READ: GENESIS 37:1-36; 45:1-15; 50:15-21 Do you wish parts of your life were different? Perhaps a broken relationship, a shattered home, a selfish decision, or a misguided choice. Pieces that seem too jagged and broken to fit together into anything remotely beautiful. Ever since sin entered our world, we all have brokenness in our lives. But God can work through our stories—just as He did through Joseph’s. In Genesis 37, we see how Joseph’s own brothers sold him into slavery. They were filled with jealousy because of their father’s wrongful favoritism of Joseph, and their anger was stirred up by Joseph’s sinful pride. One day they attacked him, throwing him into a pit and then sending him to faraway Egypt. Joseph was forced to leave behind his home and his father, Jacob, who grieved for the son he thought had been killed. Joseph’s life in Egypt was hard. Yet “the LORD was with him and…gave him success in everything he did” (Genesis 39:3). Joseph was eventually put in charge of his Egyptian master’s entire household, but then he was wrongfully accused of a crime he didn’t commit and thrown into prison. However, through the hand of the Lord, he went from the dungeon to being second-in-command over all of Egypt. God worked through Joseph to save the people of Egypt and surrounding lands from a devastating famine. When his brothers came to Egypt, desperate for food for themselves and their families, Joseph recognized them and was filled with emotion. After testing them, he revealed his true identity to his brothers and they were tearfully reunited. Though Joseph’s life was full of pain and heartache, God used the mistakes and sins of Joseph and his family to bring about His own good purposes (Genesis 50:20). Israel was saved from starvation. And generations later, God fulfilled His promise to bring a Savior, Jesus Christ, through their family. God can take the most broken parts of our lives and make them beautiful. • Julia Faith Steward • Though it’s easy for us to focus on how our situations look in the present, God sees the bigger picture. He is working all things together for good. How could this truth give us hope? • Joseph and his family were real people with real emotions. Joseph felt the pain that resulted from being betrayed by his brothers, who were supposed to love and protect him. When they were reunited, he sobbed so loudly that all of Pharaoh’s household heard him. How could it be encouraging to know that the people in the Bible dealt with brokenness and pain just like us? 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) 

READ: EXODUS 4:10-12; LUKE 12:11-12; EPHESIANS 6:19-20 Have you ever gotten stage fright? Getting up and speaking in front of a group of people can be nerve-racking! The truth is, lots of people struggle with stage fright, including celebrities who perform all the time. When we have to get up in front of people, a helpful piece of advice is not to worry so much about what others will think of us. Instead, we can shift our focus away from ourselves and concentrate on helping our audience learn something new. Much like stage fright, we can get nervous about talking to someone about Jesus. We might feel that Jesus wants us to speak about Him to someone, but we get nervous and wonder what to say and what the person will think of us. But instead of focusing on ourselves, we can shift our focus onto Jesus and the person we’re talking to. God wants to help us follow His leading and help that person know more about who He is. As we remember that He’s always with us, helping us every step of the way, we can face our fears and speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). Remember, people throughout the Bible needed God’s help to speak. In the book of Exodus, when God told Moses to confront Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, Moses asked God to send someone else, saying, “Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent…because my mouth and my tongue are sluggish” (Exodus 4:10). But God promised to teach Moses what to say. Jesus gives us a similar promise in Luke 12:11-12, saying the Holy Spirit will teach us what to say. Whenever we get nervous, we can always ask for help, both from God and from fellow Christians. For example, Paul wrote to the Christians in Ephesus, “Pray that I might be bold enough to speak about it [the gospel] as I should” (Ephesians 6:19-20). Even though Paul had taught crowds of people about the gospel many times, he still asked for prayer, knowing that he needed God to work through him. In the same way, we can trust God to help us find the right words when He calls us to speak. Then we can leave the results up to Him. • A. W. Smith • Whenever we’re nervous to speak in front of a group, we can talk to God about it. He cares, and He wants to help us. And when we get nervous when we have an opportunity to tell one of our friends about Jesus, He’ll help us with that too. Have you ever talked to someone about Jesus? What was that like? • If we know Jesus, He is always with us through the Holy Spirit. How can remembering this truth encourage us when we feel too nervous to speak? (Matthew 10:19; Mark 13:11) “Now go! I will help you speak and I will teach you what to say.” Exodus 4:12 (CSB) 

READ: ROMANS 5:6-11; EPHESIANS 2:1-10; 1 JOHN 4:19 The Emperor sent a proclamation to the kingdom of Mercutia. He announced that he would be granting the Ultimate Gift to a select few people of the kingdom. Adelaide, a young seamstress, read this proclamation and was overjoyed. The Gift from the Emperor… that could change everything! However, Adelaide knew she would have to distinguish herself in order to be worthy of the Gift. I will become the wealthiest in the land, Adelaide thought. Then I’ll be worthy. So she worked diligently, toiling day and night on the dresses of duchesses. She mended and sewed until her fingers bled and her eyes ached. After one year, she gathered all her wealth and journeyed to the Emperor to ask for the Gift. But when she arrived, she saw nobles dripping with jewels and knew she would never be the wealthiest of all. Surely, she was not worthy. I will become the strongest in the land, Adelaide thought. Then I’ll be worthy. So she joined the Emperor’s army and trained as a knight. After one year, Adelaide had gained glory and strength, and she journeyed to the Emperor to receive the Gift. But when she arrived, she saw the strongest generals, and she knew she would never be the strongest in the land. If I cannot be the wealthiest or the strongest, then I will be the smartest, Adelaide thought. Then, I will finally be worthy. So she became a student of the most respected scholars. She studied great tomes, memorized epic poems, and learned deep philosophy. After one year, she journeyed to the Emperor one last time to see if she could finally receive the Gift. But when she arrived, she listened to the Emperor speak. His immense wisdom was so beyond hers that she knew she would never be worthy of the Gift. Dejected, Adelaide returned home. “My work will never be enough,” she whispered to herself, weeping quietly. But when she saw what was waiting for her inside, her heart filled with joy. Given freely by the Emperor was the Gift, ready to be opened. • Emily McDonough • Have you ever felt like you had to do certain things to be worthy? The truth is, we could never do enough to earn God’s favor or His love. But God loved us first, before we could even do anything good, and only Jesus’s sinless sacrifice on the cross was enough to provide forgiveness for our sins and the gift of eternal life. Find out more about this good news on our "Know Jesus" page. 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) 

READ: PSALMS 36:7; 42:8; HOSEA 2:14-23; EPHESIANS 3:17-19 Have you ever seen a couple that’s obviously in love? They’re always together or trying to be together. They’ll crack jokes, help each other with tasks, and compliment each other’s appearance or talents. Even when they’re not together they text or call, doing everything they can to connect. If things are serious, they might buy each other flowers and other gifts. In short, they do everything they can to tell each other, “You’re special. I love you. You mean the world to me.” God is the same way with us. While He loves us with an ultimate love that surpasses any romantic relationship, He uses many of the same ways romantic couples use to tell us He loves us. He places blessings in our lives. He is always there with a listening ear whenever we want to talk to Him, and He’s always trying to communicate with us. He is faithful to us, and He encourages us as we go through life. We might be tempted to think God’s love is a passive love, or even a forced love that only comes from some kind of obligation. But it’s the opposite. It’s a love that pursues us, never gives up on us, and chooses us no matter what we do or don’t do. This love moved Jesus to die on the cross and make the way for us to be saved and live with Him forever. It gives us countless fresh starts. It provides a way to escape temptation, and it also provides forgiveness. In other words, every act of God is motivated by love, even when it doesn’t seem like it. In every moment of our lives, He is trying to show His love for us (Jeremiah 31:3). • Morgan Mitchell • Have you ever thought about the way God loves us as similar to the way a romantic couple loves each other? Throughout the Bible, God often compares Himself to a groom or husband, and He calls His people His bride or wife. For example, Ephesians 5:25 says, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her.” How is the relationship God wants to have with us similar to the relationship between aloving husband and wife? How is it different? • In what ways has God shown you His love recently? Can you recall a time you felt God’s love in a personal way? If nothing comes to mind, you can ask God to reveal His love to you anytime. And we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him. 1 John 4:16 (CSB) 

READ: MARK 11:1-11; JOHN 12:12-16 Do you ever have one of those moments when something from the Bible sticks out to you, and it’s just what you need to hear? The other day, I had that kind of moment while I was reading Mark 11. As Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey, crowds of people wave palm branches and shout “Hosanna!” Jesus is fulfilling a prophecy from Zechariah 9:9 that says, “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” That Jesus is riding a donkey is obviously very important. But what struck me was how Jesus gets the donkey. When He’s getting close to Jerusalem, He sends two of His disciples and says, “Go to the village ahead of you…you will find a colt tied there…Untie it and bring it here” (Mark 11:1-2). If I’d been one of those disciples, and if I’d known that Jesus was going to need a donkey when we got to Jerusalem, I would’ve wanted to plan a bit farther ahead. I would’ve brought a donkey with us, or sent someone ahead several days before to find a donkey we could borrow or buy, or maybe do both just so we’d have a backup plan if one of the donkeys got sick or injured or lost. After all, if it was so important to have a donkey, we should be extra prepared! But that’s not what Jesus does. He knows there will be a donkey ready at just the time He needs it. And there is. The disciples didn’t need to plan ahead and make arrangements—God was taking care of all the details, and they just needed to do what Jesus told them to do, when He told them to do it. In my own life, I often find myself thinking several steps ahead. And when I realize there’s something I’m going to need later, but I don’t have it now, it’s easy for me to get stressed. While it’s good to plan ahead sometimes, lately I’ve felt like God has been inviting me to let go of the worries I’ve been carrying (Matthew 11:28-30). To trust Him to provide what I’m going to need, when I’m going to need it (Matthew 6:25-34; Philippians 4:12-13). It’s okay if I don’t feel completely prepared right now. My job is just to follow the King, one step at a time. After all, He loves me so much that He was willing to go to Jerusalem, riding on a donkey, and face the cross for me. And He is so powerful that nothing could keep Him in the grave. When I remember that, it gets easier to trust Him with all the details of my life. • Hannah Howe • What kinds of future needs do you tend to worry about? Consider taking some time to talk to Jesus about these, asking for His guidance and help, and resting in His care for you. “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there.” Mark 11:2 (NIV) 

READ: MATTHEW 17:1-8; LUKE 9:28-36; 1 JOHN 3:2 What is Jesus like in all of His glory? The Bible tells us Jesus is both fully God and fully human—but while he was here on earth He looked like everybody else (Isaiah 53:2; John 1:9-14). He was a man walking among us, and His glory as God the Son was hidden from view. At least, most of the time! The event we call the transfiguration gave three of Jesus’s disciples a glimpse of the true glory of our Savior. Matthew 17 tells us that Jesus took Peter, James, and John with Him and climbed a high mountain. There they witnessed a transformation in Jesus’s appearance— He was transfigured. “His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light” (verse 2). This remarkable transformation allowed the disciples a brief glimpse into Jesus’s glory as the Son of God—holy, brilliant, and awesome. They also witnessed an exchange between Jesus and two famous leaders of the Old Testament: Moses and Elijah. Luke’s account of the event tells us that Moses and Elijah spoke with Jesus about his departure, “which was about to be fulfilled in Jerusalem” (Luke 9:31). The disciples didn’t yet realize Jesus’s glory was going to be revealed by His death and resurrection, and they were understandably distracted by Moses and Elijah, but God the Father Himself reminded them that Jesus was His beloved Son, who pleased Him entirely. He said, “Listen to him” (Matthew 17:5). When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground, terrified, but Jesus came and touched them, and when they looked up they saw only Jesus. Years after witnessing this event, John wrote that we, too, will someday be resurrected with glorious bodies! What will that be like? We don’t know yet, but we do know that “when Christ appears…we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is” (1 John 3:2). What a great day that will be! • Laura N. Sweet • Why do you think Jesus’s glory was hidden from view most of the time He was here on earth? Why do you think God choseto reveal a glimpse of Jesus’s glory at the transfiguration? • Do you ever think about how wonderful it will be to have a glorified, resurrected body some day when Jesus returns? All the effects of sin, pain, and suffering will be gone! Consider taking some time to marvel at this promise to believers and thank our loving God. Then Jesus came over and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” Matthew 17:7 (NLT)

READ: ROMANS 14:10-13; GALATIANS 6:1-2 What’s your favorite “instant” food? Ramen noodles? Mac ‘n’ cheese? Taquitos? These precooked foods are tasty and convenient. Especially when we’re hungry and in a hurry, having something on hand that will only take a minute or two to prepare can be really nice. It’s easy to get the idea that everything should be instant though. Sometimes we expect spiritual maturity to be like that, but it isn’t. Spiritual maturity—or growing to be more like Jesus—takes time. It’s more like making a fancy gourmet meal than warming up some taquitos. The process can’t be rushed. But it’s worth the time and effort. That means we have to be patient—both with ourselves and with each other. As we seek to follow Jesus in every area of our lives, we’re going to struggle with sin, and we’re going to see our friends struggle with sin. It’s our job to patiently encourage each other toward spiritual maturity, not expect each other to be instantly perfect. When we notice a sin in a Christian friend’s life, we can lovingly remind them of how God calls us to live, but it’s important to remember that we all have sins we struggle with. Thankfully, as we grow in our relationship with Jesus, He teaches us to turn away from sin and obey Him. Now, let’s be clear. When we trust Jesus as our Savior, we are immediately saved— but we aren’t instantly mature. And we can’t expect instant maturity from our friends either. Instead, we can pray for each other and learn to be patient as we grow together and learn more about Jesus and how He calls us to live. •A. W. Smith • Consider takinga moment to reflect on your own walk with Jesus. What are some areas where you’ve seen Him bring about spiritual maturity in your life? Praise God for that! What are some areas where more growth is needed? You can ask Jesus to lovingly guide you forward in these areas. In addition to talking to Jesus, who are trusted Christians in your life who can walk with you as you pursue growth, such as friends, pastors, parents, and youth leaders? • The Holy Spirit is the one who works inside Christians, transforming us to become more and more like Jesus in our thoughts, words,and actions. For example, one of the fruits of the Spirit is patience. What’s the difference between trying to make ourselves grow in maturity, versus pressing into relationship with God and yielding to His Spirit, trusting Him to help us grow? (If you want to dig deeper, read 2 Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 5:22-23; Philippians 1:6; 2:13.) We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak. Romans 15:1 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 143; LAMENTATIONS 3:22-26 Anxiety often gets to me at night. I don’t know what the morning is going to bring. There’s a heaviness that comes over me as it draws closer and closer to the time I go to bed. I try to reach out in that time and cling to God, but sometimes I struggle to do that. Night can be especially hard to deal with when we have family members who are struggling or when someone we love is in the hospital. We may feel like we need to stay awake to wait and see if we get any news from them, but we also know that we need to get rest. When I read Psalm 143:8, David’s words felt like something I could have written myself. It’s a prayer I’ve prayed before and will continue to pray: David says, “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.” As we lay down to sleep, we can ask to see God’s love in the morning. We can ask Him to show Himself when we get up the next day. And we can ask Him to look out for the people we love. When we wonder what the morning might bring, we can trust that God will be there, and He will direct our steps (Psalm 32:8; Matthew 28:20). Sometimes I struggle to reach out to God. But even in times of anxiety and heaviness, I know that God will take care of me. He is in control, and He is trustworthy. So I can let go of my fears and let the next day come—with all of its worries—and know that I will be okay because He loves me. • Emily Acker • Jesus invites us to come to Him with all our heavy anxieties and find rest (Matthew 11:28-30). Because He loves us, Jesus died and rose again so we could live with Him forever. When He returns He will make all things new, free from every kind of trouble. In the meantime, we may still feel anxious, but we can know that we are held securely in His love. Consider taking a moment to talk to Jesus, telling Him about whatever is on your mind and ask for His help. • If you’re having difficulty sleeping, or if you find yourself feeling afraid, stressed, or worried alot of the time, who is a trusted adult you could talk to, such as a parent, pastor, or counselor? 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) and ask to speak with the care associate. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love… Psalm 143:8 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 100:1-5; COLOSSIANS 2:6-7; 3:15-17; 4:2 Take a deep breath. Focus on the way it feels as the air enters your body. We are breathing all the time, but how often do we really think about our breathing or take time to be grateful for what those breaths are doing for our bodies? Isn’t it an amazing thing that God has given us the ability to breathe? We all need to breathe in order to survive. And breathing is just one of the many things we tend to do without even thinking about it. But it’s so good to slow down, notice how God is providing for our bodies, and let that move us to gratitude. As Acts 17:25 says, “He himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.” As you sit down to your next meal, pause for a moment and really look at the food that’s in front of you. Think about where it came from and how it came to be yours. Think about the benefits this food offers your body—the nutrients and energy it provides. Often, we eat without really thinking about what we’re doing. But it’s good to savor the foods we enjoy. And, whether we like the taste of a certain food or not, it still gives our bodies what we need to keep going. As we take time to be grateful for what we have to eat, we can rest knowing that we have a God who provides us with food (Genesis 9:3; Psalm 136:25; Romans 8:35-39; Philippians 4:12-13). The next time you lay down to rest, really think about the feel of the bed beneath you. Think about the place where you are laying. Think about how beautiful it is that you can take a break from everything and just spend time resting. We need sleep to go on, but we don’t always think of sleep as a gift from God. Yet Psalm 127:2 says God “grants sleep to those he loves.” There is much that is a part of our daily lives that’s easy to take for granted. Food, breath, sleep…these are basic necessities, and we don’t always think of them as gifts. We are nothing without the one who created us, though, and whether we realize it or not, we are all relying on Him to provide us with our next breath and our next meal (Matthew 5:45). He is always loving us and caring for us. We have so much to be grateful for, even in those simple everyday moments when all we’re doing is eating or laying down to sleep. • Emily Acker • The Bible says Jesus is “sustaining all things by his powerful word” and “in him all things hold together” (Hebrews 1:3; Colossians 1:17). And He died and rose so we could live forever with Him. Consider taking some time to thank Jesus for giving you “life and breath and everything else.” 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) 

READ: ESTHER 4; ROMANS 8:28-39 The book of Esther takes place during the time the Israelites were exiled in Persia. It follows a group of Israelite people living away from their homeland. Not only are they far away from home, this group of captives is living in the capital city of the Persian Empire, Susa. This book of the Bible is unique from the rest of the Bible because God is not mentioned in the whole book. But since the Bible is God’s story, shouldn’t He be mentioned at least once? The book of Esther does not mention God by name, but the whole point of the book is to show the reader how God works in His peoples’ lives. The story of Esther is full of God’s handiwork and plans, from Esther being chosen to become the new queen and gaining the king’s favor so that he eventually spares her people, to the way the wicked Haman’s plan to destroy the Jews all unravels and Haman himself ends up being put to death. Mordecai, Esther’s uncle who Haman wanted to kill, is even elevated to take Haman’s position as the king’s second in command. To anyone who picks up the book of Esther for light reading, it might look like her story contains coincidence after coincidence, but to those who know what God’s providence and sovereignty look like, it’s clear who’s in control of the narrative all along. While the Israelites are living in exile, in a foreign land, under a foreign king, it may seem like God is far off and has forgotten His people and His promises. But the opposite is true. Even when God feels far away—to us or to the Israelites—He is actively working in our lives to save us. • Naomi Zylstra • Can you think of a time you felt like God was far away? What was that like? Looking back, are there any ways you can now see God’s handiwork where you may not have expected it? • God saved His people from genocide through Esther—she was willing to lay down her life for others, risking everything to ask the king to spare her people. This story offers us a glimpse into God’s ultimate plan to save us from sin and death through Jesus—He was willing to lay down His life for us. Jesus died on the cross, and then He rose again, and now He promises to be with us no matter what. Consider taking some time to talk to Jesus and ask Him to help you see how He is actively working in your life, and how He might be inviting you to be part of that work. 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) 

READ: EXODUS 34:6-7; LAMENTATIONS 3:22–24; HEBREWS 10:19-23 Lord, You are faithful.   When I despair over illness and disease And the wars across the globe, You are the hope of joy in the wind.   When I doubt that You are there And seek the hopeless comfort of sin, You are the mighty voice, shaking me free.   When I am so tired, Weary of the pain that beats me down, You are the steadfast strength I need.   When my thoughts stumble On the temptations of the world, You are my shelter and my rescue.   And when I run toward the darkness Of hate and wretchedness, You guide me home with the light of Your Son.   Lord, You are faithful. • Emily McDonough   • When we feel overwhelmed, sin can seem especially tempting. While sinning might make us feel a little better at first, we quickly realize that sin just makes things worse. But the good news is, Jesus never changes. He is the same God who created the world, who died on the cross, and who lives now today (Hebrews 13:8). Jesus came to forgive our sins, and He promises to one day free the world of evil. What broken things in the world or in your own life have been weighing on you lately? Consider taking some time to talk to Jesus, telling Him about these hard things, confessing any sins that come to mind, and resting in His sure love for you and for the world. Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures. Psalm 119:90 (NIV) 

READ: ROMANS 5; PHILIPPIANS 2:3-11; HEBREWS 13:8 Princess Gayle examined a few documents on her desk as General Blackgrove delivered his opinion. She attempted to appear disinterested. They weren’t exactly allies. “Between you and me, I believe there is sufficient evidence that you are ready to become queen,” the general said in an undertone. “Unfortunately, I don’t think Runyan agrees…” “Really?” Gayle said dryly. “If you promise me a position in the Mountain Army, I will support you. And,” General Blackgrove added, measuring his words carefully, “if I were to learn more about the future of your father’s reign, I may be able to convince others to support you as well.” Gayle understood his meaning. She didn’t particularly like him, but he had power. So she said, “I will tell you this: my father’s health is indeed waning. Soon he will be incapable of carrying out his duties.” General Blackgrove seemed pleased, and after he left her study Gayle smiled to herself—what a cunning politician she was becoming! A knock sounded and Runyan entered, his eyes shining. Gayle beamed. “I have General Blackgrove on my side. He wants a position in the mountains.” The old council member smiled softly. “Excellent!” “But he said he didn’t think you would recommend me.” She laughed. Runyan shook his head. “He thinks everyone is a snake like him. What did you tell him in exchange for his support?” Gayle looked away. “I confirmed the rumors about Father.” Runyan raised his brows. “I thought no one was supposed to know.” Pushing back her rising guilt, Gayle said, “I needed to build trust.” At the next council meeting, Princess Gayle was able to convince her father to move General Blackgrove to the Mountain Army. And then her father stood. “I would like to propose that my daughter be my successor.” She sat up straighter, expecting Runyan, General Blackgrove, and others to stand in support of her. But her smile faded as every one of her contacts remained silent. Runyan even made a statement that he didn’t trust the king’s judgement on account of his health. Gayle’s stomach dropped. After the council disbanded, she paced furiously in her chambers. “After all I did for them! Is no one true?” She paused, catching a glimpse of her harried appearance in the mirror. “Am I true?” she wondered aloud. “What… what am I becoming? Betraying people for my own gain?” Wait, my child. Do not despair, a voice whispered. “Lord, is that you?” I am unchanging. I will not lie to you. I will not trick you. Though others might deceive you, and you might deceive others, I am true. I always have your best interests at heart. Relief flooded over Gayle like a bucket of water. Cool and refreshing. Will you trust me? “How do I know I can trust you? I can’t even trust myself!” I know you. I made you. I love you. I knew all your failures before you were born, and I purchased your forgiveness. I have all the power in the world, and yet I took the position of a servant and died a criminal’s death—for you. Come and walk with me. Let me teach you the good way. You don’t need to grasp for power. I am working, even in the midst of this corruption, for the good of my people. • Natty Maelle • The world has been broken by sin, so it’s easy to compromise and give in to the broken systems and greed around us. We all sin, and we all need forgiveness. That’s why Jesus came. He loves us so much, and He hates to see us hurting and deceiving each other. Through His death and resurrection, He made the way for us to be forgiven. And when Jesus returns, He will restore all things. As we wait for this glorious day, we may feel disoriented and unsteady because of...

READ: ROMANS 12; 2 CORINTHIANS 4:16 I felt a complete emptiness. What was the purpose of life? As a newer Christian, my life wasn’t really “fixed.” I still felt empty. Was life just about being good? Sitting in my room, I found myself reading Romans 12. Sure, I’d skimmed by it once or twice, but strangely, this time I was stuck on the second verse. Reading past it proved quite difficult, and after a while, I stopped trying. Squinting closer, I stood arrested at the clarity found in the words. “Don’t be conformed to this world.” I was still for a while, pondering its meaning. My thoughts turned to Jesus’s closest disciples. In following Jesus, they rejected the ways of the world. As they walked with Jesus, their lives began to look different. I started to wonder, what made me stand apart from the world? Was I just like the rest? I realized that I turned to conformity as a way to meet societal expectations, and simultaneously as a defense against being disliked or rejected. Yet, I realized that Jesus doesn’t call us to be conformed to this world, just fitting into the mold, but instead to be “transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Shocked, I stared at that word. Transformed. Not just physically, or emotionally, but entirely. Once a pastor told me, “When you follow Jesus, your mind is renewed.” I immediately understood the source of that insight was this verse, Romans 12:2, and I smiled. That night, I prayed silently that Jesus would renew my mind and transform my life. Since then, I’ve noticed how His Holy Spirit has been leading me. That week was busy, and so was the next. However, an unexplainable peace settled over my life in a powerful way. No longer did I feel empty. No longer did I have to walk without a purpose or talk without a meaning. Life without Jesus doesn’t satisfy. Living transformed by Jesus leads to life abundant (John 10:10). • Evelyn Cardriche • Life can seem monotonous sometimes. We can feel stuck in certain habits or thinking patterns, feeling like there’s no purpose in life. But Jesus loves us, and He wants to transform us. When we put our trust in Him, believing in His death and resurrection, He gives us the Holy Spirit. He begins transforming us from the inside out, and He helps us see that we “are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). He shows us how He is moving in and around us, and He invites us to be part of His good work. How can this kind of transformation lead to peace and joy? Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2 (WEB) 

READ: MATTHEW 7:24-27; EPHESIANS 3:16-19; COLOSSIANS 2:6-10 Colossians 2:6-7 says, “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught.” If we know Jesus as our Savior and build our lives on Him and what He tells us in the Bible, our spiritual roots will go deep. As we dig into the richness of the gospel alongside fellow Christians, studying His Word and pondering how He saved us through His own death and resurrection, we won’t be easily fooled by false teaching or be quick to wander away from God. We’ll be firmly rooted in Jesus. There will be plenty of storms in life that threaten to shake us, but when we belong to Jesus, we can be confident that He holds us securely in His love (Romans 8:35-39). And knowing that truth changes how we live. We can be totally honest with Him about both the joys and the sorrows we experience, coming to Him with our questions, doubts, frustrations, and fears. He can handle all of it. He is eager to reveal who He truly is and how much He cares for us. As we look to Jesus for help, relying on Him to give us strength and guidance in every area of life, we’ll continue to grow in our relationship with Him, firmly rooted in His truth and love. • A. W. Smith • One powerful way for us to be more firmly rooted in Christ is through prayer, simply talking with God. Consider taking some time to ask God to help you grow more rooted in Him and trust Him to hold you securely no matter what. If you’d like a guide, you could pray the words of Ephesians 3:16-19 for yourself, and you could also pray them for a friend. • Throughout our lives, we all have times when our faith feels weak. But Jesus is so eager to help us through His Spirit, His Word, and His people. Who is a mature Christian in your life? Consider asking them how their faith has grown throughout the years and how Jesus has helped them. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Colossians 2:7 (NLT) 

READ: LUKE 19:1-10; ROMANS 15:7 Sometimes I find it difficult to take feedback from others. I put a lot of effort into what I do, so it can be hard to hear notes and criticism about the work I’m doing, whether it’s about my job, writing, singing, or just my personal life. And it’s even worse when the feedback comes with a rejection—like when I haven’t done x, y, or z, so I’m not qualified for whatever I was pursuing. Back when I was looking for a job, I would hear phrases like, “Sorry, you don’t have the right experience,” or “We’re looking for someone with a different degree,” or “You should have become more specialized in this area.” Those rejections combined with negative feedback really stung. But, despite knowing I will face rejection in life, I can take comfort in the fact that Jesus’s way is totally the opposite. Jesus loves us first. He doesn’t require us to do x, y, or z before He accepts us. His love for us goes all the way to death on a cross— and resurrection three days later. When Jesus was passing through the city of Jericho and He encountered a wealthy tax collector named Zacchaeus who cheated people out of their money, Jesus didn’t say to him, “Get your life together, change your career, and build a better reputation, and then maybe I’ll come over to your house for dinner.” Absolutely not! Jesus said to Zacchaeus, “I must stay at your house today” (Luke 19:5). Jesus loves us as we are. When we put our trust in Him, He sets us apart as holy. As we follow Him, He works in us to make us more like Him, but different people have all sorts of starting points on their faith journeys, and at the beginning of all these journeys is the love, mercy, and grace of Jesus, given freely. Jesus loves you as you are, each and every day. • Naomi Zylstra • Can you think of a time you faced rejection or harsh feedback? How did you deal with it? Sometimes feedback is helpful, sometimes it’s hurtful, and sometimes it’s a bit of both. Jesus wants to help us heal and grow through these experiences, and often He helps us through other Christians. Who is someone in your life who can help you sort through difficult feedback? • How can knowing that Jesus loves usand accepts us first, before we could even love Him back, affect the way we love Him now? What about how we love and accept others? (Romans 15:7) • What did Zacchaeus do after Jesus came to his house? How did Jesus’s loveaffect Zacchaeus? We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19 (NIV)

READ: JOSHUA 2; HEBREWS 11:29-31; JAMES 2:25 Rahab is one of my favorite people in the Old Testament of the Bible. We remember her because of her faith in God. Though she was not an Israelite by birth, her faith in the God of Israel prompted her to hide two Israelite spies in her home within the walls of Jericho. As a result of this act of faith, Rahab and her family were spared when the Israelite army conquered Jericho. The Bible notes that not only was Rahab a Canaanite, but she was also a prostitute. We might be tempted to think of Rahab as “worse of a sinner” than other people—after all, she performed sexual acts for a living, something detestable in the sight of the Lord because He created sex to be shared faithfully by a husband and wife. But the truth is, all sin is heinous in God’s sight. Yet, because of God’s mercy, Rahab was the woman He chose to be the great, great-grandmother of King David, a direct ancestor of Jesus Christ the Messiah (Matthew 1:5). Rahab became a believer in Yahweh, and this is what set her apart from everyone else in Jericho. They had all heard of the miraculous deeds of Yahweh—how He parted the Red Sea to deliver the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and then gave them victory over their enemies in Canaan—but only Rahab had the faith to act on her belief and say to the Israelite spies, “The LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below” (Joshua 2:11). One person in the midst of thousands of pagans put her trust in a God she knew of only through the words of others. In addition to being honored with a place in Christ’s lineage, Rahab was also included in Hebrews 11, which recounts stories of people who acted in faith, so that her faith could be a testimony to others. And James 2:25 says Rahab was “considered righteous.” Rahab probably had no idea the blessings God would bestow upon her and how she would be remembered by Jews and Gentiles alike for thousands of years to come. Perhaps God includes this story of one woman’s steadfast conviction to show the riches of His grace and point forward to Jesus. Just as Rahab had faith in the one true God and was saved when Jericho fell, so now anyone who has faith in Jesus is saved from sin and death, made righteous in God’s sight, welcomed into His family, and will one day dwell with God and His people forever. • Eliana Canfield • Have you ever felt disqualified to serve God because of your past? How might Rahab’s story speak into this? (If you want to dig deeper, read Matthew 21:28-32; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 1 Peter 1:8.) By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient. Hebrews 11:31 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 145:17-19; ACTS 12:5-17 After we ask God for something in prayer, it can be easy to just move on without actually looking for His answer. We can get distracted by a thousand different things that steal our attention away—meanwhile His answer to our prayer is right in front of us. We find an example of this when Peter is thrown in prison and the believers begin earnestly praying for him. God answers their prayers by sending an angel to free Peter and lead him right out of the jail. But when Peter gets to the house where they’re all still praying for him, they can’t believe it’s Peter at the door! Finally they let him in, amazed at what God had done. Sometimes, when we don’t notice God’s answers to our prayers, we can get into trouble by trying to answer our own prayers. If God is telling us to wait on Him to work, and we insist on manufacturing our own solutions instead, it can only lead to trouble. When we pray, how often do we look and listen for God’s answers? As people who’ve put our trust in Jesus, we have His Holy Spirit living in us. That means we can be in constant communication with God through prayer, and we can always expect some kind of answer when we pray. But it can be difficult to see those answers sometimes. Especially when we expect—or want—a certain answer and we’re not willing to accept any other. But maybe God will show us there’s something unexpected we can do about a situation that concerns us. Maybe He’ll show us an area of sin in our lives that we need to confess and give over to Him. Maybe He’ll simply offer us comfort. When we trust the Holy Spirit to help us be open to whatever answer God gives, we’re better equipped to notice what He’s doing in and around us. • A. W. Smith • Can you think of a time you saw God answer prayer in an unexpected way? What happened? • Jesus is with us in all our pain and concerns. He cares about us and promises to make all things new one day. How can remembering His faithful love help us listen and wait for His answers? For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer. 1 Peter 3:12 (NIV) 

READ: ISAIAH 55:8-9; MATTHEW 19:26; MARK 9:14-27 I come to You, and I wonder if You can. I have turned to others, and I have tried myself. I question You, not sure if You understand my needs. I doubt You, not sure if Your plan and my plan will align.   If I have tried already, how can things be different? If it has been impossible for me, how can it be better? If I leave it in Your hands, will I end up disappointed? Am I making a mistake even just by turning to You?   You tell me that Your ways are not like mine. You tell me that what’s impossible for humans is possible for You. You tell me that all I have to do is trust You to work. You tell me so many things, and I still have my doubts.   But You have compassion on me, even when I don’t trust You. You’ve made me, and You’ve given me life. God, take my unbelief—rip it away from me. Let me know that You can, let me trust that You will. • Emily Acker   • Consider taking some time to reread Mark 9:14-27. A man brings his son to Jesus because the boy is possessed by an evil spirit. Jesus’s disciples are there, and they try and fail to drive out the spirit. When Jesus arrives, He talks to this desperate father, asking more about his son. Then the man says, “If you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” Jesus replies, “‘If you can?…Everything is possible for one who believes.” The father exclaims, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Then Jesus commands the evil spirit to come out of the boy, and He lifts the boy to his feet, healed. Have you ever felt like the father in this passage? How could it be freeing to know that we can be totally honest with Jesus about our desire to trust Him, and also about our doubts? Is there anything you want to ask Jesus for that seems impossible? “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark 9:24 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 139:7-12; LUKE 15:1-7; ROMANS 8:31-39 I spread mortar on the next brick. The thick sludge looks like grey toothpaste as I smother it on the porous red block. I set the brick firmly on top of the others and reach impatiently for the next one, scoop another trowel-full of mortar and slap it down. Another brick, and another, and another. The wall is tall enough, and now I’m making it thicker. I lost track of how many layers of bricks I’ve put up. It doesn’t matter. I don’t bother to focus my eyes on anything. I just keep going. I don’t feel anything. I just keep going. I’ve gotten pretty good at not feeling. It takes practice, but it wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. Detach. Disengage. Just keep going. As I place the next brick, the wall thumps. Thumps? I pause with my hand midair. I listen. The wall thumps again. And again. And again. It’s getting louder. And suddenly I realize—something’s trying to get in. I work quickly, my hands trying to keep pace with my racing pulse. I grab more mortar, more bricks, and focus on adding more layers to the spot where I hear the thumping. I can feel the wall shaking now. Just a little. But the pounding is getting stronger with every blow. I’m working furiously now, trying to build the wall faster than it can be broken down. I have to keep myself away from what’s on the other side. Who’s on the other side. Detach. Disengage. Just keep going. What’s on the other side is the stuff of childish hopes. I won’t be a fool. I won’t let myself get drawn in—again. I used to think everything that was good and right and beautiful was possible and real. But now I’ve grown up. I know the truth. Don’t let yourself hope. Don’t let yourself feel. Don’t be tricked into trusting. Even the light casts shadows. But then, I hear a crack. I look to my right, and suddenly the newest layer of bricks bursts open. And I see a hand. Reaching for me. Oh, that hand! It’s Him—it’s really Him! I grasp His hand, and every feeling I haven’t felt bursts open in sobs of pain and relief. Jesus, my Jesus. My only Jesus. They told me you weren’t as good as I thought You were. They hurt my friends. They hurt me. They told me that’s what You wanted. They told me I didn’t really know You. And after a while, it hurt too much to hope. I cling to His hand, His warm, strong hand. And He holds on to me. “I’m here. I will always come for you. Always.” My sob catches in my throat, and all I can do is nod. I have so many tears left to cry, and yet, I can feel myself beginning to hope again. Then He says gently, “I’m not going anywhere. Now, how about I take down the rest of this wall?” • Hannah Howe • Have you experienced things that made you feel like Jesus wasn’t as good as you hoped He was? Maybe you’ve seen a devastating natural disaster, or lost someone you love, or maybe people have said or done wrong things—whether people in the church or outside the church—that have hurt you or people you care about. Consider taking a moment to ask Jesus to help you notice how He is even now pursuing you with love. • Jesus invites us to tell Him about all the hurtful, confusing, and infuriating things we encounter in this broken world—and He also provides trustworthy Christians in our lives who can help us process what we’ve experienced and get out of unsafe situations if needed. God sees how messed up things are, and He grieves all the world’s brokenness far more deeply than we do. He knows how bad our sin is, yet He wants to forgive and restore us. He longs to enfold us in His arms and bring healing to our hurting places. That’s the kind of love He has for us. That’s why He went to the cross and rose from the grave for us. He came “to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10)...

READ: MATTHEW 7:1-5; JAMES 2:10; 1 JOHN 1:7-9 Are you ever tempted to believe that your sins are bigger or smaller than somebody else’s? It’s an easy lie to fall into. But in God’s sight, there are no big or small sins. It’s all just plain sin. It might be helpful to think of sin like stepping on a rock. Whether you trip over a large rock or step barefoot on a small, sharp pebble, it hurts! Stumbling on a rock of any size can stop us in our tracks. It’s easy to think that “small” sins like hiding the truth, gossip, and jealousy aren’t really a big deal, but even little pebbles can cause great pain. James 2:10 says, “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.” When we commit a sin that seems small to us, we may think it’s not so bad. But the Bible says if we break just one small part of God’s law, we’re as guilty as if we’d broken every part. Now, that doesn’t mean we might as well sin big because it’s all the same to God. But instead of pointing a finger at others when they sin, insisting their sins are bigger than ours, we need to confess our own sins to God. Our sin has caused each one of us to stumble and fall, but Jesus wants to pick us back up and tenderly care for our wounds. He took all our sin upon Himself on the cross, and then He was resurrected from the dead to defeat sin and death. If we’ve put our trust in Jesus, all our sins are paid for. He forgives us for all of them—past, present, and future. So whenever we sin, we can admit our guilt to God, receive His forgiveness, and ask for His help to keep walking. Through the Holy Spirit, He will help us turn away from sin and look for ways we could make things right, such as apologizing, telling the truth, or providing payment for something we’ve damaged or stolen (Luke 19:1-10). God knows that sin hurts everything it touches. That’s why He sent His Son, Jesus, so we could be forgiven and saved from sin. So none of us has any right to think we’re better than someone else. Instead of being critical of others, we can look for sins in our own lives, then confess them to God and walk forward with Him. • A. W. Smith • What sins are you tempted to think of as “small”? Why do you think there’s no such thing as “small” sin in God’s eyes? • God always wants to forgive and restore us. How can remembering God’s perfect grace help us confess all our sins to Him? (Find out more about His forgiveness through Jesus on our "Know Jesus" page.) For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. James 2:10 (NIV) 

READ: PSALMS 32:8; 91:15; 119:105; PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7 Imagine for a moment you’re in a car, driving. On and on you go, but soon you realize you’re absolutely, hopelessly lost. The narrow, dead-straight country road stretches out before you with no chance to turn to the left or the right. Should you turn around and go back? You pull over and haul out your phone to use the GPS. It doesn’t work. What should you do? You’re in the middle of nowhere, and you have no idea which way to go. Is this the right way? How far can you go before you run out of fuel? There’s nothing to do but go on. Surely if you keep going you’ll eventually get somewhere. So you continue, trying to stay calm. The sun begins to sink lower and lower in front of you until it’s dark. Pitch dark. You can’t even make out the shapes of the trees as you pass them anymore, can’t even see the lines on the road in front of you. You moisten your dry lips and try to swallow the growing lump of panic rising in your throat. What if you never get home again? The silence grows oppressive. If only there was a light somewhere, if only you had someone with you! And yet, it’s dark, and you’re completely alone. But wait, aren’t you forgetting something? Why don’t you switch on the headlights? With a sigh of relief, you turn on the lights. Now you can see where you are! A thought suddenly strikes you—you may not be able to use your phone for a map, but you might have enough service to call your dad! You pull over to the side of the road, whip out your phone again, and call him. Before long, with help from your dad and those headlights, you manage to get home. Driving alone without lights on a dark road sounds pretty terrifying, right? Yet so often that’s what we try to do with our lives. Psalm 119:105 tells us that the Word of God is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. God wants to light our way! Jesus is the Light of the World, and whoever puts their trust in Him becomes God’s child (John 1:1-14; 8:12). We can always call upon the Lord, our Father, and He will answer us and guide us safely home. • Renata Hornshaw • Life in our broken world can be difficult and confusing, but we never have to navigate it alone. God is with us, and He is eager to help us and guide us through His Spirit, His Word (the Bible), and His people (the church). In what ways do you need God’s help and guidance today? Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) 

READ: MATTHEW 11:28-30; 1 PETER 5:6-7 Has a Bible verse ever hit you like a freight train—in a good way? I had that experience a couple months ago. I was going through a very stressful time in life with a number of large, sometimes painful decisions in front of me. I was weighed down, desperately trying to work through several problems in my own life while also coming alongside others experiencing problems in their lives. I was reading through 1 Peter 5, and I came across verse 7: “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” I have read this verse dozens or hundreds of times, but this time it hit right at my heart. The breath rushed out of my body. I realized that I was clinging to my worries and cares, believing the lie that it would be irresponsible not to worry about them. I couldn’t give them over to God because it was my job to figure them all out. It’s so easy to fall into this lie because, like many people, I want control over my own life. I don’t want God’s solutions to my problems; I want my solutions—and I want them now. God’s solutions might be uncomfortable, or they might take too long, or they might require too much from me. All these fears and lies and sinful desires can swirl around in my mind, clouding my vision and making it harder to see God with clarity. But once I lay these down at Jesus’s feet and the smoke clears, I can finally see what God has been telling me. He loves me. His ways are so much better than my ways. And, yes, His solutions may be uncomfortable. They probably won’t arrive on my timetable. And they might require a lot from me. But, when I’m not clinging so tightly to control, I’m able to see how God is reaching for my hand, inviting me to depend on His strength instead of my own. He’s walking with me, providing everything I need. I really can give all my worries and cares to Him, because He really does care about me. • Taylor Eising • Are there any worries you’ve been clinging to? Does it feel like it would be irresponsible not to worry about them? Consider taking some time to bring these worries to God. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT) 

READ: PSALMS 34:5; 89:14, 30-34; ROMANS 8:1 When you were younger, did you ever get hurt while doing something you knew you weren’t supposed to do? Like, maybe as a toddler your parent told you not to touch the hot stove, but you did anyway and got burned. Or maybe when you were a bit older you went ahead and built an amateur ramp to jump your bike, even though your babysitter told you not to, and you ended up breaking your arm. The best thing to do when we mess up and get hurt is confess what we’ve done and ask for help. Similar to how we’d confess our disobedience to the adults who were trying to keep us safe, we confess our sin to God. Like a caring parent, God very quickly forgives His children for disobeying. Yet, the pain of the injury might stay for quite a while. As we grow up, we come to find this same principle still holds true. When we disobey God and go against His good ways, He is eager to forgive us. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, believing in His death and resurrection, all our sins have been paid for—past, present, and future. But God doesn’t always take away the natural consequences of what we’ve done. We sometimes have to face those consequences, even after we’ve been forgiven for our sin. Those consequences might look like broken trust, hurt relationships, lost opportunities, injuries, addiction, and more. But the good news is, Jesus will walk with us as we face all these consequences, holding us in His love and giving us comfort and strength. It helps to remember that, for those who trust in Jesus, the consequences of sin are only temporary. Because He took the punishment for our sin when He died on the cross, we don’t have to face the ultimate consequence of sin—eternal separation from God. So one day, when we see Jesus face-to-face, we’ll never be in pain again. God always forgives those who trust in Jesus, but He doesn’t always take away the consequences of our sin right away. In this broken world, we often experience painful results of wrong things we’ve done. But if we know Jesus, the consequences won’t last forever. Because of His great love for us He willingly experienced death, the ultimate consequence of our sin, so we don’t have to. And He rose again so we could have eternal life with Him. • A. W. Smith • Can you think of a time you had to face the consequences of a sin, even after you confessed it? How could remembering that Jesus walks with us, even when we mess up, give us hope? • As Christians, we don’t have to carry the guilt and shame of our sin anymore because Jesus has set us free! Find out more on our "Know Jesus" page. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; faithful love and truth go before you. Psalm 89:14 (CSB) 

READ: PSALM 23; ISAIAH 53; MATTHEW 18:12-13 Remember when you were a little kid and would imagine what it would be like to be an animal? I do. I would wonder, What if I was a bird and I could fly? Or what if I was a cheetah and could run 75 miles per hour? What if I was a house cat and could lounge around all day without a worry in the world? Well, these musings aren’t just for kids. In fact, the Bible often compares God’s people to sheep. Think about that. We are God’s sheep. The fact that we are fallen humans can sometimes distract us from this truth. As humans, it seems like there is so much for us to worry about, from essay deadlines to car insurance. But the Bible says the Lord is our Shepherd (Psalm 23:1). So even though we are human, and there are so many daily worries to tempt us, we don’t need to worry about anything because we are His sheep. And He is such a good Shepherd. Being a sheep also means that we have all wandered astray from God’s perfect law, despite all the blessings we had been offered in life with Him. Isaiah 53:6 says, “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way.” However, God has laid His judgment on Christ in our place. Christ is not only our Good Shepherd; He is also the sacrificial Lamb who died for us, “and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6). Imagine you are a sheep under the care of a good shepherd who loves and provides for you. Isn’t that a peaceful thought? Perhaps you’ve sought greener pastures and found yourself lost in your sin. Yet, as we see in a parable Christ tells in Matthew 18:12-13, your Shepherd has left the entire flock to find you, rescue you, and rejoice over you. • Eliana Duran • While it can be uncomfortable to think of ourselves as sheep, totally dependent on a shepherd for things as basic as sustenance and safety, what can Psalm 23 show us about life with Jesus? • When are you most prone to wander away from the Good Shepherd, Jesus? Consider taking a moment to imagine yourself as a wandering sheep,and Jesus coming to find you, pick you up,and carry you to safety in His embrace. Your Shepherd loves you more than you could ever imagine. And you can rest in His care today. (If you want to dig deeper, read 1 Peter 2:24-25; 5:6-7.) “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11 (NIV) 

READ: 1 SAMUEL 30:1-31; 1 CORINTHIANS 12:12-27 God has given each of us a unique role to play in His kingdom. As Christians, we all have different spiritual gifts and different roles, and no one person is greater than any other. We’re all called to love one another and participate in the kingdom of God together. We find an interesting illustration of this in 1 Samuel 30. An Amalekite raiding party attacked and burned Ziklag, and they captured the wives and children of David and his men. After weeping severely and asking God what to do, David and his 600 men pursued the Amalekites. But when they reached a valley, about 200 of them were too exhausted to keep going, so they stopped to rest and watch the supplies while David and the remaining 400 men continued their pursuit. They found the raiding party, fought them, and rescued their families and recovered everything that had been stolen. They also took the Amalekites’ livestock as plunder. But when the 400 fighting men return to the 200 resting men, some of the fighting men didn’t want to share the plunder with those who hadn’t fought. But David said, “No, my brothers, you must not do that with what the LORD has given us. He has protected us and delivered into our hands the raiding party that came against us… The share of the man who stayed with the supplies is to be the same as that of him who went down to the battle. All will share alike” (1 Samuel 30:24). David determined that no role was greater than any other or deserved more plunder. Each role was important and needed, and David made sure everyone received God’s gift. Today, we have all been given different roles in life, and each one is important. Maybe right now your roles include being a student, daughter or son, or friend. Someday you might be an employee or employer, spouse, or parent. It can be easy to be discontent with our role in life when we find ourselves longing to have a different role or be at a different place in our lives, or when we’re jealous of others. But we can be encouraged knowing God has purposeful work for us to do right where we are in life right now. And one of the most important roles all believers have is being ministers of reconciliation. Jesus died on the cross and rose again to save us and bring us into His kingdom, and now He calls us to share this good news. • Elizabeth Cooper • What roles do you have right now? How could you faithfully serve God in those roles? Is there anyone in your life you can share the good news of Jesus with? (2 Corinthians 5:11-21) But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 1 Corinthians 12:18 (NIV) 

READ: PSALMS 28:7; 33:1-3; 40:3; COLOSSIANS 3:16 While I was in high school, I wrote the first version of today’s poem as a song for my personal worship time. Although I can’t read or write music, I can strum a few chords on the guitar and still enjoy singing this song in my devotional time with God. Music is God’s gift to everyone, no matter how “musically inclined” we are (or not!). Through music, God helps us interact with Him in a unique way. We can speak to Him in song, and God often speaks to our hearts as we sing to Him. And, since Scripture repeatedly tells us to sing to God, I believe He delights in our songs more than we can imagine! Sing a song of praise unto the King of Kings; Sing a song of praise— He has done wondrous things!   Sing a song of praise unto the Lord of Peace; Sing a song of praise— Let not your voices cease!   Sing His praise—Alleluia! Shout His praise—Alleluia! Sing a song! Sing a song of praise!   Sing a song of praise unto the Lamb of old; Sing a song of praise— The Word of Truth behold!   Sing a song of praise unto the LORD Most High; Sing a song of praise— His Name is Adonai!   Sing His praise—Alleluia! Shout His praise—Alleluia! Sing a song! Sing a song of praise! • G. Kam Congleton • Jesus is the King and Lord of all creation, and yet He chose to humble Himself, taking the position of a servant and dying on a cross, then rising from the dead to make the way for us, His creation, to be with Him. What are some ways we can praise Him for that amazing act of love? • Consider writing your own song of praise: Pick a Scripture passage—maybe Nehemiah 9:5-6 or one of today’s Bible passages. Then use some of your favorite phrases to create your own song to the Lord. No matter your musical bent, you can be sure of one thing: God is listening, and He delights in your song! I will sing the praises of the name of the LORD Most High. Psalm 7:17 (NIV) 

READ: JOHN 15:1-17; GALATIANS 5:22-23 When I was growing up, my family always had a garden. I would help plant the tiny seeds, water them, and tear out the weeds that grew around them. I became so used to watching the little plants pop out of the ground year after year, and then grow until they were large enough to produce all kinds of delicious vegetables, that I became almost numb to it. What was the big deal? But now when I think about how a tiny seed goes into the ground one day, and then just weeks later there’s a plant large enough to produce food for me to eat, it’s pretty amazing. God’s creation is captivating. He created all the vegetables and fruits with their unique seeds, unique ways of growing, and unique flavors. Potatoes and carrots grow under the ground, tomatoes grow on vines, and cobs of corn grow on tall stalks. It’s fascinating to witness all these things come to be. God put so much care into each of them, just as He did you and me. God never made any mistakes in His world. God made each plant unique. In a well-tended garden, these plants grow from tiny seeds to large, vegetable-producing plants. Isn’t it awesome that God put just as much care into you and me, and He wants to help us grow too? God created each of us to be unique, like all the many varieties of plants we find in a garden. He created us to grow and bear fruit, and He tends us like a careful gardener. But, on our own, we can’t make ourselves grow spiritually. In John 15, Jesus said, “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (verse 5). Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, His Holy Spirit lives in us, helping us mature in our faith and producing good fruit in our lives—the fruit of “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). It was amazing to see the garden I had growing up, and it’s also amazing to see how God can help me and work in me. I am so grateful to Him for all He does for me and how He helps me grow. • Bethany Acker • Have you ever taken time to marvel at how such small seeds grow into large plants that produce food for us? How could it be encouraging to remember that the same God who designed the plants to be unique and to grow and produce fruit is also the one who designed us, and He wants to patiently help us grow and bear the fruit of righteousness? (Philippians 1:11) “I [Jesus] am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 32; ROMANS 3:23-26; EPHESIANS 5:8-14 How do you fix a typo? Will ignoring it fix the problem? Of course not! Then they’d never get corrected. But when we take the necessary steps, they are quickly fixed. That’s kind of like confessing our sins. Ignoring sin, like ignoring typos, doesn’t fix the problem. Only Jesus can fix the problem. Sin is a much bigger deal than typos, but through His death and resurrection, Jesus made the way for us to come to Him and receive forgiveness for all our sins. So when we sin, we can confess it to God, knowing that Jesus has already paid the price for our forgiveness. And then, Jesus helps us move past our sin. He walks forward with us toward holiness and wholeness. In addition to confessing our sin to God, we may need to confess to the person we wronged and do what we can to make things right. This can be awkward or downright painful, but the Holy Spirit will guide us through the whole process and help bring healing to what has been hurt. We find a potent example of this in 2 Samuel 11-12, when David tried to ignore—and even hide—his sin. After using his position as king to have Bathsheba taken to his palace and have sex with her, David had her husband Uriah killed so no one would know that David was the father of Bathsheba’s baby. But God knew. God sent the prophet Nathan to confront David about these terrible acts, and then David finally confessed his sin. In his repentance, he wept. There were still grave consequences for the evil he had done, yet David experienced God’s wondrous forgiveness. He even went on to teach others to repent so they too could experience forgiveness. Are you ignoring a sin in your life? Don’t hold on to it. Instead, confess it to God. Jesus died and rose again to save you from sin, and God will forgive you so you can put sin behind you and do what’s right instead. You may need to apologize to someone else too. Why not do that right away? Admitting what we’ve done can be hard, but, as David writes in Psalm 32, there is a peace and a freedom that comes from bringing our sins out of the darkness and into the light. • A. W. Smith • We all sin many times a day, and while it’s impossible to confess every single sin, we are called to confess the sins we are aware of (Psalm 19:12). What sins are weighing on your heart right now? Consider taking some time to pray and confess these to Jesus, resting in His grace and forgiveness and trusting Him to guide you forward to walk in His good ways. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 1 John 1:9 (NLT) 

READ: PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7; 2 THESSALONIANS 3:16 Life can be hard. I’m not going to sugarcoat it. Life can be very hard. We may find it pretty easy to love and worship God when things are going well and life is good. But what about when a loved one passes away? What about when you’re so stressed with work and school that it feels like you don’t have energy for anything else? What about when a friend lets you down? What about when you’re having financial struggles and you don’t know how you’ll get by? Whatever you’re dealing with, there are probably days when your mind and heart are so clouded with emotion that you have trouble even opening that Bible or asking God for His help and guidance. I can relate. I can’t say that I know exactly what you’re going through because everyone has their own individual life and struggles. But I do know what it’s like to feel like you don’t have any choice but to put God last, when deep down you know He should be first. Here’s what we need to remember: God is there when nobody else is. He is the peace in the chaos and the hope in the heartache. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). He’s not just some other chore that we can maybe work into our schedules. He loves us. He died and rose again to be with us. He cares about what we’re going through, whether our problems are big or small, and He wants to help us. Today, Jesus invites us to come to Him with all our burdens, and He will give us rest (Matthew 11:28-30). He will give us peace and comfort in our storms. He might not take away our pain immediately, but He will be there with us through it all. • Elizabeth Blanton • When are you tempted to put God last? In other words, when does it feel like a chore to spend time praying, reading the Bible, and gathering with other Christians to worship God together? It’s easy to let these things fall to the wayside when life feels overwhelming, but when we view our time with God as spiritual nourishment, we realize how much we need it—especially in the overwhelming seasons. Spending intentional time with God may not always feel nourishing in the moment, but whenever we focus on His ever-abiding peace and presence within us, it’s always time well-spent. “I [Jesus] have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 73; EPHESIANS 2 "I know God is good, but why do they always seem to get the blessings and not me?” I asked as I sat with my Chinese takeout and tried valiantly not to dissolve into a teary mess. I was the one actually trying to do things God’s way and please Him, but in that moment, although I didn’t say it, the biggest thing I was feeling was bitter disappointment. Ever been there? Asaph was. He was a Levite singer and a contemporary of King David. In Psalm 73 he recorded his struggle with feeling envious of those who were proud, arrogant, violent, and lived their lives the way they wanted to with no regard for God or His laws. Asaph was frustrated by how everything always seemed to go well for them but not for him. At one point he even contemplated if his efforts were all in vain (verse 13). Was it even worth it? But Asaph’s perspective radically changed when he entered the place of God’s presence. Mine did too when I read his words. Asaph concludes, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever…as for me, it is good to be near God” (verse 26, 28). The nearness of God is the greatest blessing we could ever receive. To be far from Him is the greatest lack we could ever experience. No matter how outwardly prosperous someone may seem, if they are far from God, they will never experience the joy, peace, and fulfillment that only He can provide. Because God loves us, Jesus, God the Son, left the presence of His Father and came to us. For us and our salvation, He died and rose again that He might bring us near to God (Ephesians 2:13). He is our portion forever (Psalm 73:26). • Kayla Esguerra • Can you think of a time you felt jealous of people who don’t follow Jesus? It’s easy to fall into this sin. Consider spending some time with God in prayer, confessing your jealousy and asking Him to help you see those who don’t know Him yet with love and humility. • When Jesus returns, everyone who trusts in Him will enjoy an abundance of all good things on the new heavens and new earth. Until then, He comforts and strengthens us in His presence. Have you noticed anything in your life that affects your ability to daily sense and enjoy God’s nearness? What helps you be aware of His closeness? What distracts you from Him and makes you feel far away? But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds. Psalm 73:28 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 28:7; MATTHEW 14:13-21; JOHN 11:38-44 Do you still believe in miracles? I know the Bible mentions that Jesus fed over 5,000 people with only a handful of bread and fish (Matthew 14:13-21). Jesus also raised up Lazarus from the dead after he had been in the grave four days (John 11:38-44). Several years ago, my mom was very sick. I remember visiting her in the hospital one day. There were so many tubes in her, and my heart sank when I saw her. When I got home, I cried my heart out. I was upset with God. I asked God why He allowed my mom to suffer. Does He care? Does He love us? I hoped and prayed that God would heal her. The next day in school, as I was washing my hands in the bathroom, I heard a loud noise. It happened so fast that I couldn’t react in time. I looked down, and there were shattered pieces of glass on the floor all around me! I looked up and saw a broken ventilation window. I went to find out what happened. It turned out a group of boys was playing soccer and one of them had kicked the ball too high and broken the window. I went back to the bathroom to check again. The floor was full of pieces of glass, and yet not a single piece had landed on me just now. How could that be? Later, I reported the incident to a teacher. He came to check the bathroom. The first thing he said to me was, “It’s a miracle!” Yes, indeed. It was God who shielded me from the pieces of glass. He is my strength and my shield (Psalm 28:7). He protected me. A few weeks later, my mom passed away. I was not angry with God. I know God loves my mom too, and I knew she would be in heaven with no more pain and suffering. • Kelly Choy • Both miracles and acts of providence are powerful ways God shows His love and care for us. Some Bible scholars define miracles as God setting aside natural phenomena in favor of a supernatural intervention, whereas an act of providence is God acting on our behalf through natural means. Have you or somebody you know experienced a miracle or an act of providence from God? What happened? How did you feel about it? • Because Jesus died on the cross for us, and then miraculously rose from the grave, everyone who puts their trust in Jesus has this sure hope: even in death, we are held safe in Jesus’s presence until the day He will raise us from our graves and renew heaven and earth. So when we or someone we love is dying, we can be honest with God about how upset we are, remembering death breaks His heart too, and He always loves and cares for us. Yahweh is my strength and my shield. Psalm 28:7 (WEB) 

READ: PSALM 28:7; MATTHEW 14:13-21; JOHN 11:38-44 Do you still believe in miracles? I know the Bible mentions that Jesus fed over 5,000 people with only a handful of bread and fish (Matthew 14:13-21). Jesus also raised up Lazarus from the dead after he had been in the grave four days (John 11:38-44). Several years ago, my mom was very sick. I remember visiting her in the hospital one day. There were so many tubes in her, and my heart sank when I saw her. When I got home, I cried my heart out. I was upset with God. I asked God why He allowed my mom to suffer. Does He care? Does He love us? I hoped and prayed that God would heal her. The next day in school, as I was washing my hands in the bathroom, I heard a loud noise. It happened so fast that I couldn’t react in time. I looked down, and there were shattered pieces of glass on the floor all around me! I looked up and saw a broken ventilation window. I went to find out what happened. It turned out a group of boys was playing soccer and one of them had kicked the ball too high and broken the window. I went back to the bathroom to check again. The floor was full of pieces of glass, and yet not a single piece had landed on me just now. How could that be? Later, I reported the incident to a teacher. He came to check the bathroom. The first thing he said to me was, “It’s a miracle!” Yes, indeed. It was God who shielded me from the pieces of glass. He is my strength and my shield (Psalm 28:7). He protected me. A few weeks later, my mom passed away. I was not angry with God. I know God loves my mom too, and I knew she would be in heaven with no more pain and suffering. • Kelly Choy • Both miracles and acts of providence are powerful ways God shows His love and care for us. Some Bible scholars define miracles as God setting aside natural phenomena in favor of a supernatural intervention, whereas an act of providence is God acting on our behalf through natural means. Have you or somebody you know experienced a miracle or an act of providence from God? What happened? How did you feel about it? • Because Jesus died on the cross for us, and then miraculously rose from the grave, everyone who puts their trust in Jesus has this sure hope: even in death, we are held safe in Jesus’s presence until the day He will raise us from our graves and renew heaven and earth. So when we or someone we love is dying, we can be honest with God about how upset we are, remembering death breaks His heart too, and He always loves and cares for us. Yahweh is my strength and my shield. Psalm 28:7 (WEB) 

READ: MARK 15:37-38; HEBREWS 6:19-20; 10:19-22 "Quick! This way!” Rhys yelled, motioning with his arm for the large group of people to turn down yet another oak-paneled corridor. Everyone followed, all suddenly getting a hopeful feeling that their endless wandering through this wooden labyrinth was finally coming to an end. So, with a new light in their eyes and energy in their step, the group rounded the corner after Rhys… …and stopped short. For there, between two walls of a cathedral-sized room, stretched an enormous, imposing curtain. Its scarlet fabric hung ominously still, draping down from the ceiling like a frozen, fabric waterfall. “Wh-what is that?” A girl named Kaelyria voiced the question in everyone’s mind. “I—I’m not sure…” Rhys replied quietly. He unsheathed his iron sword, and cautiously approached the eerily still curtain. Rhys put out his hand and pushed, but instead of yielding to his touch and moving back, the curtain stayed perfectly still. “It’s solid!” he yelled in surprise. He hefted his sword and lunged at the curtain, but his blade didn’t make a scratch. The people murmured amongst themselves, and someone called out, “So, is this a dead end?” “We can’t turn back now!” cried another. “There has to be a way through!” Kaelyria said, notching an arrow and taking aim at the curtain. “There is.” Immediately, the room became silent. “Who said that?” Rhys asked, his eyes searching the crowd. “I did.” Suddenly the crowd parted, revealing a man clad in a simple tunic and trousers. The man walked forward toward Rhys and Kaelyria, stopping just feet from the scarlet fabric. “One way. One person can open this curtain and open a way through. Only one is worthy.” The people watched breathlessly as he drew from a sheath at his side, a glowing, white sword. “I am the way, the truth, and the life. And I opened the way—by dying.” He lifted his tunic and revealed an enormous scar. No one could survive such a wound. “But,” he said, “I have come back to life.” And with that, he raised the magnificent sword… …and cut the curtain in two. • Anna Tuckfield • Putting our trust in Jesus is the only way for us to enter relationship with God, who made us and loves us more than we could imagine. When Jesus died on the cross, the curtain in the temple was literally torn in two from top to bottom (Mark 15:37-38; Luke 23:44-46). It’s important to know a few things about this curtain. When God instructed His people in how to build the Tabernacle and later the Temple, He said, “Make a special curtain…with skillfully embroidered cherubim” (Exodus 26:31). This curtain separated the Holy of Holies, where God’s presence dwelt, from the rest of the temple. And the woven cherubim remind us of the cherubim and flaming sword in Genesis 3:24, who blocked the way to thetree of life in the Garden of Eden after Adam and Eve rejected God and rebelled against Him. That tree of life only became accessible to us again when Jesus walked through the swords to open the way. By letting Himself be put to death, Jesus tore the curtain. All because God loves us, and He doesn’t want us to be separated from Him. If you want to know more about what it means to put your trust in Jesus and enter a relationship with God, see our "Know Jesus" page. And if you want to dig deeper, read John 14:5-6; 20:24-29. • Jesus is the only one whose death could open the curtain because He is both fully God and fully human, and He never sinned, so He could take the punishment for all our sins. Why is it so important to remember that Jesus is the only one who could rescue us from sin and death and make the way for us to know God and be with H...

READ: MARK 15:37-38; HEBREWS 6:19-20; 10:19-22 "Quick! This way!” Rhys yelled, motioning with his arm for the large group of people to turn down yet another oak-paneled corridor. Everyone followed, all suddenly getting a hopeful feeling that their endless wandering through this wooden labyrinth was finally coming to an end. So, with a new light in their eyes and energy in their step, the group rounded the corner after Rhys… …and stopped short. For there, between two walls of a cathedral-sized room, stretched an enormous, imposing curtain. Its scarlet fabric hung ominously still, draping down from the ceiling like a frozen, fabric waterfall. “Wh-what is that?” A girl named Kaelyria voiced the question in everyone’s mind. “I—I’m not sure…” Rhys replied quietly. He unsheathed his iron sword, and cautiously approached the eerily still curtain. Rhys put out his hand and pushed, but instead of yielding to his touch and moving back, the curtain stayed perfectly still. “It’s solid!” he yelled in surprise. He hefted his sword and lunged at the curtain, but his blade didn’t make a scratch. The people murmured amongst themselves, and someone called out, “So, is this a dead end?” “We can’t turn back now!” cried another. “There has to be a way through!” Kaelyria said, notching an arrow and taking aim at the curtain. “There is.” Immediately, the room became silent. “Who said that?” Rhys asked, his eyes searching the crowd. “I did.” Suddenly the crowd parted, revealing a man clad in a simple tunic and trousers. The man walked forward toward Rhys and Kaelyria, stopping just feet from the scarlet fabric. “One way. One person can open this curtain and open a way through. Only one is worthy.” The people watched breathlessly as he drew from a sheath at his side, a glowing, white sword. “I am the way, the truth, and the life. And I opened the way—by dying.” He lifted his tunic and revealed an enormous scar. No one could survive such a wound. “But,” he said, “I have come back to life.” And with that, he raised the magnificent sword… …and cut the curtain in two. • Anna Tuckfield • Putting our trust in Jesus is the only way for us to enter relationship with God, who made us and loves us more than we could imagine. When Jesus died on the cross, the curtain in the temple was literally torn in two from top to bottom (Mark 15:37-38; Luke 23:44-46). It’s important to know a few things about this curtain. When God instructed His people in how to build the Tabernacle and later the Temple, He said, “Make a special curtain…with skillfully embroidered cherubim” (Exodus 26:31). This curtain separated the Holy of Holies, where God’s presence dwelt, from the rest of the temple. And the woven cherubim remind us of the cherubim and flaming sword in Genesis 3:24, who blocked the way to thetree of life in the Garden of Eden after Adam and Eve rejected God and rebelled against Him. That tree of life only became accessible to us again when Jesus walked through the swords to open the way. By letting Himself be put to death, Jesus tore the curtain. All because God loves us, and He doesn’t want us to be separated from Him. If you want to know more about what it means to put your trust in Jesus and enter a relationship with God, see our "Know Jesus" page. And if you want to dig deeper, read John 14:5-6; 20:24-29. • Jesus is the only one whose death could open the curtain because He is both fully God and fully human, and He never sinned, so

Hey, this is Dylan here from Unlocked. And as you probably noticed, we have some new theme music, so I hope you like it. We might still change exactly what the theme music is, this might just be temporary, it might be a long-term piece of music. But the reason we had to change it is actually because of complicated legal agreement type things. We were using an old production music service and then we had to switch to a new production music service. So then that means we couldn't use the old music up until a certain time, and now we've passed that time, and now we have to use the new theme music. So it's a little bit complicated, it's kind of a behind-the-scenes kind of a thing. But we're going to go with this music for now and maybe think about updating it in the future. And if you have an opinion on this music, or if you have something that you'd like to see different about it, then let us know. Send us your feedback when you email [email protected], that goes straight to me. I'll see it, and I'll share it with the Unlocked team. And we'll see what you think about this music or possibly getting new music. So thanks!

Hey, this is Dylan here from Unlocked. And as you probably noticed, we have some new theme music, so I hope you like it. We might still change exactly what the theme music is, this might just be temporary, it might be a long-term piece of music. But the reason we had to change it is actually because of complicated legal agreement type things. We were using an old production music service and then we had to switch to a new production music service. So then that means we couldn't use the old music up until a certain time, and now we've passed that time, and now we have to use the new theme music. So it's a little bit complicated, it's kind of a behind-the-scenes kind of a thing. But we're going to go with this music for now and maybe think about updating it in the future. And if you have an opinion on this music, or if you have something that you'd like to see different about it, then let us know. Send us your feedback when you email [email protected], that goes straight to me. I'll see it, and I'll share it with the Unlocked team. And we'll see what you think about this music or possibly getting new music. So thanks!

READ: EPHESIANS 5:1-2; COLOSSIANS 3:1-4, 22-24 Over the years, I’ve done a variety of tasks to earn money. One job I found online was trying beauty products at home and then writing reviews about them. The first (and only) item I tested was a hair growth solution. I dutifully sprayed it on my scalp a couple times a day, realizing it would require weeks of use to see any difference. The instructions on the bottle said so. Then, just three days after I’d begun, the coordinator of this job asked if I had my review ready to submit. If not, they would pass me over, I wouldn’t get paid, and I wouldn’t be eligible for future product testing. How could I give a truthful response about how well the solution worked after only a few days? I decided I’d give the product three out of five stars—even though I knew the coordinator wanted five-star reviews. I also indicated I liked the smell and would look forward to observing how the product worked. My review was honest, since I didn’t rave about the spray’s hair growth potential, but I honestly had no idea if the product grew hair. I sent in my response, received my payment, and never sought another product testing opportunity. I learned something from this short-term job though. The way we do our work matters to God. Contrary to what I assumed as a kid, this involves more than simply working hard. Ephesians 5:1-2 says, “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” When we put our trust in Jesus, believing in the work He did on the cross to provide forgiveness for our sins, we enter a relationship with God as our Father. As we rest in His love for us, we begin to want to do our work in a way that reflects Jesus. He is the only one who could live a pure, righteous life—and because of this He was able to pay the penalty for our sins. But once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we have His Spirit living within us, transforming our attitudes and priorities so that we begin to pursue His holiness and righteousness in every area of our lives, including our work—no matter who sends the paycheck. • Allison Wilson Lee • Have you ever felt pressured to do something dishonest in your work, whether it be at school, a job, etc.? When you find yourself in situations like these, what could you do? Who are trusted Christians you could go to for prayer, advice, and help? …with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. Colossians 3:22-23 (NIV)

READ: EPHESIANS 5:1-2; COLOSSIANS 3:1-4, 22-24 Over the years, I’ve done a variety of tasks to earn money. One job I found online was trying beauty products at home and then writing reviews about them. The first (and only) item I tested was a hair growth solution. I dutifully sprayed it on my scalp a couple times a day, realizing it would require weeks of use to see any difference. The instructions on the bottle said so. Then, just three days after I’d begun, the coordinator of this job asked if I had my review ready to submit. If not, they would pass me over, I wouldn’t get paid, and I wouldn’t be eligible for future product testing. How could I give a truthful response about how well the solution worked after only a few days? I decided I’d give the product three out of five stars—even though I knew the coordinator wanted five-star reviews. I also indicated I liked the smell and would look forward to observing how the product worked. My review was honest, since I didn’t rave about the spray’s hair growth potential, but I honestly had no idea if the product grew hair. I sent in my response, received my payment, and never sought another product testing opportunity. I learned something from this short-term job though. The way we do our work matters to God. Contrary to what I assumed as a kid, this involves more than simply working hard. Ephesians 5:1-2 says, “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” When we put our trust in Jesus, believing in the work He did on the cross to provide forgiveness for our sins, we enter a relationship with God as our Father. As we rest in His love for us, we begin to want to do our work in a way that reflects Jesus. He is the only one who could live a pure, righteous life—and because of this He was able to pay the penalty for our sins. But once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we have His Spirit living within us, transforming our attitudes and priorities so that we begin to pursue His holiness and righteousness in every area of our lives, including our work—no matter who sends the paycheck. • Allison Wilson Lee • Have you ever felt pressured to do something dishonest in your work, whether it be at school, a job, etc.? When you find yourself in situations like these, what could you do? Who are trusted Christians you could go to for prayer, advice, and help? …with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. Colossians 3:22-23 (NIV)

READ: LEVITICUS 23:40; 1 CHRONICLES 16:33; PSALM 96:11-13 Leaves are tumbling, twisting, turning…   Limbs are blowing, bending, bowing…   Trees are bursting, billowing, blooming…   As the woods commence their praising, joyously parading… Bright yellows, Deep reds, Burnt oranges—   I praise Him for this taste of Joy whenever Fall comes singing. I’ve always found fall to be joyous, but when I discovered Scriptures that exhort trees, mountains, and hills to join in praise to the Creator—I began to love this season even more! To me, beauty is like a giant footprint in the universe, pointing to a Creator who revels in joy. This joy is so foundational that even when we experience the dire cost of sin—to us and to all of creation (Romans 8:18-23)— this undercurrent of joy remains tangible. It surfaces in the delight we have in something as simple as seeing a sunset or hearing a beautiful song. And this joy gives rise to something we all crave: Hope. I believe that’s what beauty ultimately points to—because although the world has been broken by sin, God sent His beautiful and holy Son Jesus to set everything right. Jesus is our surest Hope and the highest Beauty we desire. • G. Kam Congleton • Why do you think beauty exists? When you see something beautiful in nature, what is one way you could take a moment to rejoice in this beauty and offer praise back to God? • Some Bible passages name specific reasons for creation to rejoice in God. For example, Psalm 96:12-13 says one reason is that Jesus will someday return as the Righteous Judge of the earth. Ultimately, creation rejoices in Christ’s redemption of all things on the cross. If you want to dig deeper, read Isaiah 44:23; 49:13; 55:10-13. Sing for joy, you heavens, for the LORD has done this; shout aloud, you earth beneath. Burst into song, you mountains, you forests and all your trees, for the LORD has redeemed Jacob, he displays his glory in Israel. Isaiah 44:23 (NIV) 

READ: LEVITICUS 23:40; 1 CHRONICLES 16:33; PSALM 96:11-13 Leaves are tumbling, twisting, turning…   Limbs are blowing, bending, bowing…   Trees are bursting, billowing, blooming…   As the woods commence their praising, joyously parading… Bright yellows, Deep reds, Burnt oranges—   I praise Him for this taste of Joy whenever Fall comes singing. I’ve always found fall to be joyous, but when I discovered Scriptures that exhort trees, mountains, and hills to join in praise to the Creator—I began to love this season even more! To me, beauty is like a giant footprint in the universe, pointing to a Creator who revels in joy. This joy is so foundational that even when we experience the dire cost of sin—to us and to all of creation (Romans 8:18-23)— this undercurrent of joy remains tangible. It surfaces in the delight we have in something as simple as seeing a sunset or hearing a beautiful song. And this joy gives rise to something we all crave: Hope. I believe that’s what beauty ultimately points to—because although the world has been broken by sin, God sent His beautiful and holy Son Jesus to set everything right. Jesus is our surest Hope and the highest Beauty we desire. • G. Kam Congleton • Why do you think beauty exists? When you see something beautiful in nature, what is one way you could take a moment to rejoice in this beauty and offer praise back to God? • Some Bible passages name specific reasons for creation to rejoice in God. For example, Psalm 96:12-13 says one reason is that Jesus will someday return as the Righteous Judge of the earth. Ultimately, creation rejoices in Christ’s redemption of all things on the cross. If you want to dig deeper, read Isaiah 44:23; 49:13; 55:10-13. Sing for joy, you heavens, for the LORD has done this; shout aloud, you earth beneath. Burst into song, you mountains, you forests and all your trees, for the LORD has redeemed Jacob, he displays his glory in Israel. Isaiah 44:23 (NIV) 

READ: DANIEL 1:8-15; 1 CORINTHIANS 10:13; 2 CORINTHIANS 4:6-10 Have you ever used a pressure canner? It looks like a large pot with a lid that clamps on securely. When you can food at home, you put the beans or corn or whatever you’re trying to preserve into glass jars, then place the jars in the pressure canner along with some water. As the canner is heated up, the heat causes pressure to build up inside, which cooks and preserves the food in the jars, and it also seals the jars. When they’re done, the canned food can be stored for a year or more, and it won’t spoil. But sometimes, while the canner is still building up pressure, you might hear a loud CRACK! If one of the glass jars had a weak spot, the pressure inside the canner could cause it to break. It couldn’t handle the pressure. Do you ever feel like a jar that can’t handle the pressure? There’s pressure everywhere! People might try to get us to do things we know are wrong, and if we don’t, they might make us feel like we’re the one who’s wrong. Being under that kind of pressure is exhausting. But pressure can work two ways, like in the pressure cooker. It cooks the food and keeps it from spoiling, but sometimes it makes a jar crack. Pressure in our lives can work that way too. God often uses pressure to preserve us by reminding us we belong to Jesus and He is with us, helping us. But sometimes when we’re under pressure, we crack and give in to temptation. The truth is, we all have weak spots that are prone to cracking, but once we know Jesus, we also have the power of God’s Spirit to help us. He’ll give us strength even when we’re tempted to do things that we know go against God’s good ways. When we feel that pressure, God welcomes us to come to Him and tell Him about it. We can ask for His help, and He will sustain us. The Holy Spirit reminds us of God’s truth and gives us the strength we need to do what’s right—and even if we do give in under pressure, God will forgive us so we can start over. It can be hard not to give in to the pressure to go along with what everyone else seems to be doing. But in every temptation, He is with us, ready to help us stand firm so we don’t crack. • A. W. Smith • When do you feel the most pressured? In times like these, how could it be helpful to remember that we belong to Jesus and we have His Spirit in us? Remember, we can always talk to God, and we can also share our struggles with trusted Christians. What are some ways we can help each other resist temptation, and also remind each other of Jesus’s love and forgiveness when we fail? The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. 2 Timothy 4:18 (NIV) 

READ: DANIEL 1:8-15; 1 CORINTHIANS 10:13; 2 CORINTHIANS 4:6-10 Have you ever used a pressure canner? It looks like a large pot with a lid that clamps on securely. When you can food at home, you put the beans or corn or whatever you’re trying to preserve into glass jars, then place the jars in the pressure canner along with some water. As the canner is heated up, the heat causes pressure to build up inside, which cooks and preserves the food in the jars, and it also seals the jars. When they’re done, the canned food can be stored for a year or more, and it won’t spoil. But sometimes, while the canner is still building up pressure, you might hear a loud CRACK! If one of the glass jars had a weak spot, the pressure inside the canner could cause it to break. It couldn’t handle the pressure. Do you ever feel like a jar that can’t handle the pressure? There’s pressure everywhere! People might try to get us to do things we know are wrong, and if we don’t, they might make us feel like we’re the one who’s wrong. Being under that kind of pressure is exhausting. But pressure can work two ways, like in the pressure cooker. It cooks the food and keeps it from spoiling, but sometimes it makes a jar crack. Pressure in our lives can work that way too. God often uses pressure to preserve us by reminding us we belong to Jesus and He is with us, helping us. But sometimes when we’re under pressure, we crack and give in to temptation. The truth is, we all have weak spots that are prone to cracking, but once we know Jesus, we also have the power of God’s Spirit to help us. He’ll give us strength even when we’re tempted to do things that we know go against God’s good ways. When we feel that pressure, God welcomes us to come to Him and tell Him about it. We can ask for His help, and He will sustain us. The Holy Spirit reminds us of God’s truth and gives us the strength we need to do what’s right—and even if we do give in under pressure, God will forgive us so we can start over. It can be hard not to give in to the pressure to go along with what everyone else seems to be doing. But in every temptation, He is with us, ready to help us stand firm so we don’t crack. • A. W. Smith • When do you feel the most pressured? In times like these, how could it be helpful to remember that we belong to Jesus and we have His Spirit in us? Remember, we can always talk to God, and we can also share our struggles with trusted Christians. What are some ways we can help each other resist temptation, and also remind each other of Jesus’s love and forgiveness when we fail? The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. 2 Timothy 4:18 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 23; JOHN 10:11-18; 14:1-21 I bent down to snatch a wildflower from beside the path and then hurried on. I rushed to catch up once again with my beloved family member—I’ll call him Nash here—who had agreed to let me accompany him on a walk in the woods. I rejoiced to spend rare one-on-one time with Nash. However, after realizing my little legs couldn’t keep pace with his adult stride, I wasn’t sure Nash hoped to spend time with me. During the walk, I felt left behind and ignored; Nash barely spoke to me. I returned home confused and hurt. Had Nash wanted me there after all? It’s difficult to follow someone who travels too fast for those trying to join. Thankfully, we have a different kind of leader in Jesus. One who doesn’t leave His followers behind. God wants to be in relationship with us. He wants us to be with Him. That’s why Jesus died on the cross for us and then rose from the grave. Because our sin separated us from God, He made the way for us to receive forgiveness for our sins. When we trust Jesus to pay for our sins, He exchanges our guilt for His righteousness—and His Holy Spirit comes to live within us. So, even though Jesus ascended into heaven, He is still with us through His Spirit, and He wants to walk with us. Galatians 5:25 explains, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Having new life in Christ means His Spirit leads us as we follow moment by moment. How did Jesus lead others? He met them where they were. His disciples, though they observed His miracles and heard His teaching, still often failed to grasp His purpose. Yet He patiently responded to their questions even when the answers might have seemed obvious. He didn’t run ahead, unconcerned about whether they caught up. Jesus stayed close, providing instructions and reassurance. He invited them to walk with Him, and He never left them behind. Jesus wants to walk with us this way too, as He leads us with love step by step. • Allison Wilson Lee • Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd” (John 10:11). Would a good shepherd leave his sheep behind? (We can find Jesus’s answer in Luke 15:1-7; John 10:11-18, 27-30.) • Can you think of a time you felt left behind, ignored, or unwanted? Jesus saw you then, and He sees you now. He has compassion on you, and He always wants you to be with Him (Mark 6:34; 10:13-16). In fact, He died and rose to not leave you behind. Consider taking some time to tell Jesus about any memories that come to mind, and ask Him to help you know His love more deeply and learn to keep in step with His Spirit. The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters. Psalm 23:1-2 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 23; JOHN 10:11-18; 14:1-21 I bent down to snatch a wildflower from beside the path and then hurried on. I rushed to catch up once again with my beloved family member—I’ll call him Nash here—who had agreed to let me accompany him on a walk in the woods. I rejoiced to spend rare one-on-one time with Nash. However, after realizing my little legs couldn’t keep pace with his adult stride, I wasn’t sure Nash hoped to spend time with me. During the walk, I felt left behind and ignored; Nash barely spoke to me. I returned home confused and hurt. Had Nash wanted me there after all? It’s difficult to follow someone who travels too fast for those trying to join. Thankfully, we have a different kind of leader in Jesus. One who doesn’t leave His followers behind. God wants to be in relationship with us. He wants us to be with Him. That’s why Jesus died on the cross for us and then rose from the grave. Because our sin separated us from God, He made the way for us to receive forgiveness for our sins. When we trust Jesus to pay for our sins, He exchanges our guilt for His righteousness—and His Holy Spirit comes to live within us. So, even though Jesus ascended into heaven, He is still with us through His Spirit, and He wants to walk with us. Galatians 5:25 explains, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Having new life in Christ means His Spirit leads us as we follow moment by moment. How did Jesus lead others? He met them where they were. His disciples, though they observed His miracles and heard His teaching, still often failed to grasp His purpose. Yet He patiently responded to their questions even when the answers might have seemed obvious. He didn’t run ahead, unconcerned about whether they caught up. Jesus stayed close, providing instructions and reassurance. He invited them to walk with Him, and He never left them behind. Jesus wants to walk with us this way too, as He leads us with love step by step. • Allison Wilson Lee • Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd” (John 10:11). Would a good shepherd leave his sheep behind? (We can find Jesus’s answer in Luke 15:1-7; John 10:11-18, 27-30.) • Can you think of a time you felt left behind, ignored, or unwanted? Jesus saw you then, and He sees you now. He has compassion on you, and He always wants you to be with Him (Mark 6:34; 10:13-16). In fact, He died and rose to not leave you behind. Consider taking some time to tell Jesus about any memories that come to mind, and ask Him to help you know His love more deeply and learn to keep in step with His Spirit. The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters. Psalm 23:1-2 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 119:11-16, 28, 103-105; JOHN 14:23-27 I love God’s Word, the Bible, and all that He put in it for us. I think it’s so important to commit Bible verses and passages to memory so that we are never without it. Some of the reasons I like to have God’s Word memorized is for comfort in the middle of the night, for peace when I am feeling anxious, or for a reminder that I am not alone. I like to have all kinds of Bible verses and songs in my head for these reasons. Any time I’m feeling down, the verses I’ve memorized can come to me and remind me that life isn’t all bad. They remind me of who God is and how He has come through for me over and over again. I can’t say how many times I’ve thought of different verses or songs in moments when I was starting to feel down, and they made me feel better. Sometimes I am in the deepest, darkest place, and the reminders from Scripture slowly move me from it. In John 14:26, Jesus said, “the Holy Spirit…will remind you of everything I have said to you.” No matter where we are or how anxious our thoughts get, we can remember the promises from God’s Word. He promises that He will be with us (Matthew 28:20), His hand will guide us (Psalm 32:8), and He will give us peace (John 14:27). • Bethany Acker • Can you think of a time a Bible verse or passage brought you comfort or helped you in some way? What was that like? • The Bible is full of God’s promises to us, and all these promises point to Jesus (Luke 24:27; John 5:39; 20:31; Acts 8:26-40). He loves us so much that He died and rose again to save us. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we can know that He is always with us. His Holy Spirit is living in us, reminding us of the truth of the gospel and providing us with peace and strength through His Word. Do you have any Bible verses or passages memorized? Do you have any favorite songs that are based on Scripture? If you’ve never memorized a Bible verse before, why not start today? Who are some friends you could memorize Scripture with? I have hidden your word in my heart…I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. Psalm 119:11, 15 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 119:11-16, 28, 103-105; JOHN 14:23-27 I love God’s Word, the Bible, and all that He put in it for us. I think it’s so important to commit Bible verses and passages to memory so that we are never without it. Some of the reasons I like to have God’s Word memorized is for comfort in the middle of the night, for peace when I am feeling anxious, or for a reminder that I am not alone. I like to have all kinds of Bible verses and songs in my head for these reasons. Any time I’m feeling down, the verses I’ve memorized can come to me and remind me that life isn’t all bad. They remind me of who God is and how He has come through for me over and over again. I can’t say how many times I’ve thought of different verses or songs in moments when I was starting to feel down, and they made me feel better. Sometimes I am in the deepest, darkest place, and the reminders from Scripture slowly move me from it. In John 14:26, Jesus said, “the Holy Spirit…will remind you of everything I have said to you.” No matter where we are or how anxious our thoughts get, we can remember the promises from God’s Word. He promises that He will be with us (Matthew 28:20), His hand will guide us (Psalm 32:8), and He will give us peace (John 14:27). • Bethany Acker • Can you think of a time a Bible verse or passage brought you comfort or helped you in some way? What was that like? • The Bible is full of God’s promises to us, and all these promises point to Jesus (Luke 24:27; John 5:39; 20:31; Acts 8:26-40). He loves us so much that He died and rose again to save us. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we can know that He is always with us. His Holy Spirit is living in us, reminding us of the truth of the gospel and providing us with peace and strength through His Word. Do you have any Bible verses or passages memorized? Do you have any favorite songs that are based on Scripture? If you’ve never memorized a Bible verse before, why not start today? Who are some friends you could memorize Scripture with? I have hidden your word in my heart…I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. Psalm 119:11, 15 (NIV) 

READ: EXODUS 3:1–4:17; EPHESIANS 2:8-10; HEBREWS 11:23-29 Do you ever feel unqualified for something God has called you to do? Moses felt unqualified too. In the book of Exodus, God appears to Moses in a burning bush. He calls Moses to lead His people, the Israelites, out of slavery in Egypt. But Moses says, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11). God responds, “I will be with you” (verse 12). Then Moses asks what he should tell the Israelites God’s name is, and God replies out of the burning bush, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you’” (verse 14). Did you catch that? Moses says, “Who am I?” And God says, “I AM.” Moses is focusing on himself, but God wants Moses to look at Him. Yet Moses continues to be hesitant about his qualifications. He doubts his own abilities more than he trusts God’s abilities. But God knows Moses doesn’t need a laundry list of talents and accomplishments. All he needs is faith in the great I AM. Like Moses, we don’t have to have a ton of qualifications for God to call us. All we need is faith. And faith is a gift God is eager to give us (Ephesians 2:8-10). He is the One who qualifies us, equips us, and works through us for good. God may not speak to us out of a burning bush, but when Jesus came and lived among us, He revealed that He is God, the eternal “I am” (John 8:58). Though our sin separated us from Him, Jesus bridged the gap between us and God by dying on the cross for our sins and rising from the grave. So now we can be in close relationship with God, and we can talk to Him anytime we want. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we can know God has given us the Holy Spirit, who works in and through us. Whenever we experience fear or anxiety about being unqualified, we can go to God with our fears and trust in His abilities as we continue to grow in Him. • Elizabeth Cooper • Have you ever felt unqualified for something God called you to do? Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we can know that He is always with us, and His Spirit is in us (Matthew 28:20; John 14:17). How can these truths embolden us to do the things God calls us to do? • There are certain things God calls all Christians to do, such as loving our neighbors and using the spiritual gifts He has given us to serve others (Matthew 22:37-39; 1 Peter 4:10). When you think God might be calling you to do something in particular, who are trusted Christians in your life who can help you discern God’s guidance and dig into His Word? For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. Philippians 2:13 (NIV) 

READ: EXODUS 3:1–4:17; EPHESIANS 2:8-10; HEBREWS 11:23-29 Do you ever feel unqualified for something God has called you to do? Moses felt unqualified too. In the book of Exodus, God appears to Moses in a burning bush. He calls Moses to lead His people, the Israelites, out of slavery in Egypt. But Moses says, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11). God responds, “I will be with you” (verse 12). Then Moses asks what he should tell the Israelites God’s name is, and God replies out of the burning bush, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you’” (verse 14). Did you catch that? Moses says, “Who am I?” And God says, “I AM.” Moses is focusing on himself, but God wants Moses to look at Him. Yet Moses continues to be hesitant about his qualifications. He doubts his own abilities more than he trusts God’s abilities. But God knows Moses doesn’t need a laundry list of talents and accomplishments. All he needs is faith in the great I AM. Like Moses, we don’t have to have a ton of qualifications for God to call us. All we need is faith. And faith is a gift God is eager to give us (Ephesians 2:8-10). He is the One who qualifies us, equips us, and works through us for good. God may not speak to us out of a burning bush, but when Jesus came and lived among us, He revealed that He is God, the eternal “I am” (John 8:58). Though our sin separated us from Him, Jesus bridged the gap between us and God by dying on the cross for our sins and rising from the grave. So now we can be in close relationship with God, and we can talk to Him anytime we want. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we can know God has given us the Holy Spirit, who works in and through us. Whenever we experience fear or anxiety about being unqualified, we can go to God with our fears and trust in His abilities as we continue to grow in Him. • Elizabeth Cooper • Have you ever felt unqualified for something God called you to do? Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we can know that He is always with us, and His Spirit is in us (Matthew 28:20; John 14:17). How can these truths embolden us to do the things God calls us to do? • There are certain things God calls all Christians to do, such as loving our neighbors and using the spiritual gifts He has given us to serve others (Matthew 22:37-39; 1 Peter 4:10). When you think God might be calling you to do something in particular, who are trusted Christians in your life who can help you discern God’s guidance and dig into His Word? For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. Philippians 2:13 (NIV) 

READ: NUMBERS 21:8-9; JOHN 3:1-17; 11:25-27 Do you ever wonder if you’re really saved? Maybe you prayed to ask Jesus to save you, but you keep wondering, “How do I know I really meant it when I asked Jesus to forgive and save me? Maybe I should ask Him again, just to make sure.” These doubts are normal—lots of Christians experience them. But it can be helpful to remember that saying a prayer isn’t what saves us—whether we pray one time or a hundred times. No matter how many good deeds we do, we can’t save ourselves—not by praying, being baptized, giving money to church, being kind, or doing any other good thing. We’re saved only by Jesus. When we put our faith in Him, it means we trust Him, kind of like how we trust a chair will hold us when we sit on it. Being saved isn’t something we do—it’s something God does for us. All we have to do is believe that Jesus loves us and that He died for our sins on the cross and rose again. In John 6:47, Jesus says all who believe in Him have eternal life. It’s good to ponder Scriptures like these when we have doubts. It’s also good to reach out to Christians we trust, such as friends, pastors, youth leaders, or family members. And we can always talk to Jesus about how we’re feeling. No matter what we’re struggling with, He understands, and He wants to help us. He is faithful to remind us that He already did everything that needed to be done to save us, and He holds us securely in His love, now and forever (Romans 3:23-26; 8:38-39). Remember, even if we believe in Jesus, even if we know that He died and rose again for us, and even if we realize we can’t do anything to save ourselves, we might still experience doubt from time to time. And that’s okay. We can bring all our doubts, fears, and questions to Jesus, and we can share our struggles with other Christians in our lives too. God is eager to help us know for sure that we have everlasting life. • A. W. Smith • Do you ever wonder whether or not you’re saved? Who are trusted Christians in your life you could talk to about this? • The truth is, Jesus willingly went to the cross because God wanted to save us—He loves us that much, and He longs for us to be with Him. We can rejoice in this good news! If you want to know more about trusting in Jesus or find more Scriptures about being saved, see our "Know Jesus" page. [Jesus said,] “Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life.” John 6:47 (NIV) 

READ: NUMBERS 21:8-9; JOHN 3:1-17; 11:25-27 Do you ever wonder if you’re really saved? Maybe you prayed to ask Jesus to save you, but you keep wondering, “How do I know I really meant it when I asked Jesus to forgive and save me? Maybe I should ask Him again, just to make sure.” These doubts are normal—lots of Christians experience them. But it can be helpful to remember that saying a prayer isn’t what saves us—whether we pray one time or a hundred times. No matter how many good deeds we do, we can’t save ourselves—not by praying, being baptized, giving money to church, being kind, or doing any other good thing. We’re saved only by Jesus. When we put our faith in Him, it means we trust Him, kind of like how we trust a chair will hold us when we sit on it. Being saved isn’t something we do—it’s something God does for us. All we have to do is believe that Jesus loves us and that He died for our sins on the cross and rose again. In John 6:47, Jesus says all who believe in Him have eternal life. It’s good to ponder Scriptures like these when we have doubts. It’s also good to reach out to Christians we trust, such as friends, pastors, youth leaders, or family members. And we can always talk to Jesus about how we’re feeling. No matter what we’re struggling with, He understands, and He wants to help us. He is faithful to remind us that He already did everything that needed to be done to save us, and He holds us securely in His love, now and forever (Romans 3:23-26; 8:38-39). Remember, even if we believe in Jesus, even if we know that He died and rose again for us, and even if we realize we can’t do anything to save ourselves, we might still experience doubt from time to time. And that’s okay. We can bring all our doubts, fears, and questions to Jesus, and we can share our struggles with other Christians in our lives too. God is eager to help us know for sure that we have everlasting life. • A. W. Smith • Do you ever wonder whether or not you’re saved? Who are trusted Christians in your life you could talk to about this? • The truth is, Jesus willingly went to the cross because God wanted to save us—He loves us that much, and He longs for us to be with Him. We can rejoice in this good news! If you want to know more about trusting in Jesus or find more Scriptures about being saved, see our "Know Jesus" page. [Jesus said,] “Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life.” John 6:47 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 119:105; JOHN 1:4; 2 CORINTHIANS 4:6 Darkness. That was it. No matter which way Aurelia turned, the overwhelming wall of darkness pressed in on her, so thick it seemed smothering. She gasped for air, finding it harder and harder to breathe as she ran madly. She ran as fast as she could, going somewhere, anywhere, away from wherever here was. But, hard as she tried to escape it, the darkness seemed to follow her, encasing her vision in pitch-black nothingness. Suddenly, she felt her toe catch on something on the ground, and Aurelia found herself sprawled on the ground before she could even blink. Exhausted, she lay there, trying desperately to think up a good plan—any plan that could get her out of here. Then she remembered. Immanuel. Her help in times of trouble. Her comfort, and her refuge. Her light in the darkness. Light! Aurelia shut her eyes tight against the pressing darkness, and cried out, “Immanuel! Please, I need help! I’m alone, I’m scared, and I don’t know where to go! I remember Your promise to me—to be my light in the darkness.” With a shaking hand she attempted to stem the flood of tears streaming down her face. “Please come…I need you!” “Look up, child. Do not be afraid.” Aurelia’s eyes snapped open, and she gasped. For there, standing above her, was the glowing figure of a man holding a small, bright lantern. Light! She sprang up and raced straight into His outstretched arms, crying, “Immanuel! Thank you! Thank you for coming for me!” He smiled down at her. “Oh, dear child, have no fear.” He stroked her hair and said in a soft voice, “I never left you. And I never will.” • Anna Tuckfield • Our world is full of great, overwhelming darkness. Things like violence, hunger, sickness, and death all contribute to this unseen void—and so do pride, envy, and a host of other public and private sins. But, we don’t have to walk it alone (Psalm 23:4). God sent His Son to come guide us through our journey in this sinful world. Jesus wants to light our way. By reading His Word, spending time with Him, and learning about Him alongside fellow Christians, we can keep our eyes on His light. We are never alone in the darkness—we will always have a leading light (Psalm 119:105). Though sin may trip us and send us flying, Jesus still promises to be our refuge, strength, and advocate in heaven. When we bring our sins and burdens to Him, He forgives and redeems us (Psalm 55:22; 1 John 2:1-2). He will lead us out of our sins and into life. Consider taking some time to talk to Jesus about the sins and struggles you’re facing today. “I [Jesus] am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 119:105; JOHN 1:4; 2 CORINTHIANS 4:6 Darkness. That was it. No matter which way Aurelia turned, the overwhelming wall of darkness pressed in on her, so thick it seemed smothering. She gasped for air, finding it harder and harder to breathe as she ran madly. She ran as fast as she could, going somewhere, anywhere, away from wherever here was. But, hard as she tried to escape it, the darkness seemed to follow her, encasing her vision in pitch-black nothingness. Suddenly, she felt her toe catch on something on the ground, and Aurelia found herself sprawled on the ground before she could even blink. Exhausted, she lay there, trying desperately to think up a good plan—any plan that could get her out of here. Then she remembered. Immanuel. Her help in times of trouble. Her comfort, and her refuge. Her light in the darkness. Light! Aurelia shut her eyes tight against the pressing darkness, and cried out, “Immanuel! Please, I need help! I’m alone, I’m scared, and I don’t know where to go! I remember Your promise to me—to be my light in the darkness.” With a shaking hand she attempted to stem the flood of tears streaming down her face. “Please come…I need you!” “Look up, child. Do not be afraid.” Aurelia’s eyes snapped open, and she gasped. For there, standing above her, was the glowing figure of a man holding a small, bright lantern. Light! She sprang up and raced straight into His outstretched arms, crying, “Immanuel! Thank you! Thank you for coming for me!” He smiled down at her. “Oh, dear child, have no fear.” He stroked her hair and said in a soft voice, “I never left you. And I never will.” • Anna Tuckfield • Our world is full of great, overwhelming darkness. Things like violence, hunger, sickness, and death all contribute to this unseen void—and so do pride, envy, and a host of other public and private sins. But, we don’t have to walk it alone (Psalm 23:4). God sent His Son to come guide us through our journey in this sinful world. Jesus wants to light our way. By reading His Word, spending time with Him, and learning about Him alongside fellow Christians, we can keep our eyes on His light. We are never alone in the darkness—we will always have a leading light (Psalm 119:105). Though sin may trip us and send us flying, Jesus still promises to be our refuge, strength, and advocate in heaven. When we bring our sins and burdens to Him, He forgives and redeems us (Psalm 55:22; 1 John 2:1-2). He will lead us out of our sins and into life. Consider taking some time to talk to Jesus about the sins and struggles you’re facing today. “I [Jesus] am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 (NIV) 

READ: MATTHEW 18:12-14; 25:34-40 Have you ever known a really good pastor? Someone who takes the time to get to know the people of their church, teach them, counsel them, and lend a hand when things go wrong. Someone who goes above and beyond with their wisdom and loving service. Someone who, while they still have their flaws, really makes a difference in other people’s lives. I’ve always wondered why some pastors can be really excellent leaders and still only have a very small church. For years my grandmother went to a church with only three other people. I found their pastor to be incredibly wise, yet he had a surprisingly small congregation. That didn’t make sense to me. Why would God allow such a gifted and influential speaker to only have an impact on a small number of people? But then I realized, since God cares for each of us individually, God values this pastor’s work of ministering to a small number just as much as He values the work of pastors who minister to churches filled with thousands of people. My grandmother loves Jesus, but she lived in a very isolated area where most people had no interest in learning or teaching from the Bible, yet this one pastor devoted a lot of time and effort to strengthen and encourage her. And that’s something God has called all of us to do. Maybe you’ve been trying to share Jesus’s love with someone, and you’ve felt like it’s going nowhere. Or perhaps you have a small number of people you’re ministering to, and you wonder why that number hasn’t grown. But even if you’re only able to reach one person, that one person means the world to God. And even the smallest differences you make can have a tremendous impact. Remember, God cares for the one. God cares for you. • Christina Cheng Have you ever felt like what you’re doing isn’t making a difference, or like you’re wasting your talents on something small? God sees everything you do, and when you give of yourself to one person, that means as much to Him as if you had taken care of a hundred. Have you ever felt like your life wasn’t worth investing in? God doesn’t think so! When Jesus came to die on the cross for your sins, He proved how precious your life is to Him. Even after we trust Jesus as our Savior, He is continuously interested in guiding our hearts and drawing us into deeper relationship with Himself. “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” Matthew 25:40 (NIV)

READ: MATTHEW 18:12-14; 25:34-40 Have you ever known a really good pastor? Someone who takes the time to get to know the people of their church, teach them, counsel them, and lend a hand when things go wrong. Someone who goes above and beyond with their wisdom and loving service. Someone who, while they still have their flaws, really makes a difference in other people’s lives. I’ve always wondered why some pastors can be really excellent leaders and still only have a very small church. For years my grandmother went to a church with only three other people. I found their pastor to be incredibly wise, yet he had a surprisingly small congregation. That didn’t make sense to me. Why would God allow such a gifted and influential speaker to only have an impact on a small number of people? But then I realized, since God cares for each of us individually, God values this pastor’s work of ministering to a small number just as much as He values the work of pastors who minister to churches filled with thousands of people. My grandmother loves Jesus, but she lived in a very isolated area where most people had no interest in learning or teaching from the Bible, yet this one pastor devoted a lot of time and effort to strengthen and encourage her. And that’s something God has called all of us to do. Maybe you’ve been trying to share Jesus’s love with someone, and you’ve felt like it’s going nowhere. Or perhaps you have a small number of people you’re ministering to, and you wonder why that number hasn’t grown. But even if you’re only able to reach one person, that one person means the world to God. And even the smallest differences you make can have a tremendous impact. Remember, God cares for the one. God cares for you. • Christina Cheng • Have you ever felt like what you’re doing isn’t making a difference, or like you’re wasting your talents on something small? God sees everything you do, and when you give of yourself to one person, that means as much to Him as if you had taken care of a hundred. • Have you ever felt like your life wasn’t worth investing in? God doesn’t think so! When Jesus came to die on the cross for your sins, He proved how precious your life is to Him. Even after we trust Jesus as our Savior, He is continuously interested in guiding our hearts and drawing us into deeper relationship with Himself. “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” Matthew 25:40 (NIV)

READ: MATTHEW 9:9-12; LUKE 5:27-32 Have you ever wished you were invited to an exclusive event? A movie premier, a party, or a concert with front row VIP seats? Years ago, I watched interviews with celebrities who talked about the exciting invitations they’d been offered. If only I could be like them, I thought. And I wasted time being jealous and despondent, thinking about how fortunate those stars were. Maybe you’ve experienced this too. Or, on a smaller scale, maybe you’ve wondered if something is wrong with you if you haven’t been included in a certain friend group or invited to a particular social event. Missing out on invitations can be disappointing and even painful. But if we dwell on these things too much, we can easily sink into jealousy and low self-esteem. The good news is that Jesus didn’t exclude anyone. He invited Matthew (also called Levi) to follow Him—even though Matthew was a tax collector. His own people probably avoided Matthew and viewed him as a traitor, someone who got wealthy by helping the Roman Empire oppress the Israelites. But Jesus saw Matthew and said, “Follow me” (Matthew 9:9). Then Matthew left everything and followed Him. Jesus didn’t have an exclusive ticket for just one person or a few celebrities, but for all those who would put their trust in Him. Sometimes it’s easy to be so consumed with a longing to be included or invited to social events that we forget the greatest invitation in the world. Like Matthew, we are invited to the most wonderful moment in our lives, to believe in Jesus, follow Him, and belong to Him. Take heart, there is no exclusion of race, gender, class, or intellect. All are invited. Because of His great love for us, Jesus died and rose again to make the way for our broken relationship with God to be restored. He offers forgiveness for our failings and acceptance into His family. You’re invited—to share in the kingdom of God, to be adopted by our Father, to be more than you ever thought possible. It’s a free gift. It just has to be received. All are welcome. • Cindy Lee • Can you think of a time you were overlooked for an event or excluded from a group? This can be a painful experience, but Jesus invites us to share our frustrations and sorrows with Him—He knows what it’s like to be overlooked and rejected, and He wants to help and comfort us (Isaiah 53). • Have you accepted the greatest invitation in the world? No one can make that choice for you, but you. Find out more on our "Know Jesus" page. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 (WEB) 

READ: MATTHEW 9:9-12; LUKE 5:27-32 Have you ever wished you were invited to an exclusive event? A movie premier, a party, or a concert with front row VIP seats? Years ago, I watched interviews with celebrities who talked about the exciting invitations they’d been offered. If only I could be like them, I thought. And I wasted time being jealous and despondent, thinking about how fortunate those stars were. Maybe you’ve experienced this too. Or, on a smaller scale, maybe you’ve wondered if something is wrong with you if you haven’t been included in a certain friend group or invited to a particular social event. Missing out on invitations can be disappointing and even painful. But if we dwell on these things too much, we can easily sink into jealousy and low self-esteem. The good news is that Jesus didn’t exclude anyone. He invited Matthew (also called Levi) to follow Him—even though Matthew was a tax collector. His own people probably avoided Matthew and viewed him as a traitor, someone who got wealthy by helping the Roman Empire oppress the Israelites. But Jesus saw Matthew and said, “Follow me” (Matthew 9:9). Then Matthew left everything and followed Him. Jesus didn’t have an exclusive ticket for just one person or a few celebrities, but for all those who would put their trust in Him. Sometimes it’s easy to be so consumed with a longing to be included or invited to social events that we forget the greatest invitation in the world. Like Matthew, we are invited to the most wonderful moment in our lives, to believe in Jesus, follow Him, and belong to Him. Take heart, there is no exclusion of race, gender, class, or intellect. All are invited. Because of His great love for us, Jesus died and rose again to make the way for our broken relationship with God to be restored. He offers forgiveness for our failings and acceptance into His family. You’re invited—to share in the kingdom of God, to be adopted by our Father, to be more than you ever thought possible. It’s a free gift. It just has to be received. All are welcome. • Cindy Lee • Can you think of a time you were overlooked for an event or excluded from a group? This can be a painful experience, but Jesus invites us to share our frustrations and sorrows with Him—He knows what it’s like to be overlooked and rejected, and He wants to help and comfort us (Isaiah 53). • Have you accepted the greatest invitation in the world? No one can make that choice for you, but you. Find out more on our "Know Jesus" page. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 (WEB) 

READ: PHILIPPIANS 4:4-9; JAMES 1:21-27 Picture this: You’re walking through a beautiful garden, admiring the carefully planted flowers and foliage and appreciating their beauty. Then, you look closer and notice some things that the gardener definitely didn’t plant: weeds! They seem to crop up everywhere, even when we didn’t plant them. In a way, our minds are a little like a garden, and our thoughts are like the plants. Bad thoughts are like weeds. We don’t have to try to put bad thoughts in our minds. They seem to just come on their own. We all catch ourselves thinking about bad things sometimes. Those bad thoughts might be sinful, like hating another person, or they might be troubling, causing our stomachs to tighten in fear. But like weeds, they can be pulled out. Often, the best way to get rid of bad thoughts is to focus on the good seeds God has planted in us instead. When we remember that Jesus died and rose again to free us from sin and that He has given us His Holy Spirit and His righteousness, it helps us weed out bad thoughts and cultivate good thoughts instead. These good thoughts could be things like Bible verses, or thinking of ways we can help others and share God’s love with them, or even just remembering good things God has done in our lives. And we can always think about Jesus—remembering what He’s like, what He did when He lived among us, and how much He loves us. Even though we still have bad thoughts sometimes, it’s hard for weeds to take root when our minds are focused on good things like that. The reality is, everyone struggles with bad thoughts. Sometimes it seems like they just pop into our heads. But that doesn’t mean we have to let them stay there. We can weed them out and plant good thoughts instead. The more we let God fill our minds with His love and truth, the less room there will be for weeds. • A. W. Smith • What are some good thoughts you could fill your mind with? Consider keeping a journal, on paper or on your phone, of Bible verses, songs, ways God has blessed you, ways you can serve others, and people you can pray for. Then, the next time bad thoughts crop up in your mind, you can pull out the list and try focusing on those things instead. • When bad thoughts come, we might feel like we can’t talk to God about them, but He already knows it all and wants to help us (Psalm 139). What thoughts could you share with Him today? May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 (NLT) 

READ: PHILIPPIANS 4:4-9; JAMES 1:21-27 Picture this: You’re walking through a beautiful garden, admiring the carefully planted flowers and foliage and appreciating their beauty. Then, you look closer and notice some things that the gardener definitely didn’t plant: weeds! They seem to crop up everywhere, even when we didn’t plant them. In a way, our minds are a little like a garden, and our thoughts are like the plants. Bad thoughts are like weeds. We don’t have to try to put bad thoughts in our minds. They seem to just come on their own. We all catch ourselves thinking about bad things sometimes. Those bad thoughts might be sinful, like hating another person, or they might be troubling, causing our stomachs to tighten in fear. But like weeds, they can be pulled out. Often, the best way to get rid of bad thoughts is to focus on the good seeds God has planted in us instead. When we remember that Jesus died and rose again to free us from sin and that He has given us His Holy Spirit and His righteousness, it helps us weed out bad thoughts and cultivate good thoughts instead. These good thoughts could be things like Bible verses, or thinking of ways we can help others and share God’s love with them, or even just remembering good things God has done in our lives. And we can always think about Jesus—remembering what He’s like, what He did when He lived among us, and how much He loves us. Even though we still have bad thoughts sometimes, it’s hard for weeds to take root when our minds are focused on good things like that. The reality is, everyone struggles with bad thoughts. Sometimes it seems like they just pop into our heads. But that doesn’t mean we have to let them stay there. We can weed them out and plant good thoughts instead. The more we let God fill our minds with His love and truth, the less room there will be for weeds. • A. W. Smith • What are some good thoughts you could fill your mind with? Consider keeping a journal, on paper or on your phone, of Bible verses, songs, ways God has blessed you, ways you can serve others, and people you can pray for. Then, the next time bad thoughts crop up in your mind, you can pull out the list and try focusing on those things instead. • When bad thoughts come, we might feel like we can’t talk to God about them, but He already knows it all and wants to help us (Psalm 139). What thoughts could you share with Him today? May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 (NLT) 

READ: ISAIAH 54:7-14; JOHN 16:33; ROMANS 8:31-39 Eight centuries before Christ’s birth, a Hebrew girl clung to her mother’s leg. Rumors of war loomed over Judah like an ominous raincloud. The ruthless Assyrians pressed against the northern border. Could Judah’s towns withstand an attack? Northern tribes had already fallen. The little girl’s future looked uncertain; at any moment her life might crumble to pieces. Her community gathered around to hear the words of the prophet Isaiah, hoping for any promise of God’s deliverance. The girl lifted her head when she heard: “‘Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken, nor my covenant of peace be removed,’ says the LORD, who has compassion on you.” God didn’t promise immediate deliverance from the chaos. The mountains could shake, the hills may disappear—but even in an uncertain world, His unfailing love will prevail. Eight centuries later, God-in-the-flesh announced that the promise of this coming peace was fulfilled in Him. But first, His followers would grieve. Though Jesus will surely renew creation and all who belong to Him will live with Him forever, until that day He said the world will bring troubles, but He has already prevailed (John 16:33). When uncertainty and dread overwhelm us, what do we look to for relief? Often, we blame God for not easing our burdens. Or we take the burden on ourselves to do better, try harder—and then we beat ourselves up when things don’t turn out as we hoped. But Jesus says, “Take heart!” (John 16:33). The peace of God never depended on our strength, but on God’s unfailing love which can never be shaken. Even when the earth shakes beneath us, God’s covenant of peace steadies us. • Shannon Smith • Isaiah spoke of God’s judgement on His people—how enemy nations would conquer them and take them into exile because of the people’s stubborn rebellion and sin. Yet Isaiah also spoke of a promised Rescuer—Immanuel, “God with us” (Isaiah 7:14). He would take upon Himself the punishment for the sins of the people. He would die, but then live again, justifying all who turn to Him and bringing peace to the whole world. Have you ever thought about what it might’ve been like for the people who lived during Isaiah’s time in the Old Testament? When we face trouble, how could it bring us hope to remember God’s promises, especially in light of what we now know from the New Testament about how these promises are fulfilled in Jesus? “My unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed.” Isaiah 54:10 (NIV) 

READ: ISAIAH 54:7-14; JOHN 16:33; ROMANS 8:31-39 Eight centuries before Christ’s birth, a Hebrew girl clung to her mother’s leg. Rumors of war loomed over Judah like an ominous raincloud. The ruthless Assyrians pressed against the northern border. Could Judah’s towns withstand an attack? Northern tribes had already fallen. The little girl’s future looked uncertain; at any moment her life might crumble to pieces. Her community gathered around to hear the words of the prophet Isaiah, hoping for any promise of God’s deliverance. The girl lifted her head when she heard: “‘Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken, nor my covenant of peace be removed,’ says the LORD, who has compassion on you.” God didn’t promise immediate deliverance from the chaos. The mountains could shake, the hills may disappear—but even in an uncertain world, His unfailing love will prevail. Eight centuries later, God-in-the-flesh announced that the promise of this coming peace was fulfilled in Him. But first, His followers would grieve. Though Jesus will surely renew creation and all who belong to Him will live with Him forever, until that day He said the world will bring troubles, but He has already prevailed (John 16:33). When uncertainty and dread overwhelm us, what do we look to for relief? Often, we blame God for not easing our burdens. Or we take the burden on ourselves to do better, try harder—and then we beat ourselves up when things don’t turn out as we hoped. But Jesus says, “Take heart!” (John 16:33). The peace of God never depended on our strength, but on God’s unfailing love which can never be shaken. Even when the earth shakes beneath us, God’s covenant of peace steadies us. • Shannon Smith • Isaiah spoke of God’s judgement on His people—how enemy nations would conquer them and take them into exile because of the people’s stubborn rebellion and sin. Yet Isaiah also spoke of a promised Rescuer—Immanuel, “God with us” (Isaiah 7:14). He would take upon Himself the punishment for the sins of the people. He would die, but then live again, justifying all who turn to Him and bringing peace to the whole world. Have you ever thought about what it might’ve been like for the people who lived during Isaiah’s time in the Old Testament? When we face trouble, how could it bring us hope to remember God’s promises, especially in light of what we now know from the New Testament about how these promises are fulfilled in Jesus? “My unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed.” Isaiah 54:10 (NIV) 

READ: PSALMS 31:20; 62:6-8; JUDE 1:1, 20-21; 2 TIMOTHY 4:18 It’s hard to feel safe. Since the attacks of September 11, 2001, many of us have grown up with an awareness of terrorism and the need for precautions like metal detectors at airports and large events. Just in case. Maybe you’ve grown up knowing you could get bullied, jumped, or shot at in school, and that it’s best to always be aware of your surroundings and where the exit routes are. Just in case. You may have learned it’s not safe to talk to strangers, or to be female or an ethnic minority walking alone at night, or to leave your phone location settings turned on. Just in case. Between stories of violent romantic and family relationships, and the increasing prevalence of mental health concerns that can make us feel like even our own minds might not be a safe place, safety itself can feel like a myth. That grieves the heart of God. He created us for safety in relationships, with each other and with Him. After all, in the Garden of Eden Adam and Eve were able to live and work entirely naked, completely open with each other and with God, without fear of being victimized, mocked, or sinned against, without fear of judgment, awkwardness, or feeling unworthy (Genesis 2:25). They did not know what it was to hide from creation or Creator. That’s the kind of safety God wants us to experience in His presence now (Romans 8:1)! He wants us to openly share our struggles, passions, flaws, insecurities, questions, and doubts with Him. And He wants us to create communities of safety for each other—that’s what the church is for! Though the Bible rarely promises us physical safety (John 16:33; 15:18-21; Romans 8:35-39), the presence of Jesus is the one place we can know we are eternally safe from everything the devil throws at us (2 Timothy 4:18), and we can invite His presence into every moment and every relationship of our lives. • Abigail Aswegen • Can you think of a time you felt safe with another person? What was that like? • Have you ever experienced feeling safe in the presence of God? You can ask God for this anytime. • In what ways can we help the people around us feel safe, and also invite them to experience true safety in Christ? If you think you might be in an unsafe relationship or situation, or if you’re struggling with your mental health, who is a trusted adult you could talk to today? [Jesus prayed,] “I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one.” John 17:15 (NLT) 

READ: PSALMS 31:20; 62:6-8; JUDE 1:1, 20-21; 2 TIMOTHY 4:18 It’s hard to feel safe. Since the attacks of September 11, 2001, many of us have grown up with an awareness of terrorism and the need for precautions like metal detectors at airports and large events. Just in case. Maybe you’ve grown up knowing you could get bullied, jumped, or shot at in school, and that it’s best to always be aware of your surroundings and where the exit routes are. Just in case. You may have learned it’s not safe to talk to strangers, or to be female or an ethnic minority walking alone at night, or to leave your phone location settings turned on. Just in case. Between stories of violent romantic and family relationships, and the increasing prevalence of mental health concerns that can make us feel like even our own minds might not be a safe place, safety itself can feel like a myth. That grieves the heart of God. He created us for safety in relationships, with each other and with Him. After all, in the Garden of Eden Adam and Eve were able to live and work entirely naked, completely open with each other and with God, without fear of being victimized, mocked, or sinned against, without fear of judgment, awkwardness, or feeling unworthy (Genesis 2:25). They did not know what it was to hide from creation or Creator. That’s the kind of safety God wants us to experience in His presence now (Romans 8:1)! He wants us to openly share our struggles, passions, flaws, insecurities, questions, and doubts with Him. And He wants us to create communities of safety for each other—that’s what the church is for! Though the Bible rarely promises us physical safety (John 16:33; 15:18-21; Romans 8:35-39), the presence of Jesus is the one place we can know we are eternally safe from everything the devil throws at us (2 Timothy 4:18), and we can invite His presence into every moment and every relationship of our lives. • Abigail Aswegen • Can you think of a time you felt safe with another person? What was that like? • Have you ever experienced feeling safe in the presence of God? You can ask God for this anytime. • In what ways can we help the people around us feel safe, and also invite them to experience true safety in Christ? If you think you might be in an unsafe relationship or situation, or if you’re struggling with your mental health, who is a trusted adult you could talk to today? [Jesus prayed,] “I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one.” John 17:15 (NLT) 

READ: PSALM 13; ISAIAH 41:9-13; 2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-11 Stuck in this grief I feel like You can’t see But You lift me up You comfort me, once more Eyes fill with tears Start to think of all my fears But You stop those thoughts You give me peace, once more Feeling all alone Wondering where to go But You give direction You hold my hand, once more Pain is too great Feel like I might break But You keep me together You show me love, once more • Bethany Acker • Can you think of a time God helped you when you were hurting? Maybe He provided comfort, peace, direction, strength, or a reminder of His love. Consider taking a moment to remember and thank God for this. • Whenever we’re hurting, Jesus can truly empathize with us in our pain and turmoil because He experienced it firsthand (Mark 14:33-34). He is not some far-off, distant god; He is God in human flesh. He came and lived among us, ultimately suffering the cross for us because of how greatly He loves us. Then He rose from the dead, so now everyone who puts their trust in Him is brought near to God and has the sure hope of eternal life with Him. One day there will be no more death or grief or crying or pain (Revelation 21:1-5). Until that day, sometimes it can feel like we’re all alone in our pain and uncertainty, but Jesus is right there with us, ready to help us. Consider taking some time to be honest with Jesus about whatever you’re struggling with today. • One of the primary ways God helps His people, is through His people. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by grief or fear, who is a trusted adult 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) and ask to speak with the care associate. 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) 

READ: PSALM 13; ISAIAH 41:9-13; 2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-11 Stuck in this grief I feel like You can’t see But You lift me up You comfort me, once more   Eyes fill with tears Start to think of all my fears But You stop those thoughts You give me peace, once more   Feeling all alone Wondering where to go But You give direction You hold my hand, once more   Pain is too great Feel like I might break But You keep me together You show me love, once more • Bethany Acker • Can you think of a time God helped you when you were hurting? Maybe He provided comfort, peace, direction, strength, or a reminder of His love. Consider taking a moment to remember and thank God for this. • Whenever we’re hurting, Jesus can truly empathize with us in our pain and turmoil because He experienced it firsthand (Mark 14:33-34). He is not some far-off, distant god; He is God in human flesh. He came and lived among us, ultimately suffering the cross for us because of how greatly He loves us. Then He rose from the dead, so now everyone who puts their trust in Him is brought near to God and has the sure hope of eternal life with Him. One day there will be no more death or grief or crying or pain (Revelation 21:1-5). Until that day, sometimes it can feel like we’re all alone in our pain and uncertainty, but Jesus is right there with us, ready to help us. Consider taking some time to be honest with Jesus about whatever you’re struggling with today. • One of the primary ways God helps His people, is through His people. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by grief or fear, who is a trusted adult 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) and ask to speak with the care associate. 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) 

READ: ROMANS 12:4-8; 1 CORINTHIANS 12:4-27 Mehul balanced the mud-colored bowl in his palms as he stared out at the shore from his small workshop. Down at the ocean’s edge, his friend Sadira was training the young sea dragons, preparing them for the sea riders. Her brother, Taizeen, sat in the sand nearby practicing his harp. The soft plucks intermingled with the lapping of water, threatening calmness to Mehul’s restless mind. With a furrowed brow he gazed at the bowl in his hand. It was plain, like all the bowls, jars, and cups he made. What purpose do these pieces of pottery even serve in the village? What purpose do I serve? He dashed the bowl to the ground. It shattered, and the pieces flew across the room. He bent and pulled at a shard that had struck him in the leg, wincing at the pain. A gasp came from the doorway of his workshop. Looking up, Mehul saw Mother Elyah, the village doctor, coming toward him. She said, “Let me help with that. I was stopping by anyway for a jar.” Before he knew it, she had tenderly extracted the piece. Then she motioned for him to sit while she got a fresh cloth and cool water to clean the wound. Grabbing a strip of fabric and a pinch of sweet-smelling herbs from her bag, she wrapped his leg expertly. After she finished, Mother Elyah inspected the shards on the dirt floor. “What happened here?” Mehul felt his face flush. Turning to his workbench, he searched through the clutter of clay to find a jar for her. “I guess I was just preoccupied.” He handed her a dirt-colored container. Another ordinary piece of pottery. Smiling, she ran her hand across the smooth exterior. “This will be a great help to me, thank you Mehul. Make sure to clean up those shards.” She turned to leave. “Wait…you said I helped you?” “Of course, as you do the entire village.” Mother Elyah nodded. She hesitated, then continued, “Remember Mehul, that our bodies have many parts, and each part does its own special work. The feet need the legs, the hands need the arms… and so it is with us. As people of the Living One, we are His body. Each of us does certain things well, and we all belong to each other. No one part of the body—and no one person—is less important than the others. All are needed.” And with that she was on her way. Mehul was left staring at the doorway. He thought of her using his jar to store away the sprigs of fragrant herbs she used in her medicine. Other images also appeared in his mind, of the meals he shared with Sadira and Taizeen—spiced curries served in his simple brown bowls. He retrieved a broken piece from the floor and held it up to the light with a growing smile. “I’ll have to start a new one. Someone will need it.” • Sophia Bricker • Have you ever felt like Mehul? Like you don’t have a purpose, or like what you do makes no difference or is just ordinary? We all feel this way from time to time, and Jesus sees us, with all our pain and questions, and He longs to help us. Consider taking some time to talk to Him about whatever you’re struggling with. You can also ask Him to show you how He sees you. You may notice His reply in the next few days or weeks as you spend time in prayer, as you interact with fellow Christians, or as you read His Word, the Bible. • Jesus died and was raised from the dead so that His body—the church—could be made whole. Once we put our trust in Jesus, we are included in His body and we receive the Holy Spirit. How could thinking about the ways our bodies function help us remember that each of us has value and purpose in the body of Christ? • Reread 1 Corinthians 12:4-7. What kinds

READ: ROMANS 12:4-8; 1 CORINTHIANS 12:4-27 Mehul balanced the mud-colored bowl in his palms as he stared out at the shore from his small workshop. Down at the ocean’s edge, his friend Sadira was training the young sea dragons, preparing them for the sea riders. Her brother, Taizeen, sat in the sand nearby practicing his harp. The soft plucks intermingled with the lapping of water, threatening calmness to Mehul’s restless mind. With a furrowed brow he gazed at the bowl in his hand. It was plain, like all the bowls, jars, and cups he made. What purpose do these pieces of pottery even serve in the village? What purpose do I serve? He dashed the bowl to the ground. It shattered, and the pieces flew across the room. He bent and pulled at a shard that had struck him in the leg, wincing at the pain. A gasp came from the doorway of his workshop. Looking up, Mehul saw Mother Elyah, the village doctor, coming toward him. She said, “Let me help with that. I was stopping by anyway for a jar.” Before he knew it, she had tenderly extracted the piece. Then she motioned for him to sit while she got a fresh cloth and cool water to clean the wound. Grabbing a strip of fabric and a pinch of sweet-smelling herbs from her bag, she wrapped his leg expertly. After she finished, Mother Elyah inspected the shards on the dirt floor. “What happened here?” Mehul felt his face flush. Turning to his workbench, he searched through the clutter of clay to find a jar for her. “I guess I was just preoccupied.” He handed her a dirt-colored container. Another ordinary piece of pottery. Smiling, she ran her hand across the smooth exterior. “This will be a great help to me, thank you Mehul. Make sure to clean up those shards.” She turned to leave. “Wait…you said I helped you?” “Of course, as you do the entire village.” Mother Elyah nodded. She hesitated, then continued, “Remember Mehul, that our bodies have many parts, and each part does its own special work. The feet need the legs, the hands need the arms… and so it is with us. As people of the Living One, we are His body. Each of us does certain things well, and we all belong to each other. No one part of the body—and no one person—is less important than the others. All are needed.” And with that she was on her way. Mehul was left staring at the doorway. He thought of her using his jar to store away the sprigs of fragrant herbs she used in her medicine. Other images also appeared in his mind, of the meals he shared with Sadira and Taizeen—spiced curries served in his simple brown bowls. He retrieved a broken piece from the floor and held it up to the light with a growing smile. “I’ll have to start a new one. Someone will need it.” • Sophia Bricker • Have you ever felt like Mehul? Like you don’t have a purpose, or like what you do makes no difference or is just ordinary? We all feel this way from time to time, and Jesus sees us, with all our pain and questions, and He longs to help us. Consider taking some time to talk to Him about whatever you’re struggling with. You can also ask Him to show you how He sees you. You may notice His reply in the next few days or weeks as you spend time in prayer, as you interact with fellow Christians, or as you read His Word, the Bible. • Jesus died and was raised from the dead so that His body—the church—could be made whole. Once we put our trust in Jesus, we are included in His body and we receive the Holy Spirit. How could thinking about the ways our bodies function help us remember that each of us has value and purpose in the body of Christ? • Reread 1 Corinthians 12:4-7. What kinds of spiritual gifts, natural abilities, skills, or talents has God given you? Who are trusted Christians in your life who could help...

READ: MATTHEW 25:34-40; 2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-7 Have you ever visited a friend or family member in the hospital? Maybe you brought some of their favorite games or books or movies. While they might have been happy to see you, maybe they weren’t up for games or movies. It can be discouraging, especially if you visit again and again and they aren’t getting better. You might reach a point where you just don’t want to visit anymore. Visiting someone when they are sick or injured can feel awkward, even if you know the person well. They might not want to talk much, or they might be too tired to carry on a long conversation. You may not know what to do or say, worried you’ll make things worse somehow. But the truth is, we don’t need to say much. Just being there for someone can be a powerful expression of love—the kind of love Jesus has for us. He never leaves our side, even when we’re sick or injured, even when we don’t have anything to say. Visiting someone in the hospital is a chance to show them that kind of love in a time when they might be feeling alone or forgotten. It’s hard to see someone we love in pain, but Jesus will provide us with the strength we need. It can be so comforting for the person we’re visiting to know that someone cares enough to come and be with them. Your presence can comfort them, even if you feel awkward and uncomfortable and don’t know what to do. You can ask Jesus to reveal His love and hope in this situation. He will help you be the kind of friend He is—one who’s always with us, in good times and bad. Do you have a friend or family member who is sick or injured right now? Maybe you could visit them and tell them you’re praying for them. You don’t have to know just the right words to say—just being there for them is enough. Or if visiting isn’t feasible, you could let them know you care about them by sending flowers or a card or something to make them smile. Remember, Jesus is the greatest Friend of all, and He will help us comfort one another. • A. W. Smith • Jesus knows what it’s like to see someone you love hurting, and He also knows what it’s like to be the one who’s hurt. How could it be encouraging to know that, no matter what we’re going through, Jesus understands? • Have you ever visited someone in the hospital? What was that like? Have you ever had to stay in the hospital, or stay home for a long time, because of a sickness or an injury? Can you think of any ways Jesus brought you comfort in that time, maybe through a person, a song, a Bible passage, something seemingly random that made your day, etc.? He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. 2 Corinthians 1:4 (NLT) 

READ: MATTHEW 25:34-40; 2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-7 Have you ever visited a friend or family member in the hospital? Maybe you brought some of their favorite games or books or movies. While they might have been happy to see you, maybe they weren’t up for games or movies. It can be discouraging, especially if you visit again and again and they aren’t getting better. You might reach a point where you just don’t want to visit anymore. Visiting someone when they are sick or injured can feel awkward, even if you know the person well. They might not want to talk much, or they might be too tired to carry on a long conversation. You may not know what to do or say, worried you’ll make things worse somehow. But the truth is, we don’t need to say much. Just being there for someone can be a powerful expression of love—the kind of love Jesus has for us. He never leaves our side, even when we’re sick or injured, even when we don’t have anything to say. Visiting someone in the hospital is a chance to show them that kind of love in a time when they might be feeling alone or forgotten. It’s hard to see someone we love in pain, but Jesus will provide us with the strength we need. It can be so comforting for the person we’re visiting to know that someone cares enough to come and be with them. Your presence can comfort them, even if you feel awkward and uncomfortable and don’t know what to do. You can ask Jesus to reveal His love and hope in this situation. He will help you be the kind of friend He is—one who’s always with us, in good times and bad. Do you have a friend or family member who is sick or injured right now? Maybe you could visit them and tell them you’re praying for them. You don’t have to know just the right words to say—just being there for them is enough. Or if visiting isn’t feasible, you could let them know you care about them by sending flowers or a card or something to make them smile. Remember, Jesus is the greatest Friend of all, and He will help us comfort one another. • A. W. Smith • Jesus knows what it’s like to see someone you love hurting, and He also knows what it’s like to be the one who’s hurt. How could it be encouraging to know that, no matter what we’re going through, Jesus understands? • Have you ever visited someone in the hospital? What was that like? Have you ever had to stay in the hospital, or stay home for a long time, because of a sickness or an injury? Can you think of any ways Jesus brought you comfort in that time, maybe through a person, a song, a Bible passage, something seemingly random that made your day, etc.? He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. 2 Corinthians 1:4 (NLT) 

READ: GENESIS 1:26-31; PSALM 139:13-17 As I was washing dishes recently, I got to thinking about how amazing the human body is…and how great the God who created us is. As I picked up each dish and took care of it, I was grateful for my ability to do that. As I felt my heart beating inside, I had a new kind of amazement. From fingers that can grasp the smallest objects to hands with the ability to lift, scrub, and wave, we were created in a special way. From feet, legs, and toes that keep us balanced to a heart that keeps us alive, we have so much to us, so much that makes us who we are and gives us the ability to enjoy and take care of this earth. I think about our lungs and how we can breathe without thinking as we go about our day, but also how they struggle—but still work—when we take off on a run. I think of all the other parts of our insides and how they keep us going, from our kidneys to our brains. God knew what He was doing with each decision He made regarding the human body. He definitely had a plan, and He certainly put care into how we were formed. He didn’t just throw us together without thinking about it or create a body that’s simple but “good enough.” I think of our bodies and I’m filled with gratitude for a God who made us this way. A God who showed love for us even as He worked on our design and put attention into every detail of our bodies. • Emily Acker • What is it about your body that amazes you the most? Have you ever stopped to really think about the design of your body and the way God made you? Consider taking a moment to thank Him. • Have you ever thought about how Jesus has a body like we do? When Jesus came and lived among us, He became fully human. Since the first humans sinned by rejecting God and rebelling against Him, our bodies experience pain and sickness and injuries. But the good news is, because Jesus was willing to let His body be broken for us, now everyone who’s put their trust in Jesus has the sure hope of being raised from the dead like He was. At Jesus’s return, our resurrected bodies will be like His resurrected body—free of pain, sickness, and injury, and we will get to enjoy living on the new heavens and new earth with Jesus forever! I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14 (NIV) 

READ: GENESIS 1:26-31; PSALM 139:13-17 As I was washing dishes recently, I got to thinking about how amazing the human body is…and how great the God who created us is. As I picked up each dish and took care of it, I was grateful for my ability to do that. As I felt my heart beating inside, I had a new kind of amazement. From fingers that can grasp the smallest objects to hands with the ability to lift, scrub, and wave, we were created in a special way. From feet, legs, and toes that keep us balanced to a heart that keeps us alive, we have so much to us, so much that makes us who we are and gives us the ability to enjoy and take care of this earth. I think about our lungs and how we can breathe without thinking as we go about our day, but also how they struggle—but still work—when we take off on a run. I think of all the other parts of our insides and how they keep us going, from our kidneys to our brains. God knew what He was doing with each decision He made regarding the human body. He definitely had a plan, and He certainly put care into how we were formed. He didn’t just throw us together without thinking about it or create a body that’s simple but “good enough.” I think of our bodies and I’m filled with gratitude for a God who made us this way. A God who showed love for us even as He worked on our design and put attention into every detail of our bodies. • Emily Acker • What is it about your body that amazes you the most? Have you ever stopped to really think about the design of your body and the way God made you? Consider taking a moment to thank Him. • Have you ever thought about how Jesus has a body like we do? When Jesus came and lived among us, He became fully human. Since the first humans sinned by rejecting God and rebelling against Him, our bodies experience pain and sickness and injuries. But the good news is, because Jesus was willing to let His body be broken for us, now everyone who’s put their trust in Jesus has the sure hope of being raised from the dead like He was. At Jesus’s return, our resurrected bodies will be like His resurrected body—free of pain, sickness, and injury, and we will get to enjoy living on the new heavens and new earth with Jesus forever! I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14 (NIV) 

READ: MATTHEW 6:25-34; 11:28-30; LUKE 2:40-52; EPHESIANS 5:15-17 When you see little kids playing, do you ever find yourself getting a little nostalgic for those “good old days” when you didn’t have any responsibilities? The older we get, the more time we spend on school, chores, part-time jobs, extracurriculars, or volunteer work. Meanwhile, little kids spend their days playing, coloring, exploring, and napping. The truth is, we all need some time to relax and have fun. God calls us to rest and enjoy His good gifts often! But it’s also true that as we get older, we enter different stages of life. Kids need to spend a lot of time playing in order to learn and grow. But as we get older, we have different opportunities to learn by studying and taking on more responsibilities. The little kid stage of life isn’t better—just different. It’s normal to have very few responsibilities when you’re a little kid, but by the teenage years, that changes. And that’s a good thing. We wouldn’t want to spend every day playing with blocks and finger paint, after all! If we didn’t ever challenge ourselves or learn new things, how could we mature? While schoolwork and chores and part-time jobs may sometimes get mundane or difficult, God uses these things to help us grow and know Him more and more. At this stage in life, even Jesus spent time learning and growing, all the while preparing to sacrifice His life for us. He loves us that much. So we can talk to God about all the exciting and challenging things that come with growing up. He knows what it’s like. We’ll have more and more responsibilities as we get older, but these responsibilities don’t have to be burdensome because we can trust God to care for all our needs and help us mature as we follow Him. Growing up can be hard, but God created us to learn and grow through different stages of life, and He’ll use the things we learn to help us know Him better and point others to Him. As we follow Jesus, He’ll help us make the most of every opportunity to learn. • A. W. Smith • As we approach adulthood, our responsibilities continue to grow. And Jesus will be with us every step of the way. How can stewarding our responsibilities well now help us prepare to have more responsibilities later? • What are some responsibilities you have now that you didn’t have when you were a little kid? What have you learned through them? What new things have you learned about God and about yourself as you’ve grown up? But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18 (NIV) 

READ: MATTHEW 6:25-34; 11:28-30; LUKE 2:40-52; EPHESIANS 5:15-17 When you see little kids playing, do you ever find yourself getting a little nostalgic for those “good old days” when you didn’t have any responsibilities? The older we get, the more time we spend on school, chores, part-time jobs, extracurriculars, or volunteer work. Meanwhile, little kids spend their days playing, coloring, exploring, and napping. The truth is, we all need some time to relax and have fun. God calls us to rest and enjoy His good gifts often! But it’s also true that as we get older, we enter different stages of life. Kids need to spend a lot of time playing in order to learn and grow. But as we get older, we have different opportunities to learn by studying and taking on more responsibilities. The little kid stage of life isn’t better—just different. It’s normal to have very few responsibilities when you’re a little kid, but by the teenage years, that changes. And that’s a good thing. We wouldn’t want to spend every day playing with blocks and finger paint, after all! If we didn’t ever challenge ourselves or learn new things, how could we mature? While schoolwork and chores and part-time jobs may sometimes get mundane or difficult, God uses these things to help us grow and know Him more and more. At this stage in life, even Jesus spent time learning and growing, all the while preparing to sacrifice His life for us. He loves us that much. So we can talk to God about all the exciting and challenging things that come with growing up. He knows what it’s like. We’ll have more and more responsibilities as we get older, but these responsibilities don’t have to be burdensome because we can trust God to care for all our needs and help us mature as we follow Him. Growing up can be hard, but God created us to learn and grow through different stages of life, and He’ll use the things we learn to help us know Him better and point others to Him. As we follow Jesus, He’ll help us make the most of every opportunity to learn. • A. W. Smith • As we approach adulthood, our responsibilities continue to grow. And Jesus will be with us every step of the way. How can stewarding our responsibilities well now help us prepare to have more responsibilities later? • What are some responsibilities you have now that you didn’t have when you were a little kid? What have you learned through them? What new things have you learned about God and about yourself as you’ve grown up? But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 116:1-2; PROVERBS 3:5-6; HEBREWS 13:8; 4:14-16 One of my coworkers approached me about examining our new employee handbook. We just hired a third-party organization as our human resources department, so they redesigned our old handbook. My job was to compare the two. While I was going through them, I came upon a small section titled “open-door policy.” It basically explained that our supervisors agree to have listening ears to our complaints, concerns, and ideas. It got me thinking. God gives us that same opportunity. He is inviting us to share everything with Him. Even though I know my supervisors mean well and want to listen, I know there will be times when they won’t listen well or won’t say the right thing. But God? He always listens. He always says the right thing. And He wants to share His wisdom with us (James 1:5). What’s more, when I was reviewing the new handbook with our HR representative (the writer), she informed me that we could actually remove the open-door policy section. But, as God’s character doesn’t change, we know that He will never remove His “open-door policy.” He’s always ready to listen. And He will do so perfectly. Because, as we know, Jesus is perfect. He lived the perfect life that we cannot, whether we be supervisors or employees, and He died on the cross and rose from the grave to pay for our transgressions. Once we put our trust in Jesus, we have full access to God (Ephesians 2:18; 3:12). He loves us, and He wants to hear from us. Always. • Natty Maelle • When you talk to God, what do you talk to Him about? Is there anything you’re reluctant to discuss with the Lord? Why do you think you might feel this way? Consider talking to Him about this. • If Jesus is our model, and He creates a place for us to be heard, we should be aspiring to do the same for others. Is this something that comes naturally to you? Why or why not? Consider taking some time today to talk to the Lord about this too. If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. James 1:5 (NLT) 

READ: PSALM 116:1-2; PROVERBS 3:5-6; HEBREWS 13:8; 4:14-16 One of my coworkers approached me about examining our new employee handbook. We just hired a third-party organization as our human resources department, so they redesigned our old handbook. My job was to compare the two. While I was going through them, I came upon a small section titled “open-door policy.” It basically explained that our supervisors agree to have listening ears to our complaints, concerns, and ideas. It got me thinking. God gives us that same opportunity. He is inviting us to share everything with Him. Even though I know my supervisors mean well and want to listen, I know there will be times when they won’t listen well or won’t say the right thing. But God? He always listens. He always says the right thing. And He wants to share His wisdom with us (James 1:5). What’s more, when I was reviewing the new handbook with our HR representative (the writer), she informed me that we could actually remove the open-door policy section. But, as God’s character doesn’t change, we know that He will never remove His “open-door policy.” He’s always ready to listen. And He will do so perfectly. Because, as we know, Jesus is perfect. He lived the perfect life that we cannot, whether we be supervisors or employees, and He died on the cross and rose from the grave to pay for our transgressions. Once we put our trust in Jesus, we have full access to God (Ephesians 2:18; 3:12). He loves us, and He wants to hear from us. Always. • Natty Maelle • When you talk to God, what do you talk to Him about? Is there anything you’re reluctant to discuss with the Lord? Why do you think you might feel this way? Consider talking to Him about this. • If Jesus is our model, and He creates a place for us to be heard, we should be aspiring to do the same for others. Is this something that comes naturally to you? Why or why not? Consider taking some time today to talk to the Lord about this too. If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. James 1:5 (NLT) 

READ: ISAIAH 55:8-9; 2 CORINTHIANS 12:7-10 When I was in high school, I struggled with depression and anxiety. A boy broke my heart, none of my friends understood me, I struggled with family issues at home, and it felt like nothing in my life went right or ever would go right. Psalm 34:18 says, “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” And Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” I’d read Bible verses like these…And I just didn’t get it! If I’d been asking God to heal and help me, then why wasn’t He healing me? Why was I still hurting? If God gives us peace in the storm, then why was I feeling so far from peace? One day, I came across 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. Paul had been asking God to remove what he called a thorn in his flesh, similar to how I had been repeatedly asking God to remove the pain and hurt in my life. It felt like God was speaking directly to me when He said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (verse 9). Eventually, God did bring me out of my season of depression and anxiety. He brought better friends into my life, and He brought healing to my heart and mind. I think during that long season of my life, God was teaching me to rely on Him. He was teaching me that He, and only He, was sufficient for my life. God’s grace and presence are all we need. He was strengthening my faith even when I couldn’t see it and teaching me to trust Him when nothing made sense. The truth is, God loves us more than we could ever know, and we can trust that even in the hurting, He is with us. • Elizabeth Cooper • Have you ever felt like nothing in your life was going right, or ever would go right? Do you feel like that today? You’re not alone. Jesus is with us in our pain, grieving our hurts alongside us. We can be totally honest with Him about anything we’re going through. • Believing God is with us and entrusting ourselves to that promise doesn’t automatically make every situation in our lives better. But it does give us hope in the midst of the hurting—hope that we are held securely in God’s love, and hope that one day Jesus will return and then terrible things like depression, anxiety, and broken relationships will be no more (Romans 8:31-39; Revelation 21:1-5). As we wait for that glorious day, God gives us His Word, His Spirit, and the community of His people here on earth to help with our struggles and pain. Do you have a trusted Christian in your life you can talk to about what you’re experiencing? * • Throughout our lives, we’ll read verses in the Bible that we don’t understand or that don’t seem to be true in our own lives. Every word in the original manuscripts of the Bible is completely true. However, that doesn’t mean we’ll always understand everything we read right away. In fact, there are some things in the Bible we may never fully understand. Yet God wants to help us grow in our understanding of His Word (Psalm 119:34; Luke 24:45; Acts 8:26-35). Are there any Bible verses that you’ve found unsettling or frustrating, or that just don’t seem true? Who is a trusted Christian in your life who could help you dig deeper so you can understand it better, using tools like study Bibles, commentaries, or scholarly articles, videos, or podcasts? (Whenever we read the Bible, it’s important to keep in mind the whole Bible points to Jesus. If you want to know more about the good news of Jesus,

READ: ISAIAH 55:8-9; 2 CORINTHIANS 12:7-10 When I was in high school, I struggled with depression and anxiety. A boy broke my heart, none of my friends understood me, I struggled with family issues at home, and it felt like nothing in my life went right or ever would go right. Psalm 34:18 says, “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” And Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” I’d read Bible verses like these…And I just didn’t get it! If I’d been asking God to heal and help me, then why wasn’t He healing me? Why was I still hurting? If God gives us peace in the storm, then why was I feeling so far from peace? One day, I came across 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. Paul had been asking God to remove what he called a thorn in his flesh, similar to how I had been repeatedly asking God to remove the pain and hurt in my life. It felt like God was speaking directly to me when He said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (verse 9). Eventually, God did bring me out of my season of depression and anxiety. He brought better friends into my life, and He brought healing to my heart and mind. I think during that long season of my life, God was teaching me to rely on Him. He was teaching me that He, and only He, was sufficient for my life. God’s grace and presence are all we need. He was strengthening my faith even when I couldn’t see it and teaching me to trust Him when nothing made sense. The truth is, God loves us more than we could ever know, and we can trust that even in the hurting, He is with us. • Elizabeth Cooper • Have you ever felt like nothing in your life was going right, or ever would go right? Do you feel like that today? You’re not alone. Jesus is with us in our pain, grieving our hurts alongside us. We can be totally honest with Him about anything we’re going through. • Believing God is with us and entrusting ourselves to that promise doesn’t automatically make every situation in our lives better. But it does give us hope in the midst of the hurting—hope that we are held securely in God’s love, and hope that one day Jesus will return and then terrible things like depression, anxiety, and broken relationships will be no more (Romans 8:31-39; Revelation 21:1-5). As we wait for that glorious day, God gives us His Word, His Spirit, and the community of His people here on earth to help with our struggles and pain. Do you have a trusted Christian in your life you can talk to about what you’re experiencing? * • Throughout our lives, we’ll read verses in the Bible that we don’t understand or that don’t seem to be true in our own lives. Every word in the original manuscripts of the Bible is completely true. However, that doesn’t mean we’ll always understand everything we read right away. In fact, there are some things in the Bible we may never fully understand. Yet God wants to help us grow in our understanding of His Word (Psalm 119:34; Luke 24:45; Acts 8:26-35). Are there any Bible verses that you’ve found unsettling or frustrating, or that just don’t seem true? Who is a trusted Christian in your life who could help you dig deeper so you can understand it better, using tools like study Bibles, commentaries, or scholarly articles, videos, or podcasts? (Whenever we read the Bible, it’s important to keep in mind the whole Bible points to Jesus. If you want to know more about the good news of Jesus, see our "Know Jesus" page.) • * If you’re struggling with anxiety or depres...

