insult after insult, crawling up my fingers and over my knuckles like ugly insects.

Oh, God, no. This can’t be who I am. Where had the prayer come from? How had God come into this? God didn’t belong here, with this hand, covered in my failures; with this heart, full of bitter self-hate. But I looked out the window, over the bare trees reaching for the open sky, flushed pink with the evening sun. I was kneeling on the floor, crushed beneath the weight of the letters on my hand. What am I, God?

This isn’t who you are, Becca. I blinked at the soft whisper in my heart. That writing isn’t you. That writing is what they think of you. It isn’t what defines you. I will tell you what you are. You are beautiful. You are strong. You are treasured… Above all, you are loved. Replace those words with My words, Becca. All that matters is what I think of you, what I say of you. Because I know you. And I love you.

“Okay, God,” I sobbed. “But it’s so hard. These words—they won’t just go away.”

By My power, they can. Slowly and painfully, they will leave as you replace them with My words. It won’t be easy. But I will help you. I will remind you. I will love you.

I looked up, back out the window at the setting sun. I lifted my hand and looked at the words, feeling their sting. No. I picked up a red marker from the floor. I opened my hand and, right over my palm, wrote the words, YOU SAY.

The red ink, like Christ’s blood, covered some of the letters of shame on my hand. A sense of calm that I hadn’t felt in a long time settled over me. And while I knew it wouldn’t be easy, little by little, the poison of the words of shame would give way to the peace of the red letters, of what God thought of me. I would let His words guard me from the sting of lies. God would define me. I am what You say of me. • Rebecca Roskamp

• What letters of shame have you been carrying? Consider taking a moment to bring these to Jesus.

You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. Psalm 139:1 (NIV) 

Have you been hurt by something someone said to you lately? Maybe you were left wondering how they could have been so insensitive. In my own life, I recently experienced a family tragedy. To make matters worse, one of my relatives said something unkind to me.

I thought about how I should react. Should I just get angry and bitter? The verse Matthew 18:15 spoke to me: “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.” Instead of getting angry and complaining, I decided to let my relative know how I felt. Since we live far away from each other, I texted her. I simply let her know that, even though I assumed she had no intention of hurting me, I felt hurt when I heard what she said. We should instead pray about God’s will for my family. She realized her mistake and stopped all those unkind remarks!

In Matthew 18:21-35, Jesus tells a parable of a servant who owes a large debt to his master, but his master has mercy on him and forgives the whole thing! But then, this servant acts unmercifully, attacking a fellow servant who owes him a much smaller debt. Jesus calls us to be merciful and show grace to others. God has forgiven our sins, and so we should forgive others. I know that sometimes I say wrong things too, and God has forgiven me. I could have lashed out at my relative, but instead I chose to give her grace because God has shown me grace. We all need the grace of God, and I was glad this matter was resolved in a peaceful way.

It’s important to direct our focus on the grace of God and what He has done for us, and not on the people who have hurt us. For all we know, they may have already confessed their sin to God and received His forgiveness for what they did to us! In Ephesians 4:32, Paul says, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Let us think more about Jesus and His love and sacrifice for us. • Kelly Choy

• Have you ever told someone that their words hurt you? How did it go?

• Can you think of a time you said something you regretted? God has so much mercy on us, and through Jesus’s death and resurrection, He has already made the way for us to be forgiven. If you have the chance, consider apologizing to the person you said those hurtful things to.

But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” James 4:6 (NIV) 

On the night Jesus was born, there was a lot of celebrating going on! And those celebrations continue on to this day—all around the world.

In the USA, where I live, our Christmas celebrations center around putting up a Christmas tree and a nativity scene. On the actual day, we have a big meal and exchange presents.

In Norway, they start celebrating on Christmas Eve. They generally have porridge for lunch, and one lucky person gets an almond hidden in their bowl. That person wins a pig made of marzipan! Then, church services start after the church bells ring at 5:00 pm, and afterwards people go home for a special dinner.

In Poland, on Christmas Eve everyone watches the sky, eagerly waiting to spot the first star of the night. Once a star is spotted, dinner begins! This tradition is to remember the magi, who followed the star to find Jesus. They also have a tradition of putting hay on their dinner table underneath their tablecloth. This reminds them that Jesus was born in a manger.

In the Gambia, they have parades at Christmas time. They carry with them something called a fanal. It’s like a lantern they make out of bamboo with white paper hung over it, usually in the shape of a boat and decorated with candles or lights.

In Russia, they celebrate Christmas on January 7th. They go to church and then come home to a meal with twelve dishes—one dish to honor each of the first twelve disciples.

In reality, it doesn’t matter how we celebrate Christmas but rather who we celebrate. Christmas is the time we set aside to celebrate Jesus: He loves us so much that He became human, died on the cross, and rose again to save us from sin and death. And that’s always worth celebrating! • Melissa Yeagle

• What is your favorite Christmas tradition? Why is it so important that Jesus—who is God—became a human? (Hint: read John 1:1-17; Romans 8:3-4; Hebrews 2:14-15, 17)

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NIV) 

Three wise men, three kings, three magi—who were these people? The truth is, we don’t know a lot about them. But the Bible and history together do tell us a few things.

To begin with, the Bible never says there were three. The only reason we say “three wise men” is because they gave three gifts, so historically, Christians have talked about three people. And what are they called, anyway? The technical term is magi, which is a Greek word referring to a certain group of people, possibly from Persia, who studied the stars and offered predictions and words of wisdom to rulers. When they traveled, they tended to do so in large numbers, so maybe a better title for the song “We Three Kings” would be “We Caravan of Magi.”

God showed these magi a star that predicted the coming of a great King. As they traveled, probably for months or even years, He led them to Jesus, who would have been about two years old at the time. They recognized Jesus as the King whose birth had long been foretold. God opened their eyes to show them that this toddler was their Savior, and they bowed down and worshiped. These travelers from afar recognized Jesus as God before most of Israel, Jesus’s own people, did!

This incredible part of the story of Christ’s birth shows that Jesus is fully God. The very stars proclaim who He is. Jesus is God, and because of His goodness and holiness, His handiwork cannot help but praise Him. His Name and His divinity are written all throughout creation, and if we earnestly seek Him, He will reveal Himself to us. Like the magi, we can join creation in praising our Savior (Psalm 19:1-3; Romans 1:20). • Taylor Eising

• Why is it important that Jesus is fully God? Could His sacrifice on the cross have saved us if He wasn’t fully God? (Hint: read 2 Corinthians 5:21; Philippians 2:5-11)

• Has God revealed Himself to you in any unexpected ways? What are some ways we can catch glimpses of God’s goodness in creation?

• It can be really hard to wrap our minds around the fact that Jesus is both completely God and completely human. It’s a divine mystery that can only be understood through faith. What questions do you have about this? God invites us to bring all our questions to Him! Additionally, who is a trusted Christian in your life you can talk to about this as well?

All your works praise you, Lord; your faithful people extol you. Psalm 145:10 (NIV)

Did you know that Jesus probably wasn’t born in a stable? If you take a look at Luke 2:1-7, it doesn’t say “stable” anywhere. We usually hear about Jesus being born in a stable because it says He was laid in a manger, which is where animals eat, and in our current time and place, animals live in stables. Makes sense, right?

The problem is, in the time and place that Jesus was born, animals were often brought into a special room in the house at night to protect them from thieves and predators. Archeologists are discovering that most homes in the area were built with one small room for the animals, one larger room for the family, and one room upstairs for guests. The room for the animals even had large bowl-shaped indents in the floor, called mangers, to hold their food.

Also, the Bible says Joseph had family in Bethlehem, so he and Mary would have been welcomed into a relative’s house with open arms. In that culture, failing to show hospitality brought an incredible amount of shame. When the Bible says there was “no room” for them, it probably means the upstairs guest room was full, so they likely stayed downstairs with the family and animals. So, when Mary gave birth, she was probably surrounded by family to help with the delivery. But the house was packed so full that the only place they could put Jesus was in the manger.

Why does this all matter? Well, the circumstances of His birth say something very powerful: Jesus is human. He had a relatively ordinary birth for His time and place in history. He was surrounded by the people He came to save, right from His first moments out of the womb.

Jesus experienced everything it meant to be human. Although He is also fully God, He became every bit as fleshy as we are, so that He could save every bit of who we are. • Taylor Eising

• Why is it important that Jesus is fully human? Could He have taken our place on the cross if He wasn’t fully human? (Hint: read John 1:14; 14:6; Romans 5:12-21)

• How could the fact that Jesus is fully human affect our relationship with Him?

• As we study God’s Word, why is it important to understand the culture and history of the Bible?

This High Priest of ours [Jesus] understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. Hebrews 4:15 (NLT) 

What a fairytale! Angels, a virgin birth, a manger, shepherds, magi…it’s a great story to make us feel all fuzzy and warm at Christmas. But can we seriously believe the story of Jesus’s birth is true?

God knew the Christmas story was going to be wildly unique. In fact, He made it that way on purpose. Why? So we could know that it really is true. How? He told us about it beforehand. The Old Testament prophecies aren’t just Christmas poetry—they’re compelling evidence that the baby in the manger was the Son of God and the Messiah, the promised Rescuer.

Micah 5:2 says, “Bethlehem Ephrathah, you are small among the clans of Judah; one will come from you to be ruler over Israel for me. His origin is from antiquity, from ancient times.” The prophet Micah said the Messiah would be from the lowly town of Bethlehem…and these words were written about 700 years before Jesus was born in that exact town!

Isaiah 7:14 says, “Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: See, the virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel.” Isaiah’s words were also written about 700 years before Christmas. The name Immanuel means “God with us.” So Isaiah is saying that God will come to be with us, born of a virgin. This prophecy was fulfilled when Jesus’s mother Mary became miraculously pregnant while she was still a virgin (Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38).

Isaiah 11:1-3 says, “Then a shoot will grow from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots will bear fruit. The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him—a Spirit of wisdom and understanding…His delight will be in the fear of the LORD.” Jesse was the father of King David. When we look at Jesus’s genealogy, we see that He is a direct descendent of Jesse (Matthew 1:6; Luke 3:32). And the fact that Jesus is found discussing theology with the religious leaders at age twelve, and later the Holy Spirit comes and rests on Him at His baptism, shows us that He fits this prophecy entirely (Matthew 3:13-16; Luke 2:41-52).

Those three verses only scratch the surface of all the prophecies that were fulfilled in the miracle called Christmas. Truth stranger than fiction? Sometimes it’s meant to be, so that we know it’s no coincidence. • Christiana Albrecht

• Why is it important to know that Jesus fulfills the promises of Scripture? (If you want to dig deeper, read Luke 24:27, 44; John 5:39; Acts 10:43; 2 Corinthians 1:20; 2 Timothy 3:15)

He [Jesus] began by saying to them, “Today as you listen, this Scripture has been fulfilled.” Luke 4:21 (CSB) 

All the trappings of Christmas fill me with joyful expectation leading up to the day we celebrate Christ’s birth. However, last year sadness stole my joy. In mid-December, our granddaughter was diagnosed with a non-cancerous tumor on her fibula, requiring surgery and extensive physical therapy. Sad and worried, I began just going through the motions of Christmas. A week before Christmas day, my daughter-in-law’s great-aunt died—followed by the death of my cousin, who was as close to me as a brother. At that point, I felt no joy. I wanted Christmas to be over.