READ: PSALM 32:8; PROVERBS 16:9; MATTHEW 6:25-34; JAMES 4:13-15 I am a planner. I love to plan out my future and what I want to do next. Maybe you’re like me and you find yourself thinking a lot about the future and what comes next. What am I going to do after school today? Or this weekend? Or what am I going to do this summer? What am I going to do after I graduate high school? Sometimes, planning our future is good. Other times, the desire to plan stems from a desire for control. We might find ourselves wanting to be in control of our lives, what we do, and what happens, in a way that forgets—or perhaps ignores— the truth that God is the One who is ultimately in control. I saw this desire for control play out in my life one year when I was applying for summer internships, planning out what I was going to do all summer and how that was going to support my future. But guess what? All my plans fell through because I didn’t end up getting any internships. God had a better plan for me. That summer, God sent me to Glacier National Park to serve with a ministry team and spread the gospel. It was so last minute because God knew I didn’t need to plan out every detail, I just needed to trust Him to guide me. He knew I needed a summer of adventure, spending time with Him, and not thinking about my future so much. The truth is, God is the only One who’s in control of our future. And that’s a good thing! God’s plans for us are always better than anything we could plan for ourselves. We don’t have to strive so hard to control the outcomes of our lives. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, no matter what happens, we will always be with Him. And, through the Holy Spirit, He will help us learn to trust Him more and more throughout our lives. God knows what we need, and He is worthy of our trust. We can always rely on Him to guide us. • Elizabeth Cooper • Do you have any examples from your life when you realized God’s plans were better than what you had planned? What happened? Consider taking a moment to thank Him for this. • Are you someone who likes to plan? While it can be good to think ahead and consider what we might do in the future, planning can sometimes become an idol—something we go to for security or satisfaction instead of going to God. What might it look like to practice holding our plans loosely, being open to where God will guide us? Who are trusted Christians in your life who can help you discern how God might be leading you? Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Psalm 31:3 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 32:8; PROVERBS 16:9; MATTHEW 6:25-34; JAMES 4:13-15 I am a planner. I love to plan out my future and what I want to do next. Maybe you’re like me and you find yourself thinking a lot about the future and what comes next. What am I going to do after school today? Or this weekend? Or what am I going to do this summer? What am I going to do after I graduate high school? Sometimes, planning our future is good. Other times, the desire to plan stems from a desire for control. We might find ourselves wanting to be in control of our lives, what we do, and what happens, in a way that forgets—or perhaps ignores— the truth that God is the One who is ultimately in control. I saw this desire for control play out in my life one year when I was applying for summer internships, planning out what I was going to do all summer and how that was going to support my future. But guess what? All my plans fell through because I didn’t end up getting any internships. God had a better plan for me. That summer, God sent me to Glacier National Park to serve with a ministry team and spread the gospel. It was so last minute because God knew I didn’t need to plan out every detail, I just needed to trust Him to guide me. He knew I needed a summer of adventure, spending time with Him, and not thinking about my future so much. The truth is, God is the only One who’s in control of our future. And that’s a good thing! God’s plans for us are always better than anything we could plan for ourselves. We don’t have to strive so hard to control the outcomes of our lives. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, no matter what happens, we will always be with Him. And, through the Holy Spirit, He will help us learn to trust Him more and more throughout our lives. God knows what we need, and He is worthy of our trust. We can always rely on Him to guide us. • Elizabeth Cooper • Do you have any examples from your life when you realized God’s plans were better than what you had planned? What happened? Consider taking a moment to thank Him for this. • Are you someone who likes to plan? While it can be good to think ahead and consider what we might do in the future, planning can sometimes become an idol—something we go to for security or satisfaction instead of going to God. What might it look like to practice holding our plans loosely, being open to where God will guide us? Who are trusted Christians in your life who can help you discern how God might be leading you? Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Psalm 31:3 (NIV) 

READ: PROVERBS 19:11; EPHESIANS 4:31-32 "Oh no, I’ve been bitten!” I cried as my ankles began to itch and burn. Looking down, I saw the culprits scurrying away—tiny ants with the power to inflict pain and leave punctures on my skin. My husband and I were on vacation, and after an amazing—but blisteringly hot—day, we had been grateful for the coolness of the evening. But the ants had ruined it. I desperately wanted to scratch the wounds, but I knew this could cause harm. Instead, I dashed back up to the hotel room and cleaned up the wounds to keep them from getting infected. In life, we are faced with annoyances, much like the ants on my vacation. These annoyances might be disagreements with our family or friends. Unpleasant memories of past mistakes and hurts can cause inner pain. The problem is, it’s easy to let these painful memories fester. But, much like the ant bites on my legs, if these hurts are left untreated they will continue to itch and burn. When we scratch at bug bites, they can easily get infected. Then they’re even more painful! In the same way, if we let unforgiveness fester, it leads to bitterness and a hard heart. Thankfully, we have a caring heavenly Father who loves us, listens to us, and is always ready to forgive us and heal our hurts. God loves us so much that, even though our sin broke His heart and separated us from Him, He sent His Son Jesus to fix the broken relationship caused by our sin. Through Jesus’s death and resurrection, He provides the gift of salvation for all who put their trust in Him (John 3:16-18). In Jesus, we can be forgiven, and then we can learn how to give and receive forgiveness. Instead of letting offences fester, we can come to Jesus, confessing what we’ve done wrong and also telling Him about how others have wronged us. Only He has the healing balm of forgiveness that’s needed to change lives—including our own. • Cindy Lee • Are you currently dwelling on a past hurt caused by someone you trusted? Are you disappointed in yourself for your mistakes? Jesus invites us to talk to Him about all these things. He is eager to remind us that in Him we are fully forgiven, and to help us forgive those who have hurt us. As we rest in His unshakeable love, He helps us walk forward in freedom. Consider taking some time to write down any minor irritations that are bothering you. Then, offer them up to God, thanking Him for empowering you to let go of any bitterness in your heart. And then, get rid of the list. (If you’ve experienced a deep hurt, who is a trusted adult you could talk to about it?) Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32 (NLT) 

READ: PROVERBS 19:11; EPHESIANS 4:31-32 "Oh no, I’ve been bitten!” I cried as my ankles began to itch and burn. Looking down, I saw the culprits scurrying away—tiny ants with the power to inflict pain and leave punctures on my skin. My husband and I were on vacation, and after an amazing—but blisteringly hot—day, we had been grateful for the coolness of the evening. But the ants had ruined it. I desperately wanted to scratch the wounds, but I knew this could cause harm. Instead, I dashed back up to the hotel room and cleaned up the wounds to keep them from getting infected. In life, we are faced with annoyances, much like the ants on my vacation. These annoyances might be disagreements with our family or friends. Unpleasant memories of past mistakes and hurts can cause inner pain. The problem is, it’s easy to let these painful memories fester. But, much like the ant bites on my legs, if these hurts are left untreated they will continue to itch and burn. When we scratch at bug bites, they can easily get infected. Then they’re even more painful! In the same way, if we let unforgiveness fester, it leads to bitterness and a hard heart. Thankfully, we have a caring heavenly Father who loves us, listens to us, and is always ready to forgive us and heal our hurts. God loves us so much that, even though our sin broke His heart and separated us from Him, He sent His Son Jesus to fix the broken relationship caused by our sin. Through Jesus’s death and resurrection, He provides the gift of salvation for all who put their trust in Him (John 3:16-18). In Jesus, we can be forgiven, and then we can learn how to give and receive forgiveness. Instead of letting offences fester, we can come to Jesus, confessing what we’ve done wrong and also telling Him about how others have wronged us. Only He has the healing balm of forgiveness that’s needed to change lives—including our own. • Cindy Lee • Are you currently dwelling on a past hurt caused by someone you trusted? Are you disappointed in yourself for your mistakes? Jesus invites us to talk to Him about all these things. He is eager to remind us that in Him we are fully forgiven, and to help us forgive those who have hurt us. As we rest in His unshakeable love, He helps us walk forward in freedom. Consider taking some time to write down any minor irritations that are bothering you. Then, offer them up to God, thanking Him for empowering you to let go of any bitterness in your heart. And then, get rid of the list. (If you’ve experienced a deep hurt, who is a trusted adult you could talk to about it?) Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32 (NLT) 

READ: PSALM 119:130; PROVERBS 2:1-5 Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a deep sea diver? If you’ve been to the ocean, you know how beautiful it is to see waves crashing on the shore. And yet, when we begin to explore what’s beneath the surface, we see things that are even more beautiful. Deep sea divers find an amazing variety of marine life, from stunning sea creatures to colorful coral. It’s the same way with the Bible. If you grew up in church, you’ve probably heard lots of Bible stories and learned many biblical principles. These are good and important—and beautiful. And yet, when we dive beneath the surface and explore deeper into the Bible, we keep discovering more and more wonderful truths about who God is. It can be easy to think that reading the Bible isn’t very important, especially if we learn about what it says in church or at home. But learning about Jesus through His Word is a lifelong process. There’s always more He wants us to know, and He will continue to reveal treasures of knowledge, insight, and wisdom as we dive deeper into the Bible. He will help us grow in our faith, coming to grips with the power of God Himself, understanding His ways, and enjoying fellowship with His Spirit. It’s so refreshing to be in God’s Word. No matter how long we’ve been a Christian, as we spend time reading and studying the Bible, He will keep teaching us new things. He’ll help us understand more about Himself and what He did to save us, and He’ll show us His promises and how He calls us to live life with Him. As we dive deep into His Word, we will see wonderful things. • A. W. Smith • What parts of the Bible are you curious about? Consider spending some time reading them today, asking God to help you see what He wants to show you. • When you have questions about the Bible, who are trusted Christians in your life who can help you find scholarly resources like study Bibles, commentaries, articles, or videos? Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. Psalm 119:18 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 119:130; PROVERBS 2:1-5 Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a deep sea diver? If you’ve been to the ocean, you know how beautiful it is to see waves crashing on the shore. And yet, when we begin to explore what’s beneath the surface, we see things that are even more beautiful. Deep sea divers find an amazing variety of marine life, from stunning sea creatures to colorful coral. It’s the same way with the Bible. If you grew up in church, you’ve probably heard lots of Bible stories and learned many biblical principles. These are good and important—and beautiful. And yet, when we dive beneath the surface and explore deeper into the Bible, we keep discovering more and more wonderful truths about who God is. It can be easy to think that reading the Bible isn’t very important, especially if we learn about what it says in church or at home. But learning about Jesus through His Word is a lifelong process. There’s always more He wants us to know, and He will continue to reveal treasures of knowledge, insight, and wisdom as we dive deeper into the Bible. He will help us grow in our faith, coming to grips with the power of God Himself, understanding His ways, and enjoying fellowship with His Spirit. It’s so refreshing to be in God’s Word. No matter how long we’ve been a Christian, as we spend time reading and studying the Bible, He will keep teaching us new things. He’ll help us understand more about Himself and what He did to save us, and He’ll show us His promises and how He calls us to live life with Him. As we dive deep into His Word, we will see wonderful things. • A. W. Smith • What parts of the Bible are you curious about? Consider spending some time reading them today, asking God to help you see what He wants to show you. • When you have questions about the Bible, who are trusted Christians in your life who can help you find scholarly resources like study Bibles, commentaries, articles, or videos? Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. Psalm 119:18 (NIV) 

READ: NUMBERS 23:19; PSALMS 100:5; 102:25-27; MALACHI 3:6 If you had asked me three years ago if I could ever see my life being what it is today, I would have given a definite “no.” At the time, my family—and world— were in a completely different place. The changes that I’ve gone through were unexpected and unrequested. As you go through life, there are periods when big changes take place. Sometimes you’re expecting the changes, like when you start at a new school or when you graduate and it’s time to begin your adult life. And other times, changes seem to come out of nowhere. You might feel like your life is up in the air and you have no control over any of it. As we face all kinds of changes, it’s important to remember that God doesn’t change. The One who made us and loves us—the One who wants so much for us to be with Him that He sent Jesus to die for us and rise from the dead—He remains the same through all the ups and downs. He has saved His people from sin and death, and He promises to return one day to make all things new and dwell with us forever. In the meantime, if we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we can know that He has given us His Holy Spirit to live in us, providing strength, comfort, and God’s own presence. Through all of the changes in my life, I have been left a little more in awe of God than I was before. One, because He brings me through the changes and helps me as I adjust. And two, because I see how He is right there, the same as He has always been, being that constant in my life that keeps me steady. • Emily Acker • Are you ever overwhelmed by the changes happening in your life? God sees you. He loves you, and He is carrying you through these changes. He will never abandon you. There is nothing in the world, or beyond, that can shake His everlasting love for you (Romans 8:35-39). Because Jesus went to the cross for us, we can always rest in His care for us and in His sure forgiveness. How could it be comforting and steadying to remember God’s faithfulness in chaotic times? Can you think of any ways you’ve experienced His faithfulness? What was that like? • When life feels chaotic and unpredictable, God invites us to bring these feelings to Him and ask Him to help us remember His steadying presence. He delights in answering these prayers. In addition to talking to God, who are trusted Christians you can talk to when you’re struggling to keep up with life’s changes—such as friends, parents, pastors, youth leaders, or counselors? Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8 (NLT) 

READ: NUMBERS 23:19; PSALMS 100:5; 102:25-27; MALACHI 3:6 If you had asked me three years ago if I could ever see my life being what it is today, I would have given a definite “no.” At the time, my family—and world— were in a completely different place. The changes that I’ve gone through were unexpected and unrequested. As you go through life, there are periods when big changes take place. Sometimes you’re expecting the changes, like when you start at a new school or when you graduate and it’s time to begin your adult life. And other times, changes seem to come out of nowhere. You might feel like your life is up in the air and you have no control over any of it. As we face all kinds of changes, it’s important to remember that God doesn’t change. The One who made us and loves us—the One who wants so much for us to be with Him that He sent Jesus to die for us and rise from the dead—He remains the same through all the ups and downs. He has saved His people from sin and death, and He promises to return one day to make all things new and dwell with us forever. In the meantime, if we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we can know that He has given us His Holy Spirit to live in us, providing strength, comfort, and God’s own presence. Through all of the changes in my life, I have been left a little more in awe of God than I was before. One, because He brings me through the changes and helps me as I adjust. And two, because I see how He is right there, the same as He has always been, being that constant in my life that keeps me steady. • Emily Acker • Are you ever overwhelmed by the changes happening in your life? God sees you. He loves you, and He is carrying you through these changes. He will never abandon you. There is nothing in the world, or beyond, that can shake His everlasting love for you (Romans 8:35-39). Because Jesus went to the cross for us, we can always rest in His care for us and in His sure forgiveness. How could it be comforting and steadying to remember God’s faithfulness in chaotic times? Can you think of any ways you’ve experienced His faithfulness? What was that like? • When life feels chaotic and unpredictable, God invites us to bring these feelings to Him and ask Him to help us remember His steadying presence. He delights in answering these prayers. In addition to talking to God, who are trusted Christians you can talk to when you’re struggling to keep up with life’s changes—such as friends, parents, pastors, youth leaders, or counselors? Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8 (NLT) 

READ: GENESIS 3:1-9; PSALMS 89:9; 107:29; EPHESIANS 2:4-10 Nyoka twisted her scaly blue body around and laughed as she watched the other merpeople, who swam behind her. The chilly ocean water and vibrant coral made it a perfect day for a game of capture the flag. As she continued to maneuver her way through the seaweed, looking for the red flag, a flash of a dark fin caught her eye. Nyoka had never seen a creature like that before, so she ducked behind some particularly large stalks of kelp and then tore off after it. Within minutes, she found that the gray figure was swimming farther and farther down into the depths of the ocean. Her Father’s voice of warning tugged at the back of her mind, but Nyoka continued her pursuit. She watched the creature abruptly change its course and dive down into a narrow, rocky hole. She knew the passage well, for it was the one place her Father forbade her to go. The mermaid waited only a moment before following. Darkness engulfed her. As her eyes started to adjust, Nyoka shook her head. That was when she heard a cackle from behind her. Through the haze, she felt she could almost make out the creature’s form, its tail swaying back and forth. “Finally, you are mine!” Her heart skipped a beat. “Wh-who are you?” She managed to stutter. But the creature only laughed again and then appeared in front of her face. “I am Death.” The faint light from above started to dim, and the water churned darker. Nyoka felt herself starting to fade, her scales beginning to lose their color. Her eyes closed, and she managed to cry out softly, “Father, save me.” At the whisper of those words, the ocean came alive. The salt water went from midnight black to clear blue as light flooded the space around her. A thunderous voice echoed into the deep, and the dark form fled in terror. Nyoka opened her eyes and saw her Father swimming toward her. “I’m sorry, “she sobbed. “I’m so, so sorry.” He only pulled her closer and softly spoke into her ear, “Even here, I am with you.” • Molly McTernan • Has there ever been a time when you felt like you were too deep for God to save you? We’ve all sinned, choosing to go our own way instead of listening to God. The result of sin is death, and none of us can save ourselves. Yet God, in His great mercy, is so eager to save us. Jesus was willing to die for us, and then rise again, so we could be forgiven and saved from sin and death. (For more about this good news, see our "Know Jesus" page.) Even as Christians, we sometimes think we’re too far gone, and we need to be reminded again that Jesus saved us and is still saving us and will save us in the end. What He started—that is, salvation—He will complete (Philippians 1:6). But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions. Ephesians 2:4-5 (NIV)  

READ: GENESIS 3:1-9; PSALMS 89:9; 107:29; EPHESIANS 2:4-10 Nyoka twisted her scaly blue body around and laughed as she watched the other merpeople, who swam behind her. The chilly ocean water and vibrant coral made it a perfect day for a game of capture the flag. As she continued to maneuver her way through the seaweed, looking for the red flag, a flash of a dark fin caught her eye. Nyoka had never seen a creature like that before, so she ducked behind some particularly large stalks of kelp and then tore off after it. Within minutes, she found that the gray figure was swimming farther and farther down into the depths of the ocean. Her Father’s voice of warning tugged at the back of her mind, but Nyoka continued her pursuit. She watched the creature abruptly change its course and dive down into a narrow, rocky hole. She knew the passage well, for it was the one place her Father forbade her to go. The mermaid waited only a moment before following. Darkness engulfed her. As her eyes started to adjust, Nyoka shook her head. That was when she heard a cackle from behind her. Through the haze, she felt she could almost make out the creature’s form, its tail swaying back and forth. “Finally, you are mine!” Her heart skipped a beat. “Wh-who are you?” She managed to stutter. But the creature only laughed again and then appeared in front of her face. “I am Death.” The faint light from above started to dim, and the water churned darker. Nyoka felt herself starting to fade, her scales beginning to lose their color. Her eyes closed, and she managed to cry out softly, “Father, save me.” At the whisper of those words, the ocean came alive. The salt water went from midnight black to clear blue as light flooded the space around her. A thunderous voice echoed into the deep, and the dark form fled in terror. Nyoka opened her eyes and saw her Father swimming toward her. “I’m sorry, “she sobbed. “I’m so, so sorry.” He only pulled her closer and softly spoke into her ear, “Even here, I am with you.” • Molly McTernan • Has there ever been a time when you felt like you were too deep for God to save you? We’ve all sinned, choosing to go our own way instead of listening to God. The result of sin is death, and none of us can save ourselves. Yet God, in His great mercy, is so eager to save us. Jesus was willing to die for us, and then rise again, so we could be forgiven and saved from sin and death. (For more about this good news, see our "Know Jesus" page.) Even as Christians, we sometimes think we’re too far gone, and we need to be reminded again that Jesus saved us and is still saving us and will save us in the end. What He started—that is, salvation—He will complete (Philippians 1:6). But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions. Ephesians 2:4-5 (NIV)  

READ: PSALM 139:7-10, LUKE 15:1-7, 11-32 My dog Ellie likes a good run around the neighborhood. She likes to escape out the front door, even if it’s only open a crack. She doesn’t come back without a chase, she is NOT smart when it comes to the busy street we live on, and if there’s a rabbit she’s long gone! More often than not she comes home muddy. More than once she’s come home injured and needing extra care. When I catch up with Ellie and call for her to come, she wags her tail, and then she’s off again. Other times she looks at me with wild, laughing eyes as if to say, “Come home? Not happening!” These times she goes a little farther, gets a little closer to the cars, or visits the unfriendly dog down the street. And there I am, calling, shadowing, hoping to get close, and always waiting for her to come back. By the time she does, Ellie is usually extra thankful to be back under my protection, and usually she regrets running out the door in the first place. It took a few years of this for me to realize how like my dog I am. I’m a runner. If that door gets opened even just a crack, there I go, away toward whatever sin looks interesting at that moment. I don’t come back without a chase, I am NOT smart when it comes to the lure and lies of the devil, and if there’s a rabbit trail to follow, I go! More often than not, I get covered in the muck and mud that comes along with sin, and sometimes I get injured by my choices and need extra care. Always, always I am sorry and so thankful to be back under Jesus’s protection. I think about how I never leave Ellie to run the neighborhood alone. I’m always as close as she’ll let me get, hoping to snatch her up out of harm’s way. Jesus is the same way with me. There I am getting into more and more trouble, and there He is—calling, shadowing, and snatching me up out of harm’s way. And eventually, when I realize I need to be back under His wing of protection, Jesus is right there, ready to care for my hurts and help me follow Him again. We all go through doors we shouldn’t and find ourselves out from under the protective wing of our loving Father. Don’t let the lies of the enemy keep you from going back to where you’re well-loved. Jesus is always waiting, and often closer than we think. • Abbi Bloem • As Christians, we know Jesus is always as close as can be (John 10:27-30; Romans 8:35-39). Yet, there may be times when we feel distant from Jesus because we’ve been stubbornly going our own way. But because He loves us, He wants to help us turn away from sin and back to Him. How could today’s analogy give us hope to turn to Jesus, even when we’ve really messed up? Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? Psalm 139:7 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 139:7-10, LUKE 15:1-7, 11-32 My dog Ellie likes a good run around the neighborhood. She likes to escape out the front door, even if it’s only open a crack. She doesn’t come back without a chase, she is NOT smart when it comes to the busy street we live on, and if there’s a rabbit she’s long gone! More often than not she comes home muddy. More than once she’s come home injured and needing extra care. When I catch up with Ellie and call for her to come, she wags her tail, and then she’s off again. Other times she looks at me with wild, laughing eyes as if to say, “Come home? Not happening!” These times she goes a little farther, gets a little closer to the cars, or visits the unfriendly dog down the street. And there I am, calling, shadowing, hoping to get close, and always waiting for her to come back. By the time she does, Ellie is usually extra thankful to be back under my protection, and usually she regrets running out the door in the first place. It took a few years of this for me to realize how like my dog I am. I’m a runner. If that door gets opened even just a crack, there I go, away toward whatever sin looks interesting at that moment. I don’t come back without a chase, I am NOT smart when it comes to the lure and lies of the devil, and if there’s a rabbit trail to follow, I go! More often than not, I get covered in the muck and mud that comes along with sin, and sometimes I get injured by my choices and need extra care. Always, always I am sorry and so thankful to be back under Jesus’s protection. I think about how I never leave Ellie to run the neighborhood alone. I’m always as close as she’ll let me get, hoping to snatch her up out of harm’s way. Jesus is the same way with me. There I am getting into more and more trouble, and there He is—calling, shadowing, and snatching me up out of harm’s way. And eventually, when I realize I need to be back under His wing of protection, Jesus is right there, ready to care for my hurts and help me follow Him again. We all go through doors we shouldn’t and find ourselves out from under the protective wing of our loving Father. Don’t let the lies of the enemy keep you from going back to where you’re well-loved. Jesus is always waiting, and often closer than we think. • Abbi Bloem • As Christians, we know Jesus is always as close as can be (John 10:27-30; Romans 8:35-39). Yet, there may be times when we feel distant from Jesus because we’ve been stubbornly going our own way. But because He loves us, He wants to help us turn away from sin and back to Him. How could today’s analogy give us hope to turn to Jesus, even when we’ve really messed up? Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? Psalm 139:7 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 139:7-10, LUKE 15:1-7, 11-32 My dog Ellie likes a good run around the neighborhood. She likes to escape out the front door, even if it’s only open a crack. She doesn’t come back without a chase, she is NOT smart when it comes to the busy street we live on, and if there’s a rabbit she’s long gone! More often than not she comes home muddy. More than once she’s come home injured and needing extra care. When I catch up with Ellie and call for her to come, she wags her tail, and then she’s off again. Other times she looks at me with wild, laughing eyes as if to say, “Come home? Not happening!” These times she goes a little farther, gets a little closer to the cars, or visits the unfriendly dog down the street. And there I am, calling, shadowing, hoping to get close, and always waiting for her to come back. By the time she does, Ellie is usually extra thankful to be back under my protection, and usually she regrets running out the door in the first place. It took a few years of this for me to realize how like my dog I am. I’m a runner. If that door gets opened even just a crack, there I go, away toward whatever sin looks interesting at that moment. I don’t come back without a chase, I am NOT smart when it comes to the lure and lies of the devil, and if there’s a rabbit trail to follow, I go! More often than not, I get covered in the muck and mud that comes along with sin, and sometimes I get injured by my choices and need extra care. Always, always I am sorry and so thankful to be back under Jesus’s protection. I think about how I never leave Ellie to run the neighborhood alone. I’m always as close as she’ll let me get, hoping to snatch her up out of harm’s way. Jesus is the same way with me. There I am getting into more and more trouble, and there He is—calling, shadowing, and snatching me up out of harm’s way. And eventually, when I realize I need to be back under His wing of protection, Jesus is right there, ready to care for my hurts and help me follow Him again. We all go through doors we shouldn’t and find ourselves out from under the protective wing of our loving Father. Don’t let the lies of the enemy keep you from going back to where you’re well-loved. Jesus is always waiting, and often closer than we think. • Abbi Bloem • As Christians, we know Jesus is always as close as can be (John 10:27-30; Romans 8:35-39). Yet, there may be times when we feel distant from Jesus because we’ve been stubbornly going our own way. But because He loves us, He wants to help us turn away from sin and back to Him. How could today’s analogy give us hope to turn to Jesus, even when we’ve really messed up? Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? Psalm 139:7 (NIV) 

READ: ISAIAH 9:6; ROMANS 5:1; COLOSSIANS 1:15-22 Jesus purchased peace for me, died upon that cursed tree; Now He is my hope and rest, beneath His blood our righteousness. Yes, He offers peace to all— always, ever, loving. Jesus fills my heart with song, paid the debt for every wrong; Now He makes my face to shine, His own love becoming mine. Yes, He offers peace to all— always, ever, loving. Christ the King, once a child, by His body reconciled; Lord of Life, strong yet meek, glory to the Prince of Peace. Yes, He offers peace to all— always, ever, loving. This poem celebrates the reconciling peace Jesus offers. Reconciling implies something has been torn apart or broken. And so it has! Our relationship with God has been broken. We—and creation itself—are “cursed” (Romans 5:17; Galatians 3:10, 13), separated from God by sin and ruled by its consequences: death and decay. We are living in a good creation gone bad. However, as Colossians 1:20 wondrously proclaims, God “made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.” By faith we simply accept God’s payment for us. Jesus took the curse of sin upon Himself on the cross—and by His resurrection destroyed it! This means every kind of brokenness will be undone (Romans 8:18-25; Revelation 21:1-5). Though we are still waiting for the final Hallelujah upon Christ’s return, the payment has already been made. Heaven and earth will again be at peace. On that day we will join the heavenly host in their joyful shout: “The world has now become the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever” (Revelation 11:15). • G. Kam Congleton • What sticks out to you about the reconciling peace Jesus offers? (If you want to learn more, see our "Know Jesus" page.) Through Him [Jesus Christ] God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross. Colossians 1:20 (NLT) 

READ: ISAIAH 9:6; ROMANS 5:1; COLOSSIANS 1:15-22 Jesus purchased peace for me,died upon that cursed tree;Now He is my hope and rest,beneath His blood our righteousness.Yes, He offers peace to all—always, ever, loving.Jesus fills my heart with song,paid the debt for every wrong;Now He makes my face to shine,His own love becoming mine.Yes, He offers peace to all—always, ever, loving.Christ the King, once a child,by His body reconciled;Lord of Life, strong yet meek,glory to the Prince of Peace.Yes, He offers peace to all—always, ever,loving. This poem celebrates the reconciling peace Jesus offers. Reconciling implies something has been torn apart or broken. And so it has! Our relationship with God has been broken. We—and creation itself—are “cursed” (Romans 5:17; Galatians 3:10, 13), separated from God by sin and ruled by its consequences: death and decay. We are living in a good creation gone bad. However, as Colossians 1:20 wondrously proclaims, God “made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.” By faith we simply accept God’s payment for us. Jesus took the curse of sin upon Himself on the cross—and by His resurrection destroyed it! This means every kind of brokenness will be undone (Romans 8:18-25; Revelation 21:1-5). Though we are still waiting for the final Hallelujah upon Christ’s return, the payment has already been made. Heaven and earth will again be at peace. On that day we will join the heavenly host in their joyful shout: “The world has now become the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever” (Revelation 11:15). • G. Kam Congleton • What sticks out to you about the reconciling peace Jesus offers? (If you want to learn more, see our “Know Jesus” page.) Through Him [Jesus Christ] God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross. Colossians 1:20 (NLT) 

READ: ISAIAH 9:6; ROMANS 5:1; COLOSSIANS 1:15-22 Jesus purchased peace for me,died upon that cursed tree;Now He is my hope and rest,beneath His blood our righteousness.Yes, He offers peace to all—always, ever, loving.Jesus fills my heart with song,paid the debt for every wrong;Now He makes my face to shine,His own love becoming mine.Yes, He offers peace to all—always, ever, loving.Christ the King, once a child,by His body reconciled;Lord of Life, strong yet meek,glory to the Prince of Peace.Yes, He offers peace to all—always, ever,loving. This poem celebrates the reconciling peace Jesus offers. Reconciling implies something has been torn apart or broken. And so it has! Our relationship with God has been broken. We—and creation itself—are “cursed” (Romans 5:17; Galatians 3:10, 13), separated from God by sin and ruled by its consequences: death and decay. We are living in a good creation gone bad. However, as Colossians 1:20 wondrously proclaims, God “made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.” By faith we simply accept God’s payment for us. Jesus took the curse of sin upon Himself on the cross—and by His resurrection destroyed it! This means every kind of brokenness will be undone (Romans 8:18-25; Revelation 21:1-5). Though we are still waiting for the final Hallelujah upon Christ’s return, the payment has already been made. Heaven and earth will again be at peace. On that day we will join the heavenly host in their joyful shout: “The world has now become the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever” (Revelation 11:15). • G. Kam Congleton • What sticks out to you about the reconciling peace Jesus offers? (If you want to learn more, see our “Know Jesus” page.) Through Him [Jesus Christ] God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross. Colossians 1:20 (NLT) 

READ: JOHN 16:33; ROMANS 1:12; 12:15; 2 CORINTHIANS 1:1-12 Second Corinthians 1:1-12 has been one of my favorite Bible passages for quite a while. Paul and Timothy are encouraging the Christians in Corinth, saying, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (verses 3-4). I have quoted this passage to other people, and also reminded myself of its truths, many times. But recently, I was struck by just how wonderful God’s comfort is. I had been going through a long, drawn-out season of stress. It felt like whenever one thing in my life got easier, something else got harder, and I was just feeling so discouraged. But, in the midst of this hard season, I had a friend who was going through suffering too. Some of her struggles were similar, some were different. But her friendship has helped me understand this passage in a deeper way. That we comfort each other “with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” It’s such a rich and sweet thing to be able to share, not only our prayer requests, but also the ways God has been revealing Himself to us along the way. This friend and I text each other verses and worship songs and other things that have been resonating with us. We tell each other what we’re wrestling with, what’s confusing to us, and how we’re trying to lean into God’s love. We help each other process, and sometimes we cry together. We pray for each other—on the phone, through text messages, on walks, in our living rooms, and at church. We also celebrate good news together, and just generally help each other laugh! I feel like I’m beginning to understand the gift God has given us in the church in a new way. Because even though we suffer, there’s something really amazing about knowing that we suffer alongside each other. We have companionship, not just with fellow Christians, but with Jesus Himself, the One who suffered for us as He went to the cross to save us. He made the way for us to be with Him. And once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we not only have the promise of eternity, we also experience God’s great love and kindness and wisdom in so many ways in our everyday lives. Yes, we will suffer. But 2 Corinthians 1:5 touches on a beautiful mystery: “For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.” Somehow, in some way, our suffering is participation in Christ’s suffering. And whenever we go through hard things, His comfort is always so near. As I’ve shared some of the ways I’ve seen God working in my life with friends, it’s helped me to realize that what God is doing in and around me really matters. It’s good to celebrate and treasure the ways God reveals His love to us—whether through His Word, His people, music, nature, or any number of things—not just brush these gifts aside and forget about them. Our God is alive and active, and being in relationship with Him is just so good. As we press into His invitations, as we notice and ponder the ways He is offering us help and comfort and even joy, our understanding of the good news of Jesus continues to grow and deepen. And as we tune our hearts to the work of His Spirit, we find a hope and purpose that goes beyond our suffering. Because even in the midst of hardship, we find joy in living life with Jesus. • Hannah Howe • Can you think of a time you were encouraged by hearing about what God is doing in someone else’s life? What was that like? • Especially when we

READ: JOHN 16:33; ROMANS 1:12; 12:15; 2 CORINTHIANS 1:1-12 Second Corinthians 1:1-12 has been one of my favorite Bible passages for quite a while. Paul and Timothy are encouraging the Christians in Corinth, saying, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (verses 3-4). I have quoted this passage to other people, and also reminded myself of its truths, many times. But recently, I was struck by just how wonderful God’s comfort is. I had been going through a long, drawn-out season of stress. It felt like whenever one thing in my life got easier, something else got harder, and I was just feeling so discouraged. But, in the midst of this hard season, I had a friend who was going through suffering too. Some of her struggles were similar, some were different. But her friendship has helped me understand this passage in a deeper way. That we comfort each other “with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” It’s such a rich and sweet thing to be able to share, not only our prayer requests, but also the ways God has been revealing Himself to us along the way. This friend and I text each other verses and worship songs and other things that have been resonating with us. We tell each other what we’re wrestling with, what’s confusing to us, and how we’re trying to lean into God’s love. We help each other process, and sometimes we cry together. We pray for each other—on the phone, through text messages, on walks, in our living rooms, and at church. We also celebrate good news together, and just generally help each other laugh! I feel like I’m beginning to understand the gift God has given us in the church in a new way. Because even though we suffer, there’s something really amazing about knowing that we suffer alongside each other. We have companionship, not just with fellow Christians, but with Jesus Himself, the One who suffered for us as He went to the cross to save us. He made the way for us to be with Him. And once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we not only have the promise of eternity, we also experience God’s great love and kindness and wisdom in so many ways in our everyday lives. Yes, we will suffer. But 2 Corinthians 1:5 touches on a beautiful mystery: “For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.” Somehow, in some way, our suffering is participation in Christ’s suffering. And whenever we go through hard things, His comfort is always so near. As I’ve shared some of the ways I’ve seen God working in my life with friends, it’s helped me to realize that what God is doing in and around me really matters. It’s good to celebrate and treasure the ways God reveals His love to us—whether through His Word, His people, music, nature, or any number of things—not just brush these gifts aside and forget about them. Our God is alive and active, and being in relationship with Him is just so good. As we press into His invitations, as we notice and ponder the ways He is offering us help and comfort and even joy, our understanding of the good news of Jesus continues to grow and deepen. And as we tune our hearts to the work of His Spirit, we find a hope and purpose that goes beyond our suffering. Because even in the midst of hardship, we find joy in living life with Jesus. • Hannah Howe • Can you think of a time you were encouraged by hearing about what God is doing in someone else’s life? What was that like? • Especially when we go through hard things, why is it so important to be on the lookout for the ways God is working in and around us? • Can you think of any ways yo...

READ: JOHN 16:33; ROMANS 1:12; 12:15; 2 CORINTHIANS 1:1-12 Second Corinthians 1:1-12 has been one of my favorite Bible passages for quite a while. Paul and Timothy are encouraging the Christians in Corinth, saying, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (verses 3-4). I have quoted this passage to other people, and also reminded myself of its truths, many times. But recently, I was struck by just how wonderful God’s comfort is. I had been going through a long, drawn-out season of stress. It felt like whenever one thing in my life got easier, something else got harder, and I was just feeling so discouraged. But, in the midst of this hard season, I had a friend who was going through suffering too. Some of her struggles were similar, some were different. But her friendship has helped me understand this passage in a deeper way. That we comfort each other “with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” It’s such a rich and sweet thing to be able to share, not only our prayer requests, but also the ways God has been revealing Himself to us along the way. This friend and I text each other verses and worship songs and other things that have been resonating with us. We tell each other what we’re wrestling with, what’s confusing to us, and how we’re trying to lean into God’s love. We help each other process, and sometimes we cry together. We pray for each other—on the phone, through text messages, on walks, in our living rooms, and at church. We also celebrate good news together, and just generally help each other laugh! I feel like I’m beginning to understand the gift God has given us in the church in a new way. Because even though we suffer, there’s something really amazing about knowing that we suffer alongside each other. We have companionship, not just with fellow Christians, but with Jesus Himself, the One who suffered for us as He went to the cross to save us. He made the way for us to be with Him. And once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we not only have the promise of eternity, we also experience God’s great love and kindness and wisdom in so many ways in our everyday lives. Yes, we will suffer. But 2 Corinthians 1:5 touches on a beautiful mystery: “For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.” Somehow, in some way, our suffering is participation in Christ’s suffering. And whenever we go through hard things, His comfort is always so near. As I’ve shared some of the ways I’ve seen God working in my life with friends, it’s helped me to realize that what God is doing in and around me really matters. It’s good to celebrate and treasure the ways God reveals His love to us—whether through His Word, His people, music, nature, or any number of things—not just brush these gifts aside and forget about them. Our God is alive and active, and being in relationship with Him is just so good. As we press into His invitations, as we notice and ponder the ways He is offering us help and comfort and even joy, our understanding of the good news of Jesus continues to grow and deepen. And as we tune our hearts to the work of His Spirit, we find a hope and purpose that goes beyond our suffering. Because even in the midst of hardship, we find joy in living life with Jesus. • Hannah Howe • Can you think of a time you were encouraged by hearing about what God is doing in someone else’s life? What was that like? • Especially when w

READ: DEUTERONOMY 31:6; PSALM 94:14; JOHN 14:18 I am adopted from China. From what little I know (and understand), my biological mother abandoned me in a public area to be taken to an orphanage. Even though I was adopted as a little baby, I have insecurities about being abandoned or left behind again, although none of that has happened since I’ve been adopted. But I’ve heard that traumatic events, like being abandoned as a baby, can still affect a person, even if you don’t actually remember the event. While I have not been abandoned since that time, I know people who’ve had family and friends abandon them, and they often wonder if God will abandon them too. But the truth is, God never leaves His children. No matter what trials are going on in our lives, or no matter how far we’re running from God, He never leaves His children! And nothing can ever tear us away from Him (John 10:28-30). Once we belong to Jesus, nothing we do could ever separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39). Because He died on the cross for us and rose from the grave, nothing—including people, circumstances, or wrong choices—can take us away from Him. How can we be sure? Because He has promised never to leave us! And God keeps His promises. People on this earth may leave us, but God never will. He is a faithful Father. • Lilly Wiscaver • Life in our broken world can be really hard, and there are times in all of our lives when we wonder if God has abandoned us. And so, it’s good to remember God’s faithfulness and His promise never to leave us. Can you think of a time you experienced God’s faithfulness in your life? Do you have any favorite Bible verses that remind you of His trustworthy love? If you want to dig deeper, read Psalms 9:10; 23:4-6; 27:10; Isaiah 49:15; Luke 15. And if you want to know more about what it means to become God’s child through Jesus, see our "Know Jesus" page. • If you struggle with fears of being abandoned, don’t keep these fears to yourself. God has so much compassion on us, and He invites us to tell Him all about our fears, and also to tell trusted people who can help us find healing. Who is a trusted adult 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) and ask to speak with the care associate. For he himself has said, I will never leave you or abandon you. Hebrews 13:5 (CSB) 

READ: DEUTERONOMY 31:6; PSALM 94:14; JOHN 14:18 I am adopted from China. From what little I know (and understand), my biological mother abandoned me in a public area to be taken to an orphanage. Even though I was adopted as a little baby, I have insecurities about being abandoned or left behind again, although none of that has happened since I’ve been adopted. But I’ve heard that traumatic events, like being abandoned as a baby, can still affect a person, even if you don’t actually remember the event. While I have not been abandoned since that time, I know people who’ve had family and friends abandon them, and they often wonder if God will abandon them too. But the truth is, God never leaves His children. No matter what trials are going on in our lives, or no matter how far we’re running from God, He never leaves His children! And nothing can ever tear us away from Him (John 10:28-30). Once we belong to Jesus, nothing we do could ever separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39). Because He died on the cross for us and rose from the grave, nothing—including people, circumstances, or wrong choices—can take us away from Him. How can we be sure? Because He has promised never to leave us! And God keeps His promises. People on this earth may leave us, but God never will. He is a faithful Father. • Lilly Wiscaver • Life in our broken world can be really hard, and there are times in all of our lives when we wonder if God has abandoned us. And so, it’s good to remember God’s faithfulness and His promise never to leave us. Can you think of a time you experienced God’s faithfulness in your life? Do you have any favorite Bible verses that remind you of His trustworthy love? If you want to dig deeper, read Psalms 9:10; 23:4-6; 27:10; Isaiah 49:15; Luke 15. And if you want to know more about what it means to become God’s child through Jesus, see our “Know Jesus” page. • If you struggle with fears of being abandoned, don’t keep these fears to yourself. God has so much compassion on us, and He invites us to tell Him all about our fears, and also to tell trusted people who can help us find healing. Who is a trusted adult 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) and ask to speak with the care associate. For he himself has said, I will never leave you or abandon you. Hebrews 13:5 (CSB) 

READ: DEUTERONOMY 31:6; PSALM 94:14; JOHN 14:18 I am adopted from China. From what little I know (and understand), my biological mother abandoned me in a public area to be taken to an orphanage. Even though I was adopted as a little baby, I have insecurities about being abandoned or left behind again, although none of that has happened since I’ve been adopted. But I’ve heard that traumatic events, like being abandoned as a baby, can still affect a person, even if you don’t actually remember the event. While I have not been abandoned since that time, I know people who’ve had family and friends abandon them, and they often wonder if God will abandon them too. But the truth is, God never leaves His children. No matter what trials are going on in our lives, or no matter how far we’re running from God, He never leaves His children! And nothing can ever tear us away from Him (John 10:28-30). Once we belong to Jesus, nothing we do could ever separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39). Because He died on the cross for us and rose from the grave, nothing—including people, circumstances, or wrong choices—can take us away from Him. How can we be sure? Because He has promised never to leave us! And God keeps His promises. People on this earth may leave us, but God never will. He is a faithful Father. • Lilly Wiscaver • Life in our broken world can be really hard, and there are times in all of our lives when we wonder if God has abandoned us. And so, it’s good to remember God’s faithfulness and His promise never to leave us. Can you think of a time you experienced God’s faithfulness in your life? Do you have any favorite Bible verses that remind you of His trustworthy love? If you want to dig deeper, read Psalms 9:10; 23:4-6; 27:10; Isaiah 49:15; Luke 15. And if you want to know more about what it means to become God’s child through Jesus, see our “Know Jesus” page. • If you struggle with fears of being abandoned, don’t keep these fears to yourself. God has so much compassion on us, and He invites us to tell Him all about our fears, and also to tell trusted people who can help us find healing. Who is a trusted adult 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) and ask to speak with the care associate. For he himself has said, I will never leave you or abandon you. Hebrews 13:5 (CSB) 

READ: 2 CORINTHIANS 9:6-11 Have you ever thought, “I’d give all my money for that”? We may have this thought about possessions we really want to have, but it also may occur to us when someone we love is hurt. We might be hesitant to give our hard-earned dollars to something that feels distant, like the church offering or an organization we don’t know much about. But when someone we love is seriously hurt or sick, we’d pay anything to help them get well again. We wouldn’t even hesitate to give away our whole savings. When we really love someone, we’re glad to give. That’s how God wants us to give to Him—not because we have to, or because He needs anything (He doesn’t), but because we love Him. That’s what the Bible means when it says, “God loves a cheerful giver” in 2 Corinthians 9:7. Being a cheerful giver is when we don’t even hesitate to give all we have because we love the person we’re giving to so much. Of course, giving our money to God won’t always feel this way. But when we remember all He has given us, it makes us more cheerful givers. Jesus gave up everything for us. God became human and took the position of a servant. He was willing to die a terrible death on a cross so He could heal us from the sickness of sin and death and bring us near to God. He gave His life for us, and then, He rose from the dead. So now, everyone who puts their trust in Jesus is made new. As Christians, we can know that we will be resurrected like Jesus was, and we will live with Him forever in the new heavens and new earth when He returns. And in the meantime, He is always with us through His Spirit. So we can experience the immense comfort, joy, and purpose that comes from knowing the living God. When we rest in God’s immeasurable love for us and remember all He has done for us, that is what compels us to give cheerfully. • A. W. Smith • In the Old Testament, God instructed His people to give a tenth (or tithe) of their income to Him. In the New Testament, we see Christians giving to God in a variety of ways. When you’ve received money—whether from a part-time job, an allowance, or doing work for neighbors, etc.—have you ever given part of it to God through tithes and offerings? He calls us to give back part of what we’re given, remembering it all belongs to Him. But He wants us to do it willingly, not because we feel guilty or pressured. Consider taking a moment to pray and talk to Jesus, thanking Him for all He’s done for you and asking Him how He is calling you to give. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV) 

READ: 2 CORINTHIANS 9:6-11 Have you ever thought, “I’d give all my money for that”? We may have this thought about possessions we really want to have, but it also may occur to us when someone we love is hurt. We might be hesitant to give our hard-earned dollars to something that feels distant, like the church offering or an organization we don’t know much about. But when someone we love is seriously hurt or sick, we’d pay anything to help them get well again. We wouldn’t even hesitate to give away our whole savings. When we really love someone, we’re glad to give. That’s how God wants us to give to Him—not because we have to, or because He needs anything (He doesn’t), but because we love Him. That’s what the Bible means when it says, “God loves a cheerful giver” in 2 Corinthians 9:7. Being a cheerful giver is when we don’t even hesitate to give all we have because we love the person we’re giving to so much. Of course, giving our money to God won’t always feel this way. But when we remember all He has given us, it makes us more cheerful givers. Jesus gave up everything for us. God became human and took the position of a servant. He was willing to die a terrible death on a cross so He could heal us from the sickness of sin and death and bring us near to God. He gave His life for us, and then, He rose from the dead. So now, everyone who puts their trust in Jesus is made new. As Christians, we can know that we will be resurrected like Jesus was, and we will live with Him forever in the new heavens and new earth when He returns. And in the meantime, He is always with us through His Spirit. So we can experience the immense comfort, joy, and purpose that comes from knowing the living God. When we rest in God’s immeasurable love for us and remember all He has done for us, that is what compels us to give cheerfully. • A. W. Smith • In the Old Testament, God instructed His people to give a tenth (or tithe) of their income to Him. In the New Testament, we see Christians giving to God in a variety of ways. When you’ve received money—whether from a part-time job, an allowance, or doing work for neighbors, etc.—have you ever given part of it to God through tithes and offerings? He calls us to give back part of what we’re given, remembering it all belongs to Him. But He wants us to do it willingly, not because we feel guilty or pressured. Consider taking a moment to pray and talk to Jesus, thanking Him for all He’s done for you and asking Him how He is calling you to give. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV) 

READ: 2 CORINTHIANS 9:6-11 Have you ever thought, “I’d give all my money for that”? We may have this thought about possessions we really want to have, but it also may occur to us when someone we love is hurt. We might be hesitant to give our hard-earned dollars to something that feels distant, like the church offering or an organization we don’t know much about. But when someone we love is seriously hurt or sick, we’d pay anything to help them get well again. We wouldn’t even hesitate to give away our whole savings. When we really love someone, we’re glad to give. That’s how God wants us to give to Him—not because we have to, or because He needs anything (He doesn’t), but because we love Him. That’s what the Bible means when it says, “God loves a cheerful giver” in 2 Corinthians 9:7. Being a cheerful giver is when we don’t even hesitate to give all we have because we love the person we’re giving to so much. Of course, giving our money to God won’t always feel this way. But when we remember all He has given us, it makes us more cheerful givers. Jesus gave up everything for us. God became human and took the position of a servant. He was willing to die a terrible death on a cross so He could heal us from the sickness of sin and death and bring us near to God. He gave His life for us, and then, He rose from the dead. So now, everyone who puts their trust in Jesus is made new. As Christians, we can know that we will be resurrected like Jesus was, and we will live with Him forever in the new heavens and new earth when He returns. And in the meantime, He is always with us through His Spirit. So we can experience the immense comfort, joy, and purpose that comes from knowing the living God. When we rest in God’s immeasurable love for us and remember all He has done for us, that is what compels us to give cheerfully. • A. W. Smith • In the Old Testament, God instructed His people to give a tenth (or tithe) of their income to Him. In the New Testament, we see Christians giving to God in a variety of ways. When you’ve received money—whether from a part-time job, an allowance, or doing work for neighbors, etc.—have you ever given part of it to God through tithes and offerings? He calls us to give back part of what we’re given, remembering it all belongs to Him. But He wants us to do it willingly, not because we feel guilty or pressured. Consider taking a moment to pray and talk to Jesus, thanking Him for all He’s done for you and asking Him how He is calling you to give. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV) 

READ: EPHESIANS 6:13-18; HEBREWS 4:12 Have you ever tried to cut food with a dull knife? The process can be frustrating—and messy! Similarly, a dull pencil can hardly write, and a dull chisel will not only make slow progress, but it might end up ruining the item it’s supposed to be shaping. A dull tool rarely does its job well. But there is one tool that never needs sharpening—the Word of God. Hebrews 4:12 says the Word of God is “sharper than any double-edged sword.” Knives and other blades get dull and need to be sharpened pretty often, but God’s Word is always sharp and powerful. God calls us to engage with His Word often by taking time alone to read the Bible and apply it to our lives, and also by gathering with fellow Christians and learning more about what it says. God often speaks to us as we read and study His Word. Sometimes He convicts us of sin, which can be painful. It may feel even sharper than a sword. But it’s really a good kind of pain, sort of like the pain we feel when we exercise our muscles. And God always tells us how to deal with the sin in our lives: by confessing it to Jesus. He freed us from sin’s power so we could be brought near to God and learn to walk in His good ways. But resisting sin isn’t easy. At times, it’s an outright battle. People used to fight battles with swords, so we use “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17) when we fight against sin and against lies Satan wants us to believe—lies like, God doesn’t love us or won’t forgive us for the wrong things we do. But interacting with God’s Word isn’t always painful. We can be comforted and encouraged when we remember God’s many promises, and when we remember the gospel—how Jesus, God in flesh, died on the cross and rose from the dead to defeat sin and death, and how He promises to return one day and resurrect us from the dead so we can live with Him eternally. We can find great hope in these promises. And that hope will never grow dull. • A. W. Smith • As you read the Bible, do you think about what God might be saying to you? It can be easy to forget that God’s Word isn’t like other writings—it’s written by God Himself, and it’s “alive and active” (Hebrews 4:12). Consider taking some time to read today’s Scripture again, paying attention to what God might be saying to you. Sometimes He reveals sin in our lives that we need to confess and turn away from, or He reminds us to trust Him through a difficult time, or He gives us clarity on a situation in our lives, or He assures us that He will always love us. For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword… Hebrews 4:12 (NIV) 

READ: EPHESIANS 6:13-18; HEBREWS 4:12 Have you ever tried to cut food with a dull knife? The process can be frustrating—and messy! Similarly, a dull pencil can hardly write, and a dull chisel will not only make slow progress, but it might end up ruining the item it’s supposed to be shaping. A dull tool rarely does its job well. But there is one tool that never needs sharpening—the Word of God. Hebrews 4:12 says the Word of God is “sharper than any double-edged sword.” Knives and other blades get dull and need to be sharpened pretty often, but God’s Word is always sharp and powerful. God calls us to engage with His Word often by taking time alone to read the Bible and apply it to our lives, and also by gathering with fellow Christians and learning more about what it says. God often speaks to us as we read and study His Word. Sometimes He convicts us of sin, which can be painful. It may feel even sharper than a sword. But it’s really a good kind of pain, sort of like the pain we feel when we exercise our muscles. And God always tells us how to deal with the sin in our lives: by confessing it to Jesus. He freed us from sin’s power so we could be brought near to God and learn to walk in His good ways. But resisting sin isn’t easy. At times, it’s an outright battle. People used to fight battles with swords, so we use “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17) when we fight against sin and against lies Satan wants us to believe—lies like, God doesn’t love us or won’t forgive us for the wrong things we do. But interacting with God’s Word isn’t always painful. We can be comforted and encouraged when we remember God’s many promises, and when we remember the gospel—how Jesus, God in flesh, died on the cross and rose from the dead to defeat sin and death, and how He promises to return one day and resurrect us from the dead so we can live with Him eternally. We can find great hope in these promises. And that hope will never grow dull. • A. W. Smith • As you read the Bible, do you think about what God might be saying to you? It can be easy to forget that God’s Word isn’t like other writings—it’s written by God Himself, and it’s “alive and active” (Hebrews 4:12). Consider taking some time to read today’s Scripture again, paying attention to what God might be saying to you. Sometimes He reveals sin in our lives that we need to confess and turn away from, or He reminds us to trust Him through a difficult time, or He gives us clarity on a situation in our lives, or He assures us that He will always love us. For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword… Hebrews 4:12 (NIV) 

READ: EPHESIANS 6:13-18; HEBREWS 4:12 Have you ever tried to cut food with a dull knife? The process can be frustrating—and messy! Similarly, a dull pencil can hardly write, and a dull chisel will not only make slow progress, but it might end up ruining the item it’s supposed to be shaping. A dull tool rarely does its job well. But there is one tool that never needs sharpening—the Word of God. Hebrews 4:12 says the Word of God is “sharper than any double-edged sword.” Knives and other blades get dull and need to be sharpened pretty often, but God’s Word is always sharp and powerful. God calls us to engage with His Word often by taking time alone to read the Bible and apply it to our lives, and also by gathering with fellow Christians and learning more about what it says. God often speaks to us as we read and study His Word. Sometimes He convicts us of sin, which can be painful. It may feel even sharper than a sword. But it’s really a good kind of pain, sort of like the pain we feel when we exercise our muscles. And God always tells us how to deal with the sin in our lives: by confessing it to Jesus. He freed us from sin’s power so we could be brought near to God and learn to walk in His good ways. But resisting sin isn’t easy. At times, it’s an outright battle. People used to fight battles with swords, so we use “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17) when we fight against sin and against lies Satan wants us to believe—lies like, God doesn’t love us or won’t forgive us for the wrong things we do. But interacting with God’s Word isn’t always painful. We can be comforted and encouraged when we remember God’s many promises, and when we remember the gospel—how Jesus, God in flesh, died on the cross and rose from the dead to defeat sin and death, and how He promises to return one day and resurrect us from the dead so we can live with Him eternally. We can find great hope in these promises. And that hope will never grow dull. • A. W. Smith • As you read the Bible, do you think about what God might be saying to you? It can be easy to forget that God’s Word isn’t like other writings—it’s written by God Himself, and it’s “alive and active” (Hebrews 4:12). Consider taking some time to read today’s Scripture again, paying attention to what God might be saying to you. Sometimes He reveals sin in our lives that we need to confess and turn away from, or He reminds us to trust Him through a difficult time, or He gives us clarity on a situation in our lives, or He assures us that He will always love us. For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword… Hebrews 4:12 (NIV) 

READ: PSALMS 34:4-10; 46:1-3; JEREMIAH 29:13-14; 1 PETER 5:6-7 Since I was eleven, I would write down the exciting points of my life and put them in my journal. It was a way to acknowledge all the hidden thoughts and emotions in my mind. This journal was also filled with anxious thoughts. These pages would often be left negative and unresolved. And when I reread them, I would get anxious and mad all over again. It’s been six years since I first started journaling. In that time, I’ve found that writing prayers at the end of my journal entries, whether difficult or happy, gives them a reason for hope and joy. When I pray, I talk to God and often become filled with joy because I know that God always hears me and won’t push me away. We all express our emotions in different ways. But one thing that is true for all of us is that God wants us to pray and rely on Him by giving Him all of our cares—He invites us to trust Him to take care of us (1 Peter 5:7). When we do this, we acknowledge that He’s in control of everything in our lives and we have no need to worry, because He loves us. We have hope in knowing that God will never leave us. Because of Jesus’s death and resurrection, we can be sure that He is always with us. Through everything we face, God is our hope. He is our reason to rejoice. • Chloe Chambers • What are some ways you process your feelings? Journaling, talking with a trusted person, going for a walk outside, etc.? • If you’ve put your trust in Jesus, you can know that He is with you all the time, including when you’re processing your thoughts and feelings. Have you ever tried talking to God as you process? It’s okay to be totally honest with Him—He gets it, and He is eager to listen to us and help us (Hebrews 4:14-16). We can trust Him with all our feelings, even the messy ones. Consider taking some time to process whatever thoughts and emotions you’re experiencing today, maybe through journaling. You can talk to God in prayer as you go, or end your time with a prayer. God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble. Psalm 46:1 (CSB) 

READ: PSALMS 34:4-10; 46:1-3; JEREMIAH 29:13-14; 1 PETER 5:6-7 Since I was eleven, I would write down the exciting points of my life and put them in my journal. It was a way to acknowledge all the hidden thoughts and emotions in my mind. This journal was also filled with anxious thoughts. These pages would often be left negative and unresolved. And when I reread them, I would get anxious and mad all over again. It’s been six years since I first started journaling. In that time, I’ve found that writing prayers at the end of my journal entries, whether difficult or happy, gives them a reason for hope and joy. When I pray, I talk to God and often become filled with joy because I know that God always hears me and won’t push me away. We all express our emotions in different ways. But one thing that is true for all of us is that God wants us to pray and rely on Him by giving Him all of our cares—He invites us to trust Him to take care of us (1 Peter 5:7). When we do this, we acknowledge that He’s in control of everything in our lives and we have no need to worry, because He loves us. We have hope in knowing that God will never leave us. Because of Jesus’s death and resurrection, we can be sure that He is always with us. Through everything we face, God is our hope. He is our reason to rejoice. • Chloe Chambers • What are some ways you process your feelings? Journaling, talking with a trusted person, going for a walk outside, etc.? • If you’ve put your trust in Jesus, you can know that He is with you all the time, including when you’re processing your thoughts and feelings. Have you ever tried talking to God as you process? It’s okay to be totally honest with Him—He gets it, and He is eager to listen to us and help us (Hebrews 4:14-16). We can trust Him with all our feelings, even the messy ones. Consider taking some time to process whatever thoughts and emotions you’re experiencing today, maybe through journaling. You can talk to God in prayer as you go, or end your time with a prayer. God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble. Psalm 46:1 (CSB) 

READ: PSALMS 34:4-10; 46:1-3; JEREMIAH 29:13-14; 1 PETER 5:6-7 Since I was eleven, I would write down the exciting points of my life and put them in my journal. It was a way to acknowledge all the hidden thoughts and emotions in my mind. This journal was also filled with anxious thoughts. These pages would often be left negative and unresolved. And when I reread them, I would get anxious and mad all over again. It’s been six years since I first started journaling. In that time, I’ve found that writing prayers at the end of my journal entries, whether difficult or happy, gives them a reason for hope and joy. When I pray, I talk to God and often become filled with joy because I know that God always hears me and won’t push me away. We all express our emotions in different ways. But one thing that is true for all of us is that God wants us to pray and rely on Him by giving Him all of our cares—He invites us to trust Him to take care of us (1 Peter 5:7). When we do this, we acknowledge that He’s in control of everything in our lives and we have no need to worry, because He loves us. We have hope in knowing that God will never leave us. Because of Jesus’s death and resurrection, we can be sure that He is always with us. Through everything we face, God is our hope. He is our reason to rejoice. • Chloe Chambers • What are some ways you process your feelings? Journaling, talking with a trusted person, going for a walk outside, etc.? • If you’ve put your trust in Jesus, you can know that He is with you all the time, including when you’re processing your thoughts and feelings. Have you ever tried talking to God as you process? It’s okay to be totally honest with Him—He gets it, and He is eager to listen to us and help us (Hebrews 4:14-16). We can trust Him with all our feelings, even the messy ones. Consider taking some time to process whatever thoughts and emotions you’re experiencing today, maybe through journaling. You can talk to God in prayer as you go, or end your time with a prayer. God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble. Psalm 46:1 (CSB) 

READ: MATTHEW 28:20; ROMANS 8:12-25; REVELATION 2:12-17 Just when you think it can’t get any darker, I murmured as I watched over the hidden compound where we had to bring more Believers that morning. A small girl and her older brother were wrapped in a ragged blanket, hungrily eating hot soup. I wished we had arrived sooner, but now their parents were gone. There was a rustle in the dense trees just beyond where I kept watch. Tensing, I gripped the handle of my weapon and crept forward. Zon, be with me! This prayer echoed in the frantic beating of my heart. When I burst through the trees, I nearly stumbled in my astonishment. He stood before me, brandishing a double-edged sword that gleamed like sunshine on the sea. “Do not be afraid, Psephos.” His voice was the sound of mighty, rushing water. “Zon? Is it you?” Tears of hope and longing welled up in my eyes. “It is I,” He answered, “the Living One.” I fell at his feet, tears tracking down my cheeks. Zon dropped His sword and sank to the ground, wrapping His arms around me. “I know you are weary. I have seen the evil and darkness in this land. You and many Believers have remained true to my name, even in the face of death.” “How much longer until you come to rescue us?” Zon seemed to look into the depths of my soul. “Through my Spirit, I have given my people the power to remain faithful, Psephos. Yet, some among you are returning to their old ways and running after gods and possessions and experiences that will not satisfy. Only my love can satisfy you, and I have given it freely through my own death and resurrection. Remind the people of my words; encourage them to repent and return to me.” “Will you stay with me, Zon?” “I am always with you, to the very end of the age. Those who love me will be victorious, because I am the Victorious One. Here is something to remind you that you are mine, and I will always provide for you.” Zon placed something small and cool into my hand. I opened my palm to see a white stone with a single word written on it. I read aloud, “Athoos. What does it mean?” “It is your new name, my child. It means, innocent.” • Savannah Coleman • Today’s devotion is inspired by Revelation 2:12-17. This passage was written to the church in Pergamum. They lived in a culture where there was a lot of idol worship and sin, not unlike today. Jesus, the Living One, commends them for remaining true to His name and standing strong even in the face of severe persecution leading to death. How could it be encouraging to know that Jesus sees everything we’re going through, and He is always close beside us, even in our suffering? • As we continue reading in Revelation 2:14, we find that some of the Christians in Pergamum were turning back to idolatry and sinful practices, and Jesus urges them to repent. Then Jesus says that the victorious one will be given “hidden manna” (verse 17). Various Bible scholars debate what this passage means, but in Exodus 16, we see how God provided for the Israelites by giving them manna, bread from heaven to eat in the wilderness. Jesus harkens back to this in John 6, and He says, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry” (verse 35). Just as God provided manna, He gave us His one and only Son—Jesus is everything we need (John 3:16; 1 Peter 1:3; 2 Peter 1:3). Once we put our trust in Jesus, we become children of God; we are adopted into His family forever. He promises us eternal life, and He satisfies our deepest longings. We no longer need to live according to the flesh—reverting to ou

READ: MATTHEW 28:20; ROMANS 8:12-25; REVELATION 2:12-17 Just when you think it can’t get any darker, I murmured as I watched over the hidden compound where we had to bring more Believers that morning. A small girl and her older brother were wrapped in a ragged blanket, hungrily eating hot soup. I wished we had arrived sooner, but now their parents were gone. There was a rustle in the dense trees just beyond where I kept watch. Tensing, I gripped the handle of my weapon and crept forward. Zon, be with me! This prayer echoed in the frantic beating of my heart. When I burst through the trees, I nearly stumbled in my astonishment. He stood before me, brandishing a double-edged sword that gleamed like sunshine on the sea. “Do not be afraid, Psephos.” His voice was the sound of mighty, rushing water. “Zon? Is it you?” Tears of hope and longing welled up in my eyes. “It is I,” He answered, “the Living One.” I fell at his feet, tears tracking down my cheeks. Zon dropped His sword and sank to the ground, wrapping His arms around me. “I know you are weary. I have seen the evil and darkness in this land. You and many Believers have remained true to my name, even in the face of death.” “How much longer until you come to rescue us?” Zon seemed to look into the depths of my soul. “Through my Spirit, I have given my people the power to remain faithful, Psephos. Yet, some among you are returning to their old ways and running after gods and possessions and experiences that will not satisfy. Only my love can satisfy you, and I have given it freely through my own death and resurrection. Remind the people of my words; encourage them to repent and return to me.” “Will you stay with me, Zon?” “I am always with you, to the very end of the age. Those who love me will be victorious, because I am the Victorious One. Here is something to remind you that you are mine, and I will always provide for you.” Zon placed something small and cool into my hand. I opened my palm to see a white stone with a single word written on it. I read aloud, “Athoos. What does it mean?” “It is your new name, my child. It means, innocent.” • Savannah Coleman • Today’s devotion is inspired by Revelation 2:12-17. This passage was written to the church in Pergamum. They lived in a culture where there was a lot of idol worship and sin, not unlike today. Jesus, the Living One, commends them for remaining true to His name and standing strong even in the face of severe persecution leading to death. How could it be encouraging to know that Jesus sees everything we’re going through, and He is always close beside us, even in our suffering? • As we continue reading in Revelation 2:14, we find that some of the Christians in Pergamum were turning back to idolatry and sinful practices, and Jesus urges them to repent. Then Jesus says that the victorious one will be given “hidden manna” (verse 17). Various Bible scholars debate what this passage means, but in Exodus 16, we see how God provided for the Israelites by giving them manna, bread from heaven to eat in the wilderness. Jesus harkens back to this in John 6, and He says, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry” (verse 35). Just as God provided manna, He gave us His one and only Son—Jesus is everything we need (John 3:16; 1 Peter 1:3; 2 Peter 1:3). Once we put our trust in Jesus, we become children of God; we are adopted into His family forever. He promises us eternal life, and He satisfies our deepest longings. We no longer need to live according to the flesh—reverting to our old, sinful ways—because we have God’s power in us to walk in freedom. Consider taking some time to ask God to reveal any old, sinful ways you’ve...

READ: MATTHEW 28:20; ROMANS 8:12-25; REVELATION 2:12-17 Just when you think it can’t get any darker, I murmured as I watched over the hidden compound where we had to bring more Believers that morning. A small girl and her older brother were wrapped in a ragged blanket, hungrily eating hot soup. I wished we had arrived sooner, but now their parents were gone. There was a rustle in the dense trees just beyond where I kept watch. Tensing, I gripped the handle of my weapon and crept forward. Zon, be with me! This prayer echoed in the frantic beating of my heart. When I burst through the trees, I nearly stumbled in my astonishment. He stood before me, brandishing a double-edged sword that gleamed like sunshine on the sea. “Do not be afraid, Psephos.” His voice was the sound of mighty, rushing water. “Zon? Is it you?” Tears of hope and longing welled up in my eyes. “It is I,” He answered, “the Living One.” I fell at his feet, tears tracking down my cheeks. Zon dropped His sword and sank to the ground, wrapping His arms around me. “I know you are weary. I have seen the evil and darkness in this land. You and many Believers have remained true to my name, even in the face of death.” “How much longer until you come to rescue us?” Zon seemed to look into the depths of my soul. “Through my Spirit, I have given my people the power to remain faithful, Psephos. Yet, some among you are returning to their old ways and running after gods and possessions and experiences that will not satisfy. Only my love can satisfy you, and I have given it freely through my own death and resurrection. Remind the people of my words; encourage them to repent and return to me.” “Will you stay with me, Zon?” “I am always with you, to the very end of the age. Those who love me will be victorious, because I am the Victorious One. Here is something to remind you that you are mine, and I will always provide for you.” Zon placed something small and cool into my hand. I opened my palm to see a white stone with a single word written on it. I read aloud, “Athoos. What does it mean?” “It is your new name, my child. It means, innocent.” • Savannah Coleman • Today’s devotion is inspired by Revelation 2:12-17. This passage was written to the church in Pergamum. They lived in a culture where there was a lot of idol worship and sin, not unlike today. Jesus, the Living One, commends them for remaining true to His name and standing strong even in the face of severe persecution leading to death. How could it be encouraging to know that Jesus sees everything we’re going through, and He is always close beside us, even in our suffering? • As we continue reading in Revelation 2:14, we find that some of the Christians in Pergamum were turning back to idolatry and sinful practices, and Jesus urges them to repent. Then Jesus says that the victorious one will be given “hidden manna” (verse 17). Various Bible scholars debate what this passage means, but in Exodus 16, we see how God provided for the Israelites by giving them manna, bread from heaven to eat in the wilderness. Jesus harkens back to this in John 6, and He says, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry” (verse 35). Just as God provided manna, He gave us His one and only Son—Jesus is everything we need (John 3:16; 1 Peter 1:3; 2 Peter 1:3). Once we put our trust in Jesus, we become children of God; we are adopted into His family forever. He promises us eternal life, and He satisfies our deepest longings. We no longer need to live according to the flesh—reverting to o

READ: 1 SAMUEL 20:41-42; ROMANS 12:10, 15-16 Do you ever feel ashamed for crying? Sometimes, it can feel like we need to be tough and strong, not weepy. But that’s not what we see in the Bible. In 1 Samuel 20:41, for example, we see how the mighty warrior-king David openly wept when he had to move away from his best friend Jonathan. It says, “David got up from the south side of the stone Ezel, fell facedown to the ground, and paid homage three times. Then he and Jonathan kissed each other and wept with each other, though David wept more.” And if you keep reading in the books of 1 and 2 Samuel, and in the psalms David wrote, you’ll find other instances when David cried. Yet, you’ll also find stories of David’s bravery in facing countless enemies. He killed lions and bears that came after his sheep, and he faced down the giant Goliath when everyone else was afraid to (1 Samuel 17:1–18:7). David was tough and strong—and weepy. It was because of his confidence in God that David could have the courage to face his enemies, and the honesty to face his own emotions. He cried openly and without shame—and he’s not the only one. Jesus cried too. Jesus is the ultimate Warrior-King, and He wept when His friend Lazarus died, even though He was about to bring the dead man back to life (John 11:35). God gave us our emotions. It’s not wrong to cry—it’s how we process the way we feel when we’re hurting. God invites us to use our tears, not only to grieve our own losses, but also to enter into the sadness of others. This is possible because Jesus promises to be with us in our grief, and He also promises to return one day. Then, He will wipe away every tear when He resurrects us from the dead and restores His creation. But in the meantime, we can take comfort knowing that Jesus sits beside us in every sorrow and weeps with us. • A. W. Smith • Does crying make you uncomfortable? God is not ashamed of your tears. In fact, God created us to have emotions, and crying is a healthy way to express those emotions. God loves us and cares when we’re hurting. Jesus died and rose again for us so He could be with us in our pain, weeping alongside us. The next time you feel like you need to cry, you can picture Jesus weeping with you. How might knowing that He weeps with us affect the way we view our own emotions? Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. Romans 12:15 (CSB) 

READ: 1 SAMUEL 20:41-42; ROMANS 12:10, 15-16 Do you ever feel ashamed for crying? Sometimes, it can feel like we need to be tough and strong, not weepy. But that’s not what we see in the Bible. In 1 Samuel 20:41, for example, we see how the mighty warrior-king David openly wept when he had to move away from his best friend Jonathan. It says, “David got up from the south side of the stone Ezel, fell facedown to the ground, and paid homage three times. Then he and Jonathan kissed each other and wept with each other, though David wept more.” And if you keep reading in the books of 1 and 2 Samuel, and in the psalms David wrote, you’ll find other instances when David cried. Yet, you’ll also find stories of David’s bravery in facing countless enemies. He killed lions and bears that came after his sheep, and he faced down the giant Goliath when everyone else was afraid to (1 Samuel 17:1–18:7). David was tough and strong—and weepy. It was because of his confidence in God that David could have the courage to face his enemies, and the honesty to face his own emotions. He cried openly and without shame—and he’s not the only one. Jesus cried too. Jesus is the ultimate Warrior-King, and He wept when His friend Lazarus died, even though He was about to bring the dead man back to life (John 11:35). God gave us our emotions. It’s not wrong to cry—it’s how we process the way we feel when we’re hurting. God invites us to use our tears, not only to grieve our own losses, but also to enter into the sadness of others. This is possible because Jesus promises to be with us in our grief, and He also promises to return one day. Then, He will wipe away every tear when He resurrects us from the dead and restores His creation. But in the meantime, we can take comfort knowing that Jesus sits beside us in every sorrow and weeps with us. • A. W. Smith • Does crying make you uncomfortable? God is not ashamed of your tears. In fact, God created us to have emotions, and crying is a healthy way to express those emotions. God loves us and cares when we’re hurting. Jesus died and rose again for us so He could be with us in our pain, weeping alongside us. The next time you feel like you need to cry, you can picture Jesus weeping with you. How might knowing that He weeps with us affect the way we view our own emotions? Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. Romans 12:15 (CSB) 

READ: 1 SAMUEL 20:41-42; ROMANS 12:10, 15-16 Do you ever feel ashamed for crying? Sometimes, it can feel like we need to be tough and strong, not weepy. But that’s not what we see in the Bible. In 1 Samuel 20:41, for example, we see how the mighty warrior-king David openly wept when he had to move away from his best friend Jonathan. It says, “David got up from the south side of the stone Ezel, fell facedown to the ground, and paid homage three times. Then he and Jonathan kissed each other and wept with each other, though David wept more.” And if you keep reading in the books of 1 and 2 Samuel, and in the psalms David wrote, you’ll find other instances when David cried. Yet, you’ll also find stories of David’s bravery in facing countless enemies. He killed lions and bears that came after his sheep, and he faced down the giant Goliath when everyone else was afraid to (1 Samuel 17:1–18:7). David was tough and strong—and weepy. It was because of his confidence in God that David could have the courage to face his enemies, and the honesty to face his own emotions. He cried openly and without shame—and he’s not the only one. Jesus cried too. Jesus is the ultimate Warrior-King, and He wept when His friend Lazarus died, even though He was about to bring the dead man back to life (John 11:35). God gave us our emotions. It’s not wrong to cry—it’s how we process the way we feel when we’re hurting. God invites us to use our tears, not only to grieve our own losses, but also to enter into the sadness of others. This is possible because Jesus promises to be with us in our grief, and He also promises to return one day. Then, He will wipe away every tear when He resurrects us from the dead and restores His creation. But in the meantime, we can take comfort knowing that Jesus sits beside us in every sorrow and weeps with us. • A. W. Smith • Does crying make you uncomfortable? God is not ashamed of your tears. In fact, God created us to have emotions, and crying is a healthy way to express those emotions. God loves us and cares when we’re hurting. Jesus died and rose again for us so He could be with us in our pain, weeping alongside us. The next time you feel like you need to cry, you can picture Jesus weeping with you. How might knowing that He weeps with us affect the way we view our own emotions? Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. Romans 12:15 (CSB) 

READ: PSALMS 27; 63; 84 We sing of Your power, We lift up Your might, We praise Your goodness and grace! We exalt You as holy, We kneel to Your Name— But for a glimpse of Thy face.   In Your face is delight that none can contain, gladness, glory, and beauty!   For You are our Maker, our soul’s one desire— Our spirit is thirsting for Thee.   Your presence, O God, Your beauty we seek, Your face as fair as the dawn! For nothing on earth shall yet satisfy— Our heart yearns for Thee alone.   What do you think it means to gaze at God’s beauty (Psalm 27:4)? Some Bible teachers describe it as simply taking pleasure in God—praising and delighting in every aspect of His being, much like we might take a long hike just to enjoy the coolness and calm of a secluded waterfall. Likewise, we can travel paths that lead us to the refreshing peace of God’s presence (Psalm 23:2-3). The path is not hidden—many have gone before. Most notably, we can follow the words of the psalmists. May we read them, sing them, pray them—and let God speak through them. Day by day, let us join with David in saying, “Your face, LORD, I will seek” (Psalm 27:8). And as we do, may we grow to recognize and delight in His glory, His goodness, His grace…and yes, His beauty. For once we know Him, nothing less than beautiful will do. • G. Kam Congleton • What kinds of circumstances are the psalmists facing? Do they seem shy about asking for God’s help? Is it possible that being in God’s presence is one way we experience His help? • Now the question is: How do we seek the presence—or face—of God? A great way to begin is to simply do what the psalmists do. Consider taking some time to talk to God, using the psalms as a model. Remember that as you seek God, He is already seeking you. We know this because Jesus “came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). Without Jesus, we are all lost—adrift, cut off from where we belong—because our sin separates us from God. But, through Jesus’s death and resurrection, we can be reconciled—or reconnected—to God (Romans 5:10; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20; Colossians 1:22). And so, putting our trust in Jesus is the first step in experiencing God’s presence (Hebrews 4:14-16). (You can find out more about trusting Jesus on our "Know Jesus" page.) One thing I ask from the LORD…that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. Psalm 27:4 (NIV) 

READ: PSALMS 27; 63; 84 We sing of Your power,We lift up Your might,We praise Your goodness and grace!We exalt You as holy,We kneel to Your Name—But for a glimpse of Thy face.In Your face is delightthat none can contain,gladness, glory, and beauty!For You are our Maker,our soul’s one desire—Our spirit is thirsting for Thee.Your presence, O God,Your beauty we seek,Your face as fair as the dawn!For nothing on earthshall yet satisfy—Our heart yearns for Thee alone. What do you think it means to gaze at God’s beauty (Psalm 27:4)? Some Bible teachers describe it as simply taking pleasure in God—praising and delighting in every aspect of His being, much like we might take a long hike just to enjoy the coolness and calm of a secluded waterfall. Likewise, we can travel paths that lead us to the refreshing peace of God’s presence (Psalm 23:2-3). The path is not hidden—many have gone before. Most notably, we can follow the words of the psalmists. May we read them, sing them, pray them—and let God speak through them. Day by day, let us join with David in saying, “Your face, LORD, I will seek” (Psalm 27:8). And as we do, may we grow to recognize and delight in His glory, His goodness, His grace…and yes, His beauty. For once we know Him, nothing less than beautiful will do. • G. Kam Congleton • What kinds of circumstances are the psalmists facing? Do they seem shy about asking for God’s help? Is it possible that being in God’s presence is one way we experience His help? • Now the question is: How do we seek the presence—or face—of God? A great way to begin is to simply do what the psalmists do. Consider taking some time to talk to God, using the psalms as a model. Remember that as you seek God, He is already seeking you. We know this because Jesus “came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). Without Jesus, we are all lost—adrift, cut off from where we belong—because our sin separates us from God. But, through Jesus’s death and resurrection, we can be reconciled—or reconnected—to God (Romans 5:10; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20; Colossians 1:22). And so, putting our trust in Jesus is the first step in experiencing God’s presence (Hebrews 4:14-16). (You can find out more about trusting Jesus on our “Know Jesus” page.) One thing I ask from the LORD…that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. Psalm 27:4 (NIV) 

READ: PSALMS 27; 63; 84 We sing of Your power,We lift up Your might,We praise Your goodness and grace!We exalt You as holy,We kneel to Your Name—But for a glimpse of Thy face.In Your face is delightthat none can contain,gladness, glory, and beauty!For You are our Maker,our soul’s one desire—Our spirit is thirsting for Thee.Your presence, O God,Your beauty we seek,Your face as fair as the dawn!For nothing on earthshall yet satisfy—Our heart yearns for Thee alone. What do you think it means to gaze at God’s beauty (Psalm 27:4)? Some Bible teachers describe it as simply taking pleasure in God—praising and delighting in every aspect of His being, much like we might take a long hike just to enjoy the coolness and calm of a secluded waterfall. Likewise, we can travel paths that lead us to the refreshing peace of God’s presence (Psalm 23:2-3). The path is not hidden—many have gone before. Most notably, we can follow the words of the psalmists. May we read them, sing them, pray them—and let God speak through them. Day by day, let us join with David in saying, “Your face, LORD, I will seek” (Psalm 27:8). And as we do, may we grow to recognize and delight in His glory, His goodness, His grace…and yes, His beauty. For once we know Him, nothing less than beautiful will do. • G. Kam Congleton • What kinds of circumstances are the psalmists facing? Do they seem shy about asking for God’s help? Is it possible that being in God’s presence is one way we experience His help? • Now the question is: How do we seek the presence—or face—of God? A great way to begin is to simply do what the psalmists do. Consider taking some time to talk to God, using the psalms as a model. Remember that as you seek God, He is already seeking you. We know this because Jesus “came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). Without Jesus, we are all lost—adrift, cut off from where we belong—because our sin separates us from God. But, through Jesus’s death and resurrection, we can be reconciled—or reconnected—to God (Romans 5:10; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20; Colossians 1:22). And so, putting our trust in Jesus is the first step in experiencing God’s presence (Hebrews 4:14-16). (You can find out more about trusting Jesus on our “Know Jesus” page.) One thing I ask from the LORD…that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. Psalm 27:4 (NIV) 

READ: GALATIANS 5:16-25, 6:7-10; COLOSSIANS 3:1-17 Have you ever thought about how your habits form you and take you places? For example, if you have a habit of brushing your teeth every day, your teeth are likely healthy. If you were to neglect this habit, it would be quite obvious. Developing intentional, healthy habits is something that we, as Christians, are called to do. But there are other habits that seem to sneak in without us even realizing, and sometimes these habits are negative. These unexamined, negative habits could be hours of scrolling through social media, staying up way too late every night, or even keeping a messy bedroom (I’ve really struggled with that last one). These habits can leave us anxious, exhausted, and overstimulated. Why do our habits matter to God? Well, Romans 12:1 says to “offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” It calls this our “true and proper worship.” Being a “living sacrifice” affects our whole lives—including our day-to-day habits. Of course, we can’t do this perfectly. Jesus is the only perfect sacrifice. Through His sinless life, death on the cross, and resurrection from the dead, He made the way for us to be with Him forever. And, if we’ve put our trust in Jesus, He is living in us through the Holy Spirit, empowering us to live as holy and pleasing sacrifices and to develop intentional, God-honoring habits. These habits help us focus on Jesus’s presence with us and remember that we are dead to sin and alive in Christ. They could be Scripture reading, prayer, worship, being part of a Christian community, or journaling. These habits are easier some days than others, but when we continue in them, we often find that we continue to trust Jesus and His love for us more and more. And as we grow in our understanding of His love, we also grow in our love for God and our neighbors. We learn to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Jesus (Matthew 16:24). Forming habits is not about trying to earn your way into the Kingdom of God. We can only become God’s people by putting our trust in Jesus. Habits, however, are great practical ways to deepen our relationship with Jesus and learn to walk in step with Him. • Joshua Schmitz • Over the next few days, consider paying attention to your habits. What do you do when you get up in the morning? Before you go to bed? Before you leave home? When you get home? As you notice these habits and patterns in your life, ask, “Where is this habit leading me?” Is it leading you to live according to today’s Bible passages (Galatians 5:16-25, 6:7-10; Colossians 3:1-17)? 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)

READ: GALATIANS 5:16-25, 6:7-10; COLOSSIANS 3:1-17 Have you ever thought about how your habits form you and take you places? For example, if you have a habit of brushing your teeth every day, your teeth are likely healthy. If you were to neglect this habit, it would be quite obvious. Developing intentional, healthy habits is something that we, as Christians, are called to do. But there are other habits that seem to sneak in without us even realizing, and sometimes these habits are negative. These unexamined, negative habits could be hours of scrolling through social media, staying up way too late every night, or even keeping a messy bedroom (I’ve really struggled with that last one). These habits can leave us anxious, exhausted, and overstimulated. Why do our habits matter to God? Well, Romans 12:1 says to “offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” It calls this our “true and proper worship.” Being a “living sacrifice” affects our whole lives—including our day-to-day habits. Of course, we can’t do this perfectly. Jesus is the only perfect sacrifice. Through His sinless life, death on the cross, and resurrection from the dead, He made the way for us to be with Him forever. And, if we’ve put our trust in Jesus, He is living in us through the Holy Spirit, empowering us to live as holy and pleasing sacrifices and to develop intentional, God-honoring habits. These habits help us focus on Jesus’s presence with us and remember that we are dead to sin and alive in Christ. They could be Scripture reading, prayer, worship, being part of a Christian community, or journaling. These habits are easier some days than others, but when we continue in them, we often find that we continue to trust Jesus and His love for us more and more. And as we grow in our understanding of His love, we also grow in our love for God and our neighbors. We learn to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Jesus (Matthew 16:24). Forming habits is not about trying to earn your way into the Kingdom of God. We can only become God’s people by putting our trust in Jesus. Habits, however, are great practical ways to deepen our relationship with Jesus and learn to walk in step with Him. • Joshua Schmitz • Over the next few days, consider paying attention to your habits. What do you do when you get up in the morning? Before you go to bed? Before you leave home? When you get home? As you notice these habits and patterns in your life, ask, “Where is this habit leading me?” Is it leading you to live according to today’s Bible passages (Galatians 5:16-25, 6:7-10; Colossians 3:1-17)? 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)

READ: GALATIANS 5:16-25, 6:7-10; COLOSSIANS 3:1-17 Have you ever thought about how your habits form you and take you places? For example, if you have a habit of brushing your teeth every day, your teeth are likely healthy. If you were to neglect this habit, it would be quite obvious. Developing intentional, healthy habits is something that we, as Christians, are called to do. But there are other habits that seem to sneak in without us even realizing, and sometimes these habits are negative. These unexamined, negative habits could be hours of scrolling through social media, staying up way too late every night, or even keeping a messy bedroom (I’ve really struggled with that last one). These habits can leave us anxious, exhausted, and overstimulated. Why do our habits matter to God? Well, Romans 12:1 says to “offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” It calls this our “true and proper worship.” Being a “living sacrifice” affects our whole lives—including our day-to-day habits. Of course, we can’t do this perfectly. Jesus is the only perfect sacrifice. Through His sinless life, death on the cross, and resurrection from the dead, He made the way for us to be with Him forever. And, if we’ve put our trust in Jesus, He is living in us through the Holy Spirit, empowering us to live as holy and pleasing sacrifices and to develop intentional, God-honoring habits. These habits help us focus on Jesus’s presence with us and remember that we are dead to sin and alive in Christ. They could be Scripture reading, prayer, worship, being part of a Christian community, or journaling. These habits are easier some days than others, but when we continue in them, we often find that we continue to trust Jesus and His love for us more and more. And as we grow in our understanding of His love, we also grow in our love for God and our neighbors. We learn to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Jesus (Matthew 16:24). Forming habits is not about trying to earn your way into the Kingdom of God. We can only become God’s people by putting our trust in Jesus. Habits, however, are great practical ways to deepen our relationship with Jesus and learn to walk in step with Him. • Joshua Schmitz • Over the next few days, consider paying attention to your habits. What do you do when you get up in the morning? Before you go to bed? Before you leave home? When you get home? As you notice these habits and patterns in your life, ask, “Where is this habit leading me?” Is it leading you to live according to today’s Bible passages (Galatians 5:16-25, 6:7-10; Colossians 3:1-17)? 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)

READ: ISAIAH 41:10; JOHN 14:18; 15:12-15; HEBREWS 13:5 Have people ever let you down so much that you don’t want to get up again? I know I have felt like this many times. Or maybe you see all of your friends hanging out, and you feel like you’re the “backup friend.” Many times in my life, I saw my friends hanging out without me, and they would rarely talk to me. I’d always have to be the first one to reach out to them. Sometimes, I felt so severely depressed, I felt I couldn’t even tell my family about what I was going through. And I felt that Jesus was ignoring me too. But the truth is, even if it feels like you’re alone in your troubles, someone is always next to you. Jesus is with you always and forever. He never ignores you. He sees your troubles and your sorrows. He always understands what you’re going through, and He wants to be there for you. Jesus died and rose again to make the way for you to become His friend. And Jesus empathizes with you—remember, He knows firsthand what it’s like to be abandoned by your friends—and He invites you to talk to Him sincerely (Mark 14:50; Hebrews 4:14-16). Just tell Him what’s on your heart, and He will listen and comfort you, often through His Word, the Bible. Jesus is the best friend who will never betray you. He will never leave you alone in the darkness. • Violet Kotovets • Friendships are an important part of life. In fact, friendship was God’s idea! Yet, in our world that has been broken by sin, friendship can sometimes feel out of reach. And even when we are surrounded by friends, these relationships can often leave us feeling disappointed. In times like these, how could it be comforting to know that Jesus is the friend we can always count on? • If you’re having difficulty finding good friendships, consider taking some time to be honest with God and tell Him how this makes you feel. You can also ask Him to help you notice opportunities He may be giving you to invest in relationships with the people around you. • Today’s devotion mentions feeling severely depressed. If you are feeling depressed, or if it’s been more than a couple weeks since you’ve felt happy, tell a trusted adult. 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) and ask to speak with the care associate. “And remember, I [Jesus] am with you always, to the end of the age.” Mathew 28:20 (CSB) 

READ: ISAIAH 41:10; JOHN 14:18; 15:12-15; HEBREWS 13:5 Have people ever let you down so much that you don’t want to get up again? I know I have felt like this many times. Or maybe you see all of your friends hanging out, and you feel like you’re the “backup friend.” Many times in my life, I saw my friends hanging out without me, and they would rarely talk to me. I’d always have to be the first one to reach out to them. Sometimes, I felt so severely depressed, I felt I couldn’t even tell my family about what I was going through. And I felt that Jesus was ignoring me too. But the truth is, even if it feels like you’re alone in your troubles, someone is always next to you. Jesus is with you always and forever. He never ignores you. He sees your troubles and your sorrows. He always understands what you’re going through, and He wants to be there for you. Jesus died and rose again to make the way for you to become His friend. And Jesus empathizes with you—remember, He knows firsthand what it’s like to be abandoned by your friends—and He invites you to talk to Him sincerely (Mark 14:50; Hebrews 4:14-16). Just tell Him what’s on your heart, and He will listen and comfort you, often through His Word, the Bible. Jesus is the best friend who will never betray you. He will never leave you alone in the darkness. • Violet Kotovets • Friendships are an important part of life. In fact, friendship was God’s idea! Yet, in our world that has been broken by sin, friendship can sometimes feel out of reach. And even when we are surrounded by friends, these relationships can often leave us feeling disappointed. In times like these, how could it be comforting to know that Jesus is the friend we can always count on? • If you’re having difficulty finding good friendships, consider taking some time to be honest with God and tell Him how this makes you feel. You can also ask Him to help you notice opportunities He may be giving you to invest in relationships with the people around you. • Today’s devotion mentions feeling severely depressed. If you are feeling depressed, or if it’s been more than a couple weeks since you’ve felt happy, tell a trusted adult. 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) and ask to speak with the care associate. “And remember, I [Jesus] am with you always, to the end of the age.” Mathew 28:20 (CSB) 

READ: ISAIAH 41:10; JOHN 14:18; 15:12-15; HEBREWS 13:5 Have people ever let you down so much that you don’t want to get up again? I know I have felt like this many times. Or maybe you see all of your friends hanging out, and you feel like you’re the “backup friend.” Many times in my life, I saw my friends hanging out without me, and they would rarely talk to me. I’d always have to be the first one to reach out to them. Sometimes, I felt so severely depressed, I felt I couldn’t even tell my family about what I was going through. And I felt that Jesus was ignoring me too. But the truth is, even if it feels like you’re alone in your troubles, someone is always next to you. Jesus is with you always and forever. He never ignores you. He sees your troubles and your sorrows. He always understands what you’re going through, and He wants to be there for you. Jesus died and rose again to make the way for you to become His friend. And Jesus empathizes with you—remember, He knows firsthand what it’s like to be abandoned by your friends—and He invites you to talk to Him sincerely (Mark 14:50; Hebrews 4:14-16). Just tell Him what’s on your heart, and He will listen and comfort you, often through His Word, the Bible. Jesus is the best friend who will never betray you. He will never leave you alone in the darkness. • Violet Kotovets • Friendships are an important part of life. In fact, friendship was God’s idea! Yet, in our world that has been broken by sin, friendship can sometimes feel out of reach. And even when we are surrounded by friends, these relationships can often leave us feeling disappointed. In times like these, how could it be comforting to know that Jesus is the friend we can always count on? • If you’re having difficulty finding good friendships, consider taking some time to be honest with God and tell Him how this makes you feel. You can also ask Him to help you notice opportunities He may be giving you to invest in relationships with the people around you. • Today’s devotion mentions feeling severely depressed. If you are feeling depressed, or if it’s been more than a couple weeks since you’ve felt happy, tell a trusted adult. 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) and ask to speak with the care associate. “And remember, I [Jesus] am with you always, to the end of the age.” Mathew 28:20 (CSB) 

READ: ROMANS 12:16-21; EPHESIANS 4:31-32; 2 TIMOTHY 2:22-26 Have you ever worked on a complex math problem, only to realize that you made a mistake partway through? By the time you get to the end, there’s no fixing it. All you can do is start over from the beginning. The same can be true in our relationships with other people. Sometimes, we realize that a problem has been building and building in our relationship with a friend or family member. And the only way to fix it is to go back to the beginning of the problem. Often, this means we’ll have to admit where we did something wrong and apologize. This can be difficult to do, but God is eager to help us. He invites us to admit our sins to Him, remembering that He forgives us, and He helps bring us into right relationship with others. How does God help us in our relationships? Well, through Jesus’s death and resurrection, God made the way to bring us into right relationship with Himself. He forgave our sins, giving us His righteousness and restoring us to friendship with God. And if Jesus restored that relationship, He can help restore our friendships too. Because of His forgiveness, we can admit the things we’ve done wrong, and we can also forgive others for the ways they’ve wronged us. So, when we get into a fight with someone, we can think back to the beginning. We can ask ourselves where we said or did unkind things, and we can ask Jesus to show us how we caused hurt. We can confess our sins to Jesus and rest in His sure forgiveness, and we can also pray for the other person and ask Him to heal the hurts we’ve caused each other. Then, we can go to that person and talk it over. It can be tempting to carry a grudge, but when we rely on Jesus—the ultimate restorer of relationships—we can admit our mistakes and our sins, we can experience forgiveness, and our friendships can be restored. • A. W. Smith • How can knowing that Jesus restored our relationship with God help us lean on Him to restore our other relationships? • Is there a relationship you’re struggling with? Consider spending some time in prayer, asking Jesus to help you see where you caused hurt and asking Him for forgiveness and healing in that relationship. Remember, forgiving someone doesn’t always mean being in close relationship with them, and full restoration may only come when Jesus returns. If your situation involves a deep hurt, who is a trusted adult in your life who could help you set up loving boundaries? And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone…not resentful. 2 Timothy 2:24 (NIV) 

READ: ROMANS 12:16-21; EPHESIANS 4:31-32; 2 TIMOTHY 2:22-26 Have you ever worked on a complex math problem, only to realize that you made a mistake partway through? By the time you get to the end, there’s no fixing it. All you can do is start over from the beginning. The same can be true in our relationships with other people. Sometimes, we realize that a problem has been building and building in our relationship with a friend or family member. And the only way to fix it is to go back to the beginning of the problem. Often, this means we’ll have to admit where we did something wrong and apologize. This can be difficult to do, but God is eager to help us. He invites us to admit our sins to Him, remembering that He forgives us, and He helps bring us into right relationship with others. How does God help us in our relationships? Well, through Jesus’s death and resurrection, God made the way to bring us into right relationship with Himself. He forgave our sins, giving us His righteousness and restoring us to friendship with God. And if Jesus restored that relationship, He can help restore our friendships too. Because of His forgiveness, we can admit the things we’ve done wrong, and we can also forgive others for the ways they’ve wronged us. So, when we get into a fight with someone, we can think back to the beginning. We can ask ourselves where we said or did unkind things, and we can ask Jesus to show us how we caused hurt. We can confess our sins to Jesus and rest in His sure forgiveness, and we can also pray for the other person and ask Him to heal the hurts we’ve caused each other. Then, we can go to that person and talk it over. It can be tempting to carry a grudge, but when we rely on Jesus—the ultimate restorer of relationships—we can admit our mistakes and our sins, we can experience forgiveness, and our friendships can be restored. • A. W. Smith • How can knowing that Jesus restored our relationship with God help us lean on Him to restore our other relationships? • Is there a relationship you’re struggling with? Consider spending some time in prayer, asking Jesus to help you see where you caused hurt and asking Him for forgiveness and healing in that relationship. Remember, forgiving someone doesn’t always mean being in close relationship with them, and full restoration may only come when Jesus returns. If your situation involves a deep hurt, who is a trusted adult in your life who could help you set up loving boundaries? And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone…not resentful. 2 Timothy 2:24 (NIV) 

READ: ROMANS 12:16-21; EPHESIANS 4:31-32; 2 TIMOTHY 2:22-26 Have you ever worked on a complex math problem, only to realize that you made a mistake partway through? By the time you get to the end, there’s no fixing it. All you can do is start over from the beginning. The same can be true in our relationships with other people. Sometimes, we realize that a problem has been building and building in our relationship with a friend or family member. And the only way to fix it is to go back to the beginning of the problem. Often, this means we’ll have to admit where we did something wrong and apologize. This can be difficult to do, but God is eager to help us. He invites us to admit our sins to Him, remembering that He forgives us, and He helps bring us into right relationship with others. How does God help us in our relationships? Well, through Jesus’s death and resurrection, God made the way to bring us into right relationship with Himself. He forgave our sins, giving us His righteousness and restoring us to friendship with God. And if Jesus restored that relationship, He can help restore our friendships too. Because of His forgiveness, we can admit the things we’ve done wrong, and we can also forgive others for the ways they’ve wronged us. So, when we get into a fight with someone, we can think back to the beginning. We can ask ourselves where we said or did unkind things, and we can ask Jesus to show us how we caused hurt. We can confess our sins to Jesus and rest in His sure forgiveness, and we can also pray for the other person and ask Him to heal the hurts we’ve caused each other. Then, we can go to that person and talk it over. It can be tempting to carry a grudge, but when we rely on Jesus—the ultimate restorer of relationships—we can admit our mistakes and our sins, we can experience forgiveness, and our friendships can be restored. • A. W. Smith • How can knowing that Jesus restored our relationship with God help us lean on Him to restore our other relationships? • Is there a relationship you’re struggling with? Consider spending some time in prayer, asking Jesus to help you see where you caused hurt and asking Him for forgiveness and healing in that relationship. Remember, forgiving someone doesn’t always mean being in close relationship with them, and full restoration may only come when Jesus returns. If your situation involves a deep hurt, who is a trusted adult in your life who could help you set up loving boundaries? And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone…not resentful. 2 Timothy 2:24 (NIV) 

READ: MATTHEW 14:22-23; LUKE 5:16; 1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-18 Have you ever had to face the same problem over and over again? I think we all have from time to time. A few months ago, I had a difficult situation at work. It went on for quite some time, and I relied heavily on the Lord for guidance. It was during this time that I was reminded of the importance of prayer. The problem that I faced leaked into everything, but with practice, so did prayer. When I sit in small groups at church, there are often moments when we’re asked what we need to be doing more of in our walk with the Lord. I’d guess that seven times out of ten, people say they need to “pray more.” And this is a great goal—God loves to hear from us, and He invites us to talk with Him through prayer continually. But then the next Sunday would roll around, and no one had prayed more. I don’t know about you, but I’m big into routines. So, I ended up building a routine of prayer. I prayed first thing when I sat down in my car, all the way to work, and on my drive home. There were two sets of stairs that I frequently prayed on. And to this day, when I reach those stairs or sit down in my car, I automatically launch into a prayer. And you know what? I saw God open and close doors for me in ways that I didn’t deserve and couldn’t imagine. Prayer is important. But don’t just take my word for it. The Bible tells us in the book of Luke that “Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (Luke 5:16). And in Matthew 14:23, Jesus goes alone to pray after the death of His cousin, John the Baptist. Later, we see Jesus go to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray before He goes to the cross for our sins. Even though God the Son knew He would rise again, He still cried out to God the Father. Jesus loves us, and He knows that we need to be talking with Him continually through prayer. He is our lifeline. So, what could your prayer stairs be? • Natty Maelle • If you know Jesus, He is always with you through His Spirit, offering guidance, comfort, and strength. Why is it important that we regularly take time to talk, and listen, to Him through prayer? • Do you have something that you could make your “prayer stairs” today? Think about your habits and the places you go regularly. Could any of those places become places of prayer? How might you go about building a habit of prayer in your life? Pray continually… 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV) 

READ: MATTHEW 14:22-23; LUKE 5:16; 1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-18 Have you ever had to face the same problem over and over again? I think we all have from time to time. A few months ago, I had a difficult situation at work. It went on for quite some time, and I relied heavily on the Lord for guidance. It was during this time that I was reminded of the importance of prayer. The problem that I faced leaked into everything, but with practice, so did prayer. When I sit in small groups at church, there are often moments when we’re asked what we need to be doing more of in our walk with the Lord. I’d guess that seven times out of ten, people say they need to “pray more.” And this is a great goal—God loves to hear from us, and He invites us to talk with Him through prayer continually. But then the next Sunday would roll around, and no one had prayed more. I don’t know about you, but I’m big into routines. So, I ended up building a routine of prayer. I prayed first thing when I sat down in my car, all the way to work, and on my drive home. There were two sets of stairs that I frequently prayed on. And to this day, when I reach those stairs or sit down in my car, I automatically launch into a prayer. And you know what? I saw God open and close doors for me in ways that I didn’t deserve and couldn’t imagine. Prayer is important. But don’t just take my word for it. The Bible tells us in the book of Luke that “Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (Luke 5:16). And in Matthew 14:23, Jesus goes alone to pray after the death of His cousin, John the Baptist. Later, we see Jesus go to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray before He goes to the cross for our sins. Even though God the Son knew He would rise again, He still cried out to God the Father. Jesus loves us, and He knows that we need to be talking with Him continually through prayer. He is our lifeline. So, what could your prayer stairs be? • Natty Maelle • If you know Jesus, He is always with you through His Spirit, offering guidance, comfort, and strength. Why is it important that we regularly take time to talk, and listen, to Him through prayer? • Do you have something that you could make your “prayer stairs” today? Think about your habits and the places you go regularly. Could any of those places become places of prayer? How might you go about building a habit of prayer in your life? Pray continually… 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV) 

READ: MATTHEW 14:22-23; LUKE 5:16; 1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-18 Have you ever had to face the same problem over and over again? I think we all have from time to time. A few months ago, I had a difficult situation at work. It went on for quite some time, and I relied heavily on the Lord for guidance. It was during this time that I was reminded of the importance of prayer. The problem that I faced leaked into everything, but with practice, so did prayer. When I sit in small groups at church, there are often moments when we’re asked what we need to be doing more of in our walk with the Lord. I’d guess that seven times out of ten, people say they need to “pray more.” And this is a great goal—God loves to hear from us, and He invites us to talk with Him through prayer continually. But then the next Sunday would roll around, and no one had prayed more. I don’t know about you, but I’m big into routines. So, I ended up building a routine of prayer. I prayed first thing when I sat down in my car, all the way to work, and on my drive home. There were two sets of stairs that I frequently prayed on. And to this day, when I reach those stairs or sit down in my car, I automatically launch into a prayer. And you know what? I saw God open and close doors for me in ways that I didn’t deserve and couldn’t imagine. Prayer is important. But don’t just take my word for it. The Bible tells us in the book of Luke that “Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (Luke 5:16). And in Matthew 14:23, Jesus goes alone to pray after the death of His cousin, John the Baptist. Later, we see Jesus go to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray before He goes to the cross for our sins. Even though God the Son knew He would rise again, He still cried out to God the Father. Jesus loves us, and He knows that we need to be talking with Him continually through prayer. He is our lifeline. So, what could your prayer stairs be? • Natty Maelle • If you know Jesus, He is always with you through His Spirit, offering guidance, comfort, and strength. Why is it important that we regularly take time to talk, and listen, to Him through prayer? • Do you have something that you could make your “prayer stairs” today? Think about your habits and the places you go regularly. Could any of those places become places of prayer? How might you go about building a habit of prayer in your life? Pray continually… 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV) 

READ: LUKE 11:9-13; JOHN 16:1-15; EPHESIANS 1:18 In college, I had a professor who started class discussions about readings by showing us a picture of a lightning bolt striking the earth. Then she’d ask the question, “What struck you?” Sometimes, I like to ask myself this kind of question when I read the Bible. I like this simple approach of just looking for one thing that sticks out to me. It could be a word, a phrase, something someone did or said—or didn’t say or do. I like to pay attention to how this one thing makes me feel, because when we read the Bible, we’re not just reading for information or instructions. God is inviting us to interact with Him. The Holy Spirit helps us notice things, and He invites us to go deeper with God, to know Him better, to trust Him more. So, when I read a passage in the Bible, I usually start by asking God to help me see what He wants to show me. I might have to read the passage more than once, but something almost always “strikes me” or sticks out to me. As I spend some time thinking and praying about it, I ask God questions and tell Him what I like—or don’t like—about that one thing. Here’s an example: On Monday, I read John 16:1-15. In this passage, Jesus knows He is going to the cross the next day—and that He will rise from the dead three days later—and He promises His followers that the Holy Spirit will come to them after He ascends to the Father. When I read this passage, the word receive stuck out to me in verses 13-15: “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth…He will glorify me [Jesus] because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.” As I contemplated the word receive, I marveled at the mystery of the Trinity—one God in three persons: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As I dwelt on the idea of the Holy Spirit receiving from the Son, I was struck by how God is so giving, and I felt restful. So, on Tuesday, I wanted to journal about the word receive, and I did. But as I was reading John 16:1-15 again, another word stuck out to me. This time it was guide. I had recently been thinking about how Jesus is our Good Shepherd (John 10:11), and it made me feel relieved to be reminded that God guides us—it was just what I needed to hear. Isn’t our God so kind? As we seek Him and spend time in His Word, Jesus draws us into deeper and deeper relationship with Himself. He is so generous to give us understanding and to guide us. • Hannah Howe • How do you like to read the Bible? Have you ever tried talking to God about what you read? Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. Psalm 119:18 (NIV) 

READ: LUKE 11:9-13; JOHN 16:1-15; EPHESIANS 1:18 In college, I had a professor who started class discussions about readings by showing us a picture of a lightning bolt striking the earth. Then she’d ask the question, “What struck you?” Sometimes, I like to ask myself this kind of question when I read the Bible. I like this simple approach of just looking for one thing that sticks out to me. It could be a word, a phrase, something someone did or said—or didn’t say or do. I like to pay attention to how this one thing makes me feel, because when we read the Bible, we’re not just reading for information or instructions. God is inviting us to interact with Him. The Holy Spirit helps us notice things, and He invites us to go deeper with God, to know Him better, to trust Him more. So, when I read a passage in the Bible, I usually start by asking God to help me see what He wants to show me. I might have to read the passage more than once, but something almost always “strikes me” or sticks out to me. As I spend some time thinking and praying about it, I ask God questions and tell Him what I like—or don’t like—about that one thing. Here’s an example: On Monday, I read John 16:1-15. In this passage, Jesus knows He is going to the cross the next day—and that He will rise from the dead three days later—and He promises His followers that the Holy Spirit will come to them after He ascends to the Father. When I read this passage, the word receive stuck out to me in verses 13-15: “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth…He will glorify me [Jesus] because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.” As I contemplated the word receive, I marveled at the mystery of the Trinity—one God in three persons: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As I dwelt on the idea of the Holy Spirit receiving from the Son, I was struck by how God is so giving, and I felt restful. So, on Tuesday, I wanted to journal about the word receive, and I did. But as I was reading John 16:1-15 again, another word stuck out to me. This time it was guide. I had recently been thinking about how Jesus is our Good Shepherd (John 10:11), and it made me feel relieved to be reminded that God guides us—it was just what I needed to hear. Isn’t our God so kind? As we seek Him and spend time in His Word, Jesus draws us into deeper and deeper relationship with Himself. He is so generous to give us understanding and to guide us. • Hannah Howe • How do you like to read the Bible? Have you ever tried talking to God about what you read? Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. Psalm 119:18 (NIV) 

READ: LUKE 11:9-13; JOHN 16:1-15; EPHESIANS 1:18 In college, I had a professor who started class discussions about readings by showing us a picture of a lightning bolt striking the earth. Then she’d ask the question, “What struck you?” Sometimes, I like to ask myself this kind of question when I read the Bible. I like this simple approach of just looking for one thing that sticks out to me. It could be a word, a phrase, something someone did or said—or didn’t say or do. I like to pay attention to how this one thing makes me feel, because when we read the Bible, we’re not just reading for information or instructions. God is inviting us to interact with Him. The Holy Spirit helps us notice things, and He invites us to go deeper with God, to know Him better, to trust Him more. So, when I read a passage in the Bible, I usually start by asking God to help me see what He wants to show me. I might have to read the passage more than once, but something almost always “strikes me” or sticks out to me. As I spend some time thinking and praying about it, I ask God questions and tell Him what I like—or don’t like—about that one thing. Here’s an example: On Monday, I read John 16:1-15. In this passage, Jesus knows He is going to the cross the next day—and that He will rise from the dead three days later—and He promises His followers that the Holy Spirit will come to them after He ascends to the Father. When I read this passage, the word receive stuck out to me in verses 13-15: “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth…He will glorify me [Jesus] because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.” As I contemplated the word receive, I marveled at the mystery of the Trinity—one God in three persons: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As I dwelt on the idea of the Holy Spirit receiving from the Son, I was struck by how God is so giving, and I felt restful. So, on Tuesday, I wanted to journal about the word receive, and I did. But as I was reading John 16:1-15 again, another word stuck out to me. This time it was guide. I had recently been thinking about how Jesus is our Good Shepherd (John 10:11), and it made me feel relieved to be reminded that God guides us—it was just what I needed to hear. Isn’t our God so kind? As we seek Him and spend time in His Word, Jesus draws us into deeper and deeper relationship with Himself. He is so generous to give us understanding and to guide us. • Hannah Howe • How do you like to read the Bible? Have you ever tried talking to God about what you read? Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. Psalm 119:18 (NIV) 

READ: PSALMS 32:1-11; 103:4; JOHN 8:12; ACTS 26:9-18 Blinking open his eyes he looked out into darkness. “How long have I been here?” he asked the darkness. “Innumerable days,” came the melancholy response. “How long shall I stay here?” he asked the darkness. “An insurmountable time,” came the dreary response. “Who shall stay with me?” he asked the darkness. “None but your shadow,” came the disdainful response. Then, a light flickered in the corner of his sight. A soft glow, glowing ever brighter. “How long have I been here?” he asked the light. “Long enough, my dear child,” came the loving response. “How long shall I stay here?” he asked the light. “Not a moment longer. Come and return to me,” came the guiding response. “Who shall go with me?” he asked the light. “My spirit shall guide you forever, no matter how far you stray,” came the gracious response. A single tear of joy streaked his face as he now saw to whom he spoke. “Then my Lord, I’ve but one last question. When may we leave?” • Gracee Terrell • Have you ever felt you’ve strayed so far from God that He couldn’t possibly want you back? Sin is like a hopeless, dark pit. But God tells us in His Word that He always wants to restore us, and that Jesus is the One who seeks and saves us (Luke 15:1-32; 19:10; 1 Timothy 2:4-6). Jesus is the Light, and because He died for our sins and rose again, everyone who puts their trust in Jesus is forgiven and saved from the darkness of sin and death (Colossians 1:13-14; 1 Peter 2:9). Once we belong to Jesus, nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:35-39). No matter how far we fall, God will always be there to guide us back. He works through His Word (the Bible), His people (the church), and His Spirit—who guides us into all truth (John 16:13). Even when we forget our identity as beloved children of light, He mercifully reminds us of His love and truth and helps us follow Him faithfully (Ephesians 5:8-14; 1 Thessalonians 5:5-11). “…to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me [Jesus].” Acts 26:18 (NIV) 

READ: PSALMS 32:1-11; 103:4; JOHN 8:12; ACTS 26:9-18 Blinking open his eyes he looked out into darkness. “How long have I been here?” he asked the darkness. “Innumerable days,” came the melancholy response. “How long shall I stay here?” he asked the darkness. “An insurmountable time,” came the dreary response. “Who shall stay with me?” he asked the darkness. “None but your shadow,” came the disdainful response. Then, a light flickered in the corner of his sight. A soft glow, glowing ever brighter. “How long have I been here?” he asked the light. “Long enough, my dear child,” came the loving response. “How long shall I stay here?” he asked the light. “Not a moment longer. Come and return to me,” came the guiding response. “Who shall go with me?” he asked the light. “My spirit shall guide you forever, no matter how far you stray,” came the gracious response. A single tear of joy streaked his face as he now saw to whom he spoke. “Then my Lord, I’ve but one last question. When may we leave?” • Gracee Terrell • Have you ever felt you’ve strayed so far from God that He couldn’t possibly want you back? Sin is like a hopeless, dark pit. But God tells us in His Word that He always wants to restore us, and that Jesus is the One who seeks and saves us (Luke 15:1-32; 19:10; 1 Timothy 2:4-6). Jesus is the Light, and because He died for our sins and rose again, everyone who puts their trust in Jesus is forgiven and saved from the darkness of sin and death (Colossians 1:13-14; 1 Peter 2:9). Once we belong to Jesus, nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:35-39). No matter how far we fall, God will always be there to guide us back. He works through His Word (the Bible), His people (the church), and His Spirit—who guides us into all truth (John 16:13). Even when we forget our identity as beloved children of light, He mercifully reminds us of His love and truth and helps us follow Him faithfully (Ephesians 5:8-14; 1 Thessalonians 5:5-11). “…to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me [Jesus].” Acts 26:18 (NIV) 

READ: PSALMS 32:1-11; 103:4; JOHN 8:12; ACTS 26:9-18 Blinking open his eyes he looked out into darkness. “How long have I been here?” he asked the darkness. “Innumerable days,” came the melancholy response. “How long shall I stay here?” he asked the darkness. “An insurmountable time,” came the dreary response. “Who shall stay with me?” he asked the darkness. “None but your shadow,” came the disdainful response. Then, a light flickered in the corner of his sight. A soft glow, glowing ever brighter. “How long have I been here?” he asked the light. “Long enough, my dear child,” came the loving response. “How long shall I stay here?” he asked the light. “Not a moment longer. Come and return to me,” came the guiding response. “Who shall go with me?” he asked the light. “My spirit shall guide you forever, no matter how far you stray,” came the gracious response. A single tear of joy streaked his face as he now saw to whom he spoke. “Then my Lord, I’ve but one last question. When may we leave?” • Gracee Terrell • Have you ever felt you’ve strayed so far from God that He couldn’t possibly want you back? Sin is like a hopeless, dark pit. But God tells us in His Word that He always wants to restore us, and that Jesus is the One who seeks and saves us (Luke 15:1-32; 19:10; 1 Timothy 2:4-6). Jesus is the Light, and because He died for our sins and rose again, everyone who puts their trust in Jesus is forgiven and saved from the darkness of sin and death (Colossians 1:13-14; 1 Peter 2:9). Once we belong to Jesus, nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:35-39). No matter how far we fall, God will always be there to guide us back. He works through His Word (the Bible), His people (the church), and His Spirit—who guides us into all truth (John 16:13). Even when we forget our identity as beloved children of light, He mercifully reminds us of His love and truth and helps us follow Him faithfully (Ephesians 5:8-14; 1 Thessalonians 5:5-11). “…to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me [Jesus].” Acts 26:18 (NIV) 

READ: PSALMS 62:5-8; 87:7; ISAIAH 1:18; 1 CORINTHIANS 1:30 Sure is the hope of our righteousness, pure is the Word of the Lord; He is the rock of my salvation, He alone is my reward.   “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD, “Though your sins are like scarlet, …they shall be like wool.” *   My soul waits in silence for God only, His face, as the morning sun; In Him my refuge and my salvation rest, He is the Eternal One.   “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD, “Though your sins are like scarlet, …they shall be like wool.” *   He is the fountain of all our joy, He is the song that we sing; Jesus the Son of Righteousness— our God, the glorious King! * Isaiah 1:18   Bible scholars describe the gift of Christ’s righteousness in different ways: some picture it as being washed clean in God’s eyes; others say it is to be in right standing with God—like a person on trial being found not guilty. Receiving Christ’s righteousness certainly includes these truths, but it goes a step further. It not only means we are set free from guilt and punishment—that is, we are “free to go”—it also means we are joyfully welcomed into the fellowship of God’s family. Here, we are clothed in Christ’s righteousness: our place is set, our name is known, and we never need to prove our worth. In Christ, we are Home indeed. • G. Kam Congleton • Because Jesus has made the way for us to be transformed and made new, as Christians, we can freely confess our failures, while at the same time rejoicing confidently in Christ’s love, for we have received His gift: the sure hope of His righteousness. How is Jesus our ultimate refuge from sin, guilt, and fear? Consider taking a moment to confess any sins that come to mind to Jesus, resting in His forgiveness. (For more about the gift of Jesus’s righteousness, see our "Know Jesus" page.) For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” Romans 1:17 (NIV) 

READ: PSALMS 62:5-8; 87:7; ISAIAH 1:18; 1 CORINTHIANS 1:30 Sure is the hope of our righteousness,pure is the Word of the Lord;He is the rock of my salvation,He alone is my reward.“Come now, let us settle the matter,”says the LORD,“Though your sins are like scarlet,…they shall be like wool.” *My soul waits in silence for God only,His face, as the morning sun;In Him my refuge and my salvation rest,He is the Eternal One.“Come now, let us settle the matter,”says the LORD,“Though your sins are like scarlet,…they shall be like wool.” *He is the fountain of all our joy,He is the song that we sing;Jesus the Son of Righteousness—our God, the glorious King!* Isaiah 1:18 Bible scholars describe the gift of Christ’s righteousness in different ways: some picture it as being washed clean in God’s eyes; others say it is to be in right standing with God—like a person on trial being found not guilty. Receiving Christ’s righteousness certainly includes these truths, but it goes a step further. It not only means we are set free from guilt and punishment—that is, we are “free to go”—it also means we are joyfully welcomed into the fellowship of God’s family. Here, we are clothed in Christ’s righteousness: our place is set, our name is known, and we never need to prove our worth. In Christ, we are Home indeed. • G. Kam Congleton • Because Jesus has made the way for us to be transformed and made new, as Christians, we can freely confess our failures, while at the same time rejoicing confidently in Christ’s love, for we have received His gift: the sure hope of His righteousness. How is Jesus our ultimate refuge from sin, guilt, and fear? Consider taking a moment to confess any sins that come to mind to Jesus, resting in His forgiveness. (For more about the gift of Jesus’s righteousness, see our “Know Jesus” page.) For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” Romans 1:17 (NIV) 

READ: PSALMS 62:5-8; 87:7; ISAIAH 1:18; 1 CORINTHIANS 1:30 Sure is the hope of our righteousness,pure is the Word of the Lord;He is the rock of my salvation,He alone is my reward.“Come now, let us settle the matter,”says the LORD,“Though your sins are like scarlet,…they shall be like wool.” *My soul waits in silence for God only,His face, as the morning sun;In Him my refuge and my salvation rest,He is the Eternal One.“Come now, let us settle the matter,”says the LORD,“Though your sins are like scarlet,…they shall be like wool.” *He is the fountain of all our joy,He is the song that we sing;Jesus the Son of Righteousness—our God, the glorious King!* Isaiah 1:18 Bible scholars describe the gift of Christ’s righteousness in different ways: some picture it as being washed clean in God’s eyes; others say it is to be in right standing with God—like a person on trial being found not guilty. Receiving Christ’s righteousness certainly includes these truths, but it goes a step further. It not only means we are set free from guilt and punishment—that is, we are “free to go”—it also means we are joyfully welcomed into the fellowship of God’s family. Here, we are clothed in Christ’s righteousness: our place is set, our name is known, and we never need to prove our worth. In Christ, we are Home indeed. • G. Kam Congleton • Because Jesus has made the way for us to be transformed and made new, as Christians, we can freely confess our failures, while at the same time rejoicing confidently in Christ’s love, for we have received His gift: the sure hope of His righteousness. How is Jesus our ultimate refuge from sin, guilt, and fear? Consider taking a moment to confess any sins that come to mind to Jesus, resting in His forgiveness. (For more about the gift of Jesus’s righteousness, see our “Know Jesus” page.) For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” Romans 1:17 (NIV) 

READ: JOHN 13:1-17; 2 CORINTHIANS 5:15-21; 1 PETER 2:21-25 A few days after arriving in Romania as a missionary, I discovered two things: First, one of the sandals I had brought along, hoping they would last my entire year overseas, broke. Second, on the ground floor of my apartment building, a family ran a small shoe repair booth. When I brought the busted shoe to the family members sitting behind their table, I primarily used gestures to indicate what I needed, since I spoke only a few words of Romanian. The broken sandal spoke for itself, of course. But they began communicating an idea I couldn’t understand. Finally, the woman looked at me and stated in English, “The other shoe!” I nodded, then jogged up to my apartment and retrieved the sandal’s partner. I handed it to the woman and settled on a plan to retrieve the shoes—one intact, the other soon to be made whole—later in the week. Back upstairs, I pondered the request for the other shoe. I realized these small-business owners understood that restoring the mangled sandal required using the other one as the example to follow. Had they not looked to the unharmed sandal as the model for fixing the damaged one, they risked missing the mark with their work. In our own lives, we are like that broken sandal, because we have all sinned. But Jesus, who is fully God and fully human, is like the intact sandal. He never sinned. We may be tempted to try to fix whatever seems to be wrong in our lives, but the truth is, we’ll never be able to repair ourselves. Only God can do that. When we surrender trying to do life on our own and instead trust in Jesus—with faith in His death and resurrection—we enter a relationship with God. We also become new creations and embark on a lifetime of being restored to the way God designed us to be. So, as we wait for Jesus to return and finish His work of restoration in and around us, we can grow in loving and living sacrificially, in serving others and living righteously. How? By keeping our eyes fixed upon Jesus and relying on His love (John 15:1-13; Philippians 2:1-18; Hebrews 12:1-3; 1 John 4:19). We meet Jesus when we’re broken. But when Jesus saves us, He forgives all our sins, and His Spirit begins transforming us to become more and more like Jesus. Because it’s only through Jesus that we are made whole. • Allison Wilson Lee • Living in our world that has been broken by sin, we encounter lots of confusing messages about which examples to follow. How could it be freeing to follow the example of Jesus, who never changes and always loves us, instead of the ideals of the world, which change over time? “I [Jesus] have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” John 13:15 (NIV) 

READ: JOHN 13:1-17; 2 CORINTHIANS 5:15-21; 1 PETER 2:21-25 A few days after arriving in Romania as a missionary, I discovered two things: First, one of the sandals I had brought along, hoping they would last my entire year overseas, broke. Second, on the ground floor of my apartment building, a family ran a small shoe repair booth. When I brought the busted shoe to the family members sitting behind their table, I primarily used gestures to indicate what I needed, since I spoke only a few words of Romanian. The broken sandal spoke for itself, of course. But they began communicating an idea I couldn’t understand. Finally, the woman looked at me and stated in English, “The other shoe!” I nodded, then jogged up to my apartment and retrieved the sandal’s partner. I handed it to the woman and settled on a plan to retrieve the shoes—one intact, the other soon to be made whole—later in the week. Back upstairs, I pondered the request for the other shoe. I realized these small-business owners understood that restoring the mangled sandal required using the other one as the example to follow. Had they not looked to the unharmed sandal as the model for fixing the damaged one, they risked missing the mark with their work. In our own lives, we are like that broken sandal, because we have all sinned. But Jesus, who is fully God and fully human, is like the intact sandal. He never sinned. We may be tempted to try to fix whatever seems to be wrong in our lives, but the truth is, we’ll never be able to repair ourselves. Only God can do that. When we surrender trying to do life on our own and instead trust in Jesus—with faith in His death and resurrection—we enter a relationship with God. We also become new creations and embark on a lifetime of being restored to the way God designed us to be. So, as we wait for Jesus to return and finish His work of restoration in and around us, we can grow in loving and living sacrificially, in serving others and living righteously. How? By keeping our eyes fixed upon Jesus and relying on His love (John 15:1-13; Philippians 2:1-18; Hebrews 12:1-3; 1 John 4:19). We meet Jesus when we’re broken. But when Jesus saves us, He forgives all our sins, and His Spirit begins transforming us to become more and more like Jesus. Because it’s only through Jesus that we are made whole. • Allison Wilson Lee • Living in our world that has been broken by sin, we encounter lots of confusing messages about which examples to follow. How could it be freeing to follow the example of Jesus, who never changes and always loves us, instead of the ideals of the world, which change over time? “I [Jesus] have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” John 13:15 (NIV) 

READ: JOHN 13:1-17; 2 CORINTHIANS 5:15-21; 1 PETER 2:21-25 A few days after arriving in Romania as a missionary, I discovered two things: First, one of the sandals I had brought along, hoping they would last my entire year overseas, broke. Second, on the ground floor of my apartment building, a family ran a small shoe repair booth. When I brought the busted shoe to the family members sitting behind their table, I primarily used gestures to indicate what I needed, since I spoke only a few words of Romanian. The broken sandal spoke for itself, of course. But they began communicating an idea I couldn’t understand. Finally, the woman looked at me and stated in English, “The other shoe!” I nodded, then jogged up to my apartment and retrieved the sandal’s partner. I handed it to the woman and settled on a plan to retrieve the shoes—one intact, the other soon to be made whole—later in the week. Back upstairs, I pondered the request for the other shoe. I realized these small-business owners understood that restoring the mangled sandal required using the other one as the example to follow. Had they not looked to the unharmed sandal as the model for fixing the damaged one, they risked missing the mark with their work. In our own lives, we are like that broken sandal, because we have all sinned. But Jesus, who is fully God and fully human, is like the intact sandal. He never sinned. We may be tempted to try to fix whatever seems to be wrong in our lives, but the truth is, we’ll never be able to repair ourselves. Only God can do that. When we surrender trying to do life on our own and instead trust in Jesus—with faith in His death and resurrection—we enter a relationship with God. We also become new creations and embark on a lifetime of being restored to the way God designed us to be. So, as we wait for Jesus to return and finish His work of restoration in and around us, we can grow in loving and living sacrificially, in serving others and living righteously. How? By keeping our eyes fixed upon Jesus and relying on His love (John 15:1-13; Philippians 2:1-18; Hebrews 12:1-3; 1 John 4:19). We meet Jesus when we’re broken. But when Jesus saves us, He forgives all our sins, and His Spirit begins transforming us to become more and more like Jesus. Because it’s only through Jesus that we are made whole. • Allison Wilson Lee • Living in our world that has been broken by sin, we encounter lots of confusing messages about which examples to follow. How could it be freeing to follow the example of Jesus, who never changes and always loves us, instead of the ideals of the world, which change over time? “I [Jesus] have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” John 13:15 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 90:4; JAMES 4:13-14; 2 PETER 3:8 Have you ever heard the saying, “Life is short, and then you die”? That saying certainly applies to cicadas. Cicadas are big, noisy bugs that look kind of like grasshoppers. And every seventeen years, a certain type of cicada shows up from underground in a massive swarm to mate and lay eggs. But the cicadas don’t last very long. They live for only about six weeks once they emerge from the ground. Their lives are short, and then they die. A cicada’s life is very brief compared to the lives of most people, but in a way, our lives are just as short. Sure, we may know people who live to be over ninety years old. This seems like a long time to us, but ninety years is only a brief time to God—after all, He is eternal. James 4:14 says, “What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” So, in a way, the saying is right. We live for just a short time, and then we die. But it’s missing something. As Christians, we know that when we die, our spirits will be with Jesus. And one day, when He returns, He will resurrect our bodies from the dead and we will have eternal life with Him. For those who trust in Jesus, death is not the end. We will live with Him for ever and ever! We don’t have to fear death—or even a short life— because Jesus promises us eternity with Him. • A. W. Smith • Do you know someone who has lived a really long time? No matter how old they are, their life is like a vanishing mist when compared to eternity. Our lives are short, but that doesn’t mean we have to fear death. Jesus was willing to die for us, and then He rose from His grave so we could be saved and have eternal life. And when we put our trust in Him, we can know that He will resurrect us from the dead and we will live forever with Him. (Find out more on our "Know Jesus" page.) • Do you ever think about the brevity of your life and the opportunities you may or may not have? How could it be comforting to know that, as Christians, we get to look forward to living in restored creation with Jesus and the whole family of believers for eternity? And how could this hope give us courage to follow Jesus here and now? (Romans 14:8-9; Philippians 1:21-26) What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. James 4:14 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 90:4; JAMES 4:13-14; 2 PETER 3:8 Have you ever heard the saying, “Life is short, and then you die”? That saying certainly applies to cicadas. Cicadas are big, noisy bugs that look kind of like grasshoppers. And every seventeen years, a certain type of cicada shows up from underground in a massive swarm to mate and lay eggs. But the cicadas don’t last very long. They live for only about six weeks once they emerge from the ground. Their lives are short, and then they die. A cicada’s life is very brief compared to the lives of most people, but in a way, our lives are just as short. Sure, we may know people who live to be over ninety years old. This seems like a long time to us, but ninety years is only a brief time to God—after all, He is eternal. James 4:14 says, “What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” So, in a way, the saying is right. We live for just a short time, and then we die. But it’s missing something. As Christians, we know that when we die, our spirits will be with Jesus. And one day, when He returns, He will resurrect our bodies from the dead and we will have eternal life with Him. For those who trust in Jesus, death is not the end. We will live with Him for ever and ever! We don’t have to fear death—or even a short life— because Jesus promises us eternity with Him. • A. W. Smith • Do you know someone who has lived a really long time? No matter how old they are, their life is like a vanishing mist when compared to eternity. Our lives are short, but that doesn’t mean we have to fear death. Jesus was willing to die for us, and then He rose from His grave so we could be saved and have eternal life. And when we put our trust in Him, we can know that He will resurrect us from the dead and we will live forever with Him. (Find out more on our “Know Jesus” page.) • Do you ever think about the brevity of your life and the opportunities you may or may not have? How could it be comforting to know that, as Christians, we get to look forward to living in restored creation with Jesus and the whole family of believers for eternity? And how could this hope give us courage to follow Jesus here and now? (Romans 14:8-9; Philippians 1:21-26) What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. James 4:14 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 90:4; JAMES 4:13-14; 2 PETER 3:8 Have you ever heard the saying, “Life is short, and then you die”? That saying certainly applies to cicadas. Cicadas are big, noisy bugs that look kind of like grasshoppers. And every seventeen years, a certain type of cicada shows up from underground in a massive swarm to mate and lay eggs. But the cicadas don’t last very long. They live for only about six weeks once they emerge from the ground. Their lives are short, and then they die. A cicada’s life is very brief compared to the lives of most people, but in a way, our lives are just as short. Sure, we may know people who live to be over ninety years old. This seems like a long time to us, but ninety years is only a brief time to God—after all, He is eternal. James 4:14 says, “What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” So, in a way, the saying is right. We live for just a short time, and then we die. But it’s missing something. As Christians, we know that when we die, our spirits will be with Jesus. And one day, when He returns, He will resurrect our bodies from the dead and we will have eternal life with Him. For those who trust in Jesus, death is not the end. We will live with Him for ever and ever! We don’t have to fear death—or even a short life— because Jesus promises us eternity with Him. • A. W. Smith • Do you know someone who has lived a really long time? No matter how old they are, their life is like a vanishing mist when compared to eternity. Our lives are short, but that doesn’t mean we have to fear death. Jesus was willing to die for us, and then He rose from His grave so we could be saved and have eternal life. And when we put our trust in Him, we can know that He will resurrect us from the dead and we will live forever with Him. (Find out more on our “Know Jesus” page.) • Do you ever think about the brevity of your life and the opportunities you may or may not have? How could it be comforting to know that, as Christians, we get to look forward to living in restored creation with Jesus and the whole family of believers for eternity? And how could this hope give us courage to follow Jesus here and now? (Romans 14:8-9; Philippians 1:21-26) What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. James 4:14 (NIV) 

READ: EPHESIANS 4:22–5:2; HEBREWS 12:1-3; 2 PETER 1:3-9 Do you have vivid dreams? I dream vividly almost every night. Once, I had a hilarious dream about a team of ostriches flying, pulling me on a sleigh in the sky. We landed in a parking lot so they could take a break and join an exercise class. But last night, I dreamed I was crossing an immense desert on rollerblades. Every few feet, there were tarantulas the size of umbrellas coming out of the sand to grab me. I had to be very careful where I stepped (not easy on rollerblades in sand) because, at any moment, the sand would start to move, and another spider would surface from beneath. This ridiculous dream reminded me of living as a Christian. In life, we encounter many difficulties and fears (giant spiders, anyone?), and some of these surface when and where we least expect. So, we need to rid ourselves of things that hinder us from navigating well. If I had been wearing different footwear in my dream, I would have been able to avoid the tarantulas more effectively and quickly. Similarly, as we rely on Jesus to help us rid ourselves of things not glorifying to Him, we’ll be able to walk through hard times in a way that honors Him and helps us grow. When we rest in the truth of the gospel and Jesus’s love for us, it gets easier to let go of the sinful patterns that hinder us. In addition, Jesus helps us put on the good things God equips us with, such as self-control, perseverance, and godliness (2 Peter 1:3-8). In Ephesians 4, Paul reminds followers of Christ that, because Jesus has made us new, we will live differently than we used to. Not only are we to put off our old self, but we are to renew our minds and put on our new self, holy and righteous like God. As Jesus helps us shed the old ways of bitterness and anger, He helps us put on compassion and forgiveness. Then we can walk in His love, just as He loved us. • Savannah Coleman • How does sin hold us back from responding well to the fears and difficulties we face? Consider asking God to search your heart and reveal what sins you need to put off. Even as children of God, we will struggle with sin, but it no longer has to own us. As we renew our minds in the Word, spend time with the Lord in prayer, and pursue community with other believers, God will illuminate the things that need to change. He loves us so much that He sent Jesus to die and be resurrected to save us, and His ways are always best. He will walk with us in compassion and mercy, giving us the strength and hope we need to walk in His good ways. For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace. Romans 6:14 (NIV) 

READ: EPHESIANS 4:22–5:2; HEBREWS 12:1-3; 2 PETER 1:3-9 Do you have vivid dreams? I dream vividly almost every night. Once, I had a hilarious dream about a team of ostriches flying, pulling me on a sleigh in the sky. We landed in a parking lot so they could take a break and join an exercise class. But last night, I dreamed I was crossing an immense desert on rollerblades. Every few feet, there were tarantulas the size of umbrellas coming out of the sand to grab me. I had to be very careful where I stepped (not easy on rollerblades in sand) because, at any moment, the sand would start to move, and another spider would surface from beneath. This ridiculous dream reminded me of living as a Christian. In life, we encounter many difficulties and fears (giant spiders, anyone?), and some of these surface when and where we least expect. So, we need to rid ourselves of things that hinder us from navigating well. If I had been wearing different footwear in my dream, I would have been able to avoid the tarantulas more effectively and quickly. Similarly, as we rely on Jesus to help us rid ourselves of things not glorifying to Him, we’ll be able to walk through hard times in a way that honors Him and helps us grow. When we rest in the truth of the gospel and Jesus’s love for us, it gets easier to let go of the sinful patterns that hinder us. In addition, Jesus helps us put on the good things God equips us with, such as self-control, perseverance, and godliness (2 Peter 1:3-8). In Ephesians 4, Paul reminds followers of Christ that, because Jesus has made us new, we will live differently than we used to. Not only are we to put off our old self, but we are to renew our minds and put on our new self, holy and righteous like God. As Jesus helps us shed the old ways of bitterness and anger, He helps us put on compassion and forgiveness. Then we can walk in His love, just as He loved us. • Savannah Coleman • How does sin hold us back from responding well to the fears and difficulties we face? Consider asking God to search your heart and reveal what sins you need to put off. Even as children of God, we will struggle with sin, but it no longer has to own us. As we renew our minds in the Word, spend time with the Lord in prayer, and pursue community with other believers, God will illuminate the things that need to change. He loves us so much that He sent Jesus to die and be resurrected to save us, and His ways are always best. He will walk with us in compassion and mercy, giving us the strength and hope we need to walk in His good ways. For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace. Romans 6:14 (NIV) 

READ: EPHESIANS 4:22–5:2; HEBREWS 12:1-3; 2 PETER 1:3-9 Do you have vivid dreams? I dream vividly almost every night. Once, I had a hilarious dream about a team of ostriches flying, pulling me on a sleigh in the sky. We landed in a parking lot so they could take a break and join an exercise class. But last night, I dreamed I was crossing an immense desert on rollerblades. Every few feet, there were tarantulas the size of umbrellas coming out of the sand to grab me. I had to be very careful where I stepped (not easy on rollerblades in sand) because, at any moment, the sand would start to move, and another spider would surface from beneath. This ridiculous dream reminded me of living as a Christian. In life, we encounter many difficulties and fears (giant spiders, anyone?), and some of these surface when and where we least expect. So, we need to rid ourselves of things that hinder us from navigating well. If I had been wearing different footwear in my dream, I would have been able to avoid the tarantulas more effectively and quickly. Similarly, as we rely on Jesus to help us rid ourselves of things not glorifying to Him, we’ll be able to walk through hard times in a way that honors Him and helps us grow. When we rest in the truth of the gospel and Jesus’s love for us, it gets easier to let go of the sinful patterns that hinder us. In addition, Jesus helps us put on the good things God equips us with, such as self-control, perseverance, and godliness (2 Peter 1:3-8). In Ephesians 4, Paul reminds followers of Christ that, because Jesus has made us new, we will live differently than we used to. Not only are we to put off our old self, but we are to renew our minds and put on our new self, holy and righteous like God. As Jesus helps us shed the old ways of bitterness and anger, He helps us put on compassion and forgiveness. Then we can walk in His love, just as He loved us. • Savannah Coleman • How does sin hold us back from responding well to the fears and difficulties we face? Consider asking God to search your heart and reveal what sins you need to put off. Even as children of God, we will struggle with sin, but it no longer has to own us. As we renew our minds in the Word, spend time with the Lord in prayer, and pursue community with other believers, God will illuminate the things that need to change. He loves us so much that He sent Jesus to die and be resurrected to save us, and His ways are always best. He will walk with us in compassion and mercy, giving us the strength and hope we need to walk in His good ways. For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace. Romans 6:14 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 139:13-16; ISAIAH 49:15; ROMANS 5:1-11 Have you ever felt undervalued? You try to speak and state your views, but people disregard them, ignoring your ideas or even ridiculing them. Perhaps you have been overlooked in the planning or details of an event. In situations like these, it would be easy, and only human, to believe we are insignificant. Negative comments, not being included, or breakups in friendships can leave anyone feeling despondent and miserable. We may be left with a sense of being second place or even completely overlooked. We feel hurt and disappointed. What can we do in times like these? Remember that this world is imperfect and broken. People don’t always realize they have excluded you or ignored you. You can accept the emotions you experience, and process them with Jesus and with people you trust, but you don’t have to dwell on them too long. Instead, you can find hope in remembering the truths of God’s kingdom. God is a loving Father. He deeply cares for each one of His children. You are His unique creation. You are adored and cherished. Whatever situation you are currently dealing with matters greatly to God. You are a priority to Him. He wants you—and all of us—to enjoy relationship and eternal life with Him (1 Timothy 2:4). He loves you so much that He gave His Son, Jesus, to save you. Jesus’s sacrifice was enough to cover your sins, and the sins of others who have hurt you. And through His death and resurrection, He is working to restore the brokenness inherited since humans first sinned at the fall. Jesus sees your pain, and He weeps with you. But He also says, it will not always be this way. He wants to draw you into community with other believers who will extend His love to you. Your laughter, trials, dreams, and ideas are important. Even if everyone else abandons you, God’s love for you is constant. Whenever you feel insignificant, you can reach out to Him. • Cindy Lee • When have you felt marginalized, forgotten, or last on someone else’s agenda? You can offer this hurt and sadness up to God. Take heart, you are a priority to Him, and He loves you deeply. (If you want to know more about God’s love and how to have a relationship with Him, see our "Know Jesus" page.) • Who is someone in your life you can build up, reassure, and remind that they are valued? Kind words, sincere compliments, listening, a phone call, a thoughtful email, text, or message in a card are all ways of reminding people that they are valued and they matter. What could you do today? See how great a love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God! 1 John 3:1 (WEB) 

READ: PSALM 139:13-16; ISAIAH 49:15; ROMANS 5:1-11 Have you ever felt undervalued? You try to speak and state your views, but people disregard them, ignoring your ideas or even ridiculing them. Perhaps you have been overlooked in the planning or details of an event. In situations like these, it would be easy, and only human, to believe we are insignificant. Negative comments, not being included, or breakups in friendships can leave anyone feeling despondent and miserable. We may be left with a sense of being second place or even completely overlooked. We feel hurt and disappointed. What can we do in times like these? Remember that this world is imperfect and broken. People don’t always realize they have excluded you or ignored you. You can accept the emotions you experience, and process them with Jesus and with people you trust, but you don’t have to dwell on them too long. Instead, you can find hope in remembering the truths of God’s kingdom. God is a loving Father. He deeply cares for each one of His children. You are His unique creation. You are adored and cherished. Whatever situation you are currently dealing with matters greatly to God. You are a priority to Him. He wants you—and all of us—to enjoy relationship and eternal life with Him (1 Timothy 2:4). He loves you so much that He gave His Son, Jesus, to save you. Jesus’s sacrifice was enough to cover your sins, and the sins of others who have hurt you. And through His death and resurrection, He is working to restore the brokenness inherited since humans first sinned at the fall. Jesus sees your pain, and He weeps with you. But He also says, it will not always be this way. He wants to draw you into community with other believers who will extend His love to you. Your laughter, trials, dreams, and ideas are important. Even if everyone else abandons you, God’s love for you is constant. Whenever you feel insignificant, you can reach out to Him. • Cindy Lee • When have you felt marginalized, forgotten, or last on someone else’s agenda? You can offer this hurt and sadness up to God. Take heart, you are a priority to Him, and He loves you deeply. (If you want to know more about God’s love and how to have a relationship with Him, see our “Know Jesus” page.) • Who is someone in your life you can build up, reassure, and remind that they are valued? Kind words, sincere compliments, listening, a phone call, a thoughtful email, text, or message in a card are all ways of reminding people that they are valued and they matter. What could you do today? See how great a love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God! 1 John 3:1 (WEB) 

READ: PSALM 139:13-16; ISAIAH 49:15; ROMANS 5:1-11 Have you ever felt undervalued? You try to speak and state your views, but people disregard them, ignoring your ideas or even ridiculing them. Perhaps you have been overlooked in the planning or details of an event. In situations like these, it would be easy, and only human, to believe we are insignificant. Negative comments, not being included, or breakups in friendships can leave anyone feeling despondent and miserable. We may be left with a sense of being second place or even completely overlooked. We feel hurt and disappointed. What can we do in times like these? Remember that this world is imperfect and broken. People don’t always realize they have excluded you or ignored you. You can accept the emotions you experience, and process them with Jesus and with people you trust, but you don’t have to dwell on them too long. Instead, you can find hope in remembering the truths of God’s kingdom. God is a loving Father. He deeply cares for each one of His children. You are His unique creation. You are adored and cherished. Whatever situation you are currently dealing with matters greatly to God. You are a priority to Him. He wants you—and all of us—to enjoy relationship and eternal life with Him (1 Timothy 2:4). He loves you so much that He gave His Son, Jesus, to save you. Jesus’s sacrifice was enough to cover your sins, and the sins of others who have hurt you. And through His death and resurrection, He is working to restore the brokenness inherited since humans first sinned at the fall. Jesus sees your pain, and He weeps with you. But He also says, it will not always be this way. He wants to draw you into community with other believers who will extend His love to you. Your laughter, trials, dreams, and ideas are important. Even if everyone else abandons you, God’s love for you is constant. Whenever you feel insignificant, you can reach out to Him. • Cindy Lee • When have you felt marginalized, forgotten, or last on someone else’s agenda? You can offer this hurt and sadness up to God. Take heart, you are a priority to Him, and He loves you deeply. (If you want to know more about God’s love and how to have a relationship with Him, see our “Know Jesus” page.) • Who is someone in your life you can build up, reassure, and remind that they are valued? Kind words, sincere compliments, listening, a phone call, a thoughtful email, text, or message in a card are all ways of reminding people that they are valued and they matter. What could you do today? See how great a love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God! 1 John 3:1 (WEB) 