But then, something happened. Messages of joy surrounded me. Our Sunday sermon revolved around the joy of Jesus coming into the world, and the benediction from Romans 15:13 stayed with me all day: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” So, when I was overwhelmed with sadness and grief, I repeated, “I trust you.”

My daily devotions focused on finding joy in difficult situations, like a change of plans, a bad accident, or hurt feelings during the holiday season—and they used non-Christmas verses like 1 Peter 5:7, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you,” and Psalm 55:22, “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you.” All these prompted me to pray for joy.

When I awoke on Christmas Eve thinking of Philippians 4:4, which says “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” my outlook changed. Our grand darling was under the best care at Mayo Clinic. I remembered happy times spent with my daughter-in-law’s aunt and many Christmases with my cousin. My joy returned. My trust in Jesus deepened. An angel didn’t appear to me like one did to the shepherds, but I do believe I was reminded about the “good news” of “great joy” so I could celebrate with joy the birth of my Savior. • Rose Ross Zediker

• Have you been going through something difficult lately? Do the holidays stir up painful memories or grief for you? Many of us feel melancholy during the Christmas season, and that’s okay. God invites us to be honest with Him about all these things. He longs to comfort us in His love, and He doesn’t stop there. He also reminds us that He is the source of unchanging joy. We can carry His joy in our hearts because God’s promise was fulfilled. Our Savior was born! Consider taking some time to talk to Him about the hard things, and also to take hold of His joy today.

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” Luke 2:10 (NIV) 

Every Christmas, when I read about the coming of Christ, I linger over the beautiful, contrasting descriptions of how Jesus draws near to us, even though He is holy. It’s truly a profound mystery—for Jesus IS a paradox. These contrasts led me to write today’s poem (which is also a song for me personally) because at Christmas, we celebrate history’s most incredible contrast: God Himself being born, fully human, as a sacrificial Savior—while also ruling the universe as highest Lord and King. I hope meditating on these paradoxes in Scripture will help us see how God may sometimes draw us near in unexpected ways to help us experience true fullness of joy, perhaps in losing our life to save it (John 15:11; Luke 9:24).

Holy Child, the Prince of Peace,
O promised Savior King!
Come to fill our hearts with joy—
O Man of Suffering!

Mighty God, a virgin’s child,
Maker of stars who cried;
Creation groaned to see it so—
Yet Christ was glorified!

Slain for the world He fashioned,
God’s holy arm laid bare;
Come to free us from the curse—
To conquer dark despair!

Jesus Christ, begotten Son,
Risen that we might be…
Freed from sorrow, sin, and grave—
Made new eternally!

Come now, come see,
on bended knee—
Rejoice, O earth and sing!
Our guilt and shame He cast away—
Hail Jesus, Savior King! • G. Kam Congleton

• Jesus is fully God, and He is also fully human—what a paradox! Those two statements seem to contradict, but both are equally true. Which of the paradoxes about Jesus from today’s poem catches your attention?

• What questions do you have about paradoxes in the Bible? Who are trusted Christians you could talk to about this?

• If you want to dig deeper, read Matthew 2:1-2; Romans 8:22-23; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Hebrews 1:1-3; Revelation 13:8; 21:1-5; 22:1-5

The LORD will lay bare his holy arm in the sight of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God. Isaiah 52:10 (NIV)

A friend and I returned from Christmas shopping. I checked my jewelry box. Another pair of new earrings was missing! I had been excited about wearing them to school on Monday. I told my mother, and she discovered it was that same friend, who I’ll call Josie. My heart hurt that one of my best friends was stealing from me. I had trusted her. We shared meals and secrets, but she stole from me. I was so mad I felt like I couldn’t forgive her. At school, she was always smiling. My anger and bitterness didn’t cause her pain. I was miserable while she was happy.

Later, I learned that Jesus Christ came to earth to die in my place for my sins and rise again to give me new life. I chose to admit my wrongdoing, receive His forgiveness, and follow Christ. I knew that I had been forgiven much—and that Jesus called me to forgive others as well.

I wanted Josie to apologize to me so I could forgive her, but I realized that I can forgive her no matter what she does. It felt like forgiving her meant we had to be great friends again. But while forgiveness is freely given, trust is earned. It’s okay to let go of the hurt in my heart without inviting someone who has stolen from me back into my house. It felt like I should hold back forgiveness to punish her, but the Bible tells us that revenge belongs to the Lord. When I hold resentment in my heart, the only person it hurts is me.

As Christmas approaches, I remember that Jesus was born to bring us forgiveness. Since He laid down His life to offer me forgiveness, He will empower me to forgive others. Jesus was born to bring peace on earth (Luke 2:14), and letting go of unforgiveness brings peace to my heart. • Mary Schilling

• Are you struggling to forgive someone who has hurt you? Consider taking some time to talk to Jesus about the wrongs that have been done to you. Jesus grieves our hurts with us, and one way He helps us heal is by helping us let go of unforgiveness. And as we reflect on how much God has forgiven us, we often find it becomes easier to forgive others. You can thank Him for forgiving you, and you could even try picturing God’s forgiveness flowing through you to others.

• God will punish every sin at judgment day—but the sins of those who trust in Jesus have already been paid for by Jesus’s death on the cross. How might knowing that God will handle every wrong in His perfect justice help us let go of the desire to punish someone? (Psalm 86:5; Proverbs 20:22)

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 (NIV) 

When I entered the auditorium, my stomach fluttered with nervous energy. But spotting Debbie in the audience reminded me that a friend would be there cheering me on.

During my first year at college, I was a drum major in the marching band. Then, near the end of that school year, I tried out again for the position of drum major, hoping to continue in this role.

Auditions took place in a large auditorium and were open to the public. Debbie had been mentoring me in my faith that year, and I asked her for prayers for the upcoming tryouts. She agreed to pray but also committed to more. Debbie told me I could count on her presence in that auditorium. When I walked into the building on the day of tryouts, my friend and mentor had already taken her seat and greeted me with a wide smile. Debbie showed up for me, and she showed up to be with me.

One of my favorite ways the Bible refers to Jesus is as Immanuel, meaning “God with us” (Matthew 1:23). When we trust in Jesus Christ for forgiveness for our sins, we enter a new relationship with God as our Father. Sin no longer separates us from Him because Jesus has bridged that gap through His death and resurrection. In this relationship with God, as His children, we can count on Him to be available to us with His power and comfort. Yet Christ offers more than the opportunity to lean on God’s wisdom and look to Him for compassion. In the Person of Christ, God has come to be with us—walking alongside us, suffering with us, rejoicing with us. Though Debbie supported me from the audience, Jesus was right there with me on stage as I performed. • Allison Wilson Lee

• Jesus came to be “God with us.” Why is this good news? What encouragement does it give us?

• Where in your life do you need to experience Jesus as Immanuel right now? Maybe you’re facing an overwhelming decision, a season of loneliness, or a tough situation that calls for perseverance. Consider taking a moment to talk to Him about whatever is on your mind.

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). Matthew 1:22-23 (NIV)

Christians are notoriously bad at talking about sex. We gloss over it, give incomplete information, and usually end the conversation with, “Sex is bad. Don’t do it.” So, on behalf of Christians everywhere, I want to apologize. Sometimes we struggle with awkward subjects. We make the mistake of believing that sex has nothing to do with the gospel. But God’s Word says otherwise.

The Bible is overwhelmingly clear: creation is very good, and that means sex is very good when it’s used as it was created, in its God-given context of marriage (Genesis 1:27, 31; 2:23-25; Song of Songs 7:10-12). God created us male and female, and He did that on purpose. Males in their male-ness and females in their female-ness. When couples are brought together in the one-man-one-woman-one-lifetime covenant of marriage before God, they reflect His image in a unique way. According to Scripture, this points to God’s relationship with us, His church.

You see, sex is a reminder of a covenant that has already been made. It physically acts out the fact that, in marriage, spouses have given their whole selves over to that other person, just like Jesus has given His whole Self over to us. Sex is an act of loving completely, faithfully, and freely, mirroring the way Jesus loves us completely, faithfully, and freely. Sex says, “I give everything I am to you. I will never leave or abandon you. I have made a covenant with you, and I will never break that covenant.” Has Jesus ever said things like that?

Here’s the hard part for you, as people who, I assume, are not yet married: we cannot act out a covenant that we have not made (and that covenant must be made publicly, before God and the church). If we choose to have sex outside of marriage, we are lying with our bodies. Sex is a good gift from God, and when we misuse this good gift, it is a sin just like any other sin. But, my friends, there is abounding grace in Jesus. You can rest in the one who loves you more than anyone, including a future spouse (if that’s what He has planned for you) ever could. • Taylor Eising

• How can knowing that we bear God’s image affect the way we view sexuality?

• God created sex as a good gift to be shared and enjoyed by a husband and wife within marriage. Why are all other expressions of sexuality (lust, pornography, etc.) not good?

• Who is a trusted Christian in your life you can talk to about questions you have about sex?

God saw all that he had made, and it was very good indeed. Genesis 1:31 (CSB) 

I often find myself caught up wondering if I’m doing enough for God or others. The Bible tells us to do good, serve God, and love others. All these things are important, but sometimes I can forget what’s most important.

In Luke 10, Martha is in a similar predicament. Jesus and His disciples were staying at her house, and Martha “was distracted with much serving” (verse 40). She was serving Jesus and His disciples and being hospitable, which seems good! But her sister Mary was not helping her serve. Rather, Mary “sat at Jesus’ feet,” taking the posture of a disciple and listening to His teaching (verse 39). Martha told Jesus to tell Mary to help her. But Jesus replied, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the good part, which will not be taken away from her” (verse 41-42).

It’s better to sit at Jesus’s feet and listen to Him than to be distracted with serving Him. It’s not about what we can do for Jesus, but what Jesus has done and is doing. God is calling us to be with Him and listen. We don’t need to be anxious about serving or doing “enough.” Jesus has already done enough. He died on the cross and rose from the grave, defeating sin and death. All we need to do is listen. When we come to Him in belief, He forgives our sins and gives us the Holy Spirit. Having the Holy Spirit means God dwells in us and we are always with Him. So we are always free to set aside the distractions and draw near to Him. • Elizabeth Cooper

• Have you been striving to do “enough” to serve God? How can knowing that Jesus has already done enough help us rest in Him?

• God calls us to serve Him, but He also calls us to listen to Him. What is the difference between serving God as we listen to and rely on Him, versus serving God as a distraction from listening to and being with Him? Who are trusted Christians you could talk with more about this?

• In some cultures and communities, being busy and sometimes overworking is seen as a good thing. But this is not the way of God’s kingdom (Matthew 11:28-30). Do you struggle with overworking yourself? How could you set aside time in your day just to rest and be with God?

“Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10 (WEB) 

Susannah Spurgeon was born Susannah Thompson in London, England, on January 15th, 1832. Her family often attended New Park Street Chapel, where she first trusted Jesus Christ as her Savior. There she met Charles Haddon Spurgeon, a new preacher who later became a pastor.

On January 8th, 1856, Charles and Susannah were married. After their honeymoon, her husband left to preach, often leaving her behind. He would send letters to her almost every day, often filled with things to make her laugh and saying how much he missed her. On September 20th, 1856, their twin boys were born. Thankfully Charles was able to be home all day and take care of his wife. Nothing could cloud the joy and happiness they had.

Through the next couple years, life was hard. Tragic events happened that left Charles experiencing depression. His wife was always by his side and helped him get through that time of life. Susannah was often bedbound and weak from sickness, and she leaned on God’s strength and trusted Him to take care of her.

Later on, she started “The Book Fund” to help preachers who needed books and couldn’t afford them. She herself sent out books every week. She always gave glory to God in providing the funds and the strength to keep going, stating, “Yes, I truly have reason to bless the Lord for abundant supplies; His treasury has been wide open to me, His riches have constantly outweighed my necessities. He has multiplied His mercies above all my desires.” She herself wrote several books while handling the Book Fund. She often compared the Book Fund with a lemon tree she had planted. Both the tree and the fund had grown together and borne fruit together. She continued the Book Fund until her death on October 22nd, 1903.

In total, Susannah sent out about 200,000 books to pastors in need. The Lord carried her through sickness and hardships, blessing her and many others through her work. Because of Christ’s faithfulness, Susannah Spurgeon’s legacy still affects many today. • Sarah Nazir

• If we’ve put our trust in Jesus, believing in His death and resurrection, the Holy Spirit lives in us, giving us strength and comfort. Throughout the hardships in her life, Susannah knew the Lord’s love and trusted His strength to carry her through. Have you ever felt like the Lord’s strength was carrying you through a difficult time? What was that like?

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26 (NIV) 

“Peace on earth” is a common phrase on Christmas cards. Usually it’s accompanied by a picture of a dove or a nativity scene with Mary and Joseph and baby Jesus in a manger. As I reached my older teen years, I felt like “peace on earth” was a ridiculous thing to say. After all, evil doesn’t stop because it’s the Christmas season. People still do evil things. Sickness and death take their toll. And for many people, getting ready for Christmas day generates anything but peace. Why would anybody say “peace on earth” during Christmastime?

The events leading up to Jesus’s birth weren’t calm either. The Romans ruled their vast empire with an iron fist, and the Jews were under severe oppression. But in the midst of all this, angels appeared to a group of shepherds one night, “praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests’” (Luke 2:13-14).

The angels announced the birth of the Savior, and they talked about peace because Jesus would bring the peace everyone longs for. In Isaiah 9:6, we see that one of Jesus’s names is the “Prince of Peace.” That doesn’t mean He’ll take away all difficult situations immediately; in fact, He told us that we would face tough times. But it does mean He’ll give us peace in all circumstances. And one day, when Jesus returns, He will restore the heavens and the earth. Then all things will finally be at peace.

When Jesus died on the cross and rose from the grave to pay the price for our sins, He paved the way for peace. When we put our trust in Jesus, peace enters our lives and fills our hearts. Peace on earth is possible through Jesus, and we can have it any time. • Morgan A. Mitchell

• Can you think of a time you’ve experienced God’s peace? What was that like? If you’ve never experienced His peace, or if it’s been a while since you have, consider taking a moment to talk to Him about it.

• We live in a broken world where we often feel anything but peaceful. Yet, as we wait for Jesus to return, we can rest knowing that He has promised to always be with us. He doesn’t scold us when we feel stressed or afraid. Instead, He has so much compassion on us, and He reminds us of His presence, His love, and His peace through His Holy Spirit, His Word (the Bible), and His people (the church). Who are trusted Christians in your life you can be honest with when you feel unpeaceful? And how can you offer compassion and peace to others? (If you want to dig deeper, read John 16:33; Romans 5:1; 15:13; Philippians 4:4-9; Revelation 21:1-5.)

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14 (NIV) 

My worth is not found in how many friends I have or how many likes I get

My worth is not found in my height, my weight, or how I look

My worth is not found in my successes, achievements, grades, or awards

My worth is not found in my GPA or how many hard classes I can pack into my schedule

My worth is not found in being the star athlete, star musician, star student

My worth is not found in doing more or being more

My worth is not found in what the world deems successful…

My worth is found in Jesus…in being chosen, loved, and made new. I am worthy because He made me worthy. Because of His death on the cross—because of the incredible grace, mercy, and forgiveness that He lavishes on me—He has made me worthy. Worthy of His love, worthy of forgiveness, worthy of an intimate relationship with Him, worthy of being His.

And I don’t need to earn it, try harder, do more, be more. He has done it all. He doesn’t need my efforts, my striving—He wants my heart. Every part.

Rather than trying to prove my worth or strive toward more, I can give Him what weighs me down and let Him carry me. I can give Him my efforts as an offering of love and worship to Him—not as a payment. I can find my true worth in Him. • Cara Campbell

• We all have times when it feels like our worth is dependent on what others think of us, what we look like, what we have or don’t have, what we do or don’t do, etc. What kinds of things do you find yourself placing your identity and worth in?

• Why is it so important that our true worth isn’t found in what we do but in what Jesus has done for us?

Instead, God has chosen what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen what is weak in the world to shame the strong. 1 Corinthians 1:27 (CSB) 

A young man sits in his home, weeping. His mourning song goes unanswered by all but the One who hears everything.

A knock on the door startles him. An older man, a fellow member of the Body of Christ, comes in the house and, without prompting, throws his arms around the young man and weeps. The young man freezes. Then, slowly, awkwardly, he places his arms around the old man. A few of his tears, freed by the tears of the old man, leak out of his eyes despite his best efforts.

Then another believer comes through the door, a young woman this time, and joins the huddle. A middle-aged man with his child come in and follow suit. Soon a dozen believers surround the young man, letting their grief flow freely.

The young man’s pain, freed by the pain of those around him, finally dislodges the lump in his throat, and tears stream down his face. He opens his eyes and, for a moment, sees the face of his Savior, wet with tears.

A young man sits in his home, laughing and singing. His joyful song goes unanswered by all but the One who hears everything.

A knock on the door startles him. An older man, a fellow member of the Body of Christ, comes in the house and, without prompting, throws his arms around the young man and laughs. The young man freezes. Then, slowly, awkwardly, he places his arms around the old man. A few chuckles, freed by the laughter of the old man, leak out of his mouth despite his best efforts.

Then another believer comes through the door, a young woman this time, and joins the huddle. A middle-aged man with his child come in and follow suit. Soon a dozen believers surround the young man, letting their joy flow freely.

The young man’s joy, freed by the joy of those around him, finally dislodges the lump in his throat, and his voice sings out loud. He opens his eyes and, for a moment, sees the face of his Savior, singing along. • Taylor Eising

• Everyone who knows Jesus is part of His family, the church. In the church, we are called to share our joys and sorrows with each other. How does this reflect what Jesus does for us?

Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. Romans 12:15 (CSB) 

My cell phone was set to full volume—there was no way I would miss this call. A small tech company had expressed interest in hiring a freelance writer to create promotional material for a new app, and they were considering me.

What an impressive addition to my writing portfolio! Actually, it would be the only addition so far. I was just starting out. I could pay the electric bill and get a long overdue haircut. My mind was churning out ideas and making plans and…then the call came. They had changed their minds and gone with someone else. No reason, no explanation, just a big no.

The disappointment washed over me like a mini tsunami. I didn’t know what to do, so I called out to the Lord. He reminded me of Isaiah 49:16, “Look, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.”

My walls were closing in on me. Fear gripped me. I didn’t know how I was going to pay the rent or bills. I didn’t even know whether another opportunity was around the corner…or miles down the road.

What I did know was in God’s Word. I held on to His promises. The Lord knows exactly what’s going on with me. Every detail. Every moment. He has helped me through tough times and disappointments before, and He will again, because He loves me. He is in control, and He will work out the details. Nothing can stop His good purposes, His kingdom will never be shaken, and His people will never be outside of His loving presence and care (Romans 8:28-39).

Whenever it feels like the walls are starting to close in on us, we can go to Jesus. And we can go to the Word—God’s love letter to us—and find hope. • Rosemarie Pagano

• In Isaiah 49, God comforts His people who are in exile. He promises to be with them in their hurt and to one day restore them from their sin and brokenness. We now know that all God’s promises are fulfilled in Jesus (2 Corinthians 1:20). As Christians, how can His promises to be with us and to restore us from sin and death affect the way we view the tough circumstances we face?

• When you feel overwhelmed by a mini tsunami of disappointment, fear, or sadness, who are trusted Christians in your life who can support you and remind you of God’s promises?

Look, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me. Isaiah 49:16 (CSB) 

Oliver, the cat I adopted years ago, is asleep on the couch beside me right now. He’s gained a little weight over the years, and now he’s quite fat and happy. He’s had a wonderful life since he decided to trust us and take the gift of grace my family extended to him that week we left food out on the porch. And now he’s reaping the benefits!

But about a month after Oliver joined our family, another cat was spotted wandering around our house. He was a beige cat with orange spots, and he was very skinny. We’d see him jumping in and out of our garbage can, searching for food. I named him Popeye, and he looked like he was in pretty bad shape.

In my cat-adopting enthusiasm (I may have a small problem), I left a bowl of food out for our new guest! Popeye was afraid—I could see it in his eyes. He never let anyone from my family get within ten feet of him before darting into the woods.

Every once in a while, he would venture up to the porch for a few bites of food. But I only saw him a few times before, one day, he took off and never came back.

The same grace that was extended to Oliver, the fluffy, chubby gray cat sleeping beside me, was extended to the fearful cat who spent a few cold weeks living in our garbage can. If Popeye had only accepted our free gift like Oliver had, his life would look a lot different.

This was another huge lesson about grace that I learned from cats. If we reject the free gift God is offering to us—the gift of adoption into His family and eternal life with Him—we only hurt ourselves. But when we embrace the gift, when we open our hands to the grace God wants to shower on us, our lives will never be the same. • Emily Tenter

• What questions do you have about God’s gift of grace and adoption? Who could you talk to about these questions? (For more about what it means to receive this gift, check out our "Know Jesus" page.)

• What are some of the reasons someone might reject Jesus’s gift of eternal life? How can we pray for people who don’t know Jesus yet?

• Even when we reject God, He keeps pursuing us. He has compassion on us when we’re hurting, and He never gives up on us. One of the ways He reaches out to us is through the kindness and gentleness of His people. How could you show someone around you the love and grace of Jesus?

So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15 (NLT) 

Being adopted by my family wasn’t the only way my cat Oliver demonstrated a lesson of grace to me. You see, it’s common for cats to leave little presents for their humans. And when I say “little presents,” I mean dead mice that we’d find just outside the front door. Cats leave dead animals to show loyalty to the humans who take care of them—how cute is that?!