READ: PSALM 10:4; MATTHEW 11:28-30; PHILIPPIANS 2:5-13; 1 PETER 5:5-7 One of the things that gives me the greatest anxiety in life is thinking about what others think of me. I worry about what the other shoppers think of me when I’m in the store, and I worry about what my family thinks of me when we get together. I’ve started to wonder, is it pride that makes me worry about all of this? Wanting to look good, and wanting others to think well of me? In 1 Peter 5, we read about pride and anxiety—and the two seem to be linked here, just like they are in my own life. It says, “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (verses 5-7). We’re called to be humble because God is not a fan of pride. Pride keeps us focused on ourselves instead of on God, and pride can easily turn into anxiety when we realize we fall short. But, once we know Jesus, we’re given a new identity in Him, so we don’t have to fear what others think of us. And, as His Spirit transforms us, He helps us repent of pride and grow in humility. When we are humble, we’re trusting God will lift us up and put us in a good position at the right time, and when Jesus returns, we’ll share in His glory. While I concern myself with trying to make sure that I don’t fail and trying to look good in front of others, God asks that I just be humble. He wants to carry my anxieties for me, and He is always looking out for me. • Emily Acker • It’s easy to worry about how others see us and try to figure out how we can impress them, whether with our lifestyle, accomplishments, humor, appearance, etc. But when we put our trust in Jesus, we receive a new identity: we are forgiven children of God, and we don’t need to try to impress Him or anyone else. We know we’re not perfect—that we desperately need Jesus every moment—and that’s okay, because He loves us. How could this kind of humility be freeing? • Jesus shows us what true humility looks like. Jesus is God the Son, yet He “made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant…he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:7-8). Jesus died for us, and then He rose again so we could be saved from sin and death. How can looking at Jesus help us walk in humility? “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 14:11 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 10:4; MATTHEW 11:28-30; PHILIPPIANS 2:5-13; 1 PETER 5:5-7 One of the things that gives me the greatest anxiety in life is thinking about what others think of me. I worry about what the other shoppers think of me when I’m in the store, and I worry about what my family thinks of me when we get together. I’ve started to wonder, is it pride that makes me worry about all of this? Wanting to look good, and wanting others to think well of me? In 1 Peter 5, we read about pride and anxiety—and the two seem to be linked here, just like they are in my own life. It says, “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (verses 5-7). We’re called to be humble because God is not a fan of pride. Pride keeps us focused on ourselves instead of on God, and pride can easily turn into anxiety when we realize we fall short. But, once we know Jesus, we’re given a new identity in Him, so we don’t have to fear what others think of us. And, as His Spirit transforms us, He helps us repent of pride and grow in humility. When we are humble, we’re trusting God will lift us up and put us in a good position at the right time, and when Jesus returns, we’ll share in His glory. While I concern myself with trying to make sure that I don’t fail and trying to look good in front of others, God asks that I just be humble. He wants to carry my anxieties for me, and He is always looking out for me. • Emily Acker • It’s easy to worry about how others see us and try to figure out how we can impress them, whether with our lifestyle, accomplishments, humor, appearance, etc. But when we put our trust in Jesus, we receive a new identity: we are forgiven children of God, and we don’t need to try to impress Him or anyone else. We know we’re not perfect—that we desperately need Jesus every moment—and that’s okay, because He loves us. How could this kind of humility be freeing? • Jesus shows us what true humility looks like. Jesus is God the Son, yet He “made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant…he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:7-8). Jesus died for us, and then He rose again so we could be saved from sin and death. How can looking at Jesus help us walk in humility? “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 14:11 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 10:4; MATTHEW 11:28-30; PHILIPPIANS 2:5-13; 1 PETER 5:5-7 One of the things that gives me the greatest anxiety in life is thinking about what others think of me. I worry about what the other shoppers think of me when I’m in the store, and I worry about what my family thinks of me when we get together. I’ve started to wonder, is it pride that makes me worry about all of this? Wanting to look good, and wanting others to think well of me? In 1 Peter 5, we read about pride and anxiety—and the two seem to be linked here, just like they are in my own life. It says, “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (verses 5-7). We’re called to be humble because God is not a fan of pride. Pride keeps us focused on ourselves instead of on God, and pride can easily turn into anxiety when we realize we fall short. But, once we know Jesus, we’re given a new identity in Him, so we don’t have to fear what others think of us. And, as His Spirit transforms us, He helps us repent of pride and grow in humility. When we are humble, we’re trusting God will lift us up and put us in a good position at the right time, and when Jesus returns, we’ll share in His glory. While I concern myself with trying to make sure that I don’t fail and trying to look good in front of others, God asks that I just be humble. He wants to carry my anxieties for me, and He is always looking out for me. • Emily Acker • It’s easy to worry about how others see us and try to figure out how we can impress them, whether with our lifestyle, accomplishments, humor, appearance, etc. But when we put our trust in Jesus, we receive a new identity: we are forgiven children of God, and we don’t need to try to impress Him or anyone else. We know we’re not perfect—that we desperately need Jesus every moment—and that’s okay, because He loves us. How could this kind of humility be freeing? • Jesus shows us what true humility looks like. Jesus is God the Son, yet He “made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant…he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:7-8). Jesus died for us, and then He rose again so we could be saved from sin and death. How can looking at Jesus help us walk in humility? “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 14:11 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 19:9-10; JOHN 1:1-5, 15; LUKE 4:14-21; HEBREWS 4:12 Of all the things I learned at Bible college, the most important thing I learned was from Dr. Kroeze. In every class, Dr. Kroeze’s excitement for the Bible was contagious. As he talked about the Scriptures, he would bounce up and down on his toes, close his eyes and gesture with his hands, and sometimes take off his glasses and spin them. Most classes ended a bit late because he never wanted to skip any detail. In fact, he got so caught up in teaching the Word that he’d never have time to finish everything he wanted to cover. I don’t think we ever completed the syllabus. But that’s okay, because the most important thing Dr. Kroeze taught me was how to love the Bible. He spoke with such wonder, affection, and excitement about Scripture that I couldn’t help but fall in love with it. If you’ve grown up in the church, it’s easy for the stories in the Bible to become just that—stories. We can forget that these were real things that happened to real people engaging with a real God. But when we approach Scripture with childlike wonder and curiosity, letting ourselves get swept up in the drama of the story instead of only ever pursuing the exact correct theological interpretation of every little detail, we get a fresh taste of who God is. Don’t get me wrong—I love theology! And pursuing solid Biblical interpretation and sound doctrine are vital to the Christian faith. But sometimes we get so bogged down in the details that we miss the beauty of the larger story. We miss out on beholding the divine mystery of grace. Scripture tells the story of God’s ridiculous, never-ending love for us, and His pursuit of His people through hundreds of generations. This pursuit culminates in God taking on human flesh in Jesus, walking among the people He’d been pursuing for thousands of years, teaching them the true meaning of the Scriptures they had been studying for generations, embodying God’s own presence with them, then being killed by Jewish authorities on a Roman cross, only to resurrect from the dead three days later and then ascend into heaven. All because He loves us. I think that’s what made Dr. Kroeze fall in love with the Bible. It tells the story of Jesus, who loves us enough to lay down His life for us, who is powerful enough to rise from the dead, and who promises to raise us from the dead and give us eternal life when He returns. And that’s a story worth listening to. • Taylor Eising • What part of the Bible captivates your attention? Why is that? “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my [Jesus’s] words will never pass away.” Matthew 24:35 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 19:9-10; JOHN 1:1-5, 15; LUKE 4:14-21; HEBREWS 4:12 Of all the things I learned at Bible college, the most important thing I learned was from Dr. Kroeze. In every class, Dr. Kroeze’s excitement for the Bible was contagious. As he talked about the Scriptures, he would bounce up and down on his toes, close his eyes and gesture with his hands, and sometimes take off his glasses and spin them. Most classes ended a bit late because he never wanted to skip any detail. In fact, he got so caught up in teaching the Word that he’d never have time to finish everything he wanted to cover. I don’t think we ever completed the syllabus. But that’s okay, because the most important thing Dr. Kroeze taught me was how to love the Bible. He spoke with such wonder, affection, and excitement about Scripture that I couldn’t help but fall in love with it. If you’ve grown up in the church, it’s easy for the stories in the Bible to become just that—stories. We can forget that these were real things that happened to real people engaging with a real God. But when we approach Scripture with childlike wonder and curiosity, letting ourselves get swept up in the drama of the story instead of only ever pursuing the exact correct theological interpretation of every little detail, we get a fresh taste of who God is. Don’t get me wrong—I love theology! And pursuing solid Biblical interpretation and sound doctrine are vital to the Christian faith. But sometimes we get so bogged down in the details that we miss the beauty of the larger story. We miss out on beholding the divine mystery of grace. Scripture tells the story of God’s ridiculous, never-ending love for us, and His pursuit of His people through hundreds of generations. This pursuit culminates in God taking on human flesh in Jesus, walking among the people He’d been pursuing for thousands of years, teaching them the true meaning of the Scriptures they had been studying for generations, embodying God’s own presence with them, then being killed by Jewish authorities on a Roman cross, only to resurrect from the dead three days later and then ascend into heaven. All because He loves us. I think that’s what made Dr. Kroeze fall in love with the Bible. It tells the story of Jesus, who loves us enough to lay down His life for us, who is powerful enough to rise from the dead, and who promises to raise us from the dead and give us eternal life when He returns. And that’s a story worth listening to. • Taylor Eising • What part of the Bible captivates your attention? Why is that? “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my [Jesus’s] words will never pass away.” Matthew 24:35 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 19:9-10; JOHN 1:1-5, 15; LUKE 4:14-21; HEBREWS 4:12 Of all the things I learned at Bible college, the most important thing I learned was from Dr. Kroeze. In every class, Dr. Kroeze’s excitement for the Bible was contagious. As he talked about the Scriptures, he would bounce up and down on his toes, close his eyes and gesture with his hands, and sometimes take off his glasses and spin them. Most classes ended a bit late because he never wanted to skip any detail. In fact, he got so caught up in teaching the Word that he’d never have time to finish everything he wanted to cover. I don’t think we ever completed the syllabus. But that’s okay, because the most important thing Dr. Kroeze taught me was how to love the Bible. He spoke with such wonder, affection, and excitement about Scripture that I couldn’t help but fall in love with it. If you’ve grown up in the church, it’s easy for the stories in the Bible to become just that—stories. We can forget that these were real things that happened to real people engaging with a real God. But when we approach Scripture with childlike wonder and curiosity, letting ourselves get swept up in the drama of the story instead of only ever pursuing the exact correct theological interpretation of every little detail, we get a fresh taste of who God is. Don’t get me wrong—I love theology! And pursuing solid Biblical interpretation and sound doctrine are vital to the Christian faith. But sometimes we get so bogged down in the details that we miss the beauty of the larger story. We miss out on beholding the divine mystery of grace. Scripture tells the story of God’s ridiculous, never-ending love for us, and His pursuit of His people through hundreds of generations. This pursuit culminates in God taking on human flesh in Jesus, walking among the people He’d been pursuing for thousands of years, teaching them the true meaning of the Scriptures they had been studying for generations, embodying God’s own presence with them, then being killed by Jewish authorities on a Roman cross, only to resurrect from the dead three days later and then ascend into heaven. All because He loves us. I think that’s what made Dr. Kroeze fall in love with the Bible. It tells the story of Jesus, who loves us enough to lay down His life for us, who is powerful enough to rise from the dead, and who promises to raise us from the dead and give us eternal life when He returns. And that’s a story worth listening to. • Taylor Eising • What part of the Bible captivates your attention? Why is that? “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my [Jesus’s] words will never pass away.” Matthew 24:35 (NIV) 

READ: MATTHEW 7:1-5; ROMANS 8:1; JAMES 3 Yesterday, we talked about how the little habits we maintain as Christians can make a big difference. I shared the story of how I forgot to post information online prior to an important meeting at work—a responsibility that previously hadn’t felt all that important. After the meeting, I found myself trying to justify why I hadn’t uploaded the agenda. Generally, someone else sends it to me, then I upload it. So, I went through my emails to see if the agenda had ever been given to me. I saw that I had requested it, never received it. But that was months ago. It was my job to keep track of what was or wasn’t posted, and it was my responsibility to reach out to this individual and follow up with them. I’d had plenty of time. At work the next day, it took everything in me not to pin the blame on this person. And while maybe I shouldn’t take on all the responsibility for this error, it was in the end, mine. As Christians, taking ownership of our thoughts, words, and actions is huge. In Matthew 7:3-5, Jesus warns us against calling out other people’s faults but ignoring our own. Similarly, the book of James talks at great length about the impact of our words and deeds on other people who are made in the image of God. As Christians, we are called and empowered to walk with integrity and represent Christ well. Part of that is owning up to our mistakes and sins. But taking ownership doesn’t just apply to our interactions with people. Taking ownership for our sin is a massive part of salvation. When we accept Jesus’s gift of forgiveness and become a Christian, we are admitting that, apart from Him, we are sinful people. And as we grow in our relationship with Jesus, He calls us to be open with Him about all our mistakes and sins, along with all our frustrations and hopes. As we yield to the Holy Spirit, He works in us, transforming us to become more and more like Christ and grow in His love. • Natty Maelle • A big part of ownership is accountability. We all make mistakes, and we all sin. It’s tempting to not own up to what we’ve done—or worse, let someone else take the blame for it—and that’s why it’s important to have people in our lives who can hold us accountable. Who is a trusted Christian you can be honest with, especially when you’re struggling? Consider asking them to help you grow, check in on you to ask how certain problems are going, pray with you, etc. • Have you received Jesus’s gift of freedom from sin? Carrying around sin can be incredibly heavy—especially when guilt gets involved. You can give all that to Jesus today. He died on the cross, taking all of that sin on Himself, and then He rose again, cancelling it all out ("Know Jesus" page). Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other. James 5:16 (NIV) 

READ: MATTHEW 7:1-5; ROMANS 8:1; JAMES 3 Yesterday, we talked about how the little habits we maintain as Christians can make a big difference. I shared the story of how I forgot to post information online prior to an important meeting at work—a responsibility that previously hadn’t felt all that important. After the meeting, I found myself trying to justify why I hadn’t uploaded the agenda. Generally, someone else sends it to me, then I upload it. So, I went through my emails to see if the agenda had ever been given to me. I saw that I had requested it, never received it. But that was months ago. It was my job to keep track of what was or wasn’t posted, and it was my responsibility to reach out to this individual and follow up with them. I’d had plenty of time. At work the next day, it took everything in me not to pin the blame on this person. And while maybe I shouldn’t take on all the responsibility for this error, it was in the end, mine. As Christians, taking ownership of our thoughts, words, and actions is huge. In Matthew 7:3-5, Jesus warns us against calling out other people’s faults but ignoring our own. Similarly, the book of James talks at great length about the impact of our words and deeds on other people who are made in the image of God. As Christians, we are called and empowered to walk with integrity and represent Christ well. Part of that is owning up to our mistakes and sins. But taking ownership doesn’t just apply to our interactions with people. Taking ownership for our sin is a massive part of salvation. When we accept Jesus’s gift of forgiveness and become a Christian, we are admitting that, apart from Him, we are sinful people. And as we grow in our relationship with Jesus, He calls us to be open with Him about all our mistakes and sins, along with all our frustrations and hopes. As we yield to the Holy Spirit, He works in us, transforming us to become more and more like Christ and grow in His love. • Natty Maelle • A big part of ownership is accountability. We all make mistakes, and we all sin. It’s tempting to not own up to what we’ve done—or worse, let someone else take the blame for it—and that’s why it’s important to have people in our lives who can hold us accountable. Who is a trusted Christian you can be honest with, especially when you’re struggling? Consider asking them to help you grow, check in on you to ask how certain problems are going, pray with you, etc. • Have you received Jesus’s gift of freedom from sin? Carrying around sin can be incredibly heavy—especially when guilt gets involved. You can give all that to Jesus today. He died on the cross, taking all of that sin on Himself, and then He rose again, cancelling it all out (“Know Jesus” page). Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other. James 5:16 (NIV) 

READ: MATTHEW 7:1-5; ROMANS 8:1; JAMES 3 Yesterday, we talked about how the little habits we maintain as Christians can make a big difference. I shared the story of how I forgot to post information online prior to an important meeting at work—a responsibility that previously hadn’t felt all that important. After the meeting, I found myself trying to justify why I hadn’t uploaded the agenda. Generally, someone else sends it to me, then I upload it. So, I went through my emails to see if the agenda had ever been given to me. I saw that I had requested it, never received it. But that was months ago. It was my job to keep track of what was or wasn’t posted, and it was my responsibility to reach out to this individual and follow up with them. I’d had plenty of time. At work the next day, it took everything in me not to pin the blame on this person. And while maybe I shouldn’t take on all the responsibility for this error, it was in the end, mine. As Christians, taking ownership of our thoughts, words, and actions is huge. In Matthew 7:3-5, Jesus warns us against calling out other people’s faults but ignoring our own. Similarly, the book of James talks at great length about the impact of our words and deeds on other people who are made in the image of God. As Christians, we are called and empowered to walk with integrity and represent Christ well. Part of that is owning up to our mistakes and sins. But taking ownership doesn’t just apply to our interactions with people. Taking ownership for our sin is a massive part of salvation. When we accept Jesus’s gift of forgiveness and become a Christian, we are admitting that, apart from Him, we are sinful people. And as we grow in our relationship with Jesus, He calls us to be open with Him about all our mistakes and sins, along with all our frustrations and hopes. As we yield to the Holy Spirit, He works in us, transforming us to become more and more like Christ and grow in His love. • Natty Maelle • A big part of ownership is accountability. We all make mistakes, and we all sin. It’s tempting to not own up to what we’ve done—or worse, let someone else take the blame for it—and that’s why it’s important to have people in our lives who can hold us accountable. Who is a trusted Christian you can be honest with, especially when you’re struggling? Consider asking them to help you grow, check in on you to ask how certain problems are going, pray with you, etc. • Have you received Jesus’s gift of freedom from sin? Carrying around sin can be incredibly heavy—especially when guilt gets involved. You can give all that to Jesus today. He died on the cross, taking all of that sin on Himself, and then He rose again, cancelling it all out (“Know Jesus” page). Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other. James 5:16 (NIV) 

READ: 1 CORINTHIANS 15:55-58; HEBREWS 10:24-25; JAMES 2:14-26 Do you have a responsibility that feels like it doesn’t matter? Part of my job is updating the township’s website. When we have public meetings, I upload what are called agendas (which describe the meeting’s subject matter) to the website. Not a big deal, right? Well one day, we had a board meeting where a very hot topic was being discussed. Citizens were up in arms, and what is usually a very relaxed meeting turned into a mess of questions and claims. I attend the meetings to learn about and be involved in the community. I don’t have to say or do anything. So, you can understand my shock when all of a sudden someone says, “We didn’t know this whole issue was happening because the agenda wasn’t posted on the website.” Suddenly, I felt just as involved in this issue as the board members everyone was frustrated with. Was my not uploading the agenda a criminal offence? No. But the fact that I didn’t complete my “small” responsibility was adding gasoline to an already fiery flame. Sometimes, as Christians, there are things that we feel aren’t a big deal. Do I really have to read my Bible? Do I really have to go to church? And while there isn’t a set of requirements for being a Christian—other than repenting of our sins and receiving God’s forgiveness through faith in Jesus—there are some things that are good for us to be part of. It’s good to read the Bible because it gives God more opportunities to speak to us. It’s good to go to church gatherings because it’s good to be with other believers, encouraging one another, worshipping God together, and learning more about Him. It’s even good just to pray before a meal because it helps us practice thankfulness. And, just like my little responsibility of posting the agenda, we might discover that those little habits make a bigger difference than we expected. • Natty Maelle • Is there a particular Christian habit you’d like to do more? Maybe practicing silence, or prayer, or thankfulness? Sometimes, we don’t make something a priority because we don’t KNOW what the Bible says about it. On the other hand, have you ever tried to work on different habits or responsibilities and just ended up getting discouraged and giving up? You’re not alone. We’ve all done that. And Jesus is still with us—He knows we can’t follow Him in our own strength, and He is eager to help us through His Spirit, His Word, and His people. Who are trusted Christians who can help you dig into what the Bible says about certain topics, discern how Jesus might be inviting you to follow Him in your daily life, and encourage you when things get difficult? …stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV) 

READ: 1 CORINTHIANS 15:55-58; HEBREWS 10:24-25; JAMES 2:14-26 Do you have a responsibility that feels like it doesn’t matter? Part of my job is updating the township’s website. When we have public meetings, I upload what are called agendas (which describe the meeting’s subject matter) to the website. Not a big deal, right? Well one day, we had a board meeting where a very hot topic was being discussed. Citizens were up in arms, and what is usually a very relaxed meeting turned into a mess of questions and claims. I attend the meetings to learn about and be involved in the community. I don’t have to say or do anything. So, you can understand my shock when all of a sudden someone says, “We didn’t know this whole issue was happening because the agenda wasn’t posted on the website.” Suddenly, I felt just as involved in this issue as the board members everyone was frustrated with. Was my not uploading the agenda a criminal offence? No. But the fact that I didn’t complete my “small” responsibility was adding gasoline to an already fiery flame. Sometimes, as Christians, there are things that we feel aren’t a big deal. Do I really have to read my Bible? Do I really have to go to church? And while there isn’t a set of requirements for being a Christian—other than repenting of our sins and receiving God’s forgiveness through faith in Jesus—there are some things that are good for us to be part of. It’s good to read the Bible because it gives God more opportunities to speak to us. It’s good to go to church gatherings because it’s good to be with other believers, encouraging one another, worshipping God together, and learning more about Him. It’s even good just to pray before a meal because it helps us practice thankfulness. And, just like my little responsibility of posting the agenda, we might discover that those little habits make a bigger difference than we expected. • Natty Maelle • Is there a particular Christian habit you’d like to do more? Maybe practicing silence, or prayer, or thankfulness? Sometimes, we don’t make something a priority because we don’t KNOW what the Bible says about it. On the other hand, have you ever tried to work on different habits or responsibilities and just ended up getting discouraged and giving up? You’re not alone. We’ve all done that. And Jesus is still with us—He knows we can’t follow Him in our own strength, and He is eager to help us through His Spirit, His Word, and His people. Who are trusted Christians who can help you dig into what the Bible says about certain topics, discern how Jesus might be inviting you to follow Him in your daily life, and encourage you when things get difficult? …stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV) 

READ: 1 CORINTHIANS 15:55-58; HEBREWS 10:24-25; JAMES 2:14-26 Do you have a responsibility that feels like it doesn’t matter? Part of my job is updating the township’s website. When we have public meetings, I upload what are called agendas (which describe the meeting’s subject matter) to the website. Not a big deal, right? Well one day, we had a board meeting where a very hot topic was being discussed. Citizens were up in arms, and what is usually a very relaxed meeting turned into a mess of questions and claims. I attend the meetings to learn about and be involved in the community. I don’t have to say or do anything. So, you can understand my shock when all of a sudden someone says, “We didn’t know this whole issue was happening because the agenda wasn’t posted on the website.” Suddenly, I felt just as involved in this issue as the board members everyone was frustrated with. Was my not uploading the agenda a criminal offence? No. But the fact that I didn’t complete my “small” responsibility was adding gasoline to an already fiery flame. Sometimes, as Christians, there are things that we feel aren’t a big deal. Do I really have to read my Bible? Do I really have to go to church? And while there isn’t a set of requirements for being a Christian—other than repenting of our sins and receiving God’s forgiveness through faith in Jesus—there are some things that are good for us to be part of. It’s good to read the Bible because it gives God more opportunities to speak to us. It’s good to go to church gatherings because it’s good to be with other believers, encouraging one another, worshipping God together, and learning more about Him. It’s even good just to pray before a meal because it helps us practice thankfulness. And, just like my little responsibility of posting the agenda, we might discover that those little habits make a bigger difference than we expected. • Natty Maelle • Is there a particular Christian habit you’d like to do more? Maybe practicing silence, or prayer, or thankfulness? Sometimes, we don’t make something a priority because we don’t KNOW what the Bible says about it. On the other hand, have you ever tried to work on different habits or responsibilities and just ended up getting discouraged and giving up? You’re not alone. We’ve all done that. And Jesus is still with us—He knows we can’t follow Him in our own strength, and He is eager to help us through His Spirit, His Word, and His people. Who are trusted Christians who can help you dig into what the Bible says about certain topics, discern how Jesus might be inviting you to follow Him in your daily life, and encourage you when things get difficult? …stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV) 

READ: LUKE 15:1-3, 11-32 Life can be tough, and we all make mistakes, but one thing that remains constant is God’s mercy. In moments of doubt, fear, or guilt, we often forget just how merciful our heavenly Father is. So, let’s dive into this wonderful aspect of God’s character and reflect on the question: Isn’t it merciful? What even is mercy anyway? Mercy is often defined as compassion or forgiveness shown by someone in a position of power toward someone who deserves punishment. In essence, it’s about withholding punishment or offering kindness when it’s not deserved. We all sin, and we all fall short of God’s glory— however, God’s mercy is abundant (Romans 3:23-24). Remember this: God’s mercy is unfailing. It’s not based on what we do or don’t do; it’s a gift freely given (Ephesians 2:1-10; Titus 3:3-7). And Lamentations 3:22-23 tells us that God’s mercies are new every morning. No matter how many times we stumble or fall, God’s mercy is there to pick us up and set us on the right path. But, humans are imperfect. You may sometimes feel overwhelmed by your own imperfections. You might worry about falling short of expectations, not just from others but also from yourself. But remember, God knows your weaknesses, and His mercy is tailor-made for your imperfections (Hebrews 4:14-16). He knows all your flaws, and He loves you anyway. He loves you so much that He sent His only Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for you so that you can be forgiven and dwell with Him for eternity (1 Peter 1:3-9). So, we can now live out God’s mercy. God’s mercy isn’t just for us to receive; it’s also for us to extend to others (Colossians 3:12). We have opportunities every day to show mercy to our friends, family, and people we interact with at school, work, church, the grocery store, etc. By offering forgiveness and compassion, we can be living examples of God’s mercy. So, let’s revisit the question: Isn’t it merciful? Yes, God’s mercy is a gift that keeps on giving, and it’s available to us every day! We are loved and cherished, imperfections and all. And as we carry the awareness of God’s mercy in our hearts, it shines through our actions toward others. God is always ready to forgive and heal, to welcome us with open arms. • Matthew Shumway • Can you think of a time someone showed you mercy? What was that like? • In Jesus’s parable (or symbolic story) in Luke 15, what do you notice about God’s mercy? The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. Lamentations 3:22-23 (NLT)  

READ: LUKE 15:1-3, 11-32 Life can be tough, and we all make mistakes, but one thing that remains constant is God’s mercy. In moments of doubt, fear, or guilt, we often forget just how merciful our heavenly Father is. So, let’s dive into this wonderful aspect of God’s character and reflect on the question: Isn’t it merciful? What even is mercy anyway? Mercy is often defined as compassion or forgiveness shown by someone in a position of power toward someone who deserves punishment. In essence, it’s about withholding punishment or offering kindness when it’s not deserved. We all sin, and we all fall short of God’s glory— however, God’s mercy is abundant (Romans 3:23-24). Remember this: God’s mercy is unfailing. It’s not based on what we do or don’t do; it’s a gift freely given (Ephesians 2:1-10; Titus 3:3-7). And Lamentations 3:22-23 tells us that God’s mercies are new every morning. No matter how many times we stumble or fall, God’s mercy is there to pick us up and set us on the right path. But, humans are imperfect. You may sometimes feel overwhelmed by your own imperfections. You might worry about falling short of expectations, not just from others but also from yourself. But remember, God knows your weaknesses, and His mercy is tailor-made for your imperfections (Hebrews 4:14-16). He knows all your flaws, and He loves you anyway. He loves you so much that He sent His only Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for you so that you can be forgiven and dwell with Him for eternity (1 Peter 1:3-9). So, we can now live out God’s mercy. God’s mercy isn’t just for us to receive; it’s also for us to extend to others (Colossians 3:12). We have opportunities every day to show mercy to our friends, family, and people we interact with at school, work, church, the grocery store, etc. By offering forgiveness and compassion, we can be living examples of God’s mercy. So, let’s revisit the question: Isn’t it merciful? Yes, God’s mercy is a gift that keeps on giving, and it’s available to us every day! We are loved and cherished, imperfections and all. And as we carry the awareness of God’s mercy in our hearts, it shines through our actions toward others. God is always ready to forgive and heal, to welcome us with open arms. • Matthew Shumway • Can you think of a time someone showed you mercy? What was that like? • In Jesus’s parable (or symbolic story) in Luke 15, what do you notice about God’s mercy? The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. Lamentations 3:22-23 (NLT)  

READ: LUKE 15:1-3, 11-32 Life can be tough, and we all make mistakes, but one thing that remains constant is God’s mercy. In moments of doubt, fear, or guilt, we often forget just how merciful our heavenly Father is. So, let’s dive into this wonderful aspect of God’s character and reflect on the question: Isn’t it merciful? What even is mercy anyway? Mercy is often defined as compassion or forgiveness shown by someone in a position of power toward someone who deserves punishment. In essence, it’s about withholding punishment or offering kindness when it’s not deserved. We all sin, and we all fall short of God’s glory— however, God’s mercy is abundant (Romans 3:23-24). Remember this: God’s mercy is unfailing. It’s not based on what we do or don’t do; it’s a gift freely given (Ephesians 2:1-10; Titus 3:3-7). And Lamentations 3:22-23 tells us that God’s mercies are new every morning. No matter how many times we stumble or fall, God’s mercy is there to pick us up and set us on the right path. But, humans are imperfect. You may sometimes feel overwhelmed by your own imperfections. You might worry about falling short of expectations, not just from others but also from yourself. But remember, God knows your weaknesses, and His mercy is tailor-made for your imperfections (Hebrews 4:14-16). He knows all your flaws, and He loves you anyway. He loves you so much that He sent His only Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for you so that you can be forgiven and dwell with Him for eternity (1 Peter 1:3-9). So, we can now live out God’s mercy. God’s mercy isn’t just for us to receive; it’s also for us to extend to others (Colossians 3:12). We have opportunities every day to show mercy to our friends, family, and people we interact with at school, work, church, the grocery store, etc. By offering forgiveness and compassion, we can be living examples of God’s mercy. So, let’s revisit the question: Isn’t it merciful? Yes, God’s mercy is a gift that keeps on giving, and it’s available to us every day! We are loved and cherished, imperfections and all. And as we carry the awareness of God’s mercy in our hearts, it shines through our actions toward others. God is always ready to forgive and heal, to welcome us with open arms. • Matthew Shumway • Can you think of a time someone showed you mercy? What was that like? • In Jesus’s parable (or symbolic story) in Luke 15, what do you notice about God’s mercy? The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. Lamentations 3:22-23 (NLT)  

READ: EPHESIANS 4:20-24; COLOSSIANS 3:8-14; HEBREWS 10:10-14 Have you ever seen a lizard shed their skin? Chameleons, for example, shed their skin whenever they get too big for it. Unlike humans, their skin doesn’t grow with them. So, when they get too big, they need to shed their smaller, ill-fitting skin and grow new skin. As Christians, we’re called to shed our old, sinful habits. Things like lying, cheating, and gossiping no longer fit us because Jesus has saved us from sin and given us a new life. Just like a chameleon puts on new skin, we need to put on new, godly characteristics that fit who we are as God’s children—things like kindness, patience, and humility. The Bible tells us that Christians take off the old self and put on the new self—the person Jesus has created us to be. And the only way to do this is through the Holy Spirit. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, believing in His death and resurrection, the Holy Spirit lives in us, helping us turn away from sin and live in God’s good ways instead. We can be confident that Jesus has given us new life once we trust Him as our Savior. Then, we can celebrate that He has made us new people! That means our old, sinful ways no longer fit who we are because He has freed us from sin and given us His Spirit. It’s time to shed those old, sinful habits by seeing ourselves as new people, dead to sin and alive in the Holy Spirit because of what Jesus has done for us (Romans 6:11). Then, others can see the new people Jesus has created us to be—people who are like Him, filled with His kindness and love. • A. W. Smith • If you know Jesus, how have you seen evidence of God transforming you into a new person? How have you seen the Holy Spirit producing good fruit in your life (Galatians 5:22-23)? Consider taking a moment to thank God for this! (For more about trusting Jesus, see our "Know Jesus" page.) • What old, sinful habits do you still struggle to shed? Sometimes, these will be lifelong struggles, but we’re not alone. Jesus loves us completely, and He has already secured our forgiveness through His own death and resurrection. He invites us to come to Him in our weakness and receive His strength (1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Hebrews 4:14-16). Consider taking some time in prayer, bringing your struggles to Jesus and thanking Him for His forgiveness. You can ask Him to help you shed these sins and walk forward in His good ways. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Colossians 3:9-10 (NIV) 

READ: EPHESIANS 4:20-24; COLOSSIANS 3:8-14; HEBREWS 10:10-14 Have you ever seen a lizard shed their skin? Chameleons, for example, shed their skin whenever they get too big for it. Unlike humans, their skin doesn’t grow with them. So, when they get too big, they need to shed their smaller, ill-fitting skin and grow new skin. As Christians, we’re called to shed our old, sinful habits. Things like lying, cheating, and gossiping no longer fit us because Jesus has saved us from sin and given us a new life. Just like a chameleon puts on new skin, we need to put on new, godly characteristics that fit who we are as God’s children—things like kindness, patience, and humility. The Bible tells us that Christians take off the old self and put on the new self—the person Jesus has created us to be. And the only way to do this is through the Holy Spirit. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, believing in His death and resurrection, the Holy Spirit lives in us, helping us turn away from sin and live in God’s good ways instead. We can be confident that Jesus has given us new life once we trust Him as our Savior. Then, we can celebrate that He has made us new people! That means our old, sinful ways no longer fit who we are because He has freed us from sin and given us His Spirit. It’s time to shed those old, sinful habits by seeing ourselves as new people, dead to sin and alive in the Holy Spirit because of what Jesus has done for us (Romans 6:11). Then, others can see the new people Jesus has created us to be—people who are like Him, filled with His kindness and love. • A. W. Smith • If you know Jesus, how have you seen evidence of God transforming you into a new person? How have you seen the Holy Spirit producing good fruit in your life (Galatians 5:22-23)? Consider taking a moment to thank God for this! (For more about trusting Jesus, see our “Know Jesus” page.) • What old, sinful habits do you still struggle to shed? Sometimes, these will be lifelong struggles, but we’re not alone. Jesus loves us completely, and He has already secured our forgiveness through His own death and resurrection. He invites us to come to Him in our weakness and receive His strength (1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Hebrews 4:14-16). Consider taking some time in prayer, bringing your struggles to Jesus and thanking Him for His forgiveness. You can ask Him to help you shed these sins and walk forward in His good ways. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Colossians 3:9-10 (NIV) 

READ: EPHESIANS 4:20-24; COLOSSIANS 3:8-14; HEBREWS 10:10-14 Have you ever seen a lizard shed their skin? Chameleons, for example, shed their skin whenever they get too big for it. Unlike humans, their skin doesn’t grow with them. So, when they get too big, they need to shed their smaller, ill-fitting skin and grow new skin. As Christians, we’re called to shed our old, sinful habits. Things like lying, cheating, and gossiping no longer fit us because Jesus has saved us from sin and given us a new life. Just like a chameleon puts on new skin, we need to put on new, godly characteristics that fit who we are as God’s children—things like kindness, patience, and humility. The Bible tells us that Christians take off the old self and put on the new self—the person Jesus has created us to be. And the only way to do this is through the Holy Spirit. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, believing in His death and resurrection, the Holy Spirit lives in us, helping us turn away from sin and live in God’s good ways instead. We can be confident that Jesus has given us new life once we trust Him as our Savior. Then, we can celebrate that He has made us new people! That means our old, sinful ways no longer fit who we are because He has freed us from sin and given us His Spirit. It’s time to shed those old, sinful habits by seeing ourselves as new people, dead to sin and alive in the Holy Spirit because of what Jesus has done for us (Romans 6:11). Then, others can see the new people Jesus has created us to be—people who are like Him, filled with His kindness and love. • A. W. Smith • If you know Jesus, how have you seen evidence of God transforming you into a new person? How have you seen the Holy Spirit producing good fruit in your life (Galatians 5:22-23)? Consider taking a moment to thank God for this! (For more about trusting Jesus, see our “Know Jesus” page.) • What old, sinful habits do you still struggle to shed? Sometimes, these will be lifelong struggles, but we’re not alone. Jesus loves us completely, and He has already secured our forgiveness through His own death and resurrection. He invites us to come to Him in our weakness and receive His strength (1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Hebrews 4:14-16). Consider taking some time in prayer, bringing your struggles to Jesus and thanking Him for His forgiveness. You can ask Him to help you shed these sins and walk forward in His good ways. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Colossians 3:9-10 (NIV) 

READ: LUKE 7:47; JOHN 15:9-15; 1 JOHN 4:19 I don’t know if anyone knows how difficult life is for me, living at the edge of our village. I lost my family long ago and all I can do is spend each day looking for some argoine—the substance we must eat to survive on this planet. I wake up early in the morning and my body aches. I spent all day yesterday walking around, trying to find the fuel I need to live a little longer. Most of the people around me have families; they help each other find what they need to survive. I open the door of my shelter and my eyes widen. There, on the ground, is the glowing red substance that is our food. Who would leave this here? I pull the argoine apart and devour it. Today will be easier. I can look for argoine for tomorrow, but what I have eaten is enough for today. Over the next few days, I wake to a gift each morning. Confused, I decide to stay up through the night and watch to see who is bringing this to me. Late in the night, I hear footsteps. I stand. “Who is it? Speak.” “It is me.” The voice is old. “I know what it is like to be alone, to search alone, and I have brought argoine for you.” I can barely see through the darkness, but I spot my nearest neighbor, a member of the village who has been here since before my family arrived on this planet. She struggles to walk. “Why would you bring it to me?” I ask. “It’s difficult for you even to look for it.” “It is difficult, yes,” she says. “But I have been sustained many days. I bring the extra to care for you.” “You could save it so you don’t have to go out each day,” I say. “Why would you give all that you have to me?” “Someone once gave their all for me,” she says. “That Someone completely changed my life. All I can do now is give to someone else.” • Emily Acker • Has someone ever surprised you by giving sacrificially? What was that like? • We love because Jesus first loved us (1 John 4:19), and because we know how much we’ve been forgiven (Luke 7:47). If you know Jesus, how has the gift that you received from Him—His life given for you—affected the way you live? (For more about knowing Jesus, see our "Know Jesus" page.) He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Romans 8:32 (NIV) 

READ: LUKE 7:47; JOHN 15:9-15; 1 JOHN 4:19 I don’t know if anyone knows how difficult life is for me, living at the edge of our village. I lost my family long ago and all I can do is spend each day looking for some argoine—the substance we must eat to survive on this planet. I wake up early in the morning and my body aches. I spent all day yesterday walking around, trying to find the fuel I need to live a little longer. Most of the people around me have families; they help each other find what they need to survive. I open the door of my shelter and my eyes widen. There, on the ground, is the glowing red substance that is our food. Who would leave this here? I pull the argoine apart and devour it. Today will be easier. I can look for argoine for tomorrow, but what I have eaten is enough for today. Over the next few days, I wake to a gift each morning. Confused, I decide to stay up through the night and watch to see who is bringing this to me. Late in the night, I hear footsteps. I stand. “Who is it? Speak.” “It is me.” The voice is old. “I know what it is like to be alone, to search alone, and I have brought argoine for you.” I can barely see through the darkness, but I spot my nearest neighbor, a member of the village who has been here since before my family arrived on this planet. She struggles to walk. “Why would you bring it to me?” I ask. “It’s difficult for you even to look for it.” “It is difficult, yes,” she says. “But I have been sustained many days. I bring the extra to care for you.” “You could save it so you don’t have to go out each day,” I say. “Why would you give all that you have to me?” “Someone once gave their all for me,” she says. “That Someone completely changed my life. All I can do now is give to someone else.” • Emily Acker • Has someone ever surprised you by giving sacrificially? What was that like? • We love because Jesus first loved us (1 John 4:19), and because we know how much we’ve been forgiven (Luke 7:47). If you know Jesus, how has the gift that you received from Him—His life given for you—affected the way you live? (For more about knowing Jesus, see our “Know Jesus” page.) He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Romans 8:32 (NIV) 

READ: LUKE 7:47; JOHN 15:9-15; 1 JOHN 4:19 I don’t know if anyone knows how difficult life is for me, living at the edge of our village. I lost my family long ago and all I can do is spend each day looking for some argoine—the substance we must eat to survive on this planet. I wake up early in the morning and my body aches. I spent all day yesterday walking around, trying to find the fuel I need to live a little longer. Most of the people around me have families; they help each other find what they need to survive. I open the door of my shelter and my eyes widen. There, on the ground, is the glowing red substance that is our food. Who would leave this here? I pull the argoine apart and devour it. Today will be easier. I can look for argoine for tomorrow, but what I have eaten is enough for today. Over the next few days, I wake to a gift each morning. Confused, I decide to stay up through the night and watch to see who is bringing this to me. Late in the night, I hear footsteps. I stand. “Who is it? Speak.” “It is me.” The voice is old. “I know what it is like to be alone, to search alone, and I have brought argoine for you.” I can barely see through the darkness, but I spot my nearest neighbor, a member of the village who has been here since before my family arrived on this planet. She struggles to walk. “Why would you bring it to me?” I ask. “It’s difficult for you even to look for it.” “It is difficult, yes,” she says. “But I have been sustained many days. I bring the extra to care for you.” “You could save it so you don’t have to go out each day,” I say. “Why would you give all that you have to me?” “Someone once gave their all for me,” she says. “That Someone completely changed my life. All I can do now is give to someone else.” • Emily Acker • Has someone ever surprised you by giving sacrificially? What was that like? • We love because Jesus first loved us (1 John 4:19), and because we know how much we’ve been forgiven (Luke 7:47). If you know Jesus, how has the gift that you received from Him—His life given for you—affected the way you live? (For more about knowing Jesus, see our “Know Jesus” page.) He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Romans 8:32 (NIV) 

READ: PSALMS 56:8; 62:5-8; ISAIAH 40:11; 43:1; 55:8-9 Waves roll wild across the lake With every roar my soul aches Grief and sorrow meld Like the waters foam and quake This pain and anger testify My heart is still awake The sharp intake of sobbing breath Pounding beat beneath my chest Alternating between sorrow and rage But still, my God, you know my name I don’t always understand Your ways Suffering and days of strain The laying of flowers on a grave I clench my fists My grip is tight But You uncurl my fingers Turn this darkness into light Like a child pounds her fists Against the chest of the one She knows best I will feel my grief But not forget Your complete faithfulness Your ways are so much higher And although I don’t agree I know that You’ll forever be The One who carries me Today I feel this sorrow Tomorrow, perhaps joy Always there is Your promise: I will never walk alone You bottle every tear that falls You will handle all this rage In You I am found and held And ever, always safe • Savannah Coleman • What emotions do you notice in this poem? Can you think of a time you felt those kinds of emotions? Do you feel that way today? Everyone goes through seasons of grief, pain, and suffering. Whether you are facing a diagnosis you didn’t see coming, missing a loved one who passed, or struggling with depression and anxiety, you are not alone.* God never promised us a life free from troubles, but He does promise His presence and peace (Exodus 33:14; John 16:33). And, He promises that one day Jesus will return and make all things new—then everyone who has put their trust in Jesus will live with Him forever, finally free of all suffering and sorrow (Revelation 21:1-5). What emotions do these promises stir up in you? • God created us with many emotions and the ability to express them. Instead of shutting these emotions down, we need to process our grief and anger with God. Remember, Jesus is “God with us” (Matthew 1:23), and He knows what it feels like to be human. He did not withhold Himself from any of the pain and sorrow of human life. He entered into it fully, ultimately suffering the agony of the cross so that He could be with us forever (Mark 14:32-36). But death could not keep its hold on Him—He rose again, defeating sin and death and darkness to save us. Nothing we could bring to Him could ever be too much. He already knows it all before we say a word, and He wants to shed His light on every dark place (Psalm 139; Ephesians 5:13-14). Have you ever tried to be open with Him about how you’re feeling? What was that like? • David wrote many psalms where you can feel his raw emotion bleeding through the pages. His honesty is refreshing and cathartic. Even as he pours out his heart and relays the tragic things that happen to him, he reminds himself to place his hope and trust in God and continue to pour out his heart to the One who loves him (Psalm 62:5-8). (If you want to dig deeper, you can read a few of David’s psalms for yourself: Psalms 31, 34, and 62.) Consider taking some time to let yourself be honest with God and pour out your heart to Him. • It can be difficult to give ourselves permission to feel the emotions God has given us, but God is eager to help us, and one of the primary ways He helps His people is through His people. Who is a trusted Christian you could talk with about what’s going on in your life and how you feel about it? • *If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or any other mental health concern, who is a trusted adult you could talk to? If you need someone to talk to, you can request a free conversation with Focus on the Family’s Counseling

READ: PSALMS 56:8; 62:5-8; ISAIAH 40:11; 43:1; 55:8-9 Waves roll wild across the lakeWith every roar my soul achesGrief and sorrow meldLike the waters foam and quakeThis pain and anger testifyMy heart is still awakeThe sharp intake of sobbing breathPounding beat beneath my chestAlternating between sorrow and rageBut still, my God, you know my nameI don’t always understand Your waysSuffering and days of strainThe laying of flowers on a graveI clench my fistsMy grip is tightBut You uncurl my fingersTurn this darkness into lightLike a child pounds her fistsAgainst the chest of the oneShe knows bestI will feel my griefBut not forgetYour complete faithfulnessYour ways are so much higherAnd although I don’t agreeI know that You’ll forever beThe One who carries meToday I feel this sorrowTomorrow, perhaps joyAlways there is Your promise:I will never walk aloneYou bottle every tear that fallsYou will handle all this rageIn You I am found and heldAnd ever, always safe • Savannah Coleman• What emotions do you notice in this poem? Can you think of a time you felt those kinds of emotions? Do you feel that way today? Everyone goes through seasons of grief, pain, and suffering. Whether you are facing a diagnosis you didn’t see coming, missing a loved one who passed, or struggling with depression and anxiety, you are not alone.* God never promised us a life free from troubles, but He does promise His presence and peace (Exodus 33:14; John 16:33). And, He promises that one day Jesus will return and make all things new—then everyone who has put their trust in Jesus will live with Him forever, finally free of all suffering and sorrow (Revelation 21:1-5). What emotions do these promises stir up in you? • God created us with many emotions and the ability to express them. Instead of shutting these emotions down, we need to process our grief and anger with God. Remember, Jesus is “God with us” (Matthew 1:23), and He knows what it feels like to be human. He did not withhold Himself from any of the pain and sorrow of human life. He entered into it fully, ultimately suffering the agony of the cross so that He could be with us forever (Mark 14:32-36). But death could not keep its hold on Him—He rose again, defeating sin and death and darkness to save us. Nothing we could bring to Him could ever be too much. He already knows it all before we say a word, and He wants to shed His light on every dark place (Psalm 139; Ephesians 5:13-14). Have you ever tried to be open with Him about how you’re feeling? What was that like? • David wrote many psalms where you can feel his raw emotion bleeding through the pages. His honesty is refreshing and cathartic. Even as he pours out his heart and relays the tragic things that happen to him, he reminds himself to place his hope and trust in God and continue to pour out his heart to the One who loves him (Psalm 62:5-8). (If you want to dig deeper, you can read a few of David’s psalms for yourself: Psalms 31, 34, and 62.) Consider taking some time to let yourself be honest with God and pour out your heart to Him. • It can be difficult to give ourselves permission to feel the emotions God has given us, but God is eager to help us, and one of the primary ways He helps His people is through His people. Who is a trusted Christian you could talk with about what’s going on in your life and how you feel about it? • *If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or any other mental health concern, who is a trusted adult you could talk to? If you need someone to talk to, you can...

READ: PSALMS 56:8; 62:5-8; ISAIAH 40:11; 43:1; 55:8-9 Waves roll wild across the lakeWith every roar my soul achesGrief and sorrow meldLike the waters foam and quakeThis pain and anger testifyMy heart is still awakeThe sharp intake of sobbing breathPounding beat beneath my chestAlternating between sorrow and rageBut still, my God, you know my nameI don’t always understand Your waysSuffering and days of strainThe laying of flowers on a graveI clench my fistsMy grip is tightBut You uncurl my fingersTurn this darkness into lightLike a child pounds her fistsAgainst the chest of the oneShe knows bestI will feel my griefBut not forgetYour complete faithfulnessYour ways are so much higherAnd although I don’t agreeI know that You’ll forever beThe One who carries meToday I feel this sorrowTomorrow, perhaps joyAlways there is Your promise:I will never walk aloneYou bottle every tear that fallsYou will handle all this rageIn You I am found and heldAnd ever, always safe • Savannah Coleman• What emotions do you notice in this poem? Can you think of a time you felt those kinds of emotions? Do you feel that way today? Everyone goes through seasons of grief, pain, and suffering. Whether you are facing a diagnosis you didn’t see coming, missing a loved one who passed, or struggling with depression and anxiety, you are not alone.* God never promised us a life free from troubles, but He does promise His presence and peace (Exodus 33:14; John 16:33). And, He promises that one day Jesus will return and make all things new—then everyone who has put their trust in Jesus will live with Him forever, finally free of all suffering and sorrow (Revelation 21:1-5). What emotions do these promises stir up in you? • God created us with many emotions and the ability to express them. Instead of shutting these emotions down, we need to process our grief and anger with God. Remember, Jesus is “God with us” (Matthew 1:23), and He knows what it feels like to be human. He did not withhold Himself from any of the pain and sorrow of human life. He entered into it fully, ultimately suffering the agony of the cross so that He could be with us forever (Mark 14:32-36). But death could not keep its hold on Him—He rose again, defeating sin and death and darkness to save us. Nothing we could bring to Him could ever be too much. He already knows it all before we say a word, and He wants to shed His light on every dark place (Psalm 139; Ephesians 5:13-14). Have you ever tried to be open with Him about how you’re feeling? What was that like? • David wrote many psalms where you can feel his raw emotion bleeding through the pages. His honesty is refreshing and cathartic. Even as he pours out his heart and relays the tragic things that happen to him, he reminds himself to place his hope and trust in God and continue to pour out his heart to the One who loves him (Psalm 62:5-8). (If you want to dig deeper, you can read a few of David’s psalms for yourself: Psalms 31, 34, and 62.) Consider taking some time to let yourself be honest with God and pour out your heart to Him. • It can be difficult to give ourselves permission to feel the emotions God has given us, but God is eager to help us, and one of the primary ways He helps His people is through His people. Who is a trusted Christian you could talk with about what’s going on in your life and how you feel about it? • *If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or any other mental health concern, who is a trust

READ: MARK 9:20-25; JOHN 6:25-35; PHILIPPIANS 1:6 Do you truly believe that Jesus’s way of life is the best way of life? I was raised in the church, and when I was presented with this question, my instinct was to say, “Of course!” Upon further examination, however, I began to realize that if I truly and wholeheartedly believed this, my life would look quite a bit different. If I fully believed Jesus’s way of life is the best, would I take out my anger on my family? Would I have trouble forgiving those who wrong me? And would I neglect listening to what God has for me? When we put our trust in Jesus to save us from sin and death, believing He died for us and rose again, we can be sure that we belong to Him forever. As Christians, we grow to trust Jesus more and more, bringing every area of our lives into alignment with what He says is best. Yet, this is a lifelong process, one that will only be finished when Jesus returns. So, remembering to trust Jesus is a practice that needs to be done often. One prayer I pray on a weekly basis is, “Jesus, I choose to trust you. Jesus, I want to trust you. Jesus, help me trust you more.” Often, our trust is still pulled away from Jesus by the things of the world, and sometimes we hardly even want to trust Him. This is when the prayer looks like, “Jesus, I want to want to trust you.” This is a beautiful heart posture, because we’re recognizing we can’t live life on our own, even though we still have a desire to try. And this vulnerability actually helps us trust Jesus more and more, every day. There will be times of struggle when we’re following Jesus, but continuing to turn to Him through the struggle is the best way to learn to trust Him more. In every situation, we can choose to believe that Jesus’s way of life is the best way of life. • Joshua Schmitz • We all have times when it’s hard to believe that Jesus’s way of life is the best way of life. We’re often tempted to do what we think is best instead of relying on Him and following His good ways. In what areas of your life have you found it difficult to trust Jesus? Why? • Jesus invites us to be honest with Him about all the reasons it’s hard for us to trust Him. He is eager to assure us of His love and goodness and help us grow in Him. He does this through His Spirit, His Word (the Bible), and His people (the church). Consider taking some time to be open with Jesus, and perhaps a few trusted Christians, about what you’re thinking and feeling. • If you want to know more about what it means to trust Jesus to save you, see our "Know Jesus" page. Then he [Jesus] said to them all, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.” Luke 9:23 (CSB)

READ: MARK 9:20-25; JOHN 6:25-35; PHILIPPIANS 1:6 Do you truly believe that Jesus’s way of life is the best way of life? I was raised in the church, and when I was presented with this question, my instinct was to say, “Of course!” Upon further examination, however, I began to realize that if I truly and wholeheartedly believed this, my life would look quite a bit different. If I fully believed Jesus’s way of life is the best, would I take out my anger on my family? Would I have trouble forgiving those who wrong me? And would I neglect listening to what God has for me? When we put our trust in Jesus to save us from sin and death, believing He died for us and rose again, we can be sure that we belong to Him forever. As Christians, we grow to trust Jesus more and more, bringing every area of our lives into alignment with what He says is best. Yet, this is a lifelong process, one that will only be finished when Jesus returns. So, remembering to trust Jesus is a practice that needs to be done often. One prayer I pray on a weekly basis is, “Jesus, I choose to trust you. Jesus, I want to trust you. Jesus, help me trust you more.” Often, our trust is still pulled away from Jesus by the things of the world, and sometimes we hardly even want to trust Him. This is when the prayer looks like, “Jesus, I want to want to trust you.” This is a beautiful heart posture, because we’re recognizing we can’t live life on our own, even though we still have a desire to try. And this vulnerability actually helps us trust Jesus more and more, every day. There will be times of struggle when we’re following Jesus, but continuing to turn to Him through the struggle is the best way to learn to trust Him more. In every situation, we can choose to believe that Jesus’s way of life is the best way of life. • Joshua Schmitz • We all have times when it’s hard to believe that Jesus’s way of life is the best way of life. We’re often tempted to do what we think is best instead of relying on Him and following His good ways. In what areas of your life have you found it difficult to trust Jesus? Why? • Jesus invites us to be honest with Him about all the reasons it’s hard for us to trust Him. He is eager to assure us of His love and goodness and help us grow in Him. He does this through His Spirit, His Word (the Bible), and His people (the church). Consider taking some time to be open with Jesus, and perhaps a few trusted Christians, about what you’re thinking and feeling. • If you want to know more about what it means to trust Jesus to save you, see our “Know Jesus” page. Then he [Jesus] said to them all, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.” Luke 9:23 (CSB)

READ: MARK 9:20-25; JOHN 6:25-35; PHILIPPIANS 1:6 Do you truly believe that Jesus’s way of life is the best way of life? I was raised in the church, and when I was presented with this question, my instinct was to say, “Of course!” Upon further examination, however, I began to realize that if I truly and wholeheartedly believed this, my life would look quite a bit different. If I fully believed Jesus’s way of life is the best, would I take out my anger on my family? Would I have trouble forgiving those who wrong me? And would I neglect listening to what God has for me? When we put our trust in Jesus to save us from sin and death, believing He died for us and rose again, we can be sure that we belong to Him forever. As Christians, we grow to trust Jesus more and more, bringing every area of our lives into alignment with what He says is best. Yet, this is a lifelong process, one that will only be finished when Jesus returns. So, remembering to trust Jesus is a practice that needs to be done often. One prayer I pray on a weekly basis is, “Jesus, I choose to trust you. Jesus, I want to trust you. Jesus, help me trust you more.” Often, our trust is still pulled away from Jesus by the things of the world, and sometimes we hardly even want to trust Him. This is when the prayer looks like, “Jesus, I want to want to trust you.” This is a beautiful heart posture, because we’re recognizing we can’t live life on our own, even though we still have a desire to try. And this vulnerability actually helps us trust Jesus more and more, every day. There will be times of struggle when we’re following Jesus, but continuing to turn to Him through the struggle is the best way to learn to trust Him more. In every situation, we can choose to believe that Jesus’s way of life is the best way of life. • Joshua Schmitz • We all have times when it’s hard to believe that Jesus’s way of life is the best way of life. We’re often tempted to do what we think is best instead of relying on Him and following His good ways. In what areas of your life have you found it difficult to trust Jesus? Why? • Jesus invites us to be honest with Him about all the reasons it’s hard for us to trust Him. He is eager to assure us of His love and goodness and help us grow in Him. He does this through His Spirit, His Word (the Bible), and His people (the church). Consider taking some time to be open with Jesus, and perhaps a few trusted Christians, about what you’re thinking and feeling. • If you want to know more about what it means to trust Jesus to save you, see our “Know Jesus” page. Then he [Jesus] said to them all, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.” Luke 9:23 (CSB)

READ: JOHN 4:4-30, 39-42 When I was 18, I took part in a scholarship program to earn money for college. All the participants stayed with host families during the week of rehearsals and competition. Volunteer drivers picked us up for events and then returned us to our host homes in the evening. On the final night, I loaded my bags into the driver’s car for the short trip to the auditorium. Impulsively, I locked the car door as I shut it. Then I realized my mistake—I had locked the car while it was running, locking all of us out of the vehicle. I dreaded walking back inside the host home to explain how I’d messed up. But they all responded in a way I hadn’t expected. They laughed with me (not at me) and quickly devised a plan. Our driver stayed with the car, waiting for a locksmith, while a host parent stepped in to drive my group to the auditorium. That evening, nobody scorned me for my mishap, which had certainly caused inconvenience. Instead, they surprised me with grace, with patience instead of criticism. I felt I didn’t deserve their kindness, yet they extended it anyway. This experience reminds me of John 4, when Jesus talks with a Samaritan woman at a well. She had a messy past, and it’s likely she came to the well when she thought no one else would be there. She probably didn’t feel she merited tenderness, either, especially from the Savior. Yet that’s how Jesus approached her, with gentleness and patience, loving her into relationship with Himself. He spoke to her about salvation and worship, and He revealed that He already knew everything about her. He told her the truth about her life and extended His grace. When we trust in Jesus, as the Samaritan woman did, we receive forgiveness from all our sins and we are credited with His perfect righteousness. Because Jesus died for us and rose again, we can be counted blameless in God’s sight (Ephesians 1:4; Colossians 1:22). And now, as God’s forgiven people, we are called to extend His patience, gentleness, and love toward others who don’t seem to deserve it. Like Jesus did for the woman at the well. Like my roommates did for me the night I locked us out of our car. • Allison Wilson Lee • Can you think of a time someone showed you patience and gentleness in a meaningful way? What was it like? • When we’re tempted to beat ourselves up over our mistakes or sins, how can remembering Christ’s gentleness help us come to Him and receive His help? Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2 (NIV) 

READ: JOHN 4:4-30, 39-42 When I was 18, I took part in a scholarship program to earn money for college. All the participants stayed with host families during the week of rehearsals and competition. Volunteer drivers picked us up for events and then returned us to our host homes in the evening. On the final night, I loaded my bags into the driver’s car for the short trip to the auditorium. Impulsively, I locked the car door as I shut it. Then I realized my mistake—I had locked the car while it was running, locking all of us out of the vehicle. I dreaded walking back inside the host home to explain how I’d messed up. But they all responded in a way I hadn’t expected. They laughed with me (not at me) and quickly devised a plan. Our driver stayed with the car, waiting for a locksmith, while a host parent stepped in to drive my group to the auditorium. That evening, nobody scorned me for my mishap, which had certainly caused inconvenience. Instead, they surprised me with grace, with patience instead of criticism. I felt I didn’t deserve their kindness, yet they extended it anyway. This experience reminds me of John 4, when Jesus talks with a Samaritan woman at a well. She had a messy past, and it’s likely she came to the well when she thought no one else would be there. She probably didn’t feel she merited tenderness, either, especially from the Savior. Yet that’s how Jesus approached her, with gentleness and patience, loving her into relationship with Himself. He spoke to her about salvation and worship, and He revealed that He already knew everything about her. He told her the truth about her life and extended His grace. When we trust in Jesus, as the Samaritan woman did, we receive forgiveness from all our sins and we are credited with His perfect righteousness. Because Jesus died for us and rose again, we can be counted blameless in God’s sight (Ephesians 1:4; Colossians 1:22). And now, as God’s forgiven people, we are called to extend His patience, gentleness, and love toward others who don’t seem to deserve it. Like Jesus did for the woman at the well. Like my roommates did for me the night I locked us out of our car. • Allison Wilson Lee • Can you think of a time someone showed you patience and gentleness in a meaningful way? What was it like? • When we’re tempted to beat ourselves up over our mistakes or sins, how can remembering Christ’s gentleness help us come to Him and receive His help? Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2 (NIV) 

READ: JOHN 4:4-30, 39-42 When I was 18, I took part in a scholarship program to earn money for college. All the participants stayed with host families during the week of rehearsals and competition. Volunteer drivers picked us up for events and then returned us to our host homes in the evening. On the final night, I loaded my bags into the driver’s car for the short trip to the auditorium. Impulsively, I locked the car door as I shut it. Then I realized my mistake—I had locked the car while it was running, locking all of us out of the vehicle. I dreaded walking back inside the host home to explain how I’d messed up. But they all responded in a way I hadn’t expected. They laughed with me (not at me) and quickly devised a plan. Our driver stayed with the car, waiting for a locksmith, while a host parent stepped in to drive my group to the auditorium. That evening, nobody scorned me for my mishap, which had certainly caused inconvenience. Instead, they surprised me with grace, with patience instead of criticism. I felt I didn’t deserve their kindness, yet they extended it anyway. This experience reminds me of John 4, when Jesus talks with a Samaritan woman at a well. She had a messy past, and it’s likely she came to the well when she thought no one else would be there. She probably didn’t feel she merited tenderness, either, especially from the Savior. Yet that’s how Jesus approached her, with gentleness and patience, loving her into relationship with Himself. He spoke to her about salvation and worship, and He revealed that He already knew everything about her. He told her the truth about her life and extended His grace. When we trust in Jesus, as the Samaritan woman did, we receive forgiveness from all our sins and we are credited with His perfect righteousness. Because Jesus died for us and rose again, we can be counted blameless in God’s sight (Ephesians 1:4; Colossians 1:22). And now, as God’s forgiven people, we are called to extend His patience, gentleness, and love toward others who don’t seem to deserve it. Like Jesus did for the woman at the well. Like my roommates did for me the night I locked us out of our car. • Allison Wilson Lee • Can you think of a time someone showed you patience and gentleness in a meaningful way? What was it like? • When we’re tempted to beat ourselves up over our mistakes or sins, how can remembering Christ’s gentleness help us come to Him and receive His help? Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2 (NIV) 

READ: DEUTERONOMY 8:10-18; 2 CORINTHIANS 3:16-18 Have you ever looked up at the night sky and dreamt about what you might do in the course of your life? Maybe you’ll make a scientific discovery that will save thousands of lives, or write music that will touch thousands of hearts. Maybe someday, everyone will see just how amazing you truly are. All those twinkling stars seem to make space for dreaming, and the moon shines more brilliantly than them all. On a cloudless night, a full moon can illuminate the landscape, its pale glow moving us to wonder. And yet, the moon doesn’t make any light of its own. Instead, it reflects the sun’s light. Even though the moon shines brightly, it can’t take credit for its brilliance. And, just like the moon, we can shine too. We reflect a light that is not our own. It’s God’s. He made us and gave us the abilities we have. When we use those abilities, we are reflecting His glory and brilliance, not our own. When we realize this, it shouldn’t make us feel less valuable or less important in the universe. On the contrary, it’s because God has made humans in His very own image that we are the crown of all His creation (Genesis 1:26-31). And, as Christians, we shine with a special kind of light. Because we’ve trusted Jesus to save us from sin and death through His own death and resurrection, we have the Holy Spirit living in us, filling our hearts with His love (Romans 5:5). God is working in our lives to make us more like Jesus so we can reflect His wondrous love to others. As we go through life, we may be tempted to take credit for the things we do. But let’s remember, we wouldn’t be able to do anything without God. So, in everything we accomplish, we can reflect the humility of Jesus, the Creator of the universe who humbled Himself to die on a cross for us (Philippians 2:5-13). We can give all the glory to Him, rejoicing that we are His wonderful creations, the people He loves. • A. W. Smith • What are some of the things you’ve accomplished? Consider taking a moment to praise God, thanking Him for giving you the ability to do all you can do. • What are some of your dreams and hopes for the future? As you ponder how God has created you, and how He works in your life to help you serve Him and shine His light to others, you can ask Him to guide you in how to steward the gifts and abilities He has given you. Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness. Psalm 29:2 (NIV) 

READ: DEUTERONOMY 8:10-18; 2 CORINTHIANS 3:16-18 Have you ever looked up at the night sky and dreamt about what you might do in the course of your life? Maybe you’ll make a scientific discovery that will save thousands of lives, or write music that will touch thousands of hearts. Maybe someday, everyone will see just how amazing you truly are. All those twinkling stars seem to make space for dreaming, and the moon shines more brilliantly than them all. On a cloudless night, a full moon can illuminate the landscape, its pale glow moving us to wonder. And yet, the moon doesn’t make any light of its own. Instead, it reflects the sun’s light. Even though the moon shines brightly, it can’t take credit for its brilliance. And, just like the moon, we can shine too. We reflect a light that is not our own. It’s God’s. He made us and gave us the abilities we have. When we use those abilities, we are reflecting His glory and brilliance, not our own. When we realize this, it shouldn’t make us feel less valuable or less important in the universe. On the contrary, it’s because God has made humans in His very own image that we are the crown of all His creation (Genesis 1:26-31). And, as Christians, we shine with a special kind of light. Because we’ve trusted Jesus to save us from sin and death through His own death and resurrection, we have the Holy Spirit living in us, filling our hearts with His love (Romans 5:5). God is working in our lives to make us more like Jesus so we can reflect His wondrous love to others. As we go through life, we may be tempted to take credit for the things we do. But let’s remember, we wouldn’t be able to do anything without God. So, in everything we accomplish, we can reflect the humility of Jesus, the Creator of the universe who humbled Himself to die on a cross for us (Philippians 2:5-13). We can give all the glory to Him, rejoicing that we are His wonderful creations, the people He loves. • A. W. Smith • What are some of the things you’ve accomplished? Consider taking a moment to praise God, thanking Him for giving you the ability to do all you can do. • What are some of your dreams and hopes for the future? As you ponder how God has created you, and how He works in your life to help you serve Him and shine His light to others, you can ask Him to guide you in how to steward the gifts and abilities He has given you. Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness. Psalm 29:2 (NIV) 

READ: DEUTERONOMY 8:10-18; 2 CORINTHIANS 3:16-18 Have you ever looked up at the night sky and dreamt about what you might do in the course of your life? Maybe you’ll make a scientific discovery that will save thousands of lives, or write music that will touch thousands of hearts. Maybe someday, everyone will see just how amazing you truly are. All those twinkling stars seem to make space for dreaming, and the moon shines more brilliantly than them all. On a cloudless night, a full moon can illuminate the landscape, its pale glow moving us to wonder. And yet, the moon doesn’t make any light of its own. Instead, it reflects the sun’s light. Even though the moon shines brightly, it can’t take credit for its brilliance. And, just like the moon, we can shine too. We reflect a light that is not our own. It’s God’s. He made us and gave us the abilities we have. When we use those abilities, we are reflecting His glory and brilliance, not our own. When we realize this, it shouldn’t make us feel less valuable or less important in the universe. On the contrary, it’s because God has made humans in His very own image that we are the crown of all His creation (Genesis 1:26-31). And, as Christians, we shine with a special kind of light. Because we’ve trusted Jesus to save us from sin and death through His own death and resurrection, we have the Holy Spirit living in us, filling our hearts with His love (Romans 5:5). God is working in our lives to make us more like Jesus so we can reflect His wondrous love to others. As we go through life, we may be tempted to take credit for the things we do. But let’s remember, we wouldn’t be able to do anything without God. So, in everything we accomplish, we can reflect the humility of Jesus, the Creator of the universe who humbled Himself to die on a cross for us (Philippians 2:5-13). We can give all the glory to Him, rejoicing that we are His wonderful creations, the people He loves. • A. W. Smith • What are some of the things you’ve accomplished? Consider taking a moment to praise God, thanking Him for giving you the ability to do all you can do. • What are some of your dreams and hopes for the future? As you ponder how God has created you, and how He works in your life to help you serve Him and shine His light to others, you can ask Him to guide you in how to steward the gifts and abilities He has given you. Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness. Psalm 29:2 (NIV) 

READ: ROMANS 3:21-26; 6:14; EPHESIANS 1:3-10 I have started a program to read through the Bible in ninety days. That means I’ve been reading a lot from the Old Testament each day. Wow, if there’s one thing I’m learning through my reading, it’s that we have so much to be thankful for when it comes to Jesus, His death on the cross, and the way He gave Himself as the one sacrifice to pay for all our sins. Before Jesus came, God’s people, the Israelites, were living under the law. The law proves that all of us fall short of God’s glorious standard and reveals our need for Jesus (Romans 3:23-24). In those days, people were required to offer animal sacrifices regularly to cover their sins. Yet, in faith they looked forward to the day God would fulfill His promise to deal with the sin problem once and for all, even though they didn’t know how He would do it. And God did fulfill His promise—Jesus came as the final sacrifice. He is “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). His death on the cross does not merely cover our sins but removes them. So now, we no longer need to offer sacrifices. Because of the death of Jesus, we know grace. A grace that changes our lives. A grace that is available to all of us, no matter how badly we have sinned. Because of the death of Jesus, we are redeemed. All our sins are forgiven. They are forgotten (Isaiah 43:25). We can have a special relationship with God because we are connected to Him through the death and resurrection of Jesus. It’s easy to forget what the death of Jesus really did to change our lives. It’s important to remember just how different life was for God’s people who came before us, for those who lived before Jesus gave Himself as the perfect sacrifice. • Emily Acker • What does it show us about the character of God that He sacrificed Himself for us? • How is the permanent forgiveness Jesus offers different from the temporary covering of animal sacrifices? If you want to learn more about Jesus’s forgiveness, check out our "Know Jesus" page. God made him [Jesus] who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV) 

READ: ROMANS 3:21-26; 6:14; EPHESIANS 1:3-10 I have started a program to read through the Bible in ninety days. That means I’ve been reading a lot from the Old Testament each day. Wow, if there’s one thing I’m learning through my reading, it’s that we have so much to be thankful for when it comes to Jesus, His death on the cross, and the way He gave Himself as the one sacrifice to pay for all our sins. Before Jesus came, God’s people, the Israelites, were living under the law. The law proves that all of us fall short of God’s glorious standard and reveals our need for Jesus (Romans 3:23-24). In those days, people were required to offer animal sacrifices regularly to cover their sins. Yet, in faith they looked forward to the day God would fulfill His promise to deal with the sin problem once and for all, even though they didn’t know how He would do it. And God did fulfill His promise—Jesus came as the final sacrifice. He is “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). His death on the cross does not merely cover our sins but removes them. So now, we no longer need to offer sacrifices. Because of the death of Jesus, we know grace. A grace that changes our lives. A grace that is available to all of us, no matter how badly we have sinned. Because of the death of Jesus, we are redeemed. All our sins are forgiven. They are forgotten (Isaiah 43:25). We can have a special relationship with God because we are connected to Him through the death and resurrection of Jesus. It’s easy to forget what the death of Jesus really did to change our lives. It’s important to remember just how different life was for God’s people who came before us, for those who lived before Jesus gave Himself as the perfect sacrifice. • Emily Acker • What does it show us about the character of God that He sacrificed Himself for us? • How is the permanent forgiveness Jesus offers different from the temporary covering of animal sacrifices? If you want to learn more about Jesus’s forgiveness, check out our “Know Jesus” page. God made him [Jesus] who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV) 

READ: ROMANS 3:21-26; 6:14; EPHESIANS 1:3-10 I have started a program to read through the Bible in ninety days. That means I’ve been reading a lot from the Old Testament each day. Wow, if there’s one thing I’m learning through my reading, it’s that we have so much to be thankful for when it comes to Jesus, His death on the cross, and the way He gave Himself as the one sacrifice to pay for all our sins. Before Jesus came, God’s people, the Israelites, were living under the law. The law proves that all of us fall short of God’s glorious standard and reveals our need for Jesus (Romans 3:23-24). In those days, people were required to offer animal sacrifices regularly to cover their sins. Yet, in faith they looked forward to the day God would fulfill His promise to deal with the sin problem once and for all, even though they didn’t know how He would do it. And God did fulfill His promise—Jesus came as the final sacrifice. He is “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). His death on the cross does not merely cover our sins but removes them. So now, we no longer need to offer sacrifices. Because of the death of Jesus, we know grace. A grace that changes our lives. A grace that is available to all of us, no matter how badly we have sinned. Because of the death of Jesus, we are redeemed. All our sins are forgiven. They are forgotten (Isaiah 43:25). We can have a special relationship with God because we are connected to Him through the death and resurrection of Jesus. It’s easy to forget what the death of Jesus really did to change our lives. It’s important to remember just how different life was for God’s people who came before us, for those who lived before Jesus gave Himself as the perfect sacrifice. • Emily Acker • What does it show us about the character of God that He sacrificed Himself for us? • How is the permanent forgiveness Jesus offers different from the temporary covering of animal sacrifices? If you want to learn more about Jesus’s forgiveness, check out our “Know Jesus” page. God made him [Jesus] who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 103:12; MATTHEW 18:21-33; COLOSSIANS 3:12-17 In Matthew 18, Jesus said to forgive people “seventy times seven” times (verse 22). Have you ever read this and thought, “I’m sure I’ve forgiven _______ that many times already! I’m done!” You might already know this, but this verse doesn’t mean we should literally forgive someone seven times seventy—or 490—times. It means we should forgive someone every time they wrong us—the way Jesus forgives us unconditionally, every time we sin. God’s forgiveness never runs out. Ever. His love for us is inexhaustible. Even though all of humanity turned away from God, choosing the filth of sin instead of His love, He kept pursuing us, determined to make the way for us to be with Him again. That’s why Jesus died on the cross. He took all our sins upon Himself, bearing the guilt and shame we deserved. And then, He rose again. Through His sacrifice, Jesus cleanses us from all our sin—past, present, and future. So now, as forgiven people, we are called to forgive others. It might help to imagine that forgiving other people is like cleaning a sports uniform. You might have just washed it yesterday, but it will get dirty again the next time you have a game. And every time it gets dirty, you wash it—even though you know you’re going to get it dirty again. You wash it whenever it needs to be washed. That’s the way Jesus calls us to forgive too. Again, and again, and again. It’s never easy. But remember, you can talk to the person who wronged you and be honest with them about how their actions have affected you. Forgiving someone does not mean you let them continue harmful behavior, and in some cases you may need to set up some loving boundaries or even go to the authorities. But, since Jesus took away our sins, He calls us not to hold others’ sins against them. And Jesus doesn’t just tell us to forgive, He makes it possible. Once we know Jesus, His Holy Spirit lives in us, empowering us to forgive as we’ve been forgiven (Luke 7:47). When we ponder how often we do, say, or think something that’s wrong—and how we are forgiven by Jesus every single time—it makes it a little easier to forgive those who do wrong to us. • A. W. Smith • Can you think of a time someone forgave you for something you did wrong? How did you feel? • Is there someone you’re struggling to forgive? Consider spending some time in prayer. You can process your thoughts and feelings with God because they matter to Him, and you can ask for His help to forgive the person who wronged you. Remember, forgiving someone doesn’t always mean being in close relationship with them. If someone is hurting you, seek help from a trusted adult. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive. Colossians 3:13 (CSB) 

READ: PSALM 103:12; MATTHEW 18:21-33; COLOSSIANS 3:12-17 In Matthew 18, Jesus said to forgive people “seventy times seven” times (verse 22). Have you ever read this and thought, “I’m sure I’ve forgiven _______ that many times already! I’m done!” You might already know this, but this verse doesn’t mean we should literally forgive someone seven times seventy—or 490—times. It means we should forgive someone every time they wrong us—the way Jesus forgives us unconditionally, every time we sin. God’s forgiveness never runs out. Ever. His love for us is inexhaustible. Even though all of humanity turned away from God, choosing the filth of sin instead of His love, He kept pursuing us, determined to make the way for us to be with Him again. That’s why Jesus died on the cross. He took all our sins upon Himself, bearing the guilt and shame we deserved. And then, He rose again. Through His sacrifice, Jesus cleanses us from all our sin—past, present, and future. So now, as forgiven people, we are called to forgive others. It might help to imagine that forgiving other people is like cleaning a sports uniform. You might have just washed it yesterday, but it will get dirty again the next time you have a game. And every time it gets dirty, you wash it—even though you know you’re going to get it dirty again. You wash it whenever it needs to be washed. That’s the way Jesus calls us to forgive too. Again, and again, and again. It’s never easy. But remember, you can talk to the person who wronged you and be honest with them about how their actions have affected you. Forgiving someone does not mean you let them continue harmful behavior, and in some cases you may need to set up some loving boundaries or even go to the authorities. But, since Jesus took away our sins, He calls us not to hold others’ sins against them. And Jesus doesn’t just tell us to forgive, He makes it possible. Once we know Jesus, His Holy Spirit lives in us, empowering us to forgive as we’ve been forgiven (Luke 7:47). When we ponder how often we do, say, or think something that’s wrong—and how we are forgiven by Jesus every single time—it makes it a little easier to forgive those who do wrong to us. • A. W. Smith • Can you think of a time someone forgave you for something you did wrong? How did you feel? • Is there someone you’re struggling to forgive? Consider spending some time in prayer. You can process your thoughts and feelings with God because they matter to Him, and you can ask for His help to forgive the person who wronged you. Remember, forgiving someone doesn’t always mean being in close relationship with them. If someone is hurting you, seek help from a trusted adult. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive. Colossians 3:13 (CSB) 

READ: PSALM 103:12; MATTHEW 18:21-33; COLOSSIANS 3:12-17 In Matthew 18, Jesus said to forgive people “seventy times seven” times (verse 22). Have you ever read this and thought, “I’m sure I’ve forgiven _______ that many times already! I’m done!” You might already know this, but this verse doesn’t mean we should literally forgive someone seven times seventy—or 490—times. It means we should forgive someone every time they wrong us—the way Jesus forgives us unconditionally, every time we sin. God’s forgiveness never runs out. Ever. His love for us is inexhaustible. Even though all of humanity turned away from God, choosing the filth of sin instead of His love, He kept pursuing us, determined to make the way for us to be with Him again. That’s why Jesus died on the cross. He took all our sins upon Himself, bearing the guilt and shame we deserved. And then, He rose again. Through His sacrifice, Jesus cleanses us from all our sin—past, present, and future. So now, as forgiven people, we are called to forgive others. It might help to imagine that forgiving other people is like cleaning a sports uniform. You might have just washed it yesterday, but it will get dirty again the next time you have a game. And every time it gets dirty, you wash it—even though you know you’re going to get it dirty again. You wash it whenever it needs to be washed. That’s the way Jesus calls us to forgive too. Again, and again, and again. It’s never easy. But remember, you can talk to the person who wronged you and be honest with them about how their actions have affected you. Forgiving someone does not mean you let them continue harmful behavior, and in some cases you may need to set up some loving boundaries or even go to the authorities. But, since Jesus took away our sins, He calls us not to hold others’ sins against them. And Jesus doesn’t just tell us to forgive, He makes it possible. Once we know Jesus, His Holy Spirit lives in us, empowering us to forgive as we’ve been forgiven (Luke 7:47). When we ponder how often we do, say, or think something that’s wrong—and how we are forgiven by Jesus every single time—it makes it a little easier to forgive those who do wrong to us. • A. W. Smith • Can you think of a time someone forgave you for something you did wrong? How did you feel? • Is there someone you’re struggling to forgive? Consider spending some time in prayer. You can process your thoughts and feelings with God because they matter to Him, and you can ask for His help to forgive the person who wronged you. Remember, forgiving someone doesn’t always mean being in close relationship with them. If someone is hurting you, seek help from a trusted adult. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive. Colossians 3:13 (CSB) 

READ: GENESIS 50:15-20; ROMANS 15:23-24; EPHESIANS 1:1-2; 6:19-20 Life as he knew it was over. His most precious possession was out of reach. Impossible to retrieve. He lay on the floor, nose touching the ground, limbs outspread in utter dejection. He was eighteen months old, and his red ball had rolled behind the sofa. She was eighteen years old, and the college she wanted to go to had accepted her. But her estranged father wouldn’t pay for a private school. Her hard-working mother couldn’t. She sat on the sofa, tears running down her cheeks. He was old. Near the end of his life. He had always wanted to go to Spain. Plant new churches. Tell the good news to people who had not yet heard. Yet here he was under house arrest in Rome. How could he accomplish his dreams when his movements were so limited? Paul picked up a pen. “To God’s holy people in Ephesus…” Perhaps a few people would read the letter he wrote. No matter your age, life can have its disappointments. If Paul had been free to do more traveling, he might have touched hundreds of lives. Because he couldn’t travel, he wrote letters, often with help from others. Letters to the Ephesians, the Philippians, the Colossians, and Philemon. Instead of words that might be heard by hundreds in the first century A.D., he wrote words that would be read by millions or even billions over many centuries. Words that would change hearts and minds. Even today. Even in parts of the world unknown in Paul’s time. God, in His infinite wisdom, doesn’t always give us what we ask for. Has God said “no” to some of your requests? Maybe you didn’t make the team. Or get a part in the play. Or get accepted into the school you really wanted to attend. God always listens to our prayers. But sometimes He has a better plan. Be open to His leading. • Carol Raj • Can you think of a time when you didn’t get something you wanted, but later you were grateful for how things turned out? Consider taking a moment to thank God for this. • As Christians, we trust God with our eternal salvation, believing that Jesus’s death and resurrection has made the way for us to be forgiven and be with God forever. Yet, sometimes it feels so hard to trust Him with our desires. Remember, Jesus cares about our longings. He holds us and weeps with us in our pain. And when He returns, our every desire will be fulfilled. How could these truths help us draw near to Jesus in times of disappointment or suffering? 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) 

READ: GENESIS 50:15-20; ROMANS 15:23-24; EPHESIANS 1:1-2; 6:19-20 Life as he knew it was over. His most precious possession was out of reach. Impossible to retrieve. He lay on the floor, nose touching the ground, limbs outspread in utter dejection. He was eighteen months old, and his red ball had rolled behind the sofa. She was eighteen years old, and the college she wanted to go to had accepted her. But her estranged father wouldn’t pay for a private school. Her hard-working mother couldn’t. She sat on the sofa, tears running down her cheeks. He was old. Near the end of his life. He had always wanted to go to Spain. Plant new churches. Tell the good news to people who had not yet heard. Yet here he was under house arrest in Rome. How could he accomplish his dreams when his movements were so limited? Paul picked up a pen. “To God’s holy people in Ephesus…” Perhaps a few people would read the letter he wrote. No matter your age, life can have its disappointments. If Paul had been free to do more traveling, he might have touched hundreds of lives. Because he couldn’t travel, he wrote letters, often with help from others. Letters to the Ephesians, the Philippians, the Colossians, and Philemon. Instead of words that might be heard by hundreds in the first century A.D., he wrote words that would be read by millions or even billions over many centuries. Words that would change hearts and minds. Even today. Even in parts of the world unknown in Paul’s time. God, in His infinite wisdom, doesn’t always give us what we ask for. Has God said “no” to some of your requests? Maybe you didn’t make the team. Or get a part in the play. Or get accepted into the school you really wanted to attend. God always listens to our prayers. But sometimes He has a better plan. Be open to His leading. • Carol Raj • Can you think of a time when you didn’t get something you wanted, but later you were grateful for how things turned out? Consider taking a moment to thank God for this. • As Christians, we trust God with our eternal salvation, believing that Jesus’s death and resurrection has made the way for us to be forgiven and be with God forever. Yet, sometimes it feels so hard to trust Him with our desires. Remember, Jesus cares about our longings. He holds us and weeps with us in our pain. And when He returns, our every desire will be fulfilled. How could these truths help us draw near to Jesus in times of disappointment or suffering? 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) 

READ: GENESIS 50:15-20; ROMANS 15:23-24; EPHESIANS 1:1-2; 6:19-20 Life as he knew it was over. His most precious possession was out of reach. Impossible to retrieve. He lay on the floor, nose touching the ground, limbs outspread in utter dejection. He was eighteen months old, and his red ball had rolled behind the sofa. She was eighteen years old, and the college she wanted to go to had accepted her. But her estranged father wouldn’t pay for a private school. Her hard-working mother couldn’t. She sat on the sofa, tears running down her cheeks. He was old. Near the end of his life. He had always wanted to go to Spain. Plant new churches. Tell the good news to people who had not yet heard. Yet here he was under house arrest in Rome. How could he accomplish his dreams when his movements were so limited? Paul picked up a pen. “To God’s holy people in Ephesus…” Perhaps a few people would read the letter he wrote. No matter your age, life can have its disappointments. If Paul had been free to do more traveling, he might have touched hundreds of lives. Because he couldn’t travel, he wrote letters, often with help from others. Letters to the Ephesians, the Philippians, the Colossians, and Philemon. Instead of words that might be heard by hundreds in the first century A.D., he wrote words that would be read by millions or even billions over many centuries. Words that would change hearts and minds. Even today. Even in parts of the world unknown in Paul’s time. God, in His infinite wisdom, doesn’t always give us what we ask for. Has God said “no” to some of your requests? Maybe you didn’t make the team. Or get a part in the play. Or get accepted into the school you really wanted to attend. God always listens to our prayers. But sometimes He has a better plan. Be open to His leading. • Carol Raj • Can you think of a time when you didn’t get something you wanted, but later you were grateful for how things turned out? Consider taking a moment to thank God for this. • As Christians, we trust God with our eternal salvation, believing that Jesus’s death and resurrection has made the way for us to be forgiven and be with God forever. Yet, sometimes it feels so hard to trust Him with our desires. Remember, Jesus cares about our longings. He holds us and weeps with us in our pain. And when He returns, our every desire will be fulfilled. How could these truths help us draw near to Jesus in times of disappointment or suffering? 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) 

READ: PSALM 23; 1 JOHN 1:1-5 Chester turned his face to the sun one last time before climbing into the truck. Though the sun hung low in the sky like always, not providing much warmth, Chester knew he would miss it almost as much as he would miss his family. He was leaving all light and warmth behind to work in the shadowside mines for three months. It paid well, and his family needed the money. As the truck ventured into the plains of the planet’s dark hemisphere, Chester craned his neck to see the last wisps of the sun’s glow fading behind them. Then he turned around and stared into the darkness ahead. There were no roads here, no people except for those carted out to work in the mines. Because Athebos was a tidally locked planet, which meant one side always faced the sun and the other was perpetually in darkness, cities were built on the perimeter of the two halves in what was called the twilight belt. Athebos was a mineral-rich world, and nearly all its interplanetary exports came from mining. Brightside mining operations were deep underground, safe from the sun’s intense heat and radiation, but solar panels on the surface kept the mining tunnels warm and well lit. Mining on the opposite side of the planet, however, was an entirely different experience. Far from the sun’s rays, the battery-powered shadowside tunnels were always dark and cold. When the day’s work was done, you could go up to the surface, but there was no warmth or light there either—only a solid blanket of stars in the eternal darkness of night. As the truck drove deeper into the darkness, Chester suddenly felt panic seize his heart. Thoughts whirled through his mind. What if something happens to my family? What if working out here still isn’t enough to provide for them? What if I never see the sun again? Chester closed his eyes and took deep breaths. One of his favorite psalms came to mind, and he repeated one of the verses over and over in his head. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. He opened his eyes and looked outside. The darkness was thick and unmoving as molasses, but a sense of peace began to loosen the grip of panic in his chest. He was going shadowside, but he wasn’t alone. Jesus, the One who defeated death itself, was here with him in the darkness. • Courtney Lasater • Have you faced a “valley of the shadow of death” in your own life? What was it? How did you make it through? • Jesus faced the valley of the shadow of death quite literally when He willingly left the glory of heaven, took on human flesh, and died on the cross for our sins. When He rose from the dead, He defeated sin and death so that we could enjoy the light of His presence for all eternity (1 John 1:1-5). If you know Him as your Savior, you can rest in His promise to be with you through every dark valley. Nothing can ever separate you from His love (Romans 8:35-39). If you want to know more about what it means to know Jesus, check out our "Know Jesus" page. • Have you ever felt Jesus’s presence in the dark valleys of your life? What was that like? If you’ve never felt Jesus’s presence with you, you can ask God for this anytime; He delights in answering these prayers. • Spending time in the Word is one of the primary ways we can spend time with Jesus. If you want to dig deeper, you can read more about how Jesus is the Light in Matthew 4:16; John 1:1-5; 8:12; 12:46; Acts 26:9-18; 2 Corinthians 4:6; James 1:17. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no

READ: PSALM 23; 1 JOHN 1:1-5 Chester turned his face to the sun one last time before climbing into the truck. Though the sun hung low in the sky like always, not providing much warmth, Chester knew he would miss it almost as much as he would miss his family. He was leaving all light and warmth behind to work in the shadowside mines for three months. It paid well, and his family needed the money. As the truck ventured into the plains of the planet’s dark hemisphere, Chester craned his neck to see the last wisps of the sun’s glow fading behind them. Then he turned around and stared into the darkness ahead. There were no roads here, no people except for those carted out to work in the mines. Because Athebos was a tidally locked planet, which meant one side always faced the sun and the other was perpetually in darkness, cities were built on the perimeter of the two halves in what was called the twilight belt. Athebos was a mineral-rich world, and nearly all its interplanetary exports came from mining. Brightside mining operations were deep underground, safe from the sun’s intense heat and radiation, but solar panels on the surface kept the mining tunnels warm and well lit. Mining on the opposite side of the planet, however, was an entirely different experience. Far from the sun’s rays, the battery-powered shadowside tunnels were always dark and cold. When the day’s work was done, you could go up to the surface, but there was no warmth or light there either—only a solid blanket of stars in the eternal darkness of night. As the truck drove deeper into the darkness, Chester suddenly felt panic seize his heart. Thoughts whirled through his mind. What if something happens to my family? What if working out here still isn’t enough to provide for them? What if I never see the sun again? Chester closed his eyes and took deep breaths. One of his favorite psalms came to mind, and he repeated one of the verses over and over in his head. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. He opened his eyes and looked outside. The darkness was thick and unmoving as molasses, but a sense of peace began to loosen the grip of panic in his chest. He was going shadowside, but he wasn’t alone. Jesus, the One who defeated death itself, was here with him in the darkness. • Courtney Lasater • Have you faced a “valley of the shadow of death” in your own life? What was it? How did you make it through? • Jesus faced the valley of the shadow of death quite literally when He willingly left the glory of heaven, took on human flesh, and died on the cross for our sins. When He rose from the dead, He defeated sin and death so that we could enjoy the light of His presence for all eternity (1 John 1:1-5). If you know Him as your Savior, you can rest in His promise to be with you through every dark valley. Nothing can ever separate you from His love (Romans 8:35-39). If you want to know more about what it means to know Jesus, check out our “Know Jesus” page. • Have you ever felt Jesus’s presence in the dark valleys of your life? What was that like? If you’ve never felt Jesus’s presence with you, you can ask God for this anytime; He delights in answering these prayers. • Spending time in the Word is one of the primary ways we can spend time with Jesus. If you want to dig deeper, you can read more about how Jesus is the Light in Matthew 4:16; John 1:1-5; 8:12; 12:46; Acts 26:9-18; 2 Corinthians 4:6; James 1:17. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I

READ: PSALM 23; 1 JOHN 1:1-5 Chester turned his face to the sun one last time before climbing into the truck. Though the sun hung low in the sky like always, not providing much warmth, Chester knew he would miss it almost as much as he would miss his family. He was leaving all light and warmth behind to work in the shadowside mines for three months. It paid well, and his family needed the money. As the truck ventured into the plains of the planet’s dark hemisphere, Chester craned his neck to see the last wisps of the sun’s glow fading behind them. Then he turned around and stared into the darkness ahead. There were no roads here, no people except for those carted out to work in the mines. Because Athebos was a tidally locked planet, which meant one side always faced the sun and the other was perpetually in darkness, cities were built on the perimeter of the two halves in what was called the twilight belt. Athebos was a mineral-rich world, and nearly all its interplanetary exports came from mining. Brightside mining operations were deep underground, safe from the sun’s intense heat and radiation, but solar panels on the surface kept the mining tunnels warm and well lit. Mining on the opposite side of the planet, however, was an entirely different experience. Far from the sun’s rays, the battery-powered shadowside tunnels were always dark and cold. When the day’s work was done, you could go up to the surface, but there was no warmth or light there either—only a solid blanket of stars in the eternal darkness of night. As the truck drove deeper into the darkness, Chester suddenly felt panic seize his heart. Thoughts whirled through his mind. What if something happens to my family? What if working out here still isn’t enough to provide for them? What if I never see the sun again? Chester closed his eyes and took deep breaths. One of his favorite psalms came to mind, and he repeated one of the verses over and over in his head. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. He opened his eyes and looked outside. The darkness was thick and unmoving as molasses, but a sense of peace began to loosen the grip of panic in his chest. He was going shadowside, but he wasn’t alone. Jesus, the One who defeated death itself, was here with him in the darkness. • Courtney Lasater • Have you faced a “valley of the shadow of death” in your own life? What was it? How did you make it through? • Jesus faced the valley of the shadow of death quite literally when He willingly left the glory of heaven, took on human flesh, and died on the cross for our sins. When He rose from the dead, He defeated sin and death so that we could enjoy the light of His presence for all eternity (1 John 1:1-5). If you know Him as your Savior, you can rest in His promise to be with you through every dark valley. Nothing can ever separate you from His love (Romans 8:35-39). If you want to know more about what it means to know Jesus, check out our “Know Jesus” page. • Have you ever felt Jesus’s presence in the dark valleys of your life? What was that like? If you’ve never felt Jesus’s presence with you, you can ask God for this anytime; He delights in answering these prayers. • Spending time in the Word is one of the primary ways we can spend time with Jesus. If you want to dig deeper, you can read more about how Jesus is the Light in Matthew 4:16; John 1:1-5; 8:12; 12:46; Acts 26:9-18; 2 Corinthians 4:6; James 1:17. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Psalm 23:4 (WEB)

READ: EXODUS 34:5-6; MALACHI 3:6; MATTHEW 7:24-29; 14:22-33 The world is constantly changing. There are always new technologies being developed and new ways of doing things. Each generation puts different emphases on different issues. It can be easy to feel like our parents and grandparents don’t understand what we’re facing today because certain things about life are just different. Yet, no matter which generation you’re from, growing up is a process everyone has to go through, including Jesus. He knows what it’s like to be a teenager in a changing world filled with lots of different opinions, and He knows what it’s like to be misunderstood (Luke 2:41-52). Even though everything around us feels like it’s changing faster than we can keep up with, one thing remains the same. God. Hebrews 13:8 says that Jesus is the same today, tomorrow, and forever. His love, His trustworthy character, and His commitment to rescuing His people and restoring His creation can never be shaken. Having Jesus be the constant in our lives helps us find our bearing. It helps us to know where to look when everything else is uncertain. We never have to worry about God changing and becoming something different. We don’t have to worry that He’s not going to understand us. We don’t have to be afraid that He’s going to want something different from us. We know He’s going to be the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. • Tynea Lewis • How do you tend to handle change? Are you someone who enjoys change, or not so much? • What is one thing you’ve seen change in the last five years, either in the world or in your own life? Do you think people view this change differently depending on which generation they’re from? How might God be bringing good out of this change? (Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28-29) • How could knowing that God doesn’t change, and yet He perfectly understands everything going on in our world and in our lives, bring us comfort through all the changes we experience? Consider taking some time to talk to God about the changes around you and about what you think and feel about them. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)

READ: EXODUS 34:5-6; MALACHI 3:6; MATTHEW 7:24-29; 14:22-33 The world is constantly changing. There are always new technologies being developed and new ways of doing things. Each generation puts different emphases on different issues. It can be easy to feel like our parents and grandparents don’t understand what we’re facing today because certain things about life are just different. Yet, no matter which generation you’re from, growing up is a process everyone has to go through, including Jesus. He knows what it’s like to be a teenager in a changing world filled with lots of different opinions, and He knows what it’s like to be misunderstood (Luke 2:41-52). Even though everything around us feels like it’s changing faster than we can keep up with, one thing remains the same. God. Hebrews 13:8 says that Jesus is the same today, tomorrow, and forever. His love, His trustworthy character, and His commitment to rescuing His people and restoring His creation can never be shaken. Having Jesus be the constant in our lives helps us find our bearing. It helps us to know where to look when everything else is uncertain. We never have to worry about God changing and becoming something different. We don’t have to worry that He’s not going to understand us. We don’t have to be afraid that He’s going to want something different from us. We know He’s going to be the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. • Tynea Lewis • How do you tend to handle change? Are you someone who enjoys change, or not so much? • What is one thing you’ve seen change in the last five years, either in the world or in your own life? Do you think people view this change differently depending on which generation they’re from? How might God be bringing good out of this change? (Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28-29) • How could knowing that God doesn’t change, and yet He perfectly understands everything going on in our world and in our lives, bring us comfort through all the changes we experience? Consider taking some time to talk to God about the changes around you and about what you think and feel about them. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)

READ: EXODUS 34:5-6; MALACHI 3:6; MATTHEW 7:24-29; 14:22-33 The world is constantly changing. There are always new technologies being developed and new ways of doing things. Each generation puts different emphases on different issues. It can be easy to feel like our parents and grandparents don’t understand what we’re facing today because certain things about life are just different. Yet, no matter which generation you’re from, growing up is a process everyone has to go through, including Jesus. He knows what it’s like to be a teenager in a changing world filled with lots of different opinions, and He knows what it’s like to be misunderstood (Luke 2:41-52). Even though everything around us feels like it’s changing faster than we can keep up with, one thing remains the same. God. Hebrews 13:8 says that Jesus is the same today, tomorrow, and forever. His love, His trustworthy character, and His commitment to rescuing His people and restoring His creation can never be shaken. Having Jesus be the constant in our lives helps us find our bearing. It helps us to know where to look when everything else is uncertain. We never have to worry about God changing and becoming something different. We don’t have to worry that He’s not going to understand us. We don’t have to be afraid that He’s going to want something different from us. We know He’s going to be the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. • Tynea Lewis • How do you tend to handle change? Are you someone who enjoys change, or not so much? • What is one thing you’ve seen change in the last five years, either in the world or in your own life? Do you think people view this change differently depending on which generation they’re from? How might God be bringing good out of this change? (Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28-29) • How could knowing that God doesn’t change, and yet He perfectly understands everything going on in our world and in our lives, bring us comfort through all the changes we experience? Consider taking some time to talk to God about the changes around you and about what you think and feel about them. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)

READ: PSALM 139; MATTHEW 11:28-30; JOHN 3:17; 16:7-14 I work in the office of our local fire department, and unfortunately sometimes part of the fire department’s job is locating the bodies of people who have drowned. This is a valuable service that can help bring some peace to the victim’s family. However, it can be difficult to locate people under water—especially in more harsh weather conditions. So, our fire department recently purchased a new tool to help them do this. Previously, the fire fighters had to walk through the water in a line, spread out every few feet to thoroughly search an area. But now, from what I understand, they have an underwater drone that will do most of the searching for them. All they have to do is use it. In a similar way, sometimes we have things that are hidden in us. Sins. Struggles. Frustrations. We might just look across the waters of our hearts and assume there’s nothing there. Or we might be in the water, wading aimlessly. Or we might be ruffling the waves, stirring up the silt and creating a difficult waterway. Or we might even be tying cement blocks to some of our struggles, hoping they’ll just sink, disappear. But there’s no need. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we have His Holy Spirit to help us with the hidden things of our hearts (John 16:7-14). So, we can pray Psalm 139:23-24, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way.” If we ask the Lord to search us and help us process the things that may be hidden even from ourselves, He is more than willing to bring us into His rest. He is willing to get in the water with us, not just convicting us and leaving us to wallow in how wretched we feel, but encouraging us, and leading us through (John 3:17). • Natty Maelle • Have you ever asked the Lord to search you, like David did in Psalm 139? What was that like? • What stops you from asking the Lord to search you? The fear of being fully known can hold us back from being open with God, but He already knows everything about us, and He loves us completely. • Consider taking some time to ask God to search you, and then pause and listen. He may bring to mind a sin He wants you to confess, a hurt He wants to touch, or a lie He wants to free you from. He may invite you to make a change in your life. His correction always comes with hope. As you listen to God, who are trusted Christians in your life who can help you discern His voice? Remember, God never contradicts His Word, the Bible. Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way. Psalm 139:23-24 (CSB) 

READ: PSALM 139; MATTHEW 11:28-30; JOHN 3:17; 16:7-14 I work in the office of our local fire department, and unfortunately sometimes part of the fire department’s job is locating the bodies of people who have drowned. This is a valuable service that can help bring some peace to the victim’s family. However, it can be difficult to locate people under water—especially in more harsh weather conditions. So, our fire department recently purchased a new tool to help them do this. Previously, the fire fighters had to walk through the water in a line, spread out every few feet to thoroughly search an area. But now, from what I understand, they have an underwater drone that will do most of the searching for them. All they have to do is use it. In a similar way, sometimes we have things that are hidden in us. Sins. Struggles. Frustrations. We might just look across the waters of our hearts and assume there’s nothing there. Or we might be in the water, wading aimlessly. Or we might be ruffling the waves, stirring up the silt and creating a difficult waterway. Or we might even be tying cement blocks to some of our struggles, hoping they’ll just sink, disappear. But there’s no need. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we have His Holy Spirit to help us with the hidden things of our hearts (John 16:7-14). So, we can pray Psalm 139:23-24, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way.” If we ask the Lord to search us and help us process the things that may be hidden even from ourselves, He is more than willing to bring us into His rest. He is willing to get in the water with us, not just convicting us and leaving us to wallow in how wretched we feel, but encouraging us, and leading us through (John 3:17). • Natty Maelle • Have you ever asked the Lord to search you, like David did in Psalm 139? What was that like? • What stops you from asking the Lord to search you? The fear of being fully known can hold us back from being open with God, but He already knows everything about us, and He loves us completely. • Consider taking some time to ask God to search you, and then pause and listen. He may bring to mind a sin He wants you to confess, a hurt He wants to touch, or a lie He wants to free you from. He may invite you to make a change in your life. His correction always comes with hope. As you listen to God, who are trusted Christians in your life who can help you discern His voice? Remember, God never contradicts His Word, the Bible. Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way. Psalm 139:23-24 (CSB) 

READ: PSALM 139; MATTHEW 11:28-30; JOHN 3:17; 16:7-14 I work in the office of our local fire department, and unfortunately sometimes part of the fire department’s job is locating the bodies of people who have drowned. This is a valuable service that can help bring some peace to the victim’s family. However, it can be difficult to locate people under water—especially in more harsh weather conditions. So, our fire department recently purchased a new tool to help them do this. Previously, the fire fighters had to walk through the water in a line, spread out every few feet to thoroughly search an area. But now, from what I understand, they have an underwater drone that will do most of the searching for them. All they have to do is use it. In a similar way, sometimes we have things that are hidden in us. Sins. Struggles. Frustrations. We might just look across the waters of our hearts and assume there’s nothing there. Or we might be in the water, wading aimlessly. Or we might be ruffling the waves, stirring up the silt and creating a difficult waterway. Or we might even be tying cement blocks to some of our struggles, hoping they’ll just sink, disappear. But there’s no need. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we have His Holy Spirit to help us with the hidden things of our hearts (John 16:7-14). So, we can pray Psalm 139:23-24, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way.” If we ask the Lord to search us and help us process the things that may be hidden even from ourselves, He is more than willing to bring us into His rest. He is willing to get in the water with us, not just convicting us and leaving us to wallow in how wretched we feel, but encouraging us, and leading us through (John 3:17). • Natty Maelle • Have you ever asked the Lord to search you, like David did in Psalm 139? What was that like? • What stops you from asking the Lord to search you? The fear of being fully known can hold us back from being open with God, but He already knows everything about us, and He loves us completely. • Consider taking some time to ask God to search you, and then pause and listen. He may bring to mind a sin He wants you to confess, a hurt He wants to touch, or a lie He wants to free you from. He may invite you to make a change in your life. His correction always comes with hope. As you listen to God, who are trusted Christians in your life who can help you discern His voice? Remember, God never contradicts His Word, the Bible. Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way. Psalm 139:23-24 (CSB) 

READ: ISAIAH 53:1-12; MATTHEW 26:27-28; 27:35-54; 2 CORINTHIANS 5:19, 21 Early I come to behold Your face,Seeking still Your glorious grace,Christ who died…holy…divine,Love crucified. Blessed be the Lord my God,Blessed be, O, blessed be,Blessed be the Lord! In shame the sun did turn away,As darkness in the silence reigned,God in flesh afflicted then,Cursed for all our sin. Holy is the Lord my God,Holy is, O, holy is,Holy is the Lord! Hail the light of breaking dawn,Christ the King, the Risen One!Wounded God who intercedes,‘Tis Thy blood we plead. Blessed be the Lord my God,Blessed be, O, blessed be,Blessed be the Lord! As He bore in His body the curse for our sin, who can imagine the deep agony Jesus felt—hanging in the darkness those final hours? The cost of our sin to God is truly unfathomable, yet His love for us is greater still, for He gave Himself up to save us (John 3:16; Ephesians 5:25-27). As we reflect on both the glory and the sorrow of the cross, let’s pray for the courage to turn toward God when we feel forsaken, knowing that on the cross Jesus hung in that silent, empty space for us—so we never have to. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we can be certain that through any silence—or any suffering—we are not alone. God is present, and He is also at work, in every joy and every pain, to draw us into Himself (Romans 8:28-29). The cross stands as stark proof that God will walk through death, darkness, and despair to bring us near (Psalm 23:4). May our praises never cease for Christ our Sin-Bearer—for “God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). • G. Kam Congleton • Consider taking a moment to picture Jesus on the cross. It is good and right to turn to Him in praise, and also in lament, honestly crying out to Him about anything that is troubling you. He is worthy to receive it all. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. Galatians 3:13 (NLT)  

READ: ISAIAH 53:1-12; MATTHEW 26:27-28; 27:35-54; 2 CORINTHIANS 5:19, 21 Early I come to behold Your face,Seeking still Your glorious grace,Christ who died…holy…divine,Love crucified.Blessed be the Lord my God,Blessed be, O, blessed be,Blessed be the Lord!In shame the sun did turn away,As darkness in the silence reigned,God in flesh afflicted then,Cursed for all our sin.Holy is the Lord my God,Holy is, O, holy is,Holy is the Lord!Hail the light of breaking dawn,Christ the King, the Risen One!Wounded God who intercedes,‘Tis Thy blood we plead.Blessed be the Lord my God,Blessed be, O, blessed be,Blessed be the Lord! As He bore in His body the curse for our sin, who can imagine the deep agony Jesus felt—hanging in the darkness those final hours? The cost of our sin to God is truly unfathomable, yet His love for us is greater still, for He gave Himself up to save us (John 3:16; Ephesians 5:25-27). As we reflect on both the glory and the sorrow of the cross, let’s pray for the courage to turn toward God when we feel forsaken, knowing that on the cross Jesus hung in that silent, empty space for us—so we never have to. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we can be certain that through any silence—or any suffering—we are not alone. God is present, and He is also at work, in every joy and every pain, to draw us into Himself (Romans 8:28-29). The cross stands as stark proof that God will walk through death, darkness, and despair to bring us near (Psalm 23:4). May our praises never cease for Christ our Sin-Bearer—for “God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). • G. Kam Congleton • Consider taking a moment to picture Jesus on the cross. It is good and right to turn to Him in praise, and also in lament, honestly crying out to Him about anything that is troubling you. He is worthy to receive it all. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. Galatians 3:13 (NLT)  

READ: ISAIAH 53:1-12; MATTHEW 26:27-28; 27:35-54; 2 CORINTHIANS 5:19, 21 Early I come to behold Your face,Seeking still Your glorious grace,Christ who died…holy…divine,Love crucified.Blessed be the Lord my God,Blessed be, O, blessed be,Blessed be the Lord!In shame the sun did turn away,As darkness in the silence reigned,God in flesh afflicted then,Cursed for all our sin.Holy is the Lord my God,Holy is, O, holy is,Holy is the Lord!Hail the light of breaking dawn,Christ the King, the Risen One!Wounded God who intercedes,‘Tis Thy blood we plead.Blessed be the Lord my God,Blessed be, O, blessed be,Blessed be the Lord! As He bore in His body the curse for our sin, who can imagine the deep agony Jesus felt—hanging in the darkness those final hours? The cost of our sin to God is truly unfathomable, yet His love for us is greater still, for He gave Himself up to save us (John 3:16; Ephesians 5:25-27). As we reflect on both the glory and the sorrow of the cross, let’s pray for the courage to turn toward God when we feel forsaken, knowing that on the cross Jesus hung in that silent, empty space for us—so we never have to. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we can be certain that through any silence—or any suffering—we are not alone. God is present, and He is also at work, in every joy and every pain, to draw us into Himself (Romans 8:28-29). The cross stands as stark proof that God will walk through death, darkness, and despair to bring us near (Psalm 23:4). May our praises never cease for Christ our Sin-Bearer—for “God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). • G. Kam Congleton • Consider taking a moment to picture Jesus on the cross. It is good and right to turn to Him in praise, and also in lament, honestly crying out to Him about anything that is troubling you. He is worthy to receive it all. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. Galatians 3:13 (NLT)  

READ: ROMANS 2:9-16; 3:21-31; TITUS 3:3-8 It was a sweltering Sunday. We were a few days into the mission trip, and I decided this must be the usual climate in Costa Rica. The small church was filled with people. There was no air conditioning. We were on the third hymn when my vision began blurring. All I could think was, I need water. The last thing I remember before losing consciousness was gripping the back of the pew. Soon I felt my dad’s strong arms. He carried me from the stuffy sanctuary into the small church office. A few years after this experience, someone shared with me that he viewed God as a disappointed father, a father who would point his finger and judge you. Yes, Scripture says that God will judge all of our hearts (Romans 2:16). Yet, I reminded that person, the same God who is a righteous judge loves us so much that He sent His Son Jesus to die for our sins so we could be forgiven. God saves us “because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5). Though it is in God’s character to judge our hearts justly, it is also in His character to pursue us with love (Luke 15:1-32; 19:10). That morning in Costa Rica reminds me of God’s grace. I had not heeded what my dad wisely advised me: to stay hydrated. So, I suffered from dehydration. However, my dad picked me up when I was too weak to walk and carried me to safety. This is what God does for us too. Yes, God always wants us to listen to Him and bring all our thoughts, words, and actions in line with His good ways. Yet the same God knows we fall short, and, through Jesus, He saves us from sin and death and offers us a life free from shame and condemnation (Psalm 34:5; Romans 8:1). A life lived in the fullness of God’s grace and love. He is our Advocate, Savior, and Father—He cannot be divided. He is all of His attributes at the same time and in complete fullness. Because He is the same merciful God. • Daevis McMurphy • When do you struggle to see God as a good Father? Why do you think this might be? Consider taking some time to tell God how you feel. You can bring Him all your questions, doubts, anger, fear, sorrow, and disappointment. And you can ask Him to show you His true character as a good Father, Savior, and Advocate, all in one. He will be faithful to do this. • We can be sure God is a good Father because He mercifully sent Jesus. Do you know someone who is struggling to see God as a good Father? Consider taking some time to pray for them. But—When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. Titus 3:4-5 (NLT)

READ: ROMANS 2:9-16; 3:21-31; TITUS 3:3-8 It was a sweltering Sunday. We were a few days into the mission trip, and I decided this must be the usual climate in Costa Rica. The small church was filled with people. There was no air conditioning. We were on the third hymn when my vision began blurring. All I could think was, I need water. The last thing I remember before losing consciousness was gripping the back of the pew. Soon I felt my dad’s strong arms. He carried me from the stuffy sanctuary into the small church office. A few years after this experience, someone shared with me that he viewed God as a disappointed father, a father who would point his finger and judge you. Yes, Scripture says that God will judge all of our hearts (Romans 2:16). Yet, I reminded that person, the same God who is a righteous judge loves us so much that He sent His Son Jesus to die for our sins so we could be forgiven. God saves us “because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5). Though it is in God’s character to judge our hearts justly, it is also in His character to pursue us with love (Luke 15:1-32; 19:10). That morning in Costa Rica reminds me of God’s grace. I had not heeded what my dad wisely advised me: to stay hydrated. So, I suffered from dehydration. However, my dad picked me up when I was too weak to walk and carried me to safety. This is what God does for us too. Yes, God always wants us to listen to Him and bring all our thoughts, words, and actions in line with His good ways. Yet the same God knows we fall short, and, through Jesus, He saves us from sin and death and offers us a life free from shame and condemnation (Psalm 34:5; Romans 8:1). A life lived in the fullness of God’s grace and love. He is our Advocate, Savior, and Father—He cannot be divided. He is all of His attributes at the same time and in complete fullness. Because He is the same merciful God. • Daevis McMurphy • When do you struggle to see God as a good Father? Why do you think this might be? Consider taking some time to tell God how you feel. You can bring Him all your questions, doubts, anger, fear, sorrow, and disappointment. And you can ask Him to show you His true character as a good Father, Savior, and Advocate, all in one. He will be faithful to do this. • We can be sure God is a good Father because He mercifully sent Jesus. Do you know someone who is struggling to see God as a good Father? Consider taking some time to pray for them. But—When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. Titus 3:4-5 (NLT)

READ: ROMANS 2:9-16; 3:21-31; TITUS 3:3-8 It was a sweltering Sunday. We were a few days into the mission trip, and I decided this must be the usual climate in Costa Rica. The small church was filled with people. There was no air conditioning. We were on the third hymn when my vision began blurring. All I could think was, I need water. The last thing I remember before losing consciousness was gripping the back of the pew. Soon I felt my dad’s strong arms. He carried me from the stuffy sanctuary into the small church office. A few years after this experience, someone shared with me that he viewed God as a disappointed father, a father who would point his finger and judge you. Yes, Scripture says that God will judge all of our hearts (Romans 2:16). Yet, I reminded that person, the same God who is a righteous judge loves us so much that He sent His Son Jesus to die for our sins so we could be forgiven. God saves us “because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5). Though it is in God’s character to judge our hearts justly, it is also in His character to pursue us with love (Luke 15:1-32; 19:10). That morning in Costa Rica reminds me of God’s grace. I had not heeded what my dad wisely advised me: to stay hydrated. So, I suffered from dehydration. However, my dad picked me up when I was too weak to walk and carried me to safety. This is what God does for us too. Yes, God always wants us to listen to Him and bring all our thoughts, words, and actions in line with His good ways. Yet the same God knows we fall short, and, through Jesus, He saves us from sin and death and offers us a life free from shame and condemnation (Psalm 34:5; Romans 8:1). A life lived in the fullness of God’s grace and love. He is our Advocate, Savior, and Father—He cannot be divided. He is all of His attributes at the same time and in complete fullness. Because He is the same merciful God. • Daevis McMurphy • When do you struggle to see God as a good Father? Why do you think this might be? Consider taking some time to tell God how you feel. You can bring Him all your questions, doubts, anger, fear, sorrow, and disappointment. And you can ask Him to show you His true character as a good Father, Savior, and Advocate, all in one. He will be faithful to do this. • We can be sure God is a good Father because He mercifully sent Jesus. Do you know someone who is struggling to see God as a good Father? Consider taking some time to pray for them. But—When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. Titus 3:4-5 (NLT)

READ: 1 CORINTHIANS 12:12-27; 1 PETER 4:10-11 When was the last time you hurt one of your fingers? It happens often— it’s so easy to accidently cut, bruise, break, or burn our fingers, and then we have to figure out how to do everyday things like eat or write or drive with a hurting or bandaged finger while we wait for it to heal. We don’t tend to think about our fingers much…until we can’t use them. Then we see how much we really need them. They’re way more important than we ever knew! And God says that’s exactly how it is with the believers who make up His church. All the people who trust in Jesus Christ as their Savior are referred to as “the church,” or “the body of Christ,” and every single member is important—just like every part of our physical bodies is important. Each person has a job to do for the body to function properly. If we exclude members of the body of Christ because we think they have nothing to offer, it’s like we’re operating with a broken finger. But, if we stress that each person has a part to play in the church, more people will see how valuable and welcome they are. In the same way, if we believe that we have nothing to offer the church, then we are limiting what the church can do. Do you think you’re not really needed or maybe even able to serve Jesus? If so, you’re wrong. Things you can do may seem small to you, but each part of the body of Christ is needed. Because, if you know Jesus, you have the Holy Spirit living in you. God has equipped and empowered you to serve, and you are a valuable part of His body. • A. W. Smith • Can you think of a time someone showed you Jesus’s love? What was that like? • Throughout our lives, we may be able to build up the body of Christ in different ways. In this season of your life, what can you do to serve and show people Christ’s love? What are some of your natural abilities and spiritual gifts? If you’re not sure, who is a trusted Christian you know who could pray with you and help you discern how God has equipped you? Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27 (NIV) 

READ: 1 CORINTHIANS 12:12-27; 1 PETER 4:10-11 When was the last time you hurt one of your fingers? It happens often— it’s so easy to accidently cut, bruise, break, or burn our fingers, and then we have to figure out how to do everyday things like eat or write or drive with a hurting or bandaged finger while we wait for it to heal. We don’t tend to think about our fingers much…until we can’t use them. Then we see how much we really need them. They’re way more important than we ever knew! And God says that’s exactly how it is with the believers who make up His church. All the people who trust in Jesus Christ as their Savior are referred to as “the church,” or “the body of Christ,” and every single member is important—just like every part of our physical bodies is important. Each person has a job to do for the body to function properly. If we exclude members of the body of Christ because we think they have nothing to offer, it’s like we’re operating with a broken finger. But, if we stress that each person has a part to play in the church, more people will see how valuable and welcome they are. In the same way, if we believe that we have nothing to offer the church, then we are limiting what the church can do. Do you think you’re not really needed or maybe even able to serve Jesus? If so, you’re wrong. Things you can do may seem small to you, but each part of the body of Christ is needed. Because, if you know Jesus, you have the Holy Spirit living in you. God has equipped and empowered you to serve, and you are a valuable part of His body. • A. W. Smith • Can you think of a time someone showed you Jesus’s love? What was that like? • Throughout our lives, we may be able to build up the body of Christ in different ways. In this season of your life, what can you do to serve and show people Christ’s love? What are some of your natural abilities and spiritual gifts? If you’re not sure, who is a trusted Christian you know who could pray with you and help you discern how God has equipped you? Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27 (NIV) 

READ: 1 CORINTHIANS 12:12-27; 1 PETER 4:10-11 When was the last time you hurt one of your fingers? It happens often— it’s so easy to accidently cut, bruise, break, or burn our fingers, and then we have to figure out how to do everyday things like eat or write or drive with a hurting or bandaged finger while we wait for it to heal. We don’t tend to think about our fingers much…until we can’t use them. Then we see how much we really need them. They’re way more important than we ever knew! And God says that’s exactly how it is with the believers who make up His church. All the people who trust in Jesus Christ as their Savior are referred to as “the church,” or “the body of Christ,” and every single member is important—just like every part of our physical bodies is important. Each person has a job to do for the body to function properly. If we exclude members of the body of Christ because we think they have nothing to offer, it’s like we’re operating with a broken finger. But, if we stress that each person has a part to play in the church, more people will see how valuable and welcome they are. In the same way, if we believe that we have nothing to offer the church, then we are limiting what the church can do. Do you think you’re not really needed or maybe even able to serve Jesus? If so, you’re wrong. Things you can do may seem small to you, but each part of the body of Christ is needed. Because, if you know Jesus, you have the Holy Spirit living in you. God has equipped and empowered you to serve, and you are a valuable part of His body. • A. W. Smith • Can you think of a time someone showed you Jesus’s love? What was that like? • Throughout our lives, we may be able to build up the body of Christ in different ways. In this season of your life, what can you do to serve and show people Christ’s love? What are some of your natural abilities and spiritual gifts? If you’re not sure, who is a trusted Christian you know who could pray with you and help you discern how God has equipped you? Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27 (NIV) 

READ: JOHN 1:1-15; 8:12-18; 2 CORINTHIANS 4:6 Vacation time for my family when I was a kid usually involved tents and sleeping bags. We enjoyed the outdoors, and camping helped us stay close to nature—while also saving on hotel costs. As a little kid, I took notice of signs where we camped warning us of bears in the area. Although my parents reassured me that we’d be safe inside our tent, I asked to hold a flashlight when I bedded down for the night. Even though I realized a flashlight would offer little defense against a black bear, I found comfort in knowing I could flick on that light whenever I felt afraid in the dark. I still go camping, but I no longer grasp a flashlight as I fall asleep. Sometimes real life seems far scarier than a night at a wooded campsite, though, and now I need a different kind of light to fortify me during life’s uncertainties and unknowns. 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.” In His holiness and love, Jesus dispelled the darkness of confusion and sin so that we might know God. He did this by laying down His life for us. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, believing He died and rose from the grave to make the way for us to have a relationship with Him, Jesus shines His light into our hearts, so we never have to walk in darkness. In times of worry or questioning, Jesus gives Himself as the Light that pierces through the gloom of our fears. • Allison Wilson Lee • Have you ever felt like you’re wandering around in the darkness without a light? How can we look to Jesus to quiet our hearts in unsettling seasons? • You may not have all the answers you want as you face uncertainty, and that’s okay. God is not afraid of our questions. You can bring your questions and confusion to Him anytime in prayer. And you can draw near to Him by reading His Word, the Bible. When you feel lost, who are some trusted Christians you can talk to, such as parents, pastors, youth leaders, or counselors? The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. Isaiah 9:2 (NIV) 

READ: JOHN 1:1-15; 8:12-18; 2 CORINTHIANS 4:6 Vacation time for my family when I was a kid usually involved tents and sleeping bags. We enjoyed the outdoors, and camping helped us stay close to nature—while also saving on hotel costs. As a little kid, I took notice of signs where we camped warning us of bears in the area. Although my parents reassured me that we’d be safe inside our tent, I asked to hold a flashlight when I bedded down for the night. Even though I realized a flashlight would offer little defense against a black bear, I found comfort in knowing I could flick on that light whenever I felt afraid in the dark. I still go camping, but I no longer grasp a flashlight as I fall asleep. Sometimes real life seems far scarier than a night at a wooded campsite, though, and now I need a different kind of light to fortify me during life’s uncertainties and unknowns. 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.” In His holiness and love, Jesus dispelled the darkness of confusion and sin so that we might know God. He did this by laying down His life for us. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, believing He died and rose from the grave to make the way for us to have a relationship with Him, Jesus shines His light into our hearts, so we never have to walk in darkness. In times of worry or questioning, Jesus gives Himself as the Light that pierces through the gloom of our fears. • Allison Wilson Lee • Have you ever felt like you’re wandering around in the darkness without a light? How can we look to Jesus to quiet our hearts in unsettling seasons? • You may not have all the answers you want as you face uncertainty, and that’s okay. God is not afraid of our questions. You can bring your questions and confusion to Him anytime in prayer. And you can draw near to Him by reading His Word, the Bible. When you feel lost, who are some trusted Christians you can talk to, such as parents, pastors, youth leaders, or counselors? The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. Isaiah 9:2 (NIV) 

READ: JOHN 1:1-15; 8:12-18; 2 CORINTHIANS 4:6 Vacation time for my family when I was a kid usually involved tents and sleeping bags. We enjoyed the outdoors, and camping helped us stay close to nature—while also saving on hotel costs. As a little kid, I took notice of signs where we camped warning us of bears in the area. Although my parents reassured me that we’d be safe inside our tent, I asked to hold a flashlight when I bedded down for the night. Even though I realized a flashlight would offer little defense against a black bear, I found comfort in knowing I could flick on that light whenever I felt afraid in the dark. I still go camping, but I no longer grasp a flashlight as I fall asleep. Sometimes real life seems far scarier than a night at a wooded campsite, though, and now I need a different kind of light to fortify me during life’s uncertainties and unknowns. 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.” In His holiness and love, Jesus dispelled the darkness of confusion and sin so that we might know God. He did this by laying down His life for us. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, believing He died and rose from the grave to make the way for us to have a relationship with Him, Jesus shines His light into our hearts, so we never have to walk in darkness. In times of worry or questioning, Jesus gives Himself as the Light that pierces through the gloom of our fears. • Allison Wilson Lee • Have you ever felt like you’re wandering around in the darkness without a light? How can we look to Jesus to quiet our hearts in unsettling seasons? • You may not have all the answers you want as you face uncertainty, and that’s okay. God is not afraid of our questions. You can bring your questions and confusion to Him anytime in prayer. And you can draw near to Him by reading His Word, the Bible. When you feel lost, who are some trusted Christians you can talk to, such as parents, pastors, youth leaders, or counselors? The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. Isaiah 9:2 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 23; JOHN 10:1-30 Did you know that sheep can be easily distracted? If a shepherd is leading a flock, and a stranger gets in the way, the sheep can lose their focus on the shepherd and scatter. And when sheep scatter, they can get into trouble. They might get stuck in dangerous places, or they could be attacked by a hungry predator. Away from the protection and care of the shepherd, sheep are lost and vulnerable. That’s why they need to keep their eyes and ears trained on the shepherd. Throughout the Bible, God compares us to sheep. And when Jesus came, He said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). Sometimes we can be easily distracted and forget to stay focused on Jesus, which leads to problems. But Jesus died on the cross and rose from the grave to forgive us and save us from sin and death, and He promises to care for us and provide for all our needs. He’s the One we should always follow. But even when we do get distracted and wander away—when we’re captivated by people or possessions or ideas, chasing after them in hopes they’ll solve our problems or satisfy the deep longings of our hearts—our Good Shepherd chases after us. When we are lost and vulnerable, He has compassion on us. Every day, every moment, He helps us leave sin behind and follow Him. There’s nothing in this world that can give us the peace and joy that Jesus does. So, when we get distracted and start looking to created things to provide what only the Creator can give us, we can listen for our Good Shepherd’s gentle voice. He speaks to us through His Spirit, His Word (the Bible), and His people (the church). We can rely on His love for us and trust Him to lead us well. And even when the temptations are strong, as Christians, we have the Holy Spirit living within us, helping us turn away from sin and turn our eyes and ears upon Jesus once again. Instead of trying to solve our problems on our own, we can bring all our concerns to Him and trust Him to lead us where He wants us to go. • A. W. Smith • Do you know anyone who looks to Jesus to guide them in their daily life? What is it like to be around them? • Consider taking some time to talk to Jesus. You can ask for His help with tough situations and temptations, confess any sins that come to mind, and rest in His never-failing love for you. If you want to dig deeper, read Isaiah 40:11; 53:4-6; Zechariah 10:2; Mark 6:34; Luke 15:1-7. And if you want to know more about trusting Jesus to be your Shepherd, check out our "Know Jesus" page. For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. 1 Peter 2:25 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 23; JOHN 10:1-30 Did you know that sheep can be easily distracted? If a shepherd is leading a flock, and a stranger gets in the way, the sheep can lose their focus on the shepherd and scatter. And when sheep scatter, they can get into trouble. They might get stuck in dangerous places, or they could be attacked by a hungry predator. Away from the protection and care of the shepherd, sheep are lost and vulnerable. That’s why they need to keep their eyes and ears trained on the shepherd. Throughout the Bible, God compares us to sheep. And when Jesus came, He said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). Sometimes we can be easily distracted and forget to stay focused on Jesus, which leads to problems. But Jesus died on the cross and rose from the grave to forgive us and save us from sin and death, and He promises to care for us and provide for all our needs. He’s the One we should always follow. But even when we do get distracted and wander away—when we’re captivated by people or possessions or ideas, chasing after them in hopes they’ll solve our problems or satisfy the deep longings of our hearts—our Good Shepherd chases after us. When we are lost and vulnerable, He has compassion on us. Every day, every moment, He helps us leave sin behind and follow Him. There’s nothing in this world that can give us the peace and joy that Jesus does. So, when we get distracted and start looking to created things to provide what only the Creator can give us, we can listen for our Good Shepherd’s gentle voice. He speaks to us through His Spirit, His Word (the Bible), and His people (the church). We can rely on His love for us and trust Him to lead us well. And even when the temptations are strong, as Christians, we have the Holy Spirit living within us, helping us turn away from sin and turn our eyes and ears upon Jesus once again. Instead of trying to solve our problems on our own, we can bring all our concerns to Him and trust Him to lead us where He wants us to go. • A. W. Smith • Do you know anyone who looks to Jesus to guide them in their daily life? What is it like to be around them? • Consider taking some time to talk to Jesus. You can ask for His help with tough situations and temptations, confess any sins that come to mind, and rest in His never-failing love for you. If you want to dig deeper, read Isaiah 40:11; 53:4-6; Zechariah 10:2; Mark 6:34; Luke 15:1-7. And if you want to know more about trusting Jesus to be your Shepherd, check out our “Know Jesus” page. For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. 1 Peter 2:25 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 23; JOHN 10:1-30 Did you know that sheep can be easily distracted? If a shepherd is leading a flock, and a stranger gets in the way, the sheep can lose their focus on the shepherd and scatter. And when sheep scatter, they can get into trouble. They might get stuck in dangerous places, or they could be attacked by a hungry predator. Away from the protection and care of the shepherd, sheep are lost and vulnerable. That’s why they need to keep their eyes and ears trained on the shepherd. Throughout the Bible, God compares us to sheep. And when Jesus came, He said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). Sometimes we can be easily distracted and forget to stay focused on Jesus, which leads to problems. But Jesus died on the cross and rose from the grave to forgive us and save us from sin and death, and He promises to care for us and provide for all our needs. He’s the One we should always follow. But even when we do get distracted and wander away—when we’re captivated by people or possessions or ideas, chasing after them in hopes they’ll solve our problems or satisfy the deep longings of our hearts—our Good Shepherd chases after us. When we are lost and vulnerable, He has compassion on us. Every day, every moment, He helps us leave sin behind and follow Him. There’s nothing in this world that can give us the peace and joy that Jesus does. So, when we get distracted and start looking to created things to provide what only the Creator can give us, we can listen for our Good Shepherd’s gentle voice. He speaks to us through His Spirit, His Word (the Bible), and His people (the church). We can rely on His love for us and trust Him to lead us well. And even when the temptations are strong, as Christians, we have the Holy Spirit living within us, helping us turn away from sin and turn our eyes and ears upon Jesus once again. Instead of trying to solve our problems on our own, we can bring all our concerns to Him and trust Him to lead us where He wants us to go. • A. W. Smith • Do you know anyone who looks to Jesus to guide them in their daily life? What is it like to be around them? • Consider taking some time to talk to Jesus. You can ask for His help with tough situations and temptations, confess any sins that come to mind, and rest in His never-failing love for you. If you want to dig deeper, read Isaiah 40:11; 53:4-6; Zechariah 10:2; Mark 6:34; Luke 15:1-7. And if you want to know more about trusting Jesus to be your Shepherd, check out our “Know Jesus” page. For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. 1 Peter 2:25 (NIV) 

READ: PROVERBS 30:5; ACTS 17:1-15 I absolutely love reading about the Berean Jews in the Bible. They show up in Acts 17:11, and in truth, I think this is the only place that mentions them by name. But this one verse is packed with helpful insight on how to live life well. Paul and Silas were going from town to town preaching the good news of Jesus’s death and resurrection, and they made a quick stop in Berea after a harrowing visit to Thessalonica. Some of the Thessalonians did not respond well to the gospel and even caused riots because they didn’t want to hear Paul and Silas speak any more. But the Berean Jews responded very differently to the message Paul and Silas brought. First, the Berean Jews received the word Paul preached with eagerness. They were hungry to hear more about God and joyful that someone had brought the message about Jesus! When God’s truth is brought to us, we too can receive joyfully as we learn more about our faith and the God who loves us more than we could ever imagine. Second, the Bereans examined the Scriptures to see if what Paul and Silas taught them was accurate. This is a habit I hope we all can cultivate more, me especially! In a world where information and opinions are pouring out at us from all directions, we have one solid place we can go for truth: the Bible. The Bible is the Word of God, and it reveals the truth about who Jesus is and who we are. So, when we hear something new about our faith, it is necessary that we check the Word to see if what we are hearing lines up with God’s truth. When we understand how amazing the gospel is, we can be joyful when we hear it taught, and we can be careful to check new ideas against the truth in the Bible. • Abbi Bloem • When was the last time you felt eagerness and joy in learning about Jesus? • Can you think of a time when something felt good to hear, but didn’t line up with God’s truth? • Examining the Scriptures is a good way to know if what we are hearing lines up with God’s best for our lives. What steps could you take today to know God’s Word even better? • Some people in Thessalonica did receive the good news, and later Paul wrote affectionate letters to them. If you want to dig deeper, check out the books of 1 and 2 Thessalonians in the Bible. Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. Acts 17:11 (NIV) 

READ: PROVERBS 30:5; ACTS 17:1-15 I absolutely love reading about the Berean Jews in the Bible. They show up in Acts 17:11, and in truth, I think this is the only place that mentions them by name. But this one verse is packed with helpful insight on how to live life well. Paul and Silas were going from town to town preaching the good news of Jesus’s death and resurrection, and they made a quick stop in Berea after a harrowing visit to Thessalonica. Some of the Thessalonians did not respond well to the gospel and even caused riots because they didn’t want to hear Paul and Silas speak any more. But the Berean Jews responded very differently to the message Paul and Silas brought. First, the Berean Jews received the word Paul preached with eagerness. They were hungry to hear more about God and joyful that someone had brought the message about Jesus! When God’s truth is brought to us, we too can receive joyfully as we learn more about our faith and the God who loves us more than we could ever imagine. Second, the Bereans examined the Scriptures to see if what Paul and Silas taught them was accurate. This is a habit I hope we all can cultivate more, me especially! In a world where information and opinions are pouring out at us from all directions, we have one solid place we can go for truth: the Bible. The Bible is the Word of God, and it reveals the truth about who Jesus is and who we are. So, when we hear something new about our faith, it is necessary that we check the Word to see if what we are hearing lines up with God’s truth. When we understand how amazing the gospel is, we can be joyful when we hear it taught, and we can be careful to check new ideas against the truth in the Bible. • Abbi Bloem • When was the last time you felt eagerness and joy in learning about Jesus? • Can you think of a time when something felt good to hear, but didn’t line up with God’s truth? • Examining the Scriptures is a good way to know if what we are hearing lines up with God’s best for our lives. What steps could you take today to know God’s Word even better? • Some people in Thessalonica did receive the good news, and later Paul wrote affectionate letters to them. If you want to dig deeper, check out the books of 1 and 2 Thessalonians in the Bible. Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. Acts 17:11 (NIV) 

READ: PROVERBS 30:5; ACTS 17:1-15 I absolutely love reading about the Berean Jews in the Bible. They show up in Acts 17:11, and in truth, I think this is the only place that mentions them by name. But this one verse is packed with helpful insight on how to live life well. Paul and Silas were going from town to town preaching the good news of Jesus’s death and resurrection, and they made a quick stop in Berea after a harrowing visit to Thessalonica. Some of the Thessalonians did not respond well to the gospel and even caused riots because they didn’t want to hear Paul and Silas speak any more. But the Berean Jews responded very differently to the message Paul and Silas brought. First, the Berean Jews received the word Paul preached with eagerness. They were hungry to hear more about God and joyful that someone had brought the message about Jesus! When God’s truth is brought to us, we too can receive joyfully as we learn more about our faith and the God who loves us more than we could ever imagine. Second, the Bereans examined the Scriptures to see if what Paul and Silas taught them was accurate. This is a habit I hope we all can cultivate more, me especially! In a world where information and opinions are pouring out at us from all directions, we have one solid place we can go for truth: the Bible. The Bible is the Word of God, and it reveals the truth about who Jesus is and who we are. So, when we hear something new about our faith, it is necessary that we check the Word to see if what we are hearing lines up with God’s truth. When we understand how amazing the gospel is, we can be joyful when we hear it taught, and we can be careful to check new ideas against the truth in the Bible. • Abbi Bloem • When was the last time you felt eagerness and joy in learning about Jesus? • Can you think of a time when something felt good to hear, but didn’t line up with God’s truth? • Examining the Scriptures is a good way to know if what we are hearing lines up with God’s best for our lives. What steps could you take today to know God’s Word even better? • Some people in Thessalonica did receive the good news, and later Paul wrote affectionate letters to them. If you want to dig deeper, check out the books of 1 and 2 Thessalonians in the Bible. Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. Acts 17:11 (NIV) 

READ: DEUTERONOMY 7:7-8; PSALM 34; ROMANS 8 I twirled the marble beads on my bracelet, cool against my skin. Grey, grey, bright blue. The turquoise color had intricate swirls of sky blue, the result making the bead look like an ever-moving sky. These bracelets reminded us of the love of Ahavah, the love He daily shows us. Quickening my pace, I hurried to the meeting of the Loved Ones. Every week we met to share our stories, and this would be my first time to share. Laughter and soft conversation spilled from within the willow tree leaves as I parted the delicate branches. They sat in a semi-circle beneath the great willow, this group I had come to cherish. Aspen waved me over in excitement, her own beaded bracelets sliding up and down her slender wrists. “Welcome, Loved Ones!” Rowan’s brown eyes were warm as he addressed us individually. “Who would like to share their story of the week first?” Aspen placed her hand on my shoulder encouragingly. I stood and pointed to my blue bead. “As many of you know, I just recently joined the Loved Ones. I always felt like something was lacking in my life—there was this void in my heart I couldn’t fill no matter what, or who, I tried to fill it with.” I lifted my arm graced with the bracelet. “Here is my story of Ahavah’s love: I was feeling deep grief because, as you know, my sweet cat of many years passed away. When I opened the Word, I read Psalm 34:18, ‘The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.’ I felt such overwhelming love in that moment, and I watched one of my grey beads transform into this blue. Now, I look to it as a reminder of that precious revelation of Ahavah’s tenderness toward me.” Heads nodded all around me and several eyes shone with tears as I took my seat. Aspen stood and shared one of her Loved moments, the colors on her many bracelets shining as she gestured excitedly. I breathed a silent prayer of gratitude to Ahavah for constantly showing His care to His Loved Ones. What color will you show me next, Ahavah? May I always be looking for the many ways that You love. • Savannah Coleman • Ahavah is a Hebrew word we find in the Bible, and it means love. In Deuteronomy 7:7-8, for example, God chose to save His people from the bondage of slavery in Egypt because of His ahavah love for them, not because they earned or deserved His love in any way. Have you received God’s gift of love through the sacrifice and resurrection of His Son Jesus for you (John 3:16-17)? Once we belong to Him, we can know that we are no longer condemned because, by the blood of Jesus, we are forgiven and set free from the bondage of sin and death (Romans 8:1-2). Whatever we go through in life, we can be confident that God is for us because He already gave the ultimate for us—Jesus (verses 31-32). If you want to know more about this good news, see our "Know Jesus" page. • Although circumstances may be heartbreaking, and people may abandon us or let us down, we can be confident that nothing and no one will ever be able to separate us from the love of God through Jesus Christ (verse 39). Can you think of a time when you experienced God’s redeeming, unconditional love for you? Consider taking a moment to express your gratitude and praise to Jesus, and perhaps also share this story with others. As we ponder God’s immeasurable love, may it well up in our souls and overflow from our lips and in our actions (Psalm 34:1-3). • God never stops showing love to His children. Not only does He listen to us—He

READ: DEUTERONOMY 7:7-8; PSALM 34; ROMANS 8 I twirled the marble beads on my bracelet, cool against my skin. Grey, grey, bright blue. The turquoise color had intricate swirls of sky blue, the result making the bead look like an ever-moving sky. These bracelets reminded us of the love of Ahavah, the love He daily shows us. Quickening my pace, I hurried to the meeting of the Loved Ones. Every week we met to share our stories, and this would be my first time to share. Laughter and soft conversation spilled from within the willow tree leaves as I parted the delicate branches. They sat in a semi-circle beneath the great willow, this group I had come to cherish. Aspen waved me over in excitement, her own beaded bracelets sliding up and down her slender wrists. “Welcome, Loved Ones!” Rowan’s brown eyes were warm as he addressed us individually. “Who would like to share their story of the week first?” Aspen placed her hand on my shoulder encouragingly. I stood and pointed to my blue bead. “As many of you know, I just recently joined the Loved Ones. I always felt like something was lacking in my life—there was this void in my heart I couldn’t fill no matter what, or who, I tried to fill it with.” I lifted my arm graced with the bracelet. “Here is my story of Ahavah’s love: I was feeling deep grief because, as you know, my sweet cat of many years passed away. When I opened the Word, I read Psalm 34:18, ‘The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.’ I felt such overwhelming love in that moment, and I watched one of my grey beads transform into this blue. Now, I look to it as a reminder of that precious revelation of Ahavah’s tenderness toward me.” Heads nodded all around me and several eyes shone with tears as I took my seat. Aspen stood and shared one of her Loved moments, the colors on her many bracelets shining as she gestured excitedly. I breathed a silent prayer of gratitude to Ahavah for constantly showing His care to His Loved Ones. What color will you show me next, Ahavah? May I always be looking for the many ways that You love. • Savannah Coleman • Ahavah is a Hebrew word we find in the Bible, and it means love. In Deuteronomy 7:7-8, for example, God chose to save His people from the bondage of slavery in Egypt because of His ahavah love for them, not because they earned or deserved His love in any way. Have you received God’s gift of love through the sacrifice and resurrection of His Son Jesus for you (John 3:16-17)? Once we belong to Him, we can know that we are no longer condemned because, by the blood of Jesus, we are forgiven and set free from the bondage of sin and death (Romans 8:1-2). Whatever we go through in life, we can be confident that God is for us because He already gave the ultimate for us—Jesus (verses 31-32). If you want to know more about this good news, see our “Know Jesus” page. • Although circumstances may be heartbreaking, and people may abandon us or let us down, we can be confident that nothing and no one will ever be able to separate us from the love of God through Jesus Christ (verse 39). Can you think of a time when you experienced God’s redeeming, unconditional love for you? Consider taking a moment to express your gratitude and praise to Jesus, and perhaps also share this story with others. As we ponder God’s immeasurable love, may it well up in our souls and overflow from our lips and in our actions (Psalm 34:1-3). • God never stops showing love to His children. Not only does He listen to us—He delivers us, He provides for us, and He is close to us when our hearts are broken (Psalm 34:4, 6, 7, 9, 18). We are not promised a trouble-free life, but we are ultimately promised delivera...

READ: DEUTERONOMY 7:7-8; PSALM 34; ROMANS 8 I twirled the marble beads on my bracelet, cool against my skin. Grey, grey, bright blue. The turquoise color had intricate swirls of sky blue, the result making the bead look like an ever-moving sky. These bracelets reminded us of the love of Ahavah, the love He daily shows us. Quickening my pace, I hurried to the meeting of the Loved Ones. Every week we met to share our stories, and this would be my first time to share. Laughter and soft conversation spilled from within the willow tree leaves as I parted the delicate branches. They sat in a semi-circle beneath the great willow, this group I had come to cherish. Aspen waved me over in excitement, her own beaded bracelets sliding up and down her slender wrists. “Welcome, Loved Ones!” Rowan’s brown eyes were warm as he addressed us individually. “Who would like to share their story of the week first?” Aspen placed her hand on my shoulder encouragingly. I stood and pointed to my blue bead. “As many of you know, I just recently joined the Loved Ones. I always felt like something was lacking in my life—there was this void in my heart I couldn’t fill no matter what, or who, I tried to fill it with.” I lifted my arm graced with the bracelet. “Here is my story of Ahavah’s love: I was feeling deep grief because, as you know, my sweet cat of many years passed away. When I opened the Word, I read Psalm 34:18, ‘The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.’ I felt such overwhelming love in that moment, and I watched one of my grey beads transform into this blue. Now, I look to it as a reminder of that precious revelation of Ahavah’s tenderness toward me.” Heads nodded all around me and several eyes shone with tears as I took my seat. Aspen stood and shared one of her Loved moments, the colors on her many bracelets shining as she gestured excitedly. I breathed a silent prayer of gratitude to Ahavah for constantly showing His care to His Loved Ones. What color will you show me next, Ahavah? May I always be looking for the many ways that You love. • Savannah Coleman • Ahavah is a Hebrew word we find in the Bible, and it means love. In Deuteronomy 7:7-8, for example, God chose to save His people from the bondage of slavery in Egypt because of His ahavah love for them, not because they earned or deserved His love in any way. Have you received God’s gift of love through the sacrifice and resurrection of His Son Jesus for you (John 3:16-17)? Once we belong to Him, we can know that we are no longer condemned because, by the blood of Jesus, we are forgiven and set free from the bondage of sin and death (Romans 8:1-2). Whatever we go through in life, we can be confident that God is for us because He already gave the ultimate for us—Jesus (verses 31-32). If you want to know more about this good news, see our “Know Jesus” page. • Although circumstances may be heartbreaking, and people may abandon us or let us down, we can be confident that nothing and no one will ever be able to separate us from the love of God through Jesus Christ (verse 39). Can you think of a time when you experienced God’s redeeming, unconditional love for you? Consider taking a moment to express your gratitude and praise to Jesus, and perhaps also share this story with others. As we ponder God’s immeasurable love, may it well up in our souls and overflow from our lips and in our actions (Psalm 34:1-3). • God never stops showing love to His children. Not only does He li

READ: PSALM 23; PHILIPPIANS 4:11-13; HEBREWS 13:5 Growing up, I participated in a program at my church where I learned Bible stories and memorized Scripture. I remember memorizing Psalm 23 when I was in second grade. However, the words of this psalm didn’t mean nearly as much to me as a seven-year-old as they do now. Psalm 23 is an incredibly popular psalm. Verse 1 in particular is frequently quoted by pastors, speakers, and authors: “The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need.” So, it’s probably not surprising that for most of my life, this psalm (especially verse 1) felt cliché and stale to me. It wasn’t until college that God used this verse to open my eyes to a hard truth I had been desperately needing to see—and accept—for so long. In short, I had spent several years hoping to date a particular guy who simply wasn’t interested in dating me. However, even though I knew he wasn’t interested, I still spent countless hours thinking (and daydreaming) about him and the possibility of having a relationship with him. To say that I was dissatisfied with my situation would be an understatement. All I wanted was him. God had clearly shown me this guy wasn’t meant for me, but I ignored Him. However, there was a moment during my college years when Psalm 23:1 seemed to come to life. God used it to gradually change my perspective on the guy I had been hoping to date. Some Bible translations say that we “lack nothing,” or that we won’t be “in want.” It felt like God was telling me, “You don’t need to want anything, Grace—including that guy—because I’ve given you everything you need.” I still struggled to accept the reality of my singleness, but I was encouraged by the comforting truth of Psalm 23:1. Jesus is our loving Shepherd, and when we know Him, we have everything we need. • Grace McCready • It’s not bad to desire things—including romantic relationships—but these desires can sometimes turn into idols. And idols will never fulfill us. Only through Jesus can we experience real contentment, regardless of our circumstances. If we’ve put our trust in Jesus, believing in His death and resurrection, we’ll live with Him forever in restored creation. And even now, He is with us through His Spirit, His Word, and His people. And that’s what we truly need—God’s presence with us. If we got everything we ever wanted, but we didn’t have God with us, we would never experience true fulfillment. Consider spending some time with Jesus in prayer, asking Him to help you lay down any idols in your life and experience true contentment in Him. • When you have questions about dating, who is a trusted Christian adult in your life you could talk to? If no one comes to mind, you can ask God to help you identify someone in the future. The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need. Psalm 23:1 (CSB) 

READ: PSALM 23; PHILIPPIANS 4:11-13; HEBREWS 13:5 Growing up, I participated in a program at my church where I learned Bible stories and memorized Scripture. I remember memorizing Psalm 23 when I was in second grade. However, the words of this psalm didn’t mean nearly as much to me as a seven-year-old as they do now. Psalm 23 is an incredibly popular psalm. Verse 1 in particular is frequently quoted by pastors, speakers, and authors: “The LORD is my shepherd; I have what I need.” So, it’s probably not surprising that for most of my life, this psalm (especially verse 1) felt cliché and stale to me. It wasn’t until college that God used this verse to open my eyes to a hard truth I had been desperately needing to see—and accept—for so long. In short, I had spent several years hoping to date a particular guy who simply wasn’t interested in dating me. However, even though I knew he wasn’t interested, I still spent countless hours thinking (and daydreaming) about him and the possibility of having a relationship with him. To say that I was dissatisfied with my situation would be an understatement. All I wanted was him. God had clearly shown me this guy wasn’t meant for me, but I ignored Him. However, there was a moment during my college years when Psalm 23:1 seemed to come to life. God used it to gradually change my perspective on the guy I had been hoping to date. Some Bible translations say that we “lack nothing,” or that we won’t be “in want.” It felt like God was telling me, “You don’t need to want anything, Grace—including that guy—because I’ve given you everything you need.” I still struggled to accept the reality of my singleness, but I was encouraged by the comforting truth of Psalm 23:1. Jesus is our loving Shepherd, and when we know Him, we have everything we need. • Grace McCready • It’s not bad to desire things—including romantic relationships—but these desires can sometimes turn into idols. And idols will never fulfill us. Only through Jesus can we experience real contentment, regardless of our circumstances. If we’ve put our trust in Jesus, believing in His death and resurrection, we’ll live with Him forever in restored creation. And even now, He is with us through His Spirit, His Word, and His people. And that’s what we truly need—God’s presence with us. If we got everything we ever wanted, but we didn’t have God with us, we would never experience true fulfillment. Consider spending some time with Jesus in prayer, asking Him to help you lay down any idols in your life and experience true contentment in Him. • When you have questions about dating, who is a trusted Christian adult in your life you could talk to? If no one comes to mind, you can ask God to help you identify someone in the future. The LORD is my shepherd; I have what I need. Psalm 23:1 (CSB) 

READ: PSALM 23; PHILIPPIANS 4:11-13; HEBREWS 13:5 Growing up, I participated in a program at my church where I learned Bible stories and memorized Scripture. I remember memorizing Psalm 23 when I was in second grade. However, the words of this psalm didn’t mean nearly as much to me as a seven-year-old as they do now. Psalm 23 is an incredibly popular psalm. Verse 1 in particular is frequently quoted by pastors, speakers, and authors: “The LORD is my shepherd; I have what I need.” So, it’s probably not surprising that for most of my life, this psalm (especially verse 1) felt cliché and stale to me. It wasn’t until college that God used this verse to open my eyes to a hard truth I had been desperately needing to see—and accept—for so long. In short, I had spent several years hoping to date a particular guy who simply wasn’t interested in dating me. However, even though I knew he wasn’t interested, I still spent countless hours thinking (and daydreaming) about him and the possibility of having a relationship with him. To say that I was dissatisfied with my situation would be an understatement. All I wanted was him. God had clearly shown me this guy wasn’t meant for me, but I ignored Him. However, there was a moment during my college years when Psalm 23:1 seemed to come to life. God used it to gradually change my perspective on the guy I had been hoping to date. Some Bible translations say that we “lack nothing,” or that we won’t be “in want.” It felt like God was telling me, “You don’t need to want anything, Grace—including that guy—because I’ve given you everything you need.” I still struggled to accept the reality of my singleness, but I was encouraged by the comforting truth of Psalm 23:1. Jesus is our loving Shepherd, and when we know Him, we have everything we need. • Grace McCready • It’s not bad to desire things—including romantic relationships—but these desires can sometimes turn into idols. And idols will never fulfill us. Only through Jesus can we experience real contentment, regardless of our circumstances. If we’ve put our trust in Jesus, believing in His death and resurrection, we’ll live with Him forever in restored creation. And even now, He is with us through His Spirit, His Word, and His people. And that’s what we truly need—God’s presence with us. If we got everything we ever wanted, but we didn’t have God with us, we would never experience true fulfillment. Consider spending some time with Jesus in prayer, asking Him to help you lay down any idols in your life and experience true contentment in Him. • When you have questions about dating, who is a trusted Christian adult in your life you could talk to? If no one comes to mind, you can ask God to help you identify someone in the future. The LORD is my shepherd; I have what I need. Psalm 23:1 (CSB) 

READ: 1 CORINTHIANS 13:9-13; 2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-7 Have you gone through something really hard lately? Maybe there’s been sickness or a death in your family. Maybe your parents are separating, or your best friend moved away, or your family is struggling financially. Even if you haven’t personally experienced suffering like this yet, chances are you know someone who has. As we go through life in a world that has been broken by sin, we might find ourselves asking, “Where is the hope in all this?” It may help to think about it this way. Have you ever seen a stained glass window? These works of art can be beautiful. But they look very different in the dark than they do in the light. When there’s no light shining through the window, all we can see are a bunch of little pieces of dark glass. But when the light shines through them, we see vibrant colors that reveal the patterns or pictures the designer crafted there. Life can feel that way too sometimes. From our point of view, life can seem dark and dull, especially when we’re going through hard times. But Jesus hasn’t left us to suffer alone in the dark. He came into our broken world and lived among us, and He said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life” (John 8:12). Jesus can shine through any difficulties we face—He can make a beautiful picture of our lives (Romans 8:28-29). That doesn’t mean our lives will be easy. But Jesus will be with us through it all. He knows what it’s like to go through terrible hardship—He suffered and died to save us from sin. When we face hard times in our lives, He is close beside us, and He can use even the most difficult situations to help us grow in our relationship with Him and show others His love. He can shine through our suffering so we—and others—can see a clearer picture of who He is. • A. W. Smith • Jesus understands how we feel when we’re hurting—He faced terrible suffering and death to give us eternal life. But, when He returns, He will restore creation and raise all His people to live with Him forever; then suffering will be no more. And even now, He is with us. We can trust Him to make something beautiful out of our lives. What kinds of hard things have you experienced lately? Consider taking a moment to tell Him about whatever is weighing on you. Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. 1 Corinthians 13:12 (NLT) 

READ: 1 CORINTHIANS 13:9-13; 2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-7 Have you gone through something really hard lately? Maybe there’s been sickness or a death in your family. Maybe your parents are separating, or your best friend moved away, or your family is struggling financially. Even if you haven’t personally experienced suffering like this yet, chances are you know someone who has. As we go through life in a world that has been broken by sin, we might find ourselves asking, “Where is the hope in all this?” It may help to think about it this way. Have you ever seen a stained glass window? These works of art can be beautiful. But they look very different in the dark than they do in the light. When there’s no light shining through the window, all we can see are a bunch of little pieces of dark glass. But when the light shines through them, we see vibrant colors that reveal the patterns or pictures the designer crafted there. Life can feel that way too sometimes. From our point of view, life can seem dark and dull, especially when we’re going through hard times. But Jesus hasn’t left us to suffer alone in the dark. He came into our broken world and lived among us, and He said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life” (John 8:12). Jesus can shine through any difficulties we face—He can make a beautiful picture of our lives (Romans 8:28-29). That doesn’t mean our lives will be easy. But Jesus will be with us through it all. He knows what it’s like to go through terrible hardship—He suffered and died to save us from sin. When we face hard times in our lives, He is close beside us, and He can use even the most difficult situations to help us grow in our relationship with Him and show others His love. He can shine through our suffering so we—and others—can see a clearer picture of who He is. • A. W. Smith • Jesus understands how we feel when we’re hurting—He faced terrible suffering and death to give us eternal life. But, when He returns, He will restore creation and raise all His people to live with Him forever; then suffering will be no more. And even now, He is with us. We can trust Him to make something beautiful out of our lives. What kinds of hard things have you experienced lately? Consider taking a moment to tell Him about whatever is weighing on you. Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. 1 Corinthians 13:12 (NLT) 

READ: 1 CORINTHIANS 13:9-13; 2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-7 Have you gone through something really hard lately? Maybe there’s been sickness or a death in your family. Maybe your parents are separating, or your best friend moved away, or your family is struggling financially. Even if you haven’t personally experienced suffering like this yet, chances are you know someone who has. As we go through life in a world that has been broken by sin, we might find ourselves asking, “Where is the hope in all this?” It may help to think about it this way. Have you ever seen a stained glass window? These works of art can be beautiful. But they look very different in the dark than they do in the light. When there’s no light shining through the window, all we can see are a bunch of little pieces of dark glass. But when the light shines through them, we see vibrant colors that reveal the patterns or pictures the designer crafted there. Life can feel that way too sometimes. From our point of view, life can seem dark and dull, especially when we’re going through hard times. But Jesus hasn’t left us to suffer alone in the dark. He came into our broken world and lived among us, and He said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life” (John 8:12). Jesus can shine through any difficulties we face—He can make a beautiful picture of our lives (Romans 8:28-29). That doesn’t mean our lives will be easy. But Jesus will be with us through it all. He knows what it’s like to go through terrible hardship—He suffered and died to save us from sin. When we face hard times in our lives, He is close beside us, and He can use even the most difficult situations to help us grow in our relationship with Him and show others His love. He can shine through our suffering so we—and others—can see a clearer picture of who He is. • A. W. Smith • Jesus understands how we feel when we’re hurting—He faced terrible suffering and death to give us eternal life. But, when He returns, He will restore creation and raise all His people to live with Him forever; then suffering will be no more. And even now, He is with us. We can trust Him to make something beautiful out of our lives. What kinds of hard things have you experienced lately? Consider taking a moment to tell Him about whatever is weighing on you. Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. 1 Corinthians 13:12 (NLT) 

READ: LAMENTATIONS 3:22-26; EPHESIANS 3:14-21; 1 JOHN 4:16 Ten or fifteen years ago, when I was a teenager and struggling through that often awkward and difficult phase of life, I wish I had known just how much God loved me. I knew of God’s love. I felt it in my life. But I didn’t realize just how great it is. As the years have gone by, I’ve learned to rely on God more and more. The more I rely on and lean into Him, the more I feel His love. Each day, I feel Him with me. Through the challenges I face, I know He is always there. Through any future challenges, I know He will not abandon me (Psalm 16:8; Matthew 1:23; 28:20; Hebrews 13:5). God has proven Himself to me over and over through the years. I feel loved by Him because of the way He takes care of me. I feel loved by Him because I know He has given me the gift of salvation through Jesus’s death and resurrection, and I will one day live on the new heavens and new earth with Him when He returns. I wish, as a teenager, I could have grasped how big God’s love for me is. I wish I had allowed His love to wrap around me and give me peace. I have never faced anything alone because He has always been with me. God’s love never fails and never ends, and I am always okay because of it. And, just as God loves me, He loves you too. • Bethany Acker • Have you ever had a moment when you realized in a new way how much God loves you? What was that like? If not, you can ask God for this anytime. He is eager to answer these prayers. • We can have full access to God’s love because of Jesus. (If you want to know more, see our “Know Jesus” page.) In Ephesians 3:19, Paul prays for the Christians in Ephesus, “May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully.” God’s love is beyond our understanding, yet the Holy Spirit helps us grow in our awareness of His love throughout our lives. Do you have any favorite Bible verses about God’s love for you? Consider choosing a verse to read every day this week, and as you read it, ask God to help you experience His love more and more deeply. • All of the truths in today’s devotion are from Scripture. If you want to read more about God’s love, here are a few places to start: Psalms 13:5; 26:3; 94:18; Isaiah 54:10; Jeremiah 31:3; John 3:16-17; Romans 5:5-11; 8:35-39; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 1:4-6; 2:1-10; 1 John 4:10. See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! 1 John 3:1 (NLT) 

READ: LAMENTATIONS 3:22-26; EPHESIANS 3:14-21; 1 JOHN 4:16 Ten or fifteen years ago, when I was a teenager and struggling through that often awkward and difficult phase of life, I wish I had known just how much God loved me. I knew of God’s love. I felt it in my life. But I didn’t realize just how great it is. As the years have gone by, I’ve learned to rely on God more and more. The more I rely on and lean into Him, the more I feel His love. Each day, I feel Him with me. Through the challenges I face, I know He is always there. Through any future challenges, I know He will not abandon me (Psalm 16:8; Matthew 1:23; 28:20; Hebrews 13:5). God has proven Himself to me over and over through the years. I feel loved by Him because of the way He takes care of me. I feel loved by Him because I know He has given me the gift of salvation through Jesus’s death and resurrection, and I will one day live on the new heavens and new earth with Him when He returns. I wish, as a teenager, I could have grasped how big God’s love for me is. I wish I had allowed His love to wrap around me and give me peace. I have never faced anything alone because He has always been with me. God’s love never fails and never ends, and I am always okay because of it. And, just as God loves me, He loves you too. • Bethany Acker • Have you ever had a moment when you realized in a new way how much God loves you? What was that like? If not, you can ask God for this anytime. He is eager to answer these prayers. • We can have full access to God’s love because of Jesus. (If you want to know more, see our “Know Jesus” page.) In Ephesians 3:19, Paul prays for the Christians in Ephesus, “May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully.” God’s love is beyond our understanding, yet the Holy Spirit helps us grow in our awareness of His love throughout our lives. Do you have any favorite Bible verses about God’s love for you? Consider choosing a verse to read every day this week, and as you read it, ask God to help you experience His love more and more deeply. • All of the truths in today’s devotion are from Scripture. If you want to read more about God’s love, here are a few places to start: Psalms 13:5; 26:3; 94:18; Isaiah 54:10; Jeremiah 31:3; John 3:16-17; Romans 5:5-11; 8:35-39; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 1:4-6; 2:1-10; 1 John 4:10. See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! 1 John 3:1 (NLT) 

READ: LAMENTATIONS 3:22-26; EPHESIANS 3:14-21; 1 JOHN 4:16 Ten or fifteen years ago, when I was a teenager and struggling through that often awkward and difficult phase of life, I wish I had known just how much God loved me. I knew of God’s love. I felt it in my life. But I didn’t realize just how great it is. As the years have gone by, I’ve learned to rely on God more and more. The more I rely on and lean into Him, the more I feel His love. Each day, I feel Him with me. Through the challenges I face, I know He is always there. Through any future challenges, I know He will not abandon me (Psalm 16:8; Matthew 1:23; 28:20; Hebrews 13:5). God has proven Himself to me over and over through the years. I feel loved by Him because of the way He takes care of me. I feel loved by Him because I know He has given me the gift of salvation through Jesus’s death and resurrection, and I will one day live on the new heavens and new earth with Him when He returns. I wish, as a teenager, I could have grasped how big God’s love for me is. I wish I had allowed His love to wrap around me and give me peace. I have never faced anything alone because He has always been with me. God’s love never fails and never ends, and I am always okay because of it. And, just as God loves me, He loves you too. • Bethany Acker • Have you ever had a moment when you realized in a new way how much God loves you? What was that like? If not, you can ask God for this anytime. He is eager to answer these prayers. • We can have full access to God’s love because of Jesus. (If you want to know more, see our "Know Jesus" page.) In Ephesians 3:19, Paul prays for the Christians in Ephesus, “May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully.” God’s love is beyond our understanding, yet the Holy Spirit helps us grow in our awareness of His love throughout our lives. Do you have any favorite Bible verses about God’s love for you? Consider choosing a verse to read every day this week, and as you read it, ask God to help you experience His love more and more deeply. • All of the truths in today’s devotion are from Scripture. If you want to read more about God’s love, here are a few places to start: Psalms 13:5; 26:3; 94:18; Isaiah 54:10; Jeremiah 31:3; John 3:16-17; Romans 5:5-11; 8:35-39; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 1:4-6; 2:1-10; 1 John 4:10. See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! 1 John 3:1 (NLT) 

READ: GENESIS 32:24-32; HOSEA 12:3-5; EPHESIANS 4:22-24 When I was an RA (resident assistant) in college, I had this resident who used to tell me she and God had been “wrestling” about something. She would spend entire days with the Lord, crying and repenting, and wrestling with Him about different behaviors and attitudes in her life. Now, I had been a Christian for a while at that point, but I didn’t understand what she meant by that. Why would God, as she would say, “knock her out” like that? But then tonight, nearly two years later, a friend and I were talking about a ministry role that she is in. She made a reference to how she and the Lord are “negotiating” how long she’s going to be there. And I realized that I think I finally know what my resident meant. I’ve had so many situations since those conversations with her when the Lord and I have wrestled. When we have negotiated. When I have wanted my way, and the Holy Spirit has convicted me otherwise. I’ve had cry sessions in the car when I’ve confessed to the Lord that I can’t do this. I don’t know how to do this right. And while we may metaphorically wrestle with God, in Genesis 32, a man named Jacob actually physically wrestled with God. Then, God gave Jacob a new name: Israel, which means “struggle (with or of) God.” I’ve learned so much from having these vulnerable moments with God—not that you’re necessarily changing God’s mind on something, but you’re engaging with Him, learning from Him, and redefining your heart to His purpose. Together. • Natty Maelle • Many Bible scholars think that Jacob actually wrestled with Jesus, who is God the Son. Jesus loves us, and He welcomes our wrestling matches. He knows we won’t always understand His plans, decisions, or commands. But when we don’t like what He has to say, He doesn’t want us to ignore Him or try to hide our thoughts and feelings. He wants us to be totally honest with Him! He wants us to tell Him about how we feel and wrestle with Him over it. That doesn’t mean He’s going to change His mind, but it will help us know—and trust—Him better. • Are you wrestling with something right now, but you’re afraid to give it to the Lord? Jesus has your best interests at heart. He loves you and wants to help you grow. Holding back from Him can only keep you from the goodness He offers. What do you need to wrestle with Him about today? So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:16 (NLT) 

READ: GENESIS 32:24-32; HOSEA 12:3-5; EPHESIANS 4:22-24 When I was an RA (resident assistant) in college, I had this resident who used to tell me she and God had been “wrestling” about something. She would spend entire days with the Lord, crying and repenting, and wrestling with Him about different behaviors and attitudes in her life. Now, I had been a Christian for a while at that point, but I didn’t understand what she meant by that. Why would God, as she would say, “knock her out” like that? But then tonight, nearly two years later, a friend and I were talking about a ministry role that she is in. She made a reference to how she and the Lord are “negotiating” how long she’s going to be there. And I realized that I think I finally know what my resident meant. I’ve had so many situations since those conversations with her when the Lord and I have wrestled. When we have negotiated. When I have wanted my way, and the Holy Spirit has convicted me otherwise. I’ve had cry sessions in the car when I’ve confessed to the Lord that I can’t do this. I don’t know how to do this right. And while we may metaphorically wrestle with God, in Genesis 32, a man named Jacob actually physically wrestled with God. Then, God gave Jacob a new name: Israel, which means “struggle (with or of) God.” I’ve learned so much from having these vulnerable moments with God—not that you’re necessarily changing God’s mind on something, but you’re engaging with Him, learning from Him, and redefining your heart to His purpose. Together. • Natty Maelle • Many Bible scholars think that Jacob actually wrestled with Jesus, who is God the Son. Jesus loves us, and He welcomes our wrestling matches. He knows we won’t always understand His plans, decisions, or commands. But when we don’t like what He has to say, He doesn’t want us to ignore Him or try to hide our thoughts and feelings. He wants us to be totally honest with Him! He wants us to tell Him about how we feel and wrestle with Him over it. That doesn’t mean He’s going to change His mind, but it will help us know—and trust—Him better. • Are you wrestling with something right now, but you’re afraid to give it to the Lord? Jesus has your best interests at heart. He loves you and wants to help you grow. Holding back from Him can only keep you from the goodness He offers. What do you need to wrestle with Him about today? So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:16 (NLT) 

READ: GENESIS 32:24-32; HOSEA 12:3-5; EPHESIANS 4:22-24 When I was an RA (resident assistant) in college, I had this resident who used to tell me she and God had been “wrestling” about something. She would spend entire days with the Lord, crying and repenting, and wrestling with Him about different behaviors and attitudes in her life. Now, I had been a Christian for a while at that point, but I didn’t understand what she meant by that. Why would God, as she would say, “knock her out” like that? But then tonight, nearly two years later, a friend and I were talking about a ministry role that she is in. She made a reference to how she and the Lord are “negotiating” how long she’s going to be there. And I realized that I think I finally know what my resident meant. I’ve had so many situations since those conversations with her when the Lord and I have wrestled. When we have negotiated. When I have wanted my way, and the Holy Spirit has convicted me otherwise. I’ve had cry sessions in the car when I’ve confessed to the Lord that I can’t do this. I don’t know how to do this right. And while we may metaphorically wrestle with God, in Genesis 32, a man named Jacob actually physically wrestled with God. Then, God gave Jacob a new name: Israel, which means “struggle (with or of) God.” I’ve learned so much from having these vulnerable moments with God—not that you’re necessarily changing God’s mind on something, but you’re engaging with Him, learning from Him, and redefining your heart to His purpose. Together. • Natty Maelle • Many Bible scholars think that Jacob actually wrestled with Jesus, who is God the Son. Jesus loves us, and He welcomes our wrestling matches. He knows we won’t always understand His plans, decisions, or commands. But when we don’t like what He has to say, He doesn’t want us to ignore Him or try to hide our thoughts and feelings. He wants us to be totally honest with Him! He wants us to tell Him about how we feel and wrestle with Him over it. That doesn’t mean He’s going to change His mind, but it will help us know—and trust—Him better. • Are you wrestling with something right now, but you’re afraid to give it to the Lord? Jesus has your best interests at heart. He loves you and wants to help you grow. Holding back from Him can only keep you from the goodness He offers. What do you need to wrestle with Him about today? So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:16 (NLT) 

READ: PROVERBS 25:15; 1 CORINTHIANS 3:5-8; 1 PETER 3:15-16 Have you ever heard of ginseng? It’s a valuable plant used in a lot of health foods. And those who grow ginseng need to have a lot of patience. While many seeds will sprout within a week or two, when you plant ginseng seeds, they can take over a year to sprout! That’s a long time to wait for a plant, especially when you can’t see any activity above the surface of the soil. Planting something like ginseng can help us remember what it’s like to tell someone about Jesus. Every time we witness to someone—that is, tell someone about Jesus and what He’s done to save us—we’re planting the seed of God’s Word. We may not see the results right away, but that’s okay. Jesus is at work, even if we can’t see it. So, instead of getting discouraged, we can be patient. We can trust that God loves us, and He knows what He’s doing. And in the meantime, we can continue watering and tending to the seeds of the gospel by showing people Jesus’s love and goodness. As we patiently care for the seeds we’ve planted, we can show others how Jesus patiently cares for us (1 John 4:19). It may take a long time for a seed to grow. But when it does, it produces fruit that lasts forever. And that’s worth the wait. • A. W. Smith • God calls us to be part of His good work by planting and watering seeds of the gospel, remembering that He is the only One who can make those seeds grow (1 Corinthians 3:5-8). Have you planted seeds of the gospel by telling someone about Jesus? Have you been discouraged because you haven’t seen any results? It can be hard to be patient, but as we rely on the Holy Spirit, we can keep showing people God’s love and praying for them, leaving the timing up to Him. Consider taking a moment now to pray for some of the people in your life who might not know Jesus yet, asking God for ideas of ways you could share His love with them. • It may be that we won’t ever see the results of the seeds we planted or watered, but God promises that His Word will accomplish His purpose. How might this truth free us to trust Him with the results, and keep planting and watering? • If you want to know more about the gospel and how to share it with others, check out our "Know Jesus" page. “It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.” Isaiah 55:11 (NLT) 

READ: PROVERBS 25:15; 1 CORINTHIANS 3:5-8; 1 PETER 3:15-16 Have you ever heard of ginseng? It’s a valuable plant used in a lot of health foods. And those who grow ginseng need to have a lot of patience. While many seeds will sprout within a week or two, when you plant ginseng seeds, they can take over a year to sprout! That’s a long time to wait for a plant, especially when you can’t see any activity above the surface of the soil. Planting something like ginseng can help us remember what it’s like to tell someone about Jesus. Every time we witness to someone—that is, tell someone about Jesus and what He’s done to save us—we’re planting the seed of God’s Word. We may not see the results right away, but that’s okay. Jesus is at work, even if we can’t see it. So, instead of getting discouraged, we can be patient. We can trust that God loves us, and He knows what He’s doing. And in the meantime, we can continue watering and tending to the seeds of the gospel by showing people Jesus’s love and goodness. As we patiently care for the seeds we’ve planted, we can show others how Jesus patiently cares for us (1 John 4:19). It may take a long time for a seed to grow. But when it does, it produces fruit that lasts forever. And that’s worth the wait. • A. W. Smith • God calls us to be part of His good work by planting and watering seeds of the gospel, remembering that He is the only One who can make those seeds grow (1 Corinthians 3:5-8). Have you planted seeds of the gospel by telling someone about Jesus? Have you been discouraged because you haven’t seen any results? It can be hard to be patient, but as we rely on the Holy Spirit, we can keep showing people God’s love and praying for them, leaving the timing up to Him. Consider taking a moment now to pray for some of the people in your life who might not know Jesus yet, asking God for ideas of ways you could share His love with them. • It may be that we won’t ever see the results of the seeds we planted or watered, but God promises that His Word will accomplish His purpose. How might this truth free us to trust Him with the results, and keep planting and watering? • If you want to know more about the gospel and how to share it with others, check out our “Know Jesus” page. “It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.” Isaiah 55:11 (NLT) 

READ: PROVERBS 25:15; 1 CORINTHIANS 3:5-8; 1 PETER 3:15-16 Have you ever heard of ginseng? It’s a valuable plant used in a lot of health foods. And those who grow ginseng need to have a lot of patience. While many seeds will sprout within a week or two, when you plant ginseng seeds, they can take over a year to sprout! That’s a long time to wait for a plant, especially when you can’t see any activity above the surface of the soil. Planting something like ginseng can help us remember what it’s like to tell someone about Jesus. Every time we witness to someone—that is, tell someone about Jesus and what He’s done to save us—we’re planting the seed of God’s Word. We may not see the results right away, but that’s okay. Jesus is at work, even if we can’t see it. So, instead of getting discouraged, we can be patient. We can trust that God loves us, and He knows what He’s doing. And in the meantime, we can continue watering and tending to the seeds of the gospel by showing people Jesus’s love and goodness. As we patiently care for the seeds we’ve planted, we can show others how Jesus patiently cares for us (1 John 4:19). It may take a long time for a seed to grow. But when it does, it produces fruit that lasts forever. And that’s worth the wait. • A. W. Smith • God calls us to be part of His good work by planting and watering seeds of the gospel, remembering that He is the only One who can make those seeds grow (1 Corinthians 3:5-8). Have you planted seeds of the gospel by telling someone about Jesus? Have you been discouraged because you haven’t seen any results? It can be hard to be patient, but as we rely on the Holy Spirit, we can keep showing people God’s love and praying for them, leaving the timing up to Him. Consider taking a moment now to pray for some of the people in your life who might not know Jesus yet, asking God for ideas of ways you could share His love with them. • It may be that we won’t ever see the results of the seeds we planted or watered, but God promises that His Word will accomplish His purpose. How might this truth free us to trust Him with the results, and keep planting and watering? • If you want to know more about the gospel and how to share it with others, check out our “Know Jesus” page. “It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.” Isaiah 55:11 (NLT) 

READ: ACTS 2:40-47; GALATIANS 6:9-10; EPHESIANS 4:1-16 Have you ever heard Christians talk about “doing life together”? It can be hard to understand exactly what this looks like. But I got to experience it in a variety of ways this week. I have some friends in my church who, like me, are married with young kids: Sam and Kristi, Kongcheng and Haju, and Evan and Nicole. We were all struggling in various ways this week, and I was amazed at how we came alongside each other. Kristi and I dropped off two dinners at Nicole and Evan’s house. I also dropped off a dinner at Haju and Kongcheng’s house. Sam helped watch my kids so I could catch up on house cleaning—while he also helped with cleaning. And a few of us were able to go to one another’s houses to just spend time together. I had been reflecting this week on how, when I was little, my parents had lots of siblings in town who also had young children, and they got to raise their kids together. It was such a blessing for our families. Today, I don’t have any siblings in town who have young kids, and yet, God provides through His family, the church. I get to raise my kids with my siblings in Christ. Doing life together will probably look different at different life stages. During our teen years, it might look like studying for a quiz together, helping a friend practice their lay-up, or just sitting with someone and bringing them their favorite snack when they’ve had a bad day. It’s amazing that Jesus has made us, as individual believers, into one body, which is His church, through His death and resurrection. And when we remember this, we can work together as the body of Christ, loving and supporting one another and truly doing life together. To work together like this, we need to be honest with each other about our needs and struggles. And that’s difficult. It requires trust and vulnerability. But when we share our needs and struggles with trustworthy people, it leads to the most beautiful community imaginable, reflecting the beauty of our Creator and giving us a glimpse of His kingdom. • Taylor Eising • Are you part of a local church? According to today’s Bible passages, how is the early church similar to or different from your church? • If we know Jesus, we are united with other believers through the Holy Spirit, and we share a common goal of growing in our faith, caring for others, and telling people about Jesus. How does this enable us to do life together in a deeper way than we can with non-Christians? • How does doing life together reflect the love of Jesus and show others what God is like? And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. Acts 2:44 (NLT) 

READ: ACTS 2:40-47; GALATIANS 6:9-10; EPHESIANS 4:1-16 Have you ever heard Christians talk about “doing life together”? It can be hard to understand exactly what this looks like. But I got to experience it in a variety of ways this week. I have some friends in my church who, like me, are married with young kids: Sam and Kristi, Kongcheng and Haju, and Evan and Nicole. We were all struggling in various ways this week, and I was amazed at how we came alongside each other. Kristi and I dropped off two dinners at Nicole and Evan’s house. I also dropped off a dinner at Haju and Kongcheng’s house. Sam helped watch my kids so I could catch up on house cleaning—while he also helped with cleaning. And a few of us were able to go to one another’s houses to just spend time together. I had been reflecting this week on how, when I was little, my parents had lots of siblings in town who also had young children, and they got to raise their kids together. It was such a blessing for our families. Today, I don’t have any siblings in town who have young kids, and yet, God provides through His family, the church. I get to raise my kids with my siblings in Christ. Doing life together will probably look different at different life stages. During our teen years, it might look like studying for a quiz together, helping a friend practice their lay-up, or just sitting with someone and bringing them their favorite snack when they’ve had a bad day. It’s amazing that Jesus has made us, as individual believers, into one body, which is His church, through His death and resurrection. And when we remember this, we can work together as the body of Christ, loving and supporting one another and truly doing life together. To work together like this, we need to be honest with each other about our needs and struggles. And that’s difficult. It requires trust and vulnerability. But when we share our needs and struggles with trustworthy people, it leads to the most beautiful community imaginable, reflecting the beauty of our Creator and giving us a glimpse of His kingdom. • Taylor Eising • Are you part of a local church? According to today’s Bible passages, how is the early church similar to or different from your church? • If we know Jesus, we are united with other believers through the Holy Spirit, and we share a common goal of growing in our faith, caring for others, and telling people about Jesus. How does this enable us to do life together in a deeper way than we can with non-Christians? • How does doing life together reflect the love of Jesus and show others what God is like? And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. Acts 2:44 (NLT) 

READ: ACTS 2:40-47; GALATIANS 6:9-10; EPHESIANS 4:1-16 Have you ever heard Christians talk about “doing life together”? It can be hard to understand exactly what this looks like. But I got to experience it in a variety of ways this week. I have some friends in my church who, like me, are married with young kids: Sam and Kristi, Kongcheng and Haju, and Evan and Nicole. We were all struggling in various ways this week, and I was amazed at how we came alongside each other. Kristi and I dropped off two dinners at Nicole and Evan’s house. I also dropped off a dinner at Haju and Kongcheng’s house. Sam helped watch my kids so I could catch up on house cleaning—while he also helped with cleaning. And a few of us were able to go to one another’s houses to just spend time together. I had been reflecting this week on how, when I was little, my parents had lots of siblings in town who also had young children, and they got to raise their kids together. It was such a blessing for our families. Today, I don’t have any siblings in town who have young kids, and yet, God provides through His family, the church. I get to raise my kids with my siblings in Christ. Doing life together will probably look different at different life stages. During our teen years, it might look like studying for a quiz together, helping a friend practice their lay-up, or just sitting with someone and bringing them their favorite snack when they’ve had a bad day. It’s amazing that Jesus has made us, as individual believers, into one body, which is His church, through His death and resurrection. And when we remember this, we can work together as the body of Christ, loving and supporting one another and truly doing life together. To work together like this, we need to be honest with each other about our needs and struggles. And that’s difficult. It requires trust and vulnerability. But when we share our needs and struggles with trustworthy people, it leads to the most beautiful community imaginable, reflecting the beauty of our Creator and giving us a glimpse of His kingdom. • Taylor Eising • Are you part of a local church? According to today’s Bible passages, how is the early church similar to or different from your church? • If we know Jesus, we are united with other believers through the Holy Spirit, and we share a common goal of growing in our faith, caring for others, and telling people about Jesus. How does this enable us to do life together in a deeper way than we can with non-Christians? • How does doing life together reflect the love of Jesus and show others what God is like? And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. Acts 2:44 (NLT) 

READ: EXODUS 14:14; 33:22; ISAIAH 42:13; ZEPHANIAH 3:17 "Go to the boulder!” He did not yell over the noise of the battle, but Rhyn heard, and without even having to look for the rock he had sent her to, she knew exactly where to go. So Rhyn ran to it. It wasn’t a very big rock, but if she crouched down, it would cover her on one side from the battle that was raging. Rhyn’s weapons and hope were long gone—she had lost them somewhere when the fight began, and now it was a full-blown war spread out before her. She had been running without much direction. This way from a sword, another way from a javelin, here from the pounding of horses’ hooves, and there from the clashing of shields against metal. Everywhere mud. Everywhere blood. Nowhere safe to run. But then, the king was there. Of course, he had always been there. She’d just forgotten to look for him and follow his voice above all the noise, and she’d become disoriented and lost her purpose on the battlefield. Rhyn could hardly believe he’d come for her, but he had. That’s when she caught sight of the ogre. It’s a mighty wonder how time slows in the moments before the worst thing can happen. And Rhyn saw it all move before her like dripping honey. The ogre approached, he lifted his ax, his eyes fixed on her. And then from above her, perched on the rock, one mighty warrior halted the ogre in his steps, his sword meeting the ax with a harrowing zing. The king took a step over her and, with one heavy thump, thrust his shield into the dirt, covering her completely from the battle. Now she could see nothing but the safe haven he had created around her, the rock and the shield, and amid the raging battle, she was safe. • Abbi Bloem • Often we view Jesus as merely a kind, gentle teacher. But the Bible tells us that Jesus is also our Rock and our Shield (Psalms 3:1-8; 18:2; 28:7). And He is the dreaded warrior we see glimpses of in the Old Testament. How could this image of Jesus as the Divine Warrior help us understand how He acts on our behalf? • As humans, we are helpless to save ourselves, but Jesus fought for us all the way to the cross. He defeated sin, death, and all the powers of evil and darkness by dying for us and rising from the grave. Because He has saved us, nothing can tear us away from His love (John 10:27-30; Romans 8:35-39). If you want to know more about this good news, check out our "Know Jesus" page. • When Jesus returns to restore creation and raise us from the dead, He will right every wrong, and every foe will be silenced. In the meantime, He wants to help us through everything we face, even when we forget to listen to Him, even when we fail to trust Him. How can these truths give us hope when we experience the battlefields of life? • Jesus calls us to listen to His voice and follow where He leads, and He empowers us to do so through the Holy Spirit. As Christians, we get to be part of His good and purposeful work—because He has extended grace and forgiveness to us, we can extend grace and forgiveness to others, bringing His light to dark places, fighting the lies of the enemy with the truth of the gospel, and extending loving kindness amidst the harshness of our broken world so that others may know the love of Jesus too (Matthew 5:14-16; Ephesians 6:10-20; Philippians 2:1-18; 2 Corinthians 5:11-21). And, don’t forget, we also get to rest in the safety of God’s tender love for us (Psalms 18:19; 23:1-6). We can learn to rely on God and discern His voice by spending time with Him through praying and

READ: EXODUS 14:14; 33:22; ISAIAH 42:13; ZEPHANIAH 3:17 “Go to the boulder!” He did not yell over the noise of the battle, but Rhyn heard, and without even having to look for the rock he had sent her to, she knew exactly where to go. So Rhyn ran to it. It wasn’t a very big rock, but if she crouched down, it would cover her on one side from the battle that was raging. Rhyn’s weapons and hope were long gone—she had lost them somewhere when the fight began, and now it was a full-blown war spread out before her. She had been running without much direction. This way from a sword, another way from a javelin, here from the pounding of horses’ hooves, and there from the clashing of shields against metal. Everywhere mud. Everywhere blood. Nowhere safe to run. But then, the king was there. Of course, he had always been there. She’d just forgotten to look for him and follow his voice above all the noise, and she’d become disoriented and lost her purpose on the battlefield. Rhyn could hardly believe he’d come for her, but he had. That’s when she caught sight of the ogre. It’s a mighty wonder how time slows in the moments before the worst thing can happen. And Rhyn saw it all move before her like dripping honey. The ogre approached, he lifted his ax, his eyes fixed on her. And then from above her, perched on the rock, one mighty warrior halted the ogre in his steps, his sword meeting the ax with a harrowing zing. The king took a step over her and, with one heavy thump, thrust his shield into the dirt, covering her completely from the battle. Now she could see nothing but the safe haven he had created around her, the rock and the shield, and amid the raging battle, she was safe. • Abbi Bloem • Often we view Jesus as merely a kind, gentle teacher. But the Bible tells us that Jesus is also our Rock and our Shield (Psalms 3:1-8; 18:2; 28:7). And He is the dreaded warrior we see glimpses of in the Old Testament. How could this image of Jesus as the Divine Warrior help us understand how He acts on our behalf? • As humans, we are helpless to save ourselves, but Jesus fought for us all the way to the cross. He defeated sin, death, and all the powers of evil and darkness by dying for us and rising from the grave. Because He has saved us, nothing can tear us away from His love (John 10:27-30; Romans 8:35-39). If you want to know more about this good news, check out our “Know Jesus” page. • When Jesus returns to restore creation and raise us from the dead, He will right every wrong, and every foe will be silenced. In the meantime, He wants to help us through everything we face, even when we forget to listen to Him, even when we fail to trust Him. How can these truths give us hope when we experience the battlefields of life? • Jesus calls us to listen to His voice and follow where He leads, and He empowers us to do so through the Holy Spirit. As Christians, we get to be part of His good and purposeful work—because He has extended grace and forgiveness to us, we can extend grace and forgiveness to others, bringing His light to dark places, fighting the lies of the enemy with the truth of the gospel, and extending loving kindness amidst the harshness of our broken world so that others may know the love of Jesus too (Matthew 5:14-16; Ephesians 6:10-20; Philippians 2:1-18; 2 Corinthians 5:11-21). And, don’t forget, we also get to rest in the safety of God’s tender love for us (Psalms 18:19; 23:1-6). We can learn to rely on God and discern His voice by spending time with Him through praying and reading His Word, both by ourselves and with fellow Christians. Who are trusted Christians in your life? How could you help each other listen to and follow Jesus? How could you remind each other of the hope of...

READ: EXODUS 14:14; 33:22; ISAIAH 42:13; ZEPHANIAH 3:17 “Go to the boulder!” He did not yell over the noise of the battle, but Rhyn heard, and without even having to look for the rock he had sent her to, she knew exactly where to go. So Rhyn ran to it. It wasn’t a very big rock, but if she crouched down, it would cover her on one side from the battle that was raging. Rhyn’s weapons and hope were long gone—she had lost them somewhere when the fight began, and now it was a full-blown war spread out before her. She had been running without much direction. This way from a sword, another way from a javelin, here from the pounding of horses’ hooves, and there from the clashing of shields against metal. Everywhere mud. Everywhere blood. Nowhere safe to run. But then, the king was there. Of course, he had always been there. She’d just forgotten to look for him and follow his voice above all the noise, and she’d become disoriented and lost her purpose on the battlefield. Rhyn could hardly believe he’d come for her, but he had. That’s when she caught sight of the ogre. It’s a mighty wonder how time slows in the moments before the worst thing can happen. And Rhyn saw it all move before her like dripping honey. The ogre approached, he lifted his ax, his eyes fixed on her. And then from above her, perched on the rock, one mighty warrior halted the ogre in his steps, his sword meeting the ax with a harrowing zing. The king took a step over her and, with one heavy thump, thrust his shield into the dirt, covering her completely from the battle. Now she could see nothing but the safe haven he had created around her, the rock and the shield, and amid the raging battle, she was safe. • Abbi Bloem • Often we view Jesus as merely a kind, gentle teacher. But the Bible tells us that Jesus is also our Rock and our Shield (Psalms 3:1-8; 18:2; 28:7). And He is the dreaded warrior we see glimpses of in the Old Testament. How could this image of Jesus as the Divine Warrior help us understand how He acts on our behalf? • As humans, we are helpless to save ourselves, but Jesus fought for us all the way to the cross. He defeated sin, death, and all the powers of evil and darkness by dying for us and rising from the grave. Because He has saved us, nothing can tear us away from His love (John 10:27-30; Romans 8:35-39). If you want to know more about this good news, check out our “Know Jesus” page. • When Jesus returns to restore creation and raise us from the dead, He will right every wrong, and every foe will be silenced. In the meantime, He wants to help us through everything we face, even when we forget to listen to Him, even when we fail to trust Him. How can these truths give us hope when we experience the battlefields of life? • Jesus calls us to listen to His voice and follow where He leads, and He empowers us to do so through the Holy Spirit. As Christians, we get to be part of His good and purposeful work—because He has extended grace and forgiveness to us, we can extend grace and forgiveness to others, bringing His light to dark places, fighting the lies of the enemy with the truth of the gospel, and extending loving kindness amidst the harshness of our broken world so that others may know the love of Jesus too (Matthew 5:14-16; Ephesians 6:10-20; Philippians 2:1-18; 2 Corinthians 5:11-21). And, don’t forget, we also get to rest in the safety of God’s tender love for us (Psalms 18:19; 23:1-6). We can learn to rely on God and discern His voice by spending time with Him t

READ: PSALM 46 I never thought I would have to let go and say, “It is well with my soul,” like the old hymn. I never thought I would have to learn to be okay with the storms in my life. I prayed for God to take them. I begged Him to change things and make my life better. Then I learned to accept the struggles. I realized that even in them, God was still good. Even if this life got difficult—and it has—my God has not failed me. If you have ever lost a loved one, then you know how desperate you can get for them to just get better. You may have begged God to heal them. But if He didn’t, what then? Many things happen that shake us and make us doubt God’s goodness. We might beg and beg and wonder why He doesn’t seem to hear us. But He does. He listens. He cares. The things that grieve us, grieve Him too. And He will be there for us always, even when He doesn’t calm the storm. My God remains good through all of life’s struggles. He never changes, despite all that changes in my life. In every difficult moment, He is there. He takes care of me. He holds my hand and gives me the strength I need, moment by moment. Good times come and go. Storms sometimes feel like they are lasting forever. But no matter what comes my way, I am choosing to trust God to help me through. • Bethany Acker • We don’t know why painful things happen in our lives, but we do know that Jesus weeps with us. Jesus is God in flesh, and He experienced suffering and hardship. Because He loves us, He died and rose again to make the way to be with us and to one day put an end to suffering, sin, and death forever when He returns. In the meantime, He has given His Holy Spirit to everyone who has put their trust in Him. Through the Holy Spirit, He is with us in the midst of our suffering, feeling our hurts with us and offering us comfort and strength. Find out more on our "Know Jesus" page. • Have you ever been surprised by a storm in your life? Did you see any glimpses of God’s goodness in the midst of it? What was that like? • What might it look like to trust God in the middle of a storm? • Do you have any favorite Bible verses that remind you of how trustworthy God is? If not, consider asking a parent, pastor, youth leader, counselor, or friend to help you find some. In panic I cried out, “I am cut off from the Lord!” But you heard my cry for mercy and answered my call for help. Psalm 31:22 (NLT) 

READ: PSALM 46 I never thought I would have to let go and say, “It is well with my soul,” like the old hymn. I never thought I would have to learn to be okay with the storms in my life. I prayed for God to take them. I begged Him to change things and make my life better. Then I learned to accept the struggles. I realized that even in them, God was still good. Even if this life got difficult—and it has—my God has not failed me. If you have ever lost a loved one, then you know how desperate you can get for them to just get better. You may have begged God to heal them. But if He didn’t, what then? Many things happen that shake us and make us doubt God’s goodness. We might beg and beg and wonder why He doesn’t seem to hear us. But He does. He listens. He cares. The things that grieve us, grieve Him too. And He will be there for us always, even when He doesn’t calm the storm. My God remains good through all of life’s struggles. He never changes, despite all that changes in my life. In every difficult moment, He is there. He takes care of me. He holds my hand and gives me the strength I need, moment by moment. Good times come and go. Storms sometimes feel like they are lasting forever. But no matter what comes my way, I am choosing to trust God to help me through. • Bethany Acker • We don’t know why painful things happen in our lives, but we do know that Jesus weeps with us. Jesus is God in flesh, and He experienced suffering and hardship. Because He loves us, He died and rose again to make the way to be with us and to one day put an end to suffering, sin, and death forever when He returns. In the meantime, He has given His Holy Spirit to everyone who has put their trust in Him. Through the Holy Spirit, He is with us in the midst of our suffering, feeling our hurts with us and offering us comfort and strength. Find out more on our “Know Jesus” page. • Have you ever been surprised by a storm in your life? Did you see any glimpses of God’s goodness in the midst of it? What was that like? • What might it look like to trust God in the middle of a storm? • Do you have any favorite Bible verses that remind you of how trustworthy God is? If not, consider asking a parent, pastor, youth leader, counselor, or friend to help you find some. In panic I cried out, “I am cut off from the LORD!” But you heard my cry for mercy and answered my call for help. Psalm 31:22 (NLT) 

READ: PSALM 46 I never thought I would have to let go and say, “It is well with my soul,” like the old hymn. I never thought I would have to learn to be okay with the storms in my life. I prayed for God to take them. I begged Him to change things and make my life better. Then I learned to accept the struggles. I realized that even in them, God was still good. Even if this life got difficult—and it has—my God has not failed me. If you have ever lost a loved one, then you know how desperate you can get for them to just get better. You may have begged God to heal them. But if He didn’t, what then? Many things happen that shake us and make us doubt God’s goodness. We might beg and beg and wonder why He doesn’t seem to hear us. But He does. He listens. He cares. The things that grieve us, grieve Him too. And He will be there for us always, even when He doesn’t calm the storm. My God remains good through all of life’s struggles. He never changes, despite all that changes in my life. In every difficult moment, He is there. He takes care of me. He holds my hand and gives me the strength I need, moment by moment. Good times come and go. Storms sometimes feel like they are lasting forever. But no matter what comes my way, I am choosing to trust God to help me through. • Bethany Acker • We don’t know why painful things happen in our lives, but we do know that Jesus weeps with us. Jesus is God in flesh, and He experienced suffering and hardship. Because He loves us, He died and rose again to make the way to be with us and to one day put an end to suffering, sin, and death forever when He returns. In the meantime, He has given His Holy Spirit to everyone who has put their trust in Him. Through the Holy Spirit, He is with us in the midst of our suffering, feeling our hurts with us and offering us comfort and strength. Find out more on our “Know Jesus” page. • Have you ever been surprised by a storm in your life? Did you see any glimpses of God’s goodness in the midst of it? What was that like? • What might it look like to trust God in the middle of a storm? • Do you have any favorite Bible verses that remind you of how trustworthy God is? If not, consider asking a parent, pastor, youth leader, counselor, or friend to help you find some. In panic I cried out, “I am cut off from the LORD!” But you heard my cry for mercy and answered my call for help. Psalm 31:22 (NLT) 

READ: JOHN 13:1-17; EPHESIANS 5:1-2 Have you ever seen a child imitating an adult? It can be so cute to watch a small child try to mix pretend food in empty pots, imitate a parent’s expression, or repeat a phrase they haven’t fully mastered yet. That’s how kids learn. They imitate the people they see. The Bible says something similar in Ephesians 5:1: “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.” But we weren’t always God’s children. In fact, at one time we were all separated from God because of our sin. But God loves us so much that Jesus sacrificed His life on the cross to save us, and He rose from the dead to make the way for us to be with Him always. Once we put our trust in Jesus, we can know that we have been adopted into His family and we belong to Him forever. And, just as kids imitate the people they spend the most time with, God calls His children to imitate Jesus. So how can we imitate Jesus? Well, we can start by looking at what He said and did in the Bible. As we read and study God’s Word, we see how much He loves us. Especially in the accounts of Jesus’s ministry on earth, it’s captivating to see how Jesus responded to people. No matter if they treated Him with honor or contempt, Jesus wanted them to know His love (Matthew 9:36; 23:37; Luke 23:34). We can also learn about His relationship with God the Father. Jesus is God the Son, and He loved and trusted the Father through everything. And in all kinds of situations, Jesus’s character was revealed by His actions. As we study Jesus’s life and trust Him to help us follow His example in our own lives, we will act more and more like Him. Of course, none of this is possible in our own strength, but as Christians we have the Holy Spirit living inside us, transforming us into Jesus’s image. When we rely on the Holy Spirit, we can learn how to “live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ” (Ephesians 5:2). • A. W. Smith • Everyone imitates other people—from little kids to elderly adults. Can you think of anyone you imitate, whether intentionally or unintentionally? Why do you think that might be? • In John 13:1-17, what do you notice about how Jesus acts and how He treats people? Consider taking a moment to ask God to help you learn how you can imitate Jesus in your life. If you want to dig deeper, you could start reading through the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Ephesians 5:2 (NLT) 

READ: JOHN 13:1-17; EPHESIANS 5:1-2 Have you ever seen a child imitating an adult? It can be so cute to watch a small child try to mix pretend food in empty pots, imitate a parent’s expression, or repeat a phrase they haven’t fully mastered yet. That’s how kids learn. They imitate the people they see. The Bible says something similar in Ephesians 5:1: “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.” But we weren’t always God’s children. In fact, at one time we were all separated from God because of our sin. But God loves us so much that Jesus sacrificed His life on the cross to save us, and He rose from the dead to make the way for us to be with Him always. Once we put our trust in Jesus, we can know that we have been adopted into His family and we belong to Him forever. And, just as kids imitate the people they spend the most time with, God calls His children to imitate Jesus. So how can we imitate Jesus? Well, we can start by looking at what He said and did in the Bible. As we read and study God’s Word, we see how much He loves us. Especially in the accounts of Jesus’s ministry on earth, it’s captivating to see how Jesus responded to people. No matter if they treated Him with honor or contempt, Jesus wanted them to know His love (Matthew 9:36; 23:37; Luke 23:34). We can also learn about His relationship with God the Father. Jesus is God the Son, and He loved and trusted the Father through everything. And in all kinds of situations, Jesus’s character was revealed by His actions. As we study Jesus’s life and trust Him to help us follow His example in our own lives, we will act more and more like Him. Of course, none of this is possible in our own strength, but as Christians we have the Holy Spirit living inside us, transforming us into Jesus’s image. When we rely on the Holy Spirit, we can learn how to “live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ” (Ephesians 5:2). • A. W. Smith • Everyone imitates other people—from little kids to elderly adults. Can you think of anyone you imitate, whether intentionally or unintentionally? Why do you think that might be? • In John 13:1-17, what do you notice about how Jesus acts and how He treats people? Consider taking a moment to ask God to help you learn how you can imitate Jesus in your life. If you want to dig deeper, you could start reading through the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Ephesians 5:2 (NLT) 

READ: JOHN 13:1-17; EPHESIANS 5:1-2 Have you ever seen a child imitating an adult? It can be so cute to watch a small child try to mix pretend food in empty pots, imitate a parent’s expression, or repeat a phrase they haven’t fully mastered yet. That’s how kids learn. They imitate the people they see. The Bible says something similar in Ephesians 5:1: “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.” But we weren’t always God’s children. In fact, at one time we were all separated from God because of our sin. But God loves us so much that Jesus sacrificed His life on the cross to save us, and He rose from the dead to make the way for us to be with Him always. Once we put our trust in Jesus, we can know that we have been adopted into His family and we belong to Him forever. And, just as kids imitate the people they spend the most time with, God calls His children to imitate Jesus. So how can we imitate Jesus? Well, we can start by looking at what He said and did in the Bible. As we read and study God’s Word, we see how much He loves us. Especially in the accounts of Jesus’s ministry on earth, it’s captivating to see how Jesus responded to people. No matter if they treated Him with honor or contempt, Jesus wanted them to know His love (Matthew 9:36; 23:37; Luke 23:34). We can also learn about His relationship with God the Father. Jesus is God the Son, and He loved and trusted the Father through everything. And in all kinds of situations, Jesus’s character was revealed by His actions. As we study Jesus’s life and trust Him to help us follow His example in our own lives, we will act more and more like Him. Of course, none of this is possible in our own strength, but as Christians we have the Holy Spirit living inside us, transforming us into Jesus’s image. When we rely on the Holy Spirit, we can learn how to “live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ” (Ephesians 5:2). • A. W. Smith • Everyone imitates other people—from little kids to elderly adults. Can you think of anyone you imitate, whether intentionally or unintentionally? Why do you think that might be? • In John 13:1-17, what do you notice about how Jesus acts and how He treats people? Consider taking a moment to ask God to help you learn how you can imitate Jesus in your life. If you want to dig deeper, you could start reading through the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Ephesians 5:2 (NLT) 

READ: EXODUS 20:8-11; MARK 1:21-22, 32-38; EPHESIANS 2:4-10 Imagine this: Cars zoom by as you sit on the side of the road. You hope no one you know sees you stranded, your car out of gas. You can’t believe you forgot to fill up the tank! Your brother even reminded you this morning. In humility, you wait for him to come to your rescue. And now you’ll be late for soccer practice. With school, sports, friends, family, clubs, social media, jobs, youth group, volunteering, college applications, and so…much...more, there is A LOT to do. It’s no wonder we turn to stimulants such as caffeine, sugar, and screens to feel more alert and keep up with life. But these things can’t sustain us, and eventually we crash. They mask the real need: rest. Regular rest refuels our bodies, enabling us to do more than we otherwise could. Ironically, we can actually do more in less time when we rest. And here’s the secret: one of the benefits of resting in God’s presence is that it allows Him to refuel us and refresh our souls (Psalm 23:1-3), thereby giving us the energy—and the wisdom—to do the good work He has for us to do (Ephesians 2:10). This type of spiritually rejuvenating rest is called a Sabbath, which God demonstrated for us when He rested after the work of creating the universe (Exodus 20:11). Jesus is God the Son, and He is also Lord of the Sabbath (Matthew 12:8). During His ministry, Jesus regularly spent time in the Father’s presence to rest and refuel for the work before Him. For example, in Mark 1:35, “Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray,” making time to meet with God the Father after a very busy day of healing and preaching. We too can spend time resting in God’s presence, being refueled for the work He has given us to do. And even when we overdo it and end up drained, He has so much compassion on us. As we seek Him, He will help us learn to live in the rhythms of work and rest. • Tracy Mikula • Have you ever taken a Sabbath rest, pausing from work and busyness, even if all the tasks or to-do lists aren’t finished? What was it like? Taking regular times of intentional rest can help us remember that Jesus has already done the work of saving us. Because Jesus died on the cross for us and rose from the grave, we don’t ever need to strive to do enough or be enough. Rest is not something we earn—Jesus gives us rest in Himself (Matthew 11:28-30). Consider taking some time to think about what you spend your time on, and ask God if there is anything He is inviting you to drop from your schedule, at least temporarily, to take the rest your body and soul need. “Be still, and know that I am God!” Psalm 46:10 (NLT) 

READ: EXODUS 20:8-11; MARK 1:21-22, 32-38; EPHESIANS 2:4-10 Imagine this: Cars zoom by as you sit on the side of the road. You hope no one you know sees you stranded, your car out of gas. You can’t believe you forgot to fill up the tank! Your brother even reminded you this morning. In humility, you wait for him to come to your rescue. And now you’ll be late for soccer practice. With school, sports, friends, family, clubs, social media, jobs, youth group, volunteering, college applications, and so…much…more, there is A LOT to do. It’s no wonder we turn to stimulants such as caffeine, sugar, and screens to feel more alert and keep up with life. But these things can’t sustain us, and eventually we crash. They mask the real need: rest. Regular rest refuels our bodies, enabling us to do more than we otherwise could. Ironically, we can actually do more in less time when we rest. And here’s the secret: one of the benefits of resting in God’s presence is that it allows Him to refuel us and refresh our souls (Psalm 23:1-3), thereby giving us the energy—and the wisdom—to do the good work He has for us to do (Ephesians 2:10). This type of spiritually rejuvenating rest is called a Sabbath, which God demonstrated for us when He rested after the work of creating the universe (Exodus 20:11). Jesus is God the Son, and He is also Lord of the Sabbath (Matthew 12:8). During His ministry, Jesus regularly spent time in the Father’s presence to rest and refuel for the work before Him. For example, in Mark 1:35, “Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray,” making time to meet with God the Father after a very busy day of healing and preaching. We too can spend time resting in God’s presence, being refueled for the work He has given us to do. And even when we overdo it and end up drained, He has so much compassion on us. As we seek Him, He will help us learn to live in the rhythms of work and rest. • Tracy Mikula • Have you ever taken a Sabbath rest, pausing from work and busyness, even if all the tasks or to-do lists aren’t finished? What was it like? Taking regular times of intentional rest can help us remember that Jesus has already done the work of saving us. Because Jesus died on the cross for us and rose from the grave, we don’t ever need to strive to do enough or be enough. Rest is not something we earn—Jesus gives us rest in Himself (Matthew 11:28-30). Consider taking some time to think about what you spend your time on, and ask God if there is anything He is inviting you to drop from your schedule, at least temporarily, to take the rest your body and soul need. “Be still, and know that I am God!” Psalm 46:10 (NLT) 

READ: EXODUS 20:8-11; MARK 1:21-22, 32-38; EPHESIANS 2:4-10 Imagine this: Cars zoom by as you sit on the side of the road. You hope no one you know sees you stranded, your car out of gas. You can’t believe you forgot to fill up the tank! Your brother even reminded you this morning. In humility, you wait for him to come to your rescue. And now you’ll be late for soccer practice. With school, sports, friends, family, clubs, social media, jobs, youth group, volunteering, college applications, and so…much…more, there is A LOT to do. It’s no wonder we turn to stimulants such as caffeine, sugar, and screens to feel more alert and keep up with life. But these things can’t sustain us, and eventually we crash. They mask the real need: rest. Regular rest refuels our bodies, enabling us to do more than we otherwise could. Ironically, we can actually do more in less time when we rest. And here’s the secret: one of the benefits of resting in God’s presence is that it allows Him to refuel us and refresh our souls (Psalm 23:1-3), thereby giving us the energy—and the wisdom—to do the good work He has for us to do (Ephesians 2:10). This type of spiritually rejuvenating rest is called a Sabbath, which God demonstrated for us when He rested after the work of creating the universe (Exodus 20:11). Jesus is God the Son, and He is also Lord of the Sabbath (Matthew 12:8). During His ministry, Jesus regularly spent time in the Father’s presence to rest and refuel for the work before Him. For example, in Mark 1:35, “Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray,” making time to meet with God the Father after a very busy day of healing and preaching. We too can spend time resting in God’s presence, being refueled for the work He has given us to do. And even when we overdo it and end up drained, He has so much compassion on us. As we seek Him, He will help us learn to live in the rhythms of work and rest. • Tracy Mikula • Have you ever taken a Sabbath rest, pausing from work and busyness, even if all the tasks or to-do lists aren’t finished? What was it like? Taking regular times of intentional rest can help us remember that Jesus has already done the work of saving us. Because Jesus died on the cross for us and rose from the grave, we don’t ever need to strive to do enough or be enough. Rest is not something we earn—Jesus gives us rest in Himself (Matthew 11:28-30). Consider taking some time to think about what you spend your time on, and ask God if there is anything He is inviting you to drop from your schedule, at least temporarily, to take the rest your body and soul need. “Be still, and know that I am God!” Psalm 46:10 (NLT) 

READ: PSALM 103:1-5; REVELATION 21:1-6 When was the last time you had a cold? Maybe you have one right now. They can be so annoying, but the process of healing from a cold can point us to an amazing truth about Jesus. Even though sickness invaded God’s good world when humans chose sin, God created us in a wonderful way so that when our bodies get hurt or sick, we’re usually able to heal and fight off germs and infections. Our ability to heal is such evidence of God’s loving care for us in our very own bodies, and it can also point us to the day Jesus will return, raise us from the dead, and permanently heal us of every hurt and sickness. But, as we wait for that day, sometimes our bodies can get really sick and not be able to get better on their own. In those cases, God might use doctors or medicine or even a miracle to heal us. But even if He chooses not to heal us right away, we can still trust Him, remembering that Jesus is fully God and fully human, and He truly empathizes with us in our suffering. Isaiah calls Jesus, “a man of suffering who knew what sickness was…he himself bore our sicknesses, and he carried our pains…he was pierced because of our rebellion, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was on him, and we are healed by his wounds” (Isaiah 53:3-5). Jesus willingly entered into all the pains and sorrows of human life, and He went to the cross to take the punishment all our sins deserved. Because He was whipped and beaten, because His flesh was torn and bruised, because He died on that cross for us…we can be forgiven and made whole. So, even when our bodies are slow to heal, we can cling to Jesus’s promises to be with us in every moment, and to restore all of creation, including our bodies. As we experience the sicknesses and injuries that will inevitably come, we can thank God for giving us wonderful bodies that can heal. We can thank Him for the doctors and medicine He often uses to help us, remembering that God alone has the power to heal. And, once we know Jesus as our Savior, we can thank Him for healing us from the disease of sin, and we can rest in His promises to be with us and to fully heal our bodies one day too. • A. W. Smith • How can the experience of healing from an illness or an injury point us to the ultimate restoration Jesus will bring when He returns? While some sicknesses and injuries may never fully go away until Jesus returns, we can bring our pain and frustration and anger and sorrow to Him in prayer anytime. We can be honest with Him and ask for healing, and we can also find rest in His comfort and strength, even in the midst of our pain. My soul, bless the Lord…he heals all your diseases. Psalm 103:2-3 (CSB) 

READ: PSALM 103:1-5; REVELATION 21:1-6 When was the last time you had a cold? Maybe you have one right now. They can be so annoying, but the process of healing from a cold can point us to an amazing truth about Jesus. Even though sickness invaded God’s good world when humans chose sin, God created us in a wonderful way so that when our bodies get hurt or sick, we’re usually able to heal and fight off germs and infections. Our ability to heal is such evidence of God’s loving care for us in our very own bodies, and it can also point us to the day Jesus will return, raise us from the dead, and permanently heal us of every hurt and sickness. But, as we wait for that day, sometimes our bodies can get really sick and not be able to get better on their own. In those cases, God might use doctors or medicine or even a miracle to heal us. But even if He chooses not to heal us right away, we can still trust Him, remembering that Jesus is fully God and fully human, and He truly empathizes with us in our suffering. Isaiah calls Jesus, “a man of suffering who knew what sickness was…he himself bore our sicknesses, and he carried our pains…he was pierced because of our rebellion, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was on him, and we are healed by his wounds” (Isaiah 53:3-5). Jesus willingly entered into all the pains and sorrows of human life, and He went to the cross to take the punishment all our sins deserved. Because He was whipped and beaten, because His flesh was torn and bruised, because He died on that cross for us…we can be forgiven and made whole. So, even when our bodies are slow to heal, we can cling to Jesus’s promises to be with us in every moment, and to restore all of creation, including our bodies. As we experience the sicknesses and injuries that will inevitably come, we can thank God for giving us wonderful bodies that can heal. We can thank Him for the doctors and medicine He often uses to help us, remembering that God alone has the power to heal. And, once we know Jesus as our Savior, we can thank Him for healing us from the disease of sin, and we can rest in His promises to be with us and to fully heal our bodies one day too. • A. W. Smith • How can the experience of healing from an illness or an injury point us to the ultimate restoration Jesus will bring when He returns? While some sicknesses and injuries may never fully go away until Jesus returns, we can bring our pain and frustration and anger and sorrow to Him in prayer anytime. We can be honest with Him and ask for healing, and we can also find rest in His comfort and strength, even in the midst of our pain. My soul, bless the LORD…he heals all your diseases. Psalm 103:2-3 (CSB) 

READ: PSALM 103:1-5; REVELATION 21:1-6 When was the last time you had a cold? Maybe you have one right now. They can be so annoying, but the process of healing from a cold can point us to an amazing truth about Jesus. Even though sickness invaded God’s good world when humans chose sin, God created us in a wonderful way so that when our bodies get hurt or sick, we’re usually able to heal and fight off germs and infections. Our ability to heal is such evidence of God’s loving care for us in our very own bodies, and it can also point us to the day Jesus will return, raise us from the dead, and permanently heal us of every hurt and sickness. But, as we wait for that day, sometimes our bodies can get really sick and not be able to get better on their own. In those cases, God might use doctors or medicine or even a miracle to heal us. But even if He chooses not to heal us right away, we can still trust Him, remembering that Jesus is fully God and fully human, and He truly empathizes with us in our suffering. Isaiah calls Jesus, “a man of suffering who knew what sickness was…he himself bore our sicknesses, and he carried our pains…he was pierced because of our rebellion, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was on him, and we are healed by his wounds” (Isaiah 53:3-5). Jesus willingly entered into all the pains and sorrows of human life, and He went to the cross to take the punishment all our sins deserved. Because He was whipped and beaten, because His flesh was torn and bruised, because He died on that cross for us…we can be forgiven and made whole. So, even when our bodies are slow to heal, we can cling to Jesus’s promises to be with us in every moment, and to restore all of creation, including our bodies. As we experience the sicknesses and injuries that will inevitably come, we can thank God for giving us wonderful bodies that can heal. We can thank Him for the doctors and medicine He often uses to help us, remembering that God alone has the power to heal. And, once we know Jesus as our Savior, we can thank Him for healing us from the disease of sin, and we can rest in His promises to be with us and to fully heal our bodies one day too. • A. W. Smith • How can the experience of healing from an illness or an injury point us to the ultimate restoration Jesus will bring when He returns? While some sicknesses and injuries may never fully go away until Jesus returns, we can bring our pain and frustration and anger and sorrow to Him in prayer anytime. We can be honest with Him and ask for healing, and we can also find rest in His comfort and strength, even in the midst of our pain. My soul, bless the LORD…he heals all your diseases. Psalm 103:2-3 (CSB) 

READ: MATTHEW 1:23; 28:20; MARK 6:45-54; EPHESIANS 4:2 As I stood at the lake’s edge, I was observing a genuine SOS moment. A young family member—I’ll call him Ford—had just received a kayak for his tenth birthday. He loved to be on the water, so a kayak seemed a fitting gift for him. Since our party took place near a small lake, the family gathered to watch Ford test out his new watercraft. As we admired Ford’s skills, he glided toward the bank, laid his paddle in the kayak, and leaped from the boat to the grass. His forward motion sent the kayak backwards, moving out of reach while he stood watching it drift away. We ran to Ford to find out what had happened. He’d gotten scared, overwhelmed at being on the water alone, and decided to abandon ship. But Ford had failed to recognize this act would leave his birthday present on the lake with no one controlling it. We watched his bright blue kayak float farther and farther away. Then two fishermen approached offering to help. After a few expert casts, one of them hooked Ford’s kayak and pulled it to shore. Fear had led Ford to make a drastic decision. And, though we may not all kayak, we have all been struck with fear and made choices we’ve later regretted. That day at the lake, Ford had gazed at the vastness of water all around him and felt overpowered. He believed he faced the challenge of managing the kayak all on his own. Yet, he didn’t paddle alone that day. Ford had trusted in Christ to forgive his sins and bring him into a relationship with God, so Jesus was present with Ford. And when we trust in Jesus—believing that His death and resurrection has provided payment for our sins to make us pure in God’s sight—He is with us too. Whenever we feel like we’re in over our heads, we don’t even need to ask Jesus to climb into the boat with us; He’s already there—every time, on every lake, no matter how far from shore we drift. • Allison Wilson Lee • Can you think of a time you made a bad decision out of fear? We all have moments when we feel overwhelmed by our circumstances, but Jesus doesn’t expect us to handle life alone. How could remembering that Jesus is “in the boat” with us help us when we feel overwhelmed? • Even when we do make bad decisions, Jesus has so much compassion on us. He is eager to help us, and oftentimes the way God helps His people, is through His people—like those fishermen helped retrieve Ford’s kayak. Has someone ever helped you when you messed up? How? Immediately he [Jesus] spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Mark 6:50 (NIV) 

READ: MATTHEW 1:23; 28:20; MARK 6:45-54; EPHESIANS 4:2 As I stood at the lake’s edge, I was observing a genuine SOS moment. A young family member—I’ll call him Ford—had just received a kayak for his tenth birthday. He loved to be on the water, so a kayak seemed a fitting gift for him. Since our party took place near a small lake, the family gathered to watch Ford test out his new watercraft. As we admired Ford’s skills, he glided toward the bank, laid his paddle in the kayak, and leaped from the boat to the grass. His forward motion sent the kayak backwards, moving out of reach while he stood watching it drift away. We ran to Ford to find out what had happened. He’d gotten scared, overwhelmed at being on the water alone, and decided to abandon ship. But Ford had failed to recognize this act would leave his birthday present on the lake with no one controlling it. We watched his bright blue kayak float farther and farther away. Then two fishermen approached offering to help. After a few expert casts, one of them hooked Ford’s kayak and pulled it to shore. Fear had led Ford to make a drastic decision. And, though we may not all kayak, we have all been struck with fear and made choices we’ve later regretted. That day at the lake, Ford had gazed at the vastness of water all around him and felt overpowered. He believed he faced the challenge of managing the kayak all on his own. Yet, he didn’t paddle alone that day. Ford had trusted in Christ to forgive his sins and bring him into a relationship with God, so Jesus was present with Ford. And when we trust in Jesus—believing that His death and resurrection has provided payment for our sins to make us pure in God’s sight—He is with us too. Whenever we feel like we’re in over our heads, we don’t even need to ask Jesus to climb into the boat with us; He’s already there—every time, on every lake, no matter how far from shore we drift. • Allison Wilson Lee • Can you think of a time you made a bad decision out of fear? We all have moments when we feel overwhelmed by our circumstances, but Jesus doesn’t expect us to handle life alone. How could remembering that Jesus is “in the boat” with us help us when we feel overwhelmed? • Even when we do make bad decisions, Jesus has so much compassion on us. He is eager to help us, and oftentimes the way God helps His people, is through His people—like those fishermen helped retrieve Ford’s kayak. Has someone ever helped you when you messed up? How? Immediately he [Jesus] spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Mark 6:50 (NIV) 

READ: MATTHEW 1:23; 28:20; MARK 6:45-54; EPHESIANS 4:2 As I stood at the lake’s edge, I was observing a genuine SOS moment. A young family member—I’ll call him Ford—had just received a kayak for his tenth birthday. He loved to be on the water, so a kayak seemed a fitting gift for him. Since our party took place near a small lake, the family gathered to watch Ford test out his new watercraft. As we admired Ford’s skills, he glided toward the bank, laid his paddle in the kayak, and leaped from the boat to the grass. His forward motion sent the kayak backwards, moving out of reach while he stood watching it drift away. We ran to Ford to find out what had happened. He’d gotten scared, overwhelmed at being on the water alone, and decided to abandon ship. But Ford had failed to recognize this act would leave his birthday present on the lake with no one controlling it. We watched his bright blue kayak float farther and farther away. Then two fishermen approached offering to help. After a few expert casts, one of them hooked Ford’s kayak and pulled it to shore. Fear had led Ford to make a drastic decision. And, though we may not all kayak, we have all been struck with fear and made choices we’ve later regretted. That day at the lake, Ford had gazed at the vastness of water all around him and felt overpowered. He believed he faced the challenge of managing the kayak all on his own. Yet, he didn’t paddle alone that day. Ford had trusted in Christ to forgive his sins and bring him into a relationship with God, so Jesus was present with Ford. And when we trust in Jesus—believing that His death and resurrection has provided payment for our sins to make us pure in God’s sight—He is with us too. Whenever we feel like we’re in over our heads, we don’t even need to ask Jesus to climb into the boat with us; He’s already there—every time, on every lake, no matter how far from shore we drift. • Allison Wilson Lee • Can you think of a time you made a bad decision out of fear? We all have moments when we feel overwhelmed by our circumstances, but Jesus doesn’t expect us to handle life alone. How could remembering that Jesus is “in the boat” with us help us when we feel overwhelmed? • Even when we do make bad decisions, Jesus has so much compassion on us. He is eager to help us, and oftentimes the way God helps His people, is through His people—like those fishermen helped retrieve Ford’s kayak. Has someone ever helped you when you messed up? How? Immediately he [Jesus] spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Mark 6:50 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 116; LUKE 17:11-19; REVELATION 4:6-11 Have you ever considered how much difference the words “thank you” can make? The Samaritan healed of leprosy in Luke 17 seemed to know the power of these words. While on the way to Jerusalem, Jesus met a group of ten men who were social outcasts because of the leprosy that had deformed their bodies. Jesus told the diseased men to show themselves to the priest, and they were healed! After this astonishing miracle, only one of the ten took the time to come back to Jesus and say thank you. Where were the others? Had they already forgotten who healed them? In our lives today, it can be easy to take things for granted, like the nine men did. When our prayers are answered, how often do we retrace our steps like the Samaritan and thank God? Jesus completely changed the lives of the ten lepers, and He has changed our lives too! By dying on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins and rising from the dead, Jesus has given us the best gift of all: a personal relationship with Him and salvation from sin and death. When we remember this amazing gift, it can move us to thank Jesus for His great love and for all He has given us, just as the healed Samaritan did. Simply saying “thank you” to God can be a natural way for us to praise Him. In the Bible, a great example of this kind of praise is demonstrated by the psalmists. Psalm 118 begins by declaring, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.” The rest of this joyous psalm recounts how God provided for the psalmist’s life. Similarly, in Psalm 116, “death wrapped its ropes around” and “the terrors of the grave overtook” the writer of this psalm, but God saved them (verses 3, 8). So the psalmist glorified God’s name by giving thanks. Besides exalting God’s name, saying “thank you” can also open our eyes to the beauty around us. The more we thank God, the more we will naturally notice the ways He is at work in our lives. When we stop and take time to appreciate the things around us, our perspective changes to one focused on God’s goodness. • Emma Schoessow • On the day Jesus returns to resurrect us from the dead, we will be completely healed and whole. Then, we will get to praise and thank Him for all eternity as we live together with Him on the new heavens and new earth! In the meantime, as we see glimpses of His goodness and healing now, we can thank and praise Him each day. Where have you seen God’s goodness and healing in and around you? Consider taking some time to thank God like the psalmists and the Samaritan. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 118:1 (NLT) 

READ: PSALM 116; LUKE 17:11-19; REVELATION 4:6-11 Have you ever considered how much difference the words “thank you” can make? The Samaritan healed of leprosy in Luke 17 seemed to know the power of these words. While on the way to Jerusalem, Jesus met a group of ten men who were social outcasts because of the leprosy that had deformed their bodies. Jesus told the diseased men to show themselves to the priest, and they were healed! After this astonishing miracle, only one of the ten took the time to come back to Jesus and say thank you. Where were the others? Had they already forgotten who healed them? In our lives today, it can be easy to take things for granted, like the nine men did. When our prayers are answered, how often do we retrace our steps like the Samaritan and thank God? Jesus completely changed the lives of the ten lepers, and He has changed our lives too! By dying on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins and rising from the dead, Jesus has given us the best gift of all: a personal relationship with Him and salvation from sin and death. When we remember this amazing gift, it can move us to thank Jesus for His great love and for all He has given us, just as the healed Samaritan did. Simply saying “thank you” to God can be a natural way for us to praise Him. In the Bible, a great example of this kind of praise is demonstrated by the psalmists. Psalm 118 begins by declaring, “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.” The rest of this joyous psalm recounts how God provided for the psalmist’s life. Similarly, in Psalm 116, “death wrapped its ropes around” and “the terrors of the grave overtook” the writer of this psalm, but God saved them (verses 3, 8). So the psalmist glorified God’s name by giving thanks. Besides exalting God’s name, saying “thank you” can also open our eyes to the beauty around us. The more we thank God, the more we will naturally notice the ways He is at work in our lives. When we stop and take time to appreciate the things around us, our perspective changes to one focused on God’s goodness. • Emma Schoessow • On the day Jesus returns to resurrect us from the dead, we will be completely healed and whole. Then, we will get to praise and thank Him for all eternity as we live together with Him on the new heavens and new earth! In the meantime, as we see glimpses of His goodness and healing now, we can thank and praise Him each day. Where have you seen God’s goodness and healing in and around you? Consider taking some time to thank God like the psalmists and the Samaritan. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 118:1 (NLT) 

READ: PSALM 116; LUKE 17:11-19; REVELATION 4:6-11 Have you ever considered how much difference the words “thank you” can make? The Samaritan healed of leprosy in Luke 17 seemed to know the power of these words. While on the way to Jerusalem, Jesus met a group of ten men who were social outcasts because of the leprosy that had deformed their bodies. Jesus told the diseased men to show themselves to the priest, and they were healed! After this astonishing miracle, only one of the ten took the time to come back to Jesus and say thank you. Where were the others? Had they already forgotten who healed them? In our lives today, it can be easy to take things for granted, like the nine men did. When our prayers are answered, how often do we retrace our steps like the Samaritan and thank God? Jesus completely changed the lives of the ten lepers, and He has changed our lives too! By dying on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins and rising from the dead, Jesus has given us the best gift of all: a personal relationship with Him and salvation from sin and death. When we remember this amazing gift, it can move us to thank Jesus for His great love and for all He has given us, just as the healed Samaritan did. Simply saying “thank you” to God can be a natural way for us to praise Him. In the Bible, a great example of this kind of praise is demonstrated by the psalmists. Psalm 118 begins by declaring, “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.” The rest of this joyous psalm recounts how God provided for the psalmist’s life. Similarly, in Psalm 116, “death wrapped its ropes around” and “the terrors of the grave overtook” the writer of this psalm, but God saved them (verses 3, 8). So the psalmist glorified God’s name by giving thanks. Besides exalting God’s name, saying “thank you” can also open our eyes to the beauty around us. The more we thank God, the more we will naturally notice the ways He is at work in our lives. When we stop and take time to appreciate the things around us, our perspective changes to one focused on God’s goodness. • Emma Schoessow • On the day Jesus returns to resurrect us from the dead, we will be completely healed and whole. Then, we will get to praise and thank Him for all eternity as we live together with Him on the new heavens and new earth! In the meantime, as we see glimpses of His goodness and healing now, we can thank and praise Him each day. Where have you seen God’s goodness and healing in and around you? Consider taking some time to thank God like the psalmists and the Samaritan. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 118:1 (NLT) 

READ: LUKE 5:27-32; 18:9-17; ROMANS 5:6-11; 1 JOHN 2:1 The small chapel was an inconspicuous building tucked along a side street off of Main. The leaders on the mission trip hadn’t mentioned the little church, but they had told the students it was okay to explore the area in the evening after dinner as long as they stayed in pairs and didn’t go too far. The chapel itself had worn pews with only a few people scattered across several dozen rows. Xavier’s friend Liam had protested that it “wouldn’t be fun” and “there wasn’t much time,” but Xavier had responded, “There’s nothing better we could do than pray.” So, Liam begrudgingly took a seat near the front with his friend. Xavier stole a glance around the room and thanked God that he wasn’t like Liam, who wanted “fun” instead of wanting to pray. Then he thanked God that he wasn’t like the drunk, staring blankly a few pews over, barely aware of the world. Hearing a noise, he turned and glanced at someone slinking into a back pew, with a shirt that literally blazed, “I am the enemy” in flaming letters. Xavier thanked God that he knew better than to enter a church dressed like that. The man in the t-shirt didn’t lift up his face. He just hoarsely whispered, “God, I need another chance, because I am the problem in my life.” • Gideon Eising • Today’s story is an allegory of a parable Jesus told in Luke 18. Which character do you relate to most today—Xavier, Liam, the person in the middle pew, or the man in the back pew? Why? • Jesus was telling this parable “to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness” and looked down on everybody else (Luke 18:9). When are you tempted to look down on others? Are you sometimes tempted to think of yourself as “less of a sinner” than the people around you? • Is God too harsh in forgiving only the humble? Can our pride get in the way of grace? Read Luke 18:16-17. Jesus died and rose so all who put their trust in Him—relying on His perfect righteousness, not any imperfect righteousness of our own—can be forgiven (more on our "Know Jesus" page). Yet, even Christians can forget we need Jesus just as much as anybody. But, through the Holy Spirit, God helps us walk in humility and resist sins like pride. And even though we sin daily, we can come to Him with repentant hearts, knowing His love and forgiveness are sure. Because Jesus shed His blood on the cross for the person you’re tempted to look down on, and for you. “I [Jesus] have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.” Luke 5:32 (NLT) 

READ: LUKE 5:27-32; 18:9-17; ROMANS 5:6-11; 1 JOHN 2:1 The small chapel was an inconspicuous building tucked along a side street off of Main. The leaders on the mission trip hadn’t mentioned the little church, but they had told the students it was okay to explore the area in the evening after dinner as long as they stayed in pairs and didn’t go too far. The chapel itself had worn pews with only a few people scattered across several dozen rows. Xavier’s friend Liam had protested that it “wouldn’t be fun” and “there wasn’t much time,” but Xavier had responded, “There’s nothing better we could do than pray.” So, Liam begrudgingly took a seat near the front with his friend. Xavier stole a glance around the room and thanked God that he wasn’t like Liam, who wanted “fun” instead of wanting to pray. Then he thanked God that he wasn’t like the drunk, staring blankly a few pews over, barely aware of the world. Hearing a noise, he turned and glanced at someone slinking into a back pew, with a shirt that literally blazed, “I am the enemy” in flaming letters. Xavier thanked God that he knew better than to enter a church dressed like that. The man in the t-shirt didn’t lift up his face. He just hoarsely whispered, “God, I need another chance, because I am the problem in my life.” • Gideon Eising • Today’s story is an allegory of a parable Jesus told in Luke 18. Which character do you relate to most today—Xavier, Liam, the person in the middle pew, or the man in the back pew? Why? • Jesus was telling this parable “to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness” and looked down on everybody else (Luke 18:9). When are you tempted to look down on others? Are you sometimes tempted to think of yourself as “less of a sinner” than the people around you? • Is God too harsh in forgiving only the humble? Can our pride get in the way of grace? Read Luke 18:16-17. Jesus died and rose so all who put their trust in Him—relying on His perfect righteousness, not any imperfect righteousness of our own—can be forgiven (more on our “Know Jesus” page). Yet, even Christians can forget we need Jesus just as much as anybody. But, through the Holy Spirit, God helps us walk in humility and resist sins like pride. And even though we sin daily, we can come to Him with repentant hearts, knowing His love and forgiveness are sure. Because Jesus shed His blood on the cross for the person you’re tempted to look down on, and for you. “I [Jesus] have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.” Luke 5:32 (NLT) 

READ: LUKE 5:27-32; 18:9-17; ROMANS 5:6-11; 1 JOHN 2:1 The small chapel was an inconspicuous building tucked along a side street off of Main. The leaders on the mission trip hadn’t mentioned the little church, but they had told the students it was okay to explore the area in the evening after dinner as long as they stayed in pairs and didn’t go too far. The chapel itself had worn pews with only a few people scattered across several dozen rows. Xavier’s friend Liam had protested that it “wouldn’t be fun” and “there wasn’t much time,” but Xavier had responded, “There’s nothing better we could do than pray.” So, Liam begrudgingly took a seat near the front with his friend. Xavier stole a glance around the room and thanked God that he wasn’t like Liam, who wanted “fun” instead of wanting to pray. Then he thanked God that he wasn’t like the drunk, staring blankly a few pews over, barely aware of the world. Hearing a noise, he turned and glanced at someone slinking into a back pew, with a shirt that literally blazed, “I am the enemy” in flaming letters. Xavier thanked God that he knew better than to enter a church dressed like that. The man in the t-shirt didn’t lift up his face. He just hoarsely whispered, “God, I need another chance, because I am the problem in my life.” • Gideon Eising • Today’s story is an allegory of a parable Jesus told in Luke 18. Which character do you relate to most today—Xavier, Liam, the person in the middle pew, or the man in the back pew? Why? • Jesus was telling this parable “to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness” and looked down on everybody else (Luke 18:9). When are you tempted to look down on others? Are you sometimes tempted to think of yourself as “less of a sinner” than the people around you? • Is God too harsh in forgiving only the humble? Can our pride get in the way of grace? Read Luke 18:16-17. Jesus died and rose so all who put their trust in Him—relying on His perfect righteousness, not any imperfect righteousness of our own—can be forgiven (more on our “Know Jesus” page). Yet, even Christians can forget we need Jesus just as much as anybody. But, through the Holy Spirit, God helps us walk in humility and resist sins like pride. And even though we sin daily, we can come to Him with repentant hearts, knowing His love and forgiveness are sure. Because Jesus shed His blood on the cross for the person you’re tempted to look down on, and for you. “I [Jesus] have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.” Luke 5:32 (NLT) 

READ: PSALM 139; PROVERBS 3:1-6 When you feel like you don’t have a place in this world because you don’t think you’re as talented as others or you aren’t sure what to do with your life, remember that God made you. God doesn’t make mistakes. When He created you, He knew what He was doing. He knew just who you would be. You don’t have to worry about whether or not you have a place in this world when you remember that God is the Creator of the world, and He is also the Creator of you, and He wants you here. Maybe you don’t feel as talented as the other people around you. Maybe you aren’t sure what to do with your life. It’s okay to have some doubts. It’s okay to take your time to figure out who you are, what you enjoy, and what you’re good at. Let God guide you. Let Him lead you. Remember that He knows you better than anyone else. He crafted you intentionally. He has given you the abilities you have, and if you know Jesus, He has also given you spiritual gifts. You can ask Him to show you how to follow His leading in your life, one step at a time. You have a place in this world for a reason. God wants you to be here. Your talents are your own, and God will work through you as you seek Him. He will take care of you and guide you and help you find a deep sense of purpose in living your life with Him. • Bethany Acker • Do you ever wonder about your place in this world? We all feel this way from time to time, and it can be helpful to remember who our Creator is. He made us just as we are, and He has given purpose to our lives. The truth is, Jesus rejoiced to save you through His death and resurrection, and He doesn’t need you to do anything. He delights in having you with Him, and He invites you to share in the joy of His good work—pointing others to Jesus and partnering with Him to bring restoration to the brokenness around you. In times when you’re feeling particularly discouraged or frustrated, who is a trusted Christian in your life who can lovingly remind you of the truth and help you receive God’s help and encouragement? (If you want to dig deeper, read Zephaniah 3:17; Matthew 25:23; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27; 2 Corinthians 5:14-21; Hebrews 12:2-3.) • When we feel pressure to figure out “what to do with our lives,” how could it be freeing to remember that God knows us, He loves us, and He calls us to follow Him one step at a time? Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands. Psalm 119:73 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 139; PROVERBS 3:1-6 When you feel like you don’t have a place in this world because you don’t think you’re as talented as others or you aren’t sure what to do with your life, remember that God made you. God doesn’t make mistakes. When He created you, He knew what He was doing. He knew just who you would be. You don’t have to worry about whether or not you have a place in this world when you remember that God is the Creator of the world, and He is also the Creator of you, and He wants you here. Maybe you don’t feel as talented as the other people around you. Maybe you aren’t sure what to do with your life. It’s okay to have some doubts. It’s okay to take your time to figure out who you are, what you enjoy, and what you’re good at. Let God guide you. Let Him lead you. Remember that He knows you better than anyone else. He crafted you intentionally. He has given you the abilities you have, and if you know Jesus, He has also given you spiritual gifts. You can ask Him to show you how to follow His leading in your life, one step at a time. You have a place in this world for a reason. God wants you to be here. Your talents are your own, and God will work through you as you seek Him. He will take care of you and guide you and help you find a deep sense of purpose in living your life with Him. • Bethany Acker • Do you ever wonder about your place in this world? We all feel this way from time to time, and it can be helpful to remember who our Creator is. He made us just as we are, and He has given purpose to our lives. The truth is, Jesus rejoiced to save you through His death and resurrection, and He doesn’t need you to do anything. He delights in having you with Him, and He invites you to share in the joy of His good work—pointing others to Jesus and partnering with Him to bring restoration to the brokenness around you. In times when you’re feeling particularly discouraged or frustrated, who is a trusted Christian in your life who can lovingly remind you of the truth and help you receive God’s help and encouragement? (If you want to dig deeper, read Zephaniah 3:17; Matthew 25:23; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27; 2 Corinthians 5:14-21; Hebrews 12:2-3.) • When we feel pressure to figure out “what to do with our lives,” how could it be freeing to remember that God knows us, He loves us, and He calls us to follow Him one step at a time? Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands. Psalm 119:73 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 139; PROVERBS 3:1-6 When you feel like you don’t have a place in this world because you don’t think you’re as talented as others or you aren’t sure what to do with your life, remember that God made you. God doesn’t make mistakes. When He created you, He knew what He was doing. He knew just who you would be. You don’t have to worry about whether or not you have a place in this world when you remember that God is the Creator of the world, and He is also the Creator of you, and He wants you here. Maybe you don’t feel as talented as the other people around you. Maybe you aren’t sure what to do with your life. It’s okay to have some doubts. It’s okay to take your time to figure out who you are, what you enjoy, and what you’re good at. Let God guide you. Let Him lead you. Remember that He knows you better than anyone else. He crafted you intentionally. He has given you the abilities you have, and if you know Jesus, He has also given you spiritual gifts. You can ask Him to show you how to follow His leading in your life, one step at a time. You have a place in this world for a reason. God wants you to be here. Your talents are your own, and God will work through you as you seek Him. He will take care of you and guide you and help you find a deep sense of purpose in living your life with Him. • Bethany Acker • Do you ever wonder about your place in this world? We all feel this way from time to time, and it can be helpful to remember who our Creator is. He made us just as we are, and He has given purpose to our lives. The truth is, Jesus rejoiced to save you through His death and resurrection, and He doesn’t need you to do anything. He delights in having you with Him, and He invites you to share in the joy of His good work—pointing others to Jesus and partnering with Him to bring restoration to the brokenness around you. In times when you’re feeling particularly discouraged or frustrated, who is a trusted Christian in your life who can lovingly remind you of the truth and help you receive God’s help and encouragement? (If you want to dig deeper, read Zephaniah 3:17; Matthew 25:23; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27; 2 Corinthians 5:14-21; Hebrews 12:2-3.) • When we feel pressure to figure out “what to do with our lives,” how could it be freeing to remember that God knows us, He loves us, and He calls us to follow Him one step at a time? Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands. Psalm 119:73 (NIV) 

READ: JOHN 14:12-21; 15:1-17 Let me understand when it’s You, God Telling me to go Speak loudly to me, God So that I can know Let me feel You with me, God As I simply live Knowing You are right beside me, God Help me to give Let them understand when it’s You, God Helping me to stand Show them You’re supporting me, God And I’m following Your command Let them know You move in me, God You’re a part of all I do Show them You are helping me, God I am nothing without You • Emily Acker   • When we put our trust in Jesus, believing in His death and resurrection, we are given the Holy Spirit, sometimes called the Spirit of Christ. As we seek to abide in Jesus, we may often find there are things we do in life that we know we would never be able to do without God’s power working through us—such as forgiving others, loving our enemies, speaking the truth in love, acting with self-control, giving generously, or enduring hardships. Yet, we cannot take credit for any of this—for, as Philippians 2:13 says, “It is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” If you know Jesus, how have you seen Him working in you? How has the Spirit been transforming you? Consider taking a moment to thank God for this, and ask Him to point people to Himself through your life. Remember, as we rest in Jesus’s great love for us, His love naturally overflows from us to others. • John the Baptist made it very clear he was not the Messiah and consistently pointed to Jesus. What might it look like for us to follow his example? (If you want to dig deeper, read John 1:15-39; 3:22-36.) “I [Jesus] am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NIV) 

READ: JOHN 14:12-21; 15:1-17 Let me understand when it’s You, GodTelling me to goSpeak loudly to me, GodSo that I can knowLet me feel You with me, GodAs I simply liveKnowing You are right beside me, GodHelp me to giveLet them understand when it’s You, GodHelping me to standShow them You’re supporting me, GodAnd I’m following Your commandLet them know You move in me, GodYou’re a part of all I doShow them You are helping me, GodI am nothing without You • Emily Acker • When we put our trust in Jesus, believing in His death and resurrection, we are given the Holy Spirit, sometimes called the Spirit of Christ. As we seek to abide in Jesus, we may often find there are things we do in life that we know we would never be able to do without God’s power working through us—such as forgiving others, loving our enemies, speaking the truth in love, acting with self-control, giving generously, or enduring hardships. Yet, we cannot take credit for any of this—for, as Philippians 2:13 says, “It is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” If you know Jesus, how have you seen Him working in you? How has the Spirit been transforming you? Consider taking a moment to thank God for this, and ask Him to point people to Himself through your life. Remember, as we rest in Jesus’s great love for us, His love naturally overflows from us to others. • John the Baptist made it very clear he was not the Messiah and consistently pointed to Jesus. What might it look like for us to follow his example? (If you want to dig deeper, read John 1:15-39; 3:22-36.) “I [Jesus] am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NIV) 

READ: JOHN 14:12-21; 15:1-17 Let me understand when it’s You, GodTelling me to goSpeak loudly to me, GodSo that I can knowLet me feel You with me, GodAs I simply liveKnowing You are right beside me, GodHelp me to giveLet them understand when it’s You, GodHelping me to standShow them You’re supporting me, GodAnd I’m following Your commandLet them know You move in me, GodYou’re a part of all I doShow them You are helping me, GodI am nothing without You • Emily Acker • When we put our trust in Jesus, believing in His death and resurrection, we are given the Holy Spirit, sometimes called the Spirit of Christ. As we seek to abide in Jesus, we may often find there are things we do in life that we know we would never be able to do without God’s power working through us—such as forgiving others, loving our enemies, speaking the truth in love, acting with self-control, giving generously, or enduring hardships. Yet, we cannot take credit for any of this—for, as Philippians 2:13 says, “It is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” If you know Jesus, how have you seen Him working in you? How has the Spirit been transforming you? Consider taking a moment to thank God for this, and ask Him to point people to Himself through your life. Remember, as we rest in Jesus’s great love for us, His love naturally overflows from us to others. • John the Baptist made it very clear he was not the Messiah and consistently pointed to Jesus. What might it look like for us to follow his example? (If you want to dig deeper, read John 1:15-39; 3:22-36.) “I [Jesus] am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 37:1-9; 1 PETER 2:19-25; 3:8-18 Have you ever seen someone do something wrong and, instead of getting in trouble, they end up reaping a reward for it? You may have heard the saying, “Crime doesn’t pay.” But unfortunately, in this broken world we regularly encounter people who seem to benefit from being dishonest or breaking promises. It can be hard to watch someone gain wealth with ease by deceiving or exploiting people. But the Bible tells us not to envy those who seem to be rewarded for doing evil. God sees what’s happening, and the day will come when He’ll reward those who serve and obey Him. Yet, none of us can serve and obey God perfectly. We may be tempted to think of ourselves as better than “those evil people,” but the truth is, we all fall short (Romans 3:23-25). We all end up deceiving others and breaking promises for our own selfish gain. That’s why Jesus came to live the perfectly honest, perfectly just life that we could never live. As God the Son, Jesus always served and obeyed God the Father—and He did so out of love for the Father, and for us. Ultimately, Jesus died on the cross, taking all our sin upon Himself, and then He rose from the dead, victorious over sin and death. This was the only way for God to save us. Through Jesus, we are forgiven of our sins and we have the assurance of living with Him forever when He returns. Until that glorious day, it can help to remember that God is not okay with injustice. All sin must be accounted for. But Jesus endured the cross to pay for our sins for us. One day, those who have been forgiven by Jesus will receive their reward—eternal life with Him. Though it may sometimes seem like doing wrong pays off, it doesn’t. God promises to right every wrong at Jesus’s return. And even now, He lives in us through His Holy Spirit, empowering us to live with honesty and justice, to serve and obey God because of His great love for us. • A. W. Smith • How have you seen others benefitting from doing what is wrong? This can be so discouraging. When you see this happen, you can bring it to God in prayer and ask Him if there is some way you can bring honesty and justice into the situation. • We all do wrong, and often we seem to get away with it. When are you tempted to be dishonest or pull yourself up by pushing others down? Jesus understands temptation, and He is full of mercy. When you notice temptation, you can turn to Him and be reminded of His perfect love and truth. You can also confess any sin to Him and ask for His help to move forward in love. Trust in the Lord and do good. Psalm 37:3 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 37:1-9; 1 PETER 2:19-25; 3:8-18 Have you ever seen someone do something wrong and, instead of getting in trouble, they end up reaping a reward for it? You may have heard the saying, “Crime doesn’t pay.” But unfortunately, in this broken world we regularly encounter people who seem to benefit from being dishonest or breaking promises. It can be hard to watch someone gain wealth with ease by deceiving or exploiting people. But the Bible tells us not to envy those who seem to be rewarded for doing evil. God sees what’s happening, and the day will come when He’ll reward those who serve and obey Him. Yet, none of us can serve and obey God perfectly. We may be tempted to think of ourselves as better than “those evil people,” but the truth is, we all fall short (Romans 3:23-25). We all end up deceiving others and breaking promises for our own selfish gain. That’s why Jesus came to live the perfectly honest, perfectly just life that we could never live. As God the Son, Jesus always served and obeyed God the Father—and He did so out of love for the Father, and for us. Ultimately, Jesus died on the cross, taking all our sin upon Himself, and then He rose from the dead, victorious over sin and death. This was the only way for God to save us. Through Jesus, we are forgiven of our sins and we have the assurance of living with Him forever when He returns. Until that glorious day, it can help to remember that God is not okay with injustice. All sin must be accounted for. But Jesus endured the cross to pay for our sins for us. One day, those who have been forgiven by Jesus will receive their reward—eternal life with Him. Though it may sometimes seem like doing wrong pays off, it doesn’t. God promises to right every wrong at Jesus’s return. And even now, He lives in us through His Holy Spirit, empowering us to live with honesty and justice, to serve and obey God because of His great love for us. • A. W. Smith • How have you seen others benefitting from doing what is wrong? This can be so discouraging. When you see this happen, you can bring it to God in prayer and ask Him if there is some way you can bring honesty and justice into the situation. • We all do wrong, and often we seem to get away with it. When are you tempted to be dishonest or pull yourself up by pushing others down? Jesus understands temptation, and He is full of mercy. When you notice temptation, you can turn to Him and be reminded of His perfect love and truth. You can also confess any sin to Him and ask for His help to move forward in love. Trust in the LORD and do good. Psalm 37:3 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 37:1-9; 1 PETER 2:19-25; 3:8-18 Have you ever seen someone do something wrong and, instead of getting in trouble, they end up reaping a reward for it? You may have heard the saying, “Crime doesn’t pay.” But unfortunately, in this broken world we regularly encounter people who seem to benefit from being dishonest or breaking promises. It can be hard to watch someone gain wealth with ease by deceiving or exploiting people. But the Bible tells us not to envy those who seem to be rewarded for doing evil. God sees what’s happening, and the day will come when He’ll reward those who serve and obey Him. Yet, none of us can serve and obey God perfectly. We may be tempted to think of ourselves as better than “those evil people,” but the truth is, we all fall short (Romans 3:23-25). We all end up deceiving others and breaking promises for our own selfish gain. That’s why Jesus came to live the perfectly honest, perfectly just life that we could never live. As God the Son, Jesus always served and obeyed God the Father—and He did so out of love for the Father, and for us. Ultimately, Jesus died on the cross, taking all our sin upon Himself, and then He rose from the dead, victorious over sin and death. This was the only way for God to save us. Through Jesus, we are forgiven of our sins and we have the assurance of living with Him forever when He returns. Until that glorious day, it can help to remember that God is not okay with injustice. All sin must be accounted for. But Jesus endured the cross to pay for our sins for us. One day, those who have been forgiven by Jesus will receive their reward—eternal life with Him. Though it may sometimes seem like doing wrong pays off, it doesn’t. God promises to right every wrong at Jesus’s return. And even now, He lives in us through His Holy Spirit, empowering us to live with honesty and justice, to serve and obey God because of His great love for us. • A. W. Smith • How have you seen others benefitting from doing what is wrong? This can be so discouraging. When you see this happen, you can bring it to God in prayer and ask Him if there is some way you can bring honesty and justice into the situation. • We all do wrong, and often we seem to get away with it. When are you tempted to be dishonest or pull yourself up by pushing others down? Jesus understands temptation, and He is full of mercy. When you notice temptation, you can turn to Him and be reminded of His perfect love and truth. You can also confess any sin to Him and ask for His help to move forward in love. Trust in the LORD and do good. Psalm 37:3 (NIV) 

READ: PROVERBS 3:5-6; 2 CORINTHIANS 3:5; EPHESIANS 2:8; 1 PETER 5:6-7 "UPDATE FAILED. VIRUS DETECTED.” Siren stared at the vile green letters on her monitor. There was one last thing she could try. She drew the small drive out of her pocket. The Willpower Program (or WPP) was rumored to be strong enough to revive any device that had been affected by The Virus. And Siren’s computer had been infected for a long time now. She had tried everything—flying to planets all over the solar system, asking experts, even rebuilding her operating system. Finally, she had built her own copy of WPP from the coding she’d seen at programing stations around the galaxy. She inserted the drive. “This has to work.” You could always try the blue button, a small voice whispered in the back of her mind. “No, I won’t.” It’s the only option. Siren shook her head. Everyone knew the button was left over from long ago. If pressed, it sent a signal back to the manufacturer. And everyone knew the manufacturer was not to be trusted. A monster that could wipe out her entire system if she gave it access to her computer. She couldn’t risk compromising her hard drive. The thought was interrupted as her screen flickered—fuzzy, then checkered, emitting a gentle hum. Siren’s heart pounded as the computer monitor simmered out, leaving silence. WPP had failed. She fell to her knees in front of the machine and cried. Everything was on there. Her life, her memories, pictures of her colony. You could always—“Fine!” Siren jabbed the round blue button in the center of the computer. She squeezed her eyes shut. There was a gentle hum. She opened her eyes. Her apartment was cast in a beautiful blue light. “Is that it? Did that fix it? All that searching, and all I needed to do was press the blue button?” Relief settled over Siren as she skimmed through the files. All safe. But others out there were still battling The Virus. She needed to tell them. • Natty Maelle • Do you find yourself in need of a reset, but scared you’re too far gone? You are never too far gone. Jesus came to earth to live the sinless life that we can’t, and He died on the cross to pay for our sins. He came back from the dead three days later, defeating death and sin. For you. So, if you think you can’t be saved, don’t worry. Just reach out to Him. (See our "Know Jesus" page.) Even as Christians, we need to be reminded again and again that Jesus saved us, and is still saving us, and will save us in the end. What He started—that is, salvation— He will complete (Philippians 1:6). Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you in due time. 1 Peter 5:6 (NIV) 

READ: PROVERBS 3:5-6; 2 CORINTHIANS 3:5; EPHESIANS 2:8; 1 PETER 5:6-7 “UPDATE FAILED. VIRUS DETECTED.” Siren stared at the vile green letters on her monitor. There was one last thing she could try. She drew the small drive out of her pocket. The Willpower Program (or WPP) was rumored to be strong enough to revive any device that had been affected by The Virus. And Siren’s computer had been infected for a long time now. She had tried everything—flying to planets all over the solar system, asking experts, even rebuilding her operating system. Finally, she had built her own copy of WPP from the coding she’d seen at programing stations around the galaxy. She inserted the drive. “This has to work.” You could always try the blue button, a small voice whispered in the back of her mind. “No, I won’t.” It’s the only option. Siren shook her head. Everyone knew the button was left over from long ago. If pressed, it sent a signal back to the manufacturer. And everyone knew the manufacturer was not to be trusted. A monster that could wipe out her entire system if she gave it access to her computer. She couldn’t risk compromising her hard drive. The thought was interrupted as her screen flickered—fuzzy, then checkered, emitting a gentle hum. Siren’s heart pounded as the computer monitor simmered out, leaving silence. WPP had failed. She fell to her knees in front of the machine and cried. Everything was on there. Her life, her memories, pictures of her colony. You could always—“Fine!” Siren jabbed the round blue button in the center of the computer. She squeezed her eyes shut. There was a gentle hum. She opened her eyes. Her apartment was cast in a beautiful blue light. “Is that it? Did that fix it? All that searching, and all I needed to do was press the blue button?” Relief settled over Siren as she skimmed through the files. All safe. But others out there were still battling The Virus. She needed to tell them. • Natty Maelle • Do you find yourself in need of a reset, but scared you’re too far gone? You are never too far gone. Jesus came to earth to live the sinless life that we can’t, and He died on the cross to pay for our sins. He came back from the dead three days later, defeating death and sin. For you. So, if you think you can’t be saved, don’t worry. Just reach out to Him. (See our “Know Jesus” page.) Even as Christians, we need to be reminded again and again that Jesus saved us, and is still saving us, and will save us in the end. What He started—that is, salvation— He will complete (Philippians 1:6). Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 1 Peter 5:6 (NIV) 

READ: PROVERBS 3:5-6; 2 CORINTHIANS 3:5; EPHESIANS 2:8; 1 PETER 5:6-7 “UPDATE FAILED. VIRUS DETECTED.” Siren stared at the vile green letters on her monitor. There was one last thing she could try. She drew the small drive out of her pocket. The Willpower Program (or WPP) was rumored to be strong enough to revive any device that had been affected by The Virus. And Siren’s computer had been infected for a long time now. She had tried everything—flying to planets all over the solar system, asking experts, even rebuilding her operating system. Finally, she had built her own copy of WPP from the coding she’d seen at programing stations around the galaxy. She inserted the drive. “This has to work.” You could always try the blue button, a small voice whispered in the back of her mind. “No, I won’t.” It’s the only option. Siren shook her head. Everyone knew the button was left over from long ago. If pressed, it sent a signal back to the manufacturer. And everyone knew the manufacturer was not to be trusted. A monster that could wipe out her entire system if she gave it access to her computer. She couldn’t risk compromising her hard drive. The thought was interrupted as her screen flickered—fuzzy, then checkered, emitting a gentle hum. Siren’s heart pounded as the computer monitor simmered out, leaving silence. WPP had failed. She fell to her knees in front of the machine and cried. Everything was on there. Her life, her memories, pictures of her colony. You could always—“Fine!” Siren jabbed the round blue button in the center of the computer. She squeezed her eyes shut. There was a gentle hum. She opened her eyes. Her apartment was cast in a beautiful blue light. “Is that it? Did that fix it? All that searching, and all I needed to do was press the blue button?” Relief settled over Siren as she skimmed through the files. All safe. But others out there were still battling The Virus. She needed to tell them. • Natty Maelle • Do you find yourself in need of a reset, but scared you’re too far gone? You are never too far gone. Jesus came to earth to live the sinless life that we can’t, and He died on the cross to pay for our sins. He came back from the dead three days later, defeating death and sin. For you. So, if you think you can’t be saved, don’t worry. Just reach out to Him. (See our “Know Jesus” page.) Even as Christians, we need to be reminded again and again that Jesus saved us, and is still saving us, and will save us in the end. What He started—that is, salvation— He will complete (Philippians 1:6). Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 1 Peter 5:6 (NIV) 

READ: 1 PETER 5:6-11 Each small worry can quickly become a big worry. It expands from the place inside of me where a little thought pops up. I start to think about it more and more. I consider all the scenarios and things that could happen. I start to worry about how I’m going to stop things from getting worse. I wonder how tomorrow will be. I worry about other things too, as the fears really begin to take over. But before any of that happens, I can give it to God. It’s so good to know that, when a small worry starts in my mind, I can immediately hand it over to God. The Bible says we don’t need to be anxious about anything (Philippians 4:6), and it doesn’t help to worry about tomorrow (Matthew 6:25-34). It isn’t up to us to try to control things by worrying. Instead, we can go to our heavenly Father in prayer and give it all to Him. He invites us to tell Him about everything that worries us. He has so much compassion on us, and He wants to help us. Because He loves us dearly, Jesus died and rose again so everyone who trusts in Him could be brought near to God. And when Jesus returns, He will put an end to everything that is worrisome. It isn’t easy to stop worrying, but it is possible with God. I try to hand Him my worries each time they pop up, and instead focus on something I’m grateful for (Philippians 4:8). This doesn’t always work, but when it does, I’m glad I did it. Anytime I hand my worries to God, I’m grateful to know that He will take care of things for me. • Bethany Acker • What kinds of worries do you struggle with? Consider taking a moment to tell Jesus about these. • Sometimes, we experience thoughts and feelings that are too much for us to handle on our own, even by praying and reading the Bible. But God wants to help us in lots of ways, including through other people such as medical and mental health professionals who can help us figure out if what we are experiencing is worry, anxiety, or something else. If you find yourself feeling afraid, stressed, or worried a lot of the time, or if your thoughts keep going to dark places or “what if” scenarios and you can’t seem to stop, who is a trusted adult 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) and ask to speak with the care associate. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT) 

READ: 1 PETER 5:6-11 Each small worry can quickly become a big worry. It expands from the place inside of me where a little thought pops up. I start to think about it more and more. I consider all the scenarios and things that could happen. I start to worry about how I’m going to stop things from getting worse. I wonder how tomorrow will be. I worry about other things too, as the fears really begin to take over. But before any of that happens, I can give it to God. It’s so good to know that, when a small worry starts in my mind, I can immediately hand it over to God. The Bible says we don’t need to be anxious about anything (Philippians 4:6), and it doesn’t help to worry about tomorrow (Matthew 6:25-34). It isn’t up to us to try to control things by worrying. Instead, we can go to our heavenly Father in prayer and give it all to Him. He invites us to tell Him about everything that worries us. He has so much compassion on us, and He wants to help us. Because He loves us dearly, Jesus died and rose again so everyone who trusts in Him could be brought near to God. And when Jesus returns, He will put an end to everything that is worrisome. It isn’t easy to stop worrying, but it is possible with God. I try to hand Him my worries each time they pop up, and instead focus on something I’m grateful for (Philippians 4:8). This doesn’t always work, but when it does, I’m glad I did it. Anytime I hand my worries to God, I’m grateful to know that He will take care of things for me. • Bethany Acker • What kinds of worries do you struggle with? Consider taking a moment to tell Jesus about these. • Sometimes, we experience thoughts and feelings that are too much for us to handle on our own, even by praying and reading the Bible. But God wants to help us in lots of ways, including through other people such as medical and mental health professionals who can help us figure out if what we are experiencing is worry, anxiety, or something else. If you find yourself feeling afraid, stressed, or worried a lot of the time, or if your thoughts keep going to dark places or “what if” scenarios and you can’t seem to stop, who is a trusted adult 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) and ask to speak with the care associate. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT) 

READ: 1 PETER 5:6-11 Each small worry can quickly become a big worry. It expands from the place inside of me where a little thought pops up. I start to think about it more and more. I consider all the scenarios and things that could happen. I start to worry about how I’m going to stop things from getting worse. I wonder how tomorrow will be. I worry about other things too, as the fears really begin to take over. But before any of that happens, I can give it to God. It’s so good to know that, when a small worry starts in my mind, I can immediately hand it over to God. The Bible says we don’t need to be anxious about anything (Philippians 4:6), and it doesn’t help to worry about tomorrow (Matthew 6:25-34). It isn’t up to us to try to control things by worrying. Instead, we can go to our heavenly Father in prayer and give it all to Him. He invites us to tell Him about everything that worries us. He has so much compassion on us, and He wants to help us. Because He loves us dearly, Jesus died and rose again so everyone who trusts in Him could be brought near to God. And when Jesus returns, He will put an end to everything that is worrisome. It isn’t easy to stop worrying, but it is possible with God. I try to hand Him my worries each time they pop up, and instead focus on something I’m grateful for (Philippians 4:8). This doesn’t always work, but when it does, I’m glad I did it. Anytime I hand my worries to God, I’m grateful to know that He will take care of things for me. • Bethany Acker • What kinds of worries do you struggle with? Consider taking a moment to tell Jesus about these. • Sometimes, we experience thoughts and feelings that are too much for us to handle on our own, even by praying and reading the Bible. But God wants to help us in lots of ways, including through other people such as medical and mental health professionals who can help us figure out if what we are experiencing is worry, anxiety, or something else. If you find yourself feeling afraid, stressed, or worried a lot of the time, or if your thoughts keep going to dark places or “what if” scenarios and you can’t seem to stop, who is a trusted adult 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) and ask to speak with the care associate. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT) 

READ: PSALM 4:8; JOHN 14:25-29; 16:33 As a younger teenager, I was so interested in reading fiction. It provided entertainment, romance, adventure, comedy, and interesting plots. Not to mention, it also provided an escape from the real world, thrusting me into an author’s made-up fantasy. During stressful or anxious times in my life, I strolled through the young adult shelves at my local library seeking reprieve. The desire to shrink out of reality became a struggle, as I felt more desperate after each book. At the time, I felt like the only thing that could give me peace was books, or something to constantly read. Then one day, I lost my library card. I spent months without reading. Fortunately, that gave me time to dive into my dust-collecting Bible. Diving into the Gospels (the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), I did not leave my room for the next hour. I was stuck on a specific chapter—John 14. In verse 27, I was stunned to read what Jesus told His disciples. Here, He gives them a specific gift. Peace! He specifically stated that He would give them “peace of mind and heart.” That changed my life. Furthermore, Jesus said that His peace wasn’t like the peace that created things could give. As followers of Christ, we have access to the eternal peace that transcends what any other person or thing can give! Today, I still love reading. And I’m still a teenager who loves romance, adventure, comedy, and interesting plots. But my heart was what changed. Now, I look for my peace in the One who I can always rely on. • Evelyn Cardriche • One of Jesus’s names is “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Because Jesus died and rose again to forgive us and save us from sin and death, everyone who trusts in Him can have “peace with God” (Romans 5:1). That means our sin no longer makes us enemies of God—instead, we get to “rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God” (verse 11). And it’s because of this relationship that we can bring God all of our worries and, as Philippians 4:7 says, “experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.” When Jesus returns to restore creation, all His people will feel perfectly at peace all the time. And until that day, He invites us to draw near to Him whenever we feel unpeaceful, resting in His great love for us and bringing Him all of our concerns, desires, and needs. Through the Holy Spirit, He will help us experience His peace more and more throughout our lives. Can you remember a time in your life when you experienced God’s peace? What was that like? “I [Jesus] am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27 (NLT) 

READ: PSALM 4:8; JOHN 14:25-29; 16:33 As a younger teenager, I was so interested in reading fiction. It provided entertainment, romance, adventure, comedy, and interesting plots. Not to mention, it also provided an escape from the real world, thrusting me into an author’s made-up fantasy. During stressful or anxious times in my life, I strolled through the young adult shelves at my local library seeking reprieve. The desire to shrink out of reality became a struggle, as I felt more desperate after each book. At the time, I felt like the only thing that could give me peace was books, or something to constantly read. Then one day, I lost my library card. I spent months without reading. Fortunately, that gave me time to dive into my dust-collecting Bible. Diving into the Gospels (the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), I did not leave my room for the next hour. I was stuck on a specific chapter—John 14. In verse 27, I was stunned to read what Jesus told His disciples. Here, He gives them a specific gift. Peace! He specifically stated that He would give them “peace of mind and heart.” That changed my life. Furthermore, Jesus said that His peace wasn’t like the peace that created things could give. As followers of Christ, we have access to the eternal peace that transcends what any other person or thing can give! Today, I still love reading. And I’m still a teenager who loves romance, adventure, comedy, and interesting plots. But my heart was what changed. Now, I look for my peace in the One who I can always rely on. • Evelyn Cardriche • One of Jesus’s names is “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Because Jesus died and rose again to forgive us and save us from sin and death, everyone who trusts in Him can have “peace with God” (Romans 5:1). That means our sin no longer makes us enemies of God—instead, we get to “rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God” (verse 11). And it’s because of this relationship that we can bring God all of our worries and, as Philippians 4:7 says, “experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.” When Jesus returns to restore creation, all His people will feel perfectly at peace all the time. And until that day, He invites us to draw near to Him whenever we feel unpeaceful, resting in His great love for us and bringing Him all of our concerns, desires, and needs. Through the Holy Spirit, He will help us experience His peace more and more throughout our lives. Can you remember a time in your life when you experienced God’s peace? What was that like? “I [Jesus] am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27 (NLT) 

READ: PSALM 4:8; JOHN 14:25-29; 16:33 As a younger teenager, I was so interested in reading fiction. It provided entertainment, romance, adventure, comedy, and interesting plots. Not to mention, it also provided an escape from the real world, thrusting me into an author’s made-up fantasy. During stressful or anxious times in my life, I strolled through the young adult shelves at my local library seeking reprieve. The desire to shrink out of reality became a struggle, as I felt more desperate after each book. At the time, I felt like the only thing that could give me peace was books, or something to constantly read. Then one day, I lost my library card. I spent months without reading. Fortunately, that gave me time to dive into my dust-collecting Bible. Diving into the Gospels (the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), I did not leave my room for the next hour. I was stuck on a specific chapter—John 14. In verse 27, I was stunned to read what Jesus told His disciples. Here, He gives them a specific gift. Peace! He specifically stated that He would give them “peace of mind and heart.” That changed my life. Furthermore, Jesus said that His peace wasn’t like the peace that created things could give. As followers of Christ, we have access to the eternal peace that transcends what any other person or thing can give! Today, I still love reading. And I’m still a teenager who loves romance, adventure, comedy, and interesting plots. But my heart was what changed. Now, I look for my peace in the One who I can always rely on. • Evelyn Cardriche • One of Jesus’s names is “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Because Jesus died and rose again to forgive us and save us from sin and death, everyone who trusts in Him can have “peace with God” (Romans 5:1). That means our sin no longer makes us enemies of God—instead, we get to “rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God” (verse 11). And it’s because of this relationship that we can bring God all of our worries and, as Philippians 4:7 says, “experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.” When Jesus returns to restore creation, all His people will feel perfectly at peace all the time. And until that day, He invites us to draw near to Him whenever we feel unpeaceful, resting in His great love for us and bringing Him all of our concerns, desires, and needs. Through the Holy Spirit, He will help us experience His peace more and more throughout our lives. Can you remember a time in your life when you experienced God’s peace? What was that like? “I [Jesus] am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27 (NLT) 

READ: JOHN 3:16; 14:1-3; REVELATION 21:1-6 Time passes so quickly. We go from being children to adults. We see ourselves in the mirror and notice changes happening right before our eyes. Technology advances, new political leaders take control. Life moves at a fast pace, and sometimes we long for it to slow down…But what will eternity feel like? As we grow up, we learn that things in this life don’t last. Job opportunities come and go. Relationships fall apart. Death happens. We get used to dealing with losses and endings. But eternity contains none of that. God has given us the chance to live forever. Because He loves us, Jesus died and rose again so we could have eternal life. We have the opportunity to experience something beyond what we have ever experienced before. We are used to thinking in terms of everything having a start and an end, but when Jesus returns, the new heavens and new earth will have no end. Our future with God is an eternal one. We will not lose it. We will not want to leave it. No one can take it away from us (John 10:28-30; 16:22). There is a peace that comes from knowing that something is going to last. Eternal life can be our future. If we know Jesus, we have something immeasurably wonderful to look forward to. Time passes quickly, but when we know what the future holds for us and that our time with God will have no end, we don’t have to be afraid. • Emily Acker • Have you ever tried thinking about this present life as just a small part of your whole life—with eternity waiting for you? How could this change our point of view? • Thinking about eternity can be overwhelming. It’s too big for us to wrap our minds around. And nobody knows exactly what it will be like. But we do know that we will get to be with God and all His people forever, filled with His love and joy, free from sin and all the brokenness it causes. To learn more about God’s promise of eternity for those who put their trust in Jesus, check out our "Know Jesus" page. And this is what he promised us—eternal life. 1 John 2:25 (NIV) 

READ: JOHN 3:16; 14:1-3; REVELATION 21:1-6 Time passes so quickly. We go from being children to adults. We see ourselves in the mirror and notice changes happening right before our eyes. Technology advances, new political leaders take control. Life moves at a fast pace, and sometimes we long for it to slow down…But what will eternity feel like? As we grow up, we learn that things in this life don’t last. Job opportunities come and go. Relationships fall apart. Death happens. We get used to dealing with losses and endings. But eternity contains none of that. God has given us the chance to live forever. Because He loves us, Jesus died and rose again so we could have eternal life. We have the opportunity to experience something beyond what we have ever experienced before. We are used to thinking in terms of everything having a start and an end, but when Jesus returns, the new heavens and new earth will have no end. Our future with God is an eternal one. We will not lose it. We will not want to leave it. No one can take it away from us (John 10:28-30; 16:22). There is a peace that comes from knowing that something is going to last. Eternal life can be our future. If we know Jesus, we have something immeasurably wonderful to look forward to. Time passes quickly, but when we know what the future holds for us and that our time with God will have no end, we don’t have to be afraid. • Emily Acker • Have you ever tried thinking about this present life as just a small part of your whole life—with eternity waiting for you? How could this change our point of view? • Thinking about eternity can be overwhelming. It’s too big for us to wrap our minds around. And nobody knows exactly what it will be like. But we do know that we will get to be with God and all His people forever, filled with His love and joy, free from sin and all the brokenness it causes. To learn more about God’s promise of eternity for those who put their trust in Jesus, check out our “Know Jesus” page. And this is what he promised us—eternal life. 1 John 2:25 (NIV) 

READ: JOHN 3:16; 14:1-3; REVELATION 21:1-6 Time passes so quickly. We go from being children to adults. We see ourselves in the mirror and notice changes happening right before our eyes. Technology advances, new political leaders take control. Life moves at a fast pace, and sometimes we long for it to slow down…But what will eternity feel like? As we grow up, we learn that things in this life don’t last. Job opportunities come and go. Relationships fall apart. Death happens. We get used to dealing with losses and endings. But eternity contains none of that. God has given us the chance to live forever. Because He loves us, Jesus died and rose again so we could have eternal life. We have the opportunity to experience something beyond what we have ever experienced before. We are used to thinking in terms of everything having a start and an end, but when Jesus returns, the new heavens and new earth will have no end. Our future with God is an eternal one. We will not lose it. We will not want to leave it. No one can take it away from us (John 10:28-30; 16:22). There is a peace that comes from knowing that something is going to last. Eternal life can be our future. If we know Jesus, we have something immeasurably wonderful to look forward to. Time passes quickly, but when we know what the future holds for us and that our time with God will have no end, we don’t have to be afraid. • Emily Acker • Have you ever tried thinking about this present life as just a small part of your whole life—with eternity waiting for you? How could this change our point of view? • Thinking about eternity can be overwhelming. It’s too big for us to wrap our minds around. And nobody knows exactly what it will be like. But we do know that we will get to be with God and all His people forever, filled with His love and joy, free from sin and all the brokenness it causes. To learn more about God’s promise of eternity for those who put their trust in Jesus, check out our “Know Jesus” page. And this is what he promised us—eternal life. 1 John 2:25 (NIV) 

READ: PSALMS 13:1-6; 37:23-24; 2 CORINTHIANS 4:16-18 Are you going through a really difficult time? Do you wonder if there’s a way out? Perhaps you’re overwhelmed with grief, anger, or frustration. When we’re in the middle of painful situations, it can seem like they’re never-ending. Will the hurt ever pass? Is this it? Am I trapped like this forever? We may ask ourselves, Who can help me? Why doesn’t anyone understand? These questions are totally natural when we’re going through an intense season. Everyone has what I call the “dark chapters” in their lives. Some last hours, days, weeks, or even years. They can be excruciating. But all is not lost. The world we live in has been broken by sin, and with it comes imperfection, failures, and trials…but we don’t suffer alone. We have a heavenly Father who loves us unconditionally, more than anyone can comprehend (Ephesians 3:19). He sent His Son, Jesus, to be God with us (Matthew 1:23). Jesus lived as a human, and He personally understands all the hurts and sorrows of life. Jesus willingly died on the cross for our sins and rose again, so everyone who trusts in Him can become God’s child. In every dark chapter, we can know that Jesus is with us, and we can look forward to the day He will return and make all things new and whole. Even when we think God is far away, He is with us, guiding us. And He can bring good even out of terrible situations (Romans 8:28). Just look at the Bible—so many people went through incredible personal challenges. But in the midst of the dark chapters of our lives, God invites us to cry out to Him and honestly lament our pain—this is why we have so many amazing lament psalms written by people like King David. Time and time again, God meets His people with His compassionate love and brings hope, even to situations that seem hopeless. So, if you are currently struggling, remember that these moments will not last forever. They are episodes, chapters, life segments…but not the whole picture. • Cindy Lee • What kinds of difficult things have you gone through? How have you seen God bring hope? • Are you in a “dark chapter” right now? In addition to talking to God, who can you be honest with about what you’re experiencing? If you are in danger, tell a trusted adult right away. • Do you know anyone who is going through a difficult chapter in their life right now? How could you come alongside them today, perhaps through prayer, listening, or helping them? Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. Romans 8:18 (NLT) 

READ: PSALMS 13:1-6; 37:23-24; 2 CORINTHIANS 4:16-18 Are you going through a really difficult time? Do you wonder if there’s a way out? Perhaps you’re overwhelmed with grief, anger, or frustration. When we’re in the middle of painful situations, it can seem like they’re never-ending. Will the hurt ever pass? Is this it? Am I trapped like this forever? We may ask ourselves, Who can help me? Why doesn’t anyone understand? These questions are totally natural when we’re going through an intense season. Everyone has what I call the “dark chapters” in their lives. Some last hours, days, weeks, or even years. They can be excruciating. But all is not lost. The world we live in has been broken by sin, and with it comes imperfection, failures, and trials…but we don’t suffer alone. We have a heavenly Father who loves us unconditionally, more than anyone can comprehend (Ephesians 3:19). He sent His Son, Jesus, to be God with us (Matthew 1:23). Jesus lived as a human, and He personally understands all the hurts and sorrows of life. Jesus willingly died on the cross for our sins and rose again, so everyone who trusts in Him can become God’s child. In every dark chapter, we can know that Jesus is with us, and we can look forward to the day He will return and make all things new and whole. Even when we think God is far away, He is with us, guiding us. And He can bring good even out of terrible situations (Romans 8:28). Just look at the Bible—so many people went through incredible personal challenges. But in the midst of the dark chapters of our lives, God invites us to cry out to Him and honestly lament our pain—this is why we have so many amazing lament psalms written by people like King David. Time and time again, God meets His people with His compassionate love and brings hope, even to situations that seem hopeless. So, if you are currently struggling, remember that these moments will not last forever. They are episodes, chapters, life segments…but not the whole picture. • Cindy Lee • What kinds of difficult things have you gone through? How have you seen God bring hope? • Are you in a “dark chapter” right now? In addition to talking to God, who can you be honest with about what you’re experiencing? If you are in danger, tell a trusted adult right away. • Do you know anyone who is going through a difficult chapter in their life right now? How could you come alongside them today, perhaps through prayer, listening, or helping them? Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. Romans 8:18 (NLT) 

READ: PSALMS 13:1-6; 37:23-24; 2 CORINTHIANS 4:16-18 Are you going through a really difficult time? Do you wonder if there’s a way out? Perhaps you’re overwhelmed with grief, anger, or frustration. When we’re in the middle of painful situations, it can seem like they’re never-ending. Will the hurt ever pass? Is this it? Am I trapped like this forever? We may ask ourselves, Who can help me? Why doesn’t anyone understand? These questions are totally natural when we’re going through an intense season. Everyone has what I call the “dark chapters” in their lives. Some last hours, days, weeks, or even years. They can be excruciating. But all is not lost. The world we live in has been broken by sin, and with it comes imperfection, failures, and trials…but we don’t suffer alone. We have a heavenly Father who loves us unconditionally, more than anyone can comprehend (Ephesians 3:19). He sent His Son, Jesus, to be God with us (Matthew 1:23). Jesus lived as a human, and He personally understands all the hurts and sorrows of life. Jesus willingly died on the cross for our sins and rose again, so everyone who trusts in Him can become God’s child. In every dark chapter, we can know that Jesus is with us, and we can look forward to the day He will return and make all things new and whole. Even when we think God is far away, He is with us, guiding us. And He can bring good even out of terrible situations (Romans 8:28). Just look at the Bible—so many people went through incredible personal challenges. But in the midst of the dark chapters of our lives, God invites us to cry out to Him and honestly lament our pain—this is why we have so many amazing lament psalms written by people like King David. Time and time again, God meets His people with His compassionate love and brings hope, even to situations that seem hopeless. So, if you are currently struggling, remember that these moments will not last forever. They are episodes, chapters, life segments…but not the whole picture. • Cindy Lee • What kinds of difficult things have you gone through? How have you seen God bring hope? • Are you in a “dark chapter” right now? In addition to talking to God, who can you be honest with about what you’re experiencing? If you are in danger, tell a trusted adult right away. • Do you know anyone who is going through a difficult chapter in their life right now? How could you come alongside them today, perhaps through prayer, listening, or helping them? Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. Romans 8:18 (NLT) 

READ: 2 TIMOTHY 2:15; 3:14-17 Do you ever find the Bible confusing and frustrating? That’s totally understandable! The books of the Bible were written thousands of years ago in different languages and in different times and places in history. It’s going to be difficult to understand at times. And it’s normal to read a passage for the first time and feel like you just don’t get it. Learning to understand the Bible better is kind of like learning to ski. It takes practice. If you decided to take on the biggest hill you could find your very first time skiing, you’d probably tumble your way down to the bottom, and end up with a few new injuries. And if you try to tackle a difficult Bible passage without any help or training, you’ll probably end up confused and frustrated. But the more you work at skiing, the better you can do it. And the more you read and study the Bible—at church, with others, and on your own—the more you’ll understand it. If you wanted to learn to ski, you would probably seek out a ski instructor. And a Bible instructor is a good idea too. In a way, the Holy Spirit is like our Bible instructor. When we put our trust in Jesus, believing in His death and resurrection, His Holy Spirit lives inside us. And He helps us understand what God is saying to us and apply it to our lives. We can also ask other Christians for help when we don’t understand something—like our pastors, youth leaders, family members, or friends. God doesn’t leave us to figure everything out on our own. He gives us community and His very own presence! Just remember, anything worthwhile takes time and effort. So don’t give up when reading the Bible gets hard. Keep practicing. • A. W. Smith • The whole Bible points to Jesus (Luke 24:27; John 5:39; 20:31; Acts 8:26-40). And if we know Jesus, we have His Holy Spirit living in us. So, as we read the Bible on our own and with others, He will help us understand what it says. How has Jesus helped you understand His Word so far? • Have you come across a Bible passage that’s particularly difficult to understand? That’s okay—even Peter said Paul’s writings were sometimes hard to understand (2 Peter 3:16)! And there are some things we may never fully grasp until Jesus returns. Who is a trusted Christian in your life who could look at this passage with you and help you find scholarly resources that could help you understand it better—like study Bibles, commentaries, websites, or videos? The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. Psalm 119:130 (NIV) 

READ: 2 TIMOTHY 2:15; 3:14-17 Do you ever find the Bible confusing and frustrating? That’s totally understandable! The books of the Bible were written thousands of years ago in different languages and in different times and places in history. It’s going to be difficult to understand at times. And it’s normal to read a passage for the first time and feel like you just don’t get it. Learning to understand the Bible better is kind of like learning to ski. It takes practice. If you decided to take on the biggest hill you could find your very first time skiing, you’d probably tumble your way down to the bottom, and end up with a few new injuries. And if you try to tackle a difficult Bible passage without any help or training, you’ll probably end up confused and frustrated. But the more you work at skiing, the better you can do it. And the more you read and study the Bible—at church, with others, and on your own—the more you’ll understand it. If you wanted to learn to ski, you would probably seek out a ski instructor. And a Bible instructor is a good idea too. In a way, the Holy Spirit is like our Bible instructor. When we put our trust in Jesus, believing in His death and resurrection, His Holy Spirit lives inside us. And He helps us understand what God is saying to us and apply it to our lives. We can also ask other Christians for help when we don’t understand something—like our pastors, youth leaders, family members, or friends. God doesn’t leave us to figure everything out on our own. He gives us community and His very own presence! Just remember, anything worthwhile takes time and effort. So don’t give up when reading the Bible gets hard. Keep practicing. • A. W. Smith • The whole Bible points to Jesus (Luke 24:27; John 5:39; 20:31; Acts 8:26-40). And if we know Jesus, we have His Holy Spirit living in us. So, as we read the Bible on our own and with others, He will help us understand what it says. How has Jesus helped you understand His Word so far? • Have you come across a Bible passage that’s particularly difficult to understand? That’s okay—even Peter said Paul’s writings were sometimes hard to understand (2 Peter 3:16)! And there are some things we may never fully grasp until Jesus returns. Who is a trusted Christian in your life who could look at this passage with you and help you find scholarly resources that could help you understand it better—like study Bibles, commentaries, websites, or videos? The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. Psalm 119:130 (NIV) 

READ: 2 TIMOTHY 2:15; 3:14-17 Do you ever find the Bible confusing and frustrating? That’s totally understandable! The books of the Bible were written thousands of years ago in different languages and in different times and places in history. It’s going to be difficult to understand at times. And it’s normal to read a passage for the first time and feel like you just don’t get it. Learning to understand the Bible better is kind of like learning to ski. It takes practice. If you decided to take on the biggest hill you could find your very first time skiing, you’d probably tumble your way down to the bottom, and end up with a few new injuries. And if you try to tackle a difficult Bible passage without any help or training, you’ll probably end up confused and frustrated. But the more you work at skiing, the better you can do it. And the more you read and study the Bible—at church, with others, and on your own—the more you’ll understand it. If you wanted to learn to ski, you would probably seek out a ski instructor. And a Bible instructor is a good idea too. In a way, the Holy Spirit is like our Bible instructor. When we put our trust in Jesus, believing in His death and resurrection, His Holy Spirit lives inside us. And He helps us understand what God is saying to us and apply it to our lives. We can also ask other Christians for help when we don’t understand something—like our pastors, youth leaders, family members, or friends. God doesn’t leave us to figure everything out on our own. He gives us community and His very own presence! Just remember, anything worthwhile takes time and effort. So don’t give up when reading the Bible gets hard. Keep practicing. • A. W. Smith • The whole Bible points to Jesus (Luke 24:27; John 5:39; 20:31; Acts 8:26-40). And if we know Jesus, we have His Holy Spirit living in us. So, as we read the Bible on our own and with others, He will help us understand what it says. How has Jesus helped you understand His Word so far? • Have you come across a Bible passage that’s particularly difficult to understand? That’s okay—even Peter said Paul’s writings were sometimes hard to understand (2 Peter 3:16)! And there are some things we may never fully grasp until Jesus returns. Who is a trusted Christian in your life who could look at this passage with you and help you find scholarly resources that could help you understand it better—like study Bibles, commentaries, websites, or videos? The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. Psalm 119:130 (NIV) 

READ: ROMANS 5:1-11; 15:13; HEBREWS 11 Hope is a four-letter word. Yet, between those four letters is a tremendous range of nuance. People can use hope to convey an innocent wish. “I hope it doesn’t rain on the picnic.” Or hope can be used to reveal an unrivaled desire. “I hope my grandma lives through Christmas.” Our hope often conveys what we want to happen, but it doesn’t change what will happen. We have no control over the weather, people’s lifespans, or much else. So why is such a persnickety and ultimately powerless word plastered across churches? Because biblical hope is more than a mere desire. It carries a very special subtext. Anticipation. Hope can be frail because it often shatters when the desire is unfulfilled. But what if you knew that what you hoped for was going to happen? Romans 5:5 says, “Hope does not put us to shame.” Why? Because the hope this verse is talking about is a hope placed in God Himself, and God always keeps His promises. This verse is talking about the hope that Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection has cleansed us of our sins. The hope that Jesus will come back again. The hope that we will live with Him in the new heavens and new earth one day. The hope that we will see our fellow believers again, and sorrow and pain will be gone forever. These are all things God promises to those who accept His gift of salvation by putting their faith in Jesus. Hebrews 11 starts by saying, “Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” This chapter goes on to describe many people who were able to act in faith because they put their hope in something certain— God. So hope becomes the anticipation of something assured, not just a four-letter word. • Abigail Scibiur • How can hoping for something assured change our outlook on life or even the way we act? (Hint: read 2 Corinthians 3:12; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 4:13-14; Hebrews 10:22-25.) • What are some specific promises God has made that we can put our hope in? Consider starting your own list of Scriptures about those promises to look at whenever you feel discouraged. • Remember, our hope is ultimately in Jesus Himself (Ephesians 1:12). Because of His death and resurrection, we can rest in His promises, and we can also be honest with Him about what we want and need. There is power in expressing our desires to God in prayer because He has the power to change things. Consider taking some time to express your desires to Jesus. He is listening. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5:5 (NIV) 

READ: ROMANS 5:1-11; 15:13; HEBREWS 11 Hope is a four-letter word. Yet, between those four letters is a tremendous range of nuance. People can use hope to convey an innocent wish. “I hope it doesn’t rain on the picnic.” Or hope can be used to reveal an unrivaled desire. “I hope my grandma lives through Christmas.” Our hope often conveys what we want to happen, but it doesn’t change what will happen. We have no control over the weather, people’s lifespans, or much else. So why is such a persnickety and ultimately powerless word plastered across churches? Because biblical hope is more than a mere desire. It carries a very special subtext. Anticipation. Hope can be frail because it often shatters when the desire is unfulfilled. But what if you knew that what you hoped for was going to happen? Romans 5:5 says, “Hope does not put us to shame.” Why? Because the hope this verse is talking about is a hope placed in God Himself, and God always keeps His promises. This verse is talking about the hope that Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection has cleansed us of our sins. The hope that Jesus will come back again. The hope that we will live with Him in the new heavens and new earth one day. The hope that we will see our fellow believers again, and sorrow and pain will be gone forever. These are all things God promises to those who accept His gift of salvation by putting their faith in Jesus. Hebrews 11 starts by saying, “Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” This chapter goes on to describe many people who were able to act in faith because they put their hope in something certain— God. So hope becomes the anticipation of something assured, not just a four-letter word. • Abigail Scibiur • How can hoping for something assured change our outlook on life or even the way we act? (Hint: read 2 Corinthians 3:12; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 4:13-14; Hebrews 10:22-25.) • What are some specific promises God has made that we can put our hope in? Consider starting your own list of Scriptures about those promises to look at whenever you feel discouraged. • Remember, our hope is ultimately in Jesus Himself (Ephesians 1:12). Because of His death and resurrection, we can rest in His promises, and we can also be honest with Him about what we want and need. There is power in expressing our desires to God in prayer because He has the power to change things. Consider taking some time to express your desires to Jesus. He is listening. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5:5 (NIV) 

READ: ROMANS 5:1-11; 15:13; HEBREWS 11 Hope is a four-letter word. Yet, between those four letters is a tremendous range of nuance. People can use hope to convey an innocent wish. “I hope it doesn’t rain on the picnic.” Or hope can be used to reveal an unrivaled desire. “I hope my grandma lives through Christmas.” Our hope often conveys what we want to happen, but it doesn’t change what will happen. We have no control over the weather, people’s lifespans, or much else. So why is such a persnickety and ultimately powerless word plastered across churches? Because biblical hope is more than a mere desire. It carries a very special subtext. Anticipation. Hope can be frail because it often shatters when the desire is unfulfilled. But what if you knew that what you hoped for was going to happen? Romans 5:5 says, “Hope does not put us to shame.” Why? Because the hope this verse is talking about is a hope placed in God Himself, and God always keeps His promises. This verse is talking about the hope that Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection has cleansed us of our sins. The hope that Jesus will come back again. The hope that we will live with Him in the new heavens and new earth one day. The hope that we will see our fellow believers again, and sorrow and pain will be gone forever. These are all things God promises to those who accept His gift of salvation by putting their faith in Jesus. Hebrews 11 starts by saying, “Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” This chapter goes on to describe many people who were able to act in faith because they put their hope in something certain— God. So hope becomes the anticipation of something assured, not just a four-letter word. • Abigail Scibiur • How can hoping for something assured change our outlook on life or even the way we act? (Hint: read 2 Corinthians 3:12; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 4:13-14; Hebrews 10:22-25.) • What are some specific promises God has made that we can put our hope in? Consider starting your own list of Scriptures about those promises to look at whenever you feel discouraged. • Remember, our hope is ultimately in Jesus Himself (Ephesians 1:12). Because of His death and resurrection, we can rest in His promises, and we can also be honest with Him about what we want and need. There is power in expressing our desires to God in prayer because He has the power to change things. Consider taking some time to express your desires to Jesus. He is listening. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5:5 (NIV) 

READ: ACTS 2:1-14; ROMANS 12:4-21; GALATIANS 5:22-23 When people first hear that Christians all receive the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14), there can be a sense of excitement as they anticipate a life-changing, empowering moment. In the Bible, we find the account of the day of Pentecost. Jesus’s followers are all sitting together, because after Jesus died and rose again, but before He ascended into heaven, He’d told them to wait for the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4). Then, the Holy Spirit comes in a very visible and dramatic way—including flames and wind! The Bible goes on to show the instantaneous transformation in the apostles—they went from fearful to courageous, and they shared the good news boldly. But what happens if your experience of the Holy Spirit isn’t quite like you expected? You may ask yourself, Why don’t I feel different? Where is my Holy Spirit zeal? Is something wrong with me? Do not panic. It’s okay if your experience is different from what happened to the first disciples. The Holy Spirit distributes spiritual gifts to all believers (1 Corinthians 12:11; 1 Peter 4:10-11). We are called to use our different gifts to share the good news and the gift of salvation, and also to serve one another in a variety of ways. For example, some Christians receive a gift of teaching or wisdom that they can share with others through speaking or writing as they listen and offer support to those in need. The Holy Spirit also strengthens us to battle through difficulties and overcome obstacles, empowering us to resist temptation and love others, even our enemies. God the Holy Spirit always glorifies God the Father and God the Son (Jesus) and never contradicts the Bible, but each believer’s experience of the Spirit is unique and personal to them. If you wonder if the Holy Spirit is doing anything in your life, remember that God works in many different ways. Although you can’t always recognize what is happening on the inside, it doesn’t mean nothing is happening. The Spirit’s work is sometimes a gradual process—like in nature when seeds are planted and it takes time to witness the results. Other people may begin to notice positive changes in you, such as becoming more self-controlled and showing more joy and love, which are fruits of the Spirit’s work (Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Timothy 1:7). So, embrace your journey with the Holy Spirit. Remember, it’s a lifelong process. You can trust God’s timing as you seek His direction and rely on Him in faith. • Cindy Lee • What questions do you have about the Holy Spirit? Who are trusted Christians in your life who can help you dig into Scripture and discern what the Spirit might be doing in and through you? Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Romans 12:11 (NIV) 

READ: ACTS 2:1-14; ROMANS 12:4-21; GALATIANS 5:22-23 When people first hear that Christians all receive the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14), there can be a sense of excitement as they anticipate a life-changing, empowering moment. In the Bible, we find the account of the day of Pentecost. Jesus’s followers are all sitting together, because after Jesus died and rose again, but before He ascended into heaven, He’d told them to wait for the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4). Then, the Holy Spirit comes in a very visible and dramatic way—including flames and wind! The Bible goes on to show the instantaneous transformation in the apostles—they went from fearful to courageous, and they shared the good news boldly. But what happens if your experience of the Holy Spirit isn’t quite like you expected? You may ask yourself, Why don’t I feel different? Where is my Holy Spirit zeal? Is something wrong with me? Do not panic. It’s okay if your experience is different from what happened to the first disciples. The Holy Spirit distributes spiritual gifts to all believers (1 Corinthians 12:11; 1 Peter 4:10-11). We are called to use our different gifts to share the good news and the gift of salvation, and also to serve one another in a variety of ways. For example, some Christians receive a gift of teaching or wisdom that they can share with others through speaking or writing as they listen and offer support to those in need. The Holy Spirit also strengthens us to battle through difficulties and overcome obstacles, empowering us to resist temptation and love others, even our enemies. God the Holy Spirit always glorifies God the Father and God the Son (Jesus) and never contradicts the Bible, but each believer’s experience of the Spirit is unique and personal to them. If you wonder if the Holy Spirit is doing anything in your life, remember that God works in many different ways. Although you can’t always recognize what is happening on the inside, it doesn’t mean nothing is happening. The Spirit’s work is sometimes a gradual process—like in nature when seeds are planted and it takes time to witness the results. Other people may begin to notice positive changes in you, such as becoming more self-controlled and showing more joy and love, which are fruits of the Spirit’s work (Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Timothy 1:7). So, embrace your journey with the Holy Spirit. Remember, it’s a lifelong process. You can trust God’s timing as you seek His direction and rely on Him in faith. • Cindy Lee • What questions do you have about the Holy Spirit? Who are trusted Christians in your life who can help you dig into Scripture and discern what the Spirit might be doing in and through you? Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Romans 12:11 (NIV) 