As you can probably imagine, my family had no use for dead mice. But I can’t tell you how excited I was when Oliver began to demonstrate to my family that he loved us back!

That’s how God’s grace works in our lives. He pours His grace out on us. He’s the One who gives us every single blessing we have (James 1:17). And what do we have to give Him in return? Dead mice! Isaiah 64:6 says that all our good deeds “are nothing but filthy rags.” That means the best we could ever give to God is still trash. Like dead mice.

But you know what? I still smiled when I saw those mice because they meant that my cat—the cat I adopted and named and loved—loved me back!

God offers to save us from sin and death and bring us into His family with no strings attached. I didn’t adopt Oliver because of anything he could give me in return. And even if he never gave me a dead mouse, I still would have adopted him. Our God treats us the same way. We don’t have to do anything to earn His grace—and we couldn’t even if we tried—but once we know Jesus, we begin to respond to the heaps of grace He has dumped on us.

Going to church, obeying parents, telling a friend about Jesus, working hard without complaining—those are all dead mice. They will never earn us eternal life. Our relationships with God are already secure because of what Jesus did when He died on the cross and rose from the grave. But Jesus still wants what we have to offer. Because even though He doesn’t need our offerings, He still delights in them, and He uses them for good in His kingdom. • Emily Tenter

• What are some of the “dead mice” you offer God? Can you think of a time you compared your “dead mice” to those of other people? Why is that wrong? (1 Corinthians 12:12-31)

• If the best gifts we can give God are still worth so little, why does it matter if we give them at all? (Hint: read 1 Corinthians 12:7; Philippians 2:13; 1 Peter 4:10)

When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Isaiah 64:6 (NLT) 

I’ve learned a lot about God’s grace from my cat. I know that sounds weird, but hear me out! When I was in high school, I looked out the living room window and saw a fluffy gray cat striding through the trees in our backyard. After talking with all the neighbors, we concluded that he had no home. So, I made it my mission to give him one!

I began leaving small bowls of food out on the porch for him. I was delighted to see him creep up the steps one day to eat. He came back every day for food, slowly becoming more comfortable with my family. It wasn’t long before he allowed us to pet him.

A few days after that, my mom was cooking dinner in the kitchen, and when she turned around he was sitting on the floor staring up at her. He just snuck right inside the house! I named him Oliver, and in no time at all my entire family considered him to be a permanent resident. We gave Oliver a home, an identity, protection, love, and even medication for a nasty ear infection. We embraced our new furry buddy with open arms. What exactly did this homeless cat do to deserve any of it? Absolutely nothing. Does that sound like grace to you? Because it sure did to me!

I was reminded of how God adopts us and gives us a new identity. Without Him, we’re all broken. But Psalm 147:3 says, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” The entire Bible is one enormous story of grace. God showed grace to the nation of Israel, even when they messed up time and time again. This pointed forward to how God would show us all grace in Jesus. He came to die on a cross and rise from the grave to offer us the free gift of salvation! Through Jesus, we can become children of God—fully forgiven, forever saved from sin and death.

There is nothing we have done or ever could do to earn such an enormous gift, but Jesus gave Himself for us anyway. And He did it so we could have a family, an identity, love, and eternal security…just like Oliver. Only better! • Emily Tenter

• In what ways can you relate to Oliver the cat?

• What are some ways God has shown grace to you in your own life?

• Without that grace, how do you think your life would be different?

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV) 

I was gifted a beautiful Advent wreath for Christmas. The ceramic candleholders depict a winter scene, with the four words that represent the four weeks of Advent labeled in gold. I must admit, for a few years the labeling bothered me. The word wonder was used for the first week of Advent instead of hope. When I hear the word hope, I think of anticipation for something to happen. When I hear the word wonder, it makes me think of feeling doubt or surprise at something beautiful and unexplainable. For me, hope and wonder weren’t interchangeable words.

Then one year, while reading Matthew 1, I considered Joseph’s point of view. Joseph had to wonder, “What on earth is happening?” In good faith, he’d pledged to be married to Mary. She’d accepted, then they found out she was expecting a baby that Joseph knew wasn’t his. He had doubts about the situation and formed a plan. Matthew 1:19 says, “Joseph…was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.”

After an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, he had even more to wonder about. The angel said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (verse 20-21).

So Joseph accepted Mary as his wife. The message from the angel may have removed some of Joseph’s doubt, but for months he had to wonder what exactly was going to happen. After a long journey to Bethlehem, Mary gave birth. Joseph was there when the shepherds found the newborn Jesus and praised God for the message the angel had told them: “The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!” (Luke 2:11). Joseph, Mary, and the shepherds witnessed something beautiful and unexplainable. Wonder was turned to hope by Jesus’s birth—for them, and for us. • Rose Ross Zediker

• For years, God’s prophets foretold the advent (coming) of the Savior. In dark days, the prophets’ message gave people hope of light coming into the world, yet they must have wondered how and when this Savior would come. Now we know the answers! When you read the Scriptures about Jesus’s birth, what makes you wonder— what questions or doubts do you have? And does anything fill you with wonder—with awe and amazement?

• Why does Jesus’s coming mean hope for the world? (If you want to know more, see our "Know Jesus" page.)

All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished. Luke 2:18 (NLT) 

Sun sets.

Moon rises.

Joy dies

Within me.

Silver stars

Cool and pure.

Pain inside

Black as night.

A prayer.

No answer.

I cry out

In the dark.

You still hear,

I will not fear.

Joy comes

In the morning. • Lorna Garlets

• Have you ever felt like there was no way anyone could understand the troubles you’re facing? We all feel like this at times, but the truth is, Jesus always understands us, and He always has compassion on us. God’s great love for us moved Him to endure the excruciatingly painful death of the cross and the cold darkness of the grave so that we could be with Him. Now, we can know that Jesus is truly able to empathize with us. He has entered into our pain, and when we are in distress, He sits beside us and weeps with us. (John 11:32-35; Hebrews 4:14-16)

• If we know Jesus, we can rest knowing that everything will be okay—perhaps in the near future, and certainly when He returns and makes all things new (Revelation 21:1-5). As we look forward to the glorious dawn of the new creation, how does Jesus’s promise to be with us give us the freedom to lament, to honestly cry out to God in all our pain and sorrow? Consider taking a moment to bring Him your lament.

Weeping may stay for the night, but joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5 (WEB) 

I grew up around gamers. I remember spending hours of my childhood curled up on the couch watching my older brothers, Tony and AJ, play Legend of Zelda. I admired their skill and problem-solving abilities, and I often wished I could play as well as they did.

Many people look down on video games, considering them a waste of time at best and a corrupting influence at worst. But is that always true? It’s true that we can sometimes spend too much time and money on video games, and it’s true that some games contain questionable content. But did you know video games are also one place we can reflect God’s image?

We are created to create because we are created in the Creator’s image (say that five times fast). This allows us to make incredible works of art using all kinds of different mediums. Since the beginning of time, we have been painting, sculpting, writing, singing, and directing plays. And now that artistic expression can be found in developing video games.

Video games can actually tap into our good, God-given desires and abilities to be creative and to solve problems. Many games require strategic planning skills— including resource management, cooperation, and persistence—and all of these skills are vital to the kingdom of God. And many games are played alongside other people, creating a wonderful opportunity for community and connection.

I’m not saying everyone should play video games. I’m just saying that God can be glorified in all our hobbies, including video games. Even though our world is broken by sin, Christ died and rose again to save us from sin and death. He redeems our creativity. So, if we’ve put our trust in Him, we are free to serve and glorify Him in our daily endeavors. As the Creator, God loves beautiful art, and He loves a problem well-solved. And He loves it when we have fun!

So, as Christians, we can think carefully about any art form we create or consume, including video games. And as we enjoy the creativity, strategy, and cooperation found in video games, we can give praise to the Originator of all creativity, strategy, and cooperation, who loves us more than we could ever imagine. • Taylor Eising

• Where do you see God’s creativity in video games or other things you enjoy doing? Consider taking a moment to thank Him for this!

So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NLT) 

All of John 17 is a prayer that Jesus prayed to the Father on the night before He was arrested. He prayed for several things, but the most prominent theme was His concern for His followers. In these 26 verses, Jesus uses the pronouns they, them, and those 47 times. Jesus was praying for the disciples. But the shocker comes in verse 20, when Jesus says, “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message…”

Do you believe the old, old story of the good news of Jesus Christ? Then this verse is talking about you. Jesus prayed for you on that awful night, just before He was led away to die on the cross for your sins. All the things Jesus prayed for His followers are also for you:

• To be protected (verse 11, 15)

• To be unified (verse 11, 21-23)

• To have the full measure of His joy within us (verse 13)

• To be holy, or sanctified (verse 17, 19)

• To be with Jesus and see His glory (verse 24)

• To be filled with God’s love (verse 26)

Two thousand years ago Jesus prayed for you. And did you know that Jesus is also praying for you today? This wonderful truth is found in Romans 8—that Jesus rose from the grave, ascended into heaven, and is now at the Father’s right hand praying for you. Paul writes in verse 34, “Christ Jesus who died— more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.”

Jesus prayed for you then. Jesus is praying for you now. How great is that? • Daniel Dore

• Have you ever thought about the fact that Jesus prayed for you on the night before He died on the cross? How does this make you feel?

• Read Romans 8:31-39. What do you think Jesus is praying for you today?

[Jesus said,] “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message.” John 17:20 (NIV) 

I grunted as I gazed through the viewport. Black space. Tiny white dots in the distance. Nothing new here. I side-eyed my dad. This was his fault. He acted like he knew where we were going. As he looked up from the blinking lights of the console, the silver commander’s tattoo on his bald scalp gleamed in the near darkness. “Still not speaking to me, Tai?”

I fingered one of my braids. He’d named me Tai—Swahili for eagle. I was born to fly, he always said. Born to explore the unknown. Though I wanted to continue my silence, I caved. “I’m concentrating. You gave me the helm after all.” It was what I’d aced in flight class. “How do you expect me to calculate the entry trajectory if I don’t know where to go?”

Dad laughed like I’d said something hilarious. “I gave you the vector to the jump point. We’ll make planetfall then. Just follow the coordinates.”

He acted like this was no big deal. But we were in the middle of nowhere space. I wasn’t sure our tiny ship could make it to the planet he claimed was in Rho Quadrant. I’d left everything behind in Gamma Quadrant. All because Dad claimed there was a planet that might have water—a precious commodity back home. Now there was no chance of me applying to advanced flight school when I turned eighteen—and maybe little chance of us surviving at all.

I broke the silence again. “There are too many unknown variables. What if we overshoot wherever we’re going?”

“Do you trust me?”

I took in a breath. I knew what he meant. I tensed my grip on the controls, then slowly let out my held breath. He’d always been there for me. He’d never let me down before.

“Jump point ahead,” I said. It was now or never. “Throttle up.”

The ship shook as it made the jump. Seconds later, there it was in front of us: a small, blue planet. That meant water. Maybe this would be a good place after all. • Linda Washington

• Today’s allegorical story echoes Genesis 12:1-9, when Abram—who was later called Abraham—heard from God, “Go…to the land that I will show you” (verse 1). God invited Abram to trust Him—to believe that God was good and loving and that He would provide like an attentive father. Why do you think Abram followed God?