READ: ACTS 2:1-14; ROMANS 12:4-21; GALATIANS 5:22-23 When people first hear that Christians all receive the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14), there can be a sense of excitement as they anticipate a life-changing, empowering moment. In the Bible, we find the account of the day of Pentecost. Jesus’s followers are all sitting together, because after Jesus died and rose again, but before He ascended into heaven, He’d told them to wait for the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4). Then, the Holy Spirit comes in a very visible and dramatic way—including flames and wind! The Bible goes on to show the instantaneous transformation in the apostles—they went from fearful to courageous, and they shared the good news boldly. But what happens if your experience of the Holy Spirit isn’t quite like you expected? You may ask yourself, Why don’t I feel different? Where is my Holy Spirit zeal? Is something wrong with me? Do not panic. It’s okay if your experience is different from what happened to the first disciples. The Holy Spirit distributes spiritual gifts to all believers (1 Corinthians 12:11; 1 Peter 4:10-11). We are called to use our different gifts to share the good news and the gift of salvation, and also to serve one another in a variety of ways. For example, some Christians receive a gift of teaching or wisdom that they can share with others through speaking or writing as they listen and offer support to those in need. The Holy Spirit also strengthens us to battle through difficulties and overcome obstacles, empowering us to resist temptation and love others, even our enemies. God the Holy Spirit always glorifies God the Father and God the Son (Jesus) and never contradicts the Bible, but each believer’s experience of the Spirit is unique and personal to them. If you wonder if the Holy Spirit is doing anything in your life, remember that God works in many different ways. Although you can’t always recognize what is happening on the inside, it doesn’t mean nothing is happening. The Spirit’s work is sometimes a gradual process—like in nature when seeds are planted and it takes time to witness the results. Other people may begin to notice positive changes in you, such as becoming more self-controlled and showing more joy and love, which are fruits of the Spirit’s work (Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Timothy 1:7). So, embrace your journey with the Holy Spirit. Remember, it’s a lifelong process. You can trust God’s timing as you seek His direction and rely on Him in faith. • Cindy Lee • What questions do you have about the Holy Spirit? Who are trusted Christians in your life who can help you dig into Scripture and discern what the Spirit might be doing in and through you? Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Romans 12:11 (NIV) 

READ: ISAIAH 58:6-12; JOHN 4:14; 7:38-39; GALATIANS 5:13-23 "Look over there, Jett—under those tall weeds!” Kyra jumped over a stream as she and her brother explored the area behind their new home. When they had lived by the sea, their family made their living as fishermen, but when the dragon wars encroached on their tiny coastal town, they had to flee inland. They hoped to make a fresh start in this new village in the Amplio valley. Kyra pushed aside some of the rough grass to get a better look. “Are those trata fruit?” “Looks like trata fruit to me,” confirmed Jett. “Let’s pull up these weeds so we can see the plants better.” They began pulling the grass and thistles that had grown more than waist-high. Sure enough, they found other fruits and vegetables too. Kyra said, “Somebody must’ve planted this garden long ago. I’m surprised the trata plants survived in the middle of all these weeds.” “Let’s work this garden instead of planting a new one,” Jett said, remembering their old garden back home. Its produce had helped them through many a tough time. “We’ll need to bring water from the stream—and the weeds will come back if we let them.” Kyra paused thoughtfully. “You know something? I came across a verse in Isaiah this morning—‘You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.’ I’ve heard it said that Isaiah points to our need for Jesus. Remember how everyone who believes in Jesus has living water flowing inside us, and how He produces good fruit in our lives? As His people, I guess we’re His garden. I like thinking about how He’s the One watering that garden.” Jett rubbed a trata leaf. “I want to be like that—producing fruit instead of thistles. I don’t want to cause harm, like the wars do. I want to bring good into the world. But every day, I keep finding more sin in my life—like how we’ll keep finding weeds in this garden. I know Jesus has already made us holy through His death and resurrection, but I can’t wait till He comes back and we won’t struggle with sin anymore.” Kyra nodded. “Me too, but I’m also thankful the Spirit tends our hearts every day, rooting out the thorns of violence and greed so we can be people of mercy and kindness.” • A. W. Smith • When we know Jesus, His Holy Spirit lives in us and works to produce good fruit in our hearts. What does this fruit look like? (Hint: read Galatians 5:22-23.) • The Holy Spirit also makes us more aware of the sin in our lives. Consider taking some time in prayer, confessing any sin that comes to mind and resting in Jesus’s sure forgiveness. “You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” Isaiah 58:11 (NIV) 

READ: ISAIAH 58:6-12; JOHN 4:14; 7:38-39; GALATIANS 5:13-23 “Look over there, Jett—under those tall weeds!” Kyra jumped over a stream as she and her brother explored the area behind their new home. When they had lived by the sea, their family made their living as fishermen, but when the dragon wars encroached on their tiny coastal town, they had to flee inland. They hoped to make a fresh start in this new village in the Amplio valley. Kyra pushed aside some of the rough grass to get a better look. “Are those trata fruit?” “Looks like trata fruit to me,” confirmed Jett. “Let’s pull up these weeds so we can see the plants better.” They began pulling the grass and thistles that had grown more than waist-high. Sure enough, they found other fruits and vegetables too. Kyra said, “Somebody must’ve planted this garden long ago. I’m surprised the trata plants survived in the middle of all these weeds.” “Let’s work this garden instead of planting a new one,” Jett said, remembering their old garden back home. Its produce had helped them through many a tough time. “We’ll need to bring water from the stream—and the weeds will come back if we let them.” Kyra paused thoughtfully. “You know something? I came across a verse in Isaiah this morning—‘You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.’ I’ve heard it said that Isaiah points to our need for Jesus. Remember how everyone who believes in Jesus has living water flowing inside us, and how He produces good fruit in our lives? As His people, I guess we’re His garden. I like thinking about how He’s the One watering that garden.” Jett rubbed a trata leaf. “I want to be like that—producing fruit instead of thistles. I don’t want to cause harm, like the wars do. I want to bring good into the world. But every day, I keep finding more sin in my life—like how we’ll keep finding weeds in this garden. I know Jesus has already made us holy through His death and resurrection, but I can’t wait till He comes back and we won’t struggle with sin anymore.” Kyra nodded. “Me too, but I’m also thankful the Spirit tends our hearts every day, rooting out the thorns of violence and greed so we can be people of mercy and kindness.” • A. W. Smith • When we know Jesus, His Holy Spirit lives in us and works to produce good fruit in our hearts. What does this fruit look like? (Hint: read Galatians 5:22-23.) • The Holy Spirit also makes us more aware of the sin in our lives. Consider taking some time in prayer, confessing any sin that comes to mind and resting in Jesus’s sure forgiveness. “You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” Isaiah 58:11 (NIV) 

READ: ISAIAH 58:6-12; JOHN 4:14; 7:38-39; GALATIANS 5:13-23 “Look over there, Jett—under those tall weeds!” Kyra jumped over a stream as she and her brother explored the area behind their new home. When they had lived by the sea, their family made their living as fishermen, but when the dragon wars encroached on their tiny coastal town, they had to flee inland. They hoped to make a fresh start in this new village in the Amplio valley. Kyra pushed aside some of the rough grass to get a better look. “Are those trata fruit?” “Looks like trata fruit to me,” confirmed Jett. “Let’s pull up these weeds so we can see the plants better.” They began pulling the grass and thistles that had grown more than waist-high. Sure enough, they found other fruits and vegetables too. Kyra said, “Somebody must’ve planted this garden long ago. I’m surprised the trata plants survived in the middle of all these weeds.” “Let’s work this garden instead of planting a new one,” Jett said, remembering their old garden back home. Its produce had helped them through many a tough time. “We’ll need to bring water from the stream—and the weeds will come back if we let them.” Kyra paused thoughtfully. “You know something? I came across a verse in Isaiah this morning—‘You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.’ I’ve heard it said that Isaiah points to our need for Jesus. Remember how everyone who believes in Jesus has living water flowing inside us, and how He produces good fruit in our lives? As His people, I guess we’re His garden. I like thinking about how He’s the One watering that garden.” Jett rubbed a trata leaf. “I want to be like that—producing fruit instead of thistles. I don’t want to cause harm, like the wars do. I want to bring good into the world. But every day, I keep finding more sin in my life—like how we’ll keep finding weeds in this garden. I know Jesus has already made us holy through His death and resurrection, but I can’t wait till He comes back and we won’t struggle with sin anymore.” Kyra nodded. “Me too, but I’m also thankful the Spirit tends our hearts every day, rooting out the thorns of violence and greed so we can be people of mercy and kindness.” • A. W. Smith • When we know Jesus, His Holy Spirit lives in us and works to produce good fruit in our hearts. What does this fruit look like? (Hint: read Galatians 5:22-23.) • The Holy Spirit also makes us more aware of the sin in our lives. Consider taking some time in prayer, confessing any sin that comes to mind and resting in Jesus’s sure forgiveness. “You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” Isaiah 58:11 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 139; ROMANS 8:28-29, 38-39; PHILIPPIANS 1:6 At times, growing up is hard. Change is exciting, but at the same time such a difficult thing to go through. Feeling your body change. Seeing things around you shift. Knowing that your mind is growing and your perspective on things will not always be the same. Change feels strange, but as we experience it in ourselves and in the world around us, we don’t have to be afraid. There are some things that are never going to change. When life feels different than it used to, we may feel unsteady and disoriented, but it can help to remember that God will not change. His love is always constant. The promise of eternity will never fade. The gospel is always true. Jesus died and rose again for us, and if we’ve put our trust in Him, we can know with certainty that He is with us—forever. He will never leave us. Throughout our lives, we will continue to grow and change. We will find new things to be passionate about and new ways to enjoy life. We will find new purposes for our lives, and we’ll get excited about what is to come. As we go through all those changes, both the good and the bad, the struggle and the joy, we can remember that God is there with us. When we need something to ground us, we can pray to Him. When we need something to remind us that, even as we are drastically changing, some things in our lives will always be the same, we can think of His unchanging love. • Bethany Acker • As we grow in our walk with Jesus, He will continue to reveal Himself to us in various ways, and He will keep forming us to become more and more like Him. This means our perspectives on different things will likely shift throughout our lifetimes. And that’s okay! As we pursue Jesus and study His Word, He will help us bring all the areas of our lives into alignment with Him. And this is a lifelong process. Who are some people in your life who can walk through this process with you—such as parents, pastors, counselors, youth leaders, and friends? Consider taking some time to ask a trusted Christian adult how their perspective has changed over the years. • When the world around us changes, how could remembering that Jesus never changes help us come to Him in prayer? Do you have any favorite Bible passages that remind you of this truth? Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 (CSB) 

READ: PSALM 139; ROMANS 8:28-29, 38-39; PHILIPPIANS 1:6 At times, growing up is hard. Change is exciting, but at the same time such a difficult thing to go through. Feeling your body change. Seeing things around you shift. Knowing that your mind is growing and your perspective on things will not always be the same. Change feels strange, but as we experience it in ourselves and in the world around us, we don’t have to be afraid. There are some things that are never going to change. When life feels different than it used to, we may feel unsteady and disoriented, but it can help to remember that God will not change. His love is always constant. The promise of eternity will never fade. The gospel is always true. Jesus died and rose again for us, and if we’ve put our trust in Him, we can know with certainty that He is with us—forever. He will never leave us. Throughout our lives, we will continue to grow and change. We will find new things to be passionate about and new ways to enjoy life. We will find new purposes for our lives, and we’ll get excited about what is to come. As we go through all those changes, both the good and the bad, the struggle and the joy, we can remember that God is there with us. When we need something to ground us, we can pray to Him. When we need something to remind us that, even as we are drastically changing, some things in our lives will always be the same, we can think of His unchanging love. • Bethany Acker • As we grow in our walk with Jesus, He will continue to reveal Himself to us in various ways, and He will keep forming us to become more and more like Him. This means our perspectives on different things will likely shift throughout our lifetimes. And that’s okay! As we pursue Jesus and study His Word, He will help us bring all the areas of our lives into alignment with Him. And this is a lifelong process. Who are some people in your life who can walk through this process with you—such as parents, pastors, counselors, youth leaders, and friends? Consider taking some time to ask a trusted Christian adult how their perspective has changed over the years. • When the world around us changes, how could remembering that Jesus never changes help us come to Him in prayer? Do you have any favorite Bible passages that remind you of this truth? Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 (CSB) 

READ: PSALM 139; ROMANS 8:28-29, 38-39; PHILIPPIANS 1:6 At times, growing up is hard. Change is exciting, but at the same time such a difficult thing to go through. Feeling your body change. Seeing things around you shift. Knowing that your mind is growing and your perspective on things will not always be the same. Change feels strange, but as we experience it in ourselves and in the world around us, we don’t have to be afraid. There are some things that are never going to change. When life feels different than it used to, we may feel unsteady and disoriented, but it can help to remember that God will not change. His love is always constant. The promise of eternity will never fade. The gospel is always true. Jesus died and rose again for us, and if we’ve put our trust in Him, we can know with certainty that He is with us—forever. He will never leave us. Throughout our lives, we will continue to grow and change. We will find new things to be passionate about and new ways to enjoy life. We will find new purposes for our lives, and we’ll get excited about what is to come. As we go through all those changes, both the good and the bad, the struggle and the joy, we can remember that God is there with us. When we need something to ground us, we can pray to Him. When we need something to remind us that, even as we are drastically changing, some things in our lives will always be the same, we can think of His unchanging love. • Bethany Acker • As we grow in our walk with Jesus, He will continue to reveal Himself to us in various ways, and He will keep forming us to become more and more like Him. This means our perspectives on different things will likely shift throughout our lifetimes. And that’s okay! As we pursue Jesus and study His Word, He will help us bring all the areas of our lives into alignment with Him. And this is a lifelong process. Who are some people in your life who can walk through this process with you—such as parents, pastors, counselors, youth leaders, and friends? Consider taking some time to ask a trusted Christian adult how their perspective has changed over the years. • When the world around us changes, how could remembering that Jesus never changes help us come to Him in prayer? Do you have any favorite Bible passages that remind you of this truth? Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 (CSB) 

READ: ISAIAH 53:4-12; COLOSSIANS 1:22; HEBREWS 9:11-28; REVELATION 5:12 You gave up Your life, You are the Perfect Sacrifice— God’s precious Son, The Holy, Just, and Righteous One. Speak to us softly, O Lord, we pray, Speak to us clearly, O Lord, this day! You alone are good, Teach us, Lord, to live as You would— Holy and pure, By faith, Your blood the costly cure. Speak to us softly, O Lord, we pray, Speak to us clearly, O Lord, this day! Risen from the dead, You are Life, the Living Bread— Lamb that was slain, Bearing the curse, took up our pain. Speak to us softly, O Lord, we pray, Speak to us clearly, O Lord, this day… Speak to us, Lord, that we might obey. Sometimes, when I try to describe the sacrifice of Jesus I am stilled into silence. Trying to put the most profound mystery in the universe into everyday words is sort of like visiting the Grand Canyon and bringing home a single snapshot. The photo is accurate, but it’s simply incapable of capturing the grandeur you see and feel— gazing across a chasm so vast that the bottom is a hazy blur. Only by hiking down inside can you begin to experience the canyon’s true depth and beauty. That’s sort of what it’s like when we think about the matchless glory of the sacrifice of Christ on our behalf. It simply cannot be experienced from afar—it is something we must enter into. Christ’s blood was shed on the cross, for us. He not only bore our sin, but He took up our suffering and pain (Isaiah 53). Come, and gaze with me there. • G. Kam Congleton • Throughout the Bible, Christ’s sacrifice is portrayed in many ways. For example, we find similar descriptions in Isaiah 53:12 and in Hebrews 9:28. What do you notice is included in Hebrews that is not mentioned in Isaiah? Why do you think this is? • The life-changing truth of the gospel is deeper than any words can convey, that because of the sacrifice of Jesus’s shed blood, God Himself can dwell with us—and in us—making us one with God. (More on our "Know Jesus" page.) Which description of Jesus’s sacrifice resonates with you most today? God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood— to be received by faith. Romans 3:25 (NIV)  

READ: ISAIAH 53:4-12; COLOSSIANS 1:22; HEBREWS 9:11-28; REVELATION 5:12 You gave up Your life,You are the Perfect Sacrifice—God’s precious Son,The Holy, Just, and Righteous One.Speak to us softly, O Lord, we pray,Speak to us clearly, O Lord, this day!You alone are good,Teach us, Lord, to live as You would—Holy and pure,By faith, Your blood the costly cure.Speak to us softly, O Lord, we pray,Speak to us clearly, O Lord, this day!Risen from the dead,You are Life, the Living Bread—Lamb that was slain,Bearing the curse, took up our pain.Speak to us softly, O Lord, we pray,Speak to us clearly, O Lord, this day…Speak to us, Lord,that we might obey. Sometimes, when I try to describe the sacrifice of Jesus I am stilled into silence. Trying to put the most profound mystery in the universe into everyday words is sort of like visiting the Grand Canyon and bringing home a single snapshot. The photo is accurate, but it’s simply incapable of capturing the grandeur you see and feel— gazing across a chasm so vast that the bottom is a hazy blur. Only by hiking down inside can you begin to experience the canyon’s true depth and beauty. That’s sort of what it’s like when we think about the matchless glory of the sacrifice of Christ on our behalf. It simply cannot be experienced from afar—it is something we must enter into. Christ’s blood was shed on the cross, for us. He not only bore our sin, but He took up our suffering and pain (Isaiah 53). Come, and gaze with me there. • G. Kam Congleton • Throughout the Bible, Christ’s sacrifice is portrayed in many ways. For example, we find similar descriptions in Isaiah 53:12 and in Hebrews 9:28. What do you notice is included in Hebrews that is not mentioned in Isaiah? Why do you think this is? • The life-changing truth of the gospel is deeper than any words can convey, that because of the sacrifice of Jesus’s shed blood, God Himself can dwell with us—and in us—making us one with God. (More on our “Know Jesus” page.) Which description of Jesus’s sacrifice resonates with you most today? God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood— to be received by faith. Romans 3:25 (NIV)  

READ: ISAIAH 53:4-12; COLOSSIANS 1:22; HEBREWS 9:11-28; REVELATION 5:12 You gave up Your life,You are the Perfect Sacrifice—God’s precious Son,The Holy, Just, and Righteous One.Speak to us softly, O Lord, we pray,Speak to us clearly, O Lord, this day!You alone are good,Teach us, Lord, to live as You would—Holy and pure,By faith, Your blood the costly cure.Speak to us softly, O Lord, we pray,Speak to us clearly, O Lord, this day!Risen from the dead,You are Life, the Living Bread—Lamb that was slain,Bearing the curse, took up our pain.Speak to us softly, O Lord, we pray,Speak to us clearly, O Lord, this day…Speak to us, Lord,that we might obey. Sometimes, when I try to describe the sacrifice of Jesus I am stilled into silence. Trying to put the most profound mystery in the universe into everyday words is sort of like visiting the Grand Canyon and bringing home a single snapshot. The photo is accurate, but it’s simply incapable of capturing the grandeur you see and feel— gazing across a chasm so vast that the bottom is a hazy blur. Only by hiking down inside can you begin to experience the canyon’s true depth and beauty. That’s sort of what it’s like when we think about the matchless glory of the sacrifice of Christ on our behalf. It simply cannot be experienced from afar—it is something we must enter into. Christ’s blood was shed on the cross, for us. He not only bore our sin, but He took up our suffering and pain (Isaiah 53). Come, and gaze with me there. • G. Kam Congleton • Throughout the Bible, Christ’s sacrifice is portrayed in many ways. For example, we find similar descriptions in Isaiah 53:12 and in Hebrews 9:28. What do you notice is included in Hebrews that is not mentioned in Isaiah? Why do you think this is? • The life-changing truth of the gospel is deeper than any words can convey, that because of the sacrifice of Jesus’s shed blood, God Himself can dwell with us—and in us—making us one with God. (More on our “Know Jesus” page.) Which description of Jesus’s sacrifice resonates with you most today? God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood— to be received by faith. Romans 3:25 (NIV)  

READ: GENESIS 1:26-31; PSALM 35:27; PROVERBS 3:11-12; ISAIAH 62:4 If you grew up in church, you’ve probably heard over and over that God loves you. And He does! But did you know that He also likes you? This is a truth I’ve struggled to accept. It’s easy for me to believe that God loves me, because that’s His job! It’s just who He is. But I can fall into the false belief that it’s only a duty-bound love. That He loves me only because He has to, not because He truly enjoys who I actually am. Make no mistake, God does love us because of who He is. His character is unchanging, and so is His love for us. Nothing can shake that. But I think it’s important to also remember that God likes us. He enjoys our presence with Him. He delights in us—and even rejoices over us with singing (Zephaniah 3:17). He created us and gifted us with our unique personalities and abilities—and He likes what He made! It may seem trivial or self-centered to wonder if God likes us, but it really does matter. It affects the way we interact with Him. We may believe that, because we are fallen and sinful, we are unlikeable. And when we believe that we are unlikeable, all we can focus on is our own smallness and unworthiness before the Lord, instead of focusing on His goodness and majesty and love. But as the Holy Spirit helps us grow more secure in our belief that God legitimately enjoys our presence and wants to spend time with us, it frees us from that insecure self-focus on our own unworthiness and allows us to truly enjoy God’s presence like He enjoys ours. Jesus died and rose again to make the way to be with us forever. Let’s take a moment and think about that. He died because He wanted to be with you. He most definitely likes you. • Taylor Eising • Do you find it easier to believe that God loves you or that God likes you? Why? How does this affect the way you view God and the way you approach Him in prayer? The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)

READ: GENESIS 1:26-31; PSALM 35:27; PROVERBS 3:11-12; ISAIAH 62:4 If you grew up in church, you’ve probably heard over and over that God loves you. And He does! But did you know that He also likes you? This is a truth I’ve struggled to accept. It’s easy for me to believe that God loves me, because that’s His job! It’s just who He is. But I can fall into the false belief that it’s only a duty-bound love. That He loves me only because He has to, not because He truly enjoys who I actually am. Make no mistake, God does love us because of who He is. His character is unchanging, and so is His love for us. Nothing can shake that. But I think it’s important to also remember that God likes us. He enjoys our presence with Him. He delights in us—and even rejoices over us with singing (Zephaniah 3:17). He created us and gifted us with our unique personalities and abilities—and He likes what He made! It may seem trivial or self-centered to wonder if God likes us, but it really does matter. It affects the way we interact with Him. We may believe that, because we are fallen and sinful, we are unlikeable. And when we believe that we are unlikeable, all we can focus on is our own smallness and unworthiness before the Lord, instead of focusing on His goodness and majesty and love. But as the Holy Spirit helps us grow more secure in our belief that God legitimately enjoys our presence and wants to spend time with us, it frees us from that insecure self-focus on our own unworthiness and allows us to truly enjoy God’s presence like He enjoys ours. Jesus died and rose again to make the way to be with us forever. Let’s take a moment and think about that. He died because He wanted to be with you. He most definitely likes you. • Taylor Eising • Do you find it easier to believe that God loves you or that God likes you? Why? How does this affect the way you view God and the way you approach Him in prayer? The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)

READ: GENESIS 1:26-31; PSALM 35:27; PROVERBS 3:11-12; ISAIAH 62:4 If you grew up in church, you’ve probably heard over and over that God loves you. And He does! But did you know that He also likes you? This is a truth I’ve struggled to accept. It’s easy for me to believe that God loves me, because that’s His job! It’s just who He is. But I can fall into the false belief that it’s only a duty-bound love. That He loves me only because He has to, not because He truly enjoys who I actually am. Make no mistake, God does love us because of who He is. His character is unchanging, and so is His love for us. Nothing can shake that. But I think it’s important to also remember that God likes us. He enjoys our presence with Him. He delights in us—and even rejoices over us with singing (Zephaniah 3:17). He created us and gifted us with our unique personalities and abilities—and He likes what He made! It may seem trivial or self-centered to wonder if God likes us, but it really does matter. It affects the way we interact with Him. We may believe that, because we are fallen and sinful, we are unlikeable. And when we believe that we are unlikeable, all we can focus on is our own smallness and unworthiness before the Lord, instead of focusing on His goodness and majesty and love. But as the Holy Spirit helps us grow more secure in our belief that God legitimately enjoys our presence and wants to spend time with us, it frees us from that insecure self-focus on our own unworthiness and allows us to truly enjoy God’s presence like He enjoys ours. Jesus died and rose again to make the way to be with us forever. Let’s take a moment and think about that. He died because He wanted to be with you. He most definitely likes you. • Taylor Eising • Do you find it easier to believe that God loves you or that God likes you? Why? How does this affect the way you view God and the way you approach Him in prayer? The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)

READ: EXODUS 34:6; PSALM 86; 1 JOHN 3:1 I stepped off the school bus and headed down the sidewalk toward my third-grade class. Sticking my hands in my pockets, I felt for the envelope with that day’s lunch money. I expected to find it there, but I wanted to reassure myself. However, I didn’t locate the envelope of coins in my pockets, or in my backpack. The payment for my lunch that day must have fallen onto my seat on the bus, but I had already watched the school bus pull away from the building. I knew I could charge that day’s lunch and bring payment for it the next day. But I dreaded explaining to my parents that I’d lost the money. I feared getting in trouble for being irresponsible. Later, at dinner that night, I somberly told my parents about the missing money. Although I anticipated a scolding, my dad responded differently. “That’s okay. Don’t worry; we have more money to cover it,” he replied. My whole body slumped with relief. Instead of showing frustration with me for my mistake, my dad showed me mercy. That day, my earthly father gave me a glimpse of our heavenly Father. No parent is perfect (mine included), but our parents do influence how we believe God sees us. In this instance, even though losing my lunch money was a mistake and not a sin, my dad’s response helped me trust God’s heart for me. For those who put their trust in Jesus, resting in the work He did on the cross to pay for our sins and give us His righteousness, we receive God’s mercy. No longer are we charged with guilt because of our sin; instead, we belong to a Father who shows us His goodness with abounding grace and compassion. His mercy is bigger than any sin we could commit or any mistake we could make. As His children, we can revel in the truth that God responds to us, even in our messes, not with great anger—but with great love. • Allison Wilson Lee • Has someone ever shown you God’s heart toward you? What was that like? • Do you struggle to believe that God is compassionate toward you in your mistakes? If so, why do you think that is? We all feel this way from time to time. Who are trusted Christians you could talk to about this, such as parents, pastors, youth leaders, or counselors? But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. Psalm 86:15 (NIV) 

READ: EXODUS 34:6; PSALM 86; 1 JOHN 3:1 I stepped off the school bus and headed down the sidewalk toward my third-grade class. Sticking my hands in my pockets, I felt for the envelope with that day’s lunch money. I expected to find it there, but I wanted to reassure myself. However, I didn’t locate the envelope of coins in my pockets, or in my backpack. The payment for my lunch that day must have fallen onto my seat on the bus, but I had already watched the school bus pull away from the building. I knew I could charge that day’s lunch and bring payment for it the next day. But I dreaded explaining to my parents that I’d lost the money. I feared getting in trouble for being irresponsible. Later, at dinner that night, I somberly told my parents about the missing money. Although I anticipated a scolding, my dad responded differently. “That’s okay. Don’t worry; we have more money to cover it,” he replied. My whole body slumped with relief. Instead of showing frustration with me for my mistake, my dad showed me mercy. That day, my earthly father gave me a glimpse of our heavenly Father. No parent is perfect (mine included), but our parents do influence how we believe God sees us. In this instance, even though losing my lunch money was a mistake and not a sin, my dad’s response helped me trust God’s heart for me. For those who put their trust in Jesus, resting in the work He did on the cross to pay for our sins and give us His righteousness, we receive God’s mercy. No longer are we charged with guilt because of our sin; instead, we belong to a Father who shows us His goodness with abounding grace and compassion. His mercy is bigger than any sin we could commit or any mistake we could make. As His children, we can revel in the truth that God responds to us, even in our messes, not with great anger—but with great love. • Allison Wilson Lee • Has someone ever shown you God’s heart toward you? What was that like? • Do you struggle to believe that God is compassionate toward you in your mistakes? If so, why do you think that is? We all feel this way from time to time. Who are trusted Christians you could talk to about this, such as parents, pastors, youth leaders, or counselors? But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. Psalm 86:15 (NIV) 

READ: EXODUS 34:6; PSALM 86; 1 JOHN 3:1 I stepped off the school bus and headed down the sidewalk toward my third-grade class. Sticking my hands in my pockets, I felt for the envelope with that day’s lunch money. I expected to find it there, but I wanted to reassure myself. However, I didn’t locate the envelope of coins in my pockets, or in my backpack. The payment for my lunch that day must have fallen onto my seat on the bus, but I had already watched the school bus pull away from the building. I knew I could charge that day’s lunch and bring payment for it the next day. But I dreaded explaining to my parents that I’d lost the money. I feared getting in trouble for being irresponsible. Later, at dinner that night, I somberly told my parents about the missing money. Although I anticipated a scolding, my dad responded differently. “That’s okay. Don’t worry; we have more money to cover it,” he replied. My whole body slumped with relief. Instead of showing frustration with me for my mistake, my dad showed me mercy. That day, my earthly father gave me a glimpse of our heavenly Father. No parent is perfect (mine included), but our parents do influence how we believe God sees us. In this instance, even though losing my lunch money was a mistake and not a sin, my dad’s response helped me trust God’s heart for me. For those who put their trust in Jesus, resting in the work He did on the cross to pay for our sins and give us His righteousness, we receive God’s mercy. No longer are we charged with guilt because of our sin; instead, we belong to a Father who shows us His goodness with abounding grace and compassion. His mercy is bigger than any sin we could commit or any mistake we could make. As His children, we can revel in the truth that God responds to us, even in our messes, not with great anger—but with great love. • Allison Wilson Lee • Has someone ever shown you God’s heart toward you? What was that like? • Do you struggle to believe that God is compassionate toward you in your mistakes? If so, why do you think that is? We all feel this way from time to time. Who are trusted Christians you could talk to about this, such as parents, pastors, youth leaders, or counselors? But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. Psalm 86:15 (NIV) 

READ: JOHN 1:1-9; 8:12 Have you ever been outside during a cloudy night when you couldn’t see the moon or even the stars? The darkness can feel all-consuming. And trying to find your way through that darkness can lead to some serious scrapes and bruises! Sometimes, going through life can feel the same way. The darkness of sin and brokenness feels all-consuming. It’s easy to get lost. Thankfully, wherever we go, we always have light with us. The apostle John starts his Gospel by declaring that Jesus is “the true light that gives light to everyone” (John 1:9). Later in this book, John recounts how Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). Apart from God, all people are lost in the darkness of sin, but Jesus gives His light to everyone who trusts in Him. And we really do need light, even when we think we don’t. Just like trying to find our way home in a pitch-dark night, going through life without the light of Jesus will leave us lost and hurt. But Jesus saves us from the darkness of sin through His death and resurrection, and He leads us safely home. As John 1:5 says, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” We can always rely on Him, even in the darkest nights. • A. W. Smith • If we know Jesus, we know the Light of the World. Sometimes we don’t feel like we need Him, but making our way through life without Him is like walking in darkness. Jesus wants to light our way. To learn more about the good news of Jesus, check out our "Know Jesus" page. • As Christians, we’re looking forward to the day Jesus will restore creation and rid the world of darkness forever. In the meantime, we know He is always with us. In what ways have you experienced the darkness of our broken world lately? What has left you feeling hurt and lost? Jesus knows all our pain and confusion, and He longs to comfort us in His love. Consider taking a moment to come to Him in prayer, telling Him about your hurts and receiving His compassion. • When you feel overwhelmed by the darkness, who is a trusted Christian in your life who can help remind you of the reality of Jesus’s all-powerful light? “I [Jesus] am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 (NIV) 

READ: JOHN 1:1-9; 8:12 Have you ever been outside during a cloudy night when you couldn’t see the moon or even the stars? The darkness can feel all-consuming. And trying to find your way through that darkness can lead to some serious scrapes and bruises! Sometimes, going through life can feel the same way. The darkness of sin and brokenness feels all-consuming. It’s easy to get lost. Thankfully, wherever we go, we always have light with us. The apostle John starts his Gospel by declaring that Jesus is “the true light that gives light to everyone” (John 1:9). Later in this book, John recounts how Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). Apart from God, all people are lost in the darkness of sin, but Jesus gives His light to everyone who trusts in Him. And we really do need light, even when we think we don’t. Just like trying to find our way home in a pitch-dark night, going through life without the light of Jesus will leave us lost and hurt. But Jesus saves us from the darkness of sin through His death and resurrection, and He leads us safely home. As John 1:5 says, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” We can always rely on Him, even in the darkest nights. • A. W. Smith • If we know Jesus, we know the Light of the World. Sometimes we don’t feel like we need Him, but making our way through life without Him is like walking in darkness. Jesus wants to light our way. To learn more about the good news of Jesus, check out our “Know Jesus” page. • As Christians, we’re looking forward to the day Jesus will restore creation and rid the world of darkness forever. In the meantime, we know He is always with us. In what ways have you experienced the darkness of our broken world lately? What has left you feeling hurt and lost? Jesus knows all our pain and confusion, and He longs to comfort us in His love. Consider taking a moment to come to Him in prayer, telling Him about your hurts and receiving His compassion. • When you feel overwhelmed by the darkness, who is a trusted Christian in your life who can help remind you of the reality of Jesus’s all-powerful light? “I [Jesus] am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 (NIV) 

READ: JOHN 1:1-9; 8:12 Have you ever been outside during a cloudy night when you couldn’t see the moon or even the stars? The darkness can feel all-consuming. And trying to find your way through that darkness can lead to some serious scrapes and bruises! Sometimes, going through life can feel the same way. The darkness of sin and brokenness feels all-consuming. It’s easy to get lost. Thankfully, wherever we go, we always have light with us. The apostle John starts his Gospel by declaring that Jesus is “the true light that gives light to everyone” (John 1:9). Later in this book, John recounts how Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). Apart from God, all people are lost in the darkness of sin, but Jesus gives His light to everyone who trusts in Him. And we really do need light, even when we think we don’t. Just like trying to find our way home in a pitch-dark night, going through life without the light of Jesus will leave us lost and hurt. But Jesus saves us from the darkness of sin through His death and resurrection, and He leads us safely home. As John 1:5 says, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” We can always rely on Him, even in the darkest nights. • A. W. Smith • If we know Jesus, we know the Light of the World. Sometimes we don’t feel like we need Him, but making our way through life without Him is like walking in darkness. Jesus wants to light our way. To learn more about the good news of Jesus, check out our “Know Jesus” page. • As Christians, we’re looking forward to the day Jesus will restore creation and rid the world of darkness forever. In the meantime, we know He is always with us. In what ways have you experienced the darkness of our broken world lately? What has left you feeling hurt and lost? Jesus knows all our pain and confusion, and He longs to comfort us in His love. Consider taking a moment to come to Him in prayer, telling Him about your hurts and receiving His compassion. • When you feel overwhelmed by the darkness, who is a trusted Christian in your life who can help remind you of the reality of Jesus’s all-powerful light? “I [Jesus] am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 (NIV) 

READ: ROMANS 5:8-11; 2 CORINTHIANS 5:16-21; EPHESIANS 6:19-20 Would you like to be an ambassador to a foreign country and work in an embassy? You’d live in that foreign country and be able to speak for your country’s leader, because you would be their official representative. Did you know that the land the embassies are on is actually considered a really small part of their home country? So, say, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico is actually a tiny piece of the United States of America, right smack dab in the middle of Mexico City. Turns out that if you name Jesus as your King, then you actually are an ambassador for Christ! The church is kind of like an embassy, right here on earth. Christians are given this awesome opportunity to speak for God as we share our faith and His love with the world around us. In 2 Corinthians 5:20, Paul is appealing with his whole heart to the lost ones in Corinth. He shares how the heart of his King, the God of the universe, longs for the world that has turned its back on Him to be reconciled to Him. Paul writes, “We are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, ‘Be reconciled to God.’” God’s embassy is still on earth, even when we turn our back to Him. His church, the ambassadors, are still here. God doesn’t want anyone to live outside of His territory. He wants the whole world to be reconciled, to come to Him, and to live as residents of His kingdom. So He sends His ambassadors—you and me—to the people around us. We ambassadors for Christ can pray for our friends, share our stories, and explain God’s wonderful plan to those around us. • Kristen Merrill • One day, Jesus will return to reign as King over all creation. He will renew the heavens and the earth, and He will resurrect His people from the dead to live with Him in His eternal kingdom. Until then, the church can offer a glimpse of that kingdom. What are some ways the church can point to Jesus as King? How can we show people what Jesus and His kingdom are like? • It’s because God loves us and longs for us to be reconciled to Him that Jesus died on the cross and rose again. To learn more about how we can be reconciled to God through Jesus, and how to share this good news with others, check out our "Know Jesus" page. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20 (CSB)

READ: ROMANS 5:8-11; 2 CORINTHIANS 5:16-21; EPHESIANS 6:19-20 Would you like to be an ambassador to a foreign country and work in an embassy? You’d live in that foreign country and be able to speak for your country’s leader, because you would be their official representative. Did you know that the land the embassies are on is actually considered a really small part of their home country? So, say, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico is actually a tiny piece of the United States of America, right smack dab in the middle of Mexico City. Turns out that if you name Jesus as your King, then you actually are an ambassador for Christ! The church is kind of like an embassy, right here on earth. Christians are given this awesome opportunity to speak for God as we share our faith and His love with the world around us. In 2 Corinthians 5:20, Paul is appealing with his whole heart to the lost ones in Corinth. He shares how the heart of his King, the God of the universe, longs for the world that has turned its back on Him to be reconciled to Him. Paul writes, “We are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, ‘Be reconciled to God.’” God’s embassy is still on earth, even when we turn our back to Him. His church, the ambassadors, are still here. God doesn’t want anyone to live outside of His territory. He wants the whole world to be reconciled, to come to Him, and to live as residents of His kingdom. So He sends His ambassadors—you and me—to the people around us. We ambassadors for Christ can pray for our friends, share our stories, and explain God’s wonderful plan to those around us. • Kristen Merrill • One day, Jesus will return to reign as King over all creation. He will renew the heavens and the earth, and He will resurrect His people from the dead to live with Him in His eternal kingdom. Until then, the church can offer a glimpse of that kingdom. What are some ways the church can point to Jesus as King? How can we show people what Jesus and His kingdom are like? • It’s because God loves us and longs for us to be reconciled to Him that Jesus died on the cross and rose again. To learn more about how we can be reconciled to God through Jesus, and how to share this good news with others, check out our “Know Jesus” page. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20 (CSB)

READ: ROMANS 5:8-11; 2 CORINTHIANS 5:16-21; EPHESIANS 6:19-20 Would you like to be an ambassador to a foreign country and work in an embassy? You’d live in that foreign country and be able to speak for your country’s leader, because you would be their official representative. Did you know that the land the embassies are on is actually considered a really small part of their home country? So, say, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico is actually a tiny piece of the United States of America, right smack dab in the middle of Mexico City. Turns out that if you name Jesus as your King, then you actually are an ambassador for Christ! The church is kind of like an embassy, right here on earth. Christians are given this awesome opportunity to speak for God as we share our faith and His love with the world around us. In 2 Corinthians 5:20, Paul is appealing with his whole heart to the lost ones in Corinth. He shares how the heart of his King, the God of the universe, longs for the world that has turned its back on Him to be reconciled to Him. Paul writes, “We are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, ‘Be reconciled to God.’” God’s embassy is still on earth, even when we turn our back to Him. His church, the ambassadors, are still here. God doesn’t want anyone to live outside of His territory. He wants the whole world to be reconciled, to come to Him, and to live as residents of His kingdom. So He sends His ambassadors—you and me—to the people around us. We ambassadors for Christ can pray for our friends, share our stories, and explain God’s wonderful plan to those around us. • Kristen Merrill • One day, Jesus will return to reign as King over all creation. He will renew the heavens and the earth, and He will resurrect His people from the dead to live with Him in His eternal kingdom. Until then, the church can offer a glimpse of that kingdom. What are some ways the church can point to Jesus as King? How can we show people what Jesus and His kingdom are like? • It’s because God loves us and longs for us to be reconciled to Him that Jesus died on the cross and rose again. To learn more about how we can be reconciled to God through Jesus, and how to share this good news with others, check out our “Know Jesus” page. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20 (CSB)

READ: PROVERBS 12:15; 15:22; 19:20; 1 CORINTHIANS 12:12-27 I like to do things on my own. I never enjoyed group projects in school because it seemed like I was the one to be the most focused or the one who cared the most about grades, so then I ended up putting pressure on myself to pick up the slack from everyone else. Plus, I know what it is that I want to do, and working in a group is difficult because people have lots of different opinions about what should be done or how it should be done. As I grew into adulthood, that dislike for working on group projects continued in the form of just generally wanting to do my own thing. Sometimes, it’s hard for me to listen to the advice of others because I know what it is I want to accomplish, and I know how I want to accomplish it. But the times I have sought advice and truly listened to what others had to say about different circumstances I was facing, I was able to make a better decision about how to move forward. When God saves us, He places us in community for a reason. He says, “All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it” (1 Corinthians 12:27). We’re often tempted to think that we don’t need other people, that life would be simpler if we just did things ourselves, but we are meant to lean on one another. We are not meant to do this life alone. There is so much freedom and confidence that comes from turning to other people and truly listening to what they have to say. • Tynea Lewis • Do you like group projects? Why or why not? Can you think of a time when having multiple people’s perspectives and abilities resulted in a better outcome than one person could have produced on their own? • What is one area of your life that you could benefit from listening to the advice of others? • Who is a trusted person in your life who could provide wise and godly counsel when you are facing difficult situations or decisions—someone who embodies the wisdom described in James 3:12-18? If no one comes to mind, you can ask God to help you identify someone in the future. Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life. Proverbs 19:20 (NLT)  

READ: PROVERBS 12:15; 15:22; 19:20; 1 CORINTHIANS 12:12-27 I like to do things on my own. I never enjoyed group projects in school because it seemed like I was the one to be the most focused or the one who cared the most about grades, so then I ended up putting pressure on myself to pick up the slack from everyone else. Plus, I know what it is that I want to do, and working in a group is difficult because people have lots of different opinions about what should be done or how it should be done. As I grew into adulthood, that dislike for working on group projects continued in the form of just generally wanting to do my own thing. Sometimes, it’s hard for me to listen to the advice of others because I know what it is I want to accomplish, and I know how I want to accomplish it. But the times I have sought advice and truly listened to what others had to say about different circumstances I was facing, I was able to make a better decision about how to move forward. When God saves us, He places us in community for a reason. He says, “All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it” (1 Corinthians 12:27). We’re often tempted to think that we don’t need other people, that life would be simpler if we just did things ourselves, but we are meant to lean on one another. We are not meant to do this life alone. There is so much freedom and confidence that comes from turning to other people and truly listening to what they have to say. • Tynea Lewis • Do you like group projects? Why or why not? Can you think of a time when having multiple people’s perspectives and abilities resulted in a better outcome than one person could have produced on their own? • What is one area of your life that you could benefit from listening to the advice of others? • Who is a trusted person in your life who could provide wise and godly counsel when you are facing difficult situations or decisions—someone who embodies the wisdom described in James 3:12-18? If no one comes to mind, you can ask God to help you identify someone in the future. Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life. Proverbs 19:20 (NLT)  

READ: PROVERBS 12:15; 15:22; 19:20; 1 CORINTHIANS 12:12-27 I like to do things on my own. I never enjoyed group projects in school because it seemed like I was the one to be the most focused or the one who cared the most about grades, so then I ended up putting pressure on myself to pick up the slack from everyone else. Plus, I know what it is that I want to do, and working in a group is difficult because people have lots of different opinions about what should be done or how it should be done. As I grew into adulthood, that dislike for working on group projects continued in the form of just generally wanting to do my own thing. Sometimes, it’s hard for me to listen to the advice of others because I know what it is I want to accomplish, and I know how I want to accomplish it. But the times I have sought advice and truly listened to what others had to say about different circumstances I was facing, I was able to make a better decision about how to move forward. When God saves us, He places us in community for a reason. He says, “All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it” (1 Corinthians 12:27). We’re often tempted to think that we don’t need other people, that life would be simpler if we just did things ourselves, but we are meant to lean on one another. We are not meant to do this life alone. There is so much freedom and confidence that comes from turning to other people and truly listening to what they have to say. • Tynea Lewis • Do you like group projects? Why or why not? Can you think of a time when having multiple people’s perspectives and abilities resulted in a better outcome than one person could have produced on their own? • What is one area of your life that you could benefit from listening to the advice of others? • Who is a trusted person in your life who could provide wise and godly counsel when you are facing difficult situations or decisions—someone who embodies the wisdom described in James 3:12-18? If no one comes to mind, you can ask God to help you identify someone in the future. Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life. Proverbs 19:20 (NLT)  

READ: ROMANS 8; 1 PETER 2:9-10 My hands shook with my effort not to take The List out of my pocket. You can’t control me, I whispered through gritted teeth. I just wanted to walk into this building full of, I imagined, lovely people and be okay. Two steps from the door, my fingers curled around The List. I tried to squeeze my eyes shut as I felt myself unfold the paper. There, scrawled across the top was the word condemned. I jammed the paper into my pocket, turned around, and walked away. The following day, I was looking forward to the moment that could change the trajectory of my future. I had prepared myself and worked hard. I sat in a chair, waiting for them to call my name. Instead, I felt the call of The List. I gripped the seat tight, willing myself not to listen. Once again, I opened it to see the next word penned below the first: rejected. I made my way down the hall, away from possibility, not even turning back when I heard them call my name. Looking in the mirror that night, I thought I glimpsed a spark of new. Was it in my eyes? Could I be the person I wanted to be? Did the corners of my mouth turn up slightly more than usual? I felt a strange twitch on my lips, a desire to smile. But the desire fled when I watched my hand draw out The List once more. I don’t know why I had this compulsion to read it when I already knew by heart what I would see: stagnant. I sank to the floor, overcome by defeat and sorrow. The List lay beside me, mocking—wait! The words that I had read so many times were crossed out with bold, red slashes. I gripped The List and felt my heart leap as I read new words written over the old. Instead of condemned I read approved, in place of rejected was chosen, over stagnant was alive. Finally, I understood. The List would no longer control me with its lies. I could live in the freedom of who I was always meant to be, and no one could take it away. • Savannah Coleman • Like The List in today’s allegorical story, we all have voices in our heads, but what God says about us should trump anything our minds or other people say. When you become a follower of Christ, you are given a new identity. He takes all the sin and shame. By the blood of Jesus shed for you, you are no longer condemned, but forgiven (Romans 8:1; 1 John 2:12). You are no longer rejected, but a chosen, fully loved child of God (Romans 8:15; 1 Peter 2:9; 1 John 3:1). What are some practical ways you could spend time listening to what God says about you this week? Remember, we hear God’s voice through His Word, His people, and His Spirit. (If you’ve never put your trust in Jesus and want to know more, see our "Know Jesus" page.) • Satan likes to try to remind us of who we were before we met Jesus. He accuses and causes worries, fears, and anxiety to fill our minds. And even if Satan is not directly responsible for the voices in our heads, he is a primary source of them. The other source is the law, or God’s commands, which God gave us to show us our need for Jesus. Yet, Satan uses the law to accuse us. The law’s accusatory nature should lead us to Christ, but it often becomes the means by which we are continually enslaved by fear and anxiety. But the truth is this: in Christ, we are new creations—everything that was old has been transformed (2 Corinthians 5:17, 21). Although we will still struggle with sin and negative thoughts, we now have the power of God to choose righteousness and take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:

READ: ROMANS 8; 1 PETER 2:9-10 My hands shook with my effort not to take The List out of my pocket. You can’t control me, I whispered through gritted teeth. I just wanted to walk into this building full of, I imagined, lovely people and be okay. Two steps from the door, my fingers curled around The List. I tried to squeeze my eyes shut as I felt myself unfold the paper. There, scrawled across the top was the word condemned. I jammed the paper into my pocket, turned around, and walked away. The following day, I was looking forward to the moment that could change the trajectory of my future. I had prepared myself and worked hard. I sat in a chair, waiting for them to call my name. Instead, I felt the call of The List. I gripped the seat tight, willing myself not to listen. Once again, I opened it to see the next word penned below the first: rejected. I made my way down the hall, away from possibility, not even turning back when I heard them call my name. Looking in the mirror that night, I thought I glimpsed a spark of new. Was it in my eyes? Could I be the person I wanted to be? Did the corners of my mouth turn up slightly more than usual? I felt a strange twitch on my lips, a desire to smile. But the desire fled when I watched my hand draw out The List once more. I don’t know why I had this compulsion to read it when I already knew by heart what I would see: stagnant. I sank to the floor, overcome by defeat and sorrow. The List lay beside me, mocking—wait! The words that I had read so many times were crossed out with bold, red slashes. I gripped The List and felt my heart leap as I read new words written over the old. Instead of condemned I read approved, in place of rejected was chosen, over stagnant was alive. Finally, I understood. The List would no longer control me with its lies. I could live in the freedom of who I was always meant to be, and no one could take it away. • Savannah Coleman • Like The List in today’s allegorical story, we all have voices in our heads, but what God says about us should trump anything our minds or other people say. When you become a follower of Christ, you are given a new identity. He takes all the sin and shame. By the blood of Jesus shed for you, you are no longer condemned, but forgiven (Romans 8:1; 1 John 2:12). You are no longer rejected, but a chosen, fully loved child of God (Romans 8:15; 1 Peter 2:9; 1 John 3:1). What are some practical ways you could spend time listening to what God says about you this week? Remember, we hear God’s voice through His Word, His people, and His Spirit. (If you’ve never put your trust in Jesus and want to know more, see our “Know Jesus” page.) • Satan likes to try to remind us of who we were before we met Jesus. He accuses and causes worries, fears, and anxiety to fill our minds. And even if Satan is not directly responsible for the voices in our heads, he is a primary source of them. The other source is the law, or God’s commands, which God gave us to show us our need for Jesus. Yet, Satan uses the law to accuse us. The law’s accusatory nature should lead us to Christ, but it often becomes the means by which we are continually enslaved by fear and anxiety. But the truth is this: in Christ, we are new creations—everything that was old has been transformed (2 Corinthians 5:17, 21). Although we will still struggle with sin and negative thoughts, we now have the power of God to choose righteousness and take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). We can choose to set our minds on things above by fixing our thoughts on Jesus (Philippians 4:8; Colossians 3:2; Hebrews 12:2). What kinds of accusing voices have been bot...

READ: ROMANS 8; 1 PETER 2:9-10 My hands shook with my effort not to take The List out of my pocket. You can’t control me, I whispered through gritted teeth. I just wanted to walk into this building full of, I imagined, lovely people and be okay. Two steps from the door, my fingers curled around The List. I tried to squeeze my eyes shut as I felt myself unfold the paper. There, scrawled across the top was the word condemned. I jammed the paper into my pocket, turned around, and walked away. The following day, I was looking forward to the moment that could change the trajectory of my future. I had prepared myself and worked hard. I sat in a chair, waiting for them to call my name. Instead, I felt the call of The List. I gripped the seat tight, willing myself not to listen. Once again, I opened it to see the next word penned below the first: rejected. I made my way down the hall, away from possibility, not even turning back when I heard them call my name. Looking in the mirror that night, I thought I glimpsed a spark of new. Was it in my eyes? Could I be the person I wanted to be? Did the corners of my mouth turn up slightly more than usual? I felt a strange twitch on my lips, a desire to smile. But the desire fled when I watched my hand draw out The List once more. I don’t know why I had this compulsion to read it when I already knew by heart what I would see: stagnant. I sank to the floor, overcome by defeat and sorrow. The List lay beside me, mocking—wait! The words that I had read so many times were crossed out with bold, red slashes. I gripped The List and felt my heart leap as I read new words written over the old. Instead of condemned I read approved, in place of rejected was chosen, over stagnant was alive. Finally, I understood. The List would no longer control me with its lies. I could live in the freedom of who I was always meant to be, and no one could take it away. • Savannah Coleman • Like The List in today’s allegorical story, we all have voices in our heads, but what God says about us should trump anything our minds or other people say. When you become a follower of Christ, you are given a new identity. He takes all the sin and shame. By the blood of Jesus shed for you, you are no longer condemned, but forgiven (Romans 8:1; 1 John 2:12). You are no longer rejected, but a chosen, fully loved child of God (Romans 8:15; 1 Peter 2:9; 1 John 3:1). What are some practical ways you could spend time listening to what God says about you this week? Remember, we hear God’s voice through His Word, His people, and His Spirit. (If you’ve never put your trust in Jesus and want to know more, see our “Know Jesus” page.) • Satan likes to try to remind us of who we were before we met Jesus. He accuses and causes worries, fears, and anxiety to fill our minds. And even if Satan is not directly responsible for the voices in our heads, he is a primary source of them. The other source is the law, or God’s commands, which God gave us to show us our need for Jesus. Yet, Satan uses the law to accuse us. The law’s accusatory nature should lead us to Christ, but it often becomes the means by which we are continually enslaved by fear and anxiety. But the truth is this: in Christ, we are new creations—everything that was old has been transformed (2 Corinthians 5:17, 21). Although we will still struggle with sin and negative thoughts, we now have the power of God to choose righteousness and take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ (2 Co

READ: 2 TIMOTHY 3:14-17; HEBREWS 4:12 When you do the same thing over and over again, it’s easy to get tired of it. This can even be true of reading the Bible. If you’ve ever had your Bible reading routine feel like something you’re just trying to get through and you’ve longed for it to be something more—longed to learn more and get more out of it—you can find a way to make things different. You can try new things so that your Bible reading routine helps you feel more connected to God and helps you grow in your faith. First, you can start by asking God for direction. Spend time with Him in prayer, asking what He wants your Bible reading routine to look like right now. Ask Him where He wants you to be reading. Ask Him how He wants you to be studying. Ask Him to remind you of how He is with you as you read. Remember, the time you spend reading the Bible can be something you do together with Him, deeply in-tuned to Him. As you pray, you may not get any specific answers about where and how to do your reading, and that’s okay—the point is to spend intentional time seeking God as you read His Word. He may be guiding you in ways you don’t even realize yet. If you’ve been studying your Bible alone, you could find someone to read it with you—maybe a friend, mentor, church member, or small group. You might even see if a sibling is interested in sitting down with you each day and letting you read to them. Then, discuss what you’re reading with the person or people you choose to study with. If you’ve never tried journaling about what you’re reading in the Bible before, why not get out a paper and pen and give it a try? Write about what you’re learning, what questions you have, connections to your life, prayers, and whatever else God lays on your heart. The Bible is worth studying because it’s God’s Word—and it tells us the truth about Jesus’s death and resurrection. It reveals His great love for us. So, if you feel that something in your Bible routine is lacking, ask God to help you find a way to change things up. • Emily Acker • Have you tried out any Bible-reading routines? What did you like or dislike about them? • Which of the suggestions above are you curious about? Do any other ideas come to mind? • God delights in helping us find ways to spend time with Him and grow in our relationship with Him. How could you set aside time this week to be in His Word? But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4 (NLT) 

READ: 2 TIMOTHY 3:14-17; HEBREWS 4:12 When you do the same thing over and over again, it’s easy to get tired of it. This can even be true of reading the Bible. If you’ve ever had your Bible reading routine feel like something you’re just trying to get through and you’ve longed for it to be something more—longed to learn more and get more out of it—you can find a way to make things different. You can try new things so that your Bible reading routine helps you feel more connected to God and helps you grow in your faith. First, you can start by asking God for direction. Spend time with Him in prayer, asking what He wants your Bible reading routine to look like right now. Ask Him where He wants you to be reading. Ask Him how He wants you to be studying. Ask Him to remind you of how He is with you as you read. Remember, the time you spend reading the Bible can be something you do together with Him, deeply in-tuned to Him. As you pray, you may not get any specific answers about where and how to do your reading, and that’s okay—the point is to spend intentional time seeking God as you read His Word. He may be guiding you in ways you don’t even realize yet. If you’ve been studying your Bible alone, you could find someone to read it with you—maybe a friend, mentor, church member, or small group. You might even see if a sibling is interested in sitting down with you each day and letting you read to them. Then, discuss what you’re reading with the person or people you choose to study with. If you’ve never tried journaling about what you’re reading in the Bible before, why not get out a paper and pen and give it a try? Write about what you’re learning, what questions you have, connections to your life, prayers, and whatever else God lays on your heart. The Bible is worth studying because it’s God’s Word—and it tells us the truth about Jesus’s death and resurrection. It reveals His great love for us. So, if you feel that something in your Bible routine is lacking, ask God to help you find a way to change things up. • Emily Acker • Have you tried out any Bible-reading routines? What did you like or dislike about them? • Which of the suggestions above are you curious about? Do any other ideas come to mind? • God delights in helping us find ways to spend time with Him and grow in our relationship with Him. How could you set aside time this week to be in His Word? But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4 (NLT) 

READ: 2 TIMOTHY 3:14-17; HEBREWS 4:12 When you do the same thing over and over again, it’s easy to get tired of it. This can even be true of reading the Bible. If you’ve ever had your Bible reading routine feel like something you’re just trying to get through and you’ve longed for it to be something more—longed to learn more and get more out of it—you can find a way to make things different. You can try new things so that your Bible reading routine helps you feel more connected to God and helps you grow in your faith. First, you can start by asking God for direction. Spend time with Him in prayer, asking what He wants your Bible reading routine to look like right now. Ask Him where He wants you to be reading. Ask Him how He wants you to be studying. Ask Him to remind you of how He is with you as you read. Remember, the time you spend reading the Bible can be something you do together with Him, deeply in-tuned to Him. As you pray, you may not get any specific answers about where and how to do your reading, and that’s okay—the point is to spend intentional time seeking God as you read His Word. He may be guiding you in ways you don’t even realize yet. If you’ve been studying your Bible alone, you could find someone to read it with you—maybe a friend, mentor, church member, or small group. You might even see if a sibling is interested in sitting down with you each day and letting you read to them. Then, discuss what you’re reading with the person or people you choose to study with. If you’ve never tried journaling about what you’re reading in the Bible before, why not get out a paper and pen and give it a try? Write about what you’re learning, what questions you have, connections to your life, prayers, and whatever else God lays on your heart. The Bible is worth studying because it’s God’s Word—and it tells us the truth about Jesus’s death and resurrection. It reveals His great love for us. So, if you feel that something in your Bible routine is lacking, ask God to help you find a way to change things up. • Emily Acker • Have you tried out any Bible-reading routines? What did you like or dislike about them? • Which of the suggestions above are you curious about? Do any other ideas come to mind? • God delights in helping us find ways to spend time with Him and grow in our relationship with Him. How could you set aside time this week to be in His Word? But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4 (NLT) 

READ: PSALM 13:1-6 How long, God? Why is it taking forever for things to get better? Why can’t my life turn around and be all that I hoped for? Why do you feel so far from me? How long, God, is it going to feel like this? How long can I survive like this? You may have had thoughts like these at times, and they are similar to the thoughts of David when he wrote Psalm 13. In this psalm, David asks God if He will forget him forever. That’s the way he’s feeling as he writes—forgotten and abandoned. He is sorrowful and wrestling with difficult thoughts. That might be just the way you feel sometimes. You might feel alone. You might worry about a hundred things at once. Your life might feel messy, and you might feel like God is far from you. But the truth is, God is so very near. He loves us so much that Jesus died and rose again to make the way for us to be with Him always. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we can know that, even in our worst moments, Jesus is right there with us. He weeps with us and offers hope, comfort, and strength. And one day, He will make all wrongs right. When we rest in these truths, it can help us remember that God is trustworthy. He loves us, and He never leaves us. That’s what David does in Psalm 13. In the end, he remembers that God has been good to him. He might have felt abandoned for a time, but he knows that God is always good. David even says that he will sing praise to the Lord. When we struggle, we can cry out and ask God how long we’re going to feel that way. We can tell Him how abandoned and forgotten we feel. We can process all our messy feelings with Him. As we do this, the Holy Spirit helps us remember how good God is and rest in the truth that He is with us. He has always loved us, and always will. • Bethany Acker • When we read lament psalms like Psalm 13, it can be tempting to skip right down to the “good part” in verses 5-6. We might want to skip over our feelings of hurt, sorrow, and frustration. But that’s not what God wants for us. He is not afraid of our feelings. Instead of skipping these uncomfortable emotions, He invites us to process them with Him, even if that means telling Him how angry we are at Him. Are there any uncomfortable feelings you need to process with God right now? He invites us to come to Him in prayer and be honest with Him so He can bring healing to our hearts. But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. Psalm 13:5 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 13:1-6 How long, God? Why is it taking forever for things to get better? Why can’t my life turn around and be all that I hoped for? Why do you feel so far from me? How long, God, is it going to feel like this? How long can I survive like this? You may have had thoughts like these at times, and they are similar to the thoughts of David when he wrote Psalm 13. In this psalm, David asks God if He will forget him forever. That’s the way he’s feeling as he writes—forgotten and abandoned. He is sorrowful and wrestling with difficult thoughts. That might be just the way you feel sometimes. You might feel alone. You might worry about a hundred things at once. Your life might feel messy, and you might feel like God is far from you. But the truth is, God is so very near. He loves us so much that Jesus died and rose again to make the way for us to be with Him always. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we can know that, even in our worst moments, Jesus is right there with us. He weeps with us and offers hope, comfort, and strength. And one day, He will make all wrongs right. When we rest in these truths, it can help us remember that God is trustworthy. He loves us, and He never leaves us. That’s what David does in Psalm 13. In the end, he remembers that God has been good to him. He might have felt abandoned for a time, but he knows that God is always good. David even says that he will sing praise to the Lord. When we struggle, we can cry out and ask God how long we’re going to feel that way. We can tell Him how abandoned and forgotten we feel. We can process all our messy feelings with Him. As we do this, the Holy Spirit helps us remember how good God is and rest in the truth that He is with us. He has always loved us, and always will. • Bethany Acker • When we read lament psalms like Psalm 13, it can be tempting to skip right down to the “good part” in verses 5-6. We might want to skip over our feelings of hurt, sorrow, and frustration. But that’s not what God wants for us. He is not afraid of our feelings. Instead of skipping these uncomfortable emotions, He invites us to process them with Him, even if that means telling Him how angry we are at Him. Are there any uncomfortable feelings you need to process with God right now? He invites us to come to Him in prayer and be honest with Him so He can bring healing to our hearts. But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. Psalm 13:5 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 13:1-6 How long, God? Why is it taking forever for things to get better? Why can’t my life turn around and be all that I hoped for? Why do you feel so far from me? How long, God, is it going to feel like this? How long can I survive like this? You may have had thoughts like these at times, and they are similar to the thoughts of David when he wrote Psalm 13. In this psalm, David asks God if He will forget him forever. That’s the way he’s feeling as he writes—forgotten and abandoned. He is sorrowful and wrestling with difficult thoughts. That might be just the way you feel sometimes. You might feel alone. You might worry about a hundred things at once. Your life might feel messy, and you might feel like God is far from you. But the truth is, God is so very near. He loves us so much that Jesus died and rose again to make the way for us to be with Him always. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we can know that, even in our worst moments, Jesus is right there with us. He weeps with us and offers hope, comfort, and strength. And one day, He will make all wrongs right. When we rest in these truths, it can help us remember that God is trustworthy. He loves us, and He never leaves us. That’s what David does in Psalm 13. In the end, he remembers that God has been good to him. He might have felt abandoned for a time, but he knows that God is always good. David even says that he will sing praise to the Lord. When we struggle, we can cry out and ask God how long we’re going to feel that way. We can tell Him how abandoned and forgotten we feel. We can process all our messy feelings with Him. As we do this, the Holy Spirit helps us remember how good God is and rest in the truth that He is with us. He has always loved us, and always will. • Bethany Acker • When we read lament psalms like Psalm 13, it can be tempting to skip right down to the “good part” in verses 5-6. We might want to skip over our feelings of hurt, sorrow, and frustration. But that’s not what God wants for us. He is not afraid of our feelings. Instead of skipping these uncomfortable emotions, He invites us to process them with Him, even if that means telling Him how angry we are at Him. Are there any uncomfortable feelings you need to process with God right now? He invites us to come to Him in prayer and be honest with Him so He can bring healing to our hearts. But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. Psalm 13:5 (NIV) 

READ: GENESIS 28:15; DEUTERONOMY 31:1-13; PROVERBS 3:26 Have you ever read Deuteronomy 31:8? It says, “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” The book of Deuteronomy consists of messages that Moses gave the Israelites about the future. At the time, God had already parted the Red Sea and delivered the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, and now they were wandering in the wilderness, waiting for God to bring them into the Promised Land. Moses wanted to encourage the people to trust God, and he also instructed them in how to act righteously—how to live according to God’s good ways. When Moses was nearing the end of his life, he spoke the words of Deuteronomy 31:8 to Joshua, right before Joshua would lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. Moses wanted to offer his successor the peace of knowing that God was preparing the way ahead of him, that God would be with him, and that he didn’t need to fear any evil. For me, reading this verse reminds me that my Father has my future in His hands, and I don’t need to be afraid of what is to come. I don’t need to try to take control or plan things out by myself—He already sits upon the throne. Though this world may crumble around us, we don’t need to get discouraged, because God is good and His promise is secure. Jesus is “God with us” (Matthew 1:23), and He went before us, living the righteous life we never could, making the way for us to be saved from the wilderness of sin and enter the abundance of God’s kingdom. He died, was buried, rose from the grave, and is coming back again to raise all His people from the dead to live with Him forever in restored creation. And even now, He promises to be with us, always (Matthew 28:20). When I first read Deuteronomy 31:8, I immediately felt at peace. The promise that God will never leave us and that He will always be with us is such a comfort. It teaches me to quiet any worries I have and to never lose hope. Our God goes before us. • Molly McTernan • What kinds of things have made you feel afraid or discouraged lately? It’s not wrong to feel this way, and in fact, God invites us to be totally honest about this. How could remembering that God is with us and goes before us make it easier to bring all our concerns to Him in prayer? • In addition to talking to God, who are trusted Christians you can talk to when you feel worried? “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)  

READ: GENESIS 28:15; DEUTERONOMY 31:1-13; PROVERBS 3:26 Have you ever read Deuteronomy 31:8? It says, “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” The book of Deuteronomy consists of messages that Moses gave the Israelites about the future. At the time, God had already parted the Red Sea and delivered the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, and now they were wandering in the wilderness, waiting for God to bring them into the Promised Land. Moses wanted to encourage the people to trust God, and he also instructed them in how to act righteously—how to live according to God’s good ways. When Moses was nearing the end of his life, he spoke the words of Deuteronomy 31:8 to Joshua, right before Joshua would lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. Moses wanted to offer his successor the peace of knowing that God was preparing the way ahead of him, that God would be with him, and that he didn’t need to fear any evil. For me, reading this verse reminds me that my Father has my future in His hands, and I don’t need to be afraid of what is to come. I don’t need to try to take control or plan things out by myself—He already sits upon the throne. Though this world may crumble around us, we don’t need to get discouraged, because God is good and His promise is secure. Jesus is “God with us” (Matthew 1:23), and He went before us, living the righteous life we never could, making the way for us to be saved from the wilderness of sin and enter the abundance of God’s kingdom. He died, was buried, rose from the grave, and is coming back again to raise all His people from the dead to live with Him forever in restored creation. And even now, He promises to be with us, always (Matthew 28:20). When I first read Deuteronomy 31:8, I immediately felt at peace. The promise that God will never leave us and that He will always be with us is such a comfort. It teaches me to quiet any worries I have and to never lose hope. Our God goes before us. • Molly McTernan • What kinds of things have made you feel afraid or discouraged lately? It’s not wrong to feel this way, and in fact, God invites us to be totally honest about this. How could remembering that God is with us and goes before us make it easier to bring all our concerns to Him in prayer? • In addition to talking to God, who are trusted Christians you can talk to when you feel worried? “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)  

READ: GENESIS 28:15; DEUTERONOMY 31:1-13; PROVERBS 3:26 Have you ever read Deuteronomy 31:8? It says, “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” The book of Deuteronomy consists of messages that Moses gave the Israelites about the future. At the time, God had already parted the Red Sea and delivered the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, and now they were wandering in the wilderness, waiting for God to bring them into the Promised Land. Moses wanted to encourage the people to trust God, and he also instructed them in how to act righteously—how to live according to God’s good ways. When Moses was nearing the end of his life, he spoke the words of Deuteronomy 31:8 to Joshua, right before Joshua would lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. Moses wanted to offer his successor the peace of knowing that God was preparing the way ahead of him, that God would be with him, and that he didn’t need to fear any evil. For me, reading this verse reminds me that my Father has my future in His hands, and I don’t need to be afraid of what is to come. I don’t need to try to take control or plan things out by myself—He already sits upon the throne. Though this world may crumble around us, we don’t need to get discouraged, because God is good and His promise is secure. Jesus is “God with us” (Matthew 1:23), and He went before us, living the righteous life we never could, making the way for us to be saved from the wilderness of sin and enter the abundance of God’s kingdom. He died, was buried, rose from the grave, and is coming back again to raise all His people from the dead to live with Him forever in restored creation. And even now, He promises to be with us, always (Matthew 28:20). When I first read Deuteronomy 31:8, I immediately felt at peace. The promise that God will never leave us and that He will always be with us is such a comfort. It teaches me to quiet any worries I have and to never lose hope. Our God goes before us. • Molly McTernan • What kinds of things have made you feel afraid or discouraged lately? It’s not wrong to feel this way, and in fact, God invites us to be totally honest about this. How could remembering that God is with us and goes before us make it easier to bring all our concerns to Him in prayer? • In addition to talking to God, who are trusted Christians you can talk to when you feel worried? “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)  

READ: PSALMS 19:1-4; 148:1-14; ISAIAH 55:12 A silver moon, a single star, shining in the morning dark. Waves are gently rolling in, riding on the restless wind. Sleek and smooth, sands lie fresh, washed by the ocean’s salty breath. Daybreak beams soft and bright, rejoicing in the coming light! So may we, with hope revived— praise Him with the morning tide. Today’s poem was inspired by a moment when I sensed creation joyously reflecting God’s glory and beauty. The Bible shows us that all creation praises God as Creator. Psalm 148 says this includes the heavenly host, things on earth, in the ocean—even the sun, wind, and rain. And, last but not least, it includes people. • G. Kam Congleton • Can you think of a time when you experienced a moment of wonder at God’s creation? As you read today’s Scriptures, consider taking some time to ponder the ways God may be revealing Himself to you— whether it be through creation, His Word, or specific people or circumstances. Then, maybe sing a favorite song of praise, or write down a simple prayer or poem to help you celebrate that moment in praise to Jesus. (Luke 19:37-40; Colossians 1:15-23) Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars. Psalm 148:3 (NIV) 

READ: PSALMS 19:1-4; 148:1-14; ISAIAH 55:12 A silver moon,a single star,shining in the morning dark.Waves are gentlyrolling in,riding on the restless wind.Sleek and smooth,sands lie fresh,washed by the ocean’s salty breath.Daybreak beamssoft and bright,rejoicing in the coming light!So may we,with hope revived—praise Him with the morning tide. Today’s poem was inspired by a moment when I sensed creation joyously reflecting God’s glory and beauty. The Bible shows us that all creation praises God as Creator. Psalm 148 says this includes the heavenly host, things on earth, in the ocean—even the sun, wind, and rain. And, last but not least, it includes people. • G. Kam Congleton • Can you think of a time when you experienced a moment of wonder at God’s creation? As you read today’s Scriptures, consider taking some time to ponder the ways God may be revealing Himself to you— whether it be through creation, His Word, or specific people or circumstances. Then, maybe sing a favorite song of praise, or write down a simple prayer or poem to help you celebrate that moment in praise to Jesus. (Luke 19:37-40; Colossians 1:15-23) Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars. Psalm 148:3 (NIV) 

READ: PSALMS 19:1-4; 148:1-14; ISAIAH 55:12 A silver moon,a single star,shining in the morning dark.Waves are gentlyrolling in,riding on the restless wind.Sleek and smooth,sands lie fresh,washed by the ocean’s salty breath.Daybreak beamssoft and bright,rejoicing in the coming light!So may we,with hope revived—praise Him with the morning tide. Today’s poem was inspired by a moment when I sensed creation joyously reflecting God’s glory and beauty. The Bible shows us that all creation praises God as Creator. Psalm 148 says this includes the heavenly host, things on earth, in the ocean—even the sun, wind, and rain. And, last but not least, it includes people. • G. Kam Congleton • Can you think of a time when you experienced a moment of wonder at God’s creation? As you read today’s Scriptures, consider taking some time to ponder the ways God may be revealing Himself to you— whether it be through creation, His Word, or specific people or circumstances. Then, maybe sing a favorite song of praise, or write down a simple prayer or poem to help you celebrate that moment in praise to Jesus. (Luke 19:37-40; Colossians 1:15-23) Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars. Psalm 148:3 (NIV) 

READ: 1 CORINTHIANS 15:20, 35-38, 42-44, 54-57 Have you ever read verses in the Bible that talk about how we’ll be raised from the dead like Jesus was? It’s one thing to picture Jesus being raised from the dead after only three days, but it can be harder to imagine how bodies that have been dead a long time could ever be alive again. But maybe a metaphor for resurrection would help. Have you ever seen marigold seeds? They are thin, long, dry seeds that are white on one end and black on the other. They look nothing like a marigold flower. But, when we bury the seeds in the ground, eventually these tiny, unremarkable seeds grow into vibrant flowers bursting with orange and yellow petals. God can take those shriveled seeds and bring them to life. And He promises to do the same for Christians. In fact, the Bible actually compares our coming resurrection to what happens when seeds grow into plants. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul writes, “It is the same way with the resurrection of the dead. Our earthly bodies are planted in the ground when we die, but they will be raised to live forever. Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength” (verses 42-43). Even though our bodies die, death is no match for Jesus—He conquered sin and death by giving up His own life for us on the cross. He will resurrect our bodies one day, and when He does, our bodies will be even better than before. No matter what happens to us on earth, we have the hope of resurrection. So, next time you see a pot full of magnificent flowers, think of the dry, shriveled little seeds they came from. Our amazing God made those flowers grow, and He promises to do the same for us. • A. W. Smith • Raising dead bodies is no greater problem for God than turning seeds into plants. In other words, it’s no problem for Him at all. Jesus rose from the dead, and He’ll raise believers too. He’ll give His children bodies that are even more wonderful than those we had before. It’s amazing to think about! How could knowing that Jesus has power even over death affect the way we view death? (Romans 8:38-39) Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” 1 Corinthians 15:54 (NLT) 

READ: 1 CORINTHIANS 15:20, 35-38, 42-44, 54-57 Have you ever read verses in the Bible that talk about how we’ll be raised from the dead like Jesus was? It’s one thing to picture Jesus being raised from the dead after only three days, but it can be harder to imagine how bodies that have been dead a long time could ever be alive again. But maybe a metaphor for resurrection would help. Have you ever seen marigold seeds? They are thin, long, dry seeds that are white on one end and black on the other. They look nothing like a marigold flower. But, when we bury the seeds in the ground, eventually these tiny, unremarkable seeds grow into vibrant flowers bursting with orange and yellow petals. God can take those shriveled seeds and bring them to life. And He promises to do the same for Christians. In fact, the Bible actually compares our coming resurrection to what happens when seeds grow into plants. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul writes, “It is the same way with the resurrection of the dead. Our earthly bodies are planted in the ground when we die, but they will be raised to live forever. Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength” (verses 42-43). Even though our bodies die, death is no match for Jesus—He conquered sin and death by giving up His own life for us on the cross. He will resurrect our bodies one day, and when He does, our bodies will be even better than before. No matter what happens to us on earth, we have the hope of resurrection. So, next time you see a pot full of magnificent flowers, think of the dry, shriveled little seeds they came from. Our amazing God made those flowers grow, and He promises to do the same for us. • A. W. Smith • Raising dead bodies is no greater problem for God than turning seeds into plants. In other words, it’s no problem for Him at all. Jesus rose from the dead, and He’ll raise believers too. He’ll give His children bodies that are even more wonderful than those we had before. It’s amazing to think about! How could knowing that Jesus has power even over death affect the way we view death? (Romans 8:38-39) Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” 1 Corinthians 15:54 (NLT) 

READ: 1 CORINTHIANS 15:20, 35-38, 42-44, 54-57 Have you ever read verses in the Bible that talk about how we’ll be raised from the dead like Jesus was? It’s one thing to picture Jesus being raised from the dead after only three days, but it can be harder to imagine how bodies that have been dead a long time could ever be alive again. But maybe a metaphor for resurrection would help. Have you ever seen marigold seeds? They are thin, long, dry seeds that are white on one end and black on the other. They look nothing like a marigold flower. But, when we bury the seeds in the ground, eventually these tiny, unremarkable seeds grow into vibrant flowers bursting with orange and yellow petals. God can take those shriveled seeds and bring them to life. And He promises to do the same for Christians. In fact, the Bible actually compares our coming resurrection to what happens when seeds grow into plants. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul writes, “It is the same way with the resurrection of the dead. Our earthly bodies are planted in the ground when we die, but they will be raised to live forever. Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength” (verses 42-43). Even though our bodies die, death is no match for Jesus—He conquered sin and death by giving up His own life for us on the cross. He will resurrect our bodies one day, and when He does, our bodies will be even better than before. No matter what happens to us on earth, we have the hope of resurrection. So, next time you see a pot full of magnificent flowers, think of the dry, shriveled little seeds they came from. Our amazing God made those flowers grow, and He promises to do the same for us. • A. W. Smith • Raising dead bodies is no greater problem for God than turning seeds into plants. In other words, it’s no problem for Him at all. Jesus rose from the dead, and He’ll raise believers too. He’ll give His children bodies that are even more wonderful than those we had before. It’s amazing to think about! How could knowing that Jesus has power even over death affect the way we view death? (Romans 8:38-39) Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” 1 Corinthians 15:54 (NLT) 

READ: 1 SAMUEL 17; 2 TIMOTHY 1:9-10 Dear Mother, Grandfather’s stories are true. The giant smells. Now his stories feel like mine. But I suppose that’s the purpose of a story. To let you know you’re not alone. It might be the giant’s breath or body, but we could smell it from a mile away. Like rotten meat. Like that time when a mouse died in the wall and we couldn’t reach it. The smell of the army masks it, but not much. I can smell the blood on the shields. The body odor from days of warfare. The dirt, churned to mud by our advance. It almost made me forget the giant. Then he would laugh. Guffaw. He’d grab his bouncing stomach and laugh with all his might as we hacked at his toes and ankles. Or when others were crushed beneath his naked feet. The Prophecy of the Scroll is our only hope. I pray it’s true, because the army is useless. We leave scratches as he laughs. We are fully incapable of defeating him. We’ve used all manner of weapons to no avail. Siege Engines and Catapults. Fire and Poison. Nothing stops him. And so, slowing him from reaching our village is our goal. We’ve lost a third of the army so far, but holding him here on the Plains of Ardak-Drun, even for a few days, should be enough time for you and my sisters to escape to the mountains. Even if I die, knowing you are safe is worth it. Should the Scrolls prove true, and the chosen one arrive, I will send word. Should his sword be sharp and the stones of his sling fly true, should he stand on his own strength and not that of an army, should the one foretold by those of old lay his sandals upon the sands of Ardak-Drun, I am confident that the uselessness of the army will be but kindling to fuel his glory. Embrace my sisters, tell them the stories of old. Love, your son. • Jacob Marchitell • In 1 Samuel 17, when a nine-foot-tall warrior named Goliath terrorized the Israelite army, David killed him with just a stone and sling. This points to the future promise of the Chosen One. All our efforts are useless against the death that awaits us. But God didn’t leave us to die alone, weak and afraid of the power of death. He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to fight the battle on our behalf. He defeated death by giving up His own life for us on the cross, and then rising from the grave, so we could one day be raised to life just as He was. So now, whenever we are afraid, we can look to our King. Not a king who stays hidden in his palace, but a King who “gave up his divine privileges,” stood on the front line of the war, and defeated death by Himself (Romans 5:1-11; Philippians 2:5-11). In hard times, how can looking to Jesus give us hope? Christ Jesus, our Savior…broke the power of death. 2 Timothy 1:10 (NLT) 

READ: 1 SAMUEL 17; 2 TIMOTHY 1:9-10 Dear Mother, Grandfather’s stories are true. The giant smells. Now his stories feel like mine. But I suppose that’s the purpose of a story. To let you know you’re not alone. It might be the giant’s breath or body, but we could smell it from a mile away. Like rotten meat. Like that time when a mouse died in the wall and we couldn’t reach it. The smell of the army masks it, but not much. I can smell the blood on the shields. The body odor from days of warfare. The dirt, churned to mud by our advance. It almost made me forget the giant. Then he would laugh. Guffaw. He’d grab his bouncing stomach and laugh with all his might as we hacked at his toes and ankles. Or when others were crushed beneath his naked feet. The Prophecy of the Scroll is our only hope. I pray it’s true, because the army is useless. We leave scratches as he laughs. We are fully incapable of defeating him. We’ve used all manner of weapons to no avail. Siege Engines and Catapults. Fire and Poison. Nothing stops him. And so, slowing him from reaching our village is our goal. We’ve lost a third of the army so far, but holding him here on the Plains of Ardak-Drun, even for a few days, should be enough time for you and my sisters to escape to the mountains. Even if I die, knowing you are safe is worth it. Should the Scrolls prove true, and the chosen one arrive, I will send word. Should his sword be sharp and the stones of his sling fly true, should he stand on his own strength and not that of an army, should the one foretold by those of old lay his sandals upon the sands of Ardak-Drun, I am confident that the uselessness of the army will be but kindling to fuel his glory. Embrace my sisters, tell them the stories of old. Love, your son. • Jacob Marchitell • In 1 Samuel 17, when a nine-foot-tall warrior named Goliath terrorized the Israelite army, David killed him with just a stone and sling. This points to the future promise of the Chosen One. All our efforts are useless against the death that awaits us. But God didn’t leave us to die alone, weak and afraid of the power of death. He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to fight the battle on our behalf. He defeated death by giving up His own life for us on the cross, and then rising from the grave, so we could one day be raised to life just as He was. So now, whenever we are afraid, we can look to our King. Not a king who stays hidden in his palace, but a King who “gave up his divine privileges,” stood on the front line of the war, and defeated death by Himself (Romans 5:1-11; Philippians 2:5-11). In hard times, how can looking to Jesus give us hope? Christ Jesus, our Savior…broke the power of death. 2 Timothy 1:10 (NLT) 

READ: 1 SAMUEL 17; 2 TIMOTHY 1:9-10 Dear Mother, Grandfather’s stories are true. The giant smells. Now his stories feel like mine. But I suppose that’s the purpose of a story. To let you know you’re not alone. It might be the giant’s breath or body, but we could smell it from a mile away. Like rotten meat. Like that time when a mouse died in the wall and we couldn’t reach it. The smell of the army masks it, but not much. I can smell the blood on the shields. The body odor from days of warfare. The dirt, churned to mud by our advance. It almost made me forget the giant. Then he would laugh. Guffaw. He’d grab his bouncing stomach and laugh with all his might as we hacked at his toes and ankles. Or when others were crushed beneath his naked feet. The Prophecy of the Scroll is our only hope. I pray it’s true, because the army is useless. We leave scratches as he laughs. We are fully incapable of defeating him. We’ve used all manner of weapons to no avail. Siege Engines and Catapults. Fire and Poison. Nothing stops him. And so, slowing him from reaching our village is our goal. We’ve lost a third of the army so far, but holding him here on the Plains of Ardak-Drun, even for a few days, should be enough time for you and my sisters to escape to the mountains. Even if I die, knowing you are safe is worth it. Should the Scrolls prove true, and the chosen one arrive, I will send word. Should his sword be sharp and the stones of his sling fly true, should he stand on his own strength and not that of an army, should the one foretold by those of old lay his sandals upon the sands of Ardak-Drun, I am confident that the uselessness of the army will be but kindling to fuel his glory. Embrace my sisters, tell them the stories of old. Love, your son. • Jacob Marchitell • In 1 Samuel 17, when a nine-foot-tall warrior named Goliath terrorized the Israelite army, David killed him with just a stone and sling. This points to the future promise of the Chosen One. All our efforts are useless against the death that awaits us. But God didn’t leave us to die alone, weak and afraid of the power of death. He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to fight the battle on our behalf. He defeated death by giving up His own life for us on the cross, and then rising from the grave, so we could one day be raised to life just as He was. So now, whenever we are afraid, we can look to our King. Not a king who stays hidden in his palace, but a King who “gave up his divine privileges,” stood on the front line of the war, and defeated death by Himself (Romans 5:1-11; Philippians 2:5-11). In hard times, how can looking to Jesus give us hope? Christ Jesus, our Savior…broke the power of death. 2 Timothy 1:10 (NLT) 

READ: ROMANS 8:31-39; 1 PETER 5:6-11 I have many tactics that I use to try to deal with anxiety, and it seems like I am always trying something new. Recently, I was thinking about how I tend to try to push aside the worst-case scenarios that come into my head and stress me out, and I wondered if there might be a better solution. What if, instead of trying to push aside the worst-case scenarios and stop thinking about them, I thought about how God would be with me even if any one of them were to come into being? Because the truth is, if we know Jesus, He is always with us. When we go through difficult times, He is right there beside us, loving us and caring for us. So, if I am worried about a health issue that might come up, instead of trying to push that thought away, I can think about how God would be with me in that situation. What strength and comfort could He provide? How could He work through His people—the church—to help with this issue? Similarly, if I am worried about money or relationships, I can think about how God would be right there with me to provide wisdom and support. As we remember that Jesus has been through the hurt and suffering of human life too, and He has promised to always be there for us, we can be sure He will help us in any battle we face. As worries mount, we can accept that, yes, bad things might happen, but we serve a God who is bigger than anything we will face—and He will be right there with us. • Emily Acker • Do your thoughts ever jump to worst-case scenarios? This happens to all of us from time to time. In these moments, how could it be helpful to remember that God would be with us in these situations and then consider all the ways He might provide for us? • Can you think of a time God helped you through a difficulty? What was that like? • Jesus promises to always be with His people—He died and rose again to make the way for us to be with God forever. He is always eager to help us, and He often helps us through each other. If you’re experiencing anxiety that won’t go away, who is a trusted adult 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) and ask to speak with the care associate. “And remember, I [Jesus] am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20 (CSB) 

READ: ROMANS 8:31-39; 1 PETER 5:6-11 I have many tactics that I use to try to deal with anxiety, and it seems like I am always trying something new. Recently, I was thinking about how I tend to try to push aside the worst-case scenarios that come into my head and stress me out, and I wondered if there might be a better solution. What if, instead of trying to push aside the worst-case scenarios and stop thinking about them, I thought about how God would be with me even if any one of them were to come into being? Because the truth is, if we know Jesus, He is always with us. When we go through difficult times, He is right there beside us, loving us and caring for us. So, if I am worried about a health issue that might come up, instead of trying to push that thought away, I can think about how God would be with me in that situation. What strength and comfort could He provide? How could He work through His people—the church—to help with this issue? Similarly, if I am worried about money or relationships, I can think about how God would be right there with me to provide wisdom and support. As we remember that Jesus has been through the hurt and suffering of human life too, and He has promised to always be there for us, we can be sure He will help us in any battle we face. As worries mount, we can accept that, yes, bad things might happen, but we serve a God who is bigger than anything we will face—and He will be right there with us. • Emily Acker • Do your thoughts ever jump to worst-case scenarios? This happens to all of us from time to time. In these moments, how could it be helpful to remember that God would be with us in these situations and then consider all the ways He might provide for us? • Can you think of a time God helped you through a difficulty? What was that like? • Jesus promises to always be with His people—He died and rose again to make the way for us to be with God forever. He is always eager to help us, and He often helps us through each other. If you’re experiencing anxiety that won’t go away, who is a trusted adult 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) and ask to speak with the care associate. “And remember, I [Jesus] am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20 (CSB) 

READ: ROMANS 8:31-39; 1 PETER 5:6-11 I have many tactics that I use to try to deal with anxiety, and it seems like I am always trying something new. Recently, I was thinking about how I tend to try to push aside the worst-case scenarios that come into my head and stress me out, and I wondered if there might be a better solution. What if, instead of trying to push aside the worst-case scenarios and stop thinking about them, I thought about how God would be with me even if any one of them were to come into being? Because the truth is, if we know Jesus, He is always with us. When we go through difficult times, He is right there beside us, loving us and caring for us. So, if I am worried about a health issue that might come up, instead of trying to push that thought away, I can think about how God would be with me in that situation. What strength and comfort could He provide? How could He work through His people—the church—to help with this issue? Similarly, if I am worried about money or relationships, I can think about how God would be right there with me to provide wisdom and support. As we remember that Jesus has been through the hurt and suffering of human life too, and He has promised to always be there for us, we can be sure He will help us in any battle we face. As worries mount, we can accept that, yes, bad things might happen, but we serve a God who is bigger than anything we will face—and He will be right there with us. • Emily Acker • Do your thoughts ever jump to worst-case scenarios? This happens to all of us from time to time. In these moments, how could it be helpful to remember that God would be with us in these situations and then consider all the ways He might provide for us? • Can you think of a time God helped you through a difficulty? What was that like? • Jesus promises to always be with His people—He died and rose again to make the way for us to be with God forever. He is always eager to help us, and He often helps us through each other. If you’re experiencing anxiety that won’t go away, who is a trusted adult 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) and ask to speak with the care associate. “And remember, I [Jesus] am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20 (CSB) 

READ: MATTHEW 5:43-47; JOHN 16:29-33 My brother was selected to participate in his middle school’s play, so my family gladly showed up to watch the performance. While we sat in the audience, some unknown person crept into the parking lot and broke into our minivan. Although the would-be thief found nothing to steal, this individual did leave a mound of broken glass and a shattered window in our vehicle. I felt violated. More so, I felt angry. This person had no right to do this! I also felt annoyed that this meant I couldn’t drive our van to my own school while we waited to have it repaired. Instead, my parents taped plastic over the busted-out window and dropped me off on campus. Because my mom needed to drive to work afterward, I arrived so early that the school hadn’t opened its doors yet. As I sat waiting to enter, I fumed about the inconvenience a stranger had caused because they wanted what wasn’t theirs. The person who damaged our van didn’t have any right to harm our family’s property. Feeling anger about this situation was natural. Over time, though, I realized I believed I had a right to avoid the problems other people face in this broken, sinful world. I assumed I deserved exemption from troubles because I trusted God. Scripture tells us something different, though. Those who put their trust in Jesus still experience pain. Entering a relationship with God through His Son doesn’t promise a blissful life. After all, Jesus Himself experienced rejection and injustice. And that means He understands our struggles. He also says we can expect to face trouble. But, when we have Him in our lives, we can be encouraged knowing He loves us, and He has overcome the brokenness of this world. • Allison Wilson Lee • When we’re afraid we’re unsafe, anger is a natural response, because as humans we are worthy of safety. Can you think of a time you experienced trouble that wasn’t your fault, that may even have been caused by someone else? Since the world has been broken by sin, we all experience injustice. And, in fact, we all cause injustice. That’s why Jesus came to save us. He took all the sin and injustice of the world on Himself and defeated it through His own death on the cross. Then He resurrected from the dead, defeating death itself. One day He will return to resurrect His people and flood the world with His perfect justice. In the meantime, He invites us to participate in His kingdom of love and justice, resisting the temptation to take revenge and instead relying on His Holy Spirit within us to provide guidance and wisdom in how to love others, even our enemies. When we face injustice and trouble, how can we respond according to these truths? “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV) 

READ: MATTHEW 5:43-47; JOHN 16:29-33 My brother was selected to participate in his middle school’s play, so my family gladly showed up to watch the performance. While we sat in the audience, some unknown person crept into the parking lot and broke into our minivan. Although the would-be thief found nothing to steal, this individual did leave a mound of broken glass and a shattered window in our vehicle. I felt violated. More so, I felt angry. This person had no right to do this! I also felt annoyed that this meant I couldn’t drive our van to my own school while we waited to have it repaired. Instead, my parents taped plastic over the busted-out window and dropped me off on campus. Because my mom needed to drive to work afterward, I arrived so early that the school hadn’t opened its doors yet. As I sat waiting to enter, I fumed about the inconvenience a stranger had caused because they wanted what wasn’t theirs. The person who damaged our van didn’t have any right to harm our family’s property. Feeling anger about this situation was natural. Over time, though, I realized I believed I had a right to avoid the problems other people face in this broken, sinful world. I assumed I deserved exemption from troubles because I trusted God. Scripture tells us something different, though. Those who put their trust in Jesus still experience pain. Entering a relationship with God through His Son doesn’t promise a blissful life. After all, Jesus Himself experienced rejection and injustice. And that means He understands our struggles. He also says we can expect to face trouble. But, when we have Him in our lives, we can be encouraged knowing He loves us, and He has overcome the brokenness of this world. • Allison Wilson Lee • When we’re afraid we’re unsafe, anger is a natural response, because as humans we are worthy of safety. Can you think of a time you experienced trouble that wasn’t your fault, that may even have been caused by someone else? Since the world has been broken by sin, we all experience injustice. And, in fact, we all cause injustice. That’s why Jesus came to save us. He took all the sin and injustice of the world on Himself and defeated it through His own death on the cross. Then He resurrected from the dead, defeating death itself. One day He will return to resurrect His people and flood the world with His perfect justice. In the meantime, He invites us to participate in His kingdom of love and justice, resisting the temptation to take revenge and instead relying on His Holy Spirit within us to provide guidance and wisdom in how to love others, even our enemies. When we face injustice and trouble, how can we respond according to these truths? “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV) 

READ: MATTHEW 5:43-47; JOHN 16:29-33 My brother was selected to participate in his middle school’s play, so my family gladly showed up to watch the performance. While we sat in the audience, some unknown person crept into the parking lot and broke into our minivan. Although the would-be thief found nothing to steal, this individual did leave a mound of broken glass and a shattered window in our vehicle. I felt violated. More so, I felt angry. This person had no right to do this! I also felt annoyed that this meant I couldn’t drive our van to my own school while we waited to have it repaired. Instead, my parents taped plastic over the busted-out window and dropped me off on campus. Because my mom needed to drive to work afterward, I arrived so early that the school hadn’t opened its doors yet. As I sat waiting to enter, I fumed about the inconvenience a stranger had caused because they wanted what wasn’t theirs. The person who damaged our van didn’t have any right to harm our family’s property. Feeling anger about this situation was natural. Over time, though, I realized I believed I had a right to avoid the problems other people face in this broken, sinful world. I assumed I deserved exemption from troubles because I trusted God. Scripture tells us something different, though. Those who put their trust in Jesus still experience pain. Entering a relationship with God through His Son doesn’t promise a blissful life. After all, Jesus Himself experienced rejection and injustice. And that means He understands our struggles. He also says we can expect to face trouble. But, when we have Him in our lives, we can be encouraged knowing He loves us, and He has overcome the brokenness of this world. • Allison Wilson Lee • When we’re afraid we’re unsafe, anger is a natural response, because as humans we are worthy of safety. Can you think of a time you experienced trouble that wasn’t your fault, that may even have been caused by someone else? Since the world has been broken by sin, we all experience injustice. And, in fact, we all cause injustice. That’s why Jesus came to save us. He took all the sin and injustice of the world on Himself and defeated it through His own death on the cross. Then He resurrected from the dead, defeating death itself. One day He will return to resurrect His people and flood the world with His perfect justice. In the meantime, He invites us to participate in His kingdom of love and justice, resisting the temptation to take revenge and instead relying on His Holy Spirit within us to provide guidance and wisdom in how to love others, even our enemies. When we face injustice and trouble, how can we respond according to these truths? “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV) 

READ: MARK 14:66-72; LUKE 19:1-10; ACTS 3:18-22; ROMANS 2:4 What do you do after you sin? That probably wasn’t the question you were expecting. We all know that we sin, but do we like to think about that? I certainly don’t. After we sin, sometimes we think we can just forget about it, pretend it never happened. “Deny and it shall disappear.” For example, after King David had Bathsheba taken to his palace so he could have sex with her, she became pregnant, and David tried to hide his sin by having her husband Uriah killed while he was away at war (2 Samuel 11-12). But God sees and knows everything we do. Sometimes we feel ashamed when we sin. Peter denied Jesus, not once but three times, all after insisting he would stay true to Jesus even to death. When Peter realized what he’d done, he broke down and wept. He was ashamed and likely wished he could take back what he just did. Sometimes we may not think we are doing anything wrong when we sin. Saul was a hater of Christians. He unabashedly hurt and killed many who followed Jesus. In fact, Saul believed this was what God wanted him to do. He was known to search for Christians with the sole purpose of harming them. Saul didn’t even see his sin as doing anything wrong. There is one more response to sin, and my favorite example of that is Zacchaeus’s. See, Zacchaeus was a tax collector, and he frequently cheated people out of money. He was short (like me), so he climbed up a tree to be able to see Jesus as He passed by. Then Jesus looked right up at him. He told Zacchaeus that He would be staying at his home. Zacchaeus’s response? He welcomed Jesus joyfully. Then he admitted that his sin was wrong and repented, not only paying back the people he stole from, but giving them four times as much as he had taken. David, Peter, and Saul (also known as Paul) eventually had encounters with God and repented of their sins too (2 Samuel 12; John 21:15-24; Acts 9). Similarly, Jesus invites us to repent of our sins often. Because, even as Christians, we’ll still struggle with sin until Jesus returns. There are many responses to the sins we commit, but the only real way forward is confessing our sins to God and receiving His forgiveness (1 John 1:8-9). • Kimberly Brokish • Sin is a big deal to God because it causes harm to His good creation and to our relationship with Him, but He wants so much to forgive and restore us that Jesus became human and died on the cross for us, then rose from the grave (more on our "Know Jesus" page). Consider taking some time to confess any sins that come to mind to God and thank Him for His sure forgiveness through Jesus. “Therefore repent and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped out.” Acts 3:19 (CSB)

READ: MARK 14:66-72; LUKE 19:1-10; ACTS 3:18-22; ROMANS 2:4 What do you do after you sin? That probably wasn’t the question you were expecting. We all know that we sin, but do we like to think about that? I certainly don’t. After we sin, sometimes we think we can just forget about it, pretend it never happened. “Deny and it shall disappear.” For example, after King David had Bathsheba taken to his palace so he could have sex with her, she became pregnant, and David tried to hide his sin by having her husband Uriah killed while he was away at war (2 Samuel 11-12). But God sees and knows everything we do. Sometimes we feel ashamed when we sin. Peter denied Jesus, not once but three times, all after insisting he would stay true to Jesus even to death. When Peter realized what he’d done, he broke down and wept. He was ashamed and likely wished he could take back what he just did. Sometimes we may not think we are doing anything wrong when we sin. Saul was a hater of Christians. He unabashedly hurt and killed many who followed Jesus. In fact, Saul believed this was what God wanted him to do. He was known to search for Christians with the sole purpose of harming them. Saul didn’t even see his sin as doing anything wrong. There is one more response to sin, and my favorite example of that is Zacchaeus’s. See, Zacchaeus was a tax collector, and he frequently cheated people out of money. He was short (like me), so he climbed up a tree to be able to see Jesus as He passed by. Then Jesus looked right up at him. He told Zacchaeus that He would be staying at his home. Zacchaeus’s response? He welcomed Jesus joyfully. Then he admitted that his sin was wrong and repented, not only paying back the people he stole from, but giving them four times as much as he had taken. David, Peter, and Saul (also known as Paul) eventually had encounters with God and repented of their sins too (2 Samuel 12; John 21:15-24; Acts 9). Similarly, Jesus invites us to repent of our sins often. Because, even as Christians, we’ll still struggle with sin until Jesus returns. There are many responses to the sins we commit, but the only real way forward is confessing our sins to God and receiving His forgiveness (1 John 1:8-9). • Kimberly Brokish • Sin is a big deal to God because it causes harm to His good creation and to our relationship with Him, but He wants so much to forgive and restore us that Jesus became human and died on the cross for us, then rose from the grave (more on our “Know Jesus” page). Consider taking some time to confess any sins that come to mind to God and thank Him for His sure forgiveness through Jesus. “Therefore repent and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped out.” Acts 3:19 (CSB)

READ: MARK 14:66-72; LUKE 19:1-10; ACTS 3:18-22; ROMANS 2:4 What do you do after you sin? That probably wasn’t the question you were expecting. We all know that we sin, but do we like to think about that? I certainly don’t. After we sin, sometimes we think we can just forget about it, pretend it never happened. “Deny and it shall disappear.” For example, after King David had Bathsheba taken to his palace so he could have sex with her, she became pregnant, and David tried to hide his sin by having her husband Uriah killed while he was away at war (2 Samuel 11-12). But God sees and knows everything we do. Sometimes we feel ashamed when we sin. Peter denied Jesus, not once but three times, all after insisting he would stay true to Jesus even to death. When Peter realized what he’d done, he broke down and wept. He was ashamed and likely wished he could take back what he just did. Sometimes we may not think we are doing anything wrong when we sin. Saul was a hater of Christians. He unabashedly hurt and killed many who followed Jesus. In fact, Saul believed this was what God wanted him to do. He was known to search for Christians with the sole purpose of harming them. Saul didn’t even see his sin as doing anything wrong. There is one more response to sin, and my favorite example of that is Zacchaeus’s. See, Zacchaeus was a tax collector, and he frequently cheated people out of money. He was short (like me), so he climbed up a tree to be able to see Jesus as He passed by. Then Jesus looked right up at him. He told Zacchaeus that He would be staying at his home. Zacchaeus’s response? He welcomed Jesus joyfully. Then he admitted that his sin was wrong and repented, not only paying back the people he stole from, but giving them four times as much as he had taken. David, Peter, and Saul (also known as Paul) eventually had encounters with God and repented of their sins too (2 Samuel 12; John 21:15-24; Acts 9). Similarly, Jesus invites us to repent of our sins often. Because, even as Christians, we’ll still struggle with sin until Jesus returns. There are many responses to the sins we commit, but the only real way forward is confessing our sins to God and receiving His forgiveness (1 John 1:8-9). • Kimberly Brokish • Sin is a big deal to God because it causes harm to His good creation and to our relationship with Him, but He wants so much to forgive and restore us that Jesus became human and died on the cross for us, then rose from the grave (more on our “Know Jesus” page). Consider taking some time to confess any sins that come to mind to God and thank Him for His sure forgiveness through Jesus. “Therefore repent and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped out.” Acts 3:19 (CSB)

READ: JOHN 15:12-17; ROMANS 5:10-11 When you look around at school or at church, how can you tell which people are friends with each other? It’s pretty easy, right? They hang out together. They choose to sit near each other, they talk and laugh and update each other on their lives. They might do things together like play games or sports or work on projects. After a while, they probably start acting like each other too. Friendship really is a great gift from God. He designed us for community with other people…and with Himself. And even though humanity turned away from God, rejecting Him and becoming His enemies, the Bible tells us Jesus has made us friends with God through His death and resurrection. In Jesus, God made the way to forgive our sins and draw us close. So, how can you tell if someone is friends with God? If they spend time with Him. After all, that’s how friendships grow—by spending time together. We became God’s friends when we put our trust in Jesus. Now we can grow in that relationship by hanging out with Him. And Jesus showed us what kind of friendship He wants to have with us when He came and lived among us. The God of the Universe did life with people. Jesus ate, traveled, sailed, fished, went to parties, went to synagogue, and sang hymns with His followers. He taught them, healed them, and He also listened to them. Being friends with Jesus is pretty amazing when you think about it. Today, even though we’re waiting for Jesus to return to earth the same way He ascended into heaven, we can still do life with Him because His Holy Spirit lives inside Christians. We can talk to Him, and listen to Him talk to us, as we pray and read and study His Word—the Bible—both by ourselves and with other Christians. And the more we get to know Jesus, the easier it will be to discern His voice, kind of like how you can recognize your friends’ voices even in a crowded room. No matter what we’re doing or where we are, we can choose to interact with Jesus. He is always eager to listen to us, help us, and share our joys and sorrows with us. Friendship with God is the most wonderful friendship we’ll ever experience. And as our relationship with Him grows, we’ll treat other people in a more loving way because we’ve experienced God’s love for us. More and more, our decisions will reflect His love. • A. W. Smith • In what ways do you want to grow in your friendship with Jesus? Has spending time with Him already affected the things you value and the ways you treat others? How so? (1 John 4:19) So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God. Romans 5:11 (NLT) 

READ: JOHN 15:12-17; ROMANS 5:10-11 When you look around at school or at church, how can you tell which people are friends with each other? It’s pretty easy, right? They hang out together. They choose to sit near each other, they talk and laugh and update each other on their lives. They might do things together like play games or sports or work on projects. After a while, they probably start acting like each other too. Friendship really is a great gift from God. He designed us for community with other people…and with Himself. And even though humanity turned away from God, rejecting Him and becoming His enemies, the Bible tells us Jesus has made us friends with God through His death and resurrection. In Jesus, God made the way to forgive our sins and draw us close. So, how can you tell if someone is friends with God? If they spend time with Him. After all, that’s how friendships grow—by spending time together. We became God’s friends when we put our trust in Jesus. Now we can grow in that relationship by hanging out with Him. And Jesus showed us what kind of friendship He wants to have with us when He came and lived among us. The God of the Universe did life with people. Jesus ate, traveled, sailed, fished, went to parties, went to synagogue, and sang hymns with His followers. He taught them, healed them, and He also listened to them. Being friends with Jesus is pretty amazing when you think about it. Today, even though we’re waiting for Jesus to return to earth the same way He ascended into heaven, we can still do life with Him because His Holy Spirit lives inside Christians. We can talk to Him, and listen to Him talk to us, as we pray and read and study His Word—the Bible—both by ourselves and with other Christians. And the more we get to know Jesus, the easier it will be to discern His voice, kind of like how you can recognize your friends’ voices even in a crowded room. No matter what we’re doing or where we are, we can choose to interact with Jesus. He is always eager to listen to us, help us, and share our joys and sorrows with us. Friendship with God is the most wonderful friendship we’ll ever experience. And as our relationship with Him grows, we’ll treat other people in a more loving way because we’ve experienced God’s love for us. More and more, our decisions will reflect His love. • A. W. Smith • In what ways do you want to grow in your friendship with Jesus? Has spending time with Him already affected the things you value and the ways you treat others? How so? (1 John 4:19) So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God. Romans 5:11 (NLT) 

READ: JOHN 15:12-17; ROMANS 5:10-11 When you look around at school or at church, how can you tell which people are friends with each other? It’s pretty easy, right? They hang out together. They choose to sit near each other, they talk and laugh and update each other on their lives. They might do things together like play games or sports or work on projects. After a while, they probably start acting like each other too. Friendship really is a great gift from God. He designed us for community with other people…and with Himself. And even though humanity turned away from God, rejecting Him and becoming His enemies, the Bible tells us Jesus has made us friends with God through His death and resurrection. In Jesus, God made the way to forgive our sins and draw us close. So, how can you tell if someone is friends with God? If they spend time with Him. After all, that’s how friendships grow—by spending time together. We became God’s friends when we put our trust in Jesus. Now we can grow in that relationship by hanging out with Him. And Jesus showed us what kind of friendship He wants to have with us when He came and lived among us. The God of the Universe did life with people. Jesus ate, traveled, sailed, fished, went to parties, went to synagogue, and sang hymns with His followers. He taught them, healed them, and He also listened to them. Being friends with Jesus is pretty amazing when you think about it. Today, even though we’re waiting for Jesus to return to earth the same way He ascended into heaven, we can still do life with Him because His Holy Spirit lives inside Christians. We can talk to Him, and listen to Him talk to us, as we pray and read and study His Word—the Bible—both by ourselves and with other Christians. And the more we get to know Jesus, the easier it will be to discern His voice, kind of like how you can recognize your friends’ voices even in a crowded room. No matter what we’re doing or where we are, we can choose to interact with Jesus. He is always eager to listen to us, help us, and share our joys and sorrows with us. Friendship with God is the most wonderful friendship we’ll ever experience. And as our relationship with Him grows, we’ll treat other people in a more loving way because we’ve experienced God’s love for us. More and more, our decisions will reflect His love. • A. W. Smith • In what ways do you want to grow in your friendship with Jesus? Has spending time with Him already affected the things you value and the ways you treat others? How so? (1 John 4:19) So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God. Romans 5:11 (NLT) 

READ: PSALM 107:1, 23-32; MATTHEW 8:23-27 My life lately has been more like a ship tossed around on a stormy sea than a little canoe making its way across a peaceful pond. Relationship issues have come up and I have dealt with loss. As much as I want peace, it is hard to find. Nothing has come easy for me. I identify with the merchants mentioned in Psalm 107. Out on the sea, they experienced waves and scary conditions. The waves took them up high and then dropped them down low. They moved around without knowing what to do, trying to figure out a way through the storm, trying to make it on their own. They could not figure out a way to travel safely. Then, they did something that I have been doing a lot of lately. They cried out to God. The noisy storm was stilled. Everything calmed down. God was right there with the merchants, with all who were on the ship and afraid. Can God do the same for us? When I have reached out to Him in the storms of life that I have faced, I have definitely felt His presence. I have found Him waiting to move into action. I have found that I am never alone. We are never alone. • Emily Acker • What kinds of storms have you been facing lately? When we are afraid and life is chaotic, God is right there with us. He doesn’t expect us to figure things out by ourselves. He alone has the power to calm the storms. And He loves us so much that Jesus, God in flesh, died and rose again to make the way to be with us. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we can know that He is always at our side. By defeating sin, death, and the devil, He has already saved us from the storm of being lost forever. So now the storms of life, as bad as they are, pale in comparison. As Christians, we can be sure that Jesus is always moving into action on our behalf, whether it be in the storms of our unbelief and sin, or the storms of other areas of our lives. And one day, He will return to calm every storm and get rid of all fear and chaos for good. • Jesus is always with us through His Holy Spirit, His Word (the Bible), and His people (the church), giving us peace even in the midst of the storm. Can you think of a time you’ve felt God’s presence and peace in the midst of a storm? If so, what was it like? Consider taking a moment to ask God to help you know His peace and presence. He delights in answering these prayers. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. Psalm 107:29 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 107:1, 23-32; MATTHEW 8:23-27 My life lately has been more like a ship tossed around on a stormy sea than a little canoe making its way across a peaceful pond. Relationship issues have come up and I have dealt with loss. As much as I want peace, it is hard to find. Nothing has come easy for me. I identify with the merchants mentioned in Psalm 107. Out on the sea, they experienced waves and scary conditions. The waves took them up high and then dropped them down low. They moved around without knowing what to do, trying to figure out a way through the storm, trying to make it on their own. They could not figure out a way to travel safely. Then, they did something that I have been doing a lot of lately. They cried out to God. The noisy storm was stilled. Everything calmed down. God was right there with the merchants, with all who were on the ship and afraid. Can God do the same for us? When I have reached out to Him in the storms of life that I have faced, I have definitely felt His presence. I have found Him waiting to move into action. I have found that I am never alone. We are never alone. • Emily Acker • What kinds of storms have you been facing lately? When we are afraid and life is chaotic, God is right there with us. He doesn’t expect us to figure things out by ourselves. He alone has the power to calm the storms. And He loves us so much that Jesus, God in flesh, died and rose again to make the way to be with us. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we can know that He is always at our side. By defeating sin, death, and the devil, He has already saved us from the storm of being lost forever. So now the storms of life, as bad as they are, pale in comparison. As Christians, we can be sure that Jesus is always moving into action on our behalf, whether it be in the storms of our unbelief and sin, or the storms of other areas of our lives. And one day, He will return to calm every storm and get rid of all fear and chaos for good. • Jesus is always with us through His Holy Spirit, His Word (the Bible), and His people (the church), giving us peace even in the midst of the storm. Can you think of a time you’ve felt God’s presence and peace in the midst of a storm? If so, what was it like? Consider taking a moment to ask God to help you know His peace and presence. He delights in answering these prayers. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. Psalm 107:29 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 107:1, 23-32; MATTHEW 8:23-27 My life lately has been more like a ship tossed around on a stormy sea than a little canoe making its way across a peaceful pond. Relationship issues have come up and I have dealt with loss. As much as I want peace, it is hard to find. Nothing has come easy for me. I identify with the merchants mentioned in Psalm 107. Out on the sea, they experienced waves and scary conditions. The waves took them up high and then dropped them down low. They moved around without knowing what to do, trying to figure out a way through the storm, trying to make it on their own. They could not figure out a way to travel safely. Then, they did something that I have been doing a lot of lately. They cried out to God. The noisy storm was stilled. Everything calmed down. God was right there with the merchants, with all who were on the ship and afraid. Can God do the same for us? When I have reached out to Him in the storms of life that I have faced, I have definitely felt His presence. I have found Him waiting to move into action. I have found that I am never alone. We are never alone. • Emily Acker • What kinds of storms have you been facing lately? When we are afraid and life is chaotic, God is right there with us. He doesn’t expect us to figure things out by ourselves. He alone has the power to calm the storms. And He loves us so much that Jesus, God in flesh, died and rose again to make the way to be with us. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we can know that He is always at our side. By defeating sin, death, and the devil, He has already saved us from the storm of being lost forever. So now the storms of life, as bad as they are, pale in comparison. As Christians, we can be sure that Jesus is always moving into action on our behalf, whether it be in the storms of our unbelief and sin, or the storms of other areas of our lives. And one day, He will return to calm every storm and get rid of all fear and chaos for good. • Jesus is always with us through His Holy Spirit, His Word (the Bible), and His people (the church), giving us peace even in the midst of the storm. Can you think of a time you’ve felt God’s presence and peace in the midst of a storm? If so, what was it like? Consider taking a moment to ask God to help you know His peace and presence. He delights in answering these prayers. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. Psalm 107:29 (NIV) 

READ: ISAIAH 61:1-3; LAMENTATIONS 3:22-26; LUKE 4:14-21 Picture this. You’re standing barefoot on the shores of a beautiful ocean. As you walk along the water’s edge, breathing in the salty air and feeling the cool spray of the sea, you stop. You’ve seen something that catches your eye: a little orange starfish just offshore. You get closer, and your heart sinks when you see that two of its arms are broken off. But then you notice…two of its feet are moving. It’s alive. And that means it will live, because starfish can regenerate, growing new arms to replace the old ones. That’s how God created them. He made it so that a wounded starfish can begin a new life. Did you know that God also makes the way for us to begin again? When we go through times of transition in our lives, it can feel like part of us has been broken off, kind of like that starfish. Life changes can come in many forms, whether it be moving to a new place, changing schools or churches, losing a friendship, going through family upheaval like divorce, receiving a diagnosis that will change your life or the life of someone you care about, or experiencing the death of a loved one. But even when we’re hurting, there is hope. God sees all our hurts, and He hasn’t left us alone in our pain. Because of His great love for us, Jesus died and rose again for us so that our lives can be regenerated. As Christians, we began a new life when we trusted Jesus as our Savior, and He promises to be with us in every new beginning. It can be scary to begin again, but with Jesus’s help, we can start a new chapter of our life even in the ashes of disappointment and grief. We may have doubts that things could ever be as good as they were before. But in every change we go through, Jesus goes with us. In times of uncertainty, when things feel unsettling and frightening and frustrating, we can trust Him to help us adjust and find new ways to live and heal and grow. If a starfish can begin again, we can too. • A. W. Smith • Have you gone through a major life change recently? How might God be inviting you to begin again? Who are trusted people in your life you can talk with about this change—such as parents, counselors, friends, teachers, etc.? • When you have faced disappointment in the past, were there any ways you noticed God’s presence with you? How did His love help you begin again? Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV) 

READ: ISAIAH 61:1-3; LAMENTATIONS 3:22-26; LUKE 4:14-21 Picture this. You’re standing barefoot on the shores of a beautiful ocean. As you walk along the water’s edge, breathing in the salty air and feeling the cool spray of the sea, you stop. You’ve seen something that catches your eye: a little orange starfish just offshore. You get closer, and your heart sinks when you see that two of its arms are broken off. But then you notice…two of its feet are moving. It’s alive. And that means it will live, because starfish can regenerate, growing new arms to replace the old ones. That’s how God created them. He made it so that a wounded starfish can begin a new life. Did you know that God also makes the way for us to begin again? When we go through times of transition in our lives, it can feel like part of us has been broken off, kind of like that starfish. Life changes can come in many forms, whether it be moving to a new place, changing schools or churches, losing a friendship, going through family upheaval like divorce, receiving a diagnosis that will change your life or the life of someone you care about, or experiencing the death of a loved one. But even when we’re hurting, there is hope. God sees all our hurts, and He hasn’t left us alone in our pain. Because of His great love for us, Jesus died and rose again for us so that our lives can be regenerated. As Christians, we began a new life when we trusted Jesus as our Savior, and He promises to be with us in every new beginning. It can be scary to begin again, but with Jesus’s help, we can start a new chapter of our life even in the ashes of disappointment and grief. We may have doubts that things could ever be as good as they were before. But in every change we go through, Jesus goes with us. In times of uncertainty, when things feel unsettling and frightening and frustrating, we can trust Him to help us adjust and find new ways to live and heal and grow. If a starfish can begin again, we can too. • A. W. Smith • Have you gone through a major life change recently? How might God be inviting you to begin again? Who are trusted people in your life you can talk with about this change—such as parents, counselors, friends, teachers, etc.? • When you have faced disappointment in the past, were there any ways you noticed God’s presence with you? How did His love help you begin again? Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV) 

READ: ISAIAH 61:1-3; LAMENTATIONS 3:22-26; LUKE 4:14-21 Picture this. You’re standing barefoot on the shores of a beautiful ocean. As you walk along the water’s edge, breathing in the salty air and feeling the cool spray of the sea, you stop. You’ve seen something that catches your eye: a little orange starfish just offshore. You get closer, and your heart sinks when you see that two of its arms are broken off. But then you notice…two of its feet are moving. It’s alive. And that means it will live, because starfish can regenerate, growing new arms to replace the old ones. That’s how God created them. He made it so that a wounded starfish can begin a new life. Did you know that God also makes the way for us to begin again? When we go through times of transition in our lives, it can feel like part of us has been broken off, kind of like that starfish. Life changes can come in many forms, whether it be moving to a new place, changing schools or churches, losing a friendship, going through family upheaval like divorce, receiving a diagnosis that will change your life or the life of someone you care about, or experiencing the death of a loved one. But even when we’re hurting, there is hope. God sees all our hurts, and He hasn’t left us alone in our pain. Because of His great love for us, Jesus died and rose again for us so that our lives can be regenerated. As Christians, we began a new life when we trusted Jesus as our Savior, and He promises to be with us in every new beginning. It can be scary to begin again, but with Jesus’s help, we can start a new chapter of our life even in the ashes of disappointment and grief. We may have doubts that things could ever be as good as they were before. But in every change we go through, Jesus goes with us. In times of uncertainty, when things feel unsettling and frightening and frustrating, we can trust Him to help us adjust and find new ways to live and heal and grow. If a starfish can begin again, we can too. • A. W. Smith • Have you gone through a major life change recently? How might God be inviting you to begin again? Who are trusted people in your life you can talk with about this change—such as parents, counselors, friends, teachers, etc.? • When you have faced disappointment in the past, were there any ways you noticed God’s presence with you? How did His love help you begin again? Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV) 

READ: MATTHEW 22:35-40; JOHN 6:27-29; 1 JOHN 4:7-19 There’s so much pressure on me…I can’t do everything my parents want me to do. I can’t please all of my teachers. I can’t be someone others look up to. I can’t do it all. What does God require of me? How am I going to do that—how am I going to please Him, on top of everything else? Have you ever had thoughts like these? You’re not alone. Life gets busy, and it gets hard. In these times—and everyday—what is it that God requires of us? His command for us is a simple one: believe and love. The apostle John writes, “Now this is his command: that we believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another as he commanded us” (1 John 3:23). First, we are to believe that God has saved us. We are to believe in the cross, the sacrifice, the death, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We are to rely on what He has done—not on anything we do or don’t do. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we can know that He is always there for us and that we will have everlasting life with Him (Romans 10:9-13). Isn’t that wonderful news? Second, we are to love. Because God first loved us, we are able to love Him and others (1 John 4:19). Once we know Jesus, we have His Holy Spirit living in us, so we are able to love like Jesus does. Love our families. Love our friends. Love our enemies. See the world with His loving eyes, looking for those who are hurting and showing them His love. So, when we start to feel overwhelmed by the expectations others have put on us—or maybe the expectations we’ve put on ourselves—we can remember that Jesus has freed us from all this condemnation and fear (Matthew 11:28-30; Romans 8:1; 1 John 4:18). God has kept things simple for us. He simply calls us to abide in Jesus (John 15:1-17), to live a life of believing in Him and loving Him and those around us. • Emily Acker • Do you ever feel like there is so much required of you that you are overwhelmed and you just want to give up? Who are trusted Christians in your life who can remind you of how much God loves you, what He truly expects of you, and how eager He is to help you? Now this is his command: that we believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another as he commanded us. 1 John 3:23 (CSB) 

READ: MATTHEW 22:35-40; JOHN 6:27-29; 1 JOHN 4:7-19 There’s so much pressure on me…I can’t do everything my parents want me to do. I can’t please all of my teachers. I can’t be someone others look up to. I can’t do it all. What does God require of me? How am I going to do that—how am I going to please Him, on top of everything else? Have you ever had thoughts like these? You’re not alone. Life gets busy, and it gets hard. In these times—and everyday—what is it that God requires of us? His command for us is a simple one: believe and love. The apostle John writes, “Now this is his command: that we believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another as he commanded us” (1 John 3:23). First, we are to believe that God has saved us. We are to believe in the cross, the sacrifice, the death, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We are to rely on what He has done—not on anything we do or don’t do. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we can know that He is always there for us and that we will have everlasting life with Him (Romans 10:9-13). Isn’t that wonderful news? Second, we are to love. Because God first loved us, we are able to love Him and others (1 John 4:19). Once we know Jesus, we have His Holy Spirit living in us, so we are able to love like Jesus does. Love our families. Love our friends. Love our enemies. See the world with His loving eyes, looking for those who are hurting and showing them His love. So, when we start to feel overwhelmed by the expectations others have put on us—or maybe the expectations we’ve put on ourselves—we can remember that Jesus has freed us from all this condemnation and fear (Matthew 11:28-30; Romans 8:1; 1 John 4:18). God has kept things simple for us. He simply calls us to abide in Jesus (John 15:1-17), to live a life of believing in Him and loving Him and those around us. • Emily Acker • Do you ever feel like there is so much required of you that you are overwhelmed and you just want to give up? Who are trusted Christians in your life who can remind you of how much God loves you, what He truly expects of you, and how eager He is to help you? Now this is his command: that we believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another as he commanded us. 1 John 3:23 (CSB) 

READ: MATTHEW 22:35-40; JOHN 6:27-29; 1 JOHN 4:7-19 There’s so much pressure on me…I can’t do everything my parents want me to do. I can’t please all of my teachers. I can’t be someone others look up to. I can’t do it all. What does God require of me? How am I going to do that—how am I going to please Him, on top of everything else? Have you ever had thoughts like these? You’re not alone. Life gets busy, and it gets hard. In these times—and everyday—what is it that God requires of us? His command for us is a simple one: believe and love. The apostle John writes, “Now this is his command: that we believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another as he commanded us” (1 John 3:23). First, we are to believe that God has saved us. We are to believe in the cross, the sacrifice, the death, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We are to rely on what He has done—not on anything we do or don’t do. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we can know that He is always there for us and that we will have everlasting life with Him (Romans 10:9-13). Isn’t that wonderful news? Second, we are to love. Because God first loved us, we are able to love Him and others (1 John 4:19). Once we know Jesus, we have His Holy Spirit living in us, so we are able to love like Jesus does. Love our families. Love our friends. Love our enemies. See the world with His loving eyes, looking for those who are hurting and showing them His love. So, when we start to feel overwhelmed by the expectations others have put on us—or maybe the expectations we’ve put on ourselves—we can remember that Jesus has freed us from all this condemnation and fear (Matthew 11:28-30; Romans 8:1; 1 John 4:18). God has kept things simple for us. He simply calls us to abide in Jesus (John 15:1-17), to live a life of believing in Him and loving Him and those around us. • Emily Acker • Do you ever feel like there is so much required of you that you are overwhelmed and you just want to give up? Who are trusted Christians in your life who can remind you of how much God loves you, what He truly expects of you, and how eager He is to help you? Now this is his command: that we believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another as he commanded us. 1 John 3:23 (CSB) 

READ: MARK 13:11; 1 CORINTHIANS 3:5-9; 1 PETER 2:12; 3:13-18 Have you ever eaten sprouts—like bean sprouts with rice noodles or broccoli sprouts with salad? They’re crunchy, delicious, and nutrient-dense. And they’re pretty easy to grow! Recently, I started growing my own sprouts. I took a seed mix, sprinkled it onto a sprouting tray, put water in the tray, and drained and rinsed the seeds three times a day for about five days. The first time I grew sprouts was a pretty messy process! After I rinsed and refilled the tray each time, little seeds and sprouts fell out of the tray, littering my sink and counter. Rogue seedlings escaped every time. And when I harvested the sprouts—pulling them out of the tray by handfuls, drying them in a kitchen towel, and laying them on a drying rack on the dining room table—sprouts were EVERYWHERE. My kitchen towels and dining room table were covered in escaped sprouts. I scooped them up to feed to the chickens, who were very appreciative. This whole experience reminded me of sharing the gospel. Often, we have a set idea of what it looks like to share the gospel with someone. We think, “I have to approach this person in this way and use these exact words, and then they’ll come to know Jesus!” But the truth is, the seeds of the gospel are not so easily contained. When we put our trust in Jesus, believing in His death and resurrection, His Holy Spirit lives in us, creating new growth in us and carefully tending to the seedlings of our faith. And, much like my first time growing sprouts, those seedlings and sprouts that grow in us spill out even when we don’t plan on it. The gospel permeates every aspect of our lives, so spreading the gospel isn’t a single, containable part of following Jesus. It’s wild and unrestrained, tumbling out of us in ways we may not have expected. Whenever we follow God’s good ways, we are showing others what the gospel looks like. How amazing is that? God uses every part of our lives to show His goodness. Only He knows all the seedlings you’ve unintentionally planted. And He will faithfully tend them. • Taylor Eising • God may put us in unique situations to show someone who He is—or use a small interaction with someone to spread the gospel in ways we couldn’t have imagined. Have you ever seen God use an unexpected situation or interaction to show people who He is? What was that like? “In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:16 (NLT) 

READ: MARK 13:11; 1 CORINTHIANS 3:5-9; 1 PETER 2:12; 3:13-18 Have you ever eaten sprouts—like bean sprouts with rice noodles or broccoli sprouts with salad? They’re crunchy, delicious, and nutrient-dense. And they’re pretty easy to grow! Recently, I started growing my own sprouts. I took a seed mix, sprinkled it onto a sprouting tray, put water in the tray, and drained and rinsed the seeds three times a day for about five days. The first time I grew sprouts was a pretty messy process! After I rinsed and refilled the tray each time, little seeds and sprouts fell out of the tray, littering my sink and counter. Rogue seedlings escaped every time. And when I harvested the sprouts—pulling them out of the tray by handfuls, drying them in a kitchen towel, and laying them on a drying rack on the dining room table—sprouts were EVERYWHERE. My kitchen towels and dining room table were covered in escaped sprouts. I scooped them up to feed to the chickens, who were very appreciative. This whole experience reminded me of sharing the gospel. Often, we have a set idea of what it looks like to share the gospel with someone. We think, “I have to approach this person in this way and use these exact words, and then they’ll come to know Jesus!” But the truth is, the seeds of the gospel are not so easily contained. When we put our trust in Jesus, believing in His death and resurrection, His Holy Spirit lives in us, creating new growth in us and carefully tending to the seedlings of our faith. And, much like my first time growing sprouts, those seedlings and sprouts that grow in us spill out even when we don’t plan on it. The gospel permeates every aspect of our lives, so spreading the gospel isn’t a single, containable part of following Jesus. It’s wild and unrestrained, tumbling out of us in ways we may not have expected. Whenever we follow God’s good ways, we are showing others what the gospel looks like. How amazing is that? God uses every part of our lives to show His goodness. Only He knows all the seedlings you’ve unintentionally planted. And He will faithfully tend them. • Taylor Eising • God may put us in unique situations to show someone who He is—or use a small interaction with someone to spread the gospel in ways we couldn’t have imagined. Have you ever seen God use an unexpected situation or interaction to show people who He is? What was that like? “In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:16 (NLT) 

READ: MARK 13:11; 1 CORINTHIANS 3:5-9; 1 PETER 2:12; 3:13-18 Have you ever eaten sprouts—like bean sprouts with rice noodles or broccoli sprouts with salad? They’re crunchy, delicious, and nutrient-dense. And they’re pretty easy to grow! Recently, I started growing my own sprouts. I took a seed mix, sprinkled it onto a sprouting tray, put water in the tray, and drained and rinsed the seeds three times a day for about five days. The first time I grew sprouts was a pretty messy process! After I rinsed and refilled the tray each time, little seeds and sprouts fell out of the tray, littering my sink and counter. Rogue seedlings escaped every time. And when I harvested the sprouts—pulling them out of the tray by handfuls, drying them in a kitchen towel, and laying them on a drying rack on the dining room table—sprouts were EVERYWHERE. My kitchen towels and dining room table were covered in escaped sprouts. I scooped them up to feed to the chickens, who were very appreciative. This whole experience reminded me of sharing the gospel. Often, we have a set idea of what it looks like to share the gospel with someone. We think, “I have to approach this person in this way and use these exact words, and then they’ll come to know Jesus!” But the truth is, the seeds of the gospel are not so easily contained. When we put our trust in Jesus, believing in His death and resurrection, His Holy Spirit lives in us, creating new growth in us and carefully tending to the seedlings of our faith. And, much like my first time growing sprouts, those seedlings and sprouts that grow in us spill out even when we don’t plan on it. The gospel permeates every aspect of our lives, so spreading the gospel isn’t a single, containable part of following Jesus. It’s wild and unrestrained, tumbling out of us in ways we may not have expected. Whenever we follow God’s good ways, we are showing others what the gospel looks like. How amazing is that? God uses every part of our lives to show His goodness. Only He knows all the seedlings you’ve unintentionally planted. And He will faithfully tend them. • Taylor Eising • God may put us in unique situations to show someone who He is—or use a small interaction with someone to spread the gospel in ways we couldn’t have imagined. Have you ever seen God use an unexpected situation or interaction to show people who He is? What was that like? “In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:16 (NLT) 

READ: PSALM 23; ISAIAH 49:16; 2 TIMOTHY 3:16 As far as I can remember, the first Bible verse I learned was Psalm 23:6, “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” I was probably about ten years old. At that time, my parents were not Christian, so we didn’t have any Bibles at home. So where did I learn the verse Psalm 23:6? It was from an obituary! I grew up in Singapore, and obituaries in newspapers could cover the entire page, and they usually included a Bible verse if the deceased person was a Christian. Psalm 23:6 hits a chord in me. It is a beautiful promise and assurance from God! I was young at that time and thought the word Psalm was printed wrongly and was supposed to be Palm. I also thought the number 23:6 was probably a house number. I still find it funny when I think about it now. Later in my life, my parents and I became Christians. I found out that the word psalm is, in fact, spelled correctly. But still, I hoped it had something to do with “palm.” When I first read Isaiah 49:16, “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands,” I was delighted to see the word palm. But more importantly, I got to know that God loves me very much! Since first reading Psalm 23:6, I’ve observed that Psalm 23 is often used in funerals. When my grandma passed away, the pastor preached on this passage, reminding us that God is with us during our bad times, good times, and even boring times. For someone like Grandma, who stayed at home most of the time, life can be boring. It reminds me of the pandemic time when we were stuck at home. It was a challenging time. But Psalm 23 encourages us to trust in Jesus as He is our shepherd (John 10:11). He died and rose again so we could always be with Him, and He speaks to us through His Word, revealing how much He loves us. • Kelly Choy • Do you remember the first Bible verse you ever learned? Do you have a favorite Bible verse? • Although Psalm 23:6 isn’t referring to a house number, we can have the assurance of living in God’s house forever by putting our trust in Jesus! Find out more about this good news on our "Know Jesus" page. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:6 (NIV)

READ: PSALM 23; ISAIAH 49:16; 2 TIMOTHY 3:16 As far as I can remember, the first Bible verse I learned was Psalm 23:6, “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” I was probably about ten years old. At that time, my parents were not Christian, so we didn’t have any Bibles at home. So where did I learn the verse Psalm 23:6? It was from an obituary! I grew up in Singapore, and obituaries in newspapers could cover the entire page, and they usually included a Bible verse if the deceased person was a Christian. Psalm 23:6 hits a chord in me. It is a beautiful promise and assurance from God! I was young at that time and thought the word Psalm was printed wrongly and was supposed to be Palm. I also thought the number 23:6 was probably a house number. I still find it funny when I think about it now. Later in my life, my parents and I became Christians. I found out that the word psalm is, in fact, spelled correctly. But still, I hoped it had something to do with “palm.” When I first read Isaiah 49:16, “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands,” I was delighted to see the word palm. But more importantly, I got to know that God loves me very much! Since first reading Psalm 23:6, I’ve observed that Psalm 23 is often used in funerals. When my grandma passed away, the pastor preached on this passage, reminding us that God is with us during our bad times, good times, and even boring times. For someone like Grandma, who stayed at home most of the time, life can be boring. It reminds me of the pandemic time when we were stuck at home. It was a challenging time. But Psalm 23 encourages us to trust in Jesus as He is our shepherd (John 10:11). He died and rose again so we could always be with Him, and He speaks to us through His Word, revealing how much He loves us. • Kelly Choy • Do you remember the first Bible verse you ever learned? Do you have a favorite Bible verse? • Although Psalm 23:6 isn’t referring to a house number, we can have the assurance of living in God’s house forever by putting our trust in Jesus! Find out more about this good news on our “Know Jesus” page. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23:6 (NIV)

READ: PSALM 23; ISAIAH 49:16; 2 TIMOTHY 3:16 As far as I can remember, the first Bible verse I learned was Psalm 23:6, “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” I was probably about ten years old. At that time, my parents were not Christian, so we didn’t have any Bibles at home. So where did I learn the verse Psalm 23:6? It was from an obituary! I grew up in Singapore, and obituaries in newspapers could cover the entire page, and they usually included a Bible verse if the deceased person was a Christian. Psalm 23:6 hits a chord in me. It is a beautiful promise and assurance from God! I was young at that time and thought the word Psalm was printed wrongly and was supposed to be Palm. I also thought the number 23:6 was probably a house number. I still find it funny when I think about it now. Later in my life, my parents and I became Christians. I found out that the word psalm is, in fact, spelled correctly. But still, I hoped it had something to do with “palm.” When I first read Isaiah 49:16, “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands,” I was delighted to see the word palm. But more importantly, I got to know that God loves me very much! Since first reading Psalm 23:6, I’ve observed that Psalm 23 is often used in funerals. When my grandma passed away, the pastor preached on this passage, reminding us that God is with us during our bad times, good times, and even boring times. For someone like Grandma, who stayed at home most of the time, life can be boring. It reminds me of the pandemic time when we were stuck at home. It was a challenging time. But Psalm 23 encourages us to trust in Jesus as He is our shepherd (John 10:11). He died and rose again so we could always be with Him, and He speaks to us through His Word, revealing how much He loves us. • Kelly Choy • Do you remember the first Bible verse you ever learned? Do you have a favorite Bible verse? • Although Psalm 23:6 isn’t referring to a house number, we can have the assurance of living in God’s house forever by putting our trust in Jesus! Find out more about this good news on our “Know Jesus” page. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23:6 (NIV)

READ: JOHN 11:28-36, HEBREWS 4:14-16 Composed of just two little words, John 11:35 is recognized as the shortest verse in the entire Bible; John simply wrote, “Jesus wept.” Because of how short it is, this verse is quite well known among Christians, but have you ever given much thought to its implications? The verses surrounding John 11:35 tell us that Jesus’s friend, Lazarus, had died. Now, if you’re familiar with this story, you know that Lazarus didn’t stay dead. Jesus knew this too. But still, the Bible tells us that “Jesus wept.” In this moment, we see that both His compassion for the people around Him and the tenderness of His humanity brought Jesus Himself, the Savior of the world, to tears. Besides making for a touching scene, why does this verse matter? Another passage, Hebrews 4:14-15, tells us about a Great High Priest, the Son of God Himself, who can empathize with our weaknesses. Jesus came to earth to save sinners, being both fully God and fully man (Colossians 2:9). Jesus knows what it’s like to be human. He knows what it’s like to be tempted (although, unlike us, He never once gave in). He knows what it’s like to experience pain. He knows what it’s like to cry. And this same Jesus is now our Great High Priest, the One who intercedes for us (Romans 8:34). Jesus is sinless, but because God loves us, He took all our sins upon Himself on the cross (1 Peter 2:24). He died for us, and then He rose again, making the way for us to be forgiven and brought near to God. Because of Jesus’s sacrifice, we can “approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). We don’t have to be ashamed to ask Jesus for help and admit our weakness because He understands. In fact, we can approach Him confidently! Whenever we find ourselves on our knees before God, pleading for grace, we can take comfort in the fact that Jesus can truly empathize with our weakness. He, too, wept. • Katherine Billingsley • We can come to Jesus with all our sins and all our struggles because, being human, He fully understands our pain, and being God, He is the only one who can do something about it. What might God be inviting you to bring to His throne of grace today? How could the truth that Jesus empathizes with you give you boldness to approach Him? Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 (CSB)  

READ: JOHN 11:28-36, HEBREWS 4:14-16 Composed of just two little words, John 11:35 is recognized as the shortest verse in the entire Bible; John simply wrote, “Jesus wept.” Because of how short it is, this verse is quite well known among Christians, but have you ever given much thought to its implications? The verses surrounding John 11:35 tell us that Jesus’s friend, Lazarus, had died. Now, if you’re familiar with this story, you know that Lazarus didn’t stay dead. Jesus knew this too. But still, the Bible tells us that “Jesus wept.” In this moment, we see that both His compassion for the people around Him and the tenderness of His humanity brought Jesus Himself, the Savior of the world, to tears. Besides making for a touching scene, why does this verse matter? Another passage, Hebrews 4:14-15, tells us about a Great High Priest, the Son of God Himself, who can empathize with our weaknesses. Jesus came to earth to save sinners, being both fully God and fully man (Colossians 2:9). Jesus knows what it’s like to be human. He knows what it’s like to be tempted (although, unlike us, He never once gave in). He knows what it’s like to experience pain. He knows what it’s like to cry. And this same Jesus is now our Great High Priest, the One who intercedes for us (Romans 8:34). Jesus is sinless, but because God loves us, He took all our sins upon Himself on the cross (1 Peter 2:24). He died for us, and then He rose again, making the way for us to be forgiven and brought near to God. Because of Jesus’s sacrifice, we can “approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). We don’t have to be ashamed to ask Jesus for help and admit our weakness because He understands. In fact, we can approach Him confidently! Whenever we find ourselves on our knees before God, pleading for grace, we can take comfort in the fact that Jesus can truly empathize with our weakness. He, too, wept. • Katherine Billingsley • We can come to Jesus with all our sins and all our struggles because, being human, He fully understands our pain, and being God, He is the only one who can do something about it. What might God be inviting you to bring to His throne of grace today? How could the truth that Jesus empathizes with you give you boldness to approach Him? Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 (CSB)  

READ: JOHN 11:28-36, HEBREWS 4:14-16 Composed of just two little words, John 11:35 is recognized as the shortest verse in the entire Bible; John simply wrote, “Jesus wept.” Because of how short it is, this verse is quite well known among Christians, but have you ever given much thought to its implications? The verses surrounding John 11:35 tell us that Jesus’s friend, Lazarus, had died. Now, if you’re familiar with this story, you know that Lazarus didn’t stay dead. Jesus knew this too. But still, the Bible tells us that “Jesus wept.” In this moment, we see that both His compassion for the people around Him and the tenderness of His humanity brought Jesus Himself, the Savior of the world, to tears. Besides making for a touching scene, why does this verse matter? Another passage, Hebrews 4:14-15, tells us about a Great High Priest, the Son of God Himself, who can empathize with our weaknesses. Jesus came to earth to save sinners, being both fully God and fully man (Colossians 2:9). Jesus knows what it’s like to be human. He knows what it’s like to be tempted (although, unlike us, He never once gave in). He knows what it’s like to experience pain. He knows what it’s like to cry. And this same Jesus is now our Great High Priest, the One who intercedes for us (Romans 8:34). Jesus is sinless, but because God loves us, He took all our sins upon Himself on the cross (1 Peter 2:24). He died for us, and then He rose again, making the way for us to be forgiven and brought near to God. Because of Jesus’s sacrifice, we can “approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). We don’t have to be ashamed to ask Jesus for help and admit our weakness because He understands. In fact, we can approach Him confidently! Whenever we find ourselves on our knees before God, pleading for grace, we can take comfort in the fact that Jesus can truly empathize with our weakness. He, too, wept. • Katherine Billingsley • We can come to Jesus with all our sins and all our struggles because, being human, He fully understands our pain, and being God, He is the only one who can do something about it. What might God be inviting you to bring to His throne of grace today? How could the truth that Jesus empathizes with you give you boldness to approach Him? Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 (CSB)  

READ: GENESIS 1:1-3; JOHN 1:1-18; COLOSSIANS 1:15-20; HEBREWS 1:8-12 Have you ever dreamed of being a paleontologist? There’s something awe-inspiring about fossils, whether you find a rock with an imprint of a leaf or a marine creature on it, or go to a museum where entire skeletons are constructed. It’s amazing what we can discover about the past through what we find in the ground. Do you know how fossils are formed? When a living thing, like a plant or an animal, is buried in mud or clay for years and years, the material around it gets very hard as time goes by. Eventually, the plant or animal dissolves away, leaving openings in the hardened material. Those openings are exactly the shape of the plant or animal that has disappeared. When this process happens with animals, the flesh and hair and feathers wear away first, but the bones, teeth, and horns take longer to decompose. Over time, water finds its way into the cavity in the ground, and the minerals in the water gradually replace the bones and such until there is a complete replica of the original skeleton. This whole process takes quite a while. You might say fossils are “as old as the hills,” to quote an old saying. The ironic thing is, we aren’t even sure exactly how old the hills are. But God knows. He existed long before the earth or anything in it. God is eternal, with no beginning or end. And we’re not just talking about God the Father. Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the Father have always existed. God is one God in three persons—that’s why we sometimes refer to God as the Trinity. Together, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit made the earth and everything in it. And that makes it even more awe-inspiring to realize that God came and lived among us as a human. Jesus is God incarnate, and He experienced all the same things we do, even death. But death could not keep its hold on Him—after three days in the grave, Jesus rose (Acts 2:24). As finite human beings, we can’t totally wrap our minds around these truths—even Bible scholars and pastors can’t quite explain the mysteries of God. Yes, throughout our lives we’ll learn more and more about God, but there will be many things we won’t fully understand until we see Jesus face-to-face, and that’s okay. As we look forward to that glorious day, we can marvel, wonder, and rest in the truth of God’s greatness and eternal love for us. • A. W. Smith • What are some of the mysteries about God that you have trouble wrapping your mind around? Who are trusted Christians in your life you could talk with about these mysteries? All things were created through him [Jesus]… John 1:3a (CSB) 

READ: GENESIS 1:1-3; JOHN 1:1-18; COLOSSIANS 1:15-20; HEBREWS 1:8-12 Have you ever dreamed of being a paleontologist? There’s something awe-inspiring about fossils, whether you find a rock with an imprint of a leaf or a marine creature on it, or go to a museum where entire skeletons are constructed. It’s amazing what we can discover about the past through what we find in the ground. Do you know how fossils are formed? When a living thing, like a plant or an animal, is buried in mud or clay for years and years, the material around it gets very hard as time goes by. Eventually, the plant or animal dissolves away, leaving openings in the hardened material. Those openings are exactly the shape of the plant or animal that has disappeared. When this process happens with animals, the flesh and hair and feathers wear away first, but the bones, teeth, and horns take longer to decompose. Over time, water finds its way into the cavity in the ground, and the minerals in the water gradually replace the bones and such until there is a complete replica of the original skeleton. This whole process takes quite a while. You might say fossils are “as old as the hills,” to quote an old saying. The ironic thing is, we aren’t even sure exactly how old the hills are. But God knows. He existed long before the earth or anything in it. God is eternal, with no beginning or end. And we’re not just talking about God the Father. Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the Father have always existed. God is one God in three persons—that’s why we sometimes refer to God as the Trinity. Together, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit made the earth and everything in it. And that makes it even more awe-inspiring to realize that God came and lived among us as a human. Jesus is God incarnate, and He experienced all the same things we do, even death. But death could not keep its hold on Him—after three days in the grave, Jesus rose (Acts 2:24). As finite human beings, we can’t totally wrap our minds around these truths—even Bible scholars and pastors can’t quite explain the mysteries of God. Yes, throughout our lives we’ll learn more and more about God, but there will be many things we won’t fully understand until we see Jesus face-to-face, and that’s okay. As we look forward to that glorious day, we can marvel, wonder, and rest in the truth of God’s greatness and eternal love for us. • A. W. Smith • What are some of the mysteries about God that you have trouble wrapping your mind around? Who are trusted Christians in your life you could talk with about these mysteries? All things were created through him [Jesus]… John 1:3a (CSB) 

READ: GENESIS 1:1-3; JOHN 1:1-18; COLOSSIANS 1:15-20; HEBREWS 1:8-12 Have you ever dreamed of being a paleontologist? There’s something awe-inspiring about fossils, whether you find a rock with an imprint of a leaf or a marine creature on it, or go to a museum where entire skeletons are constructed. It’s amazing what we can discover about the past through what we find in the ground. Do you know how fossils are formed? When a living thing, like a plant or an animal, is buried in mud or clay for years and years, the material around it gets very hard as time goes by. Eventually, the plant or animal dissolves away, leaving openings in the hardened material. Those openings are exactly the shape of the plant or animal that has disappeared. When this process happens with animals, the flesh and hair and feathers wear away first, but the bones, teeth, and horns take longer to decompose. Over time, water finds its way into the cavity in the ground, and the minerals in the water gradually replace the bones and such until there is a complete replica of the original skeleton. This whole process takes quite a while. You might say fossils are “as old as the hills,” to quote an old saying. The ironic thing is, we aren’t even sure exactly how old the hills are. But God knows. He existed long before the earth or anything in it. God is eternal, with no beginning or end. And we’re not just talking about God the Father. Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the Father have always existed. God is one God in three persons—that’s why we sometimes refer to God as the Trinity. Together, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit made the earth and everything in it. And that makes it even more awe-inspiring to realize that God came and lived among us as a human. Jesus is God incarnate, and He experienced all the same things we do, even death. But death could not keep its hold on Him—after three days in the grave, Jesus rose (Acts 2:24). As finite human beings, we can’t totally wrap our minds around these truths—even Bible scholars and pastors can’t quite explain the mysteries of God. Yes, throughout our lives we’ll learn more and more about God, but there will be many things we won’t fully understand until we see Jesus face-to-face, and that’s okay. As we look forward to that glorious day, we can marvel, wonder, and rest in the truth of God’s greatness and eternal love for us. • A. W. Smith • What are some of the mysteries about God that you have trouble wrapping your mind around? Who are trusted Christians in your life you could talk with about these mysteries? All things were created through him [Jesus]… John 1:3a (CSB) 

READ: PSALM 95:1-6 The ocean…the powerful water coming up to the beach and splashing against it. The beautiful color. The sparkling. The place for people to gather on the sand and spend hours swimming and just enjoying life. Who owns all of that? Who made it? I love the ocean and everything to do with it. I love the Great Lakes. I love small lakes, rushing rivers, and trickling creeks. When I hear the “sea” mentioned in the Bible, I pay attention. Psalm 95 says it is God who has made the water and who is the true Owner of it. It is His because He is the One who has created it. Where would we be without water, without Him sharing it with us? How can we look at the water and not see the power of our God and the greatness of all that He has created and done? As I think about the ocean and the fact that it was formed by God, that it is His, I can’t help but feel awe. My God is amazing. The things that He has accomplished are amazing. How special it is for us to know this God and be saved by Him—the Creator and Owner of things like the ocean and each river and lake. • Emily Acker • Which part of nature amazes you the most? Consider taking a moment to think about how God is the Creator, not just of the whole world, but of that one thing in particular, and praise Him for it. • Have you ever thought of Jesus as the Maker of the sea? Colossians 1:16 says, “everything was created by him, in heaven and on earth.” When Jesus spoke to the wind and waves during a fierce storm, everything became completely calm in an instant, and His disciples said to each other, “Who then is this? Even the wind and the sea obey him!” (Mark 4:41). Have you ever stopped to think about how the God who has created all things is the same God who has such a great love for you that He was willing to humble Himself and die for you (Philippians 2:5-12)? And He is the same God who is therefor you each day. You can know the Maker of the sea, personally, intimately. If you want to know more, see our "Know Jesus" page. Our Lord and God, you are worthy to receive glory and honor and power, because you have created all things, and by your will they exist and were created. Revelation 4:11 (CSB) 

READ: PSALM 95:1-6 The ocean…the powerful water coming up to the beach and splashing against it. The beautiful color. The sparkling. The place for people to gather on the sand and spend hours swimming and just enjoying life. Who owns all of that? Who made it? I love the ocean and everything to do with it. I love the Great Lakes. I love small lakes, rushing rivers, and trickling creeks. When I hear the “sea” mentioned in the Bible, I pay attention. Psalm 95 says it is God who has made the water and who is the true Owner of it. It is His because He is the One who has created it. Where would we be without water, without Him sharing it with us? How can we look at the water and not see the power of our God and the greatness of all that He has created and done? As I think about the ocean and the fact that it was formed by God, that it is His, I can’t help but feel awe. My God is amazing. The things that He has accomplished are amazing. How special it is for us to know this God and be saved by Him—the Creator and Owner of things like the ocean and each river and lake. • Emily Acker • Which part of nature amazes you the most? Consider taking a moment to think about how God is the Creator, not just of the whole world, but of that one thing in particular, and praise Him for it. • Have you ever thought of Jesus as the Maker of the sea? Colossians 1:16 says, “everything was created by him, in heaven and on earth.” When Jesus spoke to the wind and waves during a fierce storm, everything became completely calm in an instant, and His disciples said to each other, “Who then is this? Even the wind and the sea obey him!” (Mark 4:41). Have you ever stopped to think about how the God who has created all things is the same God who has such a great love for you that He was willing to humble Himself and die for you (Philippians 2:5-12)? And He is the same God who is there for you each day. You can know the Maker of the sea, personally, intimately. If you want to know more, see our “Know Jesus” page. Our Lord and God, you are worthy to receive glory and honor and power, because you have created all things, and by your will they exist and were created. Revelation 4:11 (CSB) 

READ: PSALM 95:1-6 The ocean…the powerful water coming up to the beach and splashing against it. The beautiful color. The sparkling. The place for people to gather on the sand and spend hours swimming and just enjoying life. Who owns all of that? Who made it? I love the ocean and everything to do with it. I love the Great Lakes. I love small lakes, rushing rivers, and trickling creeks. When I hear the “sea” mentioned in the Bible, I pay attention. Psalm 95 says it is God who has made the water and who is the true Owner of it. It is His because He is the One who has created it. Where would we be without water, without Him sharing it with us? How can we look at the water and not see the power of our God and the greatness of all that He has created and done? As I think about the ocean and the fact that it was formed by God, that it is His, I can’t help but feel awe. My God is amazing. The things that He has accomplished are amazing. How special it is for us to know this God and be saved by Him—the Creator and Owner of things like the ocean and each river and lake. • Emily Acker • Which part of nature amazes you the most? Consider taking a moment to think about how God is the Creator, not just of the whole world, but of that one thing in particular, and praise Him for it. • Have you ever thought of Jesus as the Maker of the sea? Colossians 1:16 says, “everything was created by him, in heaven and on earth.” When Jesus spoke to the wind and waves during a fierce storm, everything became completely calm in an instant, and His disciples said to each other, “Who then is this? Even the wind and the sea obey him!” (Mark 4:41). Have you ever stopped to think about how the God who has created all things is the same God who has such a great love for you that He was willing to humble Himself and die for you (Philippians 2:5-12)? And He is the same God who is there for you each day. You can know the Maker of the sea, personally, intimately. If you want to know more, see our “Know Jesus” page. Our Lord and God, you are worthy to receive glory and honor and power, because you have created all things, and by your will they exist and were created. Revelation 4:11 (CSB) 

READ: PSALM 91; JOHN 15:1-5; ACTS 16:22-25; COLOSSIANS 3:15-17 Today, while I was getting the hose and sprinkler sorted, I stood in the sunshine. It was nice, for a bit. But eventually the blaring sun was just too much. So, I moved my operation into the shade. Wow, was that better! Standing in the shadow of the house, I could keep on working and ultimately fix the problem with the hose. In life, we can usually handle some discomfort; but we can’t bear up under blazing heat at high noon for long. Our bodies weren’t designed for it. God has made us lovers of shade. As part of God’s great care and provision for His people, He provides the shelter we need in every kind of suffering. He provides Himself. He Himself is the One standing so close by that His shadow is our hiding place (Psalm 32:7). Even better than a house! God’s comfort is always available as we abide in Jesus. “For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ” (2 Corinthians 1:5). From the comfort of His shade, we respond like the psalmist did, with great thanksgiving: “I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust’” (Psalm 91:2). Come and dwell in the shadow of the Almighty today. Allow His presence to be your comfort, to shield you from the harshness of the hot sun. How? When we pray, sing to Him, and read His Word, we choose to abide in the shadow of the Almighty. We can also talk with trusted friends and mentors who can pray with us and lead us into a deeper relationship with Christ. Have you endured blazing trials, and found your shelter in God’s shade? Perhaps you are the loving presence that offers a cool refreshing cup of water to the weary one in your life (Matthew 10:42). May God equip you to lead your friend into the shade. • Kristen Merrill • Have you experienced blazing hot sun and searched for any bit of shade to provide relief? Have you experienced the relief the love of God brings to us in our suffering? What was that like? • How could you offer that shade to someone you know? (2 Corinthians 1:3-5) • If you want to dig deeper: In John 4, Jesus sat down by a well in the heat of the day and asked a Samaritan woman for a drink of water. Then Jesus said, “the water I give…will become…a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (see John 4:1-42; 7:37-39). To find out more about Jesus being our shade, read Psalms 17:8; 36:7; 57:1; 63:7; 121:5; Matthew 23:37; Luke 13:34. Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 91; JOHN 15:1-5; ACTS 16:22-25; COLOSSIANS 3:15-17 Today, while I was getting the hose and sprinkler sorted, I stood in the sunshine. It was nice, for a bit. But eventually the blaring sun was just too much. So, I moved my operation into the shade. Wow, was that better! Standing in the shadow of the house, I could keep on working and ultimately fix the problem with the hose. In life, we can usually handle some discomfort; but we can’t bear up under blazing heat at high noon for long. Our bodies weren’t designed for it. God has made us lovers of shade. As part of God’s great care and provision for His people, He provides the shelter we need in every kind of suffering. He provides Himself. He Himself is the One standing so close by that His shadow is our hiding place (Psalm 32:7). Even better than a house! God’s comfort is always available as we abide in Jesus. “For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ” (2 Corinthians 1:5). From the comfort of His shade, we respond like the psalmist did, with great thanksgiving: “I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust’” (Psalm 91:2). Come and dwell in the shadow of the Almighty today. Allow His presence to be your comfort, to shield you from the harshness of the hot sun. How? When we pray, sing to Him, and read His Word, we choose to abide in the shadow of the Almighty. We can also talk with trusted friends and mentors who can pray with us and lead us into a deeper relationship with Christ. Have you endured blazing trials, and found your shelter in God’s shade? Perhaps you are the loving presence that offers a cool refreshing cup of water to the weary one in your life (Matthew 10:42). May God equip you to lead your friend into the shade. • Kristen Merrill • Have you experienced blazing hot sun and searched for any bit of shade to provide relief? Have you experienced the relief the love of God brings to us in our suffering? What was that like? • How could you offer that shade to someone you know? (2 Corinthians 1:3-5) • If you want to dig deeper: In John 4, Jesus sat down by a well in the heat of the day and asked a Samaritan woman for a drink of water. Then Jesus said, “the water I give…will become…a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (see John 4:1-42; 7:37-39). To find out more about Jesus being our shade, read Psalms 17:8; 36:7; 57:1; 63:7; 121:5; Matthew 23:37; Luke 13:34. Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 91; JOHN 15:1-5; ACTS 16:22-25; COLOSSIANS 3:15-17 Today, while I was getting the hose and sprinkler sorted, I stood in the sunshine. It was nice, for a bit. But eventually the blaring sun was just too much. So, I moved my operation into the shade. Wow, was that better! Standing in the shadow of the house, I could keep on working and ultimately fix the problem with the hose. In life, we can usually handle some discomfort; but we can’t bear up under blazing heat at high noon for long. Our bodies weren’t designed for it. God has made us lovers of shade. As part of God’s great care and provision for His people, He provides the shelter we need in every kind of suffering. He provides Himself. He Himself is the One standing so close by that His shadow is our hiding place (Psalm 32:7). Even better than a house! God’s comfort is always available as we abide in Jesus. “For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ” (2 Corinthians 1:5). From the comfort of His shade, we respond like the psalmist did, with great thanksgiving: “I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust’” (Psalm 91:2). Come and dwell in the shadow of the Almighty today. Allow His presence to be your comfort, to shield you from the harshness of the hot sun. How? When we pray, sing to Him, and read His Word, we choose to abide in the shadow of the Almighty. We can also talk with trusted friends and mentors who can pray with us and lead us into a deeper relationship with Christ. Have you endured blazing trials, and found your shelter in God’s shade? Perhaps you are the loving presence that offers a cool refreshing cup of water to the weary one in your life (Matthew 10:42). May God equip you to lead your friend into the shade. • Kristen Merrill • Have you experienced blazing hot sun and searched for any bit of shade to provide relief? Have you experienced the relief the love of God brings to us in our suffering? What was that like? • How could you offer that shade to someone you know? (2 Corinthians 1:3-5) • If you want to dig deeper: In John 4, Jesus sat down by a well in the heat of the day and asked a Samaritan woman for a drink of water. Then Jesus said, “the water I give…will become…a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (see John 4:1-42; 7:37-39). To find out more about Jesus being our shade, read Psalms 17:8; 36:7; 57:1; 63:7; 121:5; Matthew 23:37; Luke 13:34. Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1 (NIV) 

READ: PSALMS 23; 46; MATTHEW 10:29-31; EPHESIANS 1:3 Though I walk through darkest valleys In the shadows of my fear I can hold my head up high because I know You’re here The sparrows do not worry They’re not afraid, they do not stress Because the Lord cares for them So, His children are certainly blessed When mountains fall and earth gives way We can have peace of mind We have a fortress and refuge As strong as any can find We don’t need to wander Our Shepherd won’t let us fall We are secure, we have a home His arms open to us all • Elizabeth Blanton • Because the world has been broken by sin, we all feel afraid and anxious sometimes. Jesus Himself experienced deep distress before going to the cross (Matthew 26:36-46). But Jesus died and rose again to defeat sin and all its effects—including fear, worry, and anxiety. He will return one day to restore creation and raise us from the dead, establishing His rule and reign of perfect peace. In the meantime, He promises to always be with us, feeling our hurts with us and giving us His peace and strength even in the midst of difficulty (Matthew 1:23; 28:20). Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we can know that we are never alone, because He is the God who’s here. • When you feel worried or afraid, who are trusted Christians in your life who can remind you of Jesus’s presence with you? 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 8:38-39 (NIV) 

READ: PSALMS 23; 46; MATTHEW 10:29-31; EPHESIANS 1:3 Though I walk through darkest valleysIn the shadows of my fearI can hold my head up highbecause I know You’re hereThe sparrows do not worryThey’re not afraid, they do not stressBecause the Lord cares for themSo, His children are certainly blessedWhen mountains fall and earth gives wayWe can have peace of mindWe have a fortress and refugeAs strong as any can findWe don’t need to wanderOur Shepherd won’t let us fallWe are secure, we have a homeHis arms open to us all • Elizabeth Blanton • Because the world has been broken by sin, we all feel afraid and anxious sometimes. Jesus Himself experienced deep distress before going to the cross (Matthew 26:36-46). But Jesus died and rose again to defeat sin and all its effects—including fear, worry, and anxiety. He will return one day to restore creation and raise us from the dead, establishing His rule and reign of perfect peace. In the meantime, He promises to always be with us, feeling our hurts with us and giving us His peace and strength even in the midst of difficulty (Matthew 1:23; 28:20). Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we can know that we are never alone, because He is the God who’s here. • When you feel worried or afraid, who are trusted Christians in your life who can remind you of Jesus’s presence with you? 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 8:38-39 (NIV) 

READ: PSALMS 23; 46; MATTHEW 10:29-31; EPHESIANS 1:3 Though I walk through darkest valleysIn the shadows of my fearI can hold my head up highbecause I know You’re hereThe sparrows do not worryThey’re not afraid, they do not stressBecause the Lord cares for themSo, His children are certainly blessedWhen mountains fall and earth gives wayWe can have peace of mindWe have a fortress and refugeAs strong as any can findWe don’t need to wanderOur Shepherd won’t let us fallWe are secure, we have a homeHis arms open to us all • Elizabeth Blanton • Because the world has been broken by sin, we all feel afraid and anxious sometimes. Jesus Himself experienced deep distress before going to the cross (Matthew 26:36-46). But Jesus died and rose again to defeat sin and all its effects—including fear, worry, and anxiety. He will return one day to restore creation and raise us from the dead, establishing His rule and reign of perfect peace. In the meantime, He promises to always be with us, feeling our hurts with us and giving us His peace and strength even in the midst of difficulty (Matthew 1:23; 28:20). Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we can know that we are never alone, because He is the God who’s here. • When you feel worried or afraid, who are trusted Christians in your life who can remind you of Jesus’s presence with you? 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 8:38-39 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 119:105; PROVERBS 3:5-6; ROMANS 12:1-21 Umar and Krish waited in anticipation. Today was the day they would go through the Maze, an important final test in their training. After this, they and all the others in their year would disperse to their various apprenticeships. As they gathered at the entrance to the Maze, their Guide showed them the map, carved onto an elaborate but weathered sign. “Now, when you get inside the Maze, it can be easy to lose your way. But you can always find the tower there in the middle, climb up, and see where you are and where you need to go,” the Guide explained, pointing to the wooden tower in the middle of the Maze. Umar and Krish nodded, and when the Guide gave the signal to begin, they dashed side by side into the Maze. But as the two friends got further into the journey, they got more and more confused. As the sun began to set, Krish groaned. “We should be able to make a turn here, but we can’t. We should be near the end, but I don’t see it.” Umar looked up. “Well then, to the tower it is!” Once they climbed the wooden structure, they immediately saw where they had started making wrong turns. They could also see the end of the Maze and which way they could take to get there. When they finally made it out, the Guide and the others cheered. “Well done!” the Guide intoned. “But, you know, many of you waited a long time to go to the tower. What you learned in the Maze today is a good lesson to remember in all of life. When we try to make it through life on our own, we’ll only end up getting lost and confused. We need the perspective of the Creator. He is eager to help us, and He invites us to come to Him for wisdom in every situation. He doesn’t expect us to know the way without Him. As you journey into your lives as young apprentices, may you never think that you walk alone.” • A. W. Smith • When have you felt lost and confused in life? When we know Jesus as our Savior, He promises to always be with us and guide us in His good ways. Through His Spirit, His Word, and His people, He helps us see things from His perspective, and He empowers us to make decisions that are rooted in love for God and our neighbors. We’re never lost with Him by our side. • Are there any Christians in your life who love spending time in the Bible and prayer and who you trust for wisdom and perspective? How could you be intentional about spending time with them? If no one comes to mind, you can ask God to help you identify someone in the future. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:6 (WEB) 

READ: PSALM 119:105; PROVERBS 3:5-6; ROMANS 12:1-21 Umar and Krish waited in anticipation. Today was the day they would go through the Maze, an important final test in their training. After this, they and all the others in their year would disperse to their various apprenticeships. As they gathered at the entrance to the Maze, their Guide showed them the map, carved onto an elaborate but weathered sign. “Now, when you get inside the Maze, it can be easy to lose your way. But you can always find the tower there in the middle, climb up, and see where you are and where you need to go,” the Guide explained, pointing to the wooden tower in the middle of the Maze. Umar and Krish nodded, and when the Guide gave the signal to begin, they dashed side by side into the Maze. But as the two friends got further into the journey, they got more and more confused. As the sun began to set, Krish groaned. “We should be able to make a turn here, but we can’t. We should be near the end, but I don’t see it.” Umar looked up. “Well then, to the tower it is!” Once they climbed the wooden structure, they immediately saw where they had started making wrong turns. They could also see the end of the Maze and which way they could take to get there. When they finally made it out, the Guide and the others cheered. “Well done!” the Guide intoned. “But, you know, many of you waited a long time to go to the tower. What you learned in the Maze today is a good lesson to remember in all of life. When we try to make it through life on our own, we’ll only end up getting lost and confused. We need the perspective of the Creator. He is eager to help us, and He invites us to come to Him for wisdom in every situation. He doesn’t expect us to know the way without Him. As you journey into your lives as young apprentices, may you never think that you walk alone.” • A. W. Smith • When have you felt lost and confused in life? When we know Jesus as our Savior, He promises to always be with us and guide us in His good ways. Through His Spirit, His Word, and His people, He helps us see things from His perspective, and He empowers us to make decisions that are rooted in love for God and our neighbors. We’re never lost with Him by our side. • Are there any Christians in your life who love spending time in the Bible and prayer and who you trust for wisdom and perspective? How could you be intentional about spending time with them? If no one comes to mind, you can ask God to help you identify someone in the future. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:6 (WEB) 

READ: PSALM 119:105; PROVERBS 3:5-6; ROMANS 12:1-21 Umar and Krish waited in anticipation. Today was the day they would go through the Maze, an important final test in their training. After this, they and all the others in their year would disperse to their various apprenticeships. As they gathered at the entrance to the Maze, their Guide showed them the map, carved onto an elaborate but weathered sign. “Now, when you get inside the Maze, it can be easy to lose your way. But you can always find the tower there in the middle, climb up, and see where you are and where you need to go,” the Guide explained, pointing to the wooden tower in the middle of the Maze. Umar and Krish nodded, and when the Guide gave the signal to begin, they dashed side by side into the Maze. But as the two friends got further into the journey, they got more and more confused. As the sun began to set, Krish groaned. “We should be able to make a turn here, but we can’t. We should be near the end, but I don’t see it.” Umar looked up. “Well then, to the tower it is!” Once they climbed the wooden structure, they immediately saw where they had started making wrong turns. They could also see the end of the Maze and which way they could take to get there. When they finally made it out, the Guide and the others cheered. “Well done!” the Guide intoned. “But, you know, many of you waited a long time to go to the tower. What you learned in the Maze today is a good lesson to remember in all of life. When we try to make it through life on our own, we’ll only end up getting lost and confused. We need the perspective of the Creator. He is eager to help us, and He invites us to come to Him for wisdom in every situation. He doesn’t expect us to know the way without Him. As you journey into your lives as young apprentices, may you never think that you walk alone.” • A. W. Smith • When have you felt lost and confused in life? When we know Jesus as our Savior, He promises to always be with us and guide us in His good ways. Through His Spirit, His Word, and His people, He helps us see things from His perspective, and He empowers us to make decisions that are rooted in love for God and our neighbors. We’re never lost with Him by our side. • Are there any Christians in your life who love spending time in the Bible and prayer and who you trust for wisdom and perspective? How could you be intentional about spending time with them? If no one comes to mind, you can ask God to help you identify someone in the future. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:6 (WEB) 

READ: PSALMS 32:6-11; 91:15; 94:17-19; 2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-5 Help! Someone help! You’re falling and there is nothing to grab onto to catch yourself. You awake with a start, your heart pumping hard. It was only a dream. You try to catch your breath. The dreams where we are falling, where something gives out from under us and we have no way of saving ourselves, can be really scary. When things happen in our real lives that make us feel that same way, like there is nothing to grab onto and no way we can save ourselves, it can be even scarier. Bad stuff happens in our lives. People harm us. We mess up. We find ourselves in situations we never wanted to get into. Through it all, God is just a call away. When we are slipping, He can catch us. When we are falling and we have nothing to grab onto, He will be there for us. As life gets difficult, anxiety eats at us. We start to worry about the future and how we are going to make it. We wonder what we are going to do, who we can trust, how we are going to continue on with our lives. But God offers comfort when we are anxious. He is there to ease our fears. When you are falling in a dream, you have no one to reach out to, no one to help you. But when you start to slip in real life, you’re not alone. Seek out God, and find rest in the help He so generously gives. He is close beside you, eager to be found by you (Jeremiah 29:13; Acts 17:27). Know that He will respond to your cries and give you comfort. • Emily Acker • What scares you the most in life? What causes you to feel like you are falling and no one is going to catch you? Remember, Jesus is Immanuel, which means “God with us” (Matthew 1:23). He came to save us by dying on the cross and rising from the grave, so now everyone who puts their trust in Jesus is brought near to God. He invites us to turn to Him with everything that’s troubling us, big or small. He has such compassion on us, and He longs to soothe our fears with His love. Consider taking a moment to talk to Him about whatever is on your mind. • Jesus reminds us of His presence with us through His Spirit, His Word (the Bible), and His people (the church). When you feel that sinking feeling of dread or unease, who is a trusted Christian in your life you can reach out to? How could you pray with each other and remind each other of the hope Jesus has given us, pointing each other to His Word? If I say, “My foot is slipping,” your faithful love will support me, Lord. Psalm 94:18 (CSB) 

READ: PSALMS 32:6-11; 91:15; 94:17-19; 2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-5 Help! Someone help! You’re falling and there is nothing to grab onto to catch yourself. You awake with a start, your heart pumping hard. It was only a dream. You try to catch your breath. The dreams where we are falling, where something gives out from under us and we have no way of saving ourselves, can be really scary. When things happen in our real lives that make us feel that same way, like there is nothing to grab onto and no way we can save ourselves, it can be even scarier. Bad stuff happens in our lives. People harm us. We mess up. We find ourselves in situations we never wanted to get into. Through it all, God is just a call away. When we are slipping, He can catch us. When we are falling and we have nothing to grab onto, He will be there for us. As life gets difficult, anxiety eats at us. We start to worry about the future and how we are going to make it. We wonder what we are going to do, who we can trust, how we are going to continue on with our lives. But God offers comfort when we are anxious. He is there to ease our fears. When you are falling in a dream, you have no one to reach out to, no one to help you. But when you start to slip in real life, you’re not alone. Seek out God, and find rest in the help He so generously gives. He is close beside you, eager to be found by you (Jeremiah 29:13; Acts 17:27). Know that He will respond to your cries and give you comfort. • Emily Acker • What scares you the most in life? What causes you to feel like you are falling and no one is going to catch you? Remember, Jesus is Immanuel, which means “God with us” (Matthew 1:23). He came to save us by dying on the cross and rising from the grave, so now everyone who puts their trust in Jesus is brought near to God. He invites us to turn to Him with everything that’s troubling us, big or small. He has such compassion on us, and He longs to soothe our fears with His love. Consider taking a moment to talk to Him about whatever is on your mind. • Jesus reminds us of His presence with us through His Spirit, His Word (the Bible), and His people (the church). When you feel that sinking feeling of dread or unease, who is a trusted Christian in your life you can reach out to? How could you pray with each other and remind each other of the hope Jesus has given us, pointing each other to His Word? If I say, “My foot is slipping,” your faithful love will support me, LORD. Psalm 94:18 (CSB) 

READ: PSALMS 32:6-11; 91:15; 94:17-19; 2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-5 Help! Someone help! You’re falling and there is nothing to grab onto to catch yourself. You awake with a start, your heart pumping hard. It was only a dream. You try to catch your breath. The dreams where we are falling, where something gives out from under us and we have no way of saving ourselves, can be really scary. When things happen in our real lives that make us feel that same way, like there is nothing to grab onto and no way we can save ourselves, it can be even scarier. Bad stuff happens in our lives. People harm us. We mess up. We find ourselves in situations we never wanted to get into. Through it all, God is just a call away. When we are slipping, He can catch us. When we are falling and we have nothing to grab onto, He will be there for us. As life gets difficult, anxiety eats at us. We start to worry about the future and how we are going to make it. We wonder what we are going to do, who we can trust, how we are going to continue on with our lives. But God offers comfort when we are anxious. He is there to ease our fears. When you are falling in a dream, you have no one to reach out to, no one to help you. But when you start to slip in real life, you’re not alone. Seek out God, and find rest in the help He so generously gives. He is close beside you, eager to be found by you (Jeremiah 29:13; Acts 17:27). Know that He will respond to your cries and give you comfort. • Emily Acker • What scares you the most in life? What causes you to feel like you are falling and no one is going to catch you? Remember, Jesus is Immanuel, which means “God with us” (Matthew 1:23). He came to save us by dying on the cross and rising from the grave, so now everyone who puts their trust in Jesus is brought near to God. He invites us to turn to Him with everything that’s troubling us, big or small. He has such compassion on us, and He longs to soothe our fears with His love. Consider taking a moment to talk to Him about whatever is on your mind. • Jesus reminds us of His presence with us through His Spirit, His Word (the Bible), and His people (the church). When you feel that sinking feeling of dread or unease, who is a trusted Christian in your life you can reach out to? How could you pray with each other and remind each other of the hope Jesus has given us, pointing each other to His Word? If I say, “My foot is slipping,” your faithful love will support me, LORD. Psalm 94:18 (CSB) 

READ: PSALM 115:1-13; MATTHEW 6:7-8, 19-34; 1 CORINTHIANS 8:4-6 There is no one like God. There is nothing that could replace Him. Yet, all throughout history, people have been trying to make other gods. Even the Israelites, God’s chosen people, made idols for themselves to worship. We have tried to replace God. But nothing we make could ever compare to Him. In Psalm 115, we read that idols can’t talk or hear or see. Other gods are fake and worthless. They don’t offer any help or guidance. They are not worthy of worship. Many of us already know that about false gods. And we tend to think we could never get tricked into worshipping one, that we know who God is and would never abandon Him. Yet, it’s easy to forget that idols come in many forms. Yes, some idols are statues made of wood or metal. But in Matthew 6, Jesus warns us about having money as our god. He says, “Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be…No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money” (verse 21, 24). As we go through life, there are times we might feel dependent on money. We might fall in love with it because of all it can do for us. How easy it is to make money our god. But there is no one like the one true God. In Matthew 6, Jesus says that He takes care of us. He loves us. He guides us. He is there all the time. He hears every prayer and listens to every thought. He knows us better than anyone and can anticipate what we need before we even ask. There are countless false gods we could fall for, but there is only one real God. There is only one worthy of our love. • Bethany Acker • Whenever we find ourselves chasing after an idol—whether it be money or any other created thing “instead of the Creator himself” (Romans 1:25)—God calls us to repent. We can confess our idolatry to Him, and we can rest in His sure forgiveness, because Jesus already took all our sins upon Himself on the cross, and His Spirit empowers us to turn away from sin. Because of His great love for us, we can love Him instead of loving money (1 Peter 2:24; 1 John 4:19). • In our broken world, dealing with money is not easy. How does God call us to view money? How does His love free us from the love of money? (1 Timothy 6:5-19; Hebrews 13:5) There is one God, the Father, by whom all things were created, and for whom we live. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things were created, and through whom we live. 1 Corinthians 8:6b (NLT) 

READ: PSALM 115:1-13; MATTHEW 6:7-8, 19-34; 1 CORINTHIANS 8:4-6 There is no one like God. There is nothing that could replace Him. Yet, all throughout history, people have been trying to make other gods. Even the Israelites, God’s chosen people, made idols for themselves to worship. We have tried to replace God. But nothing we make could ever compare to Him. In Psalm 115, we read that idols can’t talk or hear or see. Other gods are fake and worthless. They don’t offer any help or guidance. They are not worthy of worship. Many of us already know that about false gods. And we tend to think we could never get tricked into worshipping one, that we know who God is and would never abandon Him. Yet, it’s easy to forget that idols come in many forms. Yes, some idols are statues made of wood or metal. But in Matthew 6, Jesus warns us about having money as our god. He says, “Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be…No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money” (verse 21, 24). As we go through life, there are times we might feel dependent on money. We might fall in love with it because of all it can do for us. How easy it is to make money our god. But there is no one like the one true God. In Matthew 6, Jesus says that He takes care of us. He loves us. He guides us. He is there all the time. He hears every prayer and listens to every thought. He knows us better than anyone and can anticipate what we need before we even ask. There are countless false gods we could fall for, but there is only one real God. There is only one worthy of our love. • Bethany Acker • Whenever we find ourselves chasing after an idol—whether it be money or any other created thing “instead of the Creator himself” (Romans 1:25)—God calls us to repent. We can confess our idolatry to Him, and we can rest in His sure forgiveness, because Jesus already took all our sins upon Himself on the cross, and His Spirit empowers us to turn away from sin. Because of His great love for us, we can love Him instead of loving money (1 Peter 2:24; 1 John 4:19). • In our broken world, dealing with money is not easy. How does God call us to view money? How does His love free us from the love of money? (1 Timothy 6:5-19; Hebrews 13:5) There is one God, the Father, by whom all things were created, and for whom we live. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things were created, and through whom we live. 1 Corinthians 8:6b (NLT) 

READ: PSALM 115:1-13; MATTHEW 6:7-8, 19-34; 1 CORINTHIANS 8:4-6 There is no one like God. There is nothing that could replace Him. Yet, all throughout history, people have been trying to make other gods. Even the Israelites, God’s chosen people, made idols for themselves to worship. We have tried to replace God. But nothing we make could ever compare to Him. In Psalm 115, we read that idols can’t talk or hear or see. Other gods are fake and worthless. They don’t offer any help or guidance. They are not worthy of worship. Many of us already know that about false gods. And we tend to think we could never get tricked into worshipping one, that we know who God is and would never abandon Him. Yet, it’s easy to forget that idols come in many forms. Yes, some idols are statues made of wood or metal. But in Matthew 6, Jesus warns us about having money as our god. He says, “Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be…No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money” (verse 21, 24). As we go through life, there are times we might feel dependent on money. We might fall in love with it because of all it can do for us. How easy it is to make money our god. But there is no one like the one true God. In Matthew 6, Jesus says that He takes care of us. He loves us. He guides us. He is there all the time. He hears every prayer and listens to every thought. He knows us better than anyone and can anticipate what we need before we even ask. There are countless false gods we could fall for, but there is only one real God. There is only one worthy of our love. • Bethany Acker • Whenever we find ourselves chasing after an idol—whether it be money or any other created thing “instead of the Creator himself” (Romans 1:25)—God calls us to repent. We can confess our idolatry to Him, and we can rest in His sure forgiveness, because Jesus already took all our sins upon Himself on the cross, and His Spirit empowers us to turn away from sin. Because of His great love for us, we can love Him instead of loving money (1 Peter 2:24; 1 John 4:19). • In our broken world, dealing with money is not easy. How does God call us to view money? How does His love free us from the love of money? (1 Timothy 6:5-19; Hebrews 13:5) There is one God, the Father, by whom all things were created, and for whom we live. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things were created, and through whom we live. 1 Corinthians 8:6b (NLT) 

READ: PSALMS 16:9-11; 94:17-19; JOHN 15:1-12 Rejoice, delight, jubilation, glee, ebullience, exhilaration…all of these words mean to have joy. Not only are there lists of words about joy, but there are also hundreds of Bible verses about joy. Yet, so often we overlook or even avoid the joy of the Lord. Instead, we should be asking, how can we receive this joy? How can we live in the blessing of joy? In Romans 5, Paul tells us the reason for our joy. He says, “For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God” (verse 10-11, emphasis added). As Christians, we have received freedom in Jesus Christ. By dying on the cross and rising from the grave, He set us free from sin! If the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has set us free, why shouldn’t we praise Him? Why should we isolate ourselves from freedom and joy? Psalm 47:1 says, “Shout to God with joyful praise!” It literally says to shout with joy! The Lord has given us this gift: to live in never-ending joy. Psalm 16:11 says, “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.” If you don’t know how to receive joy, I have one word to help you receive the fullness of God’s beautiful gift of joy: prayer. In Romans 12:12, Paul says, “Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.” Pray for joy; pray that the Lord will overwhelm you with His joy! The Lord Jesus is faithful to guide us into His gift of joy, help us live in His joy, and teach us that even in the valley, He will be there to overwhelm us with the joy of His loving presence. • Ana Johnson • God Himself is joyful, and He invites us to share in His joy (Matthew 25:23; Hebrews 12:1-2). In fact, joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit, which means the Holy Spirit produces it in us (Galatians 5:22-23). Therefore, as Christians we can always choose to rejoice, remembering the Lord’s goodness even in the hardest circumstances (Acts 16:22-25; 2 Corinthians 11:23-28; Philippians 4:4-13). Have you ever experienced the joy of the Lord? What was it like? “I [Jesus] have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!” John 15:11 (NLT) 

READ: PSALMS 16:9-11; 94:17-19; JOHN 15:1-12 Rejoice, delight, jubilation, glee, ebullience, exhilaration…all of these words mean to have joy. Not only are there lists of words about joy, but there are also hundreds of Bible verses about joy. Yet, so often we overlook or even avoid the joy of the Lord. Instead, we should be asking, how can we receive this joy? How can we live in the blessing of joy? In Romans 5, Paul tells us the reason for our joy. He says, “For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God” (verse 10-11, emphasis added). As Christians, we have received freedom in Jesus Christ. By dying on the cross and rising from the grave, He set us free from sin! If the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has set us free, why shouldn’t we praise Him? Why should we isolate ourselves from freedom and joy? Psalm 47:1 says, “Shout to God with joyful praise!” It literally says to shout with joy! The Lord has given us this gift: to live in never-ending joy. Psalm 16:11 says, “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.” If you don’t know how to receive joy, I have one word to help you receive the fullness of God’s beautiful gift of joy: prayer. In Romans 12:12, Paul says, “Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.” Pray for joy; pray that the Lord will overwhelm you with His joy! The Lord Jesus is faithful to guide us into His gift of joy, help us live in His joy, and teach us that even in the valley, He will be there to overwhelm us with the joy of His loving presence. • Ana Johnson • God Himself is joyful, and He invites us to share in His joy (Matthew 25:23; Hebrews 12:1-2). In fact, joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit, which means the Holy Spirit produces it in us (Galatians 5:22-23). Therefore, as Christians we can always choose to rejoice, remembering the Lord’s goodness even in the hardest circumstances (Acts 16:22-25; 2 Corinthians 11:23-28; Philippians 4:4-13). Have you ever experienced the joy of the Lord? What was it like? “I [Jesus] have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!” John 15:11 (NLT) 

READ: PSALMS 16:9-11; 94:17-19; JOHN 15:1-12 Rejoice, delight, jubilation, glee, ebullience, exhilaration…all of these words mean to have joy. Not only are there lists of words about joy, but there are also hundreds of Bible verses about joy. Yet, so often we overlook or even avoid the joy of the Lord. Instead, we should be asking, how can we receive this joy? How can we live in the blessing of joy? In Romans 5, Paul tells us the reason for our joy. He says, “For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God” (verse 10-11, emphasis added). As Christians, we have received freedom in Jesus Christ. By dying on the cross and rising from the grave, He set us free from sin! If the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has set us free, why shouldn’t we praise Him? Why should we isolate ourselves from freedom and joy? Psalm 47:1 says, “Shout to God with joyful praise!” It literally says to shout with joy! The Lord has given us this gift: to live in never-ending joy. Psalm 16:11 says, “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.” If you don’t know how to receive joy, I have one word to help you receive the fullness of God’s beautiful gift of joy: prayer. In Romans 12:12, Paul says, “Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.” Pray for joy; pray that the Lord will overwhelm you with His joy! The Lord Jesus is faithful to guide us into His gift of joy, help us live in His joy, and teach us that even in the valley, He will be there to overwhelm us with the joy of His loving presence. • Ana Johnson • God Himself is joyful, and He invites us to share in His joy (Matthew 25:23; Hebrews 12:1-2). In fact, joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit, which means the Holy Spirit produces it in us (Galatians 5:22-23). Therefore, as Christians we can always choose to rejoice, remembering the Lord’s goodness even in the hardest circumstances (Acts 16:22-25; 2 Corinthians 11:23-28; Philippians 4:4-13). Have you ever experienced the joy of the Lord? What was it like? “I [Jesus] have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!” John 15:11 (NLT) 

READ: ISAIAH 43:1-7; MATTHEW 10:29-31; JOHN 10:1-18; 1 CORINTHIANS 12:27 Have you ever felt invisible? Like no one knew who you were? Sometimes it seems like other people have really great relationships and a bunch of people to hang out with. There are some people who fit into groups with ease, and there are others who find themselves watching from a distance more than they’d like. It’s lonely. It’s isolating. It’s discouraging. Trying to find your place in this world can be hard. It can take more time than we’d like. It can feel defeating. But God knows your name. He knows who you are. And He loves you. He doesn’t care whether or not you’re in the in-crowd. He doesn’t care if you have the best ability when it comes to sports or music. None of that makes Him love you any more or any less. He created you for a purpose, and you matter more to Him than you could ever know. He sees you, He knows you, and He values who you are. • Tynea Lewis • When have you felt left out? In times like these, Jesus invites us to come to Him. Remember, He befriended all kinds of people, but He especially sought out those who weren’t part of thein-crowd, people like ordinary fishermen, hated tax collectors, and zealots with questionable reputations, not to mention He was friends with women, who were generally looked down upon in society, and He touched people who were considered “unclean” outcasts and healed them. (If you want to dig deeper, just start reading one of the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John.) • Jesus sees each one of us, even when no one else does. Because God cares about us so much, Jesus died and rose again so everyone who trusts in Him can become part of God’s family. How could it be comforting to know that, even when we don’t feel like we have a place we fit in the world, Jesus says we belong to Him and we have an important place in His kingdom and family? • How can resting in the assurance of being known and loved by God help us reach out to others who may be feeling lonely or unseen? (Romans 15:7) • What is the purpose God created us for? One way Christians have answered this question is in the Westminster Shorter Catechism: “to glorify God and to enjoy him forever.” (If you want to dig deeper, read Psalm 86; Isaiah 60:21; Romans 11:36; 1 Corinthians 6:20, 31; Revelation 4:11 and Psalms 16:5-11; 144:15; Isaiah 12:2; Luke 2:10; Philippians 4:4; Revelation 21:3-4.) “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1b (NLT) 

READ: ISAIAH 43:1-7; MATTHEW 10:29-31; JOHN 10:1-18; 1 CORINTHIANS 12:27 Have you ever felt invisible? Like no one knew who you were? Sometimes it seems like other people have really great relationships and a bunch of people to hang out with. There are some people who fit into groups with ease, and there are others who find themselves watching from a distance more than they’d like. It’s lonely. It’s isolating. It’s discouraging. Trying to find your place in this world can be hard. It can take more time than we’d like. It can feel defeating. But God knows your name. He knows who you are. And He loves you. He doesn’t care whether or not you’re in the in-crowd. He doesn’t care if you have the best ability when it comes to sports or music. None of that makes Him love you any more or any less. He created you for a purpose, and you matter more to Him than you could ever know. He sees you, He knows you, and He values who you are. • Tynea Lewis • When have you felt left out? In times like these, Jesus invites us to come to Him. Remember, He befriended all kinds of people, but He especially sought out those who weren’t part of the in-crowd, people like ordinary fishermen, hated tax collectors, and zealots with questionable reputations, not to mention He was friends with women, who were generally looked down upon in society, and He touched people who were considered “unclean” outcasts and healed them. (If you want to dig deeper, just start reading one of the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John.) • Jesus sees each one of us, even when no one else does. Because God cares about us so much, Jesus died and rose again so everyone who trusts in Him can become part of God’s family. How could it be comforting to know that, even when we don’t feel like we have a place we fit in the world, Jesus says we belong to Him and we have an important place in His kingdom and family? • How can resting in the assurance of being known and loved by God help us reach out to others who may be feeling lonely or unseen? (Romans 15:7) • What is the purpose God created us for? One way Christians have answered this question is in the Westminster Shorter Catechism: “to glorify God and to enjoy him forever.” (If you want to dig deeper, read Psalm 86; Isaiah 60:21; Romans 11:36; 1 Corinthians 6:20, 31; Revelation 4:11 and Psalms 16:5-11; 144:15; Isaiah 12:2; Luke 2:10; Philippians 4:4; Revelation 21:3-4.) “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1b (NLT) 

READ: ISAIAH 43:1-7; MATTHEW 10:29-31; JOHN 10:1-18; 1 CORINTHIANS 12:27 Have you ever felt invisible? Like no one knew who you were? Sometimes it seems like other people have really great relationships and a bunch of people to hang out with. There are some people who fit into groups with ease, and there are others who find themselves watching from a distance more than they’d like. It’s lonely. It’s isolating. It’s discouraging. Trying to find your place in this world can be hard. It can take more time than we’d like. It can feel defeating. But God knows your name. He knows who you are. And He loves you. He doesn’t care whether or not you’re in the in-crowd. He doesn’t care if you have the best ability when it comes to sports or music. None of that makes Him love you any more or any less. He created you for a purpose, and you matter more to Him than you could ever know. He sees you, He knows you, and He values who you are. • Tynea Lewis • When have you felt left out? In times like these, Jesus invites us to come to Him. Remember, He befriended all kinds of people, but He especially sought out those who weren’t part of the in-crowd, people like ordinary fishermen, hated tax collectors, and zealots with questionable reputations, not to mention He was friends with women, who were generally looked down upon in society, and He touched people who were considered “unclean” outcasts and healed them. (If you want to dig deeper, just start reading one of the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John.) • Jesus sees each one of us, even when no one else does. Because God cares about us so much, Jesus died and rose again so everyone who trusts in Him can become part of God’s family. How could it be comforting to know that, even when we don’t feel like we have a place we fit in the world, Jesus says we belong to Him and we have an important place in His kingdom and family? • How can resting in the assurance of being known and loved by God help us reach out to others who may be feeling lonely or unseen? (Romans 15:7) • What is the purpose God created us for? One way Christians have answered this question is in the Westminster Shorter Catechism: “to glorify God and to enjoy him forever.” (If you want to dig deeper, read Psalm 86; Isaiah 60:21; Romans 11:36; 1 Corinthians 6:20, 31; Revelation 4:11 and Psalms 16:5-11; 144:15; Isaiah 12:2; Luke 2:10; Philippians 4:4; Revelation 21:3-4.) “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1b (NLT) 

READ: ROMANS 8:1; HEBREWS 4:14-16; 1 JOHN 1:8–2:2 I’d just arrived in a new-to-me country on the other side of the world. I had left a sweltering summer in Florida, where I lived…and landed in a blustery New Zealand winter to begin a year of ministry. A missionary couple offered their home for my first few days there. When I trudged into their house, I wanted nothing more than a cup of hot tea. After getting my tea just right, I spotted what I assumed to be a tiny sugar bowl near the stove. I spooned some sugar into my cup and took the first delightful sip. Only my tea wasn’t delightful; it was dismal. I’d mistakenly added salt, not sugar. It was a mistake I never made again at this family’s house. Some errors are harder to leave behind, though. There are days when I’ve found myself doing the same wrong things over and over, such as doubting God’s goodness or acting out of fear instead of faith. It can lead me to wonder in disappointment—when will I learn? Sometimes our sins surprise us, like a mouthful of salty tea, but God isn’t ever surprised by our sin. He knows everything we do, think, or say, and He knows that we’ll all struggle with sin until Jesus returns. So, until that day, God’s instructions to His people are not to hide our sins, but rather to acknowledge those wrongdoings to Him. We don’t need to be afraid to come to God with our sins, because being God’s people means we have received forgiveness from sin and entered a relationship with Him through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. So, when we confess our sins to God, we experience reminders of His lovingkindness: that Christ took the penalty for our sin on Himself, and we don’t face that any longer (1 Peter 2:24). That evening in New Zealand, I could have chosen to try to hide my mistake and drink salty tea. Instead, I poured it out and started fresh. God gives us fresh starts, too. In Jesus, we’re free from condemnation. Through faith in what Jesus has done for us, we are freely accepted by Him, and free to take new steps of obedience even after we fail. • Allison Wilson Lee • When do you find it difficult to confess your sin to God? How could it be encouraging to remember that God is never surprised by our sin? He calls us to confess our sins to Him often. Even though we’re not even aware of all our sins (Psalm 19:12-14), it’s so good to come to Jesus in our weakness and rest in His forgiveness and in the Spirit’s power to help us move forward in love (Galatians 5:13-16). Consider taking a moment to confess any sins that come to mind. Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus… Romans 8:1 (NIV) 

READ: ROMANS 8:1; HEBREWS 4:14-16; 1 JOHN 1:8–2:2 I’d just arrived in a new-to-me country on the other side of the world. I had left a sweltering summer in Florida, where I lived…and landed in a blustery New Zealand winter to begin a year of ministry. A missionary couple offered their home for my first few days there. When I trudged into their house, I wanted nothing more than a cup of hot tea. After getting my tea just right, I spotted what I assumed to be a tiny sugar bowl near the stove. I spooned some sugar into my cup and took the first delightful sip. Only my tea wasn’t delightful; it was dismal. I’d mistakenly added salt, not sugar. It was a mistake I never made again at this family’s house. Some errors are harder to leave behind, though. There are days when I’ve found myself doing the same wrong things over and over, such as doubting God’s goodness or acting out of fear instead of faith. It can lead me to wonder in disappointment—when will I learn? Sometimes our sins surprise us, like a mouthful of salty tea, but God isn’t ever surprised by our sin. He knows everything we do, think, or say, and He knows that we’ll all struggle with sin until Jesus returns. So, until that day, God’s instructions to His people are not to hide our sins, but rather to acknowledge those wrongdoings to Him. We don’t need to be afraid to come to God with our sins, because being God’s people means we have received forgiveness from sin and entered a relationship with Him through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. So, when we confess our sins to God, we experience reminders of His lovingkindness: that Christ took the penalty for our sin on Himself, and we don’t face that any longer (1 Peter 2:24). That evening in New Zealand, I could have chosen to try to hide my mistake and drink salty tea. Instead, I poured it out and started fresh. God gives us fresh starts, too. In Jesus, we’re free from condemnation. Through faith in what Jesus has done for us, we are freely accepted by Him, and free to take new steps of obedience even after we fail. • Allison Wilson Lee • When do you find it difficult to confess your sin to God? How could it be encouraging to remember that God is never surprised by our sin? He calls us to confess our sins to Him often. Even though we’re not even aware of all our sins (Psalm 19:12-14), it’s so good to come to Jesus in our weakness and rest in His forgiveness and in the Spirit’s power to help us move forward in love (Galatians 5:13-16). Consider taking a moment to confess any sins that come to mind. Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus… Romans 8:1 (NIV) 

READ: ROMANS 8:1; HEBREWS 4:14-16; 1 JOHN 1:8–2:2 I’d just arrived in a new-to-me country on the other side of the world. I had left a sweltering summer in Florida, where I lived…and landed in a blustery New Zealand winter to begin a year of ministry. A missionary couple offered their home for my first few days there. When I trudged into their house, I wanted nothing more than a cup of hot tea. After getting my tea just right, I spotted what I assumed to be a tiny sugar bowl near the stove. I spooned some sugar into my cup and took the first delightful sip. Only my tea wasn’t delightful; it was dismal. I’d mistakenly added salt, not sugar. It was a mistake I never made again at this family’s house. Some errors are harder to leave behind, though. There are days when I’ve found myself doing the same wrong things over and over, such as doubting God’s goodness or acting out of fear instead of faith. It can lead me to wonder in disappointment—when will I learn? Sometimes our sins surprise us, like a mouthful of salty tea, but God isn’t ever surprised by our sin. He knows everything we do, think, or say, and He knows that we’ll all struggle with sin until Jesus returns. So, until that day, God’s instructions to His people are not to hide our sins, but rather to acknowledge those wrongdoings to Him. We don’t need to be afraid to come to God with our sins, because being God’s people means we have received forgiveness from sin and entered a relationship with Him through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. So, when we confess our sins to God, we experience reminders of His lovingkindness: that Christ took the penalty for our sin on Himself, and we don’t face that any longer (1 Peter 2:24). That evening in New Zealand, I could have chosen to try to hide my mistake and drink salty tea. Instead, I poured it out and started fresh. God gives us fresh starts, too. In Jesus, we’re free from condemnation. Through faith in what Jesus has done for us, we are freely accepted by Him, and free to take new steps of obedience even after we fail. • Allison Wilson Lee • When do you find it difficult to confess your sin to God? How could it be encouraging to remember that God is never surprised by our sin? He calls us to confess our sins to Him often. Even though we’re not even aware of all our sins (Psalm 19:12-14), it’s so good to come to Jesus in our weakness and rest in His forgiveness and in the Spirit’s power to help us move forward in love (Galatians 5:13-16). Consider taking a moment to confess any sins that come to mind. Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus… Romans 8:1 (NIV) 

READ: PSALMS 6; 42; JOHN 11:1-44 When was the last time you had a good cry? I’m not talking about letting a few tears go and moving on with your day, but an all-out, feels like your heart is breaking, flooding your couch with tears kind of cry. I recently allowed myself to weep like this, and afterward, it occurred to me that it had been months since I had such a cleansing cry. Before the deluge, I felt an aching emptiness. After crying, I felt a great sense of comfort and peace. David knew all about the healing power of tears. He wasn’t afraid to use the emotions God gave him to maximum capacity. When we read the psalms of David or other Bible passages about his life, we find many times when he wept, whether it be over his friendship with Johnathan, the sickness of his baby, his enemies having the upper hand, or his sorrow over the death of his adult son Absalom (1 Samuel 20:41; 2 Samuel 12:16-23; 18:33; Psalm 6). In Psalm 56, David wrote that God kept track of all his sorrows, collecting his tears in a bottle and recording each one in His book (verse 8). The knowledge that God cares enough about our sorrows to keep track of them is such a comforting thought. Our emotions and tears are extraordinarily important to the One who created us. Jesus Himself wept over the death of His friend Lazarus, deeply moved by the grief of others who also loved him (John 11:32-44). Jesus is God, and He knew that He would raise Lazarus from the dead, yet in His humanity He took the time to weep and share in the sorrows of those around Him. And, when His own death was drawing near, Jesus said, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death” even though He knew that He would rise again three days later (Matthew 26:37-38; Mark 14:32-34). If you know Jesus, you have a promise that one day He will raise you from the dead too, and wipe away all your tears (Revelation 21:4). While weeping may remain for much of life here on earth, God promises that joy will come (Psalm 30:5). When circumstances feel hopeless, you can cling to His promises and rest in the One who cares so much for you that He records your every tear. • Savannah Coleman • When was the last time you allowed yourself space to process your feelings with tears, whether tears of anger, sorrow, or joy? Consider setting aside some time for this, and ask God to give you the courage to follow His example and utilize the good gift He has given you in tears. You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. Psalm 56:8 (NLT) 

READ: PSALMS 6; 42; JOHN 11:1-44 When was the last time you had a good cry? I’m not talking about letting a few tears go and moving on with your day, but an all-out, feels like your heart is breaking, flooding your couch with tears kind of cry. I recently allowed myself to weep like this, and afterward, it occurred to me that it had been months since I had such a cleansing cry. Before the deluge, I felt an aching emptiness. After crying, I felt a great sense of comfort and peace. David knew all about the healing power of tears. He wasn’t afraid to use the emotions God gave him to maximum capacity. When we read the psalms of David or other Bible passages about his life, we find many times when he wept, whether it be over his friendship with Johnathan, the sickness of his baby, his enemies having the upper hand, or his sorrow over the death of his adult son Absalom (1 Samuel 20:41; 2 Samuel 12:16-23; 18:33; Psalm 6). In Psalm 56, David wrote that God kept track of all his sorrows, collecting his tears in a bottle and recording each one in His book (verse 8). The knowledge that God cares enough about our sorrows to keep track of them is such a comforting thought. Our emotions and tears are extraordinarily important to the One who created us. Jesus Himself wept over the death of His friend Lazarus, deeply moved by the grief of others who also loved him (John 11:32-44). Jesus is God, and He knew that He would raise Lazarus from the dead, yet in His humanity He took the time to weep and share in the sorrows of those around Him. And, when His own death was drawing near, Jesus said, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death” even though He knew that He would rise again three days later (Matthew 26:37-38; Mark 14:32-34). If you know Jesus, you have a promise that one day He will raise you from the dead too, and wipe away all your tears (Revelation 21:4). While weeping may remain for much of life here on earth, God promises that joy will come (Psalm 30:5). When circumstances feel hopeless, you can cling to His promises and rest in the One who cares so much for you that He records your every tear. • Savannah Coleman • When was the last time you allowed yourself space to process your feelings with tears, whether tears of anger, sorrow, or joy? Consider setting aside some time for this, and ask God to give you the courage to follow His example and utilize the good gift He has given you in tears. You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. Psalm 56:8 (NLT) 

READ: PSALMS 6; 42; JOHN 11:1-44 When was the last time you had a good cry? I’m not talking about letting a few tears go and moving on with your day, but an all-out, feels like your heart is breaking, flooding your couch with tears kind of cry. I recently allowed myself to weep like this, and afterward, it occurred to me that it had been months since I had such a cleansing cry. Before the deluge, I felt an aching emptiness. After crying, I felt a great sense of comfort and peace. David knew all about the healing power of tears. He wasn’t afraid to use the emotions God gave him to maximum capacity. When we read the psalms of David or other Bible passages about his life, we find many times when he wept, whether it be over his friendship with Johnathan, the sickness of his baby, his enemies having the upper hand, or his sorrow over the death of his adult son Absalom (1 Samuel 20:41; 2 Samuel 12:16-23; 18:33; Psalm 6). In Psalm 56, David wrote that God kept track of all his sorrows, collecting his tears in a bottle and recording each one in His book (verse 8). The knowledge that God cares enough about our sorrows to keep track of them is such a comforting thought. Our emotions and tears are extraordinarily important to the One who created us. Jesus Himself wept over the death of His friend Lazarus, deeply moved by the grief of others who also loved him (John 11:32-44). Jesus is God, and He knew that He would raise Lazarus from the dead, yet in His humanity He took the time to weep and share in the sorrows of those around Him. And, when His own death was drawing near, Jesus said, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death” even though He knew that He would rise again three days later (Matthew 26:37-38; Mark 14:32-34). If you know Jesus, you have a promise that one day He will raise you from the dead too, and wipe away all your tears (Revelation 21:4). While weeping may remain for much of life here on earth, God promises that joy will come (Psalm 30:5). When circumstances feel hopeless, you can cling to His promises and rest in the One who cares so much for you that He records your every tear. • Savannah Coleman • When was the last time you allowed yourself space to process your feelings with tears, whether tears of anger, sorrow, or joy? Consider setting aside some time for this, and ask God to give you the courage to follow His example and utilize the good gift He has given you in tears. You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. Psalm 56:8 (NLT) 

READ: PSALM 34:18; ISAIAH 41:10; MATTHEW 5:4; 2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-4 Editor’s note: Today’s devotional reading discusses sexual abuse. As an eleven-year-old, I was shy and awkward. My father moved out that year. Everything felt embarrassing. One day, my father came to school unannounced. He took me on a weekend trip and molested me. Then he told me it was my fault. I felt damaged, dirty, and destroyed. I was brokenhearted and crushed. Has something horribly unfair or evil happened to you? It seems like life should be fair. When it isn’t, we can feel devastated. The sorrow can be crushing when another person harms part of our life. Jesus came to earth for our good. Yet He was crucified by the very people He came to save. Jesus understands unfairness. He was bullied and tortured. He wept and bled for us so we could have friendship with God. When He rose from the dead, He promised that He would bring an end to sin, death, and suffering permanently on the day He returns. And until that day, He is able to comfort us through our troubles. The Lord is the only way I survived my pain. He was near to me and consoled me. When I remembered that He is close to us in all our troubles, I could feel Him next to me, leading me, guiding me, and holding me beside Him when I was afraid. At the right time, God provided a Christian counselor to help me grow past the pain. I learned that it was not my fault and that I was valued by God. I learned that although someone sinned against me, I could find comfort in Jesus. Holding onto hurt ultimately hurts us more. Leaning into the love and hope of Christ brings peace. • Mary Schilling • Has something shattered your life? Jesus can relate to your suffering. He cares about your every hurt, and He weeps with you (John 11:33-36; Hebrews 4:14-16; 1 Peter 5:7). You can talk to Him about your hurts anytime. • As you process your hurts with Jesus, who are trusted people in your life you can reach out to? Remember, we need community. We are made to walk alongside other people, especially as Christians (Genesis 2:18; Galatians 6:1-10). • We live in a world that has been broken by sin. But Jesus came into our broken world to save and restore. He was willing to endure the cross so that our sins could be forgiven and we could be brought near to God (Isaiah 53; Hebrews 12:2). Then He rose from the dead, defeating sin and all the brokenness sin causes, including terrible things like abuse. He promises to return one day, righting every wrong and making all things new. On that glorious day, He will raise His people to new life. “‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain” (Revelation 21:4). And even now, He is present with us, helping us escape harmful situations and bringing healing through His Spirit, His Word (the Bible), and His people (the church). As Christians, we have this unshakeable hope through all the suffering and sorrow we experience. We can rest in the truth 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 8:38-39). In light of these wonderful truths, what are some ways we can pray for people who have been abused and also for people who have abused others? • 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 g

READ: PSALM 34:18; ISAIAH 41:10; MATTHEW 5:4; 2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-4 Editor’s note: Today’s devotional reading discusses sexual abuse. As an eleven-year-old, I was shy and awkward. My father moved out that year. Everything felt embarrassing. One day, my father came to school unannounced. He took me on a weekend trip and molested me. Then he told me it was my fault. I felt damaged, dirty, and destroyed. I was brokenhearted and crushed. Has something horribly unfair or evil happened to you? It seems like life should be fair. When it isn’t, we can feel devastated. The sorrow can be crushing when another person harms part of our life. Jesus came to earth for our good. Yet He was crucified by the very people He came to save. Jesus understands unfairness. He was bullied and tortured. He wept and bled for us so we could have friendship with God. When He rose from the dead, He promised that He would bring an end to sin, death, and suffering permanently on the day He returns. And until that day, He is able to comfort us through our troubles. The Lord is the only way I survived my pain. He was near to me and consoled me. When I remembered that He is close to us in all our troubles, I could feel Him next to me, leading me, guiding me, and holding me beside Him when I was afraid. At the right time, God provided a Christian counselor to help me grow past the pain. I learned that it was not my fault and that I was valued by God. I learned that although someone sinned against me, I could find comfort in Jesus. Holding onto hurt ultimately hurts us more. Leaning into the love and hope of Christ brings peace. • Mary Schilling • Has something shattered your life? Jesus can relate to your suffering. He cares about your every hurt, and He weeps with you (John 11:33-36; Hebrews 4:14-16; 1 Peter 5:7). You can talk to Him about your hurts anytime. • As you process your hurts with Jesus, who are trusted people in your life you can reach out to? Remember, we need community. We are made to walk alongside other people, especially as Christians (Genesis 2:18; Galatians 6:1-10). • We live in a world that has been broken by sin. But Jesus came into our broken world to save and restore. He was willing to endure the cross so that our sins could be forgiven and we could be brought near to God (Isaiah 53; Hebrews 12:2). Then He rose from the dead, defeating sin and all the brokenness sin causes, including terrible things like abuse. He promises to return one day, righting every wrong and making all things new. On that glorious day, He will raise His people to new life. “‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain” (Revelation 21:4). And even now, He is present with us, helping us escape harmful situations and bringing healing through His Spirit, His Word (the Bible), and His people (the church). As Christians, we have this unshakeable hope through all the suffering and sorrow we experience. We can rest in the truth 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 8:38-39). In light of these wonderful truths, what are some ways we can pray for people who have been abused and also for people who have abused others? • 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 immed...

READ: PSALM 34:18; ISAIAH 41:10; MATTHEW 5:4; 2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-4 Editor’s note: Today’s devotional reading discusses sexual abuse. As an eleven-year-old, I was shy and awkward. My father moved out that year. Everything felt embarrassing. One day, my father came to school unannounced. He took me on a weekend trip and molested me. Then he told me it was my fault. I felt damaged, dirty, and destroyed. I was brokenhearted and crushed. Has something horribly unfair or evil happened to you? It seems like life should be fair. When it isn’t, we can feel devastated. The sorrow can be crushing when another person harms part of our life. Jesus came to earth for our good. Yet He was crucified by the very people He came to save. Jesus understands unfairness. He was bullied and tortured. He wept and bled for us so we could have friendship with God. When He rose from the dead, He promised that He would bring an end to sin, death, and suffering permanently on the day He returns. And until that day, He is able to comfort us through our troubles. The Lord is the only way I survived my pain. He was near to me and consoled me. When I remembered that He is close to us in all our troubles, I could feel Him next to me, leading me, guiding me, and holding me beside Him when I was afraid. At the right time, God provided a Christian counselor to help me grow past the pain. I learned that it was not my fault and that I was valued by God. I learned that although someone sinned against me, I could find comfort in Jesus. Holding onto hurt ultimately hurts us more. Leaning into the love and hope of Christ brings peace. • Mary Schilling • Has something shattered your life? Jesus can relate to your suffering. He cares about your every hurt, and He weeps with you (John 11:33-36; Hebrews 4:14-16; 1 Peter 5:7). You can talk to Him about your hurts anytime. • As you process your hurts with Jesus, who are trusted people in your life you can reach out to? Remember, we need community. We are made to walk alongside other people, especially as Christians (Genesis 2:18; Galatians 6:1-10). • We live in a world that has been broken by sin. But Jesus came into our broken world to save and restore. He was willing to endure the cross so that our sins could be forgiven and we could be brought near to God (Isaiah 53; Hebrews 12:2). Then He rose from the dead, defeating sin and all the brokenness sin causes, including terrible things like abuse. He promises to return one day, righting every wrong and making all things new. On that glorious day, He will raise His people to new life. “‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain” (Revelation 21:4). And even now, He is present with us, helping us escape harmful situations and bringing healing through His Spirit, His Word (the Bible), and His people (the church). As Christians, we have this unshakeable hope through all the suffering and sorrow we experience. We can rest in the truth 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 8:38-39). In light of these wonderful truths, what are some ways we can pray for people who have been abused and also for people who have abused others? • 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

READ: EPHESIANS 4:11-32; JAMES 3:2-10 Picture this. You’re on your favorite social media app, and you come across someone saying blatantly untrue things. You’re understandably frustrated. How could someone have this much disregard for the truth? You feel anger and fear. And just like that, it feels like a tornado has taken over your thumbs. You deposit a slew of harsh words and not-so-kind names into the comment box. You press send, and you hope you’ve shown them what’s what. But let’s take a step back. Let’s think about tornadoes for a second. When a tornado hits a town, it can destroy all sorts of things as it sweeps through. Once the storm passes, the people who live there are left wandering around their ruined yards and houses and overturned cars. Their belongings are flung everywhere. The people are stunned, at a loss for what to do. All that damage was done in just a few minutes. But the rebuilding may take years. Thinking about tornadoes can help us reflect on how the words we say can cause a lot of hurt and damage and keep us from showing others the love of Jesus. Much like tornadoes, harsh and hasty words on social media can not only hurt us but also the people we might actually be trying to help. As Christians, we are called to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). After all, Jesus came to live among us, full of both love and truth (John 1:14). Though we were all trapped in sin, showing disregard for the truth and for one another, He had compassion on us. He died and rose again to forgive us and save us from sin. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, His forgiveness frees us to love others and to realize that we are all sinners—both us and the people we’re tempted to tear down on social media. So, as forgiven people, we can build others up instead of tearing them down (Ephesians 4:29). Even when we do decide to comment online, it’s important to make sure the way we say something doesn’t cause more damage than if we hadn’t spoken at all. Next time you feel the tornado thumbs coming on, take a deep breath, pause, and talk to Jesus. You can trust Him to help you deal with the situation in an honest yet loving way. • A. W. Smith • Can you think of a time you saw harsh words on social media cause harm? What were the effects? What might have been a more loving way to communicate the intended message? • Before posting or messaging, what questions could you ask yourself that might slow you down? Who are trusted adults in your life who could help you set up good boundaries for communicating lovingly and safely online—such as parents, teachers, counselors, pastors, etc.? Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips. Psalm 141:3 (NLT) 

READ: EPHESIANS 4:11-32; JAMES 3:2-10 Picture this. You’re on your favorite social media app, and you come across someone saying blatantly untrue things. You’re understandably frustrated. How could someone have this much disregard for the truth? You feel anger and fear. And just like that, it feels like a tornado has taken over your thumbs. You deposit a slew of harsh words and not-so-kind names into the comment box. You press send, and you hope you’ve shown them what’s what. But let’s take a step back. Let’s think about tornadoes for a second. When a tornado hits a town, it can destroy all sorts of things as it sweeps through. Once the storm passes, the people who live there are left wandering around their ruined yards and houses and overturned cars. Their belongings are flung everywhere. The people are stunned, at a loss for what to do. All that damage was done in just a few minutes. But the rebuilding may take years. Thinking about tornadoes can help us reflect on how the words we say can cause a lot of hurt and damage and keep us from showing others the love of Jesus. Much like tornadoes, harsh and hasty words on social media can not only hurt us but also the people we might actually be trying to help. As Christians, we are called to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). After all, Jesus came to live among us, full of both love and truth (John 1:14). Though we were all trapped in sin, showing disregard for the truth and for one another, He had compassion on us. He died and rose again to forgive us and save us from sin. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, His forgiveness frees us to love others and to realize that we are all sinners—both us and the people we’re tempted to tear down on social media. So, as forgiven people, we can build others up instead of tearing them down (Ephesians 4:29). Even when we do decide to comment online, it’s important to make sure the way we say something doesn’t cause more damage than if we hadn’t spoken at all. Next time you feel the tornado thumbs coming on, take a deep breath, pause, and talk to Jesus. You can trust Him to help you deal with the situation in an honest yet loving way. • A. W. Smith • Can you think of a time you saw harsh words on social media cause harm? What were the effects? What might have been a more loving way to communicate the intended message? • Before posting or messaging, what questions could you ask yourself that might slow you down? Who are trusted adults in your life who could help you set up good boundaries for communicating lovingly and safely online—such as parents, teachers, counselors, pastors, etc.? Take control of what I say, O LORD, and guard my lips. Psalm 141:3 (NLT) 

READ: EPHESIANS 4:11-32; JAMES 3:2-10 Picture this. You’re on your favorite social media app, and you come across someone saying blatantly untrue things. You’re understandably frustrated. How could someone have this much disregard for the truth? You feel anger and fear. And just like that, it feels like a tornado has taken over your thumbs. You deposit a slew of harsh words and not-so-kind names into the comment box. You press send, and you hope you’ve shown them what’s what. But let’s take a step back. Let’s think about tornadoes for a second. When a tornado hits a town, it can destroy all sorts of things as it sweeps through. Once the storm passes, the people who live there are left wandering around their ruined yards and houses and overturned cars. Their belongings are flung everywhere. The people are stunned, at a loss for what to do. All that damage was done in just a few minutes. But the rebuilding may take years. Thinking about tornadoes can help us reflect on how the words we say can cause a lot of hurt and damage and keep us from showing others the love of Jesus. Much like tornadoes, harsh and hasty words on social media can not only hurt us but also the people we might actually be trying to help. As Christians, we are called to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). After all, Jesus came to live among us, full of both love and truth (John 1:14). Though we were all trapped in sin, showing disregard for the truth and for one another, He had compassion on us. He died and rose again to forgive us and save us from sin. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, His forgiveness frees us to love others and to realize that we are all sinners—both us and the people we’re tempted to tear down on social media. So, as forgiven people, we can build others up instead of tearing them down (Ephesians 4:29). Even when we do decide to comment online, it’s important to make sure the way we say something doesn’t cause more damage than if we hadn’t spoken at all. Next time you feel the tornado thumbs coming on, take a deep breath, pause, and talk to Jesus. You can trust Him to help you deal with the situation in an honest yet loving way. • A. W. Smith • Can you think of a time you saw harsh words on social media cause harm? What were the effects? What might have been a more loving way to communicate the intended message? • Before posting or messaging, what questions could you ask yourself that might slow you down? Who are trusted adults in your life who could help you set up good boundaries for communicating lovingly and safely online—such as parents, teachers, counselors, pastors, etc.? Take control of what I say, O LORD, and guard my lips. Psalm 141:3 (NLT) 

READ: PSALM 46:1-11; LUKE 19:10; JOHN 8:12; 2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-11 Feeling so down Laying on the ground Tears fall from my eyes Then I get a surprise A hand on my back Comforting, not an attack Someone to dry my tears Be with me in my fears Help me get up again Walk where I’ve never been Jesus, there for me In ways I never knew He could be When I was ready to give up He showed me His love was enough Brought me back to the light Told me I would be alright • Bethany Acker • Have you ever been surprised by Jesus’s comfort? Has His nearness ever brought you peace in a hard time? If so, consider taking a moment to thank God for this. If not, you can ask God for this anytime; He loves to answer these prayers. • Sometimes, life in our broken world can be overwhelming. But Jesus does not stand far off—He is so very near, ready to help and comfort us. Have you ever imagined Jesus being physically present with you? After all, Jesus is God in flesh (John 1:14). He is fully human, even as He is also fully God. When He came and lived among us, people could talk with Him, eat with Him, lean against Him, even beat Him and bruise Him. He fully entered into all the joys and sorrows of human life. Ultimately, He gave up His life for us. He walked where we never could—He lived a sinless life and took our sins upon Himself, dying a terrible death on a cross, so that we could be forgiven and brought near to God. But the evils of death could not hold our wondrous Lord—He rose from the grave, defeating sin and death once and for all and declaring that, when He returns, pain and sorrow will be no more. On that day, He will be physically present with us again, and all who trust in Him will live with Him forever. In the meantime, He is still very much with us—through His Spirit, His Word (the Bible), and His people (the church). He is intimately involved in our lives. Every moment of every day, He is there for us. Consider taking a moment to picture Jesus right beside you, and talk to Him about whatever comes to mind. • If you’re feeling overwhelmed, who is a trusted Christian in your life you could talk to about what you’re going through, such as a friend, parent, counselor, teacher, coach, or pastor? God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. Psalm 46:1 (NLT) 

READ: PSALM 46:1-11; LUKE 19:10; JOHN 8:12; 2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-11 Feeling so downLaying on the groundTears fall from my eyesThen I get a surpriseA hand on my backComforting, not an attackSomeone to dry my tearsBe with me in my fearsHelp me get up againWalk where I’ve never beenJesus, there for meIn ways I never knew He could beWhen I was ready to give upHe showed me His love was enoughBrought me back to the lightTold me I would be alright • Bethany Acker • Have you ever been surprised by Jesus’s comfort? Has His nearness ever brought you peace in a hard time? If so, consider taking a moment to thank God for this. If not, you can ask God for this anytime; He loves to answer these prayers. • Sometimes, life in our broken world can be overwhelming. But Jesus does not stand far off—He is so very near, ready to help and comfort us. Have you ever imagined Jesus being physically present with you? After all, Jesus is God in flesh (John 1:14). He is fully human, even as He is also fully God. When He came and lived among us, people could talk with Him, eat with Him, lean against Him, even beat Him and bruise Him. He fully entered into all the joys and sorrows of human life. Ultimately, He gave up His life for us. He walked where we never could—He lived a sinless life and took our sins upon Himself, dying a terrible death on a cross, so that we could be forgiven and brought near to God. But the evils of death could not hold our wondrous Lord—He rose from the grave, defeating sin and death once and for all and declaring that, when He returns, pain and sorrow will be no more. On that day, He will be physically present with us again, and all who trust in Him will live with Him forever. In the meantime, He is still very much with us—through His Spirit, His Word (the Bible), and His people (the church). He is intimately involved in our lives. Every moment of every day, He is there for us. Consider taking a moment to picture Jesus right beside you, and talk to Him about whatever comes to mind. • If you’re feeling overwhelmed, who is a trusted Christian in your life you could talk to about what you’re going through, such as a friend, parent, counselor, teacher, coach, or pastor? God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. Psalm 46:1 (NLT) 

READ: PSALM 46:1-11; LUKE 19:10; JOHN 8:12; 2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-11 Feeling so downLaying on the groundTears fall from my eyesThen I get a surpriseA hand on my backComforting, not an attackSomeone to dry my tearsBe with me in my fearsHelp me get up againWalk where I’ve never beenJesus, there for meIn ways I never knew He could beWhen I was ready to give upHe showed me His love was enoughBrought me back to the lightTold me I would be alright • Bethany Acker • Have you ever been surprised by Jesus’s comfort? Has His nearness ever brought you peace in a hard time? If so, consider taking a moment to thank God for this. If not, you can ask God for this anytime; He loves to answer these prayers. • Sometimes, life in our broken world can be overwhelming. But Jesus does not stand far off—He is so very near, ready to help and comfort us. Have you ever imagined Jesus being physically present with you? After all, Jesus is God in flesh (John 1:14). He is fully human, even as He is also fully God. When He came and lived among us, people could talk with Him, eat with Him, lean against Him, even beat Him and bruise Him. He fully entered into all the joys and sorrows of human life. Ultimately, He gave up His life for us. He walked where we never could—He lived a sinless life and took our sins upon Himself, dying a terrible death on a cross, so that we could be forgiven and brought near to God. But the evils of death could not hold our wondrous Lord—He rose from the grave, defeating sin and death once and for all and declaring that, when He returns, pain and sorrow will be no more. On that day, He will be physically present with us again, and all who trust in Him will live with Him forever. In the meantime, He is still very much with us—through His Spirit, His Word (the Bible), and His people (the church). He is intimately involved in our lives. Every moment of every day, He is there for us. Consider taking a moment to picture Jesus right beside you, and talk to Him about whatever comes to mind. • If you’re feeling overwhelmed, who is a trusted Christian in your life you could talk to about what you’re going through, such as a friend, parent, counselor, teacher, coach, or pastor? God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. Psalm 46:1 (NLT) 

READ: ISAIAH 53; ROMANS 12:15; HEBREWS 4:14-16 Have you ever met someone who just gets what you’re going through? It can be so comforting. I experience this often with my friends who are parents. I have two young kids, and I really appreciate my friends who do have kids, as well as my friends who don’t. They both bring richness to my life. It takes some extra work for my non-parent friends to understand what my life is like, and I love that they are willing to do that work to empathize with me. But, my friends who have kids of their own don’t have to do nearly as much work to empathize with me. All I have to do is say the word “teething,” and they instantly know that means sleepless nights, hours of tears, and a deep sense of helplessness. They know, not just intellectually, but from their own shared experiences, what it’s like to attempt to soothe a crying child an endless number of times throughout the day and night. Not only can they imagine what it’s like—they’ve actually lived it. They’ve felt the exhaustion, frustration, and feelings of powerlessness that seep into your bones. They get it. And knowing that brings me so much comfort and alleviates some of my loneliness. The Bible tells us that, whatever we’re going through, Jesus gets it. He is the all-knowing, all-powerful God who created the whole universe, became human, and walked the earth. He experienced heartache, loneliness, disappointment. He was tempted. He was betrayed. He even experienced death. But, He rose again, declaring that He will one day restore all things. As we wait for that day, if we know Jesus, His Holy Spirit lives in us, feeling our hurts with us. Not only can He imagine what it’s like—He’s actually lived it. He gets it. God has entered into our suffering. And while that doesn’t always take away our pain and heartache, His empathy can make us feel a bit less lonely in the midst of it. And sometimes, that’s enough. • Taylor Eising • As Christians, we can know that, whatever we go through, we are never alone. Jesus is with us, feeling our hurts as His own. And, He is able and eager to help us. Consider taking a moment to tell God about the hard things you’ve experienced lately, resting in His comfort and empathy. • Because we have received Jesus’s empathy, we can also extend empathy to others (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). Who have you been able to empathize with lately? What was it like? For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses… Hebrews 4:15a (NIV) 

READ: ISAIAH 53; ROMANS 12:15; HEBREWS 4:14-16 Have you ever met someone who just gets what you’re going through? It can be so comforting. I experience this often with my friends who are parents. I have two young kids, and I really appreciate my friends who do have kids, as well as my friends who don’t. They both bring richness to my life. It takes some extra work for my non-parent friends to understand what my life is like, and I love that they are willing to do that work to empathize with me. But, my friends who have kids of their own don’t have to do nearly as much work to empathize with me. All I have to do is say the word “teething,” and they instantly know that means sleepless nights, hours of tears, and a deep sense of helplessness. They know, not just intellectually, but from their own shared experiences, what it’s like to attempt to soothe a crying child an endless number of times throughout the day and night. Not only can they imagine what it’s like—they’ve actually lived it. They’ve felt the exhaustion, frustration, and feelings of powerlessness that seep into your bones. They get it. And knowing that brings me so much comfort and alleviates some of my loneliness. The Bible tells us that, whatever we’re going through, Jesus gets it. He is the all-knowing, all-powerful God who created the whole universe, became human, and walked the earth. He experienced heartache, loneliness, disappointment. He was tempted. He was betrayed. He even experienced death. But, He rose again, declaring that He will one day restore all things. As we wait for that day, if we know Jesus, His Holy Spirit lives in us, feeling our hurts with us. Not only can He imagine what it’s like—He’s actually lived it. He gets it. God has entered into our suffering. And while that doesn’t always take away our pain and heartache, His empathy can make us feel a bit less lonely in the midst of it. And sometimes, that’s enough. • Taylor Eising • As Christians, we can know that, whatever we go through, we are never alone. Jesus is with us, feeling our hurts as His own. And, He is able and eager to help us. Consider taking a moment to tell God about the hard things you’ve experienced lately, resting in His comfort and empathy. • Because we have received Jesus’s empathy, we can also extend empathy to others (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). Who have you been able to empathize with lately? What was it like? For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses… Hebrews 4:15a (NIV) 

READ: ISAIAH 53; ROMANS 12:15; HEBREWS 4:14-16 Have you ever met someone who just gets what you’re going through? It can be so comforting. I experience this often with my friends who are parents. I have two young kids, and I really appreciate my friends who do have kids, as well as my friends who don’t. They both bring richness to my life. It takes some extra work for my non-parent friends to understand what my life is like, and I love that they are willing to do that work to empathize with me. But, my friends who have kids of their own don’t have to do nearly as much work to empathize with me. All I have to do is say the word “teething,” and they instantly know that means sleepless nights, hours of tears, and a deep sense of helplessness. They know, not just intellectually, but from their own shared experiences, what it’s like to attempt to soothe a crying child an endless number of times throughout the day and night. Not only can they imagine what it’s like—they’ve actually lived it. They’ve felt the exhaustion, frustration, and feelings of powerlessness that seep into your bones. They get it. And knowing that brings me so much comfort and alleviates some of my loneliness. The Bible tells us that, whatever we’re going through, Jesus gets it. He is the all-knowing, all-powerful God who created the whole universe, became human, and walked the earth. He experienced heartache, loneliness, disappointment. He was tempted. He was betrayed. He even experienced death. But, He rose again, declaring that He will one day restore all things. As we wait for that day, if we know Jesus, His Holy Spirit lives in us, feeling our hurts with us. Not only can He imagine what it’s like—He’s actually lived it. He gets it. God has entered into our suffering. And while that doesn’t always take away our pain and heartache, His empathy can make us feel a bit less lonely in the midst of it. And sometimes, that’s enough. • Taylor Eising • As Christians, we can know that, whatever we go through, we are never alone. Jesus is with us, feeling our hurts as His own. And, He is able and eager to help us. Consider taking a moment to tell God about the hard things you’ve experienced lately, resting in His comfort and empathy. • Because we have received Jesus’s empathy, we can also extend empathy to others (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). Who have you been able to empathize with lately? What was it like? For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses… Hebrews 4:15a (NIV) 

READ: MATTHEW 6:25-33; EPHESIANS 3:14-21; 1 PETER 5:7 Have you ever been walking or driving along and noticed a cluster of colorful flowers just off the road? No one planted them there, but they’re just as beautiful as any of the flowers planted on purpose. Wildflowers come up in the most random places, even between the cracks in the pavement. They come in all shapes and sizes and colors, and they’re a bright spot in some otherwise drab areas. Do you ever stop to think about how God created all the flowers in the world, including the wildflowers? In Matthew 6, Jesus says, if God cares for the flowers that are here for such a short time and then fade away and die, shouldn’t we know that He cares much more about us? It’s so easy to forget that God treasures us, that He watches over us, and that He is mindful of our every need. But when we look at the wildflowers, or any flowers for that matter, they can be reminders of God’s love for us. He cares about us much more than the flowers—and just think about how beautifully and intricately He made them. God’s love for you is deep and wide, and He will never stop caring for you. All the flowers you see can be reminders of His love and kindness, because the same God who shaped each petal also made you, and He loves you more than you can imagine. • Bethany Acker • According to Matthew 6, how can flowers remind us of God’s love? What other reminders do you see day to day? Why do you think God calls us to take time to ponder His love? • In Ephesians 3, Paul prays that we would realize just how deep and wide and high Jesus’s love for us is. Because Jesus died and rose again for us, we can rest in the hope of His constant presence with us and His promise to one day return and welcome us into the new heavens and the new earth, where we will enjoy an abundance of all good things. Until then, He promises to be with us and give us strength to endure as we struggle with pain and lack, looking forward to the day He will clothe us even more splendidly than a field covered in flowers. Consider taking a moment to bring your needs and concerns to God in prayer (Philippians 4:4-13).And if you’d like, you can also pray Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21 for yourself or someone you know. “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?” Matthew 6:28-30 (NIV) 

READ: MATTHEW 6:25-33; EPHESIANS 3:14-21; 1 PETER 5:7 Have you ever been walking or driving along and noticed a cluster of colorful flowers just off the road? No one planted them there, but they’re just as beautiful as any of the flowers planted on purpose. Wildflowers come up in the most random places, even between the cracks in the pavement. They come in all shapes and sizes and colors, and they’re a bright spot in some otherwise drab areas. Do you ever stop to think about how God created all the flowers in the world, including the wildflowers? In Matthew 6, Jesus says, if God cares for the flowers that are here for such a short time and then fade away and die, shouldn’t we know that He cares much more about us? It’s so easy to forget that God treasures us, that He watches over us, and that He is mindful of our every need. But when we look at the wildflowers, or any flowers for that matter, they can be reminders of God’s love for us. He cares about us much more than the flowers—and just think about how beautifully and intricately He made them. God’s love for you is deep and wide, and He will never stop caring for you. All the flowers you see can be reminders of His love and kindness, because the same God who shaped each petal also made you, and He loves you more than you can imagine. • Bethany Acker • According to Matthew 6, how can flowers remind us of God’s love? What other reminders do you see day to day? Why do you think God calls us to take time to ponder His love? • In Ephesians 3, Paul prays that we would realize just how deep and wide and high Jesus’s love for us is. Because Jesus died and rose again for us, we can rest in the hope of His constant presence with us and His promise to one day return and welcome us into the new heavens and the new earth, where we will enjoy an abundance of all good things. Until then, He promises to be with us and give us strength to endure as we struggle with pain and lack, looking forward to the day He will clothe us even more splendidly than a field covered in flowers. Consider taking a moment to bring your needs and concerns to God in prayer (Philippians 4:4-13).And if you’d like, you can also pray Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21 for yourself or someone you know. “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?” Matthew 6:28-30 (NIV) 

READ: MATTHEW 6:25-33; EPHESIANS 3:14-21; 1 PETER 5:7 Have you ever been walking or driving along and noticed a cluster of colorful flowers just off the road? No one planted them there, but they’re just as beautiful as any of the flowers planted on purpose. Wildflowers come up in the most random places, even between the cracks in the pavement. They come in all shapes and sizes and colors, and they’re a bright spot in some otherwise drab areas. Do you ever stop to think about how God created all the flowers in the world, including the wildflowers? In Matthew 6, Jesus says, if God cares for the flowers that are here for such a short time and then fade away and die, shouldn’t we know that He cares much more about us? It’s so easy to forget that God treasures us, that He watches over us, and that He is mindful of our every need. But when we look at the wildflowers, or any flowers for that matter, they can be reminders of God’s love for us. He cares about us much more than the flowers—and just think about how beautifully and intricately He made them. God’s love for you is deep and wide, and He will never stop caring for you. All the flowers you see can be reminders of His love and kindness, because the same God who shaped each petal also made you, and He loves you more than you can imagine. • Bethany Acker • According to Matthew 6, how can flowers remind us of God’s love? What other reminders do you see day to day? Why do you think God calls us to take time to ponder His love? • In Ephesians 3, Paul prays that we would realize just how deep and wide and high Jesus’s love for us is. Because Jesus died and rose again for us, we can rest in the hope of His constant presence with us and His promise to one day return and welcome us into the new heavens and the new earth, where we will enjoy an abundance of all good things. Until then, He promises to be with us and give us strength to endure as we struggle with pain and lack, looking forward to the day He will clothe us even more splendidly than a field covered in flowers. Consider taking a moment to bring your needs and concerns to God in prayer (Philippians 4:4-13).And if you’d like, you can also pray Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21 for yourself or someone you know. “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?” Matthew 6:28-30 (NIV) 

READ: 1 CORINTHIANS 10:13; 2 TIMOTHY 2:22; JAMES 1:12-15; 4:7 What sins do you struggle with the most? In other words, in what situations do you find it’s harder to love God and your neighbors through your words, thoughts, and actions? In Matthew 22:37-40, we see that the life Jesus invites us into is one of love. But sin distorts love, so we end up loving the wrong things—or loving the right things in the wrong way. And the result of sin is always death, decay, and brokenness. Yet, so often sin seems so appealing. Do certain sins seem to tempt you more than they tempt other people? That can be such a discouraging experience. But the good news is, it’s also normal. Every person has different weaknesses and different strengths. And Jesus “understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin” (Hebrews 4:15). Isn’t that a comforting truth? And it gets even better. Because Jesus was sinless, He was able to pay for all our sins when He died on the cross—He took the whole of our sin upon His own body (1 Peter 2:24). This was the ultimate act of love. He went through all that undeserved pain and sorrow and ridicule…because He loves us. He wants more than anything for us to be with Him. He invites us to come to Him with all our failures, weaknesses, and shortcomings…to come and receive His free gift of salvation. Instead of being trapped in guilt and fear, we can rest knowing that we are held in His love, because He has secured our forgiveness by dying and rising again for us. And since He loves us, we can love Him and others. So, when we feel tempted to do something unloving against God or our neighbors, we can remember that we don’t have to give in to any sin because Jesus has already freed us from sin’s power. We can trust Him to help us resist every temptation we face—no exceptions. And when we find ourselves believing lies that make it easy for us to act in ways that are unloving toward God and our neighbors, we can turn to Jesus. Through the Holy Spirit, He will help us reject those lies and instead rest in His great love for us—a love that is far more powerful than sin. The next time you’re tempted, remember that God knows your weaknesses, and He can help you be strong when you feel yourself wanting to give in. Once you know Jesus, sin holds no power over you. You don’t have to give in, even when something is especially tempting, because God gives His people the ability to resist every temptation. But when you’re tempted, don’t try to resist on your own—instead, depend on God. Since you belong to Jesus, you have been freed to flee temptation and run to Him. In His arms, you will find the strength to love God and your neighbors—no matter what. • A. W. Smith • Jesus came to save us from sin. Why is sin something we need to be saved from? (If you want to know more, check out our "Know Jesus" page.) • When is it hardest for you to love God and your neighbors well? Consider taking some time to talk with God about this in the space below. Remember, even Jesus was tempted, but He never sinned. Yet, He understands all our weaknesses and He empathizes with us. So, once you’ve put your trust in Jesus, you can approach Him with anything, knowing that you are held securely in His love. (Hebrews 4:14-16) • We live in a broken world where we are constantly bombarded by lies that make it easy to act in ways that are unloving toward God and our neighbors. Here are just a few examples of lies we might believe: God doe

READ: 1 CORINTHIANS 10:13; 2 TIMOTHY 2:22; JAMES 1:12-15; 4:7 What sins do you struggle with the most? In other words, in what situations do you find it’s harder to love God and your neighbors through your words, thoughts, and actions? In Matthew 22:37-40, we see that the life Jesus invites us into is one of love. But sin distorts love, so we end up loving the wrong things—or loving the right things in the wrong way. And the result of sin is always death, decay, and brokenness. Yet, so often sin seems so appealing. Do certain sins seem to tempt you more than they tempt other people? That can be such a discouraging experience. But the good news is, it’s also normal. Every person has different weaknesses and different strengths. And Jesus “understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin” (Hebrews 4:15). Isn’t that a comforting truth? And it gets even better. Because Jesus was sinless, He was able to pay for all our sins when He died on the cross—He took the whole of our sin upon His own body (1 Peter 2:24). This was the ultimate act of love. He went through all that undeserved pain and sorrow and ridicule…because He loves us. He wants more than anything for us to be with Him. He invites us to come to Him with all our failures, weaknesses, and shortcomings…to come and receive His free gift of salvation. Instead of being trapped in guilt and fear, we can rest knowing that we are held in His love, because He has secured our forgiveness by dying and rising again for us. And since He loves us, we can love Him and others. So, when we feel tempted to do something unloving against God or our neighbors, we can remember that we don’t have to give in to any sin because Jesus has already freed us from sin’s power. We can trust Him to help us resist every temptation we face—no exceptions. And when we find ourselves believing lies that make it easy for us to act in ways that are unloving toward God and our neighbors, we can turn to Jesus. Through the Holy Spirit, He will help us reject those lies and instead rest in His great love for us—a love that is far more powerful than sin. The next time you’re tempted, remember that God knows your weaknesses, and He can help you be strong when you feel yourself wanting to give in. Once you know Jesus, sin holds no power over you. You don’t have to give in, even when something is especially tempting, because God gives His people the ability to resist every temptation. But when you’re tempted, don’t try to resist on your own—instead, depend on God. Since you belong to Jesus, you have been freed to flee temptation and run to Him. In His arms, you will find the strength to love God and your neighbors—no matter what. • A. W. Smith • Jesus came to save us from sin. Why is sin something we need to be saved from? (If you want to know more, check out our “Know Jesus” page.) • When is it hardest for you to love God and your neighbors well? Consider taking some time to talk with God about this in the space below. Remember, even Jesus was tempted, but He never sinned. Yet, He understands all our weaknesses and He empathizes with us. So, once you’ve put your trust in Jesus, you can approach Him with anything, knowing that you are held securely in His love. (Hebrews 4:14-16) • We live in a broken world where we are constantly bombarded by lies that make it easy to act in ways that are unloving toward God and our neighbors. Here are just a few examples of lies we might believe: God doesn’t really love me. God doesn’t really care about me. God won’t meet my needs. I’m worthless. I’m bad. I’m unlovable. Other people are worthless. Other people are bad. Other people are unlovable. What I do doesn’t ma...

READ: 1 CORINTHIANS 10:13; 2 TIMOTHY 2:22; JAMES 1:12-15; 4:7 What sins do you struggle with the most? In other words, in what situations do you find it’s harder to love God and your neighbors through your words, thoughts, and actions? In Matthew 22:37-40, we see that the life Jesus invites us into is one of love. But sin distorts love, so we end up loving the wrong things—or loving the right things in the wrong way. And the result of sin is always death, decay, and brokenness. Yet, so often sin seems so appealing. Do certain sins seem to tempt you more than they tempt other people? That can be such a discouraging experience. But the good news is, it’s also normal. Every person has different weaknesses and different strengths. And Jesus “understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin” (Hebrews 4:15). Isn’t that a comforting truth? And it gets even better. Because Jesus was sinless, He was able to pay for all our sins when He died on the cross—He took the whole of our sin upon His own body (1 Peter 2:24). This was the ultimate act of love. He went through all that undeserved pain and sorrow and ridicule…because He loves us. He wants more than anything for us to be with Him. He invites us to come to Him with all our failures, weaknesses, and shortcomings…to come and receive His free gift of salvation. Instead of being trapped in guilt and fear, we can rest knowing that we are held in His love, because He has secured our forgiveness by dying and rising again for us. And since He loves us, we can love Him and others. So, when we feel tempted to do something unloving against God or our neighbors, we can remember that we don’t have to give in to any sin because Jesus has already freed us from sin’s power. We can trust Him to help us resist every temptation we face—no exceptions. And when we find ourselves believing lies that make it easy for us to act in ways that are unloving toward God and our neighbors, we can turn to Jesus. Through the Holy Spirit, He will help us reject those lies and instead rest in His great love for us—a love that is far more powerful than sin. The next time you’re tempted, remember that God knows your weaknesses, and He can help you be strong when you feel yourself wanting to give in. Once you know Jesus, sin holds no power over you. You don’t have to give in, even when something is especially tempting, because God gives His people the ability to resist every temptation. But when you’re tempted, don’t try to resist on your own—instead, depend on God. Since you belong to Jesus, you have been freed to flee temptation and run to Him. In His arms, you will find the strength to love God and your neighbors—no matter what. • A. W. Smith • Jesus came to save us from sin. Why is sin something we need to be saved from? (If you want to know more, check out our “Know Jesus” page.) • When is it hardest for you to love God and your neighbors well? Consider taking some time to talk with God about this in the space below. Remember, even Jesus was tempted, but He never sinned. Yet, He understands all our weaknesses and He empathizes with us. So, once you’ve put your trust in Jesus, you can approach Him with anything, knowing that you are held securely in His love. (Hebrews 4:14-16) • We live in a broken world where we are constantly bombarded by lies that make it easy to act in ways that are unloving toward God and our neighbors. Here are just a few examples of lies we might believe

READ: ROMANS 12:1-13; JAMES 4:6-10 I genuinely wanted to figure this out on my own. But I couldn’t. It was time to ask for help. I’d been in Romania just a few weeks. Wanting to acclimate to my new city, I took a tram to shop for groceries one afternoon. I needed to return for a meeting with my ministry team later that night. As I left the store, I walked to the tram stop that looked familiar. Only I boarded the tram going in the wrong direction. When I realized my mistake, I quickly exited. Now I stood waiting in an area that felt completely foreign. I didn’t want to be late to meet my team, but I could think of no solutions. At least, not on my own. I approached a group of school children and asked if they spoke English. After my request for directions, one boy held up his hand and indicated I should go five stops and then switch trams. I followed those instructions and returned in the nick of time. Even though I—a young woman—wanted to feel independent and capable, I had to humble myself so I could receive the help God wanted to give. In my pride, I might have chosen to continue sorting out my problem alone— probably growing more lost and desperate. As humans, we all have a sin problem. And the result of sin is death. God’s plan to solve that problem was fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of His Son, Jesus. Out of His great love for us, Jesus humbled Himself by becoming human and submitting to death on a cross. Then, He was lifted up to life on the third day. When we trust in Jesus for forgiveness and new life, we begin a relationship with God by His grace. But we don’t stop needing His grace. As we grow, we learn to acknowledge that we can’t meet all our needs on our own. And as we humble ourselves, we get to experience His grace in our lives. That evening in Romania, God’s grace showed up in a group of generous school kids. • Allison Wilson Lee • While the desire to be independent can be good and healthy at times, how could this desire get in the way of asking for and receiving help when we need it? (1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 21) • When do you hesitate to ask God for help? And, when do you hesitate to ask other people for help? Why do you think that might be? Consider spending some time in prayer, asking Jesus to help you let go of any pride in your heart and instead rest and rely on Him. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. James 4:10 (NIV) 

READ: ROMANS 12:1-13; JAMES 4:6-10 I genuinely wanted to figure this out on my own. But I couldn’t. It was time to ask for help. I’d been in Romania just a few weeks. Wanting to acclimate to my new city, I took a tram to shop for groceries one afternoon. I needed to return for a meeting with my ministry team later that night. As I left the store, I walked to the tram stop that looked familiar. Only I boarded the tram going in the wrong direction. When I realized my mistake, I quickly exited. Now I stood waiting in an area that felt completely foreign. I didn’t want to be late to meet my team, but I could think of no solutions. At least, not on my own. I approached a group of school children and asked if they spoke English. After my request for directions, one boy held up his hand and indicated I should go five stops and then switch trams. I followed those instructions and returned in the nick of time. Even though I—a young woman—wanted to feel independent and capable, I had to humble myself so I could receive the help God wanted to give. In my pride, I might have chosen to continue sorting out my problem alone— probably growing more lost and desperate. As humans, we all have a sin problem. And the result of sin is death. God’s plan to solve that problem was fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of His Son, Jesus. Out of His great love for us, Jesus humbled Himself by becoming human and submitting to death on a cross. Then, He was lifted up to life on the third day. When we trust in Jesus for forgiveness and new life, we begin a relationship with God by His grace. But we don’t stop needing His grace. As we grow, we learn to acknowledge that we can’t meet all our needs on our own. And as we humble ourselves, we get to experience His grace in our lives. That evening in Romania, God’s grace showed up in a group of generous school kids. • Allison Wilson Lee • While the desire to be independent can be good and healthy at times, how could this desire get in the way of asking for and receiving help when we need it? (1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 21) • When do you hesitate to ask God for help? And, when do you hesitate to ask other people for help? Why do you think that might be? Consider spending some time in prayer, asking Jesus to help you let go of any pride in your heart and instead rest and rely on Him. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. James 4:10 (NIV) 

READ: ROMANS 12:1-13; JAMES 4:6-10 I genuinely wanted to figure this out on my own. But I couldn’t. It was time to ask for help. I’d been in Romania just a few weeks. Wanting to acclimate to my new city, I took a tram to shop for groceries one afternoon. I needed to return for a meeting with my ministry team later that night. As I left the store, I walked to the tram stop that looked familiar. Only I boarded the tram going in the wrong direction. When I realized my mistake, I quickly exited. Now I stood waiting in an area that felt completely foreign. I didn’t want to be late to meet my team, but I could think of no solutions. At least, not on my own. I approached a group of school children and asked if they spoke English. After my request for directions, one boy held up his hand and indicated I should go five stops and then switch trams. I followed those instructions and returned in the nick of time. Even though I—a young woman—wanted to feel independent and capable, I had to humble myself so I could receive the help God wanted to give. In my pride, I might have chosen to continue sorting out my problem alone— probably growing more lost and desperate. As humans, we all have a sin problem. And the result of sin is death. God’s plan to solve that problem was fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of His Son, Jesus. Out of His great love for us, Jesus humbled Himself by becoming human and submitting to death on a cross. Then, He was lifted up to life on the third day. When we trust in Jesus for forgiveness and new life, we begin a relationship with God by His grace. But we don’t stop needing His grace. As we grow, we learn to acknowledge that we can’t meet all our needs on our own. And as we humble ourselves, we get to experience His grace in our lives. That evening in Romania, God’s grace showed up in a group of generous school kids. • Allison Wilson Lee • While the desire to be independent can be good and healthy at times, how could this desire get in the way of asking for and receiving help when we need it? (1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 21) • When do you hesitate to ask God for help? And, when do you hesitate to ask other people for help? Why do you think that might be? Consider spending some time in prayer, asking Jesus to help you let go of any pride in your heart and instead rest and rely on Him. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. James 4:10 (NIV) 

READ: MATTHEW 10:29-31; ROMANS 8:28-29; 1 CORINTHIANS 2:9; HEBREWS 13:5 Are you going through a stressful time? Is life really hard? In every hard time, we are seen. We are known, and we are loved. And the One doing all of this caring is God Himself. Jesus understands suffering. He suffered and died for you. In Matthew 10, Jesus says that God has His eye on every sparrow that falls from its branch. The bird’s whole life is noticed by its Maker: from hatchling, to bird-in-flight, to nest-builder and worm-eater and tender-of-its-young, on to old age. Throughout our lives, we will encounter suffering. Yet, our heavenly Father sees all we go through. He has compassion on us and comforts us, and He has planned for all believers a glorious life ahead that we cannot even imagine (1 Corinthians 2:9; 2 Corinthians 1:3-5). So, in every struggle He says, “Be encouraged,” or as some Bible translations put it, “Let your heart take courage” (Psalm 31:24). How do we do this? We can take ahold of the courage God offers by trusting in Him. Instead of focusing on all the hard stuff, as believers we can choose to focus on Jesus because we have the Holy Spirit living inside us. The Holy Spirit gives us faith and reminds us of who God is and how much He cares for us. One practical way we can choose to trust Him is to live in the “even though’s,” believing God’s truths, even though the circumstances are tough. Here are some examples: Even though…I miss the person who died, yet I will take courage, knowing that God sees me in my suffering, and He is right here with me. He said He would never leave me, nor forsake me. Ever. Even though…I am suffering through this illness, yet I will take courage, knowing that God sees me in my suffering, and He promises to use this difficulty for good. I can trust Him. Always. Rest assured today, His eye is upon you, right now, even in the stressful experience you may be facing. He loves you, and you can trust Him for what lies ahead. • Kristen Merrill • The One who made you understands and cares about everything that is going on in your life, right now. His loving eye is always on you (Psalm 32:8). What are some of the stressful things you’ve experienced lately? Consider taking some time to talk to Jesus about these things—you can be totally honest about your hurts, sorrows, frustrations, and fears. As you talk to Him, consider trying out the phrase “even though,” using the truths from today’s Bible passages. Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in Yahweh. Psalm 31:24 (WEB) 

READ: MATTHEW 10:29-31; ROMANS 8:28-29; 1 CORINTHIANS 2:9; HEBREWS 13:5 Are you going through a stressful time? Is life really hard? In every hard time, we are seen. We are known, and we are loved. And the One doing all of this caring is God Himself. Jesus understands suffering. He suffered and died for you. In Matthew 10, Jesus says that God has His eye on every sparrow that falls from its branch. The bird’s whole life is noticed by its Maker: from hatchling, to bird-in-flight, to nest-builder and worm-eater and tender-of-its-young, on to old age. Throughout our lives, we will encounter suffering. Yet, our heavenly Father sees all we go through. He has compassion on us and comforts us, and He has planned for all believers a glorious life ahead that we cannot even imagine (1 Corinthians 2:9; 2 Corinthians 1:3-5). So, in every struggle He says, “Be encouraged,” or as some Bible translations put it, “Let your heart take courage” (Psalm 31:24). How do we do this? We can take ahold of the courage God offers by trusting in Him. Instead of focusing on all the hard stuff, as believers we can choose to focus on Jesus because we have the Holy Spirit living inside us. The Holy Spirit gives us faith and reminds us of who God is and how much He cares for us. One practical way we can choose to trust Him is to live in the “even though’s,” believing God’s truths, even though the circumstances are tough. Here are some examples: Even though…I miss the person who died, yet I will take courage, knowing that God sees me in my suffering, and He is right here with me. He said He would never leave me, nor forsake me. Ever. Even though…I am suffering through this illness, yet I will take courage, knowing that God sees me in my suffering, and He promises to use this difficulty for good. I can trust Him. Always. Rest assured today, His eye is upon you, right now, even in the stressful experience you may be facing. He loves you, and you can trust Him for what lies ahead. • Kristen Merrill • The One who made you understands and cares about everything that is going on in your life, right now. His loving eye is always on you (Psalm 32:8). What are some of the stressful things you’ve experienced lately? Consider taking some time to talk to Jesus about these things—you can be totally honest about your hurts, sorrows, frustrations, and fears. As you talk to Him, consider trying out the phrase “even though,” using the truths from today’s Bible passages. Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in Yahweh. Psalm 31:24 (WEB) 

READ: MATTHEW 10:29-31; ROMANS 8:28-29; 1 CORINTHIANS 2:9; HEBREWS 13:5 Are you going through a stressful time? Is life really hard? In every hard time, we are seen. We are known, and we are loved. And the One doing all of this caring is God Himself. Jesus understands suffering. He suffered and died for you. In Matthew 10, Jesus says that God has His eye on every sparrow that falls from its branch. The bird’s whole life is noticed by its Maker: from hatchling, to bird-in-flight, to nest-builder and worm-eater and tender-of-its-young, on to old age. Throughout our lives, we will encounter suffering. Yet, our heavenly Father sees all we go through. He has compassion on us and comforts us, and He has planned for all believers a glorious life ahead that we cannot even imagine (1 Corinthians 2:9; 2 Corinthians 1:3-5). So, in every struggle He says, “Be encouraged,” or as some Bible translations put it, “Let your heart take courage” (Psalm 31:24). How do we do this? We can take ahold of the courage God offers by trusting in Him. Instead of focusing on all the hard stuff, as believers we can choose to focus on Jesus because we have the Holy Spirit living inside us. The Holy Spirit gives us faith and reminds us of who God is and how much He cares for us. One practical way we can choose to trust Him is to live in the “even though’s,” believing God’s truths, even though the circumstances are tough. Here are some examples: Even though…I miss the person who died, yet I will take courage, knowing that God sees me in my suffering, and He is right here with me. He said He would never leave me, nor forsake me. Ever. Even though…I am suffering through this illness, yet I will take courage, knowing that God sees me in my suffering, and He promises to use this difficulty for good. I can trust Him. Always. Rest assured today, His eye is upon you, right now, even in the stressful experience you may be facing. He loves you, and you can trust Him for what lies ahead. • Kristen Merrill • The One who made you understands and cares about everything that is going on in your life, right now. His loving eye is always on you (Psalm 32:8). What are some of the stressful things you’ve experienced lately? Consider taking some time to talk to Jesus about these things—you can be totally honest about your hurts, sorrows, frustrations, and fears. As you talk to Him, consider trying out the phrase “even though,” using the truths from today’s Bible passages. Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in Yahweh. Psalm 31:24 (WEB) 

READ: GENESIS 16:1-13; PSALM 139; HEBREWS 13:5 If there was a list of all the people in the Bible who had a reason to feel invisible, Hagar would no doubt be near the top. As Sarai’s Egyptian slave, Hagar likely had no choice but to cooperate when she was suddenly thrown into the middle of a messy plot for Abram to produce offspring through her. You see, God had promised that Abram and Sarai would have many descendants, but after years of waiting, the childless couple got impatient. So, Sarai told Abram to sleep with Hagar, her slave, so they could have a child through her. Even though this was a common practice at the time, God was certainly not okay with it. And, like most plans we make apart from God, things began to go badly. Hagar was mistreated to the point she ran away, leaving Abram, Sarai, and their twisted plan behind. Except, she was already pregnant. But as she came to a spring in the middle of the wilderness, Hagar was met by the angel of the Lord. The angel instructed her to return, promising that God would greatly multiply her descendants and saying, “the Lord has heard your cry of affliction” (Genesis 16:10-11). Hagar called the God who spoke to her El Roi, which means: the God who sees me. Hagar’s mistreatment and grief wasn’t over yet. But in the middle of it all, when she no doubt felt invisible in her suffering, God saw her. Not all of us have been used and mistreated like Hagar was, but at some point we will all reach a wilderness of our own. Living in a sinful world and carrying heavy burdens, it’s easy to feel unseen and forgotten in this life. But we are not unseen. Jesus says, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). And in Psalm 139, David writes about how God sees each of us and searches the innermost places of our hearts. How wonderful to know that the One who knows us from the inside out, the One who knitted each of us together in the womb, is the same One who walks with us every step of our lives. In the middle of whatever you’re going through, you are not invisible or alone. The same God who saw Hagar sees you, and He will never forsake you. • Katherine Billingsley • Have there been times in your life when you’ve felt invisible? How could it be comforting to know that the same God who saw Hagar is the One who sees each of us? • Throughout Scripture, God sees and cares for those who would normally be looked down upon or outcast. How could you show those around you that they are seen and heard by God? Lord, you have searched me and known me. Psalm 139:1 (CSB)

READ: GENESIS 16:1-13; PSALM 139; HEBREWS 13:5 If there was a list of all the people in the Bible who had a reason to feel invisible, Hagar would no doubt be near the top. As Sarai’s Egyptian slave, Hagar likely had no choice but to cooperate when she was suddenly thrown into the middle of a messy plot for Abram to produce offspring through her. You see, God had promised that Abram and Sarai would have many descendants, but after years of waiting, the childless couple got impatient. So, Sarai told Abram to sleep with Hagar, her slave, so they could have a child through her. Even though this was a common practice at the time, God was certainly not okay with it. And, like most plans we make apart from God, things began to go badly. Hagar was mistreated to the point she ran away, leaving Abram, Sarai, and their twisted plan behind. Except, she was already pregnant. But as she came to a spring in the middle of the wilderness, Hagar was met by the angel of the Lord. The angel instructed her to return, promising that God would greatly multiply her descendants and saying, “the LORD has heard your cry of affliction” (Genesis 16:10-11). Hagar called the God who spoke to her El Roi, which means: the God who sees me. Hagar’s mistreatment and grief wasn’t over yet. But in the middle of it all, when she no doubt felt invisible in her suffering, God saw her. Not all of us have been used and mistreated like Hagar was, but at some point we will all reach a wilderness of our own. Living in a sinful world and carrying heavy burdens, it’s easy to feel unseen and forgotten in this life. But we are not unseen. Jesus says, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). And in Psalm 139, David writes about how God sees each of us and searches the innermost places of our hearts. How wonderful to know that the One who knows us from the inside out, the One who knitted each of us together in the womb, is the same One who walks with us every step of our lives. In the middle of whatever you’re going through, you are not invisible or alone. The same God who saw Hagar sees you, and He will never forsake you. • Katherine Billingsley • Have there been times in your life when you’ve felt invisible? How could it be comforting to know that the same God who saw Hagar is the One who sees each of us? • Throughout Scripture, God sees and cares for those who would normally be looked down upon or outcast. How could you show those around you that they are seen and heard by God? LORD, you have searched me and known me. Psalm 139:1 (CSB)

READ: GENESIS 16:1-13; PSALM 139; HEBREWS 13:5 If there was a list of all the people in the Bible who had a reason to feel invisible, Hagar would no doubt be near the top. As Sarai’s Egyptian slave, Hagar likely had no choice but to cooperate when she was suddenly thrown into the middle of a messy plot for Abram to produce offspring through her. You see, God had promised that Abram and Sarai would have many descendants, but after years of waiting, the childless couple got impatient. So, Sarai told Abram to sleep with Hagar, her slave, so they could have a child through her. Even though this was a common practice at the time, God was certainly not okay with it. And, like most plans we make apart from God, things began to go badly. Hagar was mistreated to the point she ran away, leaving Abram, Sarai, and their twisted plan behind. Except, she was already pregnant. But as she came to a spring in the middle of the wilderness, Hagar was met by the angel of the Lord. The angel instructed her to return, promising that God would greatly multiply her descendants and saying, “the LORD has heard your cry of affliction” (Genesis 16:10-11). Hagar called the God who spoke to her El Roi, which means: the God who sees me. Hagar’s mistreatment and grief wasn’t over yet. But in the middle of it all, when she no doubt felt invisible in her suffering, God saw her. Not all of us have been used and mistreated like Hagar was, but at some point we will all reach a wilderness of our own. Living in a sinful world and carrying heavy burdens, it’s easy to feel unseen and forgotten in this life. But we are not unseen. Jesus says, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). And in Psalm 139, David writes about how God sees each of us and searches the innermost places of our hearts. How wonderful to know that the One who knows us from the inside out, the One who knitted each of us together in the womb, is the same One who walks with us every step of our lives. In the middle of whatever you’re going through, you are not invisible or alone. The same God who saw Hagar sees you, and He will never forsake you. • Katherine Billingsley • Have there been times in your life when you’ve felt invisible? How could it be comforting to know that the same God who saw Hagar is the One who sees each of us? • Throughout Scripture, God sees and cares for those who would normally be looked down upon or outcast. How could you show those around you that they are seen and heard by God? LORD, you have searched me and known me. Psalm 139:1 (CSB)

READ: JOHN 13:31-38; 15:1-17; 1 JOHN 3:16-18; 4:19 Have you ever heard the expression, “They talk the talk, but don’t walk the walk”? It’s a way of saying that people’s actions don’t match their words. For example, if somebody talks all about how important recycling is but constantly throws their plastic water bottles into the trash, they are acting like a hypocrite: they talk the talk but don’t walk the walk. They might say recycling is important, but when it comes to actually taking action, they don’t follow through. Sadly, we are all guilty of hypocrisy in one way or another. We might not even realize our actions aren’t matching our words until someone points it out, and this can be disheartening. After all, the Bible shows us that Christians are supposed to “walk the walk” AND “talk the talk.” For example, the apostle John says, “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:18). As Christians, we are called to be people who love in word AND deed. Because Jesus loves us so much, we are called to love others. Many of us know it’s important to love others, but how well do we show it? If we say we love our friends or family but act selfishly and treat them unkindly, our claim to love them isn’t really good for much. It’s a good thing to tell people we love them, but we need to act like it too. Jesus did not merely say that He loved us—He went and actually did something about it, saving us from sin by dying for us on the cross. He took our sin, our shame, and died the death we deserved. That is true love. And then, Jesus rose from the grave, declaring that everyone who trusts in Him can be forgiven and become God’s child. God’s love is so great that nothing can separate His children from Him—even sins like hypocrisy. The fact is, He knows that we are unable to truly love Him or other people on our own. Thankfully, He has poured out HIS love “into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us” (Romans 5:5). So, as Christians, we can love others in word and deed by relying on God’s love. We can treat our friends, our family, and even our enemies the way Jesus would: by caring for them, helping them, and providing for their needs. As Jesus’s followers, we are empowered to talk the talk and walk the walk. • Jacob Bier • Consider taking some time to ask God to help you see ways that you might “talk the talk but not walk the walk.” We can confess our sin and ask God to help us follow Him wholeheartedly. • What are some practical ways you could show love to people in your life today? What resources has God given you that you could use to show love to others? We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19 (NIV) 

READ: JOHN 13:31-38; 15:1-17; 1 JOHN 3:16-18; 4:19 Have you ever heard the expression, “They talk the talk, but don’t walk the walk”? It’s a way of saying that people’s actions don’t match their words. For example, if somebody talks all about how important recycling is but constantly throws their plastic water bottles into the trash, they are acting like a hypocrite: they talk the talk but don’t walk the walk. They might say recycling is important, but when it comes to actually taking action, they don’t follow through. Sadly, we are all guilty of hypocrisy in one way or another. We might not even realize our actions aren’t matching our words until someone points it out, and this can be disheartening. After all, the Bible shows us that Christians are supposed to “walk the walk” AND “talk the talk.” For example, the apostle John says, “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:18). As Christians, we are called to be people who love in word AND deed. Because Jesus loves us so much, we are called to love others. Many of us know it’s important to love others, but how well do we show it? If we say we love our friends or family but act selfishly and treat them unkindly, our claim to love them isn’t really good for much. It’s a good thing to tell people we love them, but we need to act like it too. Jesus did not merely say that He loved us—He went and actually did something about it, saving us from sin by dying for us on the cross. He took our sin, our shame, and died the death we deserved. That is true love. And then, Jesus rose from the grave, declaring that everyone who trusts in Him can be forgiven and become God’s child. God’s love is so great that nothing can separate His children from Him—even sins like hypocrisy. The fact is, He knows that we are unable to truly love Him or other people on our own. Thankfully, He has poured out HIS love “into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us” (Romans 5:5). So, as Christians, we can love others in word and deed by relying on God’s love. We can treat our friends, our family, and even our enemies the way Jesus would: by caring for them, helping them, and providing for their needs. As Jesus’s followers, we are empowered to talk the talk and walk the walk. • Jacob Bier • Consider taking some time to ask God to help you see ways that you might “talk the talk but not walk the walk.” We can confess our sin and ask God to help us follow Him wholeheartedly. • What are some practical ways you could show love to people in your life today? What resources has God given you that you could use to show love to others? We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19 (NIV) 

READ: JOHN 13:31-38; 15:1-17; 1 JOHN 3:16-18; 4:19 Have you ever heard the expression, “They talk the talk, but don’t walk the walk”? It’s a way of saying that people’s actions don’t match their words. For example, if somebody talks all about how important recycling is but constantly throws their plastic water bottles into the trash, they are acting like a hypocrite: they talk the talk but don’t walk the walk. They might say recycling is important, but when it comes to actually taking action, they don’t follow through. Sadly, we are all guilty of hypocrisy in one way or another. We might not even realize our actions aren’t matching our words until someone points it out, and this can be disheartening. After all, the Bible shows us that Christians are supposed to “walk the walk” AND “talk the talk.” For example, the apostle John says, “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:18). As Christians, we are called to be people who love in word AND deed. Because Jesus loves us so much, we are called to love others. Many of us know it’s important to love others, but how well do we show it? If we say we love our friends or family but act selfishly and treat them unkindly, our claim to love them isn’t really good for much. It’s a good thing to tell people we love them, but we need to act like it too. Jesus did not merely say that He loved us—He went and actually did something about it, saving us from sin by dying for us on the cross. He took our sin, our shame, and died the death we deserved. That is true love. And then, Jesus rose from the grave, declaring that everyone who trusts in Him can be forgiven and become God’s child. God’s love is so great that nothing can separate His children from Him—even sins like hypocrisy. The fact is, He knows that we are unable to truly love Him or other people on our own. Thankfully, He has poured out HIS love “into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us” (Romans 5:5). So, as Christians, we can love others in word and deed by relying on God’s love. We can treat our friends, our family, and even our enemies the way Jesus would: by caring for them, helping them, and providing for their needs. As Jesus’s followers, we are empowered to talk the talk and walk the walk. • Jacob Bier • Consider taking some time to ask God to help you see ways that you might “talk the talk but not walk the walk.” We can confess our sin and ask God to help us follow Him wholeheartedly. • What are some practical ways you could show love to people in your life today? What resources has God given you that you could use to show love to others? We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19 (NIV) 

READ: GENESIS 1:26-27; JOHN 3:16-17; REVELATION 5:9; 7:9-10 Have you ever watched a florist arrange different flowers into a bouquet? It’s fascinating to see all those blooms come together into a unified composition. And a florist’s creativity points to our Creator God, who designed the stunning variety of flowers we find all around the world. God is glorified by the vast array of floral colors—for starters, just think about white and yellow daisies, red and pink dahlias, blue and purple hydrangeas, and snapdragons and petunias and lilies that come in all sorts of colors! And it’s not just the colors that are different. The petals are too. Lilies are shaped like trumpets, daisy petals look like teardrops, baby’s breath is like little stars, and gladiola petals are all ruffly. It’s amazing to think God made people like that too. Just as we see beautiful variations in flowers, we also see beautiful variations in humans. God made people with different colors of skin and hair and eyes. And their hair might be straight, wavy, or curly. Even body shapes are different—people come in all different heights and proportions. Our differences make our world more interesting than if we were all alike, and this diversity brings glory to God. When we see a variety of flowers gathered in a bouquet, we can remember how the Bible says God will gather believers from every nation, tribe, people group, and language to worship Jesus. How wonderful it will be to praise the Lord with believers from all over the world—joined together like a beautiful bouquet, unified by Jesus’s blood and forgiveness. When Jesus returns and establishes the new heavens and new earth, we will rejoice in our God together for eternity. But we don’t have to wait until then to appreciate people who are different from us. All people are created in God’s image and are deeply loved by Him. We can enjoy His beauty in the huge variety of people He has made, remembering that God created each of us in His own image, and Jesus died for us all. Together we reflect the beauty of His love and grace. • A. W. Smith • God created humans in His image—and no two humans are exactly alike! Can you think of a time when the differences of others helped you better understand God? How so? • How can looking ahead to the new heaven sand new earth, when all Christians will worship Jesus together in harmony, give us hope to pursue that kind of fellowship here and now? …I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb [Jesus]. Revelation 7:9b (NLT) 

READ: GENESIS 1:26-27; JOHN 3:16-17; REVELATION 5:9; 7:9-10 Have you ever watched a florist arrange different flowers into a bouquet? It’s fascinating to see all those blooms come together into a unified composition. And a florist’s creativity points to our Creator God, who designed the stunning variety of flowers we find all around the world. God is glorified by the vast array of floral colors—for starters, just think about white and yellow daisies, red and pink dahlias, blue and purple hydrangeas, and snapdragons and petunias and lilies that come in all sorts of colors! And it’s not just the colors that are different. The petals are too. Lilies are shaped like trumpets, daisy petals look like teardrops, baby’s breath is like little stars, and gladiola petals are all ruffly. It’s amazing to think God made people like that too. Just as we see beautiful variations in flowers, we also see beautiful variations in humans. God made people with different colors of skin and hair and eyes. And their hair might be straight, wavy, or curly. Even body shapes are different—people come in all different heights and proportions. Our differences make our world more interesting than if we were all alike, and this diversity brings glory to God. When we see a variety of flowers gathered in a bouquet, we can remember how the Bible says God will gather believers from every nation, tribe, people group, and language to worship Jesus. How wonderful it will be to praise the Lord with believers from all over the world—joined together like a beautiful bouquet, unified by Jesus’s blood and forgiveness. When Jesus returns and establishes the new heavens and new earth, we will rejoice in our God together for eternity. But we don’t have to wait until then to appreciate people who are different from us. All people are created in God’s image and are deeply loved by Him. We can enjoy His beauty in the huge variety of people He has made, remembering that God created each of us in His own image, and Jesus died for us all. Together we reflect the beauty of His love and grace. • A. W. Smith • God created humans in His image—and no two humans are exactly alike! Can you think of a time when the differences of others helped you better understand God? How so? • How can looking ahead to the new heavens and new earth, when all Christians will worship Jesus together in harmony, give us hope to pursue that kind of fellowship here and now? …I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb [Jesus]. Revelation 7:9b (NLT) 

READ: GENESIS 1:26-27; JOHN 3:16-17; REVELATION 5:9; 7:9-10 Have you ever watched a florist arrange different flowers into a bouquet? It’s fascinating to see all those blooms come together into a unified composition. And a florist’s creativity points to our Creator God, who designed the stunning variety of flowers we find all around the world. God is glorified by the vast array of floral colors—for starters, just think about white and yellow daisies, red and pink dahlias, blue and purple hydrangeas, and snapdragons and petunias and lilies that come in all sorts of colors! And it’s not just the colors that are different. The petals are too. Lilies are shaped like trumpets, daisy petals look like teardrops, baby’s breath is like little stars, and gladiola petals are all ruffly. It’s amazing to think God made people like that too. Just as we see beautiful variations in flowers, we also see beautiful variations in humans. God made people with different colors of skin and hair and eyes. And their hair might be straight, wavy, or curly. Even body shapes are different—people come in all different heights and proportions. Our differences make our world more interesting than if we were all alike, and this diversity brings glory to God. When we see a variety of flowers gathered in a bouquet, we can remember how the Bible says God will gather believers from every nation, tribe, people group, and language to worship Jesus. How wonderful it will be to praise the Lord with believers from all over the world—joined together like a beautiful bouquet, unified by Jesus’s blood and forgiveness. When Jesus returns and establishes the new heavens and new earth, we will rejoice in our God together for eternity. But we don’t have to wait until then to appreciate people who are different from us. All people are created in God’s image and are deeply loved by Him. We can enjoy His beauty in the huge variety of people He has made, remembering that God created each of us in His own image, and Jesus died for us all. Together we reflect the beauty of His love and grace. • A. W. Smith • God created humans in His image—and no two humans are exactly alike! Can you think of a time when the differences of others helped you better understand God? How so? • How can looking ahead to the new heavens and new earth, when all Christians will worship Jesus together in harmony, give us hope to pursue that kind of fellowship here and now? …I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb [Jesus]. Revelation 7:9b (NLT) 

READ: ROMANS 5:1-5; 12:15 BOOM! A clap of thunder shook the rounded windows of Habitation Enclosure 150 in the Tuuli province of the planet Terra. “That sounded awfully close,” said Lillah with a shiver. “I hate storms.” “I know,” said Phlox, Lillah’s roommate and the area botanist. “It feels safer when we don’t have to see the lightning.” “I wish it could just rain without all that thunder and lightning.” Lillah sighed. “Well,” said Phlox, “did you know that when lightning hits the ground, it breaks down nutrients in the soil so plants can use them?” Lillah smiled. “I think I’ve heard something about that, but it’s been years…And I know I’m not going to stop your inevitable botany lecture.” Phlox laughed. “Well, I’ll spare you most of it. But, basically, lightning is important because it plays a part in helping plants grow.” Lillah nodded. “Only the Creator could bring so much order out of so much chaos.” “I agree,” said Phlox. “I’m glad the Creator is with us and we’re never alone. In actual storms or when things get chaotic in our own lives.” Phlox’s eyes sparkled with the beginnings of tears. Lillah hugged her friend. “I know this year hasn’t been easy for you. Moving to Tuuli to watch over an underfunded community garden…after your dream job at the National Art Garden lost funding. That’s a big loss to grieve.” A flash of lightning caused them both to wince. “Thank you for grieving it with me.” Phlox wiped at the tears on her cheeks. “May the Creator use my life storm to give me the nutrients I need to grow in love.” Lillah nodded. “And may He remind us that, even in chaos, His love holds us steady.” • A. W. Smith • What are some life storms you or your friends are going through? Maybe you or someone you love is struggling with illness, or you feel like you’ve lost all your friends. Remember, because Jesus died and rose again for us, we’re never alone, no matter what storm comes our way. He’s right there with us, inviting us to talk to Him about all our problems and helping us grow. We can rest in His embrace as we look forward to the day He’ll return and make everything new. …we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4 (NIV) 

READ: ROMANS 5:1-5; 12:15 BOOM! A clap of thunder shook the rounded windows of Habitation Enclosure 150 in the Tuuli province of the planet Terra. “That sounded awfully close,” said Lillah with a shiver. “I hate storms.” “I know,” said Phlox, Lillah’s roommate and the area botanist. “It feels safer when we don’t have to see the lightning.” “I wish it could just rain without all that thunder and lightning.” Lillah sighed. “Well,” said Phlox, “did you know that when lightning hits the ground, it breaks down nutrients in the soil so plants can use them?” Lillah smiled. “I think I’ve heard something about that, but it’s been years…And I know I’m not going to stop your inevitable botany lecture.” Phlox laughed. “Well, I’ll spare you most of it. But, basically, lightning is important because it plays a part in helping plants grow.” Lillah nodded. “Only the Creator could bring so much order out of so much chaos.” “I agree,” said Phlox. “I’m glad the Creator is with us and we’re never alone. In actual storms or when things get chaotic in our own lives.” Phlox’s eyes sparkled with the beginnings of tears. Lillah hugged her friend. “I know this year hasn’t been easy for you. Moving to Tuuli to watch over an underfunded community garden…after your dream job at the National Art Garden lost funding. That’s a big loss to grieve.” A flash of lightning caused them both to wince. “Thank you for grieving it with me.” Phlox wiped at the tears on her cheeks. “May the Creator use my life storm to give me the nutrients I need to grow in love.” Lillah nodded. “And may He remind us that, even in chaos, His love holds us steady.” • A. W. Smith • What are some life storms you or your friends are going through? Maybe you or someone you love is struggling with illness, or you feel like you’ve lost all your friends. Remember, because Jesus died and rose again for us, we’re never alone, no matter what storm comes our way. He’s right there with us, inviting us to talk to Him about all our problems and helping us grow. We can rest in His embrace as we look forward to the day He’ll return and make everything new. …we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4 (NIV) 

READ: ROMANS 5:1-5; 12:15 BOOM! A clap of thunder shook the rounded windows of Habitation Enclosure 150 in the Tuuli province of the planet Terra. “That sounded awfully close,” said Lillah with a shiver. “I hate storms.” “I know,” said Phlox, Lillah’s roommate and the area botanist. “It feels safer when we don’t have to see the lightning.” “I wish it could just rain without all that thunder and lightning.” Lillah sighed. “Well,” said Phlox, “did you know that when lightning hits the ground, it breaks down nutrients in the soil so plants can use them?” Lillah smiled. “I think I’ve heard something about that, but it’s been years…And I know I’m not going to stop your inevitable botany lecture.” Phlox laughed. “Well, I’ll spare you most of it. But, basically, lightning is important because it plays a part in helping plants grow.” Lillah nodded. “Only the Creator could bring so much order out of so much chaos.” “I agree,” said Phlox. “I’m glad the Creator is with us and we’re never alone. In actual storms or when things get chaotic in our own lives.” Phlox’s eyes sparkled with the beginnings of tears. Lillah hugged her friend. “I know this year hasn’t been easy for you. Moving to Tuuli to watch over an underfunded community garden…after your dream job at the National Art Garden lost funding. That’s a big loss to grieve.” A flash of lightning caused them both to wince. “Thank you for grieving it with me.” Phlox wiped at the tears on her cheeks. “May the Creator use my life storm to give me the nutrients I need to grow in love.” Lillah nodded. “And may He remind us that, even in chaos, His love holds us steady.” • A. W. Smith • What are some life storms you or your friends are going through? Maybe you or someone you love is struggling with illness, or you feel like you’ve lost all your friends. Remember, because Jesus died and rose again for us, we’re never alone, no matter what storm comes our way. He’s right there with us, inviting us to talk to Him about all our problems and helping us grow. We can rest in His embrace as we look forward to the day He’ll return and make everything new. …we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4 (NIV) 

READ: EXODUS 14:14; PSALMS 23:1-3; 127:2; MATTHEW 11:25-30 Are you, like me, constantly asking God to move and work and make your life different? There are things I’ve prayed about over and over again, asking God to step in and bring about change. I’ve begged Him to make things better. As I pray to Him, I feel anxious. I want to see something happen. I try to fix things. I ask God to fix things. I work hard to heal. I ask God to heal me. I feel like something has to be constantly happening, constantly changing. I want to be made better. I want my life to improve. I was praying for change the other day, and suddenly it hit me. What if instead of asking for change, I just rest in the hands of the One who holds this world? What if instead of asking for healing, I just rest in the hands of the One who has the power to heal? What if I let things be as they are and I simply take time to rest, trusting the hands of the powerful One to protect me? Yes, there are times when action is required. But there are also times when we need a break, and we can simply be still in the hands of God and let Him look out for us. • Emily Acker • Once you’ve put your trust in Jesus, you can know that you are forever held in His love and your eternal future is secure. So, even if the things you’ve been asking God for don’t come to fruition, you can still have confident hope that He is with you and He is working in your life (Philippians 1:6; 4:6-7, 12-13). If you want to know more about trusting Jesus, see our "Know Jesus" page. • While God certainly does invite us to ask Him for the things we need and want, He also beckons us to simply come to Him and find rest in His presence. How might it befreeing to take a break from asking God for things? Have you ever felt the peace that comes from simply resting in Him and knowing that He will take care of everything and that you will be okay? Consider taking a moment now to come to Him in prayer, not asking for anything, but just resting in Him. “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I [Jesus] will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (WEB) 

READ: EXODUS 14:14; PSALMS 23:1-3; 127:2; MATTHEW 11:25-30 Are you, like me, constantly asking God to move and work and make your life different? There are things I’ve prayed about over and over again, asking God to step in and bring about change. I’ve begged Him to make things better. As I pray to Him, I feel anxious. I want to see something happen. I try to fix things. I ask God to fix things. I work hard to heal. I ask God to heal me. I feel like something has to be constantly happening, constantly changing. I want to be made better. I want my life to improve. I was praying for change the other day, and suddenly it hit me. What if instead of asking for change, I just rest in the hands of the One who holds this world? What if instead of asking for healing, I just rest in the hands of the One who has the power to heal? What if I let things be as they are and I simply take time to rest, trusting the hands of the powerful One to protect me? Yes, there are times when action is required. But there are also times when we need a break, and we can simply be still in the hands of God and let Him look out for us. • Emily Acker • Once you’ve put your trust in Jesus, you can know that you are forever held in His love and your eternal future is secure. So, even if the things you’ve been asking God for don’t come to fruition, you can still have confident hope that He is with you and He is working in your life (Philippians 1:6; 4:6-7, 12-13). If you want to know more about trusting Jesus, see our “Know Jesus” page. • While God certainly does invite us to ask Him for the things we need and want, He also beckons us to simply come to Him and find rest in His presence. How might it befreeing to take a break from asking God for things? Have you ever felt the peace that comes from simply resting in Him and knowing that He will take care of everything and that you will be okay? Consider taking a moment now to come to Him in prayer, not asking for anything, but just resting in Him. “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I [Jesus] will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (WEB) 

READ: EXODUS 14:14; PSALMS 23:1-3; 127:2; MATTHEW 11:25-30 Are you, like me, constantly asking God to move and work and make your life different? There are things I’ve prayed about over and over again, asking God to step in and bring about change. I’ve begged Him to make things better. As I pray to Him, I feel anxious. I want to see something happen. I try to fix things. I ask God to fix things. I work hard to heal. I ask God to heal me. I feel like something has to be constantly happening, constantly changing. I want to be made better. I want my life to improve. I was praying for change the other day, and suddenly it hit me. What if instead of asking for change, I just rest in the hands of the One who holds this world? What if instead of asking for healing, I just rest in the hands of the One who has the power to heal? What if I let things be as they are and I simply take time to rest, trusting the hands of the powerful One to protect me? Yes, there are times when action is required. But there are also times when we need a break, and we can simply be still in the hands of God and let Him look out for us. • Emily Acker • Once you’ve put your trust in Jesus, you can know that you are forever held in His love and your eternal future is secure. So, even if the things you’ve been asking God for don’t come to fruition, you can still have confident hope that He is with you and He is working in your life (Philippians 1:6; 4:6-7, 12-13). If you want to know more about trusting Jesus, see our “Know Jesus” page. • While God certainly does invite us to ask Him for the things we need and want, He also beckons us to simply come to Him and find rest in His presence. How might it befreeing to take a break from asking God for things? Have you ever felt the peace that comes from simply resting in Him and knowing that He will take care of everything and that you will be okay? Consider taking a moment now to come to Him in prayer, not asking for anything, but just resting in Him. “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I [Jesus] will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (WEB) 

READ: DEUTERONOMY 6:4-9; LUKE 11:1-13 In the churches I’ve grown up in, prayers were almost always made up on the spot. And these prayers are great! But lately, I’ve also been appreciating pre-written prayers. And I’m not the only one! In the early church, it wasn’t uncommon for Christians to pray the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13; Luke 11:1-4) three times a day. And before that, the Israelites would regularly recite a prayer called the Shema (based on Deuteronomy 6:4-9) and the Ten Commandments (found in Exodus 20:1-17; Deuteronomy 5:6-21) as part of their prayers. While spontaneous prayer is certainly important, I think these pre-written prayers offer a lot of value as well. They can remind us of the unchanging truth of the gospel, center us (the church) around our mission, and keep us focused on God’s goodness. Plus, sometimes when I’m praying, I don’t have the words to say. These pre-written prayers can give me a place to start, and they can be a jumping-off point—something in these prayers will often remind me of something else I want to talk to God about, thank Him for, or ask Him for. And, by reciting these prayers, we are joining in with a tradition thousands of years old. We can pray prayers that have been prayed by hundreds of generations of people following God. And they’ll be prayed for years and generations to come. Not only that; we’re also uniting with believers around the world. These prayers have been spoken in thousands of languages by people from hundreds of different cultures. How amazing is that? By trusting in Jesus, believing in His death and resurrection, we are united with our loving God and with each other. Reciting these prayers alongside our spontaneous prayers, especially with other believers, can be a powerful way to remember these truths. • Taylor Eising • Consider taking a moment to reread Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and Luke 11:1-13. What can these passages tell us about who God is? What can they tell us about who we are? • As we read prayers from the Bible, we may end up memorizing them, and we can also use them as models for our own spontaneous prayers. Remember, pre-written prayers are great, but we shouldn’t stop making up our own prayers, too! Consider writing down some ideas of ways you could incorporate a prayer from the Bible (there are lots to choose from) into your life. Perhaps you could pray it before a meal, when you wake up, when you go to bed, with friends or family, etc. One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” Luke 11:1 (NIV) 

READ: DEUTERONOMY 6:4-9; LUKE 11:1-13 In the churches I’ve grown up in, prayers were almost always made up on the spot. And these prayers are great! But lately, I’ve also been appreciating pre-written prayers. And I’m not the only one! In the early church, it wasn’t uncommon for Christians to pray the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13; Luke 11:1-4) three times a day. And before that, the Israelites would regularly recite a prayer called the Shema (based on Deuteronomy 6:4-9) and the Ten Commandments (found in Exodus 20:1-17; Deuteronomy 5:6-21) as part of their prayers. While spontaneous prayer is certainly important, I think these pre-written prayers offer a lot of value as well. They can remind us of the unchanging truth of the gospel, center us (the church) around our mission, and keep us focused on God’s goodness. Plus, sometimes when I’m praying, I don’t have the words to say. These pre-written prayers can give me a place to start, and they can be a jumping-off point—something in these prayers will often remind me of something else I want to talk to God about, thank Him for, or ask Him for. And, by reciting these prayers, we are joining in with a tradition thousands of years old. We can pray prayers that have been prayed by hundreds of generations of people following God. And they’ll be prayed for years and generations to come. Not only that; we’re also uniting with believers around the world. These prayers have been spoken in thousands of languages by people from hundreds of different cultures. How amazing is that? By trusting in Jesus, believing in His death and resurrection, we are united with our loving God and with each other. Reciting these prayers alongside our spontaneous prayers, especially with other believers, can be a powerful way to remember these truths. • Taylor Eising • Consider taking a moment to reread Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and Luke 11:1-13. What can these passages tell us about who God is? What can they tell us about who we are? • As we read prayers from the Bible, we may end up memorizing them, and we can also use them as models for our own spontaneous prayers. Remember, pre-written prayers are great, but we shouldn’t stop making up our own prayers, too! Consider writing down some ideas of ways you could incorporate a prayer from the Bible (there are lots to choose from) into your life. Perhaps you could pray it before a meal, when you wake up, when you go to bed, with friends or family, etc. One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” Luke 11:1 (NIV) 

READ: DEUTERONOMY 6:4-9; LUKE 11:1-13 In the churches I’ve grown up in, prayers were almost always made up on the spot. And these prayers are great! But lately, I’ve also been appreciating pre-written prayers. And I’m not the only one! In the early church, it wasn’t uncommon for Christians to pray the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13; Luke 11:1-4) three times a day. And before that, the Israelites would regularly recite a prayer called the Shema (based on Deuteronomy 6:4-9) and the Ten Commandments (found in Exodus 20:1-17; Deuteronomy 5:6-21) as part of their prayers. While spontaneous prayer is certainly important, I think these pre-written prayers offer a lot of value as well. They can remind us of the unchanging truth of the gospel, center us (the church) around our mission, and keep us focused on God’s goodness. Plus, sometimes when I’m praying, I don’t have the words to say. These pre-written prayers can give me a place to start, and they can be a jumping-off point—something in these prayers will often remind me of something else I want to talk to God about, thank Him for, or ask Him for. And, by reciting these prayers, we are joining in with a tradition thousands of years old. We can pray prayers that have been prayed by hundreds of generations of people following God. And they’ll be prayed for years and generations to come. Not only that; we’re also uniting with believers around the world. These prayers have been spoken in thousands of languages by people from hundreds of different cultures. How amazing is that? By trusting in Jesus, believing in His death and resurrection, we are united with our loving God and with each other. Reciting these prayers alongside our spontaneous prayers, especially with other believers, can be a powerful way to remember these truths. • Taylor Eising • Consider taking a moment to reread Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and Luke 11:1-13. What can these passages tell us about who God is? What can they tell us about who we are? • As we read prayers from the Bible, we may end up memorizing them, and we can also use them as models for our own spontaneous prayers. Remember, pre-written prayers are great, but we shouldn’t stop making up our own prayers, too! Consider writing down some ideas of ways you could incorporate a prayer from the Bible (there are lots to choose from) into your life. Perhaps you could pray it before a meal, when you wake up, when you go to bed, with friends or family, etc. One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” Luke 11:1 (NIV) 

READ: PROVERBS 11:14; 12:15; 15:22; 20:18 Do you have people in your life who want to give you advice, like parents, teachers, pastors, counselors, or coaches? They want us to listen to what they have to say, and often we can be tempted to shrug them off, but there may be a lot we can learn from them. Someone who has been through different seasons of life can offer a lot of wisdom, and not in the “I-told-you-so” kind of way. There are people who genuinely care and want to help. And the Bible tells us how wonderful this kind of advice can be: “The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense” (Proverbs 27:9). When we seek the advice of others, we can be given more direction. Fellow Christians can point us to Christ and help us discern what He wants for our lives. Because the truth is, God doesn’t expect us to be able to figure everything out on our own. He provides loving wisdom and guidance through His Word, His Spirit, and His people. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus—believing in His life, death, and resurrection—He gives us the Holy Spirit, who gives all wisdom. And He gives us the church—people who follow Jesus and also have the Holy Spirit inside of them. Through the church, we can surround ourselves with people who can offer biblical advice so we can do what Proverbs 19:20 says: “Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life.” When we talk to mature Christians, they can help us align our plans with God’s good ways. So often, it’s easy to see the way we want things to go, but when we turn to different advisors, we can see if we are on the right track or completely off base. It’s a blessing to have these people in our lives. Sometimes, it feels like other people want to criticize what we’re doing, but when we humbly seek the advice of others and truly listen to their wisdom, it can have a profound impact on our lives. • Tynea Lewis • Have you ever been hesitant to ask for advice because you were afraid of being criticized, demeaned, or teased? This is not how God treats us, and it’s not how He calls us to treat each other. Consider taking some time to talk to Him about your hurts and the ways people have looked down on you, receiving His compassion and healing. • What is one thing you’re facing that you could use advice on? Who are mature Christians in your life you can go to for advice, people who display the kind of wisdom described in James 3:13-18? If no one comes to mind, you can ask God to help you identify someone in the future. Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success. Proverbs 15:22 (NLT) 

READ: PROVERBS 11:14; 12:15; 15:22; 20:18 Do you have people in your life who want to give you advice, like parents, teachers, pastors, counselors, or coaches? They want us to listen to what they have to say, and often we can be tempted to shrug them off, but there may be a lot we can learn from them. Someone who has been through different seasons of life can offer a lot of wisdom, and not in the “I-told-you-so” kind of way. There are people who genuinely care and want to help. And the Bible tells us how wonderful this kind of advice can be: “The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense” (Proverbs 27:9). When we seek the advice of others, we can be given more direction. Fellow Christians can point us to Christ and help us discern what He wants for our lives. Because the truth is, God doesn’t expect us to be able to figure everything out on our own. He provides loving wisdom and guidance through His Word, His Spirit, and His people. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus—believing in His life, death, and resurrection—He gives us the Holy Spirit, who gives all wisdom. And He gives us the church—people who follow Jesus and also have the Holy Spirit inside of them. Through the church, we can surround ourselves with people who can offer biblical advice so we can do what Proverbs 19:20 says: “Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life.” When we talk to mature Christians, they can help us align our plans with God’s good ways. So often, it’s easy to see the way we want things to go, but when we turn to different advisors, we can see if we are on the right track or completely off base. It’s a blessing to have these people in our lives. Sometimes, it feels like other people want to criticize what we’re doing, but when we humbly seek the advice of others and truly listen to their wisdom, it can have a profound impact on our lives. • Tynea Lewis • Have you ever been hesitant to ask for advice because you were afraid of being criticized, demeaned, or teased? This is not how God treats us, and it’s not how He calls us to treat each other. Consider taking some time to talk to Him about your hurts and the ways people have looked down on you, receiving His compassion and healing. • What is one thing you’re facing that you could use advice on? Who are mature Christians in your life you can go to for advice, people who display the kind of wisdom described in James 3:13-18? If no one comes to mind, you can ask God to help you identify someone in the future. Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success. Proverbs 15:22 (NLT) 

READ: PROVERBS 11:14; 12:15; 15:22; 20:18 Do you have people in your life who want to give you advice, like parents, teachers, pastors, counselors, or coaches? They want us to listen to what they have to say, and often we can be tempted to shrug them off, but there may be a lot we can learn from them. Someone who has been through different seasons of life can offer a lot of wisdom, and not in the “I-told-you-so” kind of way. There are people who genuinely care and want to help. And the Bible tells us how wonderful this kind of advice can be: “The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense” (Proverbs 27:9). When we seek the advice of others, we can be given more direction. Fellow Christians can point us to Christ and help us discern what He wants for our lives. Because the truth is, God doesn’t expect us to be able to figure everything out on our own. He provides loving wisdom and guidance through His Word, His Spirit, and His people. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus—believing in His life, death, and resurrection—He gives us the Holy Spirit, who gives all wisdom. And He gives us the church—people who follow Jesus and also have the Holy Spirit inside of them. Through the church, we can surround ourselves with people who can offer biblical advice so we can do what Proverbs 19:20 says: “Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life.” When we talk to mature Christians, they can help us align our plans with God’s good ways. So often, it’s easy to see the way we want things to go, but when we turn to different advisors, we can see if we are on the right track or completely off base. It’s a blessing to have these people in our lives. Sometimes, it feels like other people want to criticize what we’re doing, but when we humbly seek the advice of others and truly listen to their wisdom, it can have a profound impact on our lives. • Tynea Lewis • Have you ever been hesitant to ask for advice because you were afraid of being criticized, demeaned, or teased? This is not how God treats us, and it’s not how He calls us to treat each other. Consider taking some time to talk to Him about your hurts and the ways people have looked down on you, receiving His compassion and healing. • What is one thing you’re facing that you could use advice on? Who are mature Christians in your life you can go to for advice, people who display the kind of wisdom described in James 3:13-18? If no one comes to mind, you can ask God to help you identify someone in the future. Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success. Proverbs 15:22 (NLT) 

READ: MATTHEW 11:28-30; GALATIANS 1:10; COLOSSIANS 3:23-24 Have you ever felt pressure to get straight As or be the best athlete on the field? There are so many things in this world telling us to be the best at this or that. When we feel this pressure on our shoulders, it can start to crush us. The truth is, it can be good to use the skills and abilities God has given us as we work hard for things and do our best—this can be an act of worship, honoring to God. But once we allow ourselves to be controlled by achieving the highest standing because we want to be well-liked, accepted, or feel valuable, then we know we’ve crossed a line. This can be a sign that we’re starting to forget that we are perfectly loved, accepted, and valued in Christ. And when we forget this truth, we start allowing ourselves to do things for the approval of other people, turning away from what God wants for us. Instead of walking in God’s good ways because His unshakeable love has transformed our hearts, we begin to do things to get people to like us or accept us. But, when we return to the truth of the gospel and we start to turn our focus on God, His Spirit works in us to align our thoughts, words, actions, and attitudes with His good ways. In the gospel, we see how Jesus died and rose again to make the way for us to be with Him, free from sin and death. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we can know that He is always with us. He loves us, He will never leave us, and we never have to earn His approval. This truth changes everything. When we rest in God’s love, we begin to do things out of our love for Him instead of to earn the approval of people. • Tynea Lewis • When are you most tempted to idolize the approval of the people around you? Consider spending some time in prayer, asking Jesus to show you where you’re chasing after human approval, and to help you rest in His perfect love instead. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. Romans 15:7 (NIV) 