• Later in the Bible, we see God’s goodness, love, and provision on full display when Jesus gave up His life for us on the cross. Because of Jesus, we can become God’s dear children. There may be times when our Father calls us to follow Him without knowing where we’re going, like He called Abram. Have you ever experienced something like this? What happened?

• Why can we trust our heavenly Father no matter what? (Hint: read Matthew 7:9-11; Romans 8:32-39; Philippians 4:12-13)

• As Christians, we know we will one day be raised from the dead to live with Jesus forever. What kind of life do we have to look forward to in eternity? And how can our confident hope for the future affect the way we follow Jesus now? (If you want to dig deeper, read Philippians 1:19-25; Hebrews 11:8-16; Revelation 21:1-7)

But I trust in your unfailing love. Psalm 13:5 (NLT)

It’s almost impossible to describe snow to someone who’s never experienced it. When I was asked to explain snow once, I was at a loss for words. The nearest I came was confectioners’ sugar. But that’s not even close! Snowflakes don’t have any taste, they’re cold, they fall from the sky, they’re not sweet, and they can’t be bought in a box at the grocery store. And imagine a fort made of confectioners’ sugar. Not possible!

If I were to try again, I might say each snowflake is unique, and it has six perfect points. And in large quantities, snow is fun! I could talk about sledding, skiing, snowboarding, making snow angels, building snow forts, designing snowmen, having snowball fights.

If the snow is deep enough, it can cover up anything left outside: rusty rakes, dog poop, the dead stems of autumn flowers, little red wagons, last fall’s unraked leaves. Before the snowplow comes, before the dogs go outside, before someone tramps to the mailbox, the ground is an amazing expanse of white. A beautiful blanket reaching as far as you can see. Unblemished. Pristine.

It’s almost impossible to describe snow to someone who has never experienced it. It’s almost impossible to describe the love of Jesus to someone who believes He was only a good man. A good teacher. But not Lord of all.

In God’s eyes, our sins are more unsightly than dog poop and rotting leaves. But Jesus’s death on the cross covers them more perfectly than the snow covers the ground (Psalm 32:1; Ephesians 5:27). The snow will eventually melt and reveal the mess beneath. But once we’ve put our trust in Jesus—whose death on the cross and resurrection from the grave provided payment for our sins—we will always be, in God’s eyes, unblemished and pristine. And, most of all, beloved.

If you really want to experience snow, you have to step in it, play in it, revel in it. If you really want to experience the love of God, you have to receive Jesus as your Savior—through faith in Him and Him only—and step into His wonderful love. • Carol Raj

• Why is hearing about Jesus’s love different from experiencing it?

• If you want to know more about Jesus and what it means to put your trust in Him, see our "Know Jesus" page.

Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Psalm 51:7 (NLT) 

Jeremiah 29:1-14 is one of my favorite passages in the Bible, and, if I’m being honest, one that I struggle with a lot. In this passage, most of Israel had just been taken captive by the Babylonians, who were pagans and had been enemies of Israel for a very long time. After the Israelites were taken captive, some prophets started saying God would come to their rescue quickly, defeating Babylon and restoring the Israelites’ freedom very soon.

But God spoke through the prophet Jeremiah to say these predictions were lies, and the people touting them were false prophets. Instead, God told His people to get comfy because they were going to be in captivity for a while. Yet He promised to be with them, even in Babylon, and He had good work for them to do there. He said, “Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens, and eat the food they produce. Marry and have children. Then find spouses for them so that you may have many grandchildren” (verse 5-6). Even more surprising, He told them to pray for Babylon and “work for the peace and prosperity of the city” of their enemies (verse 7)!

Sometimes I feel like the Israelites—stuck in a situation I hate, just looking for a way out. I spend so much time looking for future rescue that I don’t see what Jesus is doing right here, right now, in the middle of my “exile.” I forget He is here with me. Instead of asking Jesus what He wants me to do, I look for ways to take control and even to withdraw into myself—trying to isolate myself from God and others.

When we find ourselves in situations we hate, as Christians, we can take comfort knowing Jesus is right there with us. If we rely on Him to help us resist the temptation to rush through the present, He will show us all the richness He has for us right here, right now. • Taylor Eising

• How might knowing that Jesus is with us in our times of “exile” bring us comfort and purpose?

• When we’re hurting, God doesn’t tell us to ignore our pain, stuff it down, and just get to work. Instead, He invites us to bring our pain to Him with raw honesty while we continue to serve Him and trust Him in the present. How could you practice this in your own life?

• How can looking to Jesus make it possible for us to serve wherever God has placed us, even when we consider the people around us to be our enemies? (Hint: read Romans 5:1-11)

“And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.” Jeremiah 29:7 (NLT) 

Waiting is the worst. Or maybe I’m just the worst at waiting. Especially in the high school years, “real” life seems far away and dreams look distant. It’s easy to think about what we want to do and how we want to serve God in the future. It’s way harder to live that out now.

A few years ago, I saw a need at my school and decided that, no matter how small my platform, I’d let God work through me to meet that need. It was amazing to see God work as I stood on a literal stage (the smallest stage on campus!) and used the talents He had given me to point my peers to Jesus. I’d never felt more humbled to be used by the Creator.

Paul found himself in a similar situation in Acts 17. He’d reached Athens and was waiting for his friends (verse 16). In other words, even Paul, one of the most famous people in the New Testament, knew what it was to wait! But, rather than just sit around, Paul used the marketplace to tell people about Jesus. He was waiting actively.

Yeah, sometimes waiting is hard. But even in the waiting, God is working. Waiting actively means living life with Jesus, being attentive to His leading no matter where we are or what season we’re in—trusting that He is working even when we don’t see it.

No matter what you’re waiting on, you can serve Jesus right where you are. You can use the crumbly floor of your cafeteria, the gravelly road as you wait for the bus, and even the carpet of your living room. Whatever season God has you in, wait actively. Know that He is working in your life right now. As you abide in Jesus, you never know what He’ll do through you! • Sarah Rexford

• What are you waiting on in this season? How might this season of your life change if you started living like you believe Jesus is working during the waiting?

• It’s easy for anxiety to creep in as we wait. Do you have any favorite Bible verses or passages that show Jesus’s faithfulness? If not, who are trusted Christians in your life who could help you find some? How could you set aside time to ponder Scriptures like these in times of waiting?

For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NLT) 

Cadlyn’s hand froze as she reached up to push her hair back, hovering over the empty space where the coin should have been. Her heartbeat quickened, and her fingers fumbled in her haste to pull the headdress off. Elegant silk and silver coins shone up at her. Cadlyn’s heart sank. It was as she had feared: a coin was missing. Nine silver coins like full moons embroidered into the headpiece, and one empty circle of thread.

How could it have fallen out? What will I tell Jorar? she silently cried. She’d been married barely a month; the headdress had been his wedding gift, and Cadlyn treasured it dearly.

Surely it was around here somewhere. Determined, Cadlyn set her headdress on a chair and took a match, lighting a candle. The coin had to have come loose while she was working, and she was going to find it. She snatched up the broom in the corner and set to work. There were nooks and crannies everywhere, and she wasn’t going to stop until she found her coin. A first sweep around the room proved futile, as did the second.

“I’ll find the coin if it takes me all day,” she murmured to herself. And she swept again. When that too failed, she realized what she needed to do. The cobblestone floor looked daunting as Cadlyn knelt. Stone after stone riddled with cracks that a coin could slip into.

Fingers over cobblestone, second after second, minute after minute, hour after hour. The sun was beginning to color the sky pink as Cadlyn’s raw, aching fingers brushed over a round shape wedged between two stones. Her heart leaped as she pulled out the coin.

Cadlyn let out a breath of relief, rejoicing that she had found the lost coin. Just like Elohim rejoices when a lost sinner is found, she mused. Thank You for Your love, my King.

The door gave a creak, and Cadlyn rose to her feet. Jarar was home. “Come celebrate, my love!” she called. “My lost coin has been found!” • Macy Walts

• This allegorical story is based on a parable Jesus told in Luke 15. Consider taking some time to read this passage slowly. How is today’s story similar to the parable? How is it different?

• Jesus searches for us, and He doesn’t ever give up. He went through the terrible pain of the cross because He loves us and wants us to be with Him forever. How does it make you feel to know that God searches for you—and rejoices over you when you receive Christ?

[Jesus said,] “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:10 (NIV) 

We are all human and we all sin, so, until we see Jesus face to face, there will be times when we mess up.

When we stumble, slip, and fall, sometimes it seems impossible to find our way back. We let our failures keep us from going back to our forgiving, loving God, giving them far too much influence in our lives. Have you ever thought any of the following?

God could never love me after everything I’ve done.

He’ll never take me back now.

He’s probably looking down on me now thinking, “Well, he gone.”

What’s wrong with me? Why can’t I just get it right?

My friend, let me tell you some truth: you are never too far gone. There is nothing you can do to separate yourself from God’s love in Christ.

We have all sinned and will continue to sin; there is no avoiding it. But the good news is that Jesus Christ, who is God, came to live here as a human and die for our sins. When He died on the cross, He took all our sin with Him. He paid the price for our sins so we don’t have to.

Jesus loves us so much that He died for us—and He has promised that He will never leave us. Because of what He did, we find our new identity in Him, not in our sinfulness. He will go to the ends of the earth to find us and love us with all His being.

On the cross, Jesus got rid of our sin, tearing the veil that separated us from God (Psalm 103:12; Isaiah 59:2; Matthew 27:50-52). Then He rose from the grave and made the way for us to live with Him eternally.

Think about it. We can look at our sin and at that empty tomb and gladly say, “He gone.” • Heather Risher

• In times when you feel like you are too far gone, do you have any favorite Bible verses that help you remember how loved you are in Christ? God always wants us to come to Him when we feel unforgivable so He can reveal Himself to us. In addition to talking to God in prayer, who are trusted Christians in your life who can remind you of His love and forgiveness?

Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:39 (NIV)

During my first Thanksgiving break in college, I spent the weekend at my roommate Jade’s house. Her mom made delicious food and drinks, including a Thanksgiving punch called “Jade’s Specialty.” Their warm welcome greeted me with love. They were the closest thing I could get to a home away from home. On Thanksgiving night, Jade handed me her phone as I was eating my garlic butter roasted turkey. The phone showed a picture we’d taken before we started our Thanksgiving feast. It was me, standing in the middle of her family.

“Look at you,” she said smiling. “You’re one of us now.” I chuckled and said nothing. My head tilted downward. Jade’s smile faded. “Do you not like the picture?”

“Of course, I do,” I replied. “The picture’s great.” But my frowning face told Jade that something was wrong. Although they treated me like their own family, I couldn’t help myself from feeling discontent. I only thought about one thing. I wish my home was closer so I could celebrate Thanksgiving with my real family.

Many college students struggle with homesickness, and they’re not the only ones. Throughout our lives, there are times when we feel lonely and lost because we’re away from home. Feeling homesick is normal, but it helps to remember that Jesus is our true home, and He is always nearby. Psalm 9:9 says, “The LORD is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.” Jesus promises to be a shelter for us. John 1:14 even says He came to make His home among us. He assures us that we can always go to Him whenever we’re struggling. When our hearts are hurting because we long to be close to our earthly home, we can come to Jesus. He will comfort us in His love and remind us that He gives us the protection, comfort, and security we need. • Tatiana Handoko

• Can you think of a time you felt homesick? Jesus can empathize with us because He left His home with the Father to come and live among us, and then He went from town to town teaching and healing people. Ultimately, He died on the cross and rose from the grave so we could be eternally home with Him. When Jesus returns, everyone who’s put their trust in Him will live forever on the new heavens and new earth. Then we’ll never be homesick again. Until then, whenever we do feel homesick, we can rest knowing that Jesus is always with us, and He is our true home.

Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them.” John 14:23 (NLT) 

For as long as I can remember, my grandma has had a little hand-stitched sign in her home that reads: “There is always, always, always something to be thankful for.” As a child, I loved that sign. And as I grew into adulthood, I began to understand just how meaningful it was.

My grandparents lived out true gratitude. Their lives were not easy, and yet, in the middle of trials and times of having little, they were so thankful. Why? Because they knew that whatever happened—no matter how difficult or uncertain things were—they had it all…because they had Jesus.

They knew that no matter what, they were loved, forgiven, rescued, saved. They knew that no matter what, Jesus was there to walk beside them. They knew that no matter what, their identity in Him could never be touched. Their life with Him, both now and forever, was sure. And because they knew they belonged to Him, they could view life differently than the world. They could be thankful in all circumstances…the hard ones, the good ones, the uncertain ones, the joy-filled ones.

A thankful heart radiates a deep-rooted contentment and joy that is only found in Jesus. Once we know Him, we can view life in light of the sacrifice He made for us on the cross. He gave up His life, and then He rose from the dead, making the way for us to be with Him forever. What He’s given us is more than we could ever deserve and better than we could even imagine.

So, rather than looking at what we don’t have, we can remember that we have abundant life and unshakable hope in Jesus (John 10:10). We can give thanks in the hard things because we know that He is faithful, and He is near. And we can give thanks in the good because we see how incredibly blessed beyond measure we are, knowing every gift comes from Him (James 1:17). Because we belong to Jesus, there is always something to be thankful for. • Cara Campbell

• What are some of the hope-filled promises we have in Jesus? Do you have any favorite Scriptures that reveal these? How can remembering these promises help us thank God no matter what?

• What are some other things you are thankful for? Consider taking a moment to thank God for them!

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT) 

Growing up, I was surrounded by God’s promises. In church, with friends, and at home, I heard people say things like “God will never leave you,” or “God has good plans for you.” I could even find these promises in the Bible, but I was still a bit skeptical. After all, God’s promises—especially in the Old Testament, like the ones mentioned above—were given to specific people in specific situations, so how could I be certain they applied to me? I had seen people take Scripture out of context or twist its meaning, and I didn’t want to make the same mistake. So when I heard God’s promises, I often felt anxious instead of comforted, wondering…did He really mean me too?

I began seeking answers, and slowly realized that, because God’s promises are all fulfilled in Christ, they are indeed still relevant to me and you. Romans 15:4 states that everything written in the past was written to teach and encourage us today, and in Hebrews 13:5-6, the author quotes two Old Testament promises to reassure the early church. Both of these passages reveal that God’s Word applies to His people now just as much as when it was first given.

The verse that finally convinced me, though, was 2 Corinthians 1:20, in which Paul tells us that all of God’s promises are “yes” in Christ. This means that not only do God’s promises extend to followers of Jesus, but they are actually fulfilled through Jesus: as Immanuel (God with us), He will never leave us; through the Holy Spirit, He gives us strength and hope; and since we belong to Him, He uses everything for our good and gives us a bright future with Him forever. Therefore, as a child of God who has put my faith in Jesus for salvation, I can know God’s promises are for me—and so can you. • Faith Lewis

• What questions do you have about God’s promises and how they apply to you? Consider taking some time to talk to God about this today. Additionally, is there a trusted Christian in your life you could talk to about your questions—such as a friend, parent, or pastor?

• Jesus completely fulfills all of the meaning and intent of the promises we find in the Old Testament. In fact, Jesus is the end goal and the point of the entire Old Testament, as well as the entire New Testament. How can this truth affect the way we read the Bible?

For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” 2 Corinthians 1:20 (NLT) 

Home, sweet home,

The volatile, the vile memories

Of tears, and shrieks, and all the while

The place meant to be safe is anything but,

And the place meant to bring warmth…

Freezing, we are exiles.

Exiles battered by the pounding rain of

Bruises and divorce, of foreclosures

And, of course, the silence that wraps us

In a home sweet homely hug.

Home, sweet home,

How sweet the sound of

Thy kingdom come and heavenly bound.

No tears, no screams…just light beams,

Reflecting off the golden streets.

This country I seek,

The here but not yet here.

When it comes, shining as the sun,

I’ll crumple to my knees, sighing.

“Home at last. Home at last.” • Hope Bolinger

• What does home mean to you?

• In Jesus, God took on flesh and bones to dwell with us and, ultimately, to be a home for us (John 1:1-3, 14; 14:23). Because He loves us so much, Jesus died and rose again so we can be with God. What will home look like for those who’ve put their trust in Jesus after He returns and raises us from the dead? (Hint: read Isaiah 11:6-9; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 7:9-17; 21:1-5, 21; 22:1-5)

• Jesus is making all things new, and even though the world is still broken and full of sin right now, He is still with us. He has so much compassion on us, and He provides rest and stability in the midst of our struggles. Can you think of a time you were reminded of God’s love and care for you in a difficult time? What was that like? Were there any particular ways you noticed God providing for you?

• If you or someone you know is experiencing home or family instability, who is a trusted adult you could talk to, such as a pastor, parent, teacher, coach, counselor, or youth leader?

• If you or someone you know is suffering from abuse, and especially if your situation is potentially life-threatening, call 911 (or the emergency number for your area) or go to the local hospital emergency room right away. If you need help doing this, who is a trusted person you can reach out to?

• If you are not in immediate danger but need someone to talk to about hurts you have experienced or are currently experiencing, you can set up an appointment for a one-time complimentary phone consultation with a Christian counselor through the Focus on the Family Counseling Service. In the United States, call 1-855-771-HELP (4357) weekdays 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Mountain Time) to set up an appointment. In Canada, book your appointment by calling 1-800-661-9800 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) and ask to speak with the care associate.

People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. Hebrews 11:14 (NIV)

Have you ever tried to be impressive to gain friends? Sometimes we operate under the mistaken belief that being stronger, smarter, or funnier than those around us will draw others to us. In reality, positioning ourselves above others often creates space between us and them—Jesus cautions His disciples against doing this. After all, healthy relationships are foundational to the kingdom He is building. Faith comes from hearing the message, and no one wants to listen to someone who is constantly signaling I’m better than you through their attitudes and actions.

Often the opposite is the true path to friendship: vulnerability. When we know someone else makes mistakes and struggles just like we do, we can relax about our own flaws and relate to them more fully. Vulnerability isn’t self-deprecation or unloading all our negative experiences and feelings onto others, but it does mean letting people see us as we really are—and sometimes, this includes sharing the dark or difficult areas of our lives. It also means accepting help rather than pretending to have it all together.

Jesus doesn’t have flaws or transgressions like we do—He’s sinless—yet He can truly empathize with all our hurts and temptations (Hebrews 4:14-16). And Jesus modeled healthy, relatable vulnerability throughout the Gospels (the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John): when He was tired, He fell asleep; when He was grieved, He wept; when He was distressed, He asked His close friends to keep watch and pray with Him; when He was hungry, He ate; and when He ministered, He accepted financial support. Jesus even sent His disciples out to meet people without taking supplies or resources that would make them self-sufficient. He told them to stay in people’s homes and eat the food they were offered, giving them time to get to know their hosts as they shared their faith and their own need for Jesus. We can do the same, walking in humility and kindness toward the people we meet, opening our true lives and selves to one another as we point toward God’s unflinching love for us. • Amber Vanderhoof

• Can you think of a time when you were vulnerable with someone who made you feel loved and welcomed? What did they say or do that made you feel this way?

• Can you think of a time when a friend challenged you to grow in your walk with Jesus, and you accepted that challenge? What about your relationship with that person made you willing to accept their advice and guidance?

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus… Philippians 2:5 (NIV) 

I recently had the opportunity to play cello with my old high school orchestra as an alumni. Before the concert, our director held multiple alumni rehearsals, and I went to all of them. But an old cellist friend of mine was only able to come to one, and on that day we shared a music stand. As we started the first song, something in my brain told me to follow what he was playing. But as I did, my own playing became more messy and hesitating. We laughed about how he should probably be the one following me, since I’d been to more rehearsals, and by the day of the concert we were both playing more confidently.

Reflecting on this later, I was reminded of something I’d read in the Bible that kind of bugged me. In 1 Corinthians 11:1 Paul says, “Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ.” And I thought, That sounds a little presumptuous. Paul seems pretty confident he knows what he’s doing. But this example from orchestra helped me make sense of what Paul was saying.

When I’m practicing cello by myself, it’s definitely helpful to be alone so that I can work on the parts of the music that aren’t coming easily to me. And then at rehearsal, it’s great to have the conductor telling me how fast to go, how loud to play, and which places to really emphasize. But there’s also this other element of listening to the people playing next to you that just really helps. Plus, playing the same music together with other people is part of the joy of an orchestra!

I wonder if this is what Paul was getting at, that reading the Bible and talking to God by ourselves is super important. But sometimes, as we try to work out what it means to live out our faith in our everyday lives, it really helps to see some examples, especially from people we know personally. The older I get, the more grateful I am that God has set up His community this way, that He has given us each other so we can learn from one another and walk together as we follow Jesus. Because He loves us with an un-ending, death-defying love, He went all the way to the cross for us, sacrificing Himself so that we could live. And when He rose from the grave, He told us to teach and remind each other of the good news, and help each other follow Him.

So now when I read this verse, I see God’s tenderness. As I long for the day I’ll see Jesus in the flesh, it comforts me to know that I have brothers and sisters here in the flesh with me, showing me imperfect yet powerful glimpses of the love and goodness of Jesus. • Hannah Howe

• Is there a Christian in your life you admire? What about their walk with Jesus would you like to imitate?

Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1 (CSB) 

God did an amazing job when He created humans. Our brains alone are made up of about 86 to 100 billion nerves that communicate in 100 trillion connections, controlling all of the systems in our bodies and allowing us to communicate, think, and reason.

But, because our world has been broken by sin, sometimes our brains give us the farthest thing from wisdom. Especially when we get overwhelmed, our thoughts run wild, often telling us things that simply aren’t true—about who we are, who God is, and what’s going on around us. And these thoughts influence our feelings and actions.

For example, let’s say you enter a room. Everyone looks at you, then goes back to what they were doing. Wild thoughts might sound like this: “They all just looked at me. Nobody came over to talk to me. They probably hate me. I should just go home.” Then you might go stand in the corner because you think you don’t belong.