READ: MATTHEW 11:28-30; GALATIANS 1:10; COLOSSIANS 3:23-24 Have you ever felt pressure to get straight As or be the best athlete on the field? There are so many things in this world telling us to be the best at this or that. When we feel this pressure on our shoulders, it can start to crush us. The truth is, it can be good to use the skills and abilities God has given us as we work hard for things and do our best—this can be an act of worship, honoring to God. But once we allow ourselves to be controlled by achieving the highest standing because we want to be well-liked, accepted, or feel valuable, then we know we’ve crossed a line. This can be a sign that we’re starting to forget that we are perfectly loved, accepted, and valued in Christ. And when we forget this truth, we start allowing ourselves to do things for the approval of other people, turning away from what God wants for us. Instead of walking in God’s good ways because His unshakeable love has transformed our hearts, we begin to do things to get people to like us or accept us. But, when we return to the truth of the gospel and we start to turn our focus on God, His Spirit works in us to align our thoughts, words, actions, and attitudes with His good ways. In the gospel, we see how Jesus died and rose again to make the way for us to be with Him, free from sin and death. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we can know that He is always with us. He loves us, He will never leave us, and we never have to earn His approval. This truth changes everything. When we rest in God’s love, we begin to do things out of our love for Him instead of to earn the approval of people. • Tynea Lewis • When are you most tempted to idolize the approval of the people around you? Consider spending some time in prayer, asking Jesus to show you where you’re chasing after human approval, and to help you rest in His perfect love instead. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. Romans 15:7 (NIV) 

READ: MATTHEW 11:28-30; GALATIANS 1:10; COLOSSIANS 3:23-24 Have you ever felt pressure to get straight As or be the best athlete on the field? There are so many things in this world telling us to be the best at this or that. When we feel this pressure on our shoulders, it can start to crush us. The truth is, it can be good to use the skills and abilities God has given us as we work hard for things and do our best—this can be an act of worship, honoring to God. But once we allow ourselves to be controlled by achieving the highest standing because we want to be well-liked, accepted, or feel valuable, then we know we’ve crossed a line. This can be a sign that we’re starting to forget that we are perfectly loved, accepted, and valued in Christ. And when we forget this truth, we start allowing ourselves to do things for the approval of other people, turning away from what God wants for us. Instead of walking in God’s good ways because His unshakeable love has transformed our hearts, we begin to do things to get people to like us or accept us. But, when we return to the truth of the gospel and we start to turn our focus on God, His Spirit works in us to align our thoughts, words, actions, and attitudes with His good ways. In the gospel, we see how Jesus died and rose again to make the way for us to be with Him, free from sin and death. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we can know that He is always with us. He loves us, He will never leave us, and we never have to earn His approval. This truth changes everything. When we rest in God’s love, we begin to do things out of our love for Him instead of to earn the approval of people. • Tynea Lewis • When are you most tempted to idolize the approval of the people around you? Consider spending some time in prayer, asking Jesus to show you where you’re chasing after human approval, and to help you rest in His perfect love instead. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. Romans 15:7 (NIV) 

READ: MATTHEW 11:28-30; 14:13-23; MARK 5:21-43 One of my biggest pet peeves is slow walkers. I remember in high school I would inwardly scream when I was caught behind someone dillydallying. And now, when I go to the grocery store, I weave my cart in and out of families on busy afternoon shopping trips. I drive over the speed limit. It never seems to matter that I get up hours before I need to leave for work or class—I’m always rushing out the door with my shoes untied and coffee spilling out of my mug. But then I think, and I wonder: Was Jesus a slow walker? If I were lucky enough to be one of the disciples who lived with Jesus for three years, what would I learn about the pace of His life? Everywhere Jesus went, He taught and healed and saved. Although His days were packed with action, Jesus allotted time for interruptions to His rhythms and routines. In Mark 5, a father named Jairus pleaded with Jesus to heal his dying daughter, and Jesus agreed to go with him. Now just consider Jairus’s panic and desperation, but also hope, as they made their way through town. This man was in a rush to get home. But then, Jesus just stopped, and said, “Who touched my clothes?” I imagine Jairus thinking, What does He mean ‘who touched me’? The crowd is all around Him! In the middle of Jairus’s darkest hour, Jesus stopped for a woman who had been bleeding for twelve years. Then, Jairus found out that his daughter had died during Jesus’s short delay. The messengers said, “Your daughter is dead. Why bother the teacher anymore?” (verse 35). But Jesus knew it wasn’t too late. He knew there was enough time for both the woman who was bleeding and for Jairus’s daughter. On that day, He healed them both. Jesus was present. He was keenly aware of His surroundings, and He had compassion on those around Him. Jesus paused to listen to others’ needs and love them well. In the same way, Jesus is attentive to us, and He invites us to live and love like He does. When we slow down, we can begin to notice the Holy Spirit moving within and around us. Rather than always focusing on “the next thing,” we are invited to come and see what He is doing in the present moment. So yes, I think Jesus was a slow walker…and I want to be one, too. • Zoe Brickner • Do you know anyone who lives their life at a slower pace, making an effort to be attentive to the Holy Spirit and to the people around them? What is it like to be with them? • Consider taking a moment to ask God to help you be more aware of His constant presence with you, and more responsive to His invitations to rest in Him and to love and serve those around you. “For my [Jesus’s] yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:30 (NIV) 

READ: MATTHEW 11:28-30; 14:13-23; MARK 5:21-43 One of my biggest pet peeves is slow walkers. I remember in high school I would inwardly scream when I was caught behind someone dillydallying. And now, when I go to the grocery store, I weave my cart in and out of families on busy afternoon shopping trips. I drive over the speed limit. It never seems to matter that I get up hours before I need to leave for work or class—I’m always rushing out the door with my shoes untied and coffee spilling out of my mug. But then I think, and I wonder: Was Jesus a slow walker? If I were lucky enough to be one of the disciples who lived with Jesus for three years, what would I learn about the pace of His life? Everywhere Jesus went, He taught and healed and saved. Although His days were packed with action, Jesus allotted time for interruptions to His rhythms and routines. In Mark 5, a father named Jairus pleaded with Jesus to heal his dying daughter, and Jesus agreed to go with him. Now just consider Jairus’s panic and desperation, but also hope, as they made their way through town. This man was in a rush to get home. But then, Jesus just stopped, and said, “Who touched my clothes?” I imagine Jairus thinking, What does He mean ‘who touched me’? The crowd is all around Him! In the middle of Jairus’s darkest hour, Jesus stopped for a woman who had been bleeding for twelve years. Then, Jairus found out that his daughter had died during Jesus’s short delay. The messengers said, “Your daughter is dead. Why bother the teacher anymore?” (verse 35). But Jesus knew it wasn’t too late. He knew there was enough time for both the woman who was bleeding and for Jairus’s daughter. On that day, He healed them both. Jesus was present. He was keenly aware of His surroundings, and He had compassion on those around Him. Jesus paused to listen to others’ needs and love them well. In the same way, Jesus is attentive to us, and He invites us to live and love like He does. When we slow down, we can begin to notice the Holy Spirit moving within and around us. Rather than always focusing on “the next thing,” we are invited to come and see what He is doing in the present moment. So yes, I think Jesus was a slow walker…and I want to be one, too. • Zoe Brickner • Do you know anyone who lives their life at a slower pace, making an effort to be attentive to the Holy Spirit and to the people around them? What is it like to be with them? • Consider taking a moment to ask God to help you be more aware of His constant presence with you, and more responsive to His invitations to rest in Him and to love and serve those around you. “For my [Jesus’s] yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:30 (NIV) 

READ: MATTHEW 11:28-30; 14:13-23; MARK 5:21-43 One of my biggest pet peeves is slow walkers. I remember in high school I would inwardly scream when I was caught behind someone dillydallying. And now, when I go to the grocery store, I weave my cart in and out of families on busy afternoon shopping trips. I drive over the speed limit. It never seems to matter that I get up hours before I need to leave for work or class—I’m always rushing out the door with my shoes untied and coffee spilling out of my mug. But then I think, and I wonder: Was Jesus a slow walker? If I were lucky enough to be one of the disciples who lived with Jesus for three years, what would I learn about the pace of His life? Everywhere Jesus went, He taught and healed and saved. Although His days were packed with action, Jesus allotted time for interruptions to His rhythms and routines. In Mark 5, a father named Jairus pleaded with Jesus to heal his dying daughter, and Jesus agreed to go with him. Now just consider Jairus’s panic and desperation, but also hope, as they made their way through town. This man was in a rush to get home. But then, Jesus just stopped, and said, “Who touched my clothes?” I imagine Jairus thinking, What does He mean ‘who touched me’? The crowd is all around Him! In the middle of Jairus’s darkest hour, Jesus stopped for a woman who had been bleeding for twelve years. Then, Jairus found out that his daughter had died during Jesus’s short delay. The messengers said, “Your daughter is dead. Why bother the teacher anymore?” (verse 35). But Jesus knew it wasn’t too late. He knew there was enough time for both the woman who was bleeding and for Jairus’s daughter. On that day, He healed them both. Jesus was present. He was keenly aware of His surroundings, and He had compassion on those around Him. Jesus paused to listen to others’ needs and love them well. In the same way, Jesus is attentive to us, and He invites us to live and love like He does. When we slow down, we can begin to notice the Holy Spirit moving within and around us. Rather than always focusing on “the next thing,” we are invited to come and see what He is doing in the present moment. So yes, I think Jesus was a slow walker…and I want to be one, too. • Zoe Brickner • Do you know anyone who lives their life at a slower pace, making an effort to be attentive to the Holy Spirit and to the people around them? What is it like to be with them? • Consider taking a moment to ask God to help you be more aware of His constant presence with you, and more responsive to His invitations to rest in Him and to love and serve those around you. “For my [Jesus’s] yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:30 (NIV) 

READ: PSALMS 23:5-6; 34:8; HABAKKUK 3:17-19; JAMES 1:17 In the goodness of the Lord I will rejoice! He has given Life to me— His sinless sacrifice set me free. In the goodness of the Lord I will rejoice! In the grave His body lay— Sin’s ransom fully paid. In the goodness of the Lord I will rejoice! On the third day Hell did weep— Death’s final, dark defeat! In the goodness of the Lord I will rejoice! May His grace be ever praised, Oh, the glory of His ways! In the goodness of the Lord I will rejoice! In the goodness of the Lord I will rejoice!What comes to mind when you hear the words: “God’s goodness”? If I’m honest, I think of the times that God helps me out when I’m in trouble. Especially if the problem was brought on by...uh, dubious choices of my own! Don’t get me wrong— thanking God for His help in times of trouble is good. But in the Scriptures that inspired this poem, I noticed that God’s Word portrays His goodness as far more than His kindness or help in trouble—though it is that! God’s goodness is a part of His very nature (Exodus 33:19; Psalm 34:8). It is evidence of His unceasing, divine work on our behalf—recrafting and redeeming all things for our ultimate deliverance from sin and all its effects. His goodness is His presence experienced in the midst of pain—or His restraint when we desire vengeance. It is His relentless, pure, and undying love—which is displayed on the cross: God in flesh, dying to conquer sin and rising again to restore all that was broken, shamed, or lost. God’s goodness is the glory of this redemption. And glimpses of His goodness lie in every beautiful thing we experience—made not only to draw us to Him, but to delight in through all eternity. Therefore, let us say with the psalmist: “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever” (Psalm 118:1). • G. Kam Congleton • As you read today’s Scriptures, what are some ways you notice God’s goodness portrayed? Consider taking a moment to praise God for His goodness to you personally, and ask Him to help you recognize the ways His goodness is made real to you. You could even write a letter, poem, or song to God, thanking Him for some of the ways you see His goodness in your life. “…may your faithful people rejoice in your goodness.” 2 Chronicles 6:41b (NIV) 

READ: PSALMS 23:5-6; 34:8; HABAKKUK 3:17-19; JAMES 1:17 In the goodness of the Lord I will rejoice!He has given Life to me—His sinless sacrifice set me free.In the goodness of the Lord I will rejoice!In the grave His body lay—Sin’s ransom fully paid.In the goodness of the Lord I will rejoice!On the third day Hell did weep—Death’s final, dark defeat!In the goodness of the Lord I will rejoice!May His grace be ever praised,Oh, the glory of His ways!In the goodness of the Lord I will rejoice!In the goodness of the Lord I will rejoice! What comes to mind when you hear the words: “God’s goodness”? If I’m honest, I think of the times that God helps me out when I’m in trouble. Especially if the problem was brought on by…uh, dubious choices of my own! Don’t get me wrong— thanking God for His help in times of trouble is good. But in the Scriptures that inspired this poem, I noticed that God’s Word portrays His goodness as far more than His kindness or help in trouble—though it is that! God’s goodness is a part of His very nature (Exodus 33:19; Psalm 34:8). It is evidence of His unceasing, divine work on our behalf—recrafting and redeeming all things for our ultimate deliverance from sin and all its effects. His goodness is His presence experienced in the midst of pain—or His restraint when we desire vengeance. It is His relentless, pure, and undying love—which is displayed on the cross: God in flesh, dying to conquer sin and rising again to restore all that was broken, shamed, or lost. God’s goodness is the glory of this redemption. And glimpses of His goodness lie in every beautiful thing we experience—made not only to draw us to Him, but to delight in through all eternity. Therefore, let us say with the psalmist: “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever” (Psalm 118:1). • G. Kam Congleton • As you read today’s Scriptures, what are some ways you notice God’s goodness portrayed? Consider taking a moment to praise God for His goodness to you personally, and ask Him to help you recognize the ways His goodness is made real to you. You could even write a letter, poem, or song to God, thanking Him for some of the ways you see His goodness in your life. “…may your faithful people rejoice in your goodness.” 2 Chronicles 6:41b (NIV) 

READ: PSALMS 23:5-6; 34:8; HABAKKUK 3:17-19; JAMES 1:17 In the goodness of the Lord I will rejoice!He has given Life to me—His sinless sacrifice set me free.In the goodness of the Lord I will rejoice!In the grave His body lay—Sin’s ransom fully paid.In the goodness of the Lord I will rejoice!On the third day Hell did weep—Death’s final, dark defeat!In the goodness of the Lord I will rejoice!May His grace be ever praised,Oh, the glory of His ways!In the goodness of the Lord I will rejoice!In the goodness of the Lord I will rejoice! What comes to mind when you hear the words: “God’s goodness”? If I’m honest, I think of the times that God helps me out when I’m in trouble. Especially if the problem was brought on by…uh, dubious choices of my own! Don’t get me wrong— thanking God for His help in times of trouble is good. But in the Scriptures that inspired this poem, I noticed that God’s Word portrays His goodness as far more than His kindness or help in trouble—though it is that! God’s goodness is a part of His very nature (Exodus 33:19; Psalm 34:8). It is evidence of His unceasing, divine work on our behalf—recrafting and redeeming all things for our ultimate deliverance from sin and all its effects. His goodness is His presence experienced in the midst of pain—or His restraint when we desire vengeance. It is His relentless, pure, and undying love—which is displayed on the cross: God in flesh, dying to conquer sin and rising again to restore all that was broken, shamed, or lost. God’s goodness is the glory of this redemption. And glimpses of His goodness lie in every beautiful thing we experience—made not only to draw us to Him, but to delight in through all eternity. Therefore, let us say with the psalmist: “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever” (Psalm 118:1). • G. Kam Congleton • As you read today’s Scriptures, what are some ways you notice God’s goodness portrayed? Consider taking a moment to praise God for His goodness to you personally, and ask Him to help you recognize the ways His goodness is made real to you. You could even write a letter, poem, or song to God, thanking Him for some of the ways you see His goodness in your life. “…may your faithful people rejoice in your goodness.” 2 Chronicles 6:41b (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 23; 2 CORINTHIANS 7:5-7 Once again, intense pain had brought me to the emergency room where I waited to be admitted to an upstairs room. Beyond discouraged, I asked the Lord, “Do You still love me?” My depression deepened as one nurse after another poked me with needles and questioned me. The paramedics had been concerned and caring. At the hospital, the staff seemed determined to add to my suffering. How I longed for someone gentle to care for me. Someone like Annie. Annie was the friend who had introduced me to my boyfriend. A few days earlier, she had begun her first nursing job in this same hospital. “Lord Jesus, please fix it that Annie is my nurse.” It was a crazy prayer. The hospital was large, and I had no idea what department or shift my friend was working. Still, I repeated my prayer until the shots did their work and I fell asleep. Before I knew it, I was at an upstairs nursing station. A familiar voice nudged me awake. Opening my eyes, I looked into the face of my admitting nurse. It was Annie. • Kathy Irey • Have you ever felt like God had stopped listening to your prayers? Was there a way He showed you He still cared? If not, you can ask God for this anytime. The Lord may not always take away our pain, but He’ll let us know, He has not abandoned us. (If you want to dig deeper, read 2 Corinthians 1:3-11; 12:7-10.) • When we feel like no one understands our suffering, Jesus does. He suffered for us so that we could befree from the bondage of sin (Isaiah 53). When Jesus returns, He will make all things new; then sin and all its effects will be gone for good, so terrible things like pain and depression will be no more (Revelation 21:1-5). Until that day, He stays with us through everything. Even when it feels like He’s distant, He is always so very present with us—through His Spirit, His Word, and His people. Are there any Bible passages that have resonated with you in times of sorrow and pain? Are there any people in your life who have embodied the kindness of Jesus to you, like Titus did to Paul, and the Corinthian Christians did to Titus, in 2 Corinthians 7:5-7? How might you be able to share the comfort He has given you with others? “I [Jesus] am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20b (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 23; 2 CORINTHIANS 7:5-7 Once again, intense pain had brought me to the emergency room where I waited to be admitted to an upstairs room. Beyond discouraged, I asked the Lord, “Do You still love me?” My depression deepened as one nurse after another poked me with needles and questioned me. The paramedics had been concerned and caring. At the hospital, the staff seemed determined to add to my suffering. How I longed for someone gentle to care for me. Someone like Annie. Annie was the friend who had introduced me to my boyfriend. A few days earlier, she had begun her first nursing job in this same hospital. “Lord Jesus, please fix it that Annie is my nurse.” It was a crazy prayer. The hospital was large, and I had no idea what department or shift my friend was working. Still, I repeated my prayer until the shots did their work and I fell asleep. Before I knew it, I was at an upstairs nursing station. A familiar voice nudged me awake. Opening my eyes, I looked into the face of my admitting nurse. It was Annie. • Kathy Irey • Have you ever felt like God had stopped listening to your prayers? Was there a way He showed you He still cared? If not, you can ask God for this anytime. The Lord may not always take away our pain, but He’ll let us know, He has not abandoned us. (If you want to dig deeper, read 2 Corinthians 1:3-11; 12:7-10.) • When we feel like no one understands our suffering, Jesus does. He suffered for us so that we could befree from the bondage of sin (Isaiah 53). When Jesus returns, He will make all things new; then sin and all its effects will be gone for good, so terrible things like pain and depression will be no more (Revelation 21:1-5). Until that day, He stays with us through everything. Even when it feels like He’s distant, He is always so very present with us—through His Spirit, His Word, and His people. Are there any Bible passages that have resonated with you in times of sorrow and pain? Are there any people in your life who have embodied the kindness of Jesus to you, like Titus did to Paul, and the Corinthian Christians did to Titus, in 2 Corinthians 7:5-7? How might you be able to share the comfort He has given you with others? “I [Jesus] am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20b (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 23; 2 CORINTHIANS 7:5-7 Once again, intense pain had brought me to the emergency room where I waited to be admitted to an upstairs room. Beyond discouraged, I asked the Lord, “Do You still love me?” My depression deepened as one nurse after another poked me with needles and questioned me. The paramedics had been concerned and caring. At the hospital, the staff seemed determined to add to my suffering. How I longed for someone gentle to care for me. Someone like Annie. Annie was the friend who had introduced me to my boyfriend. A few days earlier, she had begun her first nursing job in this same hospital. “Lord Jesus, please fix it that Annie is my nurse.” It was a crazy prayer. The hospital was large, and I had no idea what department or shift my friend was working. Still, I repeated my prayer until the shots did their work and I fell asleep. Before I knew it, I was at an upstairs nursing station. A familiar voice nudged me awake. Opening my eyes, I looked into the face of my admitting nurse. It was Annie. • Kathy Irey • Have you ever felt like God had stopped listening to your prayers? Was there a way He showed you He still cared? If not, you can ask God for this anytime. The Lord may not always take away our pain, but He’ll let us know, He has not abandoned us. (If you want to dig deeper, read 2 Corinthians 1:3-11; 12:7-10.) • When we feel like no one understands our suffering, Jesus does. He suffered for us so that we could befree from the bondage of sin (Isaiah 53). When Jesus returns, He will make all things new; then sin and all its effects will be gone for good, so terrible things like pain and depression will be no more (Revelation 21:1-5). Until that day, He stays with us through everything. Even when it feels like He’s distant, He is always so very present with us—through His Spirit, His Word, and His people. Are there any Bible passages that have resonated with you in times of sorrow and pain? Are there any people in your life who have embodied the kindness of Jesus to you, like Titus did to Paul, and the Corinthian Christians did to Titus, in 2 Corinthians 7:5-7? How might you be able to share the comfort He has given you with others? “I [Jesus] am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20b (NIV) 

READ: MARK 2:13-17; JOHN 6:37 It’s common sense that showers are for the dirty, hospitals are for the sick, and life preservers are for the drowning. So why is it so hard for some of us to accept that we don’t have to fix up our lives before coming to the very One who promises to clean us, heal us, and save us? We may resist coming to God for help because we think we’re too far gone. We are correct in seeing that our sin separates us from a Holy God; we were all once totally lost in spiritual darkness (Ephesians 2:1-10). But God didn’t leave us there! Jesus Christ’s death on the cross and resurrection from the dead paid for all of our sins and made the way for us to be with Him forever (Colossians 1:12-14). If we think we’ve sinned too much to be forgiven, we are severely underestimating the power of God’s grace and perhaps even missing the point of the gospel. Sometimes those of us who know we’re forgiven still struggle to come to God because we feel like we’ve wandered too far. We think that since we’ve been straying into different sins, or haven’t been keeping up with our devotions, or haven’t been praying enough…that God doesn’t want anything to do with us. But God always wants us to draw near to Him! I think it makes God sad when His children try to live apart from Him. He has called us to live in pursuit of Him, and once we have been redeemed by Christ, we can do so with the Holy Spirit’s help. But God’s love doesn’t require our obedience in order to reach us (Romans 5:8). God’s love has no strings attached. Whether you’ve never asked God for forgiveness before, or you’ve recently wandered, don’t wait to come to Him. There is true forgiveness for all of us in Christ’s work on the cross, and Christ promises to never cast you out (John 6:37). • Katherine Billingsley • Have you ever felt too far gone? If you know Jesus, all your sins are forgiven—past, present, and future. When God looks at you, He sees His Son’s perfect righteousness. And He loves you more than you could ever imagine. You can come to Him in prayer anytime, asking Him to help you draw near to Him once again. If you’ve never come to Jesus, find out more on our "Know Jesus" page. • In John 6:37, Jesus promises that He will never cast out those who come to Him. How can this truth comfort us when we have doubts about our salvation? When Jesus heard this, he told them, “It is not those who are well who need a doctor, but those who are sick. I didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark 2:17 (CSB) 

READ: MARK 2:13-17; JOHN 6:37 It’s common sense that showers are for the dirty, hospitals are for the sick, and life preservers are for the drowning. So why is it so hard for some of us to accept that we don’t have to fix up our lives before coming to the very One who promises to clean us, heal us, and save us? We may resist coming to God for help because we think we’re too far gone. We are correct in seeing that our sin separates us from a Holy God; we were all once totally lost in spiritual darkness (Ephesians 2:1-10). But God didn’t leave us there! Jesus Christ’s death on the cross and resurrection from the dead paid for all of our sins and made the way for us to be with Him forever (Colossians 1:12-14). If we think we’ve sinned too much to be forgiven, we are severely underestimating the power of God’s grace and perhaps even missing the point of the gospel. Sometimes those of us who know we’re forgiven still struggle to come to God because we feel like we’ve wandered too far. We think that since we’ve been straying into different sins, or haven’t been keeping up with our devotions, or haven’t been praying enough…that God doesn’t want anything to do with us. But God always wants us to draw near to Him! I think it makes God sad when His children try to live apart from Him. He has called us to live in pursuit of Him, and once we have been redeemed by Christ, we can do so with the Holy Spirit’s help. But God’s love doesn’t require our obedience in order to reach us (Romans 5:8). God’s love has no strings attached. Whether you’ve never asked God for forgiveness before, or you’ve recently wandered, don’t wait to come to Him. There is true forgiveness for all of us in Christ’s work on the cross, and Christ promises to never cast you out (John 6:37). • Katherine Billingsley • Have you ever felt too far gone? If you know Jesus, all your sins are forgiven—past, present, and future. When God looks at you, He sees His Son’s perfect righteousness. And He loves you more than you could ever imagine. You can come to Him in prayer anytime, asking Him to help you draw near to Him once again. If you’ve never come to Jesus, find out more on our “Know Jesus” page. • In John 6:37, Jesus promises that He will never cast out those who come to Him. How can this truth comfort us when we have doubts about our salvation? When Jesus heard this, he told them, “It is not those who are well who need a doctor, but those who are sick. I didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark 2:17 (CSB) 

READ: MARK 2:13-17; JOHN 6:37 It’s common sense that showers are for the dirty, hospitals are for the sick, and life preservers are for the drowning. So why is it so hard for some of us to accept that we don’t have to fix up our lives before coming to the very One who promises to clean us, heal us, and save us? We may resist coming to God for help because we think we’re too far gone. We are correct in seeing that our sin separates us from a Holy God; we were all once totally lost in spiritual darkness (Ephesians 2:1-10). But God didn’t leave us there! Jesus Christ’s death on the cross and resurrection from the dead paid for all of our sins and made the way for us to be with Him forever (Colossians 1:12-14). If we think we’ve sinned too much to be forgiven, we are severely underestimating the power of God’s grace and perhaps even missing the point of the gospel. Sometimes those of us who know we’re forgiven still struggle to come to God because we feel like we’ve wandered too far. We think that since we’ve been straying into different sins, or haven’t been keeping up with our devotions, or haven’t been praying enough…that God doesn’t want anything to do with us. But God always wants us to draw near to Him! I think it makes God sad when His children try to live apart from Him. He has called us to live in pursuit of Him, and once we have been redeemed by Christ, we can do so with the Holy Spirit’s help. But God’s love doesn’t require our obedience in order to reach us (Romans 5:8). God’s love has no strings attached. Whether you’ve never asked God for forgiveness before, or you’ve recently wandered, don’t wait to come to Him. There is true forgiveness for all of us in Christ’s work on the cross, and Christ promises to never cast you out (John 6:37). • Katherine Billingsley • Have you ever felt too far gone? If you know Jesus, all your sins are forgiven—past, present, and future. When God looks at you, He sees His Son’s perfect righteousness. And He loves you more than you could ever imagine. You can come to Him in prayer anytime, asking Him to help you draw near to Him once again. If you’ve never come to Jesus, find out more on our “Know Jesus” page. • In John 6:37, Jesus promises that He will never cast out those who come to Him. How can this truth comfort us when we have doubts about our salvation? When Jesus heard this, he told them, “It is not those who are well who need a doctor, but those who are sick. I didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark 2:17 (CSB) 

READ: JEREMIAH 42:1–43:7; EPHESIANS 2:1-10 “Rhode, tell us what to do. We will die here on the planet Yavorah! The Kuvil Regime took the rest of our people to their planet, and they won’t let us live here peacefully. It’s been years since Juro’s old dynasty held us in slavery— maybe if we go back, their new rulers will help us.” The desperate shouts and worried exclamations filled their meeting space, a hollowed-out tree trunk aglow with jars of lightening bugs. Rhode closed his eyes for just a moment, resting in Yahweh’s presence despite the contentious atmosphere. After generations of sin and idolatry, Yahweh’s judgment had come to pass. Kuvil had conquered Rhode’s people, the Yavorians. Now, only a remnant was left on their home planet under the Kuvil Regime. Their ships swarmed the sky, as numerous as the bugs, blocking the two Yavorian suns, slowly killing the planet’s lush greenery. Soon, their livelihoods would be upended, and they’d starve. Bora, the Yavorian army captain, stepped closer and shook Rhode’s shoulders. “Go, ask Yahweh for mercy. Ask Him to show us the way, and we swear we will follow it— whether that means we stay here as captives of Kuvil or we return to Juro for refuge.” Rhode was appalled at the idea of returning to the very planet Yahweh had delivered them from. He wanted to be compassionate and hopeful, but he could only be suspicious of Bora’s plea. Of course now they wanted to hear from Yahweh, after generations of ignoring Yahweh’s commands. Were they merely desperate to avoid destruction, or were they sincere in their desire for repentance? “I will pray,” Rhode decided. “Whatever Yahweh says, I will tell you.” The moment Rhode was alone, he collapsed with exhaustion. A few glimmers of light shown in the sky through the dense canopy. As Rhode stared up at them, he wondered if they were stars or impending spaceships. Sighing, he prayed, “Help me be faithful. Please, reveal Your will to me.” For ten days, Rhode remained silent before Yahweh, until He spoke. Rhode called the commanders together, but the cold and determined look on Captain Bora’s face made him hesitate. Gathering himself, Rhode said, “If we remain on this planet, the one Yahweh promised to us, and trust in His protection, He will be gracious and we will prosper. We can trust that He will be merciful to us.” Everyone was silent, but Bora’s eyes were ablaze with anger. “You lie! Your words are treasonous! If we stay, Kuvil will destroy us all.” “But Yahweh promises He will preserve a remnant of our people,” Rhode said. The leaders began filing out of the tree, casting dirty glares and muttering “traitor” in his direction. Rhode hollered after them, “Fleeing to Juro would just be another idolatrous response. Yahweh is giving us another opportunity to put our trust in Him!” No one listened. Before the suns had even set, Rhode was corralled onto a shuttle with a hoard of other Yavorians. They slipped through Kuvil’s blockade with a cloaking device. Rhode pressed his face against the window and watched as the green planet’s surface grew dim. Yavorah was a gift from Yahweh, a place for prosperity after slavery. And now, instead of leaning into His mercies, Rhode was taken with the rest of his people back to Juro. But Yavorah was his home, their home. “I am with you, and I still give my mercy to my people,” Yahweh said to Rhode as Yavorah faded from sight. “One day, I will bring you home. I am making all things new, and I will dwell with you forever.” • Zoe Brickner • Today’s story is an allegory of Jeremiah 42–43. Israel sought Egypt’s help when Babylon attacked them, desp

READ: JEREMIAH 42:1–43:7; EPHESIANS 2:1-10 “Rhode, tell us what to do. We will die here on the planet Yavorah! The Kuvil Regime took the rest of our people to their planet, and they won’t let us live here peacefully. It’s been years since Juro’s old dynasty held us in slavery— maybe if we go back, their new rulers will help us.” The desperate shouts and worried exclamations filled their meeting space, a hollowed-out tree trunk aglow with jars of lightening bugs. Rhode closed his eyes for just a moment, resting in Yahweh’s presence despite the contentious atmosphere. After generations of sin and idolatry, Yahweh’s judgment had come to pass. Kuvil had conquered Rhode’s people, the Yavorians. Now, only a remnant was left on their home planet under the Kuvil Regime. Their ships swarmed the sky, as numerous as the bugs, blocking the two Yavorian suns, slowly killing the planet’s lush greenery. Soon, their livelihoods would be upended, and they’d starve. Bora, the Yavorian army captain, stepped closer and shook Rhode’s shoulders. “Go, ask Yahweh for mercy. Ask Him to show us the way, and we swear we will follow it— whether that means we stay here as captives of Kuvil or we return to Juro for refuge.” Rhode was appalled at the idea of returning to the very planet Yahweh had delivered them from. He wanted to be compassionate and hopeful, but he could only be suspicious of Bora’s plea. Of course now they wanted to hear from Yahweh, after generations of ignoring Yahweh’s commands. Were they merely desperate to avoid destruction, or were they sincere in their desire for repentance? “I will pray,” Rhode decided. “Whatever Yahweh says, I will tell you.” The moment Rhode was alone, he collapsed with exhaustion. A few glimmers of light shown in the sky through the dense canopy. As Rhode stared up at them, he wondered if they were stars or impending spaceships. Sighing, he prayed, “Help me be faithful. Please, reveal Your will to me.” For ten days, Rhode remained silent before Yahweh, until He spoke. Rhode called the commanders together, but the cold and determined look on Captain Bora’s face made him hesitate. Gathering himself, Rhode said, “If we remain on this planet, the one Yahweh promised to us, and trust in His protection, He will be gracious and we will prosper. We can trust that He will be merciful to us.” Everyone was silent, but Bora’s eyes were ablaze with anger. “You lie! Your words are treasonous! If we stay, Kuvil will destroy us all.” “But Yahweh promises He will preserve a remnant of our people,” Rhode said. The leaders began filing out of the tree, casting dirty glares and muttering “traitor” in his direction. Rhode hollered after them, “Fleeing to Juro would just be another idolatrous response. Yahweh is giving us another opportunity to put our trust in Him!” No one listened. Before the suns had even set, Rhode was corralled onto a shuttle with a hoard of other Yavorians. They slipped through Kuvil’s blockade with a cloaking device. Rhode pressed his face against the window and watched as the green planet’s surface grew dim. Yavorah was a gift from Yahweh, a place for prosperity after slavery. And now, instead of leaning into His mercies, Rhode was taken with the rest of his people back to Juro. But Yavorah was his home, their home. “I am with you, and I still give my mercy to my people,” Yahweh said to Rhode as Yavorah faded from sight. “One day, I will bring you home. I am making all things new, and I will dwell with you forever.” • Zoe Brickner • Today’s story is an allegory of Jeremiah 42–43. Israel sought Egypt’s help when Babylon attacked them, despite the fact that Egypt had enslaved them for over 400 years. Their choice to return to Egypt for refuge was an act of idola...

READ: JEREMIAH 42:1–43:7; EPHESIANS 2:1-10 “Rhode, tell us what to do. We will die here on the planet Yavorah! The Kuvil Regime took the rest of our people to their planet, and they won’t let us live here peacefully. It’s been years since Juro’s old dynasty held us in slavery— maybe if we go back, their new rulers will help us.” The desperate shouts and worried exclamations filled their meeting space, a hollowed-out tree trunk aglow with jars of lightening bugs. Rhode closed his eyes for just a moment, resting in Yahweh’s presence despite the contentious atmosphere. After generations of sin and idolatry, Yahweh’s judgment had come to pass. Kuvil had conquered Rhode’s people, the Yavorians. Now, only a remnant was left on their home planet under the Kuvil Regime. Their ships swarmed the sky, as numerous as the bugs, blocking the two Yavorian suns, slowly killing the planet’s lush greenery. Soon, their livelihoods would be upended, and they’d starve. Bora, the Yavorian army captain, stepped closer and shook Rhode’s shoulders. “Go, ask Yahweh for mercy. Ask Him to show us the way, and we swear we will follow it— whether that means we stay here as captives of Kuvil or we return to Juro for refuge.” Rhode was appalled at the idea of returning to the very planet Yahweh had delivered them from. He wanted to be compassionate and hopeful, but he could only be suspicious of Bora’s plea. Of course now they wanted to hear from Yahweh, after generations of ignoring Yahweh’s commands. Were they merely desperate to avoid destruction, or were they sincere in their desire for repentance? “I will pray,” Rhode decided. “Whatever Yahweh says, I will tell you.” The moment Rhode was alone, he collapsed with exhaustion. A few glimmers of light shown in the sky through the dense canopy. As Rhode stared up at them, he wondered if they were stars or impending spaceships. Sighing, he prayed, “Help me be faithful. Please, reveal Your will to me.” For ten days, Rhode remained silent before Yahweh, until He spoke. Rhode called the commanders together, but the cold and determined look on Captain Bora’s face made him hesitate. Gathering himself, Rhode said, “If we remain on this planet, the one Yahweh promised to us, and trust in His protection, He will be gracious and we will prosper. We can trust that He will be merciful to us.” Everyone was silent, but Bora’s eyes were ablaze with anger. “You lie! Your words are treasonous! If we stay, Kuvil will destroy us all.” “But Yahweh promises He will preserve a remnant of our people,” Rhode said. The leaders began filing out of the tree, casting dirty glares and muttering “traitor” in his direction. Rhode hollered after them, “Fleeing to Juro would just be another idolatrous response. Yahweh is giving us another opportunity to put our trust in Him!” No one listened. Before the suns had even set, Rhode was corralled onto a shuttle with a hoard of other Yavorians. They slipped through Kuvil’s blockade with a cloaking device. Rhode pressed his face against the window and watched as the green planet’s surface grew dim. Yavorah was a gift from Yahweh, a place for prosperity after slavery. And now, instead of leaning into His mercies, Rhode was taken with the rest of his people back to Juro. But Yavorah was his home, their home. “I am with you, and I still give my mercy to my people,” Yahweh said to Rhode as Yavorah faded from sight. “One day, I will bring you home. I am making all things new, and I will dwell with you forever.” • Zoe Brickner • Today’s story is an allegory of Jeremiah 42–43. Israel sought Egypt’s help when Babylon attacked them, des

READ: GENESIS 1:26-31; PSALMS 119:73; 139:14; EPHESIANS 2:1-10 Who am I? This question is one we wrestle with throughout our lives. And it’s an important question to ask, because much of what we do flows from who we believe we are. Here’s the thing though—we can’t answer this question without God. And thankfully, He provides the answer in His Word. Take a look. God created human beings, and He did so out of love. Genesis 1:26-31 says that God made us in His image, and He entrusted us with the important job of caring for His creation. Furthermore, if we are in Christ, Ephesians 2:10 says we are God’s masterpiece—we are created anew in Christ Jesus, and God has given us good and purposeful work to do. Have you ever thought of yourself as God’s masterpiece? How amazing to think that God created each of us, purposefully crafting us to be unique and wonderful (Psalms 119:73; 139:14). Yet, oftentimes we don’t realize how valuable we truly are. As we go through life in a world broken by sin, we are bombarded with lies about ourselves, lies that say we’re not worthwhile, not capable, not lovable. As we’re confronted with our own sins and shortcomings, we may even start to believe our very existence is a mistake. But God knows the truth about us. He made us, and so He’s the only one qualified to tell us who we are and what we’re worth. The fact is, we are so precious to God that He came to be with us. The second person of the Trinity, the Father’s only begotten Son, became human and lived among us. It was worth it to Him to pay the ultimate price to save us from sin—Jesus was willing to lay down His life so that we could be forgiven, brought near to God, and made new. And God the Father is glorified in all of this (John 17:1-3; Galatians 1:3-5; Philippians 2:11). So now, as people who’ve put our faith in Jesus, we can rest in God’s love for us. And, because the Holy Spirit fills our hearts with His love (Romans 5:5), we can rejoice in the ways He has made us, using both the natural abilities and the spiritual gifts He has given us to express our love for God and for the people around us. And whenever we find ourselves struggling with lies about who we are and what we’re worth, we can turn to Jesus. He will remind us that we are His priceless work of art. God doesn’t make mistakes, He makes masterpieces! • Hannah Howe • When you struggle to see yourself as God sees you, who are trusted Christians who can remind you of what God says about you in His Word? How could you be this kind of friend to others? 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) 

READ: GENESIS 1:26-31; PSALMS 119:73; 139:14; EPHESIANS 2:1-10 Who am I? This question is one we wrestle with throughout our lives. And it’s an important question to ask, because much of what we do flows from who we believe we are. Here’s the thing though—we can’t answer this question without God. And thankfully, He provides the answer in His Word. Take a look. God created human beings, and He did so out of love. Genesis 1:26-31 says that God made us in His image, and He entrusted us with the important job of caring for His creation. Furthermore, if we are in Christ, Ephesians 2:10 says we are God’s masterpiece—we are created anew in Christ Jesus, and God has given us good and purposeful work to do. Have you ever thought of yourself as God’s masterpiece? How amazing to think that God created each of us, purposefully crafting us to be unique and wonderful (Psalms 119:73; 139:14). Yet, oftentimes we don’t realize how valuable we truly are. As we go through life in a world broken by sin, we are bombarded with lies about ourselves, lies that say we’re not worthwhile, not capable, not lovable. As we’re confronted with our own sins and shortcomings, we may even start to believe our very existence is a mistake. But God knows the truth about us. He made us, and so He’s the only one qualified to tell us who we are and what we’re worth. The fact is, we are so precious to God that He came to be with us. The second person of the Trinity, the Father’s only begotten Son, became human and lived among us. It was worth it to Him to pay the ultimate price to save us from sin—Jesus was willing to lay down His life so that we could be forgiven, brought near to God, and made new. And God the Father is glorified in all of this (John 17:1-3; Galatians 1:3-5; Philippians 2:11). So now, as people who’ve put our faith in Jesus, we can rest in God’s love for us. And, because the Holy Spirit fills our hearts with His love (Romans 5:5), we can rejoice in the ways He has made us, using both the natural abilities and the spiritual gifts He has given us to express our love for God and for the people around us. And whenever we find ourselves struggling with lies about who we are and what we’re worth, we can turn to Jesus. He will remind us that we are His priceless work of art. God doesn’t make mistakes, He makes masterpieces! • Hannah Howe • When you struggle to see yourself as God sees you, who are trusted Christians who can remind you of what God says about you in His Word? How could you be this kind of friend to others? 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) 

READ: GENESIS 1:26-31; PSALMS 119:73; 139:14; EPHESIANS 2:1-10 Who am I? This question is one we wrestle with throughout our lives. And it’s an important question to ask, because much of what we do flows from who we believe we are. Here’s the thing though—we can’t answer this question without God. And thankfully, He provides the answer in His Word. Take a look. God created human beings, and He did so out of love. Genesis 1:26-31 says that God made us in His image, and He entrusted us with the important job of caring for His creation. Furthermore, if we are in Christ, Ephesians 2:10 says we are God’s masterpiece—we are created anew in Christ Jesus, and God has given us good and purposeful work to do. Have you ever thought of yourself as God’s masterpiece? How amazing to think that God created each of us, purposefully crafting us to be unique and wonderful (Psalms 119:73; 139:14). Yet, oftentimes we don’t realize how valuable we truly are. As we go through life in a world broken by sin, we are bombarded with lies about ourselves, lies that say we’re not worthwhile, not capable, not lovable. As we’re confronted with our own sins and shortcomings, we may even start to believe our very existence is a mistake. But God knows the truth about us. He made us, and so He’s the only one qualified to tell us who we are and what we’re worth. The fact is, we are so precious to God that He came to be with us. The second person of the Trinity, the Father’s only begotten Son, became human and lived among us. It was worth it to Him to pay the ultimate price to save us from sin—Jesus was willing to lay down His life so that we could be forgiven, brought near to God, and made new. And God the Father is glorified in all of this (John 17:1-3; Galatians 1:3-5; Philippians 2:11). So now, as people who’ve put our faith in Jesus, we can rest in God’s love for us. And, because the Holy Spirit fills our hearts with His love (Romans 5:5), we can rejoice in the ways He has made us, using both the natural abilities and the spiritual gifts He has given us to express our love for God and for the people around us. And whenever we find ourselves struggling with lies about who we are and what we’re worth, we can turn to Jesus. He will remind us that we are His priceless work of art. God doesn’t make mistakes, He makes masterpieces! • Hannah Howe • When you struggle to see yourself as God sees you, who are trusted Christians who can remind you of what God says about you in His Word? How could you be this kind of friend to others? 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) 

READ: NUMBERS 13–14 Numbers—funny name for a book, don’t you think? Five of its thirty-six chapters contain lists of people. But most of this book records the story of a people on the move. The best part of Numbers? We find God’s loving intervention in the lives of His people, over and over again. Numbers not only includes records of people and lists of ceremonial regulations, it also contains stories. Have you ever heard the story of a flashing sword, a shining angel, and a talking donkey? It’s in chapters 22-25, and it involves blessings and curses, bribes and greed. In this passage, and throughout the whole book of Numbers, we discover the underlying theme of God’s unceasing goodness, His personal interaction, and His abiding care for His people. He plans good things for them, even when they are ungrateful, stubborn, and faithless. God’s plan for His people, the Israelites, was to give them a home—the Promised Land. And this was crucial. For from this nation would arise His Son—the Savior, Jesus. And Jesus would be the perfect Israel that the Israelites could never be— faithful, loving, and sinless. God’s strategy all along was ultimately to provide the way of salvation for His people through Jesus’s death and resurrection. And the book of Numbers is part of His rescue plan. It’s in Numbers that we get the inside story of how God’s people responded to Him in defiance, faithlessness, and fear right on the borders of their Promised Land. We learn how that broke God’s heart, and then we see how He directed His people back into the desert to wander for forty years, until that faithless generation had died out. Then, we learn about how Joshua and Caleb finally led the people into the Promised Land, and we see God’s undying faithfulness through it all. We learn how trustworthy God is, and how important it is for us to trust Him. His ways are good, and trusting and following Him is the best thing we can do. Today, if we know Jesus, He lives inside us through the Holy Spirit, helping us to faithfully follow our loving God. This treasure of a book has much to offer the student of the Word. May He reveal Himself to you as you read it! • Kristen Merrill • Which of the stories mentioned above sounds the most interesting to you? What questions do you have about them? • How could remembering the ways God has been faithful in the past (either in our own lives or in the lives of people in the Bible) help us trust Him to be faithful in the future? “Do not rebel against the Lord, and don’t be afraid… the Lord is with us!” Numbers 14:9 (NLT) 

READ: NUMBERS 13–14 Numbers—funny name for a book, don’t you think? Five of its thirty-six chapters contain lists of people. But most of this book records the story of a people on the move. The best part of Numbers? We find God’s loving intervention in the lives of His people, over and over again. Numbers not only includes records of people and lists of ceremonial regulations, it also contains stories. Have you ever heard the story of a flashing sword, a shining angel, and a talking donkey? It’s in chapters 22-25, and it involves blessings and curses, bribes and greed. In this passage, and throughout the whole book of Numbers, we discover the underlying theme of God’s unceasing goodness, His personal interaction, and His abiding care for His people. He plans good things for them, even when they are ungrateful, stubborn, and faithless. God’s plan for His people, the Israelites, was to give them a home—the Promised Land. And this was crucial. For from this nation would arise His Son—the Savior, Jesus. And Jesus would be the perfect Israel that the Israelites could never be— faithful, loving, and sinless. God’s strategy all along was ultimately to provide the way of salvation for His people through Jesus’s death and resurrection. And the book of Numbers is part of His rescue plan. It’s in Numbers that we get the inside story of how God’s people responded to Him in defiance, faithlessness, and fear right on the borders of their Promised Land. We learn how that broke God’s heart, and then we see how He directed His people back into the desert to wander for forty years, until that faithless generation had died out. Then, we learn about how Joshua and Caleb finally led the people into the Promised Land, and we see God’s undying faithfulness through it all. We learn how trustworthy God is, and how important it is for us to trust Him. His ways are good, and trusting and following Him is the best thing we can do. Today, if we know Jesus, He lives inside us through the Holy Spirit, helping us to faithfully follow our loving God. This treasure of a book has much to offer the student of the Word. May He reveal Himself to you as you read it! • Kristen Merrill • Which of the stories mentioned above sounds the most interesting to you? What questions do you have about them? • How could remembering the ways God has been faithful in the past (either in our own lives or in the lives of people in the Bible) help us trust Him to be faithful in the future? “Do not rebel against the LORD, and don’t be afraid… the LORD is with us!” Numbers 14:9 (NLT) 

READ: NUMBERS 13–14 Numbers—funny name for a book, don’t you think? Five of its thirty-six chapters contain lists of people. But most of this book records the story of a people on the move. The best part of Numbers? We find God’s loving intervention in the lives of His people, over and over again. Numbers not only includes records of people and lists of ceremonial regulations, it also contains stories. Have you ever heard the story of a flashing sword, a shining angel, and a talking donkey? It’s in chapters 22-25, and it involves blessings and curses, bribes and greed. In this passage, and throughout the whole book of Numbers, we discover the underlying theme of God’s unceasing goodness, His personal interaction, and His abiding care for His people. He plans good things for them, even when they are ungrateful, stubborn, and faithless. God’s plan for His people, the Israelites, was to give them a home—the Promised Land. And this was crucial. For from this nation would arise His Son—the Savior, Jesus. And Jesus would be the perfect Israel that the Israelites could never be— faithful, loving, and sinless. God’s strategy all along was ultimately to provide the way of salvation for His people through Jesus’s death and resurrection. And the book of Numbers is part of His rescue plan. It’s in Numbers that we get the inside story of how God’s people responded to Him in defiance, faithlessness, and fear right on the borders of their Promised Land. We learn how that broke God’s heart, and then we see how He directed His people back into the desert to wander for forty years, until that faithless generation had died out. Then, we learn about how Joshua and Caleb finally led the people into the Promised Land, and we see God’s undying faithfulness through it all. We learn how trustworthy God is, and how important it is for us to trust Him. His ways are good, and trusting and following Him is the best thing we can do. Today, if we know Jesus, He lives inside us through the Holy Spirit, helping us to faithfully follow our loving God. This treasure of a book has much to offer the student of the Word. May He reveal Himself to you as you read it! • Kristen Merrill • Which of the stories mentioned above sounds the most interesting to you? What questions do you have about them? • How could remembering the ways God has been faithful in the past (either in our own lives or in the lives of people in the Bible) help us trust Him to be faithful in the future? “Do not rebel against the LORD, and don’t be afraid… the LORD is with us!” Numbers 14:9 (NLT) 

READ: PSALM 104:10-28; MATTHEW 6:19-34; 10:29-31 There is a lot of nature outside my window. I hear birds singing their morning songs and talking to each other all day long. Occasionally I see rabbits and even a few deer. I hear coyotes howl at night, and I’ve seen turkeys strut across the yard. All of these animals have a home out there. They know how to survive in the forest and get what they need to make it through each day. And God is the One who made all of them. He gave them the ability to make a home in the wild and survive. When I think about all the animals and what God has given them, I know that He will take care of me. After all, Jesus said, “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6:25-26). Humans are God’s most precious creation. We are the ones He came to seek and to save (Luke 19:10). It was for our sins that Jesus died on the cross. And just as He rose from the grave, He promises to raise us when He returns. We are the ones He loves. God cares so much for us, even more than He does for all the animals in the wild (Matthew 10:29-31). When I am afraid or wonder about what to do with my life, I can remember that. I can know that God will help me and show me what to do. He takes care of all the animals, and He will do even more for me. • Bethany Acker • What kinds of animals can you see where you live? Consider taking some time this week to pause and watch them and be reminded of how God is taking care of them and you. • Because our world has been broken by sin, sometimes animals hurt each other and compete for what they need to survive, and humans do too. But one day, Jesus promises to return and make all things new. Then “the wolf will live with the lamb...and the lion will eat straw like the ox. The infant will play near the cobra’s den, and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest. They will neither harm nor destroy” (Isaiah 11:6-9). How can the hope of the new creation Jesus is bringing free us to trust Him, and to love others the way He calls us to, instead of hurting other people for fear that we won’t have enough? (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 5:13-14) “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” Matthew 6:26 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 104:10-28; MATTHEW 6:19-34; 10:29-31 There is a lot of nature outside my window. I hear birds singing their morning songs and talking to each other all day long. Occasionally I see rabbits and even a few deer. I hear coyotes howl at night, and I’ve seen turkeys strut across the yard. All of these animals have a home out there. They know how to survive in the forest and get what they need to make it through each day. And God is the One who made all of them. He gave them the ability to make a home in the wild and survive. When I think about all the animals and what God has given them, I know that He will take care of me. After all, Jesus said, “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6:25-26). Humans are God’s most precious creation. We are the ones He came to seek and to save (Luke 19:10). It was for our sins that Jesus died on the cross. And just as He rose from the grave, He promises to raise us when He returns. We are the ones He loves. God cares so much for us, even more than He does for all the animals in the wild (Matthew 10:29-31). When I am afraid or wonder about what to do with my life, I can remember that. I can know that God will help me and show me what to do. He takes care of all the animals, and He will do even more for me. • Bethany Acker • What kinds of animals can you see where you live? Consider taking some time this week to pause and watch them and be reminded of how God is taking care of them and you. • Because our world has been broken by sin, sometimes animals hurt each other and compete for what they need to survive, and humans do too. But one day, Jesus promises to return and make all things new. Then “the wolf will live with the lamb…and the lion will eat straw like the ox. The infant will play near the cobra’s den, and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest. They will neither harm nor destroy” (Isaiah 11:6-9). How can the hope of the new creation Jesus is bringing free us to trust Him, and to love others the way He calls us to, instead of hurting other people for fear that we won’t have enough? (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 5:13-14) “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” Matthew 6:26 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 104:10-28; MATTHEW 6:19-34; 10:29-31 There is a lot of nature outside my window. I hear birds singing their morning songs and talking to each other all day long. Occasionally I see rabbits and even a few deer. I hear coyotes howl at night, and I’ve seen turkeys strut across the yard. All of these animals have a home out there. They know how to survive in the forest and get what they need to make it through each day. And God is the One who made all of them. He gave them the ability to make a home in the wild and survive. When I think about all the animals and what God has given them, I know that He will take care of me. After all, Jesus said, “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6:25-26). Humans are God’s most precious creation. We are the ones He came to seek and to save (Luke 19:10). It was for our sins that Jesus died on the cross. And just as He rose from the grave, He promises to raise us when He returns. We are the ones He loves. God cares so much for us, even more than He does for all the animals in the wild (Matthew 10:29-31). When I am afraid or wonder about what to do with my life, I can remember that. I can know that God will help me and show me what to do. He takes care of all the animals, and He will do even more for me. • Bethany Acker • What kinds of animals can you see where you live? Consider taking some time this week to pause and watch them and be reminded of how God is taking care of them and you. • Because our world has been broken by sin, sometimes animals hurt each other and compete for what they need to survive, and humans do too. But one day, Jesus promises to return and make all things new. Then “the wolf will live with the lamb…and the lion will eat straw like the ox. The infant will play near the cobra’s den, and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest. They will neither harm nor destroy” (Isaiah 11:6-9). How can the hope of the new creation Jesus is bringing free us to trust Him, and to love others the way He calls us to, instead of hurting other people for fear that we won’t have enough? (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 5:13-14) “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” Matthew 6:26 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 107:21-24, 31; COLOSSIANS 1:16; REVELATION 4:11 Have you been to an art gallery or installation recently? It’s amazing to see the way artists create memorable and beautiful works of art using paint, pencils, clay, stone, fabric, metal, wood, glass…the possibilities are nearly infinite! And just think about how our ability to create art reflects the Creator who made us—He is the greatest artist. Have you ever thought of God as an artist? Have you noticed how creative He is? Both the cold winter snow and the warm summer sunshine were His idea. He made oceans, and He also made deserts. He made plants and animals, some that live in oceans, others that live in deserts, each perfectly suited to their environment. He made stars and galaxies, atoms and photons…And He wasn’t content to make everything in grayscale—He painted the universe in more colors than we can count! God created everything there is as an expression of love. And that includes us. God didn’t create the universe because He was lonely or bored or because He needed anything. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit have always existed in perfect love and joy. No, He created because it delighted Him to do so! God has boundless creativity. He has made so many wondrous things, each one just the right color, just the right shape, and just the right size. And even though sin brought brokenness into God’s good creation, He has promised to redeem it. Through Jesus’s death and resurrection, He is making all things new. And if we put our trust in Jesus, we get to take part in His wonderful work. Because Christians have the Holy Spirit living in us, we can use the creativity He has given us to glorify Him and bless others, both today and in the age to come. And, as we behold God’s beautiful creation, we can remember how awesome He is and how much He loves us. He’s the greatest artist, and He invites us to enjoy His creation with Him! • A. W. Smith • What is one of your favorite things in all of nature? Why? Consider taking a moment to thank God for this and tell Him what you like about it! • In what ways do you like to be creative? How do you like to take what God has made an arrange it in a purposeful way—such as through painting, sculpting, building, designing, cooking, etc.? Is there something new you’d like to try but haven’t yet? The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Psalm 19:1 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 107:21-24, 31; COLOSSIANS 1:16; REVELATION 4:11 Have you been to an art gallery or installation recently? It’s amazing to see the way artists create memorable and beautiful works of art using paint, pencils, clay, stone, fabric, metal, wood, glass…the possibilities are nearly infinite! And just think about how our ability to create art reflects the Creator who made us—He is the greatest artist. Have you ever thought of God as an artist? Have you noticed how creative He is? Both the cold winter snow and the warm summer sunshine were His idea. He made oceans, and He also made deserts. He made plants and animals, some that live in oceans, others that live in deserts, each perfectly suited to their environment. He made stars and galaxies, atoms and photons…And He wasn’t content to make everything in grayscale—He painted the universe in more colors than we can count! God created everything there is as an expression of love. And that includes us. God didn’t create the universe because He was lonely or bored or because He needed anything. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit have always existed in perfect love and joy. No, He created because it delighted Him to do so! God has boundless creativity. He has made so many wondrous things, each one just the right color, just the right shape, and just the right size. And even though sin brought brokenness into God’s good creation, He has promised to redeem it. Through Jesus’s death and resurrection, He is making all things new. And if we put our trust in Jesus, we get to take part in His wonderful work. Because Christians have the Holy Spirit living in us, we can use the creativity He has given us to glorify Him and bless others, both today and in the age to come. And, as we behold God’s beautiful creation, we can remember how awesome He is and how much He loves us. He’s the greatest artist, and He invites us to enjoy His creation with Him! • A. W. Smith • What is one of your favorite things in all of nature? Why? Consider taking a moment to thank God for this and tell Him what you like about it! • In what ways do you like to be creative? How do you like to take what God has made an arrange it in a purposeful way—such as through painting, sculpting, building, designing, cooking, etc.? Is there something new you’d like to try but haven’t yet? The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Psalm 19:1 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 107:21-24, 31; COLOSSIANS 1:16; REVELATION 4:11 Have you been to an art gallery or installation recently? It’s amazing to see the way artists create memorable and beautiful works of art using paint, pencils, clay, stone, fabric, metal, wood, glass…the possibilities are nearly infinite! And just think about how our ability to create art reflects the Creator who made us—He is the greatest artist. Have you ever thought of God as an artist? Have you noticed how creative He is? Both the cold winter snow and the warm summer sunshine were His idea. He made oceans, and He also made deserts. He made plants and animals, some that live in oceans, others that live in deserts, each perfectly suited to their environment. He made stars and galaxies, atoms and photons…And He wasn’t content to make everything in grayscale—He painted the universe in more colors than we can count! God created everything there is as an expression of love. And that includes us. God didn’t create the universe because He was lonely or bored or because He needed anything. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit have always existed in perfect love and joy. No, He created because it delighted Him to do so! God has boundless creativity. He has made so many wondrous things, each one just the right color, just the right shape, and just the right size. And even though sin brought brokenness into God’s good creation, He has promised to redeem it. Through Jesus’s death and resurrection, He is making all things new. And if we put our trust in Jesus, we get to take part in His wonderful work. Because Christians have the Holy Spirit living in us, we can use the creativity He has given us to glorify Him and bless others, both today and in the age to come. And, as we behold God’s beautiful creation, we can remember how awesome He is and how much He loves us. He’s the greatest artist, and He invites us to enjoy His creation with Him! • A. W. Smith • What is one of your favorite things in all of nature? Why? Consider taking a moment to thank God for this and tell Him what you like about it! • In what ways do you like to be creative? How do you like to take what God has made an arrange it in a purposeful way—such as through painting, sculpting, building, designing, cooking, etc.? Is there something new you’d like to try but haven’t yet? The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Psalm 19:1 (NIV) 

READ: ROMANS 6:11-14; EPHESIANS 5:1-20; 1 JOHN 1:7-9 Have you ever finished cleaning a room…only to notice the sun shining on a dusty spot you missed? In our Christian lives, the same thing happens in our hearts. Often, we don’t even notice our own sin. But, through God’s Word, through our prayer times, through our times at church, or through something else, Jesus continues to show us forgotten places in our hearts where we are struggling to love God and our neighbors well. Think about it this way—Jesus is the Light, and in His mercy He shines on us, showing us sin in our lives that He wants to clean away. It can be unsettling to realize we have sin in our lives that we weren’t even aware of, but we can trust that whenever God brings an area of sin to light, it’s because He wants to help us and bring renewal to that messy place. As 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” Like a dust rag cleans dust off a forgotten table, Jesus cleans away our sin. And this good news is multi-faceted. Through Jesus’s death and resurrection, He frees us from both the result of sin—which is death—and also from the power of sin. That means, once we put our trust in Jesus, we can know that all our sins are forgiven—past, present, and future. And, because the Holy Spirit is living inside us, we don’t have to give in to the temptation to sin anymore. The Holy Spirit empowers us to say “no” to sin and live in God’s good ways instead. And even though we’ll never do this perfectly until Jesus returns, His forgiveness remains sure. Has something you’ve done that’s wrong been made visible to you by Jesus recently? We all sin every day, and that’s why He invites us to confess our sins to Him often, resting in His sure forgiveness. Then, we can live by the light of His Spirit, trusting Him to help us do what’s right. We can live in love toward God and our neighbors because of Jesus. • A. W. Smith • Where in your life do you struggle to truly love God and your neighbors (Matthew 22:36-40)? Jesus invites us to talk to Him about this—we can be totally honest with Him because He knows what temptation is like and He empathizes with us, but He Himself never sinned, so He can help us (Hebrews 4:14-16). He reminds us how much He loves us, and He often reveals underlying lies we’re believing that might be causing a struggle to continue—lies about God, ourselves, or others. Consider taking a moment to talk to Jesus about whatever comes to mind. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 1 John 1:9 (NLT) 

READ: ROMANS 6:11-14; EPHESIANS 5:1-20; 1 JOHN 1:7-9 Have you ever finished cleaning a room…only to notice the sun shining on a dusty spot you missed? In our Christian lives, the same thing happens in our hearts. Often, we don’t even notice our own sin. But, through God’s Word, through our prayer times, through our times at church, or through something else, Jesus continues to show us forgotten places in our hearts where we are struggling to love God and our neighbors well. Think about it this way—Jesus is the Light, and in His mercy He shines on us, showing us sin in our lives that He wants to clean away. It can be unsettling to realize we have sin in our lives that we weren’t even aware of, but we can trust that whenever God brings an area of sin to light, it’s because He wants to help us and bring renewal to that messy place. As 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” Like a dust rag cleans dust off a forgotten table, Jesus cleans away our sin. And this good news is multi-faceted. Through Jesus’s death and resurrection, He frees us from both the result of sin—which is death—and also from the power of sin. That means, once we put our trust in Jesus, we can know that all our sins are forgiven—past, present, and future. And, because the Holy Spirit is living inside us, we don’t have to give in to the temptation to sin anymore. The Holy Spirit empowers us to say “no” to sin and live in God’s good ways instead. And even though we’ll never do this perfectly until Jesus returns, His forgiveness remains sure. Has something you’ve done that’s wrong been made visible to you by Jesus recently? We all sin every day, and that’s why He invites us to confess our sins to Him often, resting in His sure forgiveness. Then, we can live by the light of His Spirit, trusting Him to help us do what’s right. We can live in love toward God and our neighbors because of Jesus. • A. W. Smith • Where in your life do you struggle to truly love God and your neighbors (Matthew 22:36-40)? Jesus invites us to talk to Him about this—we can be totally honest with Him because He knows what temptation is like and He empathizes with us, but He Himself never sinned, so He can help us (Hebrews 4:14-16). He reminds us how much He loves us, and He often reveals underlying lies we’re believing that might be causing a struggle to continue—lies about God, ourselves, or others. Consider taking a moment to talk to Jesus about whatever comes to mind. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 1 John 1:9 (NLT) 

READ: ROMANS 6:11-14; EPHESIANS 5:1-20; 1 JOHN 1:7-9 Have you ever finished cleaning a room…only to notice the sun shining on a dusty spot you missed? In our Christian lives, the same thing happens in our hearts. Often, we don’t even notice our own sin. But, through God’s Word, through our prayer times, through our times at church, or through something else, Jesus continues to show us forgotten places in our hearts where we are struggling to love God and our neighbors well. Think about it this way—Jesus is the Light, and in His mercy He shines on us, showing us sin in our lives that He wants to clean away. It can be unsettling to realize we have sin in our lives that we weren’t even aware of, but we can trust that whenever God brings an area of sin to light, it’s because He wants to help us and bring renewal to that messy place. As 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” Like a dust rag cleans dust off a forgotten table, Jesus cleans away our sin. And this good news is multi-faceted. Through Jesus’s death and resurrection, He frees us from both the result of sin—which is death—and also from the power of sin. That means, once we put our trust in Jesus, we can know that all our sins are forgiven—past, present, and future. And, because the Holy Spirit is living inside us, we don’t have to give in to the temptation to sin anymore. The Holy Spirit empowers us to say “no” to sin and live in God’s good ways instead. And even though we’ll never do this perfectly until Jesus returns, His forgiveness remains sure. Has something you’ve done that’s wrong been made visible to you by Jesus recently? We all sin every day, and that’s why He invites us to confess our sins to Him often, resting in His sure forgiveness. Then, we can live by the light of His Spirit, trusting Him to help us do what’s right. We can live in love toward God and our neighbors because of Jesus. • A. W. Smith • Where in your life do you struggle to truly love God and your neighbors (Matthew 22:36-40)? Jesus invites us to talk to Him about this—we can be totally honest with Him because He knows what temptation is like and He empathizes with us, but He Himself never sinned, so He can help us (Hebrews 4:14-16). He reminds us how much He loves us, and He often reveals underlying lies we’re believing that might be causing a struggle to continue—lies about God, ourselves, or others. Consider taking a moment to talk to Jesus about whatever comes to mind. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 1 John 1:9 (NLT) 

READ: MATTHEW 18:20; ROMANS 12:9-18; EPHESIANS 3:14-21 "Is it enough?” The question rolled around in my brain as I drove home. A family in our church was experiencing a number of medical problems, so a few of us went to their house to pray with them, bring a meal for us to eat together, and share communion. “Is what we did enough?” I asked myself on my drive home. Suddenly, the answer sprang to life in my mind, bringing a smile to my lips and easing the tension in my shoulders. Of course it wasn’t enough. I laughed at myself. Because of course, it was never meant to be enough. Nothing we do as the church is ever meant to be enough. Instead, we point to the One who is enough. I can’t solve all the problems in the world. I can’t remove all the suffering. And that’s not my job. It’s not your job either. But it is my job, through my presence, my words, and my actions, to point people to Jesus and His love for them. And it’s also my job to let myself be pointed to Jesus by the presence, words, and actions of my siblings in Christ—the church. And this is only possible because Jesus has already done enough. Jesus—God in human flesh—lived a sinless life, died on the cross, and rose again from the dead to save us from sin and death. If we’ve put our trust in Him, He lives in us through the Holy Spirit. And one day, He will return to resurrect us from the dead and destroy all sin, suffering, hurt, and death forever. There’s nothing I can do to add to what He has already done. And resting in that truth frees me to let go of my arrogant, “I-can-fix-all-your-problems” attitude and instead enter into the lives of others with humility, weeping with those who weep and rejoicing with those who rejoice. Together, we can throw ourselves into Jesus’s loving arms, trusting Him to care for us. And that’s enough. • Taylor Eising • Can you remember a time when others pointed you to Jesus through their presence, words, or actions when you were going through a hard time? What was it like? • Is anyone in your life struggling right now? If you’re ready, you can spend some time in prayer, asking Jesus to show you how to show them His love. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Romans 12:10 (NLT) 

READ: MATTHEW 18:20; ROMANS 12:9-18; EPHESIANS 3:14-21 “Is it enough?” The question rolled around in my brain as I drove home. A family in our church was experiencing a number of medical problems, so a few of us went to their house to pray with them, bring a meal for us to eat together, and share communion. “Is what we did enough?” I asked myself on my drive home. Suddenly, the answer sprang to life in my mind, bringing a smile to my lips and easing the tension in my shoulders. Of course it wasn’t enough. I laughed at myself. Because of course, it was never meant to be enough. Nothing we do as the church is ever meant to be enough. Instead, we point to the One who is enough. I can’t solve all the problems in the world. I can’t remove all the suffering. And that’s not my job. It’s not your job either. But it is my job, through my presence, my words, and my actions, to point people to Jesus and His love for them. And it’s also my job to let myself be pointed to Jesus by the presence, words, and actions of my siblings in Christ—the church. And this is only possible because Jesus has already done enough. Jesus—God in human flesh—lived a sinless life, died on the cross, and rose again from the dead to save us from sin and death. If we’ve put our trust in Him, He lives in us through the Holy Spirit. And one day, He will return to resurrect us from the dead and destroy all sin, suffering, hurt, and death forever. There’s nothing I can do to add to what He has already done. And resting in that truth frees me to let go of my arrogant, “I-can-fix-all-your-problems” attitude and instead enter into the lives of others with humility, weeping with those who weep and rejoicing with those who rejoice. Together, we can throw ourselves into Jesus’s loving arms, trusting Him to care for us. And that’s enough. • Taylor Eising • Can you remember a time when others pointed you to Jesus through their presence, words, or actions when you were going through a hard time? What was it like? • Is anyone in your life struggling right now? If you’re ready, you can spend some time in prayer, asking Jesus to show you how to show them His love. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Romans 12:10 (NLT) 

READ: MATTHEW 18:20; ROMANS 12:9-18; EPHESIANS 3:14-21 “Is it enough?” The question rolled around in my brain as I drove home. A family in our church was experiencing a number of medical problems, so a few of us went to their house to pray with them, bring a meal for us to eat together, and share communion. “Is what we did enough?” I asked myself on my drive home. Suddenly, the answer sprang to life in my mind, bringing a smile to my lips and easing the tension in my shoulders. Of course it wasn’t enough. I laughed at myself. Because of course, it was never meant to be enough. Nothing we do as the church is ever meant to be enough. Instead, we point to the One who is enough. I can’t solve all the problems in the world. I can’t remove all the suffering. And that’s not my job. It’s not your job either. But it is my job, through my presence, my words, and my actions, to point people to Jesus and His love for them. And it’s also my job to let myself be pointed to Jesus by the presence, words, and actions of my siblings in Christ—the church. And this is only possible because Jesus has already done enough. Jesus—God in human flesh—lived a sinless life, died on the cross, and rose again from the dead to save us from sin and death. If we’ve put our trust in Him, He lives in us through the Holy Spirit. And one day, He will return to resurrect us from the dead and destroy all sin, suffering, hurt, and death forever. There’s nothing I can do to add to what He has already done. And resting in that truth frees me to let go of my arrogant, “I-can-fix-all-your-problems” attitude and instead enter into the lives of others with humility, weeping with those who weep and rejoicing with those who rejoice. Together, we can throw ourselves into Jesus’s loving arms, trusting Him to care for us. And that’s enough. • Taylor Eising • Can you remember a time when others pointed you to Jesus through their presence, words, or actions when you were going through a hard time? What was it like? • Is anyone in your life struggling right now? If you’re ready, you can spend some time in prayer, asking Jesus to show you how to show them His love. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Romans 12:10 (NLT) 

READ: PSALMS 42:1–43:5; 46:1-5; MATTHEW 26:37-38 Sometimes, you cry tears They fall as hard as the rain It feels just like a storm This life, full of pain   But just as quickly, the sun appears A smile comes to your face Joy in your life again It’s a beautiful time and place   God is with you through these moments The ups and downs of days He gives light to the darkness Has a listening ear when you pray   Pain and joy are a part of life Both times will come, you know Tears and smiles until the end Our God will hold you and not let go • Bethany Acker   • How could it be comforting to know that Jesus personally experienced all the joys and sorrows of being human, and He promises to be with us through all the ups and downs of life? • Even when we experience deep sadness, it can be helpful to remember that these feelings won’t last forever. We will feel happy again, maybe in a few minutes, maybe in a few days. However, if it’s been more than a couple weeks since you’ve felt happy, you may be experiencing a form of depression. This is nothing to be ashamed of—depression can be the result of several factors, and many people will experience depression at least once in their life. God does not stand far off when we are depressed. Jesus grieves our hurts alongside us and wants to help us heal, not only through His Word and through prayer, but also through community with fellow Christians and the expertise of professionals like counselors, therapists, and doctors. If you think you might be experiencing depression, who is a trusted adult you could talk to about it? • If you need someone to talk to, 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. “And be sure of this: I [Jesus] am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20b (NLT) 

READ: PSALMS 42:1–43:5; 46:1-5; MATTHEW 26:37-38 Sometimes, you cry tearsThey fall as hard as the rainIt feels just like a stormThis life, full of painBut just as quickly, the sun appearsA smile comes to your faceJoy in your life againIt’s a beautiful time and placeGod is with you through these momentsThe ups and downs of daysHe gives light to the darknessHas a listening ear when you prayPain and joy are a part of lifeBoth times will come, you knowTears and smiles until the endOur God will hold you and not let go • Bethany Acker • How could it be comforting to know that Jesus personally experienced all the joys and sorrows of being human, and He promises to be with us through all the ups and downs of life? • Even when we experience deep sadness, it can be helpful to remember that these feelings won’t last forever. We will feel happy again, maybe in a few minutes, maybe in a few days. However, if it’s been more than a couple weeks since you’ve felt happy, you may be experiencing a form of depression. This is nothing to be ashamed of—depression can be the result of several factors, and many people will experience depression at least once in their life. God does not stand far off when we are depressed. Jesus grieves our hurts alongside us and wants to help us heal, not only through His Word and through prayer, but also through community with fellow Christians and the expertise of professionals like counselors, therapists, and doctors. If you think you might be experiencing depression, who is a trusted adult you could talk to about it? • If you need someone to talk to, 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. “And be sure of this: I [Jesus] am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20b (NLT) 

READ: PSALMS 42:1–43:5; 46:1-5; MATTHEW 26:37-38 Sometimes, you cry tearsThey fall as hard as the rainIt feels just like a stormThis life, full of painBut just as quickly, the sun appearsA smile comes to your faceJoy in your life againIt’s a beautiful time and placeGod is with you through these momentsThe ups and downs of daysHe gives light to the darknessHas a listening ear when you prayPain and joy are a part of lifeBoth times will come, you knowTears and smiles until the endOur God will hold you and not let go • Bethany Acker • How could it be comforting to know that Jesus personally experienced all the joys and sorrows of being human, and He promises to be with us through all the ups and downs of life? • Even when we experience deep sadness, it can be helpful to remember that these feelings won’t last forever. We will feel happy again, maybe in a few minutes, maybe in a few days. However, if it’s been more than a couple weeks since you’ve felt happy, you may be experiencing a form of depression. This is nothing to be ashamed of—depression can be the result of several factors, and many people will experience depression at least once in their life. God does not stand far off when we are depressed. Jesus grieves our hurts alongside us and wants to help us heal, not only through His Word and through prayer, but also through community with fellow Christians and the expertise of professionals like counselors, therapists, and doctors. If you think you might be experiencing depression, who is a trusted adult you could talk to about it? • If you need someone to talk to, 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. “And be sure of this: I [Jesus] am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20b (NLT) 

READ: PSALM 139:1-3; ISAIAH 53; HEBREWS 4:14-16 I know someone who lost part of his leg due to health issues. Now he has a prosthetic and is able to get around just fine. Seeing him in long pants, you would never guess he has anything going on with his leg. You would have no idea of the struggles he’s faced or the fact that he still has to deal with things now that a person with two good legs would never think about. You might have an illness that most people don’t know about. This may cause you to act differently at times, and you may feel judged because of it. You might have a mental illness that affects the way you feel but is hidden to those around you. Maybe no one knows the pain you are in or how much you’re struggling to look “normal.” The world around us thinks they know us based on what they see when spending limited time with us, but they don’t know our background or what is going on inside. The average person would never guess that the man I mentioned has something going on with his leg, and there may be things you’re dealing with that the average person would never know either. God knows it all, though, and He understands. Your pain is not hidden from Him. God created you and loves you, and He feels your pain with you. Others might not see or understand, but you can know that He does. He will hold you even when others have no idea what is going on. • Emily Acker • Do you have a painful situation in your life or in your past that nobody knows about? God does not want us to suffer alone. He is with us, holding us in our hurts and offering comfort, strength, and healing. And He also gives us His people, the church. Who are trusted people you could talk to about the difficult situations in your life, such as parents, pastors, youth leaders, or counselors? • Because of God’s great love and compassion for us, Jesus came to save us. He lived among us as “a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief” (Isaiah 53:3), and He befriended and healed those who were isolated in their suffering. Even when most of the world doesn’t know about your pain, how could it be comforting to know that Jesus sees you and He cares? • Jesus suffered and died for us, and He rose again so we could be with Him. One day, Jesus will return to restore creation and resurrect His people from the dead, free of injury, illness, and suffering. In the meantime, He is with us through His Spirit, His Word (the Bible), and His people (the church). How could these truths remind us that we are never alone in our suffering? You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. Psalm 56:8 (NLT) 

READ: PSALM 139:1-3; ISAIAH 53; HEBREWS 4:14-16 I know someone who lost part of his leg due to health issues. Now he has a prosthetic and is able to get around just fine. Seeing him in long pants, you would never guess he has anything going on with his leg. You would have no idea of the struggles he’s faced or the fact that he still has to deal with things now that a person with two good legs would never think about. You might have an illness that most people don’t know about. This may cause you to act differently at times, and you may feel judged because of it. You might have a mental illness that affects the way you feel but is hidden to those around you. Maybe no one knows the pain you are in or how much you’re struggling to look “normal.” The world around us thinks they know us based on what they see when spending limited time with us, but they don’t know our background or what is going on inside. The average person would never guess that the man I mentioned has something going on with his leg, and there may be things you’re dealing with that the average person would never know either. God knows it all, though, and He understands. Your pain is not hidden from Him. God created you and loves you, and He feels your pain with you. Others might not see or understand, but you can know that He does. He will hold you even when others have no idea what is going on. • Emily Acker • Do you have a painful situation in your life or in your past that nobody knows about? God does not want us to suffer alone. He is with us, holding us in our hurts and offering comfort, strength, and healing. And He also gives us His people, the church. Who are trusted people you could talk to about the difficult situations in your life, such as parents, pastors, youth leaders, or counselors? • Because of God’s great love and compassion for us, Jesus came to save us. He lived among us as “a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief” (Isaiah 53:3), and He befriended and healed those who were isolated in their suffering. Even when most of the world doesn’t know about your pain, how could it be comforting to know that Jesus sees you and He cares? • Jesus suffered and died for us, and He rose again so we could be with Him. One day, Jesus will return to restore creation and resurrect His people from the dead, free of injury, illness, and suffering. In the meantime, He is with us through His Spirit, His Word (the Bible), and His people (the church). How could these truths remind us that we are never alone in our suffering? You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. Psalm 56:8 (NLT) 

READ: PSALM 139:1-3; ISAIAH 53; HEBREWS 4:14-16 I know someone who lost part of his leg due to health issues. Now he has a prosthetic and is able to get around just fine. Seeing him in long pants, you would never guess he has anything going on with his leg. You would have no idea of the struggles he’s faced or the fact that he still has to deal with things now that a person with two good legs would never think about. You might have an illness that most people don’t know about. This may cause you to act differently at times, and you may feel judged because of it. You might have a mental illness that affects the way you feel but is hidden to those around you. Maybe no one knows the pain you are in or how much you’re struggling to look “normal.” The world around us thinks they know us based on what they see when spending limited time with us, but they don’t know our background or what is going on inside. The average person would never guess that the man I mentioned has something going on with his leg, and there may be things you’re dealing with that the average person would never know either. God knows it all, though, and He understands. Your pain is not hidden from Him. God created you and loves you, and He feels your pain with you. Others might not see or understand, but you can know that He does. He will hold you even when others have no idea what is going on. • Emily Acker • Do you have a painful situation in your life or in your past that nobody knows about? God does not want us to suffer alone. He is with us, holding us in our hurts and offering comfort, strength, and healing. And He also gives us His people, the church. Who are trusted people you could talk to about the difficult situations in your life, such as parents, pastors, youth leaders, or counselors? • Because of God’s great love and compassion for us, Jesus came to save us. He lived among us as “a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief” (Isaiah 53:3), and He befriended and healed those who were isolated in their suffering. Even when most of the world doesn’t know about your pain, how could it be comforting to know that Jesus sees you and He cares? • Jesus suffered and died for us, and He rose again so we could be with Him. One day, Jesus will return to restore creation and resurrect His people from the dead, free of injury, illness, and suffering. In the meantime, He is with us through His Spirit, His Word (the Bible), and His people (the church). How could these truths remind us that we are never alone in our suffering? You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. Psalm 56:8 (NLT) 

READ: PSALM 63:1-5; JOHN 4:1-14; 7:37-39; PHILIPPIANS 4:11-13 Imagine how good it feels to take that first sip of cold water after a long, hot run. Imagine how good it tastes to take that first bite of your favorite meal after you’ve been smelling it cooking all day long. Water and food sustain us. We need them to survive, and it can feel so good to consume them, especially in more desperate times. Now, think about how God is our living water. Jesus said to a woman He met at a well that if she believed in Him, she would never thirst again. That doesn’t mean physically. We will always need food and drink to survive on earth. But think about how much food and water mean to us. If God says we will never thirst again with Him, that’s a big deal. God is everything we need. He gives us life. He gives us purpose and meaning. God helps us through the hard times and gives us joy. He is our living water. He is enough for us. Jesus is God the Son, sent by the Father to die for us and rise again. Before He went to the cross, Jesus said, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty” (John 6:35). And during the last supper, Jesus broke bread and gave it to His disciples, saying, “‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this in remembrance of me as often as you drink it’” (1 Corinthians 11:24-25). In communion, the bread is broken, and we remember how Jesus’s body was sacrificed for us. Because of Jesus’s death and resurrection, He promises that everyone who trusts in Him will have His presence with us always—and the sure hope of eternal life to come. When we know Jesus, He not only sustains us, He satisfies us (Psalm 63:5) and fills us with “a glorious, inexpressible joy” (1 Peter 1:8). • Bethany Acker • Jesus is the bread of life, and He gives us living water, which is the Holy Spirit (John 4:14; 6:35; 7:39). Why do you think God describes Himself as bread and water? How might this help us understand Him better? (If you want to dig deeper, you can read more about communion in Matthew 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26; Luke 22:14-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26.) “But those who drink the water I [Jesus] give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” John 4:14 (NLT) 

READ: PSALM 63:1-5; JOHN 4:1-14; 7:37-39; PHILIPPIANS 4:11-13 Imagine how good it feels to take that first sip of cold water after a long, hot run. Imagine how good it tastes to take that first bite of your favorite meal after you’ve been smelling it cooking all day long. Water and food sustain us. We need them to survive, and it can feel so good to consume them, especially in more desperate times. Now, think about how God is our living water. Jesus said to a woman He met at a well that if she believed in Him, she would never thirst again. That doesn’t mean physically. We will always need food and drink to survive on earth. But think about how much food and water mean to us. If God says we will never thirst again with Him, that’s a big deal. God is everything we need. He gives us life. He gives us purpose and meaning. God helps us through the hard times and gives us joy. He is our living water. He is enough for us. Jesus is God the Son, sent by the Father to die for us and rise again. Before He went to the cross, Jesus said, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty” (John 6:35). And during the last supper, Jesus broke bread and gave it to His disciples, saying, “‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this in remembrance of me as often as you drink it’” (1 Corinthians 11:24-25). In communion, the bread is broken, and we remember how Jesus’s body was sacrificed for us. Because of Jesus’s death and resurrection, He promises that everyone who trusts in Him will have His presence with us always—and the sure hope of eternal life to come. When we know Jesus, He not only sustains us, He satisfies us (Psalm 63:5) and fills us with “a glorious, inexpressible joy” (1 Peter 1:8). • Bethany Acker • Jesus is the bread of life, and He gives us living water, which is the Holy Spirit (John 4:14; 6:35; 7:39). Why do you think God describes Himself as bread and water? How might this help us understand Him better? (If you want to dig deeper, you can read more about communion in Matthew 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26; Luke 22:14-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26.) “But those who drink the water I [Jesus] give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” John 4:14 (NLT) 

READ: PSALM 63:1-5; JOHN 4:1-14; 7:37-39; PHILIPPIANS 4:11-13 Imagine how good it feels to take that first sip of cold water after a long, hot run. Imagine how good it tastes to take that first bite of your favorite meal after you’ve been smelling it cooking all day long. Water and food sustain us. We need them to survive, and it can feel so good to consume them, especially in more desperate times. Now, think about how God is our living water. Jesus said to a woman He met at a well that if she believed in Him, she would never thirst again. That doesn’t mean physically. We will always need food and drink to survive on earth. But think about how much food and water mean to us. If God says we will never thirst again with Him, that’s a big deal. God is everything we need. He gives us life. He gives us purpose and meaning. God helps us through the hard times and gives us joy. He is our living water. He is enough for us. Jesus is God the Son, sent by the Father to die for us and rise again. Before He went to the cross, Jesus said, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty” (John 6:35). And during the last supper, Jesus broke bread and gave it to His disciples, saying, “‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this in remembrance of me as often as you drink it’” (1 Corinthians 11:24-25). In communion, the bread is broken, and we remember how Jesus’s body was sacrificed for us. Because of Jesus’s death and resurrection, He promises that everyone who trusts in Him will have His presence with us always—and the sure hope of eternal life to come. When we know Jesus, He not only sustains us, He satisfies us (Psalm 63:5) and fills us with “a glorious, inexpressible joy” (1 Peter 1:8). • Bethany Acker • Jesus is the bread of life, and He gives us living water, which is the Holy Spirit (John 4:14; 6:35; 7:39). Why do you think God describes Himself as bread and water? How might this help us understand Him better? (If you want to dig deeper, you can read more about communion in Matthew 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26; Luke 22:14-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26.) “But those who drink the water I [Jesus] give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” John 4:14 (NLT) 

READ: PHILIPPIANS 3:7-21; 4:10-13 Do you ever feel like there’s something you need to have in order to be happy? In our world of uncertainty, it can be tempting to think that something— some piece of technology or clothing or jewelry, some rental property or car or brand name—can bring us the satisfaction we crave or solve all our problems. Sometimes, we can get so focused on getting that thing, that we lose sight of our neighbors and our Creator. We end up choosing greed and violence instead of following the way of Jesus. We get lost in chasing after created things rather than walking in the love and service of our Savior. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Because the reality is, in Christ, we already have true riches. We have the promise that God loves us, that He is with us every moment of every day, and that He is making all things new through Jesus’s death and resurrection—He is freeing all of creation from sin and its effects. Yet, as we wait in eager anticipation for Jesus’s return, we live in the already-not-yet tension of God’s kingdom. We see glimpses of His restoration, but we also long for the day all things will be made fully right and whole (Revelation 21:1-5). So, as we live in this tension, we can count our blessings. And that’s not as cliché as it sounds. Because as we spend time pondering all the good things God has done for us, we find ourselves becoming more joyful, more peaceful, and more able to say “no” to the greed and violence and other temptations of our broken world. And counting our blessings can be as simple as making a list. We can list the promises we find in the Bible. We can list things in nature that remind us of our Creator’s love and goodness. We can list all the ways He has been providing for our physical needs through things like food, clothes, and shelter. We can list things that delight us, like our favorite flavors and colors. And we can list the relationships in our lives that remind us of Jesus’s love—whether we see that in friends, family, teachers, pastors, church family, or other loved ones. All these good gifts come from God! And as we rest in God’s abundant love for us, we start to crave possessions less and less. Things we own don’t last that long, but knowing Jesus lasts forever. In Him, we find true riches—love that satisfies our deepest longings and purpose beyond ourselves. • A. W. Smith • Consider making a list of blessings—where do you see God’s love in your life? Then, put your list in a safe spot so that, when you need encouragement, it’s readily available to you. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT) 

READ: PHILIPPIANS 3:7-21; 4:10-13 Do you ever feel like there’s something you need to have in order to be happy? In our world of uncertainty, it can be tempting to think that something— some piece of technology or clothing or jewelry, some rental property or car or brand name—can bring us the satisfaction we crave or solve all our problems. Sometimes, we can get so focused on getting that thing, that we lose sight of our neighbors and our Creator. We end up choosing greed and violence instead of following the way of Jesus. We get lost in chasing after created things rather than walking in the love and service of our Savior. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Because the reality is, in Christ, we already have true riches. We have the promise that God loves us, that He is with us every moment of every day, and that He is making all things new through Jesus’s death and resurrection—He is freeing all of creation from sin and its effects. Yet, as we wait in eager anticipation for Jesus’s return, we live in the already-not-yet tension of God’s kingdom. We see glimpses of His restoration, but we also long for the day all things will be made fully right and whole (Revelation 21:1-5). So, as we live in this tension, we can count our blessings. And that’s not as cliché as it sounds. Because as we spend time pondering all the good things God has done for us, we find ourselves becoming more joyful, more peaceful, and more able to say “no” to the greed and violence and other temptations of our broken world. And counting our blessings can be as simple as making a list. We can list the promises we find in the Bible. We can list things in nature that remind us of our Creator’s love and goodness. We can list all the ways He has been providing for our physical needs through things like food, clothes, and shelter. We can list things that delight us, like our favorite flavors and colors. And we can list the relationships in our lives that remind us of Jesus’s love—whether we see that in friends, family, teachers, pastors, church family, or other loved ones. All these good gifts come from God! And as we rest in God’s abundant love for us, we start to crave possessions less and less. Things we own don’t last that long, but knowing Jesus lasts forever. In Him, we find true riches—love that satisfies our deepest longings and purpose beyond ourselves. • A. W. Smith • Consider making a list of blessings—where do you see God’s love in your life? Then, put your list in a safe spot so that, when you need encouragement, it’s readily available to you. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT) 

READ: PHILIPPIANS 3:7-21; 4:10-13 Do you ever feel like there’s something you need to have in order to be happy? In our world of uncertainty, it can be tempting to think that something— some piece of technology or clothing or jewelry, some rental property or car or brand name—can bring us the satisfaction we crave or solve all our problems. Sometimes, we can get so focused on getting that thing, that we lose sight of our neighbors and our Creator. We end up choosing greed and violence instead of following the way of Jesus. We get lost in chasing after created things rather than walking in the love and service of our Savior. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Because the reality is, in Christ, we already have true riches. We have the promise that God loves us, that He is with us every moment of every day, and that He is making all things new through Jesus’s death and resurrection—He is freeing all of creation from sin and its effects. Yet, as we wait in eager anticipation for Jesus’s return, we live in the already-not-yet tension of God’s kingdom. We see glimpses of His restoration, but we also long for the day all things will be made fully right and whole (Revelation 21:1-5). So, as we live in this tension, we can count our blessings. And that’s not as cliché as it sounds. Because as we spend time pondering all the good things God has done for us, we find ourselves becoming more joyful, more peaceful, and more able to say “no” to the greed and violence and other temptations of our broken world. And counting our blessings can be as simple as making a list. We can list the promises we find in the Bible. We can list things in nature that remind us of our Creator’s love and goodness. We can list all the ways He has been providing for our physical needs through things like food, clothes, and shelter. We can list things that delight us, like our favorite flavors and colors. And we can list the relationships in our lives that remind us of Jesus’s love—whether we see that in friends, family, teachers, pastors, church family, or other loved ones. All these good gifts come from God! And as we rest in God’s abundant love for us, we start to crave possessions less and less. Things we own don’t last that long, but knowing Jesus lasts forever. In Him, we find true riches—love that satisfies our deepest longings and purpose beyond ourselves. • A. W. Smith • Consider making a list of blessings—where do you see God’s love in your life? Then, put your list in a safe spot so that, when you need encouragement, it’s readily available to you. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT) 

READ: PSALM 36:5-9; 2 CORINTHIANS 7:8-13 "Made it. I’m free!” Sultan yelled, jumping on the train as the doors bleeped shut behind him. Where is everyone? He thought, sitting in the empty carriage, a knot of dread weaving itself inside him. Is this the right train? “Tickets,” the guard’s rasping voice called. With trembling hands, Sultan handed over the ticket, watching in horror as the destination letters changed to Nowhere. Staring out of his dark, empty eyes the ticket collector grinned. “You’re on the right track, to Nowhere” he laughed, handing the ticket back before striding away. Wiping the prickling sweat from his forehead, sadness physically dragged Sultan down. Past mistakes flashed before his eyes. “You’re wasting your life. They aren’t your true friends.” Mom’s words haunted him. “I wish your grandpa was still here. He’d know what to say.” Pushing himself up with his last remaining dregs of strength, Sultan stumbled along the carriages as the train hurtled along. Nothing. The ticket collector had vanished. If only you were alive Grandpa, Sultan thought. I miss you, your faith, your Bible stories and adventures. When you died, it felt like I lost my trust in God. I don’t know if I even believe anymore. Sliding to the floor, Sultan shuddered, recalling how he’d flung Grandpa’s well-worn Bible in his closet. He felt an ache in his stomach. Is it too late? “Help!” His plea was a strangled whisper. “Father, Jesus. My grandpa loved you. Please help me trust You again. I’m so sorry. Please forgive me.” Tears poured down his face. His eyes stung and every bone ached. A glimmer of light appeared, glowing brighter and brighter until it dazzled. A loving voice cried out, “Sultan, weep no more. You are my precious, beloved child, and my Son Jesus died for you so you could be cleansed of sin and brought into relationship with us. We have not forgotten you. We have not abandoned you. We see your sorrow, your pain. We will help you trust in us, and we will heal you.” Sultan nodded, choking on the words. “I-I believe,” he cried out. The heaviness lifted. He could feel peace beginning to heal his brokenness. Sultan stood up. The train was buzzing with the chatter of people. Glancing at his ticket, his destination had changed to Hope. • Cindy Lee • Have you ever felt like Sultan in this story? Sometimes, when we experience a tragedy or life-changing event, it can make us question our beliefs or make us angry with God. But the truth is, once you become a Christian, nothing can ever separate you from Jesus’s love (Romans 8:38-39). We live in an imperfect world, but Jesus has restored our broken relationship with God through His death and resurrection. And one day, Jesus will return and restore the heavens and the earth—then death and sorrow and pain will be gone forever (Revelation 21:1-5). As we wait for this glorious day, Christians don’t need to be afraid of losing our faith. Faith is a gift from God, one He gives generously (Ephesians 2:8-9; 2 Peter 1:1; Philippians 1:29; Acts 3:16). No matter what, you can share all your worries, your anger, your hurt, and your fears with Jesus, the One who died for you and loves you dearly. Consider taking a moment to talk to Him about whatever is on your mind. • If you’ve never put your trust in Jesus and you want to know more, check out our "Know Jesus" page. • Who are trusted Christians in your life you can be open and honest with about your struggles? How could you encou

READ: PSALM 36:5-9; 2 CORINTHIANS 7:8-13 “Made it. I’m free!” Sultan yelled, jumping on the train as the doors bleeped shut behind him. Where is everyone? He thought, sitting in the empty carriage, a knot of dread weaving itself inside him. Is this the right train? “Tickets,” the guard’s rasping voice called. With trembling hands, Sultan handed over the ticket, watching in horror as the destination letters changed to Nowhere. Staring out of his dark, empty eyes the ticket collector grinned. “You’re on the right track, to Nowhere” he laughed, handing the ticket back before striding away. Wiping the prickling sweat from his forehead, sadness physically dragged Sultan down. Past mistakes flashed before his eyes. “You’re wasting your life. They aren’t your true friends.” Mom’s words haunted him. “I wish your grandpa was still here. He’d know what to say.” Pushing himself up with his last remaining dregs of strength, Sultan stumbled along the carriages as the train hurtled along. Nothing. The ticket collector had vanished. If only you were alive Grandpa, Sultan thought. I miss you, your faith, your Bible stories and adventures. When you died, it felt like I lost my trust in God. I don’t know if I even believe anymore. Sliding to the floor, Sultan shuddered, recalling how he’d flung Grandpa’s well-worn Bible in his closet. He felt an ache in his stomach. Is it too late? “Help!” His plea was a strangled whisper. “Father, Jesus. My grandpa loved you. Please help me trust You again. I’m so sorry. Please forgive me.” Tears poured down his face. His eyes stung and every bone ached. A glimmer of light appeared, glowing brighter and brighter until it dazzled. A loving voice cried out, “Sultan, weep no more. You are my precious, beloved child, and my Son Jesus died for you so you could be cleansed of sin and brought into relationship with us. We have not forgotten you. We have not abandoned you. We see your sorrow, your pain. We will help you trust in us, and we will heal you.” Sultan nodded, choking on the words. “I-I believe,” he cried out. The heaviness lifted. He could feel peace beginning to heal his brokenness. Sultan stood up. The train was buzzing with the chatter of people. Glancing at his ticket, his destination had changed to Hope. • Cindy Lee • Have you ever felt like Sultan in this story? Sometimes, when we experience a tragedy or life-changing event, it can make us question our beliefs or make us angry with God. But the truth is, once you become a Christian, nothing can ever separate you from Jesus’s love (Romans 8:38-39). We live in an imperfect world, but Jesus has restored our broken relationship with God through His death and resurrection. And one day, Jesus will return and restore the heavens and the earth—then death and sorrow and pain will be gone forever (Revelation 21:1-5). As we wait for this glorious day, Christians don’t need to be afraid of losing our faith. Faith is a gift from God, one He gives generously (Ephesians 2:8-9; 2 Peter 1:1; Philippians 1:29; Acts 3:16). No matter what, you can share all your worries, your anger, your hurt, and your fears with Jesus, the One who died for you and loves you dearly. Consider taking a moment to talk to Him about whatever is on your mind. • If you’ve never put your trust in Jesus and you want to know more, check out our “Know Jesus” page. • Who are trusted Christians in your life you can be open and honest with about your struggles? How could you encourage each other, pray for each other, and point each other to Scripture, especially in hard times? When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, LORD, supported me. Psa...

READ: PSALM 36:5-9; 2 CORINTHIANS 7:8-13 “Made it. I’m free!” Sultan yelled, jumping on the train as the doors bleeped shut behind him. Where is everyone? He thought, sitting in the empty carriage, a knot of dread weaving itself inside him. Is this the right train? “Tickets,” the guard’s rasping voice called. With trembling hands, Sultan handed over the ticket, watching in horror as the destination letters changed to Nowhere. Staring out of his dark, empty eyes the ticket collector grinned. “You’re on the right track, to Nowhere” he laughed, handing the ticket back before striding away. Wiping the prickling sweat from his forehead, sadness physically dragged Sultan down. Past mistakes flashed before his eyes. “You’re wasting your life. They aren’t your true friends.” Mom’s words haunted him. “I wish your grandpa was still here. He’d know what to say.” Pushing himself up with his last remaining dregs of strength, Sultan stumbled along the carriages as the train hurtled along. Nothing. The ticket collector had vanished. If only you were alive Grandpa, Sultan thought. I miss you, your faith, your Bible stories and adventures. When you died, it felt like I lost my trust in God. I don’t know if I even believe anymore. Sliding to the floor, Sultan shuddered, recalling how he’d flung Grandpa’s well-worn Bible in his closet. He felt an ache in his stomach. Is it too late? “Help!” His plea was a strangled whisper. “Father, Jesus. My grandpa loved you. Please help me trust You again. I’m so sorry. Please forgive me.” Tears poured down his face. His eyes stung and every bone ached. A glimmer of light appeared, glowing brighter and brighter until it dazzled. A loving voice cried out, “Sultan, weep no more. You are my precious, beloved child, and my Son Jesus died for you so you could be cleansed of sin and brought into relationship with us. We have not forgotten you. We have not abandoned you. We see your sorrow, your pain. We will help you trust in us, and we will heal you.” Sultan nodded, choking on the words. “I-I believe,” he cried out. The heaviness lifted. He could feel peace beginning to heal his brokenness. Sultan stood up. The train was buzzing with the chatter of people. Glancing at his ticket, his destination had changed to Hope. • Cindy Lee • Have you ever felt like Sultan in this story? Sometimes, when we experience a tragedy or life-changing event, it can make us question our beliefs or make us angry with God. But the truth is, once you become a Christian, nothing can ever separate you from Jesus’s love (Romans 8:38-39). We live in an imperfect world, but Jesus has restored our broken relationship with God through His death and resurrection. And one day, Jesus will return and restore the heavens and the earth—then death and sorrow and pain will be gone forever (Revelation 21:1-5). As we wait for this glorious day, Christians don’t need to be afraid of losing our faith. Faith is a gift from God, one He gives generously (Ephesians 2:8-9; 2 Peter 1:1; Philippians 1:29; Acts 3:16). No matter what, you can share all your worries, your anger, your hurt, and your fears with Jesus, the One who died for you and loves you dearly. Consider taking a moment to talk to Him about whatever is on your mind. • If you’ve never put your trust in Jesus and you want to know more, check out our “Know Jesus” page. • Who are trusted Christians in your life you can be open and honest with about your struggles?

READ: 1 SAMUEL 3:1-10; 2 KINGS 5:1-5; 1 CORINTHIANS 12:27; GALATIANS 5:13-14 Do you ever feel too young to do anything important for Jesus? Sometimes, when we hear stories of people traveling overseas as missionaries, or becoming foster parents, or starting a career they sensed God guiding them into…we can be left wondering, What about me? Though we may love Jesus and want to follow Him with our lives, it can feel like all we’re able to do during our teen years is wait and prepare to be an adult. But that’s not how God sees us. Just look at the Bible—there are teenagers and even kids who served God. For example, in 2 Kings 5 we find an Israelite girl who was taken captive by raiders from Aram, and she became a servant to Naaman’s wife. But when Naaman had leprosy, this girl said the prophet Elisha could cure him. Because of her compassion and her courage to speak up, Naaman journeyed to Israel, found Elisha, and was cleansed from the deadly skin disease. Then Naaman became a worshipper of the one true God (verse 15). And in 1 Samuel 3, we see that Samuel was only a boy when he “served the Lord by assisting Eli [the priest]” (verse 1). One night while he was sleeping in the Tabernacle, young Samuel heard God call to him! Samuel listened and shared the message God gave him. As he grew up, he continued to be attentive to how God was calling him to serve in his community. No matter how old we are, as Christians, we’re a part of God’s kingdom and family. Since we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we all have the same Holy Spirit. As 1 Peter 4:10 says, “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” The Holy Spirit equips us to share Jesus’s love in our words and actions wherever we are. Maybe you could pray for a friend, encourage a church leader, rake a neighbor’s leaves, help a sibling with something they’re struggling with, or look for ways to help members of your community who are experiencing homelessness. All of these loving acts of service can reflect how Jesus first loved us (1 John 4:19)—and none of them have to wait until you’re older. • A. W. Smith • What are some practical ways you could show Jesus’s love to others by serving them? Consider taking a moment to pray and ask God to help you notice opportunities to serve the people in your community, church, or home…and write down anything that comes to mind. And the Lord came and called as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel replied, “Speak, your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel 3:10 (NLT) 

READ: 1 SAMUEL 3:1-10; 2 KINGS 5:1-5; 1 CORINTHIANS 12:27; GALATIANS 5:13-14 Do you ever feel too young to do anything important for Jesus? Sometimes, when we hear stories of people traveling overseas as missionaries, or becoming foster parents, or starting a career they sensed God guiding them into…we can be left wondering, What about me? Though we may love Jesus and want to follow Him with our lives, it can feel like all we’re able to do during our teen years is wait and prepare to be an adult. But that’s not how God sees us. Just look at the Bible—there are teenagers and even kids who served God. For example, in 2 Kings 5 we find an Israelite girl who was taken captive by raiders from Aram, and she became a servant to Naaman’s wife. But when Naaman had leprosy, this girl said the prophet Elisha could cure him. Because of her compassion and her courage to speak up, Naaman journeyed to Israel, found Elisha, and was cleansed from the deadly skin disease. Then Naaman became a worshipper of the one true God (verse 15). And in 1 Samuel 3, we see that Samuel was only a boy when he “served the LORD by assisting Eli [the priest]” (verse 1). One night while he was sleeping in the Tabernacle, young Samuel heard God call to him! Samuel listened and shared the message God gave him. As he grew up, he continued to be attentive to how God was calling him to serve in his community. No matter how old we are, as Christians, we’re a part of God’s kingdom and family. Since we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we all have the same Holy Spirit. As 1 Peter 4:10 says, “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” The Holy Spirit equips us to share Jesus’s love in our words and actions wherever we are. Maybe you could pray for a friend, encourage a church leader, rake a neighbor’s leaves, help a sibling with something they’re struggling with, or look for ways to help members of your community who are experiencing homelessness. All of these loving acts of service can reflect how Jesus first loved us (1 John 4:19)—and none of them have to wait until you’re older. • A. W. Smith • What are some practical ways you could show Jesus’s love to others by serving them? Consider taking a moment to pray and ask God to help you notice opportunities to serve the people in your community, church, or home…and write down anything that comes to mind. And the LORD came and called as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel replied, “Speak, your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel 3:10 (NLT) 

READ: 1 SAMUEL 3:1-10; 2 KINGS 5:1-5; 1 CORINTHIANS 12:27; GALATIANS 5:13-14 Do you ever feel too young to do anything important for Jesus? Sometimes, when we hear stories of people traveling overseas as missionaries, or becoming foster parents, or starting a career they sensed God guiding them into…we can be left wondering, What about me? Though we may love Jesus and want to follow Him with our lives, it can feel like all we’re able to do during our teen years is wait and prepare to be an adult. But that’s not how God sees us. Just look at the Bible—there are teenagers and even kids who served God. For example, in 2 Kings 5 we find an Israelite girl who was taken captive by raiders from Aram, and she became a servant to Naaman’s wife. But when Naaman had leprosy, this girl said the prophet Elisha could cure him. Because of her compassion and her courage to speak up, Naaman journeyed to Israel, found Elisha, and was cleansed from the deadly skin disease. Then Naaman became a worshipper of the one true God (verse 15). And in 1 Samuel 3, we see that Samuel was only a boy when he “served the LORD by assisting Eli [the priest]” (verse 1). One night while he was sleeping in the Tabernacle, young Samuel heard God call to him! Samuel listened and shared the message God gave him. As he grew up, he continued to be attentive to how God was calling him to serve in his community. No matter how old we are, as Christians, we’re a part of God’s kingdom and family. Since we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we all have the same Holy Spirit. As 1 Peter 4:10 says, “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” The Holy Spirit equips us to share Jesus’s love in our words and actions wherever we are. Maybe you could pray for a friend, encourage a church leader, rake a neighbor’s leaves, help a sibling with something they’re struggling with, or look for ways to help members of your community who are experiencing homelessness. All of these loving acts of service can reflect how Jesus first loved us (1 John 4:19)—and none of them have to wait until you’re older. • A. W. Smith • What are some practical ways you could show Jesus’s love to others by serving them? Consider taking a moment to pray and ask God to help you notice opportunities to serve the people in your community, church, or home…and write down anything that comes to mind. And the LORD came and called as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel replied, “Speak, your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel 3:10 (NLT) 

READ: PSALM 55:22; MATTHEW 11:28-30; 1 PETER 5:6-9 It’s natural to worry. We humans just do it, pure and simple. And the Lord, knowing how distracting chronic worry can be, lovingly offers His children a remedy because He wants to set us free from the cares that clutter up our minds and petrify our hearts. In 1 Peter 5:6-9, we see how Jesus provides that remedy. We read in verse 7 that we can cast our “cares on him.” Maybe you’ve tried this already! But sometimes, after casting our cares upon His loving Self, we take them back again, and get back to our job of fretting. We can get into a repetitive cycle that doesn’t help at all: give it to God, take it back, give it to God, take it back. Has this ever happened to you? It can be exhausting. But we find an answer to this dilemma by taking a deeper dive into the original language of 1 Peter 5:6-9. The ancient Greek word for “casting” is in the aorist tense (meaning a “one-time event, back in the past” verb tense). So, it might be helpful to think of Peter saying: “since you have already cast your cares upon Him, live that way.” Past tense—one and done! We recall that we are not the ones in charge, because we gave our lives and everything concerning us to our great and loving Shepherd, Jesus. This is why, before Peter talks about worry, he says, “Humble yourselves” (verse 6). We humble ourselves under God’s authority and governance. We recall that, because of Jesus’s death and resurrection, we are His, not our own. We were bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20). And, when we became His, we gave up worrying over what is happening to us now, or what will happen to us next. We don’t need to. Why? Because He has it. He has you. Peter goes on to tell us that “he cares about you” (verse 7). Indeed, He does! He is with you always, no matter what worries and cares you have. And He promises to return someday to put an end to everything that is worrisome. If you’ve given your life to Jesus, you have accepted His Lordship over your life. So, you can rejoice that He has you—worries and all—today, and tomorrow, and forever. • Kristen Merrill • Can you remember a time when you shared your worries with Jesus? What was it like? • When you feel overwhelmed with worry, who is somebody that can help you and remind you of Jesus’s peace and loving care, such as a parent, pastor, counselor, youth leader, or friend? …casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7 (CSB) 

READ: PSALM 55:22; MATTHEW 11:28-30; 1 PETER 5:6-9 It’s natural to worry. We humans just do it, pure and simple. And the Lord, knowing how distracting chronic worry can be, lovingly offers His children a remedy because He wants to set us free from the cares that clutter up our minds and petrify our hearts. In 1 Peter 5:6-9, we see how Jesus provides that remedy. We read in verse 7 that we can cast our “cares on him.” Maybe you’ve tried this already! But sometimes, after casting our cares upon His loving Self, we take them back again, and get back to our job of fretting. We can get into a repetitive cycle that doesn’t help at all: give it to God, take it back, give it to God, take it back. Has this ever happened to you? It can be exhausting. But we find an answer to this dilemma by taking a deeper dive into the original language of 1 Peter 5:6-9. The ancient Greek word for “casting” is in the aorist tense (meaning a “one-time event, back in the past” verb tense). So, it might be helpful to think of Peter saying: “since you have already cast your cares upon Him, live that way.” Past tense—one and done! We recall that we are not the ones in charge, because we gave our lives and everything concerning us to our great and loving Shepherd, Jesus. This is why, before Peter talks about worry, he says, “Humble yourselves” (verse 6). We humble ourselves under God’s authority and governance. We recall that, because of Jesus’s death and resurrection, we are His, not our own. We were bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20). And, when we became His, we gave up worrying over what is happening to us now, or what will happen to us next. We don’t need to. Why? Because He has it. He has you. Peter goes on to tell us that “he cares about you” (verse 7). Indeed, He does! He is with you always, no matter what worries and cares you have. And He promises to return someday to put an end to everything that is worrisome. If you’ve given your life to Jesus, you have accepted His Lordship over your life. So, you can rejoice that He has you—worries and all—today, and tomorrow, and forever. • Kristen Merrill • Can you remember a time when you shared your worries with Jesus? What was it like? • When you feel overwhelmed with worry, who is somebody that can help you and remind you of Jesus’s peace and loving care, such as a parent, pastor, counselor, youth leader, or friend? …casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7 (CSB) 

READ: PSALM 55:22; MATTHEW 11:28-30; 1 PETER 5:6-9 It’s natural to worry. We humans just do it, pure and simple. And the Lord, knowing how distracting chronic worry can be, lovingly offers His children a remedy because He wants to set us free from the cares that clutter up our minds and petrify our hearts. In 1 Peter 5:6-9, we see how Jesus provides that remedy. We read in verse 7 that we can cast our “cares on him.” Maybe you’ve tried this already! But sometimes, after casting our cares upon His loving Self, we take them back again, and get back to our job of fretting. We can get into a repetitive cycle that doesn’t help at all: give it to God, take it back, give it to God, take it back. Has this ever happened to you? It can be exhausting. But we find an answer to this dilemma by taking a deeper dive into the original language of 1 Peter 5:6-9. The ancient Greek word for “casting” is in the aorist tense (meaning a “one-time event, back in the past” verb tense). So, it might be helpful to think of Peter saying: “since you have already cast your cares upon Him, live that way.” Past tense—one and done! We recall that we are not the ones in charge, because we gave our lives and everything concerning us to our great and loving Shepherd, Jesus. This is why, before Peter talks about worry, he says, “Humble yourselves” (verse 6). We humble ourselves under God’s authority and governance. We recall that, because of Jesus’s death and resurrection, we are His, not our own. We were bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20). And, when we became His, we gave up worrying over what is happening to us now, or what will happen to us next. We don’t need to. Why? Because He has it. He has you. Peter goes on to tell us that “he cares about you” (verse 7). Indeed, He does! He is with you always, no matter what worries and cares you have. And He promises to return someday to put an end to everything that is worrisome. If you’ve given your life to Jesus, you have accepted His Lordship over your life. So, you can rejoice that He has you—worries and all—today, and tomorrow, and forever. • Kristen Merrill • Can you remember a time when you shared your worries with Jesus? What was it like? • When you feel overwhelmed with worry, who is somebody that can help you and remind you of Jesus’s peace and loving care, such as a parent, pastor, counselor, youth leader, or friend? …casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7 (CSB) 

READ: EPHESIANS 6:18-20; 1 TIMOTHY 2:1; JAMES 5:15-17 Are you familiar with the most famous of all missionaries? His name was Paul. He preached the gospel to numerous people soon after Jesus was resurrected from the dead, and he wrote much of the New Testament. During Paul’s missionary journeys, he and his companions would start a church, then journey on. He’d spend time getting to know each unique culture, and then explain the gospel to them—the good news of Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection. Paul went back and forth, founding new churches and visiting the established ones, until he was finally arrested, imprisoned, and made to stand before the emperor of Rome: Nero. Paul was thrown in jail many times. He was whipped, ship-wrecked, and stoned, but even then, he would not stop spreading the good news. He couldn’t stop sharing the gospel. And yet there came a time when this man, who had spent years of his life giving speeches, asked for prayers for how to speak! This is the great missionary, Paul! He knows how to speak! And here we see his example of humility. Weary after so many years of diligent service, Paul asks his friends for help, as he has done many times before. Pray for me, he says, that I might speak as I ought. Why? Was it because he was about to stand before the notoriously evil Nero? We can’t be certain. And yet, it’s good to remember that no matter what great accomplishments we achieve, there will always be those times when this particular problem or that future event just feels too hard. And when we’re in the habit of asking for prayer for the little things, it’s easier to ask for prayer in the big things, too. When the task before us seems too big, it’s easy to be hard on ourselves. We’re tempted to beat ourselves up for not being “stronger” or “braver” or “trusting in God more.” Instead, let’s follow Paul’s example. When we are afraid, let’s ask for prayer like he did. Let’s lift one another up in prayer, trusting our loving God to give us what we need. • Kristen Merrill • When do you find it difficult to ask people to pray for you? How could it be encouraging to know that people are praying for you in the midst of a difficult situation? (If you want to dig deeper, read about other times Paul asked for prayer: Romans 15:30-32; 2 Corinthians 1:10-11; Philippians 1:19; Colossians 4:2-4; 1 Thessalonians 5:25; 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2; Philemon 1:22.) Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. Ephesians 6:19-20 (NIV) 

READ: EPHESIANS 6:18-20; 1 TIMOTHY 2:1; JAMES 5:15-17 Are you familiar with the most famous of all missionaries? His name was Paul. He preached the gospel to numerous people soon after Jesus was resurrected from the dead, and he wrote much of the New Testament. During Paul’s missionary journeys, he and his companions would start a church, then journey on. He’d spend time getting to know each unique culture, and then explain the gospel to them—the good news of Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection. Paul went back and forth, founding new churches and visiting the established ones, until he was finally arrested, imprisoned, and made to stand before the emperor of Rome: Nero. Paul was thrown in jail many times. He was whipped, ship-wrecked, and stoned, but even then, he would not stop spreading the good news. He couldn’t stop sharing the gospel. And yet there came a time when this man, who had spent years of his life giving speeches, asked for prayers for how to speak! This is the great missionary, Paul! He knows how to speak! And here we see his example of humility. Weary after so many years of diligent service, Paul asks his friends for help, as he has done many times before. Pray for me, he says, that I might speak as I ought. Why? Was it because he was about to stand before the notoriously evil Nero? We can’t be certain. And yet, it’s good to remember that no matter what great accomplishments we achieve, there will always be those times when this particular problem or that future event just feels too hard. And when we’re in the habit of asking for prayer for the little things, it’s easier to ask for prayer in the big things, too. When the task before us seems too big, it’s easy to be hard on ourselves. We’re tempted to beat ourselves up for not being “stronger” or “braver” or “trusting in God more.” Instead, let’s follow Paul’s example. When we are afraid, let’s ask for prayer like he did. Let’s lift one another up in prayer, trusting our loving God to give us what we need. • Kristen Merrill • When do you find it difficult to ask people to pray for you? How could it be encouraging to know that people are praying for you in the midst of a difficult situation? (If you want to dig deeper, read about other times Paul asked for prayer: Romans 15:30-32; 2 Corinthians 1:10-11; Philippians 1:19; Colossians 4:2-4; 1 Thessalonians 5:25; 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2; Philemon 1:22.) Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. Ephesians 6:19-20 (NIV) 

READ: EPHESIANS 6:18-20; 1 TIMOTHY 2:1; JAMES 5:15-17 Are you familiar with the most famous of all missionaries? His name was Paul. He preached the gospel to numerous people soon after Jesus was resurrected from the dead, and he wrote much of the New Testament. During Paul’s missionary journeys, he and his companions would start a church, then journey on. He’d spend time getting to know each unique culture, and then explain the gospel to them—the good news of Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection. Paul went back and forth, founding new churches and visiting the established ones, until he was finally arrested, imprisoned, and made to stand before the emperor of Rome: Nero. Paul was thrown in jail many times. He was whipped, ship-wrecked, and stoned, but even then, he would not stop spreading the good news. He couldn’t stop sharing the gospel. And yet there came a time when this man, who had spent years of his life giving speeches, asked for prayers for how to speak! This is the great missionary, Paul! He knows how to speak! And here we see his example of humility. Weary after so many years of diligent service, Paul asks his friends for help, as he has done many times before. Pray for me, he says, that I might speak as I ought. Why? Was it because he was about to stand before the notoriously evil Nero? We can’t be certain. And yet, it’s good to remember that no matter what great accomplishments we achieve, there will always be those times when this particular problem or that future event just feels too hard. And when we’re in the habit of asking for prayer for the little things, it’s easier to ask for prayer in the big things, too. When the task before us seems too big, it’s easy to be hard on ourselves. We’re tempted to beat ourselves up for not being “stronger” or “braver” or “trusting in God more.” Instead, let’s follow Paul’s example. When we are afraid, let’s ask for prayer like he did. Let’s lift one another up in prayer, trusting our loving God to give us what we need. • Kristen Merrill • When do you find it difficult to ask people to pray for you? How could it be encouraging to know that people are praying for you in the midst of a difficult situation? (If you want to dig deeper, read about other times Paul asked for prayer: Romans 15:30-32; 2 Corinthians 1:10-11; Philippians 1:19; Colossians 4:2-4; 1 Thessalonians 5:25; 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2; Philemon 1:22.) Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. Ephesians 6:19-20 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 27:7-10; JOHN 14:18-20; ROMANS 8:31-39 It can feel terrible to feel all alone in the world. Whether you’re going through a time when you don’t have a lot of friends in your life or you feel like you can’t connect with others when you’re around them, loneliness can hit you hard and upset your life. When you feel like no one cares about you, know that God is always there. He always loves you—in a way that goes beyond anything you can imagine (Ephesians 3:17-21). When I’m feeling lonely or when I feel like I’m all alone in a stressful situation, I like to imagine God holding me. I like to imagine myself securely in His hands. I know that He is there. I know that He will not abandon me. I know that He is holding me. He is there with you, too. No matter what you’re facing or how lonely you feel, God sees you, He is with you, He holds you. How can we know this is true? Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, we not only receive salvation, we receive connection with God. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we are never really alone. No matter what you go through in life and how many—or few—people you have supporting you, may you always feel God right there with you. • Emily Acker • Can you think of a time you felt lonely and like you didn’t really have anyone you could rely on? Do you feel that way today? How could it be comforting to know that God—the all-powerful Creator of heaven and earth who died for you and then defeated death itself—is with you? • Have you had times in your life when it felt like God was the only one who was supporting you and holding you and keeping you going? Consider taking a moment to thank God for the ways He has helped you through these tough times. • God reminds us of His presence with us through His Spirit, His Word (the Bible),and His people (the church). Who is someone in your life who might be feeling alone right now? Consider taking a moment to pray for this person, and ask God for ideas of ways you could show His love to them; then write down anything that comes to mind. Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. Psalm 73:23 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 27:7-10; JOHN 14:18-20; ROMANS 8:31-39 It can feel terrible to feel all alone in the world. Whether you’re going through a time when you don’t have a lot of friends in your life or you feel like you can’t connect with others when you’re around them, loneliness can hit you hard and upset your life. When you feel like no one cares about you, know that God is always there. He always loves you—in a way that goes beyond anything you can imagine (Ephesians 3:17-21). When I’m feeling lonely or when I feel like I’m all alone in a stressful situation, I like to imagine God holding me. I like to imagine myself securely in His hands. I know that He is there. I know that He will not abandon me. I know that He is holding me. He is there with you, too. No matter what you’re facing or how lonely you feel, God sees you, He is with you, He holds you. How can we know this is true? Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, we not only receive salvation, we receive connection with God. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we are never really alone. No matter what you go through in life and how many—or few—people you have supporting you, may you always feel God right there with you. • Emily Acker • Can you think of a time you felt lonely and like you didn’t really have anyone you could rely on? Do you feel that way today? How could it be comforting to know that God—the all-powerful Creator of heaven and earth who died for you and then defeated death itself—is with you? • Have you had times in your life when it felt like God was the only one who was supporting you and holding you and keeping you going? Consider taking a moment to thank God for the ways He has helped you through these tough times. • God reminds us of His presence with us through His Spirit, His Word (the Bible),and His people (the church). Who is someone in your life who might be feeling alone right now? Consider taking a moment to pray for this person, and ask God for ideas of ways you could show His love to them; then write down anything that comes to mind. Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. Psalm 73:23 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 27:7-10; JOHN 14:18-20; ROMANS 8:31-39 It can feel terrible to feel all alone in the world. Whether you’re going through a time when you don’t have a lot of friends in your life or you feel like you can’t connect with others when you’re around them, loneliness can hit you hard and upset your life. When you feel like no one cares about you, know that God is always there. He always loves you—in a way that goes beyond anything you can imagine (Ephesians 3:17-21). When I’m feeling lonely or when I feel like I’m all alone in a stressful situation, I like to imagine God holding me. I like to imagine myself securely in His hands. I know that He is there. I know that He will not abandon me. I know that He is holding me. He is there with you, too. No matter what you’re facing or how lonely you feel, God sees you, He is with you, He holds you. How can we know this is true? Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, we not only receive salvation, we receive connection with God. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we are never really alone. No matter what you go through in life and how many—or few—people you have supporting you, may you always feel God right there with you. • Emily Acker • Can you think of a time you felt lonely and like you didn’t really have anyone you could rely on? Do you feel that way today? How could it be comforting to know that God—the all-powerful Creator of heaven and earth who died for you and then defeated death itself—is with you? • Have you had times in your life when it felt like God was the only one who was supporting you and holding you and keeping you going? Consider taking a moment to thank God for the ways He has helped you through these tough times. • God reminds us of His presence with us through His Spirit, His Word (the Bible),and His people (the church). Who is someone in your life who might be feeling alone right now? Consider taking a moment to pray for this person, and ask God for ideas of ways you could show His love to them; then write down anything that comes to mind. Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. Psalm 73:23 (NIV) 

READ: MATTHEW 20:16; MARK 9:33-37; GALATIANS 5:13-16; PHILIPPIANS 2:1-11 Have you ever been picked on? Or have you made fun of others for being different? In our broken world, this is an all-too-prevalent reality. But here’s the thing. When we pick on others, we’re acting like chickens. Think about it—chickens have a pecking order. The bigger, stronger chickens have the most power and access to food. Any chicken who’s different or appears weaker is at the bottom…and is mercilessly pecked and denied food to show them their assigned place in the system. If a chicken is injured, even if it’s just a small red spot on its neck, when a big chicken sees that hurt, they jab the sore, making it even larger. This should not be. Here’s the good news: Jesus turned the pecking order upside down. Jesus is God the Son, and He was willing to give up His place at the top because He loves all of us at the bottom. Philippians 2:6-7 says, “Though he was God…he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.” Jesus lived among us because God wanted to save us from sin and heal all the brokenness sin causes. He was picked on mercilessly, but He was willing to endure all this pain and sorrow and rejection and injustice—for us. Ultimately, He let Himself be killed on a cross, and then He rose again, triumphant over sin and death, all because He loves all of us—people He created to be different from one another. Because of Jesus, we don’t have to follow the pecking order anymore. Chickens fight because they think they need to prove their strength and survive. Similarly, humans act out of selfishness and fear, taking others down to try to push ourselves up. But since Jesus humbled Himself to flip the pecking order, we can trust Him with all our needs and fears, and we are free to love our neighbors as ourselves. We can work together and take care of each other. With our differences, we can glorify our good Creator. We can listen to one another and work to set up systems in our communities that reflect the beauty of the differences we have as people who bear God’s image (Genesis 1:27). And we can look forward to the day Jesus, our just God, will return and restore His creation, abolishing the pecking order for good. • A. W. Smith • How have others picked on you? How have you picked on others? Jesus invites us to come to Him with all our hurts and sins. He forgives our wrongdoing, touches our hurting places with His love, reminds us of what is true about us, and guides us in how to move forward in love. (If you or someone you know is being bullied, who are trusted adults you could reach out to for help?) For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:14 (NLT) 

READ: MATTHEW 20:16; MARK 9:33-37; GALATIANS 5:13-16; PHILIPPIANS 2:1-11 Have you ever been picked on? Or have you made fun of others for being different? In our broken world, this is an all-too-prevalent reality. But here’s the thing. When we pick on others, we’re acting like chickens. Think about it—chickens have a pecking order. The bigger, stronger chickens have the most power and access to food. Any chicken who’s different or appears weaker is at the bottom…and is mercilessly pecked and denied food to show them their assigned place in the system. If a chicken is injured, even if it’s just a small red spot on its neck, when a big chicken sees that hurt, they jab the sore, making it even larger. This should not be. Here’s the good news: Jesus turned the pecking order upside down. Jesus is God the Son, and He was willing to give up His place at the top because He loves all of us at the bottom. Philippians 2:6-7 says, “Though he was God…he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.” Jesus lived among us because God wanted to save us from sin and heal all the brokenness sin causes. He was picked on mercilessly, but He was willing to endure all this pain and sorrow and rejection and injustice—for us. Ultimately, He let Himself be killed on a cross, and then He rose again, triumphant over sin and death, all because He loves all of us—people He created to be different from one another. Because of Jesus, we don’t have to follow the pecking order anymore. Chickens fight because they think they need to prove their strength and survive. Similarly, humans act out of selfishness and fear, taking others down to try to push ourselves up. But since Jesus humbled Himself to flip the pecking order, we can trust Him with all our needs and fears, and we are free to love our neighbors as ourselves. We can work together and take care of each other. With our differences, we can glorify our good Creator. We can listen to one another and work to set up systems in our communities that reflect the beauty of the differences we have as people who bear God’s image (Genesis 1:27). And we can look forward to the day Jesus, our just God, will return and restore His creation, abolishing the pecking order for good. • A. W. Smith • How have others picked on you? How have you picked on others? Jesus invites us to come to Him with all our hurts and sins. He forgives our wrongdoing, touches our hurting places with His love, reminds us of what is true about us, and guides us in how to move forward in love. (If you or someone you know is being bullied, who are trusted adults you could reach out to for help?) For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:14 (NLT) 

READ: MATTHEW 20:16; MARK 9:33-37; GALATIANS 5:13-16; PHILIPPIANS 2:1-11 Have you ever been picked on? Or have you made fun of others for being different? In our broken world, this is an all-too-prevalent reality. But here’s the thing. When we pick on others, we’re acting like chickens. Think about it—chickens have a pecking order. The bigger, stronger chickens have the most power and access to food. Any chicken who’s different or appears weaker is at the bottom…and is mercilessly pecked and denied food to show them their assigned place in the system. If a chicken is injured, even if it’s just a small red spot on its neck, when a big chicken sees that hurt, they jab the sore, making it even larger. This should not be. Here’s the good news: Jesus turned the pecking order upside down. Jesus is God the Son, and He was willing to give up His place at the top because He loves all of us at the bottom. Philippians 2:6-7 says, “Though he was God…he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.” Jesus lived among us because God wanted to save us from sin and heal all the brokenness sin causes. He was picked on mercilessly, but He was willing to endure all this pain and sorrow and rejection and injustice—for us. Ultimately, He let Himself be killed on a cross, and then He rose again, triumphant over sin and death, all because He loves all of us—people He created to be different from one another. Because of Jesus, we don’t have to follow the pecking order anymore. Chickens fight because they think they need to prove their strength and survive. Similarly, humans act out of selfishness and fear, taking others down to try to push ourselves up. But since Jesus humbled Himself to flip the pecking order, we can trust Him with all our needs and fears, and we are free to love our neighbors as ourselves. We can work together and take care of each other. With our differences, we can glorify our good Creator. We can listen to one another and work to set up systems in our communities that reflect the beauty of the differences we have as people who bear God’s image (Genesis 1:27). And we can look forward to the day Jesus, our just God, will return and restore His creation, abolishing the pecking order for good. • A. W. Smith • How have others picked on you? How have you picked on others? Jesus invites us to come to Him with all our hurts and sins. He forgives our wrongdoing, touches our hurting places with His love, reminds us of what is true about us, and guides us in how to move forward in love. (If you or someone you know is being bullied, who are trusted adults you could reach out to for help?) For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:14 (NLT) 

READ: EPHESIANS 2:1-10; 3:14-21; 6:10-18 Ephesians is a short book—only six chapters. Paul wrote this letter to the church in Ephesus, but everything in it is for us as well! This small letter contains some large truths. In fact, if you want a brief overview of the good news of salvation, along with your standing in Christ as a believer, and instructions for godly living, you’ve come to the right book. The book is divided in two. In the first three chapters, Paul teaches us about God’s plan of salvation for the world. The last three chapters tell us how to live as children of God. And maybe this book is organized that way because it’s important for us to know who we are in Christ before we try to live out His good ways. I didn’t use to know that. I would try really hard to obey all of the things in the Bible. But then I finally figured out that, until I understood who I was in Christ, trying to be good in my own strength just wouldn’t work. We need to rely on God to transform our hearts and help us walk in His good ways (Ezekiel 36:26; Philippians 2:13). Ephesians is famous for spelling out how it was God’s plan to rescue sinners from their sins—something that nobody can do for themselves. None of us can cleanse ourselves from our sinfulness. But, because of God’s grace—His un-earned, un-deserved love—we can become children of God, and co-heirs with Christ. • Kristen Merrill • According to Ephesians 1:3-14; 2:4-10, who are we in Christ? (If you want to know more about becoming a child of God and co-heir with Christ, check out our "Know Jesus" page.) • Why do you think it’s necessary to know who God has made us to be…before we try to figure out what He wants us to do? May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Ephesians 3:19 (NLT) 

READ: EPHESIANS 2:1-10; 3:14-21; 6:10-18 Ephesians is a short book—only six chapters. Paul wrote this letter to the church in Ephesus, but everything in it is for us as well! This small letter contains some large truths. In fact, if you want a brief overview of the good news of salvation, along with your standing in Christ as a believer, and instructions for godly living, you’ve come to the right book. The book is divided in two. In the first three chapters, Paul teaches us about God’s plan of salvation for the world. The last three chapters tell us how to live as children of God. And maybe this book is organized that way because it’s important for us to know who we are in Christ before we try to live out His good ways. I didn’t use to know that. I would try really hard to obey all of the things in the Bible. But then I finally figured out that, until I understood who I was in Christ, trying to be good in my own strength just wouldn’t work. We need to rely on God to transform our hearts and help us walk in His good ways (Ezekiel 36:26; Philippians 2:13). Ephesians is famous for spelling out how it was God’s plan to rescue sinners from their sins—something that nobody can do for themselves. None of us can cleanse ourselves from our sinfulness. But, because of God’s grace—His un-earned, un-deserved love—we can become children of God, and co-heirs with Christ. • Kristen Merrill • According to Ephesians 1:3-14; 2:4-10, who are we in Christ? (If you want to know more about becoming a child of God and co-heir with Christ, check out our “Know Jesus” page.) • Why do you think it’s necessary to know who God has made us to be…before we try to figure out what He wants us to do? May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Ephesians 3:19 (NLT) 

READ: EPHESIANS 2:1-10; 3:14-21; 6:10-18 Ephesians is a short book—only six chapters. Paul wrote this letter to the church in Ephesus, but everything in it is for us as well! This small letter contains some large truths. In fact, if you want a brief overview of the good news of salvation, along with your standing in Christ as a believer, and instructions for godly living, you’ve come to the right book. The book is divided in two. In the first three chapters, Paul teaches us about God’s plan of salvation for the world. The last three chapters tell us how to live as children of God. And maybe this book is organized that way because it’s important for us to know who we are in Christ before we try to live out His good ways. I didn’t use to know that. I would try really hard to obey all of the things in the Bible. But then I finally figured out that, until I understood who I was in Christ, trying to be good in my own strength just wouldn’t work. We need to rely on God to transform our hearts and help us walk in His good ways (Ezekiel 36:26; Philippians 2:13). Ephesians is famous for spelling out how it was God’s plan to rescue sinners from their sins—something that nobody can do for themselves. None of us can cleanse ourselves from our sinfulness. But, because of God’s grace—His un-earned, un-deserved love—we can become children of God, and co-heirs with Christ. • Kristen Merrill • According to Ephesians 1:3-14; 2:4-10, who are we in Christ? (If you want to know more about becoming a child of God and co-heir with Christ, check out our “Know Jesus” page.) • Why do you think it’s necessary to know who God has made us to be…before we try to figure out what He wants us to do? May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Ephesians 3:19 (NLT) 

READ: PROVERBS 17:17; 27:17; ECCLESIASTES 4:9-10; JOHN 15:12-15 Do you ever meet someone and think something like, “I hope your weirdness matches my weirdness, so we can be friends”? I do! The Bible says, “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend” (Proverbs 27:17). The longer I walk with God, the more I realize what a gift those friends who sharpen me really are. I have a friend who sharpens her favorite knife each time she uses it. This seems like a hassle to me, but it really is an awesome knife! And I don’t think it would be the same if she hadn’t been so diligent in its care. In the same way, making deep friendships can feel like more of a hassle than it’s worth. It can be intimidating enough to let GOD into the vulnerable parts of our hearts, and He already knows us completely and loves us fully—Jesus even died and rose again so we could be friends with Him! Opening up to another person can be risky, but it also means your friend can have a rare opportunity to know the real and totally quirky you. It gives them a chance to step back and appreciate who YOU actually are! Another benefit (or risk) of making true friends: it results in a smoothing of our rough edges. The filing away of the parts of us that were bent by hurtful circumstances, experiences, or even other people, and the strengthening of our character… which all helps us love God and our neighbors better. This makes going through the process of making deep friendships well worth it. Iron is the best tool for sharpening iron, and making true friends who will be honest with you is one of the best ways to grow into more of the person God created you to be (Proverbs 27:6, 9). If we set out to try to change each other, it will never work, but through love, acceptance, encouragement, and even appreciation of each other’s “weirdness”…that’s when the good stuff happens. That’s when we feel safe to be ourselves. That’s when we don’t have to put up our guard to protect our hearts from being hurt. That’s when we shine our brightest, and yet it’s also when some of the not-so-shiny parts of our hearts can show up as well. It’s through these safe interactions that we are sharpened…if we trust Jesus to help us be sharpenable. • Sarah Andruszko • It can be scary to be honest about your thoughts and feelings with someone because they might criticize or even reject you. This fear can also keep us from going deeper in our relationship with God, but He never criticizes or rejects us when we open up to Him. He welcomes us with grace, healing, and gentle guidance. And He calls us to do the same (Romans 15:7). Have you ever opened up to someone and been welcomed by grace, healing, and gentle guidance? What was it like? Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NLT)

READ: PROVERBS 17:17; 27:17; ECCLESIASTES 4:9-10; JOHN 15:12-15 Do you ever meet someone and think something like, “I hope your weirdness matches my weirdness, so we can be friends”? I do! The Bible says, “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend” (Proverbs 27:17). The longer I walk with God, the more I realize what a gift those friends who sharpen me really are. I have a friend who sharpens her favorite knife each time she uses it. This seems like a hassle to me, but it really is an awesome knife! And I don’t think it would be the same if she hadn’t been so diligent in its care. In the same way, making deep friendships can feel like more of a hassle than it’s worth. It can be intimidating enough to let GOD into the vulnerable parts of our hearts, and He already knows us completely and loves us fully—Jesus even died and rose again so we could be friends with Him! Opening up to another person can be risky, but it also means your friend can have a rare opportunity to know the real and totally quirky you. It gives them a chance to step back and appreciate who YOU actually are! Another benefit (or risk) of making true friends: it results in a smoothing of our rough edges. The filing away of the parts of us that were bent by hurtful circumstances, experiences, or even other people, and the strengthening of our character… which all helps us love God and our neighbors better. This makes going through the process of making deep friendships well worth it. Iron is the best tool for sharpening iron, and making true friends who will be honest with you is one of the best ways to grow into more of the person God created you to be (Proverbs 27:6, 9). If we set out to try to change each other, it will never work, but through love, acceptance, encouragement, and even appreciation of each other’s “weirdness”…that’s when the good stuff happens. That’s when we feel safe to be ourselves. That’s when we don’t have to put up our guard to protect our hearts from being hurt. That’s when we shine our brightest, and yet it’s also when some of the not-so-shiny parts of our hearts can show up as well. It’s through these safe interactions that we are sharpened…if we trust Jesus to help us be sharpenable. • Sarah Andruszko • It can be scary to be honest about your thoughts and feelings with someone because they might criticize or even reject you. This fear can also keep us from going deeper in our relationship with God, but He never criticizes or rejects us when we open up to Him. He welcomes us with grace, healing, and gentle guidance. And He calls us to do the same (Romans 15:7). Have you ever opened up to someone and been welcomed by grace, healing, and gentle guidance? What was it like? Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NLT)

READ: PROVERBS 17:17; 27:17; ECCLESIASTES 4:9-10; JOHN 15:12-15 Do you ever meet someone and think something like, “I hope your weirdness matches my weirdness, so we can be friends”? I do! The Bible says, “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend” (Proverbs 27:17). The longer I walk with God, the more I realize what a gift those friends who sharpen me really are. I have a friend who sharpens her favorite knife each time she uses it. This seems like a hassle to me, but it really is an awesome knife! And I don’t think it would be the same if she hadn’t been so diligent in its care. In the same way, making deep friendships can feel like more of a hassle than it’s worth. It can be intimidating enough to let GOD into the vulnerable parts of our hearts, and He already knows us completely and loves us fully—Jesus even died and rose again so we could be friends with Him! Opening up to another person can be risky, but it also means your friend can have a rare opportunity to know the real and totally quirky you. It gives them a chance to step back and appreciate who YOU actually are! Another benefit (or risk) of making true friends: it results in a smoothing of our rough edges. The filing away of the parts of us that were bent by hurtful circumstances, experiences, or even other people, and the strengthening of our character… which all helps us love God and our neighbors better. This makes going through the process of making deep friendships well worth it. Iron is the best tool for sharpening iron, and making true friends who will be honest with you is one of the best ways to grow into more of the person God created you to be (Proverbs 27:6, 9). If we set out to try to change each other, it will never work, but through love, acceptance, encouragement, and even appreciation of each other’s “weirdness”…that’s when the good stuff happens. That’s when we feel safe to be ourselves. That’s when we don’t have to put up our guard to protect our hearts from being hurt. That’s when we shine our brightest, and yet it’s also when some of the not-so-shiny parts of our hearts can show up as well. It’s through these safe interactions that we are sharpened…if we trust Jesus to help us be sharpenable. • Sarah Andruszko • It can be scary to be honest about your thoughts and feelings with someone because they might criticize or even reject you. This fear can also keep us from going deeper in our relationship with God, but He never criticizes or rejects us when we open up to Him. He welcomes us with grace, healing, and gentle guidance. And He calls us to do the same (Romans 15:7). Have you ever opened up to someone and been welcomed by grace, healing, and gentle guidance? What was it like? Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NLT)

READ: LUKE 15:1-7; ROMANS 7:15–8:4, 38-39; 2 PETER 1:3-4 When kittens are rescued and placed in a new family, they have a lot to learn—which usually includes learning not to scratch the furniture! Still, their rescuers are patient and help them learn how to live in their new family. This is kind of like our story as Christians. We were lost before God rescued us, like an orphaned kitten caught in a thunderstorm, cold and wet and trembling. When we trusted Jesus as our Savior, God forgave our sins and gave us a brand-new life. He took us home and lovingly placed us in His family. But, we still do wrong things sometimes. As humans, we have a tendency to sin, a bent toward hating God and our neighbors. Just like rescued kittens give in to their instincts to sharpen their claws on the couch, we often give in to our old sinful nature. But when kittens become part of a family, the family teaches them not to be destructive. And God teaches us as Christians how to act like members of His family, too. He gives us His Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live a godly life. Jesus takes sin seriously and calls us to commit our whole selves to living in His good ways. He also knows we’ll still do wrong things sometimes, but even when we do, He will always forgive us. And when Jesus returns, He will make everything new, and we won’t struggle with our old sinful nature anymore. Are you learning how to be a member of God’s family? We all still sin sometimes, but if we know Jesus, the Holy Spirit is teaching us to change our ways. Whenever we get discouraged at our own tendency to sin, we can come to Jesus and find rest in His unshakeable love and forgiveness. The reality is, as Christians we are part of God’s family forever, and nothing can separate us from His love. We can thank Him for the Holy Spirit’s power over sin and trust Him to guide us in turning away from sin and instead doing what’s right. • A. W. Smith • Learning to love God and our neighbors can be hard! When have you seen God work in your life to help you learn how to love well? What is an area where that struggle is still ongoing? Progress isn’t always linear, so it may be two steps forward, one step back. But you can know that Jesus is always with you and will complete the work He started in you (Philippians 1:6). • Who are trusted Christians in your life you can be honest with about your struggles? How could you set aside time to pray for each other and help point each other to God’s Word this week? His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3 (NIV)

READ: LUKE 15:1-7; ROMANS 7:15–8:4, 38-39; 2 PETER 1:3-4 When kittens are rescued and placed in a new family, they have a lot to learn—which usually includes learning not to scratch the furniture! Still, their rescuers are patient and help them learn how to live in their new family. This is kind of like our story as Christians. We were lost before God rescued us, like an orphaned kitten caught in a thunderstorm, cold and wet and trembling. When we trusted Jesus as our Savior, God forgave our sins and gave us a brand-new life. He took us home and lovingly placed us in His family. But, we still do wrong things sometimes. As humans, we have a tendency to sin, a bent toward hating God and our neighbors. Just like rescued kittens give in to their instincts to sharpen their claws on the couch, we often give in to our old sinful nature. But when kittens become part of a family, the family teaches them not to be destructive. And God teaches us as Christians how to act like members of His family, too. He gives us His Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live a godly life. Jesus takes sin seriously and calls us to commit our whole selves to living in His good ways. He also knows we’ll still do wrong things sometimes, but even when we do, He will always forgive us. And when Jesus returns, He will make everything new, and we won’t struggle with our old sinful nature anymore. Are you learning how to be a member of God’s family? We all still sin sometimes, but if we know Jesus, the Holy Spirit is teaching us to change our ways. Whenever we get discouraged at our own tendency to sin, we can come to Jesus and find rest in His unshakeable love and forgiveness. The reality is, as Christians we are part of God’s family forever, and nothing can separate us from His love. We can thank Him for the Holy Spirit’s power over sin and trust Him to guide us in turning away from sin and instead doing what’s right. • A. W. Smith • Learning to love God and our neighbors can be hard! When have you seen God work in your life to help you learn how to love well? What is an area where that struggle is still ongoing? Progress isn’t always linear, so it may be two steps forward, one step back. But you can know that Jesus is always with you and will complete the work He started in you (Philippians 1:6). • Who are trusted Christians in your life you can be honest with about your struggles? How could you set aside time to pray for each other and help point each other to God’s Word this week? His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3 (NIV)

READ: LUKE 15:1-7; ROMANS 7:15–8:4, 38-39; 2 PETER 1:3-4 When kittens are rescued and placed in a new family, they have a lot to learn—which usually includes learning not to scratch the furniture! Still, their rescuers are patient and help them learn how to live in their new family. This is kind of like our story as Christians. We were lost before God rescued us, like an orphaned kitten caught in a thunderstorm, cold and wet and trembling. When we trusted Jesus as our Savior, God forgave our sins and gave us a brand-new life. He took us home and lovingly placed us in His family. But, we still do wrong things sometimes. As humans, we have a tendency to sin, a bent toward hating God and our neighbors. Just like rescued kittens give in to their instincts to sharpen their claws on the couch, we often give in to our old sinful nature. But when kittens become part of a family, the family teaches them not to be destructive. And God teaches us as Christians how to act like members of His family, too. He gives us His Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live a godly life. Jesus takes sin seriously and calls us to commit our whole selves to living in His good ways. He also knows we’ll still do wrong things sometimes, but even when we do, He will always forgive us. And when Jesus returns, He will make everything new, and we won’t struggle with our old sinful nature anymore. Are you learning how to be a member of God’s family? We all still sin sometimes, but if we know Jesus, the Holy Spirit is teaching us to change our ways. Whenever we get discouraged at our own tendency to sin, we can come to Jesus and find rest in His unshakeable love and forgiveness. The reality is, as Christians we are part of God’s family forever, and nothing can separate us from His love. We can thank Him for the Holy Spirit’s power over sin and trust Him to guide us in turning away from sin and instead doing what’s right. • A. W. Smith • Learning to love God and our neighbors can be hard! When have you seen God work in your life to help you learn how to love well? What is an area where that struggle is still ongoing? Progress isn’t always linear, so it may be two steps forward, one step back. But you can know that Jesus is always with you and will complete the work He started in you (Philippians 1:6). • Who are trusted Christians in your life you can be honest with about your struggles? How could you set aside time to pray for each other and help point each other to God’s Word this week? His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3 (NIV)

READ: 1 CHRONICLES 29:10-14; PSALM 62:5-8; EPHESIANS 2:4-10 Emil hadn’t dreamt about dinosaurs since he was eight. Yet here he was with a full-sized Tyrannosaurus rex, in a top hat no less, right in front of him. “If you’re going to eat me, do it quickly, I have other things I’d rather be dreaming about,” Emil said, surprised by his lucidity. Usually, he couldn’t control what he said or did in his dreams, but this one seemed different. Emil scrunched his eyes shut and concentrated. He opened them to see his determination had paid off—he was floating above the ground! With sheer joy, he flew up several more feet, twirling in the air with a happy yell before floating right in front of the perturbed looking T. rex. Then it spoke, “If you’re done lollygagging, we haven’t much time, so listen closely.” Emil was taken aback by the dinosaur’s voice. “Gra-Grandma?” “Don’t be absurd. I’m a talking dream dinosaur. I’m just using your grandma’s voice to tell you a valuable lesson,” the T. rex stated matter-of-factly. “Okay…what’d you want to talk about?” Emil floated around the dino’s head, his impatience and curiosity growing. He was startled when the T. rex began speaking telepathically. “Power and success have become familiar to you. You’re a whiz in your classes, a social butterfly, and, let’s face it, your volleyball team wouldn’t have made it to state without you.” Emil smiled. Whatever this dino had to say, he could handle it. In here he felt like he could handle anything. Still floating, he did a double-front flip. The Tyrannosaur voiced like his grandma continued. “I said listen. There are things bigger than you and me. What you’ve done and what you have are not really yours. You need to recognize a higher force at play.” Emil was about to try a backflip, but he hesitated at her remark. “I wanted to prove I could do it. That I could be someone others were proud of…someone they would love.” Emil was shaken by his honesty. He’d never said these anxieties out loud before. He could feel a lump forming in his throat as he thought of how overwhelming it really was to live “the life” that seemed perfect, fooling even himself. He knew that the high school achievements he’d craved so desperately meant he had missed out on other stuff he loved to do. Hanging out with his family, doing a Bible study with his two best friends…and he couldn’t remember the last time he’d taken out the dinosaur books and figurines he kept in his room where no one could find them. The Tyrannosaur softened her eyes. “Your family and friends are proud of you and love you no matter what you do, Emil. More importantly, someone greater than us all treasures you. He loves you with an intense and deep passion, and there is nothing you can do to earn His overwhelming grace in your life. He sees all your shortcomings, all your failures, all your hidden sins…yet His love for you is not changed. Through Jesus’s death and resurrection, He made the way to forgive you. There is no score, or medal, or certificate required. Jesus has already fulfilled the requirement. He died for you. He wants you just as you are. And He invites you into the freedom of enjoying relationship with Him, following where He leads, and glorifying Him in everything you do.” The T. rex began to grow foggier, and Emil realized he was waking up. Once back in his bedroom, Emil felt strangely empowered, just like in his dream. Not by any power from his own efforts, but by the work of the One who loved him. • Peter J. McDonough • Society and culture tell us that, in order to have value or be honored, w

READ: 1 CHRONICLES 29:10-14; PSALM 62:5-8; EPHESIANS 2:4-10 Emil hadn’t dreamt about dinosaurs since he was eight. Yet here he was with a full-sized Tyrannosaurus rex, in a top hat no less, right in front of him. “If you’re going to eat me, do it quickly, I have other things I’d rather be dreaming about,” Emil said, surprised by his lucidity. Usually, he couldn’t control what he said or did in his dreams, but this one seemed different. Emil scrunched his eyes shut and concentrated. He opened them to see his determination had paid off—he was floating above the ground! With sheer joy, he flew up several more feet, twirling in the air with a happy yell before floating right in front of the perturbed looking T. rex. Then it spoke, “If you’re done lollygagging, we haven’t much time, so listen closely.” Emil was taken aback by the dinosaur’s voice. “Gra-Grandma?” “Don’t be absurd. I’m a talking dream dinosaur. I’m just using your grandma’s voice to tell you a valuable lesson,” the T. rex stated matter-of-factly. “Okay…what’d you want to talk about?” Emil floated around the dino’s head, his impatience and curiosity growing. He was startled when the T. rex began speaking telepathically. “Power and success have become familiar to you. You’re a whiz in your classes, a social butterfly, and, let’s face it, your volleyball team wouldn’t have made it to state without you.” Emil smiled. Whatever this dino had to say, he could handle it. In here he felt like he could handle anything. Still floating, he did a double-front flip. The Tyrannosaur voiced like his grandma continued. “I said listen. There are things bigger than you and me. What you’ve done and what you have are not really yours. You need to recognize a higher force at play.” Emil was about to try a backflip, but he hesitated at her remark. “I wanted to prove I could do it. That I could be someone others were proud of…someone they would love.” Emil was shaken by his honesty. He’d never said these anxieties out loud before. He could feel a lump forming in his throat as he thought of how overwhelming it really was to live “the life” that seemed perfect, fooling even himself. He knew that the high school achievements he’d craved so desperately meant he had missed out on other stuff he loved to do. Hanging out with his family, doing a Bible study with his two best friends…and he couldn’t remember the last time he’d taken out the dinosaur books and figurines he kept in his room where no one could find them. The Tyrannosaur softened her eyes. “Your family and friends are proud of you and love you no matter what you do, Emil. More importantly, someone greater than us all treasures you. He loves you with an intense and deep passion, and there is nothing you can do to earn His overwhelming grace in your life. He sees all your shortcomings, all your failures, all your hidden sins…yet His love for you is not changed. Through Jesus’s death and resurrection, He made the way to forgive you. There is no score, or medal, or certificate required. Jesus has already fulfilled the requirement. He died for you. He wants you just as you are. And He invites you into the freedom of enjoying relationship with Him, following where He leads, and glorifying Him in everything you do.” The T. rex began to grow foggier, and Emil realized he was waking up. Once back in his bedroom, Emil felt strangely empowered, just like in his dream. Not by any power from his own efforts, but by the work of the One who loved him. • Peter J. McDonough • Society and culture tell us that, in order to have value or be honored, we need to do things. The pressure to perform can be overwhelming, especially if, like Emil, you just want to make your loved ones proud. But take heart...

READ: 1 CHRONICLES 29:10-14; PSALM 62:5-8; EPHESIANS 2:4-10 Emil hadn’t dreamt about dinosaurs since he was eight. Yet here he was with a full-sized Tyrannosaurus rex, in a top hat no less, right in front of him. “If you’re going to eat me, do it quickly, I have other things I’d rather be dreaming about,” Emil said, surprised by his lucidity. Usually, he couldn’t control what he said or did in his dreams, but this one seemed different. Emil scrunched his eyes shut and concentrated. He opened them to see his determination had paid off—he was floating above the ground! With sheer joy, he flew up several more feet, twirling in the air with a happy yell before floating right in front of the perturbed looking T. rex. Then it spoke, “If you’re done lollygagging, we haven’t much time, so listen closely.” Emil was taken aback by the dinosaur’s voice. “Gra-Grandma?” “Don’t be absurd. I’m a talking dream dinosaur. I’m just using your grandma’s voice to tell you a valuable lesson,” the T. rex stated matter-of-factly. “Okay…what’d you want to talk about?” Emil floated around the dino’s head, his impatience and curiosity growing. He was startled when the T. rex began speaking telepathically. “Power and success have become familiar to you. You’re a whiz in your classes, a social butterfly, and, let’s face it, your volleyball team wouldn’t have made it to state without you.” Emil smiled. Whatever this dino had to say, he could handle it. In here he felt like he could handle anything. Still floating, he did a double-front flip. The Tyrannosaur voiced like his grandma continued. “I said listen. There are things bigger than you and me. What you’ve done and what you have are not really yours. You need to recognize a higher force at play.” Emil was about to try a backflip, but he hesitated at her remark. “I wanted to prove I could do it. That I could be someone others were proud of…someone they would love.” Emil was shaken by his honesty. He’d never said these anxieties out loud before. He could feel a lump forming in his throat as he thought of how overwhelming it really was to live “the life” that seemed perfect, fooling even himself. He knew that the high school achievements he’d craved so desperately meant he had missed out on other stuff he loved to do. Hanging out with his family, doing a Bible study with his two best friends…and he couldn’t remember the last time he’d taken out the dinosaur books and figurines he kept in his room where no one could find them. The Tyrannosaur softened her eyes. “Your family and friends are proud of you and love you no matter what you do, Emil. More importantly, someone greater than us all treasures you. He loves you with an intense and deep passion, and there is nothing you can do to earn His overwhelming grace in your life. He sees all your shortcomings, all your failures, all your hidden sins…yet His love for you is not changed. Through Jesus’s death and resurrection, He made the way to forgive you. There is no score, or medal, or certificate required. Jesus has already fulfilled the requirement. He died for you. He wants you just as you are. And He invites you into the freedom of enjoying relationship with Him, following where He leads, and glorifying Him in everything you do.” The T. rex began to grow foggier, and Emil realized he was waking up. Once back in his bedroom, Emil felt strangely empowered, just like in his dream. Not by any power from his own efforts, but by the work of the One who loved him. • Peter J. McDonough • Society and culture tell us that, in order to have value or be honored,

READ: EXODUS 15:13; PSALM 36:7; ISAIAH 54:10 Unfailing love of Jesus, unending mercy renewed,   Unfailing strength in my weakness— for your name is Faithful and True.   Unceasing comfort in sorrow, untold delight in my heart,   Unceasing hope for tomorrow— for your mercy I see from afar.   Jesus, my Savior, I praise You, Jesus, the One I adore,   Jesus, the face of the Father— my God, my King evermore.   This poem grew out of a season when I found myself turning to the psalms to find comfort in God’s presence. In the book of Psalms—and some of the prophets—I noticed the phrase “unfailing love” turned up repeatedly. The more I saw it, the more I thought that this is the perfect phrase for God’s loving pursuit of us. His unfailing love gets put on display in a variety of circumstances: when He helps His people through troubles (Psalms 44:26; 94:18), when He comforts people with His presence or His promise (Psalms 21:7; 90:14; 119:76), and when He extends forgiveness after failure (Psalms 51:1; 130:7; Lamentations 3:32). As I studied these Scriptures in different Bible versions, I learned that unfailing love may also be translated as: loving-kindness, faithful love, mercy, steadfast love, constant love, loyal love, and gracious love. Wow! I like thinking about God’s love in all those ways—His love is so much deeper and richer than any other! Thus, I find it fitting that we simply can’t describe His love with a single phrase. But we can join with the apostle Paul in praying that God Himself will help us “to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge” (Ephesians 3:18-19). • G. Kam Congleton • Which of the phrases for “unfailing love” speaks most to your heart today? Why? • Many of the psalms look forward to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus—the One who came in flesh as “the image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15) to reveal His unfailing love. Check out our "Know Jesus" page to learn more about God’s great love, which has come to us in Christ Jesus. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love… Psalm 143:8a (NIV)  

READ: EXODUS 15:13; PSALM 36:7; ISAIAH 54:10 Unfailing love of Jesus,unending mercy renewed,Unfailing strength in my weakness—for your name is Faithful and True.Unceasing comfort in sorrow,untold delight in my heart,Unceasing hope for tomorrow—for your mercy I see from afar.Jesus, my Savior, I praise You,Jesus, the One I adore,Jesus, the face of the Father—my God, my King evermore. This poem grew out of a season when I found myself turning to the psalms to find comfort in God’s presence. In the book of Psalms—and some of the prophets—I noticed the phrase “unfailing love” turned up repeatedly. The more I saw it, the more I thought that this is the perfect phrase for God’s loving pursuit of us. His unfailing love gets put on display in a variety of circumstances: when He helps His people through troubles (Psalms 44:26; 94:18), when He comforts people with His presence or His promise (Psalms 21:7; 90:14; 119:76), and when He extends forgiveness after failure (Psalms 51:1; 130:7; Lamentations 3:32). As I studied these Scriptures in different Bible versions, I learned that unfailing love may also be translated as: loving-kindness, faithful love, mercy, steadfast love, constant love, loyal love, and gracious love. Wow! I like thinking about God’s love in all those ways—His love is so much deeper and richer than any other! Thus, I find it fitting that we simply can’t describe His love with a single phrase. But we can join with the apostle Paul in praying that God Himself will help us “to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge” (Ephesians 3:18-19). • G. Kam Congleton • Which of the phrases for “unfailing love” speaks most to your heart today? Why? • Many of the psalms look forward to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus—the One who came in flesh as “the image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15) to reveal His unfailing love. Check out our “Know Jesus” page to learn more about God’s great love, which has come to us in Christ Jesus. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love… Psalm 143:8a (NIV)  

READ: EXODUS 15:13; PSALM 36:7; ISAIAH 54:10 Unfailing love of Jesus,unending mercy renewed,Unfailing strength in my weakness—for your name is Faithful and True.Unceasing comfort in sorrow,untold delight in my heart,Unceasing hope for tomorrow—for your mercy I see from afar.Jesus, my Savior, I praise You,Jesus, the One I adore,Jesus, the face of the Father—my God, my King evermore. This poem grew out of a season when I found myself turning to the psalms to find comfort in God’s presence. In the book of Psalms—and some of the prophets—I noticed the phrase “unfailing love” turned up repeatedly. The more I saw it, the more I thought that this is the perfect phrase for God’s loving pursuit of us. His unfailing love gets put on display in a variety of circumstances: when He helps His people through troubles (Psalms 44:26; 94:18), when He comforts people with His presence or His promise (Psalms 21:7; 90:14; 119:76), and when He extends forgiveness after failure (Psalms 51:1; 130:7; Lamentations 3:32). As I studied these Scriptures in different Bible versions, I learned that unfailing love may also be translated as: loving-kindness, faithful love, mercy, steadfast love, constant love, loyal love, and gracious love. Wow! I like thinking about God’s love in all those ways—His love is so much deeper and richer than any other! Thus, I find it fitting that we simply can’t describe His love with a single phrase. But we can join with the apostle Paul in praying that God Himself will help us “to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge” (Ephesians 3:18-19). • G. Kam Congleton • Which of the phrases for “unfailing love” speaks most to your heart today? Why? • Many of the psalms look forward to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus—the One who came in flesh as “the image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15) to reveal His unfailing love. Check out our “Know Jesus” page to learn more about God’s great love, which has come to us in Christ Jesus. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love… Psalm 143:8a (NIV)  

READ: ISAIAH 61:1-3; JOHN 16:16-33; REVELATION 21:1-5 Every seven weeks, I watch an IV drip two hours’ worth of liquid medication into my arm. That’s the reality of a chronic illness— it’s never-ending. It’s most likely not going away. Not before Jesus returns anyway. Living with Crohn’s disease feels like a part-time job. I have to watch what I eat (goodbye, hot dogs), go to doctor’s appointments, get pricked by needles that sometimes find a vein easily and sometimes don’t. The medical upkeep is exhausting and painful. Jesus said we would have trouble in this world. But we know it’s only temporary. An example of this occurs in John 16, when Jesus warns His disciples that He is about to leave. They will grieve and weep after His departure, but their mourning will turn to joy. Jesus was about to die on the cross for the sins of all humanity. Three days after His crucifixion, He was raised from the dead, and forty days later He ascended into heaven. And He promised that all who believe in Him would have eternal life. When the time comes for Jesus to return, the book of Revelation tells us He will wipe away every tear from our eyes. There will be no more sorrow or pain. Getting IV infusions for the rest of my earthly life seems like a long time, but it’s a drop in the ocean compared to the time I’ll spend in eternity with Jesus. Until then, I’ll live with my IV drips and sensitive stomach, knowing my story doesn’t end here. My pain will disintegrate, and my grief will turn to joy. And maybe, there will even be a hot dog waiting for me in heaven. • Jenna Brooke Carlson • Are you or someone you know struggling with chronic illness? How can the hope of our future with Jesus encourage us in our present? (Isaiah 61:1-3; Luke 4:14-21; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18) • When Christians die, we enter into Jesus’s presence and escape the world’s burdens, physical and otherwise. And when Jesus returns to establish the new heavens and new earth, He will put an end to pain and death and sorrow, and He will raise us from the dead to liveforever in renewed creation! Yet, Jesus not only promises to end our pain and sorrow in the future, He also promises to be with us now, grieving our hurts alongside us, holding us close, and giving us hope. What is troubling you today? Whether it’s something physical, emotional, relational, or spiritual, you can bring it to Jesus in prayer, knowing that He feels your pain as His own. “I [Jesus] have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV) 

READ: ISAIAH 61:1-3; JOHN 16:16-33; REVELATION 21:1-5 Every seven weeks, I watch an IV drip two hours’ worth of liquid medication into my arm. That’s the reality of a chronic illness— it’s never-ending. It’s most likely not going away. Not before Jesus returns anyway. Living with Crohn’s disease feels like a part-time job. I have to watch what I eat (goodbye, hot dogs), go to doctor’s appointments, get pricked by needles that sometimes find a vein easily and sometimes don’t. The medical upkeep is exhausting and painful. Jesus said we would have trouble in this world. But we know it’s only temporary. An example of this occurs in John 16, when Jesus warns His disciples that He is about to leave. They will grieve and weep after His departure, but their mourning will turn to joy. Jesus was about to die on the cross for the sins of all humanity. Three days after His crucifixion, He was raised from the dead, and forty days later He ascended into heaven. And He promised that all who believe in Him would have eternal life. When the time comes for Jesus to return, the book of Revelation tells us He will wipe away every tear from our eyes. There will be no more sorrow or pain. Getting IV infusions for the rest of my earthly life seems like a long time, but it’s a drop in the ocean compared to the time I’ll spend in eternity with Jesus. Until then, I’ll live with my IV drips and sensitive stomach, knowing my story doesn’t end here. My pain will disintegrate, and my grief will turn to joy. And maybe, there will even be a hot dog waiting for me in heaven. • Jenna Brooke Carlson • Are you or someone you know struggling with chronic illness? How can the hope of our future with Jesus encourage us in our present? (Isaiah 61:1-3; Luke 4:14-21; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18) • When Christians die, we enter into Jesus’s presence and escape the world’s burdens, physical and otherwise. And when Jesus returns to establish the new heavens and new earth, He will put an end to pain and death and sorrow, and He will raise us from the dead to live forever in renewed creation! Yet, Jesus not only promises to end our pain and sorrow in the future, He also promises to be with us now, grieving our hurts alongside us, holding us close, and giving us hope. What is troubling you today? Whether it’s something physical, emotional, relational, or spiritual, you can bring it to Jesus in prayer, knowing that He feels your pain as His own. “I [Jesus] have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV) 

READ: ISAIAH 61:1-3; JOHN 16:16-33; REVELATION 21:1-5 Every seven weeks, I watch an IV drip two hours’ worth of liquid medication into my arm. That’s the reality of a chronic illness— it’s never-ending. It’s most likely not going away. Not before Jesus returns anyway. Living with Crohn’s disease feels like a part-time job. I have to watch what I eat (goodbye, hot dogs), go to doctor’s appointments, get pricked by needles that sometimes find a vein easily and sometimes don’t. The medical upkeep is exhausting and painful. Jesus said we would have trouble in this world. But we know it’s only temporary. An example of this occurs in John 16, when Jesus warns His disciples that He is about to leave. They will grieve and weep after His departure, but their mourning will turn to joy. Jesus was about to die on the cross for the sins of all humanity. Three days after His crucifixion, He was raised from the dead, and forty days later He ascended into heaven. And He promised that all who believe in Him would have eternal life. When the time comes for Jesus to return, the book of Revelation tells us He will wipe away every tear from our eyes. There will be no more sorrow or pain. Getting IV infusions for the rest of my earthly life seems like a long time, but it’s a drop in the ocean compared to the time I’ll spend in eternity with Jesus. Until then, I’ll live with my IV drips and sensitive stomach, knowing my story doesn’t end here. My pain will disintegrate, and my grief will turn to joy. And maybe, there will even be a hot dog waiting for me in heaven. • Jenna Brooke Carlson • Are you or someone you know struggling with chronic illness? How can the hope of our future with Jesus encourage us in our present? (Isaiah 61:1-3; Luke 4:14-21; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18) • When Christians die, we enter into Jesus’s presence and escape the world’s burdens, physical and otherwise. And when Jesus returns to establish the new heavens and new earth, He will put an end to pain and death and sorrow, and He will raise us from the dead to live forever in renewed creation! Yet, Jesus not only promises to end our pain and sorrow in the future, He also promises to be with us now, grieving our hurts alongside us, holding us close, and giving us hope. What is troubling you today? Whether it’s something physical, emotional, relational, or spiritual, you can bring it to Jesus in prayer, knowing that He feels your pain as His own. “I [Jesus] have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV) 

READ: LUKE 24:1-49 After Jesus was raised from the dead, the women who went to the tomb were surprised to find it empty. Then angels appeared and told them Jesus had risen! So the women rushed back to tell the apostles and all the others what they had seen, but they didn’t believe the women because what they said seemed to be nonsense. Later that same day, as two of Jesus’s followers were walking on the road to Emmaus, Jesus appeared to them! But God kept them from realizing it was Him. They walked with Him and talked with Him during their journey, and they still didn’t know it was Jesus. But when He sat down to eat with them and broke the bread, “suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him” (Luke 24:31). Sometimes we live our lives like we’re on the Emmaus Road. We can be quick to forget that God moves in mighty ways, and many times they aren’t the ways we expect. When we’re facing something difficult, we want God to show up, but often we have our own idea of what that would look like. We think about how our prayers should be answered, but sometimes God has different plans. Sometimes we miss seeing God because we’re not expecting Him to show up in a certain way. These two travelers didn’t expect to see Jesus walking with them, and yet there He was. Even when it doesn’t feel like God is with us, right by our side is where He’ll always be (Matthew 1:23; 28:20). We just need to open our eyes and our hearts to His presence. • Tynea Lewis • Can you think of a time when you had a specific idea of how you wanted God to show up in your life or answer your prayers? Did God surprise you by working in a different way? • Have you ever experienced God’s presence in unexpected ways? How did that experience deepen your faith or change your perspective? Consider taking a moment to ask God to help you see how He is working in and around you today. Remember, He is eager to reveal Himself, and even when we don’t “get it” at first, He is patient with us—He never stops pursuing us. As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them. But God kept them from recognizing him. Luke 24:15-16 (NLT) 

READ: LUKE 24:1-49 After Jesus was raised from the dead, the women who went to the tomb were surprised to find it empty. Then angels appeared and told them Jesus had risen! So the women rushed back to tell the apostles and all the others what they had seen, but they didn’t believe the women because what they said seemed to be nonsense. Later that same day, as two of Jesus’s followers were walking on the road to Emmaus, Jesus appeared to them! But God kept them from realizing it was Him. They walked with Him and talked with Him during their journey, and they still didn’t know it was Jesus. But when He sat down to eat with them and broke the bread, “suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him” (Luke 24:31). Sometimes we live our lives like we’re on the Emmaus Road. We can be quick to forget that God moves in mighty ways, and many times they aren’t the ways we expect. When we’re facing something difficult, we want God to show up, but often we have our own idea of what that would look like. We think about how our prayers should be answered, but sometimes God has different plans. Sometimes we miss seeing God because we’re not expecting Him to show up in a certain way. These two travelers didn’t expect to see Jesus walking with them, and yet there He was. Even when it doesn’t feel like God is with us, right by our side is where He’ll always be (Matthew 1:23; 28:20). We just need to open our eyes and our hearts to His presence. • Tynea Lewis • Can you think of a time when you had a specific idea of how you wanted God to show up in your life or answer your prayers? Did God surprise you by working in a different way? • Have you ever experienced God’s presence in unexpected ways? How did that experience deepen your faith or change your perspective? Consider taking a moment to ask God to help you see how He is working in and around you today. Remember, He is eager to reveal Himself, and even when we don’t “get it” at first, He is patient with us—He never stops pursuing us. As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them. But God kept them from recognizing him. Luke 24:15-16 (NLT) 

READ: LUKE 24:1-49 After Jesus was raised from the dead, the women who went to the tomb were surprised to find it empty. Then angels appeared and told them Jesus had risen! So the women rushed back to tell the apostles and all the others what they had seen, but they didn’t believe the women because what they said seemed to be nonsense. Later that same day, as two of Jesus’s followers were walking on the road to Emmaus, Jesus appeared to them! But God kept them from realizing it was Him. They walked with Him and talked with Him during their journey, and they still didn’t know it was Jesus. But when He sat down to eat with them and broke the bread, “suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him” (Luke 24:31). Sometimes we live our lives like we’re on the Emmaus Road. We can be quick to forget that God moves in mighty ways, and many times they aren’t the ways we expect. When we’re facing something difficult, we want God to show up, but often we have our own idea of what that would look like. We think about how our prayers should be answered, but sometimes God has different plans. Sometimes we miss seeing God because we’re not expecting Him to show up in a certain way. These two travelers didn’t expect to see Jesus walking with them, and yet there He was. Even when it doesn’t feel like God is with us, right by our side is where He’ll always be (Matthew 1:23; 28:20). We just need to open our eyes and our hearts to His presence. • Tynea Lewis • Can you think of a time when you had a specific idea of how you wanted God to show up in your life or answer your prayers? Did God surprise you by working in a different way? • Have you ever experienced God’s presence in unexpected ways? How did that experience deepen your faith or change your perspective? Consider taking a moment to ask God to help you see how He is working in and around you today. Remember, He is eager to reveal Himself, and even when we don’t “get it” at first, He is patient with us—He never stops pursuing us. As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them. But God kept them from recognizing him. Luke 24:15-16 (NLT) 

READ: MATTHEW 13:1-9; JOHN 15:1-17; 19:41–20:18 John 20 contains one of my favorite scenes in all of Scripture. On Easter Sunday, Jesus’s disciples discovered His tomb was empty, but they had not yet seen the risen Lord. They were probably confused and concerned, suspicious that something terrible had happened. In the midst of all this confusion, Mary Magdalene began to weep, unable to leave the empty tomb. After all the agony and heartbreak of Jesus’s crucifixion, the disappearance of His body must have felt like adding insult to injury. When Mary finally turned to leave, she nearly bumped right into Jesus. Overwhelmed by grief, she didn’t even recognize Him but mistook Him for the gardener! In His characteristically gentle way, Jesus revealed Himself to her and sent her to tell the other disciples what she had seen. As it turns out, Mary’s mistake is rich in biblical imagery that tells us more about who Jesus really is. Scripture is full of references to gardening, going way back to Eden. When God created the heavens and the earth, He planted the garden of Eden and placed people in it “to tend and watch over it” (Genesis 2:8-23). Many of Jesus’s parables depict God’s kingdom as a garden or field. Jesus Himself is the farmer who plants good seed that yields a great harvest, He is the true vine, and He is the first fruits of the harvest of the resurrection. Even now, He is like a gardener tending over His crop, producing in us the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-25). Given all this biblical imagery, maybe Mary’s mistake wasn’t so silly after all. The image of Jesus as gardener is a powerful symbol that reveals more about who Jesus is and what He wants to do in our lives. Because of His death and resurrection, we can grow and flourish in the way God intended. • Jacob Bier • How do you think Mary felt when she realized that the “gardener” was really Jesus? • How does the Bible use garden imagery to speak about spiritual things? How does Jesus act like a gardener today? Consider taking some time to reread today’s Bible passages and write down what sticks out to you. (If you want to dig deeper, you can also read Matthew 13; Romans 7:4-6; 1 Corinthians 15:20-23. “Dear woman, why are you crying?” Jesus asked her. “Who are you looking for?” She thought he was the gardener. John 20:15a (NLT) 

READ: MATTHEW 13:1-9; JOHN 15:1-17; 19:41–20:18 John 20 contains one of my favorite scenes in all of Scripture. On Easter Sunday, Jesus’s disciples discovered His tomb was empty, but they had not yet seen the risen Lord. They were probably confused and concerned, suspicious that something terrible had happened. In the midst of all this confusion, Mary Magdalene began to weep, unable to leave the empty tomb. After all the agony and heartbreak of Jesus’s crucifixion, the disappearance of His body must have felt like adding insult to injury. When Mary finally turned to leave, she nearly bumped right into Jesus. Overwhelmed by grief, she didn’t even recognize Him but mistook Him for the gardener! In His characteristically gentle way, Jesus revealed Himself to her and sent her to tell the other disciples what she had seen. As it turns out, Mary’s mistake is rich in biblical imagery that tells us more about who Jesus really is. Scripture is full of references to gardening, going way back to Eden. When God created the heavens and the earth, He planted the garden of Eden and placed people in it “to tend and watch over it” (Genesis 2:8-23). Many of Jesus’s parables depict God’s kingdom as a garden or field. Jesus Himself is the farmer who plants good seed that yields a great harvest, He is the true vine, and He is the first fruits of the harvest of the resurrection. Even now, He is like a gardener tending over His crop, producing in us the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-25). Given all this biblical imagery, maybe Mary’s mistake wasn’t so silly after all. The image of Jesus as gardener is a powerful symbol that reveals more about who Jesus is and what He wants to do in our lives. Because of His death and resurrection, we can grow and flourish in the way God intended. • Jacob Bier • How do you think Mary felt when she realized that the “gardener” was really Jesus? • How does the Bible use garden imagery to speak about spiritual things? How does Jesus act like a gardener today? Consider taking some time to reread today’s Bible passages and write down what sticks out to you. (If you want to dig deeper, you can also read Matthew 13; Romans 7:4-6; 1 Corinthians 15:20-23. “Dear woman, why are you crying?” Jesus asked her. “Who are you looking for?” She thought he was the gardener. John 20:15a (NLT) 

READ: MATTHEW 13:1-9; JOHN 15:1-17; 19:41–20:18 John 20 contains one of my favorite scenes in all of Scripture. On Easter Sunday, Jesus’s disciples discovered His tomb was empty, but they had not yet seen the risen Lord. They were probably confused and concerned, suspicious that something terrible had happened. In the midst of all this confusion, Mary Magdalene began to weep, unable to leave the empty tomb. After all the agony and heartbreak of Jesus’s crucifixion, the disappearance of His body must have felt like adding insult to injury. When Mary finally turned to leave, she nearly bumped right into Jesus. Overwhelmed by grief, she didn’t even recognize Him but mistook Him for the gardener! In His characteristically gentle way, Jesus revealed Himself to her and sent her to tell the other disciples what she had seen. As it turns out, Mary’s mistake is rich in biblical imagery that tells us more about who Jesus really is. Scripture is full of references to gardening, going way back to Eden. When God created the heavens and the earth, He planted the garden of Eden and placed people in it “to tend and watch over it” (Genesis 2:8-23). Many of Jesus’s parables depict God’s kingdom as a garden or field. Jesus Himself is the farmer who plants good seed that yields a great harvest, He is the true vine, and He is the first fruits of the harvest of the resurrection. Even now, He is like a gardener tending over His crop, producing in us the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-25). Given all this biblical imagery, maybe Mary’s mistake wasn’t so silly after all. The image of Jesus as gardener is a powerful symbol that reveals more about who Jesus is and what He wants to do in our lives. Because of His death and resurrection, we can grow and flourish in the way God intended. • Jacob Bier • How do you think Mary felt when she realized that the “gardener” was really Jesus? • How does the Bible use garden imagery to speak about spiritual things? How does Jesus act like a gardener today? Consider taking some time to reread today’s Bible passages and write down what sticks out to you. (If you want to dig deeper, you can also read Matthew 13; Romans 7:4-6; 1 Corinthians 15:20-23. “Dear woman, why are you crying?” Jesus asked her. “Who are you looking for?” She thought he was the gardener. John 20:15a (NLT) 

READ: MARK 16:5-7; LUKE 24:1-53 You might have grown up hearing the “Easter story” and the gospel message over and over again. Maybe you understand that Jesus died, that He rose…that He was dead and then alive again. What was it like, though, for those who experienced all of this firsthand? For the people who knew Jesus and interacted with Him while He was on earth, it had to be incredibly difficult when He was killed. I cannot imagine having a friend and knowing that they had gone through the most painful and gruesome death. While Jesus’s friends were in the midst of their mourning, they found out that He was no longer dead. His body was gone from the tomb where He had been laid. They were told that He had risen—that He was alive. Many of us have heard about the resurrection enough times to believe it and to have the ability to imagine it happening. But for those who first heard the news, it had to be hard to believe. In fact, the Bible tells us that many of them doubted, and that’s easy to understand. Even though Jesus had hinted at what was to come, they still didn’t comprehend it when they saw it all playing out. They were utterly amazed when they saw Jesus alive and walking around after seeing His beaten and bruised body hanging lifeless on the cross. But Jesus, in His great love and mercy, spent time with His doubting followers. He showed them where the nails were driven into His hands and where the spear was plunged into His side. He explained how His death and resurrection were foretold throughout the Scriptures. And He ate with them, showing them that He wasn’t a ghost or a figment of their imagination. What an amazing God we serve. He came and lived among us, and He died and rose again so we could be with Him forever. What an amazing thing it must have been to witness His death and then His resurrection. And how amazing it will be when He returns to earth and raises us from the dead; then we, too, will see Him face to face. • Emily Acker • Why is it important for us to dwell on the astonishing miracle that is Jesus’s resurrection? (If you want to know more about what His resurrection means for us today, see our "Know Jesus" page.) • It can be hard to wrap our minds around who Jesus is and what He’s done. Thankfully, He is eager to help us understand. When Jesus appeared to His followers, “he opened their minds, that they might understand the Scriptures” (Luke 24:45). If you want to dig deeper, you can read all four accounts of Jesus’s resurrection in Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20. For to this end Christ died, rose, and lived again, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. Romans 14:9 (WEB) 

READ: MARK 16:5-7; LUKE 24:1-53 You might have grown up hearing the “Easter story” and the gospel message over and over again. Maybe you understand that Jesus died, that He rose…that He was dead and then alive again. What was it like, though, for those who experienced all of this firsthand? For the people who knew Jesus and interacted with Him while He was on earth, it had to be incredibly difficult when He was killed. I cannot imagine having a friend and knowing that they had gone through the most painful and gruesome death. While Jesus’s friends were in the midst of their mourning, they found out that He was no longer dead. His body was gone from the tomb where He had been laid. They were told that He had risen—that He was alive. Many of us have heard about the resurrection enough times to believe it and to have the ability to imagine it happening. But for those who first heard the news, it had to be hard to believe. In fact, the Bible tells us that many of them doubted, and that’s easy to understand. Even though Jesus had hinted at what was to come, they still didn’t comprehend it when they saw it all playing out. They were utterly amazed when they saw Jesus alive and walking around after seeing His beaten and bruised body hanging lifeless on the cross. But Jesus, in His great love and mercy, spent time with His doubting followers. He showed them where the nails were driven into His hands and where the spear was plunged into His side. He explained how His death and resurrection were foretold throughout the Scriptures. And He ate with them, showing them that He wasn’t a ghost or a figment of their imagination. What an amazing God we serve. He came and lived among us, and He died and rose again so we could be with Him forever. What an amazing thing it must have been to witness His death and then His resurrection. And how amazing it will be when He returns to earth and raises us from the dead; then we, too, will see Him face to face. • Emily Acker • Why is it important for us to dwell on the astonishing miracle that is Jesus’s resurrection? (If you want to know more about what His resurrection means for us today, see our “Know Jesus” page.) • It can be hard to wrap our minds around who Jesus is and what He’s done. Thankfully, He is eager to help us understand. When Jesus appeared to His followers, “he opened their minds, that they might understand the Scriptures” (Luke 24:45). If you want to dig deeper, you can read all four accounts of Jesus’s resurrection in Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20. For to this end Christ died, rose, and lived again, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. Romans 14:9 (WEB) 

READ: MARK 16:5-7; LUKE 24:1-53 You might have grown up hearing the “Easter story” and the gospel message over and over again. Maybe you understand that Jesus died, that He rose…that He was dead and then alive again. What was it like, though, for those who experienced all of this firsthand? For the people who knew Jesus and interacted with Him while He was on earth, it had to be incredibly difficult when He was killed. I cannot imagine having a friend and knowing that they had gone through the most painful and gruesome death. While Jesus’s friends were in the midst of their mourning, they found out that He was no longer dead. His body was gone from the tomb where He had been laid. They were told that He had risen—that He was alive. Many of us have heard about the resurrection enough times to believe it and to have the ability to imagine it happening. But for those who first heard the news, it had to be hard to believe. In fact, the Bible tells us that many of them doubted, and that’s easy to understand. Even though Jesus had hinted at what was to come, they still didn’t comprehend it when they saw it all playing out. They were utterly amazed when they saw Jesus alive and walking around after seeing His beaten and bruised body hanging lifeless on the cross. But Jesus, in His great love and mercy, spent time with His doubting followers. He showed them where the nails were driven into His hands and where the spear was plunged into His side. He explained how His death and resurrection were foretold throughout the Scriptures. And He ate with them, showing them that He wasn’t a ghost or a figment of their imagination. What an amazing God we serve. He came and lived among us, and He died and rose again so we could be with Him forever. What an amazing thing it must have been to witness His death and then His resurrection. And how amazing it will be when He returns to earth and raises us from the dead; then we, too, will see Him face to face. • Emily Acker • Why is it important for us to dwell on the astonishing miracle that is Jesus’s resurrection? (If you want to know more about what His resurrection means for us today, see our “Know Jesus” page.) • It can be hard to wrap our minds around who Jesus is and what He’s done. Thankfully, He is eager to help us understand. When Jesus appeared to His followers, “he opened their minds, that they might understand the Scriptures” (Luke 24:45). If you want to dig deeper, you can read all four accounts of Jesus’s resurrection in Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20. For to this end Christ died, rose, and lived again, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. Romans 14:9 (WEB) 

READ: 1 CORINTHIANS 15 One day, unless Jesus returns first, I will die. And honestly, that’s a scary thought for me. I’ve known Jesus as my Savior for as long as I can remember, and I trust that He will hold me even in death. But sometimes I think I use the promise of the resurrection—that Jesus will raise us from the dead at His return—as an excuse to avoid my fear of death instead of actually facing it. In these moments, when the reality of death grips me in fear, I can take comfort in the fact that Jesus Himself experienced death. It’s an easy fact to gloss over—we often jump straight from the cross to Easter Sunday, missing the tomb entirely. But Jesus didn’t skip the tomb. Jesus didn’t just die—He spent time being dead. Jesus lived a sinless life, then died on the cross. Jesus was laid in a tomb—a cold, barren place of darkness and death and despair. His limbs were still. His lungs didn’t move. His heart didn’t beat. And then, it did. His heart began to pump blood through His veins, and His lungs pulled air into His body. His cold hands became warm with life. He walked out of the tomb healthy, whole, and alive. And, when we put our trust in Him, that is what He promises to do for us when He returns. In fact, He promises to make all of creation new—healthy, whole, and alive. And this truth gives me great hope. Because one day, my body will lie in a grave—a cold, barren place of darkness and death and despair. My limbs will be still. My lungs won’t move. My heart won’t beat. And then, one day, it will. • Taylor Eising • Have you ever been afraid of death? How could the promise of the resurrection be comforting in these times? • Death is the ultimate result of sin. No wonder death is strange to us—God didn’t intend for us to die. And thankfully, He has made the way for us to have eternal life. Jesus said, “Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying” (John 11:25).As Christians, if we die before Jesus returns, our spirits will be with Him, away from our bodies (2 Corinthians 5:1-15). In perfect joy, we will await the day Jesus will return to earth and raise our bodies from the dead; then we will live with Him forever in renewed creation! So, we don’t need to be afraid of dying, because our Savior died for us, and now nothing—not even death itself—can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39). If you want to know more about this good news, see our "Know Jesus" page. Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” 1 Corinthians 15:54 (NLT) 

READ: 1 CORINTHIANS 15 One day, unless Jesus returns first, I will die. And honestly, that’s a scary thought for me. I’ve known Jesus as my Savior for as long as I can remember, and I trust that He will hold me even in death. But sometimes I think I use the promise of the resurrection—that Jesus will raise us from the dead at His return—as an excuse to avoid my fear of death instead of actually facing it. In these moments, when the reality of death grips me in fear, I can take comfort in the fact that Jesus Himself experienced death. It’s an easy fact to gloss over—we often jump straight from the cross to Easter Sunday, missing the tomb entirely. But Jesus didn’t skip the tomb. Jesus didn’t just die—He spent time being dead. Jesus lived a sinless life, then died on the cross. Jesus was laid in a tomb—a cold, barren place of darkness and death and despair. His limbs were still. His lungs didn’t move. His heart didn’t beat. And then, it did. His heart began to pump blood through His veins, and His lungs pulled air into His body. His cold hands became warm with life. He walked out of the tomb healthy, whole, and alive. And, when we put our trust in Him, that is what He promises to do for us when He returns. In fact, He promises to make all of creation new—healthy, whole, and alive. And this truth gives me great hope. Because one day, my body will lie in a grave—a cold, barren place of darkness and death and despair. My limbs will be still. My lungs won’t move. My heart won’t beat. And then, one day, it will. • Taylor Eising • Have you ever been afraid of death? How could the promise of the resurrection be comforting in these times? • Death is the ultimate result of sin. No wonder death is strange to us—God didn’t intend for us to die. And thankfully, He has made the way for us to have eternal life. Jesus said, “Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying” (John 11:25). As Christians, if we die before Jesus returns, our spirits will be with Him, away from our bodies (2 Corinthians 5:1-15). In perfect joy, we will await the day Jesus will return to earth and raise our bodies from the dead; then we will live with Him forever in renewed creation! So, we don’t need to be afraid of dying, because our Savior died for us, and now nothing—not even death itself—can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39). If you want to know more about this good news, see our “Know Jesus” page. Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” 1 Corinthians 15:54 (NLT) 

READ: 1 CORINTHIANS 15 One day, unless Jesus returns first, I will die. And honestly, that’s a scary thought for me. I’ve known Jesus as my Savior for as long as I can remember, and I trust that He will hold me even in death. But sometimes I think I use the promise of the resurrection—that Jesus will raise us from the dead at His return—as an excuse to avoid my fear of death instead of actually facing it. In these moments, when the reality of death grips me in fear, I can take comfort in the fact that Jesus Himself experienced death. It’s an easy fact to gloss over—we often jump straight from the cross to Easter Sunday, missing the tomb entirely. But Jesus didn’t skip the tomb. Jesus didn’t just die—He spent time being dead. Jesus lived a sinless life, then died on the cross. Jesus was laid in a tomb—a cold, barren place of darkness and death and despair. His limbs were still. His lungs didn’t move. His heart didn’t beat. And then, it did. His heart began to pump blood through His veins, and His lungs pulled air into His body. His cold hands became warm with life. He walked out of the tomb healthy, whole, and alive. And, when we put our trust in Him, that is what He promises to do for us when He returns. In fact, He promises to make all of creation new—healthy, whole, and alive. And this truth gives me great hope. Because one day, my body will lie in a grave—a cold, barren place of darkness and death and despair. My limbs will be still. My lungs won’t move. My heart won’t beat. And then, one day, it will. • Taylor Eising • Have you ever been afraid of death? How could the promise of the resurrection be comforting in these times? • Death is the ultimate result of sin. No wonder death is strange to us—God didn’t intend for us to die. And thankfully, He has made the way for us to have eternal life. Jesus said, “Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying” (John 11:25). As Christians, if we die before Jesus returns, our spirits will be with Him, away from our bodies (2 Corinthians 5:1-15). In perfect joy, we will await the day Jesus will return to earth and raise our bodies from the dead; then we will live with Him forever in renewed creation! So, we don’t need to be afraid of dying, because our Savior died for us, and now nothing—not even death itself—can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39). If you want to know more about this good news, see our “Know Jesus” page. Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” 1 Corinthians 15:54 (NLT) 

READ: GENESIS 3:14-21; JOHN 19:1-22 As an author, I love being able to write full circle endings—when all the loose ends are tied up and the reader is satisfied by the end. There are a lot of full circle moments in the Bible that are so easily skipped over because we don’t always understand their significance. One of those moments is when a crown of thorns is placed on Jesus’s head. You may have read this before. It’s part of the Easter story, just before Jesus is put onto the cross. It was a crown meant to make fun of Jesus, to mock Him for being the “King of the Jews.” To understand this full circle moment, we have to go back to Genesis 3. When Adam and Eve rejected God and disobeyed His good ways, the world was subjected to the curse of sin, death, and suffering. Part of that curse, mentioned in verse 18, is that the ground produced thorns and thistles. Here’s the full circle part— thorns remind us of the curse of sin and death. They remind us of the pain and brokenness sin causes. When the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and pressed it onto Jesus’s head, it was like the curse of sin was being placed on Him. He took that curse away from us, along with all our sins, when He died on that cross. And then, He rose from the dead in victory, promising to one day return and put an end to sin and death, destroying the curse forever. How amazing is it that we have a God who loves us so much that He willingly wore the curse of sin as He died to save us? • Kimberly Brokish • Consider taking a moment to picture Jesus as the crown of thorns is pressed into His head…the blood flowing down His temples, the soldiers beating and spitting on His torn flesh, the crowds shouting for His crucifixion. “While we were still sinners,” Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). He freed us from the ugliness of our sin— because He loves us. Yes, we will struggle with sin until Jesus returns, but His forgiveness is sure. (If you want to dig deeper, read Matthew 27:27-31; Mark 15:16-20.) • Throughout the entire Bible, God points us again and again to the promise of Jesus’s return, when He will put an end to sin and make all things new. Then everyone who has put their trust in Jesus will live with Him in renewed creation, forever free of the curse (Revelation 21:1-5).As we live in a world that is still full of sin and its effects, how could we encourage each other with the hope of Jesus, that His sacrifice gives us freedom? (Romans 8:18-25) The soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they put a purple robe on him. “Hail! King of the Jews!” they mocked, as they slapped him across the face. John 19:2-3 (NLT) 

READ: GENESIS 3:14-21; JOHN 19:1-22 As an author, I love being able to write full circle endings—when all the loose ends are tied up and the reader is satisfied by the end. There are a lot of full circle moments in the Bible that are so easily skipped over because we don’t always understand their significance. One of those moments is when a crown of thorns is placed on Jesus’s head. You may have read this before. It’s part of the Easter story, just before Jesus is put onto the cross. It was a crown meant to make fun of Jesus, to mock Him for being the “King of the Jews.” To understand this full circle moment, we have to go back to Genesis 3. When Adam and Eve rejected God and disobeyed His good ways, the world was subjected to the curse of sin, death, and suffering. Part of that curse, mentioned in verse 18, is that the ground produced thorns and thistles. Here’s the full circle part— thorns remind us of the curse of sin and death. They remind us of the pain and brokenness sin causes. When the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and pressed it onto Jesus’s head, it was like the curse of sin was being placed on Him. He took that curse away from us, along with all our sins, when He died on that cross. And then, He rose from the dead in victory, promising to one day return and put an end to sin and death, destroying the curse forever. How amazing is it that we have a God who loves us so much that He willingly wore the curse of sin as He died to save us? • Kimberly Brokish • Consider taking a moment to picture Jesus as the crown of thorns is pressed into His head…the blood flowing down His temples, the soldiers beating and spitting on His torn flesh, the crowds shouting for His crucifixion. “While we were still sinners,” Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). He freed us from the ugliness of our sin— because He loves us. Yes, we will struggle with sin until Jesus returns, but His forgiveness is sure. (If you want to dig deeper, read Matthew 27:27-31; Mark 15:16-20.) • Throughout the entire Bible, God points us again and again to the promise of Jesus’s return, when He will put an end to sin and make all things new. Then everyone who has put their trust in Jesus will live with Him in renewed creation, forever free of the curse (Revelation 21:1-5). As we live in a world that is still full of sin and its effects, how could we encourage each other with the hope of Jesus, that His sacrifice gives us freedom? (Romans 8:18-25) The soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they put a purple robe on him. “Hail! King of the Jews!” they mocked, as they slapped him across the face. John 19:2-3 (NLT) 

READ: GENESIS 3:14-21; JOHN 19:1-22 As an author, I love being able to write full circle endings—when all the loose ends are tied up and the reader is satisfied by the end. There are a lot of full circle moments in the Bible that are so easily skipped over because we don’t always understand their significance. One of those moments is when a crown of thorns is placed on Jesus’s head. You may have read this before. It’s part of the Easter story, just before Jesus is put onto the cross. It was a crown meant to make fun of Jesus, to mock Him for being the “King of the Jews.” To understand this full circle moment, we have to go back to Genesis 3. When Adam and Eve rejected God and disobeyed His good ways, the world was subjected to the curse of sin, death, and suffering. Part of that curse, mentioned in verse 18, is that the ground produced thorns and thistles. Here’s the full circle part— thorns remind us of the curse of sin and death. They remind us of the pain and brokenness sin causes. When the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and pressed it onto Jesus’s head, it was like the curse of sin was being placed on Him. He took that curse away from us, along with all our sins, when He died on that cross. And then, He rose from the dead in victory, promising to one day return and put an end to sin and death, destroying the curse forever. How amazing is it that we have a God who loves us so much that He willingly wore the curse of sin as He died to save us? • Kimberly Brokish • Consider taking a moment to picture Jesus as the crown of thorns is pressed into His head…the blood flowing down His temples, the soldiers beating and spitting on His torn flesh, the crowds shouting for His crucifixion. “While we were still sinners,” Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). He freed us from the ugliness of our sin— because He loves us. Yes, we will struggle with sin until Jesus returns, but His forgiveness is sure. (If you want to dig deeper, read Matthew 27:27-31; Mark 15:16-20.) • Throughout the entire Bible, God points us again and again to the promise of Jesus’s return, when He will put an end to sin and make all things new. Then everyone who has put their trust in Jesus will live with Him in renewed creation, forever free of the curse (Revelation 21:1-5). As we live in a world that is still full of sin and its effects, how could we encourage each other with the hope of Jesus, that His sacrifice gives us freedom? (Romans 8:18-25) The soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they put a purple robe on him. “Hail! King of the Jews!” they mocked, as they slapped him across the face. John 19:2-3 (NLT) 

READ: PSALM 23:4; MATTHEW 26:69-75; JOHN 21:15-19 Do you know what it feels like to be betrayed? Maybe you’ve had a family member or a friend violate your trust or turn their back on you when you really needed them. Jesus knows exactly how you feel. He knows the pain of being rejected by someone you love. In God’s Word, we can see that Jesus felt hurt and betrayed by those He was closest to. On the night before Jesus went to the cross, one of His chosen disciples, Judas, betrayed Him into the hands of the religious leaders who had been plotting to kill Him. Then, all His other disciples ran away, leaving Jesus alone to be brutally beaten and face an unjust trial. Then, right before Jesus’s crucifixion, Peter denied that he ever knew Jesus or had anything to do with Him—not just once, but three times. Talk about being hurt and betrayed! Whenever we are hurt by someone, our initial reaction may be a desire to get revenge or punish them, but this is not the reaction we see from Jesus. In John 21, after Jesus rose from the dead, we see that Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves Him. Three times, Peter says he does, and each time the Lord tells him, “Feed my lambs…Take care of my sheep…Feed my sheep” (verse 15-17). In this way, Jesus restores Peter, and Peter goes on to continue to glorify the Lord and tend to other believers. This encounter reveals that Jesus had mercy on Peter and still loved him. In the same way, Jesus has mercy on us and continues to love us when we sin against Him—after all, every sin we commit is ultimately against God (Psalm 51:4). Through Jesus’s death and resurrection, He forgives all our sins. So, whenever we are tempted to hate someone for their betrayal or wrongdoing, let us remember Christ’s continuing love and grace for us and also for this person, and may this love and grace overflow from us to them. And when we experience the unfairness and pain of betrayal, we can rest knowing that Jesus can relate to us better than anyone else. He hears our cries, and He comforts us in the pain. • Lydia Lancie • What is usually your first reaction when someone wrongs you? How might God be inviting you to, instead, come to Him with your pain, rest in His love, and extend that love to others? • Jesus is close to us in our distress. When someone has wronged us, forgiving them does not necessarily mean being in close relationship with them. If you have experienced a deep hurt, who is a trusted adult you could talk to about how to pursue healing and set up loving boundaries? The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:17-18 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 23:4; MATTHEW 26:69-75; JOHN 21:15-19 Do you know what it feels like to be betrayed? Maybe you’ve had a family member or a friend violate your trust or turn their back on you when you really needed them. Jesus knows exactly how you feel. He knows the pain of being rejected by someone you love. In God’s Word, we can see that Jesus felt hurt and betrayed by those He was closest to. On the night before Jesus went to the cross, one of His chosen disciples, Judas, betrayed Him into the hands of the religious leaders who had been plotting to kill Him. Then, all His other disciples ran away, leaving Jesus alone to be brutally beaten and face an unjust trial. Then, right before Jesus’s crucifixion, Peter denied that he ever knew Jesus or had anything to do with Him—not just once, but three times. Talk about being hurt and betrayed! Whenever we are hurt by someone, our initial reaction may be a desire to get revenge or punish them, but this is not the reaction we see from Jesus. In John 21, after Jesus rose from the dead, we see that Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves Him. Three times, Peter says he does, and each time the Lord tells him, “Feed my lambs…Take care of my sheep…Feed my sheep” (verse 15-17). In this way, Jesus restores Peter, and Peter goes on to continue to glorify the Lord and tend to other believers. This encounter reveals that Jesus had mercy on Peter and still loved him. In the same way, Jesus has mercy on us and continues to love us when we sin against Him—after all, every sin we commit is ultimately against God (Psalm 51:4). Through Jesus’s death and resurrection, He forgives all our sins. So, whenever we are tempted to hate someone for their betrayal or wrongdoing, let us remember Christ’s continuing love and grace for us and also for this person, and may this love and grace overflow from us to them. And when we experience the unfairness and pain of betrayal, we can rest knowing that Jesus can relate to us better than anyone else. He hears our cries, and He comforts us in the pain. • Lydia Lancie • What is usually your first reaction when someone wrongs you? How might God be inviting you to, instead, come to Him with your pain, rest in His love, and extend that love to others? • Jesus is close to us in our distress. When someone has wronged us, forgiving them does not necessarily mean being in close relationship with them. If you have experienced a deep hurt, who is a trusted adult you could talk to about how to pursue healing and set up loving boundaries? The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:17-18 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 23:4; MATTHEW 26:69-75; JOHN 21:15-19 Do you know what it feels like to be betrayed? Maybe you’ve had a family member or a friend violate your trust or turn their back on you when you really needed them. Jesus knows exactly how you feel. He knows the pain of being rejected by someone you love. In God’s Word, we can see that Jesus felt hurt and betrayed by those He was closest to. On the night before Jesus went to the cross, one of His chosen disciples, Judas, betrayed Him into the hands of the religious leaders who had been plotting to kill Him. Then, all His other disciples ran away, leaving Jesus alone to be brutally beaten and face an unjust trial. Then, right before Jesus’s crucifixion, Peter denied that he ever knew Jesus or had anything to do with Him—not just once, but three times. Talk about being hurt and betrayed! Whenever we are hurt by someone, our initial reaction may be a desire to get revenge or punish them, but this is not the reaction we see from Jesus. In John 21, after Jesus rose from the dead, we see that Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves Him. Three times, Peter says he does, and each time the Lord tells him, “Feed my lambs…Take care of my sheep…Feed my sheep” (verse 15-17). In this way, Jesus restores Peter, and Peter goes on to continue to glorify the Lord and tend to other believers. This encounter reveals that Jesus had mercy on Peter and still loved him. In the same way, Jesus has mercy on us and continues to love us when we sin against Him—after all, every sin we commit is ultimately against God (Psalm 51:4). Through Jesus’s death and resurrection, He forgives all our sins. So, whenever we are tempted to hate someone for their betrayal or wrongdoing, let us remember Christ’s continuing love and grace for us and also for this person, and may this love and grace overflow from us to them. And when we experience the unfairness and pain of betrayal, we can rest knowing that Jesus can relate to us better than anyone else. He hears our cries, and He comforts us in the pain. • Lydia Lancie • What is usually your first reaction when someone wrongs you? How might God be inviting you to, instead, come to Him with your pain, rest in His love, and extend that love to others? • Jesus is close to us in our distress. When someone has wronged us, forgiving them does not necessarily mean being in close relationship with them. If you have experienced a deep hurt, who is a trusted adult you could talk to about how to pursue healing and set up loving boundaries? The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:17-18 (NIV) 

READ: ISAIAH 43:1; 49:13-16; 53:5-6; JOHN 20:24-27 Have you ever had something with your name on it—like a keychain, a necklace, a bag, or a jersey? Do you have a hard time finding things with your name on it? Do people sometimes forget your name or pronounce or spell it wrong? Our names are important to us. We’re alert to the sound of our own names. Have you ever heard a stranger say your name in a crowd, or even just something that sounds like your name? It catches our attention immediately! And names don’t just serve the practical purpose of helping us communicate with others; they can also tell us something about our history. Whether that be what our name means, where it came from, or how we got it. Names are important to God, too. In Isaiah 43:1, God says, “I have called you by your name. You are mine.” And in John 10, Jesus says He is the Good Shepherd who calls His own sheep by name (verse 3, 11). The fact that God knows each of us by name shows how much He loves and cares for us. In Isaiah 49:16, He even says our names are engraved on the palms of His hands. That’s a striking image! Have you ever written something on your hand so you would remember it? When God said our names were engraved on His hands, He meant it literally. When Jesus went to the cross, He let them drive nails through His hands. And when Jesus rose from the dead, He still bore the scars on His hands. Those scars will be there for all eternity as a reminder of His great love for us. He was willing to go to the cross, to take all our sins upon Himself, so that we could be with God forever. We are that precious to Him. First Peter 2:24 says it this way, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live to righteousness. You were healed by his wounds.” God knows you by name, and He loves you so much. In Christ, we can always remember that our names are written on the palms of His hands, now and forever. • A. W. Smith • Do you know the meaning or story behind your name? What do you like or dislike about it? • Even if people forget your name or pronounce it wrong, God will always remember your name, and He always says it perfectly. How could this truth bring us comfort when we feel unseen or forgotten? “Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.” Isaiah 49:16a (WEB) 

READ: ISAIAH 43:1; 49:13-16; 53:5-6; JOHN 20:24-27 Have you ever had something with your name on it—like a keychain, a necklace, a bag, or a jersey? Do you have a hard time finding things with your name on it? Do people sometimes forget your name or pronounce or spell it wrong? Our names are important to us. We’re alert to the sound of our own names. Have you ever heard a stranger say your name in a crowd, or even just something that sounds like your name? It catches our attention immediately! And names don’t just serve the practical purpose of helping us communicate with others; they can also tell us something about our history. Whether that be what our name means, where it came from, or how we got it. Names are important to God, too. In Isaiah 43:1, God says, “I have called you by your name. You are mine.” And in John 10, Jesus says He is the Good Shepherd who calls His own sheep by name (verse 3, 11). The fact that God knows each of us by name shows how much He loves and cares for us. In Isaiah 49:16, He even says our names are engraved on the palms of His hands. That’s a striking image! Have you ever written something on your hand so you would remember it? When God said our names were engraved on His hands, He meant it literally. When Jesus went to the cross, He let them drive nails through His hands. And when Jesus rose from the dead, He still bore the scars on His hands. Those scars will be there for all eternity as a reminder of His great love for us. He was willing to go to the cross, to take all our sins upon Himself, so that we could be with God forever. We are that precious to Him. First Peter 2:24 says it this way, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live to righteousness. You were healed by his wounds.” God knows you by name, and He loves you so much. In Christ, we can always remember that our names are written on the palms of His hands, now and forever. • A. W. Smith • Do you know the meaning or story behind your name? What do you like or dislike about it? • Even if people forget your name or pronounce it wrong, God will always remember your name, and He always says it perfectly. How could this truth bring us comfort when we feel unseen or forgotten? “Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.” Isaiah 49:16a (WEB) 

READ: ISAIAH 43:1; 49:13-16; 53:5-6; JOHN 20:24-27 Have you ever had something with your name on it—like a keychain, a necklace, a bag, or a jersey? Do you have a hard time finding things with your name on it? Do people sometimes forget your name or pronounce or spell it wrong? Our names are important to us. We’re alert to the sound of our own names. Have you ever heard a stranger say your name in a crowd, or even just something that sounds like your name? It catches our attention immediately! And names don’t just serve the practical purpose of helping us communicate with others; they can also tell us something about our history. Whether that be what our name means, where it came from, or how we got it. Names are important to God, too. In Isaiah 43:1, God says, “I have called you by your name. You are mine.” And in John 10, Jesus says He is the Good Shepherd who calls His own sheep by name (verse 3, 11). The fact that God knows each of us by name shows how much He loves and cares for us. In Isaiah 49:16, He even says our names are engraved on the palms of His hands. That’s a striking image! Have you ever written something on your hand so you would remember it? When God said our names were engraved on His hands, He meant it literally. When Jesus went to the cross, He let them drive nails through His hands. And when Jesus rose from the dead, He still bore the scars on His hands. Those scars will be there for all eternity as a reminder of His great love for us. He was willing to go to the cross, to take all our sins upon Himself, so that we could be with God forever. We are that precious to Him. First Peter 2:24 says it this way, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live to righteousness. You were healed by his wounds.” God knows you by name, and He loves you so much. In Christ, we can always remember that our names are written on the palms of His hands, now and forever. • A. W. Smith • Do you know the meaning or story behind your name? What do you like or dislike about it? • Even if people forget your name or pronounce it wrong, God will always remember your name, and He always says it perfectly. How could this truth bring us comfort when we feel unseen or forgotten? “Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.” Isaiah 49:16a (WEB) 

READ: 1 PETER 1:1-5, 18-23; ROMANS 3:25-26; REVELATION 1:4-6 Even though I’m in my twenties now, my family still dyes eggs every Easter. It’s a tradition we’ve kept since I was little. In fact, I can’t remember not dying eggs on Easter. And this is just one of the many fun, color-filled traditions I associate with the holiday. We often have egg hunts using bright plastic eggs with colorfully wrapped candy inside. We display pastel-colored décor in our homes and on our lawns, and we even wear colorful clothes on Easter Sunday. As I think about the colors I typically associate with Easter—light blues, greens, yellows, pinks, and purples—one color I don’t normally associate with Easter is red. It stands in contrast to the pastel colors that we see on eggs, candy wrappers, décor, and clothing. But the color red is vital to the Easter story. Because without the red blood Jesus shed on the cross for our sins, there would be no reason to celebrate Easter. We can’t truly grasp the significance of what He has given us without remembering what it cost. And so, it’s important to reflect on His sacrifice, to think about the pain He experienced and the blood He lost on the cross. He was willing to go through all of this—for us. Because of His sacrifice, we can be free from the entrapment of sin; and because of His resurrection, we can be free from the fear of death. The red blood of Christ is the source of our freedom. Because of Jesus’s costly sacrifice, we have the joyful hope of living with Him forever. • Grace McCready • If Jesus hadn’t given up His life for us on Good Friday, there would be no Resurrection Sunday. How can remembering the price Jesus paid for our sin help us more fully celebrate our forgiveness and new life in Christ? (Find out more about the good news of Jesus on our "Know Jesus" page.) • Jesus’s blood is hugely important, and it’s talked about time and again in Scripture. If you want to dig deeper, read Acts 20:28; Romans 5:9; Ephesians 1:7; 2:13; Colossians 1:20; Hebrews 2:14; 9:7–10:29; 12:24; 13:11-12, 20-21; 1 John 1:7; 5:6-8; Revelation 5:9; 7:14; 12:11; 19:13. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he makes sinners right in his sight when they believe in Jesus. Romans 3:25-26 (NLT) 

READ: 1 PETER 1:1-5, 18-23; ROMANS 3:25-26; REVELATION 1:4-6 Even though I’m in my twenties now, my family still dyes eggs every Easter. It’s a tradition we’ve kept since I was little. In fact, I can’t remember not dying eggs on Easter. And this is just one of the many fun, color-filled traditions I associate with the holiday. We often have egg hunts using bright plastic eggs with colorfully wrapped candy inside. We display pastel-colored décor in our homes and on our lawns, and we even wear colorful clothes on Easter Sunday. As I think about the colors I typically associate with Easter—light blues, greens, yellows, pinks, and purples—one color I don’t normally associate with Easter is red. It stands in contrast to the pastel colors that we see on eggs, candy wrappers, décor, and clothing. But the color red is vital to the Easter story. Because without the red blood Jesus shed on the cross for our sins, there would be no reason to celebrate Easter. We can’t truly grasp the significance of what He has given us without remembering what it cost. And so, it’s important to reflect on His sacrifice, to think about the pain He experienced and the blood He lost on the cross. He was willing to go through all of this—for us. Because of His sacrifice, we can be free from the entrapment of sin; and because of His resurrection, we can be free from the fear of death. The red blood of Christ is the source of our freedom. Because of Jesus’s costly sacrifice, we have the joyful hope of living with Him forever. • Grace McCready • If Jesus hadn’t given up His life for us on Good Friday, there would be no Resurrection Sunday. How can remembering the price Jesus paid for our sin help us more fully celebrate our forgiveness and new life in Christ? (Find out more about the good news of Jesus on our “Know Jesus” page.) • Jesus’s blood is hugely important, and it’s talked about time and again in Scripture. If you want to dig deeper, read Acts 20:28; Romans 5:9; Ephesians 1:7; 2:13; Colossians 1:20; Hebrews 2:14; 9:7–10:29; 12:24; 13:11-12, 20-21; 1 John 1:7; 5:6-8; Revelation 5:9; 7:14; 12:11; 19:13. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he makes sinners right in his sight when they believe in Jesus. Romans 3:25-26 (NLT) 

READ: 1 PETER 1:1-5, 18-23; ROMANS 3:25-26; REVELATION 1:4-6 Even though I’m in my twenties now, my family still dyes eggs every Easter. It’s a tradition we’ve kept since I was little. In fact, I can’t remember not dying eggs on Easter. And this is just one of the many fun, color-filled traditions I associate with the holiday. We often have egg hunts using bright plastic eggs with colorfully wrapped candy inside. We display pastel-colored décor in our homes and on our lawns, and we even wear colorful clothes on Easter Sunday. As I think about the colors I typically associate with Easter—light blues, greens, yellows, pinks, and purples—one color I don’t normally associate with Easter is red. It stands in contrast to the pastel colors that we see on eggs, candy wrappers, décor, and clothing. But the color red is vital to the Easter story. Because without the red blood Jesus shed on the cross for our sins, there would be no reason to celebrate Easter. We can’t truly grasp the significance of what He has given us without remembering what it cost. And so, it’s important to reflect on His sacrifice, to think about the pain He experienced and the blood He lost on the cross. He was willing to go through all of this—for us. Because of His sacrifice, we can be free from the entrapment of sin; and because of His resurrection, we can be free from the fear of death. The red blood of Christ is the source of our freedom. Because of Jesus’s costly sacrifice, we have the joyful hope of living with Him forever. • Grace McCready • If Jesus hadn’t given up His life for us on Good Friday, there would be no Resurrection Sunday. How can remembering the price Jesus paid for our sin help us more fully celebrate our forgiveness and new life in Christ? (Find out more about the good news of Jesus on our “Know Jesus” page.) • Jesus’s blood is hugely important, and it’s talked about time and again in Scripture. If you want to dig deeper, read Acts 20:28; Romans 5:9; Ephesians 1:7; 2:13; Colossians 1:20; Hebrews 2:14; 9:7–10:29; 12:24; 13:11-12, 20-21; 1 John 1:7; 5:6-8; Revelation 5:9; 7:14; 12:11; 19:13. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he makes sinners right in his sight when they believe in Jesus. Romans 3:25-26 (NLT) 

READ: GENESIS 37:18-28; 50:19-21; ROMANS 8:28 When Joseph was seventeen years old, his brothers wanted to kill him. So they threw him into a pit, then sat down and ate lunch. After lunch, they pulled him out of the pit and sold him into slavery instead. Then, later, the wife of Joseph’s new Egyptian slave owner tried to have sex with Joseph, and he refused. Her vengeance landed him in prison where he remained for years. But eventually, Joseph became an important leader of Egypt, second only to Pharaoh. Because God was blessing Joseph, he was able to save nations from starvation during a huge famine. Joseph’s slavery and imprisonment led to countless lives being saved, including his own family. He was even reunited with his brothers, and he forgave their wrongdoing against him. In a similar way, Jesus Christ came to earth as a human to love and forgive us. Though He is God the Son, He willingly took the position of a servant (Philippians 2:5-11). He healed people who were blind and deaf, made those who were lame walk, and fed the crowds. Yet He was beaten, mocked, and crucified. Jesus suffered horrible circumstances, ultimately enduring the cross to die for our sins. Jesus willingly paid that price so that we could be freed from our sin and receive His forgiveness. By His death and resurrection, countless people are being saved. God’s love overcomes evil. Joseph endured great pain through the wrongdoing of his brothers, yet God used bad circumstances for good. Perhaps God used the trouble in Joseph’s life to mature him into a man who could forgive his brothers. Forgiveness is possible because God has extended His forgiveness to each of us through Jesus. Even on the cross, Jesus asked God the Father to pardon those who crucified Him, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). We too can receive this amazing and complete freedom in Christ. Perhaps you are in a painful position because others have wronged you. The middle of a difficult place can sometimes be where God helps us learn, mature, and grow. Hardships can open opportunities for God to do great things. His forgiveness heals us all. • Mary Schilling • God can use any situation to help us grow—both good situations and bad ones. What are some ways you have seen God use situations in your life to help you grow? • If you know Jesus, His Holy Spirit lives in you, empowering you to forgive people who have sinned against you. Consider spending sometime in prayer, asking God to help you notice any unforgiveness lingering in your heart and to lay it down at His feet. “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Genesis 50:20 (NIV) 

READ: GENESIS 37:18-28; 50:19-21; ROMANS 8:28 When Joseph was seventeen years old, his brothers wanted to kill him. So they threw him into a pit, then sat down and ate lunch. After lunch, they pulled him out of the pit and sold him into slavery instead. Then, later, the wife of Joseph’s new Egyptian slave owner tried to have sex with Joseph, and he refused. Her vengeance landed him in prison where he remained for years. But eventually, Joseph became an important leader of Egypt, second only to Pharaoh. Because God was blessing Joseph, he was able to save nations from starvation during a huge famine. Joseph’s slavery and imprisonment led to countless lives being saved, including his own family. He was even reunited with his brothers, and he forgave their wrongdoing against him. In a similar way, Jesus Christ came to earth as a human to love and forgive us. Though He is God the Son, He willingly took the position of a servant (Philippians 2:5-11). He healed people who were blind and deaf, made those who were lame walk, and fed the crowds. Yet He was beaten, mocked, and crucified. Jesus suffered horrible circumstances, ultimately enduring the cross to die for our sins. Jesus willingly paid that price so that we could be freed from our sin and receive His forgiveness. By His death and resurrection, countless people are being saved. God’s love overcomes evil. Joseph endured great pain through the wrongdoing of his brothers, yet God used bad circumstances for good. Perhaps God used the trouble in Joseph’s life to mature him into a man who could forgive his brothers. Forgiveness is possible because God has extended His forgiveness to each of us through Jesus. Even on the cross, Jesus asked God the Father to pardon those who crucified Him, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). We too can receive this amazing and complete freedom in Christ. Perhaps you are in a painful position because others have wronged you. The middle of a difficult place can sometimes be where God helps us learn, mature, and grow. Hardships can open opportunities for God to do great things. His forgiveness heals us all. • Mary Schilling • God can use any situation to help us grow—both good situations and bad ones. What are some ways you have seen God use situations in your life to help you grow? • If you know Jesus, His Holy Spirit lives in you, empowering you to forgive people who have sinned against you. Consider spending some time in prayer, asking God to help you notice any unforgiveness lingering in your heart and to lay it down at His feet. “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Genesis 50:20 (NIV) 

READ: GENESIS 37:18-28; 50:19-21; ROMANS 8:28 When Joseph was seventeen years old, his brothers wanted to kill him. So they threw him into a pit, then sat down and ate lunch. After lunch, they pulled him out of the pit and sold him into slavery instead. Then, later, the wife of Joseph’s new Egyptian slave owner tried to have sex with Joseph, and he refused. Her vengeance landed him in prison where he remained for years. But eventually, Joseph became an important leader of Egypt, second only to Pharaoh. Because God was blessing Joseph, he was able to save nations from starvation during a huge famine. Joseph’s slavery and imprisonment led to countless lives being saved, including his own family. He was even reunited with his brothers, and he forgave their wrongdoing against him. In a similar way, Jesus Christ came to earth as a human to love and forgive us. Though He is God the Son, He willingly took the position of a servant (Philippians 2:5-11). He healed people who were blind and deaf, made those who were lame walk, and fed the crowds. Yet He was beaten, mocked, and crucified. Jesus suffered horrible circumstances, ultimately enduring the cross to die for our sins. Jesus willingly paid that price so that we could be freed from our sin and receive His forgiveness. By His death and resurrection, countless people are being saved. God’s love overcomes evil. Joseph endured great pain through the wrongdoing of his brothers, yet God used bad circumstances for good. Perhaps God used the trouble in Joseph’s life to mature him into a man who could forgive his brothers. Forgiveness is possible because God has extended His forgiveness to each of us through Jesus. Even on the cross, Jesus asked God the Father to pardon those who crucified Him, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). We too can receive this amazing and complete freedom in Christ. Perhaps you are in a painful position because others have wronged you. The middle of a difficult place can sometimes be where God helps us learn, mature, and grow. Hardships can open opportunities for God to do great things. His forgiveness heals us all. • Mary Schilling • God can use any situation to help us grow—both good situations and bad ones. What are some ways you have seen God use situations in your life to help you grow? • If you know Jesus, His Holy Spirit lives in you, empowering you to forgive people who have sinned against you. Consider spending some time in prayer, asking God to help you notice any unforgiveness lingering in your heart and to lay it down at His feet. “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Genesis 50:20 (NIV) 

READ: MATTHEW 21:1-11; PHILIPPIANS 2:1-11 The governor was coming into town. Moriah had been waiting weeks to catch even a glimpse of the man. He was supposed to stay for the festival week and bring his entourage of soldiers and even a jester. Moriah had even heard the governor’s war horse would be the biggest she’d ever seen. The wide gates were heaved open by two men. At the front entry, an announcer shouted, “You are honored with the presence of the esteemed Governor Pontius Pilate.” “All hail Caesar!” the crowd echoed back. The first group of soldiers marched in, stoic faces in perfect rows. Soon—I’ll get to see the governor soon, she thought. Then, from the other side of the city, she heard a commotion. A few people looked over and some even fell away from the parade to wander to the eastern gate. Why would people go over there? she wondered. But as more and more people broke off from the crowd, curiosity got the better of her and she abandoned the parade as well. I’m sure I can get back in time to catch a glimpse of the governor; I just want to see what everyone’s gawking at. As she approached the street and peeked over the crowd, Moriah got her answer. That’s just some guy on a donkey. A disappointed frown crept over her face. She plucked up the courage to ask a woman next to her. “Excuse me.” She pulled on the woman’s sleeve. “Who is that?” “That’s Jesus—He’s a prophet and the Son of David. He’s going to save us all and overthrow Rome. He’s bringing a new kingdom. I’ve heard Him talk of it and seen Him do things only a prophet could do!” Wow, I’d hoped to see a governor, and now I get to see a prophet! Moriah took off her shawl and laid it on the ground. When the prophet passed by, He met her gaze, and something in His eyes made her wonder if He was more than just a prophet. • Naomi Zylstra • This fictional story imagines Jesus’s humble triumphal entry into Jerusalem, contrasted with the pomp and circumstance of a governor’s traditional entry into a city. Since the days of Solomon, Israel’s kings rode donkeys to their coronations. Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey because He is the promised King, and He is riding to His death as a ransom for many. How does the humility of Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem reveal who He is and how He saves us? “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” Mark 11:10 (NIV) 

READ: MATTHEW 21:1-11; PHILIPPIANS 2:1-11 The governor was coming into town. Moriah had been waiting weeks to catch even a glimpse of the man. He was supposed to stay for the festival week and bring his entourage of soldiers and even a jester. Moriah had even heard the governor’s war horse would be the biggest she’d ever seen. The wide gates were heaved open by two men. At the front entry, an announcer shouted, “You are honored with the presence of the esteemed Governor Pontius Pilate.” “All hail Caesar!” the crowd echoed back. The first group of soldiers marched in, stoic faces in perfect rows. Soon—I’ll get to see the governor soon, she thought. Then, from the other side of the city, she heard a commotion. A few people looked over and some even fell away from the parade to wander to the eastern gate. Why would people go over there? she wondered. But as more and more people broke off from the crowd, curiosity got the better of her and she abandoned the parade as well. I’m sure I can get back in time to catch a glimpse of the governor; I just want to see what everyone’s gawking at. As she approached the street and peeked over the crowd, Moriah got her answer. That’s just some guy on a donkey. A disappointed frown crept over her face. She plucked up the courage to ask a woman next to her. “Excuse me.” She pulled on the woman’s sleeve. “Who is that?” “That’s Jesus—He’s a prophet and the Son of David. He’s going to save us all and overthrow Rome. He’s bringing a new kingdom. I’ve heard Him talk of it and seen Him do things only a prophet could do!” Wow, I’d hoped to see a governor, and now I get to see a prophet! Moriah took off her shawl and laid it on the ground. When the prophet passed by, He met her gaze, and something in His eyes made her wonder if He was more than just a prophet. • Naomi Zylstra • This fictional story imagines Jesus’s humble triumphal entry into Jerusalem, contrasted with the pomp and circumstance of a governor’s traditional entry into a city. Since the days of Solomon, Israel’s kings rode donkeys to their coronations. Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey because He is the promised King, and He is riding to His death as a ransom for many. How does the humility of Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem reveal who He is and how He saves us? “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” Mark 11:10 (NIV) 

READ: MATTHEW 21:1-11; PHILIPPIANS 2:1-11 The governor was coming into town. Moriah had been waiting weeks to catch even a glimpse of the man. He was supposed to stay for the festival week and bring his entourage of soldiers and even a jester. Moriah had even heard the governor’s war horse would be the biggest she’d ever seen. The wide gates were heaved open by two men. At the front entry, an announcer shouted, “You are honored with the presence of the esteemed Governor Pontius Pilate.” “All hail Caesar!” the crowd echoed back. The first group of soldiers marched in, stoic faces in perfect rows. Soon—I’ll get to see the governor soon, she thought. Then, from the other side of the city, she heard a commotion. A few people looked over and some even fell away from the parade to wander to the eastern gate. Why would people go over there? she wondered. But as more and more people broke off from the crowd, curiosity got the better of her and she abandoned the parade as well. I’m sure I can get back in time to catch a glimpse of the governor; I just want to see what everyone’s gawking at. As she approached the street and peeked over the crowd, Moriah got her answer. That’s just some guy on a donkey. A disappointed frown crept over her face. She plucked up the courage to ask a woman next to her. “Excuse me.” She pulled on the woman’s sleeve. “Who is that?” “That’s Jesus—He’s a prophet and the Son of David. He’s going to save us all and overthrow Rome. He’s bringing a new kingdom. I’ve heard Him talk of it and seen Him do things only a prophet could do!” Wow, I’d hoped to see a governor, and now I get to see a prophet! Moriah took off her shawl and laid it on the ground. When the prophet passed by, He met her gaze, and something in His eyes made her wonder if He was more than just a prophet. • Naomi Zylstra • This fictional story imagines Jesus’s humble triumphal entry into Jerusalem, contrasted with the pomp and circumstance of a governor’s traditional entry into a city. Since the days of Solomon, Israel’s kings rode donkeys to their coronations. Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey because He is the promised King, and He is riding to His death as a ransom for many. How does the humility of Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem reveal who He is and how He saves us? “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” Mark 11:10 (NIV) 

READ: 2 CORINTHIANS 4:18; 1 PETER 1:3-8 "AH-CHOO!” That sound is not usually good news. It could mean someone is coming down with a cold. Sneezes and other symptoms show us the effects of germs on our bodies. Even though we can’t see germs without the help of a microscope, they have a significant impact on our lives. When you think about it, there are lots of things that affect us that we can’t see—we only see evidence that they exist—things like wind, electricity, radio waves, Wi-Fi signals, etc. This is kind of similar to how we don’t see God, but we see evidence of His existence all around us. Theologians use the term “general revelation” to describe how God reveals Himself to us through His creation. As we explore and study science, there are so many things we can know about God by observing how He designed the universe in ways that are beautiful and logical. Theologians also use the term “special revelation” to describe how God reveals Himself to us through His Word, and specifically through His Son: Jesus. Like a microscope allows us to know things about germs we’d never be able to see with our eyes alone, the Bible reveals things about who God is and what He’s done that we’d never be able to know just by looking at the natural world. And the whole Bible points to Jesus—He is God in human flesh, the “image of the invisible God,” and He shows us the Father (John 1:1-18; 14:8-9; Colossians 1:15-20). Throughout Scripture, God reveals His love for us, shows us how we can have a relationship with Him through Jesus, and describes how one day Jesus will return and everyone will finally see Him. We see evidence for the existence of invisible things like wind, electricity, radio waves, Wi-Fi signals, and more—and we rely on these things to be there when we need them. Similarly, we can see evidence of God’s existence all around us in the world He created, and we can search out the deep mysteries of God in the Bible. Through faith, we can know that God exists and He loves us. Because of what Jesus has done and promises to do, we can have confidence that God’s love is real—and it’s far more reliable than electricity and Wi-Fi and all these other things we can’t see. As 1 Peter 1:8 says, “You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy.” • A. W. Smith • What questions do you have about God? Who are trusted Christians you could talk with about these questions? If no one comes to mind, you can ask God to reveal someone in the future. You can also learn more about the whole story of the Bible, and what it tells us about God, on our "Know Jesus" page. …we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NLT) 

READ: 2 CORINTHIANS 4:18; 1 PETER 1:3-8 “AH-CHOO!” That sound is not usually good news. It could mean someone is coming down with a cold. Sneezes and other symptoms show us the effects of germs on our bodies. Even though we can’t see germs without the help of a microscope, they have a significant impact on our lives. When you think about it, there are lots of things that affect us that we can’t see—we only see evidence that they exist—things like wind, electricity, radio waves, Wi-Fi signals, etc. This is kind of similar to how we don’t see God, but we see evidence of His existence all around us. Theologians use the term “general revelation” to describe how God reveals Himself to us through His creation. As we explore and study science, there are so many things we can know about God by observing how He designed the universe in ways that are beautiful and logical. Theologians also use the term “special revelation” to describe how God reveals Himself to us through His Word, and specifically through His Son: Jesus. Like a microscope allows us to know things about germs we’d never be able to see with our eyes alone, the Bible reveals things about who God is and what He’s done that we’d never be able to know just by looking at the natural world. And the whole Bible points to Jesus—He is God in human flesh, the “image of the invisible God,” and He shows us the Father (John 1:1-18; 14:8-9; Colossians 1:15-20). Throughout Scripture, God reveals His love for us, shows us how we can have a relationship with Him through Jesus, and describes how one day Jesus will return and everyone will finally see Him. We see evidence for the existence of invisible things like wind, electricity, radio waves, Wi-Fi signals, and more—and we rely on these things to be there when we need them. Similarly, we can see evidence of God’s existence all around us in the world He created, and we can search out the deep mysteries of God in the Bible. Through faith, we can know that God exists and He loves us. Because of what Jesus has done and promises to do, we can have confidence that God’s love is real—and it’s far more reliable than electricity and Wi-Fi and all these other things we can’t see. As 1 Peter 1:8 says, “You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy.” • A. W. Smith • What questions do you have about God? Who are trusted Christians you could talk with about these questions? If no one comes to mind, you can ask God to reveal someone in the future. You can also learn more about the whole story of the Bible, and what it tells us about God, on our “Know Jesus” page. …we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NLT) 

READ: 2 CORINTHIANS 4:18; 1 PETER 1:3-8 “AH-CHOO!” That sound is not usually good news. It could mean someone is coming down with a cold. Sneezes and other symptoms show us the effects of germs on our bodies. Even though we can’t see germs without the help of a microscope, they have a significant impact on our lives. When you think about it, there are lots of things that affect us that we can’t see—we only see evidence that they exist—things like wind, electricity, radio waves, Wi-Fi signals, etc. This is kind of similar to how we don’t see God, but we see evidence of His existence all around us. Theologians use the term “general revelation” to describe how God reveals Himself to us through His creation. As we explore and study science, there are so many things we can know about God by observing how He designed the universe in ways that are beautiful and logical. Theologians also use the term “special revelation” to describe how God reveals Himself to us through His Word, and specifically through His Son: Jesus. Like a microscope allows us to know things about germs we’d never be able to see with our eyes alone, the Bible reveals things about who God is and what He’s done that we’d never be able to know just by looking at the natural world. And the whole Bible points to Jesus—He is God in human flesh, the “image of the invisible God,” and He shows us the Father (John 1:1-18; 14:8-9; Colossians 1:15-20). Throughout Scripture, God reveals His love for us, shows us how we can have a relationship with Him through Jesus, and describes how one day Jesus will return and everyone will finally see Him. We see evidence for the existence of invisible things like wind, electricity, radio waves, Wi-Fi signals, and more—and we rely on these things to be there when we need them. Similarly, we can see evidence of God’s existence all around us in the world He created, and we can search out the deep mysteries of God in the Bible. Through faith, we can know that God exists and He loves us. Because of what Jesus has done and promises to do, we can have confidence that God’s love is real—and it’s far more reliable than electricity and Wi-Fi and all these other things we can’t see. As 1 Peter 1:8 says, “You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy.” • A. W. Smith • What questions do you have about God? Who are trusted Christians you could talk with about these questions? If no one comes to mind, you can ask God to reveal someone in the future. You can also learn more about the whole story of the Bible, and what it tells us about God, on our “Know Jesus” page. …we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NLT) 

READ: PSALM 42; JOHN 14:25-27 I am prone to forgetting. I’m not talking about the usual things like my cell phone, car keys, or sunglasses—wait, they’re on my head. I’m referring to the more profound things. When I am downcast and my soul is disturbed, sometimes I forget to put my hope in God. Sometimes I forget to praise Him. But, as it says in Psalm 42, God is worthy of my praise. He is my Savior, and my God. I forget that I need Him more than water to quench my thirst—I need Him for surviving and thriving. And I’m learning that remembrance is a choice, a practice. When my soul is aching and tears keep falling, I can choose to grasp the one little word that is so powerful: yet. “I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (verses 5, 11). I will remember Him. I will remember His character, His goodness, and His faithfulness from the past. There are days when it feels like He’s forgotten me, but here’s the reality: “By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me” (verse 8). As the deer knows it needs water to survive, my soul knows I need the living God (verses 1-2). Yes, we are prone to forget, but Jesus promises to remind us of who He is. When we put our trust in Jesus, He gives us His Spirit to dwell inside of us, help us, and remind us of our Savior’s words (John 14:26). And so, by His grace I will remember my Rock (Psalm 42:9). I will remember to meet with my God, the source of my strength. In times of sorrow, I will remember the “yet.” I will remember to praise. I will remember His love for me, constant and unfailing. I will remember His songs in the night. I will remember He is my hope. • Savannah Coleman • God knows we’re forgetful people. The Bible is full of people forgetting God’s care for them. From the Israelites crossing the Red Sea in victory to whining for food in the desert, from the courage Peter had to get out of the boat and walk on water with Jesus to the moment he noticed the waves (Exodus 14; 16; Matthew 14:22-33). Thankfully, God gives us His Word so we can look back on the ways He’s been faithful. What are some ways you could practice remembrance in your everyday life? Maybe you could write prayers in a journal and then highlight the ones God has answered, or display works of art in your space that remind you of God’s character, or choose or compose a song that helps you remember what God has done for you personally… Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:11 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 42; JOHN 14:25-27 I am prone to forgetting. I’m not talking about the usual things like my cell phone, car keys, or sunglasses—wait, they’re on my head. I’m referring to the more profound things. When I am downcast and my soul is disturbed, sometimes I forget to put my hope in God. Sometimes I forget to praise Him. But, as it says in Psalm 42, God is worthy of my praise. He is my Savior, and my God. I forget that I need Him more than water to quench my thirst—I need Him for surviving and thriving. And I’m learning that remembrance is a choice, a practice. When my soul is aching and tears keep falling, I can choose to grasp the one little word that is so powerful: yet. “I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (verses 5, 11). I will remember Him. I will remember His character, His goodness, and His faithfulness from the past. There are days when it feels like He’s forgotten me, but here’s the reality: “By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me” (verse 8). As the deer knows it needs water to survive, my soul knows I need the living God (verses 1-2). Yes, we are prone to forget, but Jesus promises to remind us of who He is. When we put our trust in Jesus, He gives us His Spirit to dwell inside of us, help us, and remind us of our Savior’s words (John 14:26). And so, by His grace I will remember my Rock (Psalm 42:9). I will remember to meet with my God, the source of my strength. In times of sorrow, I will remember the “yet.” I will remember to praise. I will remember His love for me, constant and unfailing. I will remember His songs in the night. I will remember He is my hope. • Savannah Coleman • God knows we’re forgetful people. The Bible is full of people forgetting God’s care for them. From the Israelites crossing the Red Sea in victory to whining for food in the desert, from the courage Peter had to get out of the boat and walk on water with Jesus to the moment he noticed the waves (Exodus 14; 16; Matthew 14:22-33). Thankfully, God gives us His Word so we can look back on the ways He’s been faithful. What are some ways you could practice remembrance in your everyday life? Maybe you could write prayers in a journal and then highlight the ones God has answered, or display works of art in your space that remind you of God’s character, or choose or compose a song that helps you remember what God has done for you personally… Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:11 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 42; JOHN 14:25-27 I am prone to forgetting. I’m not talking about the usual things like my cell phone, car keys, or sunglasses—wait, they’re on my head. I’m referring to the more profound things. When I am downcast and my soul is disturbed, sometimes I forget to put my hope in God. Sometimes I forget to praise Him. But, as it says in Psalm 42, God is worthy of my praise. He is my Savior, and my God. I forget that I need Him more than water to quench my thirst—I need Him for surviving and thriving. And I’m learning that remembrance is a choice, a practice. When my soul is aching and tears keep falling, I can choose to grasp the one little word that is so powerful: yet. “I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (verses 5, 11). I will remember Him. I will remember His character, His goodness, and His faithfulness from the past. There are days when it feels like He’s forgotten me, but here’s the reality: “By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me” (verse 8). As the deer knows it needs water to survive, my soul knows I need the living God (verses 1-2). Yes, we are prone to forget, but Jesus promises to remind us of who He is. When we put our trust in Jesus, He gives us His Spirit to dwell inside of us, help us, and remind us of our Savior’s words (John 14:26). And so, by His grace I will remember my Rock (Psalm 42:9). I will remember to meet with my God, the source of my strength. In times of sorrow, I will remember the “yet.” I will remember to praise. I will remember His love for me, constant and unfailing. I will remember His songs in the night. I will remember He is my hope. • Savannah Coleman • God knows we’re forgetful people. The Bible is full of people forgetting God’s care for them. From the Israelites crossing the Red Sea in victory to whining for food in the desert, from the courage Peter had to get out of the boat and walk on water with Jesus to the moment he noticed the waves (Exodus 14; 16; Matthew 14:22-33). Thankfully, God gives us His Word so we can look back on the ways He’s been faithful. What are some ways you could practice remembrance in your everyday life? Maybe you could write prayers in a journal and then highlight the ones God has answered, or display works of art in your space that remind you of God’s character, or choose or compose a song that helps you remember what God has done for you personally… Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:11 (NIV) 

READ: EXODUS 16:4; MATTHEW 6:9-11, 31-34; JOHN 6:25-51 Father, we come, we kneel, we pray. As You have commanded we ask bread for today.   Bread for today and today alone— Your grace we need for tomorrow’s unknown.   Tomorrow’s unknown looms ahead— We fear it, Lord! We confess our dread.   Ah, dark dread—may you forever be forbidden and crushed by His wounds on the Tree.   His wounds run deep with healing strength, His sinless blood makes darkness shrink—   ‘Till darkness fades and fear gives way to glorious hope— Resurrection Day!   Father, we come, we stand, we sing! You are the Bread, Everlasting King, To You alone All praise we bring.   I love the metaphors Jesus uses in Scripture—like calling Himself the “bread of God,” “bread of life,” and the “living bread” (John 6:33, 35, 51). By using a metaphor about something we can touch, taste, and smell—something as life-giving as bread—Jesus communicates crucial things about Himself that ordinary descriptions simply fail to do. • G. Kam Congleton • Consider taking some time to reread today’s Scripture passages. Why do you think Jesus tells us to ask for “daily bread” (Matthew 6:11)? • And in John 6, why would Jesus compare Himself to bread? What point is Jesus making to His listeners that is hard for some of them to swallow? (Okay, pun intended!) “For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” John 6:33 (NIV) 

READ: EXODUS 16:4; MATTHEW 6:9-11, 31-34; JOHN 6:25-51 Father, we come, we kneel, we pray.As You have commandedwe ask bread for today.Bread for today and today alone—Your grace we needfor tomorrow’s unknown.Tomorrow’s unknown looms ahead—We fear it, Lord!We confess our dread.Ah, dark dread—may you forever beforbidden and crushedby His wounds on the Tree.His wounds run deepwith healing strength,His sinless bloodmakes darkness shrink—‘Till darkness fades and fear gives wayto glorious hope—Resurrection Day!Father, we come, we stand,we sing!You are the Bread,Everlasting King,To You aloneAll praise we bring. I love the metaphors Jesus uses in Scripture—like calling Himself the “bread of God,” “bread of life,” and the “living bread” (John 6:33, 35, 51). By using a metaphor about something we can touch, taste, and smell—something as life-giving as bread—Jesus communicates crucial things about Himself that ordinary descriptions simply fail to do. • G. Kam Congleton • Consider taking some time to reread today’s Scripture passages. Why do you think Jesus tells us to ask for “daily bread” (Matthew 6:11)? • And in John 6, why would Jesus compare Himself to bread? What point is Jesus making to His listeners that is hard for some of them to swallow? (Okay, pun intended!) “For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” John 6:33 (NIV) 

READ: EXODUS 16:4; MATTHEW 6:9-11, 31-34; JOHN 6:25-51 Father, we come, we kneel, we pray.As You have commandedwe ask bread for today.Bread for today and today alone—Your grace we needfor tomorrow’s unknown.Tomorrow’s unknown looms ahead—We fear it, Lord!We confess our dread.Ah, dark dread—may you forever beforbidden and crushedby His wounds on the Tree.His wounds run deepwith healing strength,His sinless bloodmakes darkness shrink—‘Till darkness fades and fear gives wayto glorious hope—Resurrection Day!Father, we come, we stand,we sing!You are the Bread,Everlasting King,To You aloneAll praise we bring. I love the metaphors Jesus uses in Scripture—like calling Himself the “bread of God,” “bread of life,” and the “living bread” (John 6:33, 35, 51). By using a metaphor about something we can touch, taste, and smell—something as life-giving as bread—Jesus communicates crucial things about Himself that ordinary descriptions simply fail to do. • G. Kam Congleton • Consider taking some time to reread today’s Scripture passages. Why do you think Jesus tells us to ask for “daily bread” (Matthew 6:11)? • And in John 6, why would Jesus compare Himself to bread? What point is Jesus making to His listeners that is hard for some of them to swallow? (Okay, pun intended!) “For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” John 6:33 (NIV) 

READ: GENESIS 1:26-31; 2:7, 15; JOHN 1:1-5 God created everything in the world, including us. We were created in His own image. How incredible is that? Nothing else in this world has that same stamp from the Creator. Think about all the incredible things God has designed and made. The beautiful sunrises and sunsets, the flowers growing from season to season, the high peaks of mountains, the waves crashing on the beach. The list goes on and on. The world around us shows His creativity in many ways. Because we were made in His image, we also have that creativity within us. We have the ability to make new and beautiful things. We have the ability to add beauty to the lives of the people around us through what we make, and we can also admire and appreciate the beauty other people have created. Each of us has been gifted differently, but we all have the ability to create. We might enjoy writing stories or music. Maybe we’re talented at coding a video game or baking a delectable cake. Perhaps we can decorate a room or craft something out of wood. Or maybe we have a passion for gardening, sewing, organizing a space, making a new tool, or a thousand other things. When we lean into the creative side of ourselves, we can grow in our relationship with God and reveal to others how God works in us. If we know Jesus—having put our trust in Him and believed in His life, death, and resurrection—He is always with us. Because His Holy Spirit lives inside believers, we can rely on Him to lovingly guide our creative process. As we work with Him, we can embrace the way we were designed to create. • Tynea Lewis • Can you think of a time when seeing somebody’s creativity reminded you of God’s creativity? What was that like? • What is your favorite way to create? There are endless ways to be creative, and you will probably encounter more and more areas of creativity throughout your life. How do you think God feels when you engage in something creative? • If you want to dig deeper, read Exodus 28:3-4; 31:1-6; 35:30–6:1. So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27 (NLT)  

READ: GENESIS 1:26-31; 2:7, 15; JOHN 1:1-5 God created everything in the world, including us. We were created in His own image. How incredible is that? Nothing else in this world has that same stamp from the Creator. Think about all the incredible things God has designed and made. The beautiful sunrises and sunsets, the flowers growing from season to season, the high peaks of mountains, the waves crashing on the beach. The list goes on and on. The world around us shows His creativity in many ways. Because we were made in His image, we also have that creativity within us. We have the ability to make new and beautiful things. We have the ability to add beauty to the lives of the people around us through what we make, and we can also admire and appreciate the beauty other people have created. Each of us has been gifted differently, but we all have the ability to create. We might enjoy writing stories or music. Maybe we’re talented at coding a video game or baking a delectable cake. Perhaps we can decorate a room or craft something out of wood. Or maybe we have a passion for gardening, sewing, organizing a space, making a new tool, or a thousand other things. When we lean into the creative side of ourselves, we can grow in our relationship with God and reveal to others how God works in us. If we know Jesus—having put our trust in Him and believed in His life, death, and resurrection—He is always with us. Because His Holy Spirit lives inside believers, we can rely on Him to lovingly guide our creative process. As we work with Him, we can embrace the way we were designed to create. • Tynea Lewis • Can you think of a time when seeing somebody’s creativity reminded you of God’s creativity? What was that like? • What is your favorite way to create? There are endless ways to be creative, and you will probably encounter more and more areas of creativity throughout your life. How do you think God feels when you engage in something creative? • If you want to dig deeper, read Exodus 28:3-4; 31:1-6; 35:30–6:1. So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27 (NLT)  

READ: GENESIS 1:26-31; 2:7, 15; JOHN 1:1-5 God created everything in the world, including us. We were created in His own image. How incredible is that? Nothing else in this world has that same stamp from the Creator. Think about all the incredible things God has designed and made. The beautiful sunrises and sunsets, the flowers growing from season to season, the high peaks of mountains, the waves crashing on the beach. The list goes on and on. The world around us shows His creativity in many ways. Because we were made in His image, we also have that creativity within us. We have the ability to make new and beautiful things. We have the ability to add beauty to the lives of the people around us through what we make, and we can also admire and appreciate the beauty other people have created. Each of us has been gifted differently, but we all have the ability to create. We might enjoy writing stories or music. Maybe we’re talented at coding a video game or baking a delectable cake. Perhaps we can decorate a room or craft something out of wood. Or maybe we have a passion for gardening, sewing, organizing a space, making a new tool, or a thousand other things. When we lean into the creative side of ourselves, we can grow in our relationship with God and reveal to others how God works in us. If we know Jesus—having put our trust in Him and believed in His life, death, and resurrection—He is always with us. Because His Holy Spirit lives inside believers, we can rely on Him to lovingly guide our creative process. As we work with Him, we can embrace the way we were designed to create. • Tynea Lewis • Can you think of a time when seeing somebody’s creativity reminded you of God’s creativity? What was that like? • What is your favorite way to create? There are endless ways to be creative, and you will probably encounter more and more areas of creativity throughout your life. How do you think God feels when you engage in something creative? • If you want to dig deeper, read Exodus 28:3-4; 31:1-6; 35:30–6:1. So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27 (NLT)  

READ: ROMANS 6:1-11 Sometimes I watch the seasons progress with awe. Everything looks dead in winter, and then suddenly one day in the spring, daffodils start popping up, and soon after the trees blossom and turn green. God has a pattern of bringing new life. In the beginning, God created everything, including people. Adam was nothing more than dust before God gathered up that dust, formed it, and breathed life into Adam. He gave Adam and Eve the calling to rule over the creatures of the Earth, giving dignity and purpose to what was once nothing but dust (Genesis 1:26-30). Similarly, God blessed Sarah’s 90-plus-year-old womb and gave her and Abraham a baby: Isaac. In this way God fulfilled His promise, and through Isaac He brought forth the whole nation of Israel (Genesis 17:15-19; 21:1-7). Generations later, Jesus called His followers to a new life. When Jesus called Peter and Andrew, two ordinary fishermen, He said, “‘Come, follow me…and I will send you out to fish for people.’ At once they left their nets and followed him” (Matthew 4:19-20). When Jesus called Levi, a tax collector who would’ve been considered a traitor to His own people, Jesus simply said, “Follow me” (Mark 2:14), and Levi got up from his tax collector’s booth and followed. These disciples left everything behind because Jesus called them to a new life. They went on to be leaders of the early church and served a great purpose as Christianity was just starting out. They became willing to endure terrible suffering and hardship because of Jesus. And Jesus Himself rose from the dead to new life. Jesus’s miraculous resurrection aligns so well with the character of God. Of course Jesus was resurrected into new life, and of course God invites us into that new life. That’s what He does! We see it all throughout God’s story, we see it in the beautiful world He has created, and we see it in our own lives. • Naomi Zylstra • Where have you seen God breathing new life in and around you? If nothing comes to mind, you can ask God to help you see how He has been working. • Do you have a favorite story from the Bible where God gave new life and purpose to something or someone that was dead (either literally deceased or otherwise hopeless)? • When Jesus returns, He will raise us to new life, and everyone who has put their trust in Jesus will live with Him forever! If you want to know more, check out our "Know Jesus" page. Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. Genesis 2:7 (NIV) 

READ: ROMANS 6:1-11 Sometimes I watch the seasons progress with awe. Everything looks dead in winter, and then suddenly one day in the spring, daffodils start popping up, and soon after the trees blossom and turn green. God has a pattern of bringing new life. In the beginning, God created everything, including people. Adam was nothing more than dust before God gathered up that dust, formed it, and breathed life into Adam. He gave Adam and Eve the calling to rule over the creatures of the Earth, giving dignity and purpose to what was once nothing but dust (Genesis 1:26-30). Similarly, God blessed Sarah’s 90-plus-year-old womb and gave her and Abraham a baby: Isaac. In this way God fulfilled His promise, and through Isaac He brought forth the whole nation of Israel (Genesis 17:15-19; 21:1-7). Generations later, Jesus called His followers to a new life. When Jesus called Peter and Andrew, two ordinary fishermen, He said, “‘Come, follow me…and I will send you out to fish for people.’ At once they left their nets and followed him” (Matthew 4:19-20). When Jesus called Levi, a tax collector who would’ve been considered a traitor to His own people, Jesus simply said, “Follow me” (Mark 2:14), and Levi got up from his tax collector’s booth and followed. These disciples left everything behind because Jesus called them to a new life. They went on to be leaders of the early church and served a great purpose as Christianity was just starting out. They became willing to endure terrible suffering and hardship because of Jesus. And Jesus Himself rose from the dead to new life. Jesus’s miraculous resurrection aligns so well with the character of God. Of course Jesus was resurrected into new life, and of course God invites us into that new life. That’s what He does! We see it all throughout God’s story, we see it in the beautiful world He has created, and we see it in our own lives. • Naomi Zylstra • Where have you seen God breathing new life in and around you? If nothing comes to mind, you can ask God to help you see how He has been working. • Do you have a favorite story from the Bible where God gave new life and purpose to something or someone that was dead (either literally deceased or otherwise hopeless)? • When Jesus returns, He will raise us to new life, and everyone who has put their trust in Jesus will live with Him forever! If you want to know more, check out our “Know Jesus” page. Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. Genesis 2:7 (NIV) 

READ: ROMANS 6:1-11 Sometimes I watch the seasons progress with awe. Everything looks dead in winter, and then suddenly one day in the spring, daffodils start popping up, and soon after the trees blossom and turn green. God has a pattern of bringing new life. In the beginning, God created everything, including people. Adam was nothing more than dust before God gathered up that dust, formed it, and breathed life into Adam. He gave Adam and Eve the calling to rule over the creatures of the Earth, giving dignity and purpose to what was once nothing but dust (Genesis 1:26-30). Similarly, God blessed Sarah’s 90-plus-year-old womb and gave her and Abraham a baby: Isaac. In this way God fulfilled His promise, and through Isaac He brought forth the whole nation of Israel (Genesis 17:15-19; 21:1-7). Generations later, Jesus called His followers to a new life. When Jesus called Peter and Andrew, two ordinary fishermen, He said, “‘Come, follow me…and I will send you out to fish for people.’ At once they left their nets and followed him” (Matthew 4:19-20). When Jesus called Levi, a tax collector who would’ve been considered a traitor to His own people, Jesus simply said, “Follow me” (Mark 2:14), and Levi got up from his tax collector’s booth and followed. These disciples left everything behind because Jesus called them to a new life. They went on to be leaders of the early church and served a great purpose as Christianity was just starting out. They became willing to endure terrible suffering and hardship because of Jesus. And Jesus Himself rose from the dead to new life. Jesus’s miraculous resurrection aligns so well with the character of God. Of course Jesus was resurrected into new life, and of course God invites us into that new life. That’s what He does! We see it all throughout God’s story, we see it in the beautiful world He has created, and we see it in our own lives. • Naomi Zylstra • Where have you seen God breathing new life in and around you? If nothing comes to mind, you can ask God to help you see how He has been working. • Do you have a favorite story from the Bible where God gave new life and purpose to something or someone that was dead (either literally deceased or otherwise hopeless)? • When Jesus returns, He will raise us to new life, and everyone who has put their trust in Jesus will live with Him forever! If you want to know more, check out our “Know Jesus” page. Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. Genesis 2:7 (NIV) 

READ: MATTHEW 7:1-5; GALATIANS 6:1-10 "What are they doing?” I grumbled to myself, watching a bright orange pickup truck in my rearview mirror weave in and out of traffic behind me. The driver apparently wanted to go faster than the cars in front of them, and kept tailgating the other cars and zooming over to the next lane to try to get ahead. This orange truck was far enough behind me that I didn’t feel unsafe, but I kept watching scornfully in my rearview mirror. Suddenly, I realized it had been several seconds since I actually looked at the road ahead of me. I had been so preoccupied with the orange truck that I wasn’t paying attention to my own driving. Thankfully, the road was calm and nobody had slammed on their brakes ahead of me, otherwise I could have gotten into an accident. I felt a prick of guilt thinking about my kids sitting in the back seat and how they could have been hurt because I wasn’t paying attention. Sometimes, we do the same thing in our spiritual lives. We see somebody do something outrageous and obviously evil, and we get so wrapped up watching them and judging them that we fail to notice our own sin. And sin always causes hurt. The truth is, I have no control over how other people act. When somebody does something terrible—especially somebody I don’t know personally—I can mourn their sin and pray for God’s restoration, and that’s about it. Everything else is just gawking. But when I see sin creeping its way into my own heart, I can actually do something about it. I can look to Jesus, who died and rose again for me—and for the driver of the orange truck—and ask Him to take this sin away from me. I can lean on His strength, forgiveness, and healing, and seek His wisdom in how to move on. And I can look forward to the day when He will return to resurrect us from the dead and rid the world of all sin—including mine—permanently. And that does a lot more good than gawking. • Taylor Eising • Why do you think it’s easier to focus on other people’s sin than our own sin? In what areas of your life are you tempted to do this? • God already knows all our sin, and He has secured our forgiveness through Jesus’s death and resurrection. Consider taking a moment to confess any of your own sins that come to mind. You can ask for His restoration and guidance in your own life, and also in other people’s lives. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” Matthew 7:3 (NIV)

READ: MATTHEW 7:1-5; GALATIANS 6:1-10 “What are they doing?” I grumbled to myself, watching a bright orange pickup truck in my rearview mirror weave in and out of traffic behind me. The driver apparently wanted to go faster than the cars in front of them, and kept tailgating the other cars and zooming over to the next lane to try to get ahead. This orange truck was far enough behind me that I didn’t feel unsafe, but I kept watching scornfully in my rearview mirror. Suddenly, I realized it had been several seconds since I actually looked at the road ahead of me. I had been so preoccupied with the orange truck that I wasn’t paying attention to my own driving. Thankfully, the road was calm and nobody had slammed on their brakes ahead of me, otherwise I could have gotten into an accident. I felt a prick of guilt thinking about my kids sitting in the back seat and how they could have been hurt because I wasn’t paying attention. Sometimes, we do the same thing in our spiritual lives. We see somebody do something outrageous and obviously evil, and we get so wrapped up watching them and judging them that we fail to notice our own sin. And sin always causes hurt. The truth is, I have no control over how other people act. When somebody does something terrible—especially somebody I don’t know personally—I can mourn their sin and pray for God’s restoration, and that’s about it. Everything else is just gawking. But when I see sin creeping its way into my own heart, I can actually do something about it. I can look to Jesus, who died and rose again for me—and for the driver of the orange truck—and ask Him to take this sin away from me. I can lean on His strength, forgiveness, and healing, and seek His wisdom in how to move on. And I can look forward to the day when He will return to resurrect us from the dead and rid the world of all sin—including mine—permanently. And that does a lot more good than gawking. • Taylor Eising • Why do you think it’s easier to focus on other people’s sin than our own sin? In what areas of your life are you tempted to do this? • God already knows all our sin, and He has secured our forgiveness through Jesus’s death and resurrection. Consider taking a moment to confess any of your own sins that come to mind. You can ask for His restoration and guidance in your own life, and also in other people’s lives. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” Matthew 7:3 (NIV)

READ: MATTHEW 7:1-5; GALATIANS 6:1-10 “What are they doing?” I grumbled to myself, watching a bright orange pickup truck in my rearview mirror weave in and out of traffic behind me. The driver apparently wanted to go faster than the cars in front of them, and kept tailgating the other cars and zooming over to the next lane to try to get ahead. This orange truck was far enough behind me that I didn’t feel unsafe, but I kept watching scornfully in my rearview mirror. Suddenly, I realized it had been several seconds since I actually looked at the road ahead of me. I had been so preoccupied with the orange truck that I wasn’t paying attention to my own driving. Thankfully, the road was calm and nobody had slammed on their brakes ahead of me, otherwise I could have gotten into an accident. I felt a prick of guilt thinking about my kids sitting in the back seat and how they could have been hurt because I wasn’t paying attention. Sometimes, we do the same thing in our spiritual lives. We see somebody do something outrageous and obviously evil, and we get so wrapped up watching them and judging them that we fail to notice our own sin. And sin always causes hurt. The truth is, I have no control over how other people act. When somebody does something terrible—especially somebody I don’t know personally—I can mourn their sin and pray for God’s restoration, and that’s about it. Everything else is just gawking. But when I see sin creeping its way into my own heart, I can actually do something about it. I can look to Jesus, who died and rose again for me—and for the driver of the orange truck—and ask Him to take this sin away from me. I can lean on His strength, forgiveness, and healing, and seek His wisdom in how to move on. And I can look forward to the day when He will return to resurrect us from the dead and rid the world of all sin—including mine—permanently. And that does a lot more good than gawking. • Taylor Eising • Why do you think it’s easier to focus on other people’s sin than our own sin? In what areas of your life are you tempted to do this? • God already knows all our sin, and He has secured our forgiveness through Jesus’s death and resurrection. Consider taking a moment to confess any of your own sins that come to mind. You can ask for His restoration and guidance in your own life, and also in other people’s lives. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” Matthew 7:3 (NIV)

READ: 1 CORINTHIANS 12:12-27; 1 TIMOTHY 3:1-9 Have you ever wondered what pastors do when they’re not preaching, visiting people in hospitals, or doing other pastoral things? Some people seem to think pastors study and read the Bible all the time. While pastors do study more than most people because they teach God’s Word at church, they’re really just like anybody else. Jesus continues to work in the lives of pastors and help them get to know Him better, just like He does with other Christians. It’s easy to be awed by someone who holds a church leadership position, and we might even start to assume they’re some kind of superhuman Christian. But this isn’t the case. Pastors need Jesus just as much as we all do! Even though church leaders have what the Bible calls “an honorable position” teaching God’s Word, they are regular people (1 Timothy 3:1). They have likes, dislikes, hobbies, trials, joys, families, and friends. They have temptations, they sin, and they need forgiveness— just like the rest of us. Simply put, pastors are people too. So, get to know your pastors if you can, and pray for them. Remember that pastors have physical, spiritual, emotional, and relational needs just like we all do. They have their own questions and doubts and temptations and times when they don’t feel connected to God. They need time to rest, and they need support and guidance and accountability from people they trust. Even though pastors are leaders in the church, they are still part of the church. And we all need each other. So, as you pray for the pastors in your life, you can ask God to provide for their needs and help them share His love with others—including you. And you can also ask God to show you ways your whole church community, including pastors, can serve and bless each other. In this way, we get to reflect the same love Christ has shown all of us. • A. W. Smith • What pastors do you know? What assumptions have you made about their lives? • What are some ways you can pray for and show Jesus’s love to your pastor(s)and your whole church community? Consider taking some time to pray and write down whatever comes to mind. • Pastors are part of the church, which the Bible sometimes calls “the body of Christ.” Each of us is a vital part of the body, and as we abide in Jesus we learn to love each other well. If you want to dig deeper, read John 15:1-17;Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Corinthians 12:25–13:13; 1 Peter 4:8-11. “If someone aspires to be a church leader, he desires an honorable position.” 1 Timothy 3:1 (NLT) 

READ: 1 CORINTHIANS 12:12-27; 1 TIMOTHY 3:1-9 Have you ever wondered what pastors do when they’re not preaching, visiting people in hospitals, or doing other pastoral things? Some people seem to think pastors study and read the Bible all the time. While pastors do study more than most people because they teach God’s Word at church, they’re really just like anybody else. Jesus continues to work in the lives of pastors and help them get to know Him better, just like He does with other Christians. It’s easy to be awed by someone who holds a church leadership position, and we might even start to assume they’re some kind of superhuman Christian. But this isn’t the case. Pastors need Jesus just as much as we all do! Even though church leaders have what the Bible calls “an honorable position” teaching God’s Word, they are regular people (1 Timothy 3:1). They have likes, dislikes, hobbies, trials, joys, families, and friends. They have temptations, they sin, and they need forgiveness— just like the rest of us. Simply put, pastors are people too. So, get to know your pastors if you can, and pray for them. Remember that pastors have physical, spiritual, emotional, and relational needs just like we all do. They have their own questions and doubts and temptations and times when they don’t feel connected to God. They need time to rest, and they need support and guidance and accountability from people they trust. Even though pastors are leaders in the church, they are still part of the church. And we all need each other. So, as you pray for the pastors in your life, you can ask God to provide for their needs and help them share His love with others—including you. And you can also ask God to show you ways your whole church community, including pastors, can serve and bless each other. In this way, we get to reflect the same love Christ has shown all of us. • A. W. Smith • What pastors do you know? What assumptions have you made about their lives? • What are some ways you can pray for and show Jesus’s love to your pastor(s) and your whole church community? Consider taking some time to pray and write down whatever comes to mind. • Pastors are part of the church, which the Bible sometimes calls “the body of Christ.” Each of us is a vital part of the body, and as we abide in Jesus we learn to love each other well. If you want to dig deeper, read John 15:1-17; Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Corinthians 12:25–13:13; 1 Peter 4:8-11. “If someone aspires to be a church leader, he desires an honorable position.” 1 Timothy 3:1 (NLT) 

READ: 1 CORINTHIANS 12:12-27; 1 TIMOTHY 3:1-9 Have you ever wondered what pastors do when they’re not preaching, visiting people in hospitals, or doing other pastoral things? Some people seem to think pastors study and read the Bible all the time. While pastors do study more than most people because they teach God’s Word at church, they’re really just like anybody else. Jesus continues to work in the lives of pastors and help them get to know Him better, just like He does with other Christians. It’s easy to be awed by someone who holds a church leadership position, and we might even start to assume they’re some kind of superhuman Christian. But this isn’t the case. Pastors need Jesus just as much as we all do! Even though church leaders have what the Bible calls “an honorable position” teaching God’s Word, they are regular people (1 Timothy 3:1). They have likes, dislikes, hobbies, trials, joys, families, and friends. They have temptations, they sin, and they need forgiveness— just like the rest of us. Simply put, pastors are people too. So, get to know your pastors if you can, and pray for them. Remember that pastors have physical, spiritual, emotional, and relational needs just like we all do. They have their own questions and doubts and temptations and times when they don’t feel connected to God. They need time to rest, and they need support and guidance and accountability from people they trust. Even though pastors are leaders in the church, they are still part of the church. And we all need each other. So, as you pray for the pastors in your life, you can ask God to provide for their needs and help them share His love with others—including you. And you can also ask God to show you ways your whole church community, including pastors, can serve and bless each other. In this way, we get to reflect the same love Christ has shown all of us. • A. W. Smith • What pastors do you know? What assumptions have you made about their lives? • What are some ways you can pray for and show Jesus’s love to your pastor(s) and your whole church community? Consider taking some time to pray and write down whatever comes to mind. • Pastors are part of the church, which the Bible sometimes calls “the body of Christ.” Each of us is a vital part of the body, and as we abide in Jesus we learn to love each other well. If you want to dig deeper, read John 15:1-17; Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Corinthians 12:25–13:13; 1 Peter 4:8-11. “If someone aspires to be a church leader, he desires an honorable position.” 1 Timothy 3:1 (NLT) 

READ: EZEKIEL 1; REVELATION 1 When you start reading the Bible, it doesn’t take long to realize there is some strange stuff in prophetic books like Revelation and Ezekiel, especially the visions about crazy creatures and symbols that seem bizarre in our contemporary context. Why are those things in the Bible if they’re hard to understand and interpret? Well, since everything in the Bible is there for a reason and inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16), I’ve begun to realize the value of having confusing things in the Bible. These passages aren’t always written literally; they use a lot of figurative language. Often, visions use the word “like,” meaning this is the writer’s way of describing something unfamiliar to us by comparing it to something familiar. For example, in Revelation 1:16, John writes that his vision of Christ was “like the sun shining in all its brilliance.” These visions are so beyond our imaginations that we as humans can only begin to describe them by comparing them to something simpler. I’m still often confused after reading passages in the Bible that are full of wild imagery and symbolism, but they remind me of something important: God is beyond our understanding. His thoughts and plans are way beyond what we can fully grasp (Isaiah 55:8-9). Reading passages in the Bible that confuse me fills me with a sense of awe and wonder at God’s hugeness and power. And it’s amazing to think that this huge, powerful God became human and lived among us. In fact, the whole Bible points toward Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of His ministry and His coming kingdom (Luke 24:27; John 5:39; 20:31; Acts 8:26-40). He lived a perfect life, died on the cross, and was resurrected from the dead on our behalf. The Bible reveals that God loves us so much, and He made the way for us to know Him and be with Him forever in Christ. It’s humbling to remember how little I know and understand, but comforting to know that in the vastness of the universe, the King and Creator of it all knows me, loves me, and cares about the little details of my life. • Abby Ciona • What are some of the Bible passages that confuse you? Who could you talk to about these passages, such as pastors, teachers, parents, or church elders? One helpful way to move forward is to use a study Bible (either a physical Bible, an app, or a website with notes from reputable Bible scholars). What resources can you find to help you understand the Bible in a deeper way? “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV)  

READ: EZEKIEL 1; REVELATION 1 When you start reading the Bible, it doesn’t take long to realize there is some strange stuff in prophetic books like Revelation and Ezekiel, especially the visions about crazy creatures and symbols that seem bizarre in our contemporary context. Why are those things in the Bible if they’re hard to understand and interpret? Well, since everything in the Bible is there for a reason and inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16), I’ve begun to realize the value of having confusing things in the Bible. These passages aren’t always written literally; they use a lot of figurative language. Often, visions use the word “like,” meaning this is the writer’s way of describing something unfamiliar to us by comparing it to something familiar. For example, in Revelation 1:16, John writes that his vision of Christ was “like the sun shining in all its brilliance.” These visions are so beyond our imaginations that we as humans can only begin to describe them by comparing them to something simpler. I’m still often confused after reading passages in the Bible that are full of wild imagery and symbolism, but they remind me of something important: God is beyond our understanding. His thoughts and plans are way beyond what we can fully grasp (Isaiah 55:8-9). Reading passages in the Bible that confuse me fills me with a sense of awe and wonder at God’s hugeness and power. And it’s amazing to think that this huge, powerful God became human and lived among us. In fact, the whole Bible points toward Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of His ministry and His coming kingdom (Luke 24:27; John 5:39; 20:31; Acts 8:26-40). He lived a perfect life, died on the cross, and was resurrected from the dead on our behalf. The Bible reveals that God loves us so much, and He made the way for us to know Him and be with Him forever in Christ. It’s humbling to remember how little I know and understand, but comforting to know that in the vastness of the universe, the King and Creator of it all knows me, loves me, and cares about the little details of my life. • Abby Ciona • What are some of the Bible passages that confuse you? Who could you talk to about these passages, such as pastors, teachers, parents, or church elders? One helpful way to move forward is to use a study Bible (either a physical Bible, an app, or a website with notes from reputable Bible scholars). What resources can you find to help you understand the Bible in a deeper way? “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV)  

READ: EZEKIEL 1; REVELATION 1 When you start reading the Bible, it doesn’t take long to realize there is some strange stuff in prophetic books like Revelation and Ezekiel, especially the visions about crazy creatures and symbols that seem bizarre in our contemporary context. Why are those things in the Bible if they’re hard to understand and interpret? Well, since everything in the Bible is there for a reason and inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16), I’ve begun to realize the value of having confusing things in the Bible. These passages aren’t always written literally; they use a lot of figurative language. Often, visions use the word “like,” meaning this is the writer’s way of describing something unfamiliar to us by comparing it to something familiar. For example, in Revelation 1:16, John writes that his vision of Christ was “like the sun shining in all its brilliance.” These visions are so beyond our imaginations that we as humans can only begin to describe them by comparing them to something simpler. I’m still often confused after reading passages in the Bible that are full of wild imagery and symbolism, but they remind me of something important: God is beyond our understanding. His thoughts and plans are way beyond what we can fully grasp (Isaiah 55:8-9). Reading passages in the Bible that confuse me fills me with a sense of awe and wonder at God’s hugeness and power. And it’s amazing to think that this huge, powerful God became human and lived among us. In fact, the whole Bible points toward Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of His ministry and His coming kingdom (Luke 24:27; John 5:39; 20:31; Acts 8:26-40). He lived a perfect life, died on the cross, and was resurrected from the dead on our behalf. The Bible reveals that God loves us so much, and He made the way for us to know Him and be with Him forever in Christ. It’s humbling to remember how little I know and understand, but comforting to know that in the vastness of the universe, the King and Creator of it all knows me, loves me, and cares about the little details of my life. • Abby Ciona • What are some of the Bible passages that confuse you? Who could you talk to about these passages, such as pastors, teachers, parents, or church elders? One helpful way to move forward is to use a study Bible (either a physical Bible, an app, or a website with notes from reputable Bible scholars). What resources can you find to help you understand the Bible in a deeper way? “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV)  

READ: PROVERBS 19:11; 1 CORINTHIANS 13:4-5; PHILIPPIANS 2:1-13 Frigid air made my eyes water as I pulled my cloak tighter around me. I watched my breath come out in little puffs of white, an ode to the snow that most certainly lingered on the horizon. Night would soon be upon me, and I needed to make camp and a fire, but my cloak called to me. Opening the folds of my leather cloak, I pulled out one of the gems from one of the many pockets: an egg-sized ruby. Shimmering in its crimson depths was a tale from my past, this one not fifty days old. “We are sorry, but you’re just not who we need.” My fingers gripped the ruby harder as the memory washed over me. “This other warrior is more qualified to complete the task...” My cheeks burned with shame and anger as I placed the gem back in its pocket. As the sun broke over the mountains, I stretched my stiff back. I had lost more time than I thought caught up in reminiscing over that ruby, so when I finally fell asleep, my bedding of hard ground had to suffice. Tonight I would take the time to craft an appropriate bed. My stomach protested in hunger, reminding me that I needed sustenance for the journey ahead. But, the cloak called to me. Deep in a pocket near my heart, I reached for an emerald as large as my fist. The glistening green of the gem blurred as tears clouded my vision. I watched a scene I knew well despite the years that had passed. “The way you handled that was wrong...I can’t believe how much time I’ve wasted being with you.” This memory hurt more than others, for the person speaking was dear to my heart. Hours passed of reliving the hurt before I remembered I must continue my journey. At midday, I could feel my steps growing heavier, my energy waning. How would I ever make it to my destination? Suddenly, there was a brilliant flash of light—and a man materialized beside me. Stunned into silence, I gaped at Him while He smiled at me. This smile was the most genuine, kind smile I had ever seen. He spoke no words but simply placed a warm hand on my shoulder. “I can’t make the journey; it’s too much for me.” I don’t know why I shared this, but something in me told me I could place my trust in Him. He gestured to my cloak, and I noticed deep scars on His hands. “This cloak? Oh, I need it.” He looked straight into my eyes, and I saw the depth of His love for me. He held out His scarred hands and waited. Somehow I knew, without Him saying a word, that He would wait all day, all my life even. I knew that He would be here whenever I was ready. I pulled my cloak tighter around me and attempted another step, staggering under the weight. Tears shone in His eyes, brighter than any gem. In His eyes, I saw my past, present, and future. I saw every mistake I had ever made and how I broke His heart time and again. In spite of all the times I had offended Him, I saw the end result: He died for me. Those nail scars on His hands were because of me. Weeping, I fell to my knees and handed Him the heavy cloak. If He loves me enough to give His life for me and forgive all my offenses, the least I could do was give Him my life. “I don’t have much,” I whispered, “but I choose to give You my cloak of offenses. Help me fix my eyes on Your love instead." He pulled me to my feet and kept my hand in His. Together, we took a step. The air was still cold without my cloak, but His presence kept me warm. I was finally free. • Savannah Coleman  • Many things can burden us. Our own sin can weigh us down and make moving forward seem impossible. We may feel like we don’t

READ: PROVERBS 19:11; 1 CORINTHIANS 13:4-5; PHILIPPIANS 2:1-13 Frigid air made my eyes water as I pulled my cloak tighter around me. I watched my breath come out in little puffs of white, an ode to the snow that most certainly lingered on the horizon. Night would soon be upon me, and I needed to make camp and a fire, but my cloak called to me. Opening the folds of my leather cloak, I pulled out one of the gems from one of the many pockets: an egg-sized ruby. Shimmering in its crimson depths was a tale from my past, this one not fifty days old. “We are sorry, but you’re just not who we need.” My fingers gripped the ruby harder as the memory washed over me. “This other warrior is more qualified to complete the task…” My cheeks burned with shame and anger as I placed the gem back in its pocket. As the sun broke over the mountains, I stretched my stiff back. I had lost more time than I thought caught up in reminiscing over that ruby, so when I finally fell asleep, my bedding of hard ground had to suffice. Tonight I would take the time to craft an appropriate bed. My stomach protested in hunger, reminding me that I needed sustenance for the journey ahead. But, the cloak called to me. Deep in a pocket near my heart, I reached for an emerald as large as my fist. The glistening green of the gem blurred as tears clouded my vision. I watched a scene I knew well despite the years that had passed. “The way you handled that was wrong…I can’t believe how much time I’ve wasted being with you.” This memory hurt more than others, for the person speaking was dear to my heart. Hours passed of reliving the hurt before I remembered I must continue my journey. At midday, I could feel my steps growing heavier, my energy waning. How would I ever make it to my destination? Suddenly, there was a brilliant flash of light—and a man materialized beside me. Stunned into silence, I gaped at Him while He smiled at me. This smile was the most genuine, kind smile I had ever seen. He spoke no words but simply placed a warm hand on my shoulder. “I can’t make the journey; it’s too much for me.” I don’t know why I shared this, but something in me told me I could place my trust in Him. He gestured to my cloak, and I noticed deep scars on His hands. “This cloak? Oh, I need it.” He looked straight into my eyes, and I saw the depth of His love for me. He held out His scarred hands and waited. Somehow I knew, without Him saying a word, that He would wait all day, all my life even. I knew that He would be here whenever I was ready. I pulled my cloak tighter around me and attempted another step, staggering under the weight. Tears shone in His eyes, brighter than any gem. In His eyes, I saw my past, present, and future. I saw every mistake I had ever made and how I broke His heart time and again. In spite of all the times I had offended Him, I saw the end result: He died for me. Those nail scars on His hands were because of me. Weeping, I fell to my knees and handed Him the heavy cloak. If He loves me enough to give His life for me and forgive all my offenses, the least I could do was give Him my life. “I don’t have much,” I whispered, “but I choose to give You my cloak of offenses. Help me fix my eyes on Your love instead.” He pulled me to my feet and kept my hand in His. Together, we took a step. The air was still cold without my cloak, but His presence kept me warm. I was finally free. • Savannah Coleman  • Many things can burden us. Our own sin can weigh us down and make moving forward seem impossible. We may feel like we don’t deserve the freedom and forgiveness Jesus offers. However, our perfect and humble Jesus loves us so much that He took our sin upon Himself when He died on the cros...

READ: PROVERBS 19:11; 1 CORINTHIANS 13:4-5; PHILIPPIANS 2:1-13 Frigid air made my eyes water as I pulled my cloak tighter around me. I watched my breath come out in little puffs of white, an ode to the snow that most certainly lingered on the horizon. Night would soon be upon me, and I needed to make camp and a fire, but my cloak called to me. Opening the folds of my leather cloak, I pulled out one of the gems from one of the many pockets: an egg-sized ruby. Shimmering in its crimson depths was a tale from my past, this one not fifty days old. “We are sorry, but you’re just not who we need.” My fingers gripped the ruby harder as the memory washed over me. “This other warrior is more qualified to complete the task…” My cheeks burned with shame and anger as I placed the gem back in its pocket. As the sun broke over the mountains, I stretched my stiff back. I had lost more time than I thought caught up in reminiscing over that ruby, so when I finally fell asleep, my bedding of hard ground had to suffice. Tonight I would take the time to craft an appropriate bed. My stomach protested in hunger, reminding me that I needed sustenance for the journey ahead. But, the cloak called to me. Deep in a pocket near my heart, I reached for an emerald as large as my fist. The glistening green of the gem blurred as tears clouded my vision. I watched a scene I knew well despite the years that had passed. “The way you handled that was wrong…I can’t believe how much time I’ve wasted being with you.” This memory hurt more than others, for the person speaking was dear to my heart. Hours passed of reliving the hurt before I remembered I must continue my journey. At midday, I could feel my steps growing heavier, my energy waning. How would I ever make it to my destination? Suddenly, there was a brilliant flash of light—and a man materialized beside me. Stunned into silence, I gaped at Him while He smiled at me. This smile was the most genuine, kind smile I had ever seen. He spoke no words but simply placed a warm hand on my shoulder. “I can’t make the journey; it’s too much for me.” I don’t know why I shared this, but something in me told me I could place my trust in Him. He gestured to my cloak, and I noticed deep scars on His hands. “This cloak? Oh, I need it.” He looked straight into my eyes, and I saw the depth of His love for me. He held out His scarred hands and waited. Somehow I knew, without Him saying a word, that He would wait all day, all my life even. I knew that He would be here whenever I was ready. I pulled my cloak tighter around me and attempted another step, staggering under the weight. Tears shone in His eyes, brighter than any gem. In His eyes, I saw my past, present, and future. I saw every mistake I had ever made and how I broke His heart time and again. In spite of all the times I had offended Him, I saw the end result: He died for me. Those nail scars on His hands were because of me. Weeping, I fell to my knees and handed Him the heavy cloak. If He loves me enough to give His life for me and forgive all my offenses, the least I could do was give Him my life. “I don’t have much,” I whispered, “but I choose to give You my cloak of offenses. Help me fix my eyes on Your love instead.” He pulled me to my feet and kept my hand in His. Together, we took a step. The air was still cold without my cloak, but His presence kept me warm. I was finally free. • Savannah Coleman  • Many things can burden us. Our own sin can weigh us down and make moving forward seem impossible. We may fee

READ: 1 CORINTHIANS 2:12-16; GALATIANS 5:16-26; EPHESIANS 5:1-20 I’ve always had a sweet tooth. On one special occasion, this served as a great qualification for a unique job. My family and I had joined with others in our community for a fun-filled summer day, complete with a barbecue, picnic, games, and a dessert contest. I had been asked to arrive early and help judge the desserts. My mouth watered at the idea! Over one hundred people were there, and multiple people in each family submitted a dessert to be judged. I ate just a small amount of each sweet treat entered in the competition. But after dozens and dozens of cakes, cookies, and pies, I was too full for the barbecue. I skipped the meal because I’d eaten so many bites of dessert that I couldn’t hold anything else. That day, fulfilling my role as judge, I filled up on sweets and had no room for more nutritious food. In our spiritual lives, we’re invited to be filled as well—but with something more than sweets. In Ephesians 5:18, Paul writes, “Be filled with the Holy Spirit.” When we put our trust in Jesus—believing in His life, death, and resurrection—our sins are forgiven, we become God’s children, and He sends His Spirit, who is God, to live in us. Isn’t that amazing? The Holy Spirit indwells all believers, comforting us and helping us understand God’s Word, know His love, follow His leading, and pray according to God’s will. Not only does God the Holy Spirit dwell inside followers of Jesus, He wants to fill us. Whatever fills us sets the direction for our choices and actions and leaves room for nothing else. When we have a relationship with God in His Son, we can choose to live filled with His Spirit. • Allison Wilson Lee • If we know Jesus, the Holy Spirit lives in us, or indwells us. Consider taking a moment to thank God for this amazing gift! (If you want to dig deeper, read more about the Holy Spirit in John 14:15-27; 15:26; Romans 5:5; 8:1-39;Ephesians 1:13-14; Philippians 2:13; 2 Timothy 1:7.) • We are called to pursue God first and foremost. When we do, all our other desires and pursuits find their right place in our hearts and in our lives. What are you tempted to pursue over God? • When we are yielding to the Spirit, we are empowered to follow God’s good ways, we can confess and turn away from sin, and we see the fruit the Spirit produces in our lives: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). What does a Spirit-filled life look like? (Hint: reread today’s Bible passages.) …be filled with the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 (NLT) 

READ: 1 CORINTHIANS 2:12-16; GALATIANS 5:16-26; EPHESIANS 5:1-20 I’ve always had a sweet tooth. On one special occasion, this served as a great qualification for a unique job. My family and I had joined with others in our community for a fun-filled summer day, complete with a barbecue, picnic, games, and a dessert contest. I had been asked to arrive early and help judge the desserts. My mouth watered at the idea! Over one hundred people were there, and multiple people in each family submitted a dessert to be judged. I ate just a small amount of each sweet treat entered in the competition. But after dozens and dozens of cakes, cookies, and pies, I was too full for the barbecue. I skipped the meal because I’d eaten so many bites of dessert that I couldn’t hold anything else. That day, fulfilling my role as judge, I filled up on sweets and had no room for more nutritious food. In our spiritual lives, we’re invited to be filled as well—but with something more than sweets. In Ephesians 5:18, Paul writes, “Be filled with the Holy Spirit.” When we put our trust in Jesus—believing in His life, death, and resurrection—our sins are forgiven, we become God’s children, and He sends His Spirit, who is God, to live in us. Isn’t that amazing? The Holy Spirit indwells all believers, comforting us and helping us understand God’s Word, know His love, follow His leading, and pray according to God’s will. Not only does God the Holy Spirit dwell inside followers of Jesus, He wants to fill us. Whatever fills us sets the direction for our choices and actions and leaves room for nothing else. When we have a relationship with God in His Son, we can choose to live filled with His Spirit. • Allison Wilson Lee • If we know Jesus, the Holy Spirit lives in us, or indwells us. Consider taking a moment to thank God for this amazing gift! (If you want to dig deeper, read more about the Holy Spirit in John 14:15-27; 15:26; Romans 5:5; 8:1-39;Ephesians 1:13-14; Philippians 2:13; 2 Timothy 1:7.) • We are called to pursue God first and foremost. When we do, all our other desires and pursuits find their right place in our hearts and in our lives. What are you tempted to pursue over God? • When we are yielding to the Spirit, we are empowered to follow God’s good ways, we can confess and turn away from sin, and we see the fruit the Spirit produces in our lives: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). What does a Spirit-filled life look like? (Hint: reread today’s Bible passages.) …be filled with the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 (NLT) 

READ: 1 CORINTHIANS 2:12-16; GALATIANS 5:16-26; EPHESIANS 5:1-20 I’ve always had a sweet tooth. On one special occasion, this served as a great qualification for a unique job. My family and I had joined with others in our community for a fun-filled summer day, complete with a barbecue, picnic, games, and a dessert contest. I had been asked to arrive early and help judge the desserts. My mouth watered at the idea! Over one hundred people were there, and multiple people in each family submitted a dessert to be judged. I ate just a small amount of each sweet treat entered in the competition. But after dozens and dozens of cakes, cookies, and pies, I was too full for the barbecue. I skipped the meal because I’d eaten so many bites of dessert that I couldn’t hold anything else. That day, fulfilling my role as judge, I filled up on sweets and had no room for more nutritious food. In our spiritual lives, we’re invited to be filled as well—but with something more than sweets. In Ephesians 5:18, Paul writes, “Be filled with the Holy Spirit.” When we put our trust in Jesus—believing in His life, death, and resurrection—our sins are forgiven, we become God’s children, and He sends His Spirit, who is God, to live in us. Isn’t that amazing? The Holy Spirit indwells all believers, comforting us and helping us understand God’s Word, know His love, follow His leading, and pray according to God’s will. Not only does God the Holy Spirit dwell inside followers of Jesus, He wants to fill us. Whatever fills us sets the direction for our choices and actions and leaves room for nothing else. When we have a relationship with God in His Son, we can choose to live filled with His Spirit. • Allison Wilson Lee • If we know Jesus, the Holy Spirit lives in us, or indwells us. Consider taking a moment to thank God for this amazing gift! (If you want to dig deeper, read more about the Holy Spirit in John 14:15-27; 15:26; Romans 5:5; 8:1-39;Ephesians 1:13-14; Philippians 2:13; 2 Timothy 1:7.) • We are called to pursue God first and foremost. When we do, all our other desires and pursuits find their right place in our hearts and in our lives. What are you tempted to pursue over God? • When we are yielding to the Spirit, we are empowered to follow God’s good ways, we can confess and turn away from sin, and we see the fruit the Spirit produces in our lives: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). What does a Spirit-filled life look like? (Hint: reread today’s Bible passages.) …be filled with the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 (NLT) 

READ: NEHEMIAH 8:8-12; PSALMS 16:9-11; 68:3-6 Some of us have grown up thinking that Christians are meant to be serious all of the time. It’s like we see a group of people having fun and laughing loudly and we think, “No, that’s not for us.” Some people are even hesitant to become Christians because they’re worried about all they would have to give up. They might wonder whether or not they would ever be allowed to be happy again. But the Bible doesn’t say Christians aren’t supposed to be happy. Instead, the Bible talks about joy and even happiness coming to those who follow God! For example, Psalm 68:3 says, “May the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful.” Who are the righteous? Well, apart from God, none of us are righteous, or sinless. But Jesus died on the cross for us and rose from the grave so we could be counted righteous before God (2 Corinthians 5:21). So, why shouldn’t we be happy? We have a God who loves us, who delights in us, and who is watching over us. As Christians, we have been saved from sin and death, and nothing will ever separate us from God’s love. And we have hope that one day Jesus will return to renew heaven and earth. We are going to live with Him forever in the most beautiful and perfect place. Hard times will come, and we will have days when we feel down about all that we are facing, but we don’t have to stay that way. When we start to feel happy again, we can lean into that. We can rejoice. We can have a good time! We don’t have to live our days acting completely serious and somber. Our faith is not a burden that is weighing us down. It’s a wonderful gift! When we know Jesus, we “are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy” (1 Peter 1:8). • Emily Acker • Do you ever feel like God doesn’t want you to be happy? Why do you think that is? • God delights in His creation, and He invites us to delight with Him in all He has made! What are some of the things that make you happy—like your favorite foods, favorite music, favorite places, etc.? Consider taking a moment to thank God for these things! • If you feel like God may be calling you to give up something because it’s getting in the way of the abundant life He has for you (John 10:10), who is a trusted Christian mentor you could talk to about it? But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful. Psalm 68:3 (NIV)  

READ: NEHEMIAH 8:8-12; PSALMS 16:9-11; 68:3-6 Some of us have grown up thinking that Christians are meant to be serious all of the time. It’s like we see a group of people having fun and laughing loudly and we think, “No, that’s not for us.” Some people are even hesitant to become Christians because they’re worried about all they would have to give up. They might wonder whether or not they would ever be allowed to be happy again. But the Bible doesn’t say Christians aren’t supposed to be happy. Instead, the Bible talks about joy and even happiness coming to those who follow God! For example, Psalm 68:3 says, “May the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful.” Who are the righteous? Well, apart from God, none of us are righteous, or sinless. But Jesus died on the cross for us and rose from the grave so we could be counted righteous before God (2 Corinthians 5:21). So, why shouldn’t we be happy? We have a God who loves us, who delights in us, and who is watching over us. As Christians, we have been saved from sin and death, and nothing will ever separate us from God’s love. And we have hope that one day Jesus will return to renew heaven and earth. We are going to live with Him forever in the most beautiful and perfect place. Hard times will come, and we will have days when we feel down about all that we are facing, but we don’t have to stay that way. When we start to feel happy again, we can lean into that. We can rejoice. We can have a good time! We don’t have to live our days acting completely serious and somber. Our faith is not a burden that is weighing us down. It’s a wonderful gift! When we know Jesus, we “are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy” (1 Peter 1:8). • Emily Acker • Do you ever feel like God doesn’t want you to be happy? Why do you think that is? • God delights in His creation, and He invites us to delight with Him in all He has made! What are some of the things that make you happy—like your favorite foods, favorite music, favorite places, etc.? Consider taking a moment to thank God for these things! • If you feel like God may be calling you to give up something because it’s getting in the way of the abundant life He has for you (John 10:10), who is a trusted Christian mentor you could talk to about it? But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful. Psalm 68:3 (NIV)  

READ: NEHEMIAH 8:8-12; PSALMS 16:9-11; 68:3-6 Some of us have grown up thinking that Christians are meant to be serious all of the time. It’s like we see a group of people having fun and laughing loudly and we think, “No, that’s not for us.” Some people are even hesitant to become Christians because they’re worried about all they would have to give up. They might wonder whether or not they would ever be allowed to be happy again. But the Bible doesn’t say Christians aren’t supposed to be happy. Instead, the Bible talks about joy and even happiness coming to those who follow God! For example, Psalm 68:3 says, “May the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful.” Who are the righteous? Well, apart from God, none of us are righteous, or sinless. But Jesus died on the cross for us and rose from the grave so we could be counted righteous before God (2 Corinthians 5:21). So, why shouldn’t we be happy? We have a God who loves us, who delights in us, and who is watching over us. As Christians, we have been saved from sin and death, and nothing will ever separate us from God’s love. And we have hope that one day Jesus will return to renew heaven and earth. We are going to live with Him forever in the most beautiful and perfect place. Hard times will come, and we will have days when we feel down about all that we are facing, but we don’t have to stay that way. When we start to feel happy again, we can lean into that. We can rejoice. We can have a good time! We don’t have to live our days acting completely serious and somber. Our faith is not a burden that is weighing us down. It’s a wonderful gift! When we know Jesus, we “are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy” (1 Peter 1:8). • Emily Acker • Do you ever feel like God doesn’t want you to be happy? Why do you think that is? • God delights in His creation, and He invites us to delight with Him in all He has made! What are some of the things that make you happy—like your favorite foods, favorite music, favorite places, etc.? Consider taking a moment to thank God for these things! • If you feel like God may be calling you to give up something because it’s getting in the way of the abundant life He has for you (John 10:10), who is a trusted Christian mentor you could talk to about it? But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful. Psalm 68:3 (NIV)  

READ: EPHESIANS 6:18-20; PHILIPPIANS 2:12-16; 1 PETER 3:15-16 As Christians, we’re called to share the good news of Jesus with others. And this is a wonderful thing—it’s an honor to be entrusted with such a task. But have you ever been around somebody telling others about Jesus in a way that just doesn’t seem all that great? It might feel like this person is bragging because they know Jesus and others don’t. While it’s commendable to have the courage to speak up about Jesus, we should be careful to consider the way we witness to others. If people don’t even like to be around us, maybe our approach needs to change. In Matthew 5, Jesus tells His disciples, “You are the light of the world…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (verse 14-16). A person’s witness—the way they share Jesus with others—can be like a floodlight shining in someone’s eyes, blinding them. On the other hand, a witness with a kind, gentle spirit is like a scented candle (2 Corinthians 2:14-16). As Christians, sometimes we’re tempted to be a floodlight in situations when a candle is needed. Think about it this way—imagine you walk into your friend’s home, and you’re greeted by the warm, calming scent of coconut. Even though the smell is coming from a candle, it makes you hungry for your favorite dessert: coconut cake. Just as a scented candle can make us hungry for the real thing, a gentle witness can make people hungry to know Jesus. When we consistently treat others the way Jesus would and gently tell them what He means to us, they can see the difference He’s made in our lives. Then they may decide they want to know Him too. So, how will you witness? Will you be like a floodlight, trying to shine God’s truth on people all at once? Or will you be like a scented candle, gently yet consistently pointing to Him in your words and actions? While there are times when a direct conversation with someone about Jesus is necessary, we should never do it with a know-it-all attitude. Instead, we can remember that we need Jesus just as much as anybody, and we can let our lives be filled with the aroma of His love and kindness so others will be hungry to know Him too. • A. W. Smith • Think about how you came to know Jesus. Were there any people who were like scented candles in your life? What did they do or say that was helpful? • Consider taking some time to reread today’s Bible passages and write down what sticks out to you about how we’re called to share the good news. (More about this good news on our "Know Jesus" page.) “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (NIV) 

READ: EPHESIANS 6:18-20; PHILIPPIANS 2:12-16; 1 PETER 3:15-16 As Christians, we’re called to share the good news of Jesus with others. And this is a wonderful thing—it’s an honor to be entrusted with such a task. But have you ever been around somebody telling others about Jesus in a way that just doesn’t seem all that great? It might feel like this person is bragging because they know Jesus and others don’t. While it’s commendable to have the courage to speak up about Jesus, we should be careful to consider the way we witness to others. If people don’t even like to be around us, maybe our approach needs to change. In Matthew 5, Jesus tells His disciples, “You are the light of the world…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (verse 14-16). A person’s witness—the way they share Jesus with others—can be like a floodlight shining in someone’s eyes, blinding them. On the other hand, a witness with a kind, gentle spirit is like a scented candle (2 Corinthians 2:14-16). As Christians, sometimes we’re tempted to be a floodlight in situations when a candle is needed. Think about it this way—imagine you walk into your friend’s home, and you’re greeted by the warm, calming scent of coconut. Even though the smell is coming from a candle, it makes you hungry for your favorite dessert: coconut cake. Just as a scented candle can make us hungry for the real thing, a gentle witness can make people hungry to know Jesus. When we consistently treat others the way Jesus would and gently tell them what He means to us, they can see the difference He’s made in our lives. Then they may decide they want to know Him too. So, how will you witness? Will you be like a floodlight, trying to shine God’s truth on people all at once? Or will you be like a scented candle, gently yet consistently pointing to Him in your words and actions? While there are times when a direct conversation with someone about Jesus is necessary, we should never do it with a know-it-all attitude. Instead, we can remember that we need Jesus just as much as anybody, and we can let our lives be filled with the aroma of His love and kindness so others will be hungry to know Him too. • A. W. Smith • Think about how you came to know Jesus. Were there any people who were like scented candles in your life? What did they do or say that was helpful? • Consider taking some time to reread today’s Bible passages and write down what sticks out to you about how we’re called to share the good news. (More about this good news on our “Know Jesus” page.) “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (NIV) 

READ