But if you can capture those negative thoughts, you might be able to see the situation differently: “They all looked at me, but nobody talked to me. They might be just as nervous as I am. But Jesus loves me, and He loves everyone in this room. That table only has two people. I’ll see if I can join them.” Instead of standing in the corner, you choose to engage by showing Jesus’s love to others.

So how can we change our wild thoughts? We can’t. Not on our own. We need God’s strength and wisdom, found only in knowing Jesus Christ (Colossians 2:2-3). In 1 Kings 3, Solomon asked the Lord to give him wisdom, and God was pleased. He’s pleased to give us wisdom too (James 1:5).

God will greatly increase our wisdom when we read His Word, the Bible, because it shows us who we are in relationship to Him, our Creator. It tells us the good news of how Jesus came to free us from sin and death—and how that wonderful truth affects every area of our lives.

Capturing your thoughts to obey Christ can help you over and over as you go through life. Instead of letting your wild thoughts push you around, you can rely on Jesus—the one who died and rose again for you—and tell yourself the truth from God’s Word. • Robyn Mulder

• Step 1: Take out a piece of paper and try writing all of your thoughts down for five minutes or so. Read over them and see which ones line up with God’s Word and which ones are just wild, untrue thoughts.

• Step 2: In the space below, take each wild thought and rewrite it as a Christ-captured thought. For example, the wild thought, “No one could ever love me” would become, “God loves me more than I can imagine, and He proved that I am lovable when Jesus died on the cross for me.”

• Step 3: Find Bible verses that back up each Christ-captured thought (and debunk the wild thoughts). If you get stuck, who is a trusted Christian in your life who could help you?

We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NLT)

Have you ever wondered if your sin is more than God could forgive? You’re not alone. We’ve all had moments when we’ve felt and seen the darkness in our own hearts and minds and wondered, How could God still love me? Sometimes we might feel as though God only forgives us because Jesus paid for our sin at the cross—so, you know, He kind of has to. But maybe He doesn’t like it. Maybe our sin has made God weary.

In the Old Testament, the biblical authors have a favorite Hebrew word to describe God’s love: hesed. Most of our Bible translations translate this word as either “steadfast love,” “mercy,” or “lovingkindness.” The word hesed conveys the idea that God’s love is unfailing.

In Micah 7:18, the prophet Micah declares that God delights in steadfast love. Did you catch that? It doesn’t weary God to love us. It’s a source of delight and pleasure for God to love us with His unfailing love!

A passage like this frees us to be completely honest with ourselves before God. It allows us to look unflinchingly at the depths of our sin and to go before God with all our wrongs to confess, repent, and cry out for mercy. It allows us to be filled with the sweet confidence that when we do, it brings God delight to respond with His never-failing, never-stopping, steadfast love! • Jonathon Fuller

• How can Bible passages like today’s shape our understanding of who God is?

• Consider taking a few moments to examine your own heart before the Lord. You don’t have to be afraid to be honest with yourself as you look at your sin. Are there any sins that you feel as though God may not forgive? You can confess all those sins to God, repent (or turn away) from them, and then rest in the knowledge that God delights in forgiving and loving you with His unfailing love!

• If you want to dig deeper, read Psalm 18:19; Ephesians 1:5; 5:25; Hebrews 12:2.

You will not stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing unfailing love. Once again you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean! Micah 7:18-19 (NLT) 

At various times throughout US history, my nation has been shamelessly racist: enslaving African Americans, killing and relegating Native Americans to reservations, interning Asian Americans, etc. And while America has worked to put an end to these horrible practices, today we live in a time that continues those abuses with more subtle prejudices: off-color jokes, fear mongering, and hatred toward immigrants. Sadly, many Christians all around the world fall into these kinds of racial and ethnic stereotypes as well, treating people of different ethnicities with suspicion and cruelty.

This behavior is not of God. And it’s nothing new. Ever since the first humans chose sin, we’ve all been struggling with racism in every nation in history. But God loves diversity. He created it! God loves us so much, and He wants to be with us. In fact, Jesus died and rose again to forgive all the sins of those who put their trust in Him, including the sin of racism. He made the way for people of all ethnicities to be saved from sin and death and live with Him forever.

At the end of time, the kingdom of God will be the most diverse kingdom ever imagined. Revelation describes it as a group of people who represent every nation, every language, and every people group—from all time— worshipping God together as one. So, no matter what country we live in or came from, we are called to be welcoming to all people. Jesus Himself calls us to share our hope and our faith with “all nations” (Matthew 28:19). In Deuteronomy, arguably one of the stricter Old Testament books, God gave instructions about treating immigrants well, reminding the Israelites that they were refugees once too (how many of our ancestors were as well?).

We are commanded by God to love our neighbors as ourselves, which certainly includes those whose ethnicities aren’t the same as ours. And Jesus is always with us, empowering us to see and love others like He does, and offering forgiveness when we fail. So, as we attend school, discuss politics, and ask for prayers in our churches, may we not fall into unseemly jokes, prejudiced behaviors or thought patterns, or fearful talk about those who were born somewhere else. Instead, let’s seek to welcome everyone into a kingdom as diverse as God’s heart. • Abigail Aswegen

• Why do you think God created diversity? What can this tell us about what God is like?

After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. Revelation 7:9 (NIV) 

Cheerful colored cloths hung from candlelit windowsills and plump pumpkins crouched like friendly gnomes near doorways. The courtly procession was traveling through a village on the way to the autumnal feast. Around Crispin were other people wearing fine silks walking along to the lilting music of minstrels. Yet he felt anything but joyful.

Glancing at his companions, dressed in rich attire but wearing no smiles, Crispin knew they felt the same. They quarreled constantly in court. And when they did get along, it was only because the members pretended to be friends to appease the king. As they would tonight.

Sighing, Crispin glanced around at the simple surroundings of the village. Families laughed among makeshift tables spread with harvest dishes as children played with colorful streamers. But what caught his eye was an old man alone on a bench. He held a plate of meager vegetables, yet contentment was evident on his face.

Crispin paused, allowing the procession to move ahead.

“Excuse me sir, but how can you be glad when such a meal sits on your lap?”

The man looked up from his plate and smiled. “Sit down, friend.”

Crispin joined him.

“Is all this not worth giving thanks for? But even if I was out in the wild, I would still rejoice—because I know the King.”

Shifting in his seat, Crispin said, “I know the king and his court, yet our banquet will not be as joyous as yours.”

“I am talking of the King of the stars and mountains. The one whose kingdom never ends. Where He is, love and joy overflow, and there is enough to go around whether I am eating vegetables or sitting as a guest at the great autumnal feast.”

The man handed Crispin some roasted potato and began telling him the ancient tales about the King with nail-scarred hands and feet. As Crispin ate and listened, he slowly began to smile.

“Love,” murmured Crispin. “That is what we are missing, the love of this King…but not for long.” Crispin jumped up and started to leave. Then he stopped and called back to the man.

“I must tell the others—thank you for the feast!” • Sophia Bricker

• Today’s allegorical story points to Jesus’s kingdom. Because God in flesh let His hands and feet be nailed to a cross, because He bled and died for us, then rose again from the dead, we can be part of that kingdom. Even when we don’t have much, we have everything—because we get to experience the overflowing love and joy that come from knowing Him! And we get to look forward to the day when Jesus will return to raise us to eternal life. Then we will join Him in the greatest feast of all, and we’ll never experience lack again. If you want to dig deeper, read Psalms 34:8; 63:3-5; Mark 10:17-31; John 4:4-14; 10:10; Romans 8:31-39; 2 Corinthians 6:10; Ephesians 1:3–2:10; Hebrews 13:5; 1 Peter 2:1-3; Revelation 19:6-9; 21:1-5.

• James 3 says there are two kinds of wisdom. Earthly wisdom is characterized by bitter envy, selfish ambition, disorder, and evil (verse 14-16). Can you think of a time you were in a group of people that felt this way, perhaps like Crispin described the royal court? Can you think of a time you lived according to earthly wisdom?

• How does James describe heavenly wisdom in verses 17-18? How does knowing Jesus make it possible for us to live this way? (Hint: read 1 John 4:19)

• It was the old man’s contentment that caught Crispin’s attention. And it was through his hospitality— sharing what he had—that Crispin was able to hear the gospel, or good news. How can contentment be a testimony of God’s love? What are simple ways we can offer hospitality using what we have?<...

If we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we can know that God is always at work in our lives, forming us to become more and more like Jesus through our relationships and experiences. This is not always an easy process, especially when it comes to family relationships. Your sister can feel like a best friend and ally on Monday, but by Friday you could be at odds. Your brother can have you in a headlock during an argument, but then work seamlessly with you on an important project later that same day.

Moses led the people out of slavery in Egypt and gave them God’s word, but he didn’t do it alone. His sister Miriam’s care and cleverness in approaching Pharaoh’s daughter saved Moses’s life as a baby. And his brother Aaron’s willingness to speak to the Israelites on Moses’s behalf made it possible for Moses to participate in God’s magnificent plan to rescue His people. God called Moses to something great, and He gave him siblings to help him carry it out.

But much like our relationships with our siblings, these siblings experienced anger, disappointment, and disunity. One of these times is described in Numbers 12, when Aaron and Miriam doubted and complained against Moses. The Lord Himself corrected the two of them and struck Miriam with leprosy as a result. At this point, Moses was faced with a choice: to let Miriam sit in her punishment, and possibly die, or to show love and mercy.

Moses chose mercy. He cried out to God on Miriam’s behalf, letting his love for his sister eclipse any desire for revenge he may have felt. This points forward to another Israelite who would love God and show mercy, even when His brothers and sisters betrayed Him unto death. Jesus made the way for us to be spared from the just punishment we deserve by taking our punishment for us. Instead of a death sentence, we receive a welcome into God’s family and a promise that we will live forever with Jesus and our heavenly Father. In God’s family we have a vast array of siblings—all the people who have trusted in Jesus around the world and throughout history. As we rest in Jesus’s merciful love for us, we can extend that same love to our brothers and sisters. • Amber Vanderhoof

• How is the love Jesus has for us similar to the love between siblings? How is it different?

• If you want to dig deeper, read Exodus 2:1-10, Exodus 4, and Exodus 15:19-21.

So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters. Hebrews 2:11 (NLT) 

At one time in Israel’s history, the army of Assyria came to invade Jerusalem, and the Assyrian king, Sennacherib, was sure that this Israelite God would be as easy to defeat as the gods of the other nations surrounding it. He laid siege to Jerusalem, then used fear tactics. He sent threatening letters to King Hezekiah of Judah and sent officers to yell threats at the Israelites standing on the city walls, directly addressing the people in their own language.

Sennacherib did this “to frighten and discourage them in order that he might capture the city. They spoke against the God of Jerusalem like they had spoken against the gods of the peoples of the earth, which were made by human hands” (2 Chronicles 32:18-19).

Here’s some of Sennacherib’s long and pompous speech: “So now, don’t let Hezekiah deceive you, and don’t let him mislead you like this. Don’t believe him, for no god of any nation or kingdom has been able to rescue his people from my power or the power of my predecessors. How much less will your God rescue you from my power!” (2 Chronicles 32:15).

King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah both sought God’s help, and the story has a wonderful ending. I hope you read it for yourself. But notice how the enemy used lies to terrify God’s people. Sennacherib wanted to “frighten and discourage them.” Their fear could have become so crippling that Sennacherib could easily have conquered them. Our enemy does the same thing today. Satan’s lies abound. We might feel like nobody cares or that we are all alone. But none of those things are true! We are treasured and loved by God, and He is always with us.

So how can we combat the lies? The best way to defeat the lies of the enemy is with the truth of God’s Word. That’s what Jesus did when His enemy tempted Him with half-truths (Matthew 4:1-11). Jesus knew that He was going to defeat Satan through dying on the cross and rising from the grave—and He did! Today, we can know that if we’ve put our trust in Jesus, He is with us, and His Holy Spirit fills us with truth and hope in the face of the devil’s lies. Whenever we’re afraid, let’s look to Jesus. • Kristen Merrill

• How can things like memorizing God’s Word, talking with Him in prayer, and spending time with other believers help us remember the truth about who Jesus is and who we are in Him?

• When we fall for Satan’s lies, God has so much compassion on us. He always wants to forgive and restore us. What lies do you need to bring to Him today?

[Jesus said,] “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32 (CSB) 

I’ve been reading the book of Revelation recently, and Revelation 6:11 is one of the verses that’s really stuck with me. Though it describes John’s vision of events that haven’t yet taken place, it still feels very relevant. The martyrs described in this verse are waiting in heaven for the Lord to punish those who had killed them because of their faithfulness to Him on earth. Rather than acting in that moment, however, God waits. The time for Him to enact justice hasn’t come yet.

Even though I’m not a martyr, I can relate to the people John sees in his vision, wanting God to act on their behalf but being told to wait. It can be difficult for me to trust God, especially because I know He can act. I don’t doubt His ability, but sometimes I doubt His timing.

In situations when I’m tempted to doubt the Lord’s timing, it helps to remember He’s never early or late. His understanding of what the “right” time is far surpasses mine. Although I can only see a small part of the whole picture, He can see the entire thing.

If you’re in a situation where you need God to intervene, you can trust that He’ll act at exactly the right moment—not a moment early or a moment late. You may simply need to wait a little longer. • Grace McCready

• Is there a situation in your life where you want God to take action? God invites us to cry out to Him and be totally honest about what we want Him to do. As we draw near to Him in prayer, we often find it becomes easier to trust His timing in each situation and rely on Him while we wait. Consider taking a moment to talk to God openly about what’s going on in your life and what you want Him to do about it.

• As we think about justice, it helps to remember that God is perfectly just, and He promises to right every wrong and punish every sin—including the sins others commit against us, and also the sins we commit. This is a sobering thought, and yet it makes the good news all the more wonderful, that Jesus took our sins upon Himself on the cross, taking the punishment for us. That means everyone who has put their trust in Jesus is spared from the punishment we deserve. This is God’s heart: He longs to forgive sinners and bring them into His family to live with Him forever. According to 2 Peter 3:3-9, why is God waiting to bring about full justice?

Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the full number of their fellow servants, their brothers and sisters, were killed just as they had been. Revelation 6:11 (NIV) 

I have heard that peace is like a river of serenity.

I have heard that the Lord is the giver of tranquility.

If peace can be revealed through the raindrops of a raging storm,

Why does the thunder never stop? It leaves my heart feeling torn.

My friends are gone. I’m alone in the dark. No peace can I find.

Fear holds me as a slave. I feel like I am losing my mind.

My heart races fast inside of my chest. I can’t catch my breath.

The darkness closes in all around me. Is this the end: death?

But wait! His scarred hands are lifting me high above the darkness.

Though the raging waters are by my side, He is my fortress.

Jesus knows the anguish that makes me tense. He is human too.

His reckless love is never any less for me or for you.

He is my peace in the raging storm when fear is all around.

Even though things may fall apart, I will stand on solid ground.

So, I will raise my head and fix my eyes, seeing only Him.

Though Satan tempts, I know fear is a lie. Darkness will grow dim. • Brooke Morris

• Jesus promises peace to everyone who puts their trust in Him. In fact, Ephesians 2:14 says that Jesus “himself is our peace.” Because He died on the cross and rose from the grave to forgive our sins, we can have peace with God (Romans 5:1). And we can look forward to the day Jesus will return and make all things new! But in the meantime, we all experience times when we feel anything but peaceful. Thankfully, Jesus invites us to take refuge in Him—to honestly tell Him all we’re thinking and feeling, and be reminded of His steadfast love and faithfulness. Can you think of a time you experienced Jesus helping you when you were afraid? What was that like?

• If you want to dig deeper, read Psalms 88:18; 139:12; Isaiah 41:10; 66:12-13; Matthew 7:24-27; 26:37-38; Luke 22:44; John 20:24-29; Romans 8:15; Philippians 4:6-7; Hebrews 2:15; 12:1-3.

[Jesus said,] “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 (NIV) 

Have you ever sat and watched a pendulum clock? The rhythmic back and forth motion can be mesmerizing, even relaxing.

Many things have been likened to the swing of a pendulum. Most of them are not relaxing but instead refer to constant change. Clothing, for example, is compared to a swinging pendulum. This year, women’s pants are wide, and in a few years they will be skinny once again. Popular colors also follow the swinging pendulum. For a while, many new homes had various shades of gray inside, but we’re already starting to see colors return to tans and beiges.

Those preaching the Word of God can also swing on a pendulum. When I was growing up, I remember mostly hearing churches preach on hell. We would regularly hear, “If you don’t repent of your sins, you are going to hell!” And I rarely remember the church teaching about the love and mercy of God.

Today, most people who attend most churches will regularly hear about the wonderful truth of God’s love and how important it is to receive that love. Yet, at many churches, the heavy topics of sin and judgment are rarely spoken about.

Both sides of this pendulum swing are problematic by themselves: the full gospel has to incorporate both parts. We are sinners who desperately need to repent of our sins—and if we don’t, we are on a slippery slope to eternal judgment. But God, in His abundant love beyond imagination, by grace and mercy, offers us forgiveness. We need only put our trust in Jesus to receive the gift of His blood, shed for your sin and mine. • Bonnie Haveman

• Do you have questions about what it means to confess your sin and put your trust in Jesus—receiving His gift of love through His death and resurrection as payment for your sin? Who are trusted Christians in your life you could talk to? (You can also find out more on our "Know Jesus" page.)

• Have you ever presented the gospel as God’s gift of love but skipped the fact that we need to repent? Or vice versa? How can we include both truths when we share the good news?

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 (CSB) 

Have you ever wondered, “Where is God now? Doesn’t He love me?” Isaiah 49:15-16 presents one of the most beautiful expressions of God’s everlasting love in all of Scripture. God contrasts His love with one of the closest of human bonds: that of a mother with her nursing child. As unlikely as it is, a woman could forget her child. Yet God says He will never forget us. Then God says He has inscribed us—some translations even say “tattooed” us—on the palms of His hands!

Why is this significant? Because our palms contain some of the most sensitive areas of skin on our bodies. Getting a tattoo on your palm is not only extremely painful, but it can also take weeks or even months to heal.

When God says, “I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands,” He is using figurative language to say that He would go to the excruciating pain of having our names tattooed on His palms so that we would be ever before His face. Isn’t that incredible?

And it gets even better. This Scripture points forward to Jesus. God loves us so much that He took on human flesh and went through the excruciating pain of the cross to be with us. And Jesus’s hands still bear those scars.

If you know Jesus, you can rest assured that your name is permanently inscribed on God’s palm. This represents all of you—your fears, loneliness, circumstances, desires, and dreams. Everything that concerns you is always before Him.

Because…He loves you. • Cheryl Elton

• Can you think of a time God’s love felt distant? We all experience times like these, but the truth is God wants to be with us. Our sin separated us from God, yet Jesus came to endure the pain of the cross so our sins could be forgiven and we could have an intimate and lasting relationship with Him. How could it be helpful to meditate on this good news through Scriptures like today’s?

• In Psalm 42, David struggles with acknowledging God’s love while feeling far from it, even crying out to God, “Why have you forgotten me?” (verse 9). How can David’s raw lament in this psalm provide comfort to us?

• If you want to dig deeper, read Isaiah 53:5-6; John 3:16; 14:18; 20:24-27; Hebrews 13:5.

“Look, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands.” Isaiah 49:16 (CSB)  

Gunshots—they were distant, but the sound jolted through Kor’s body like bolts of lightning. He knew with every shot, another of his comrades could fall.

CRACK! His friend Finn was going to be a doctor.

CRACK! Mika dreamed of being a professional athlete.

CRACK! Zade just wanted to get home.

In the trenches, Kor always thought about how many were lost, praying that he wouldn’t be next.

“Fight the good fight, Kor,” his dad had said before boarding the military jet.

“There is no greater love…” his mother had said tearfully when they got the news that Dad wouldn’t be coming home.

“You’re my hero,” his little brother had declared, the first time Kor tried on his uniform.

“You know,” Kor had answered, “I’m fighting for lives that have already been saved by someone else. Jesus is the real hero.”

Kor froze at the memory. Without Christ, there was no hope. He glanced at the others around him, crouched in the shadow of the trenches. Did Finn, Mika, and Zade know?

Suddenly, from somewhere in the darkness, an object whistled through the air and hit the dirt with a thud: a grenade.

Kor’s heart skipped a beat as he stared at the weapon about to destroy a trench full of soldiers. The memories swirled around him like a blur of silver stars in the blackness: “Fight the good fight.” “There is no greater love…” “You’re my hero.” Then, he thought of a night long ago, of dropping to his knees, asking for forgiveness, and putting his trust in Christ.

“Is Jesus your hero?” his little brother had asked.

Kor stood and began to run.

“You bet.”

Others needed to know Him. They needed what Kor already had. He jumped through the air, crossing the last few paces in a moment.

They needed hope.

He threw himself onto the grenade. An explosion shook the ground. • Anita Seavey

• Today’s fictional story provides a poignant picture of the kind of love Jesus has for us—a love so strong that, once we’ve experienced it for ourselves, we are compelled to love others. Have you ever experienced a sacrificial love like this? What was that like?

• Romans 5:7-8 says, “Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” When Jesus died on the cross, He sacrificed His life for us so that we could be forgiven for our sins. And when He rose from the dead, He made the way for everyone who puts their trust in Him to become God’s friend and live with Him forever (verse 9-10). What questions do you have about what it means to know Jesus? Who is a trusted Christian in your life you could talk to about this? (You can also find out more on our "Know Jesus" page.)

• When we know Jesus, we have confidence that death is not the end for us and that Jesus will be with us no matter what. How could this hope give us courage when we find ourselves in difficult situations? (Romans 8:35-39; 1 Timothy 6:11-12; Revelation 21:1-5)

[Jesus said,] “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13 (NLT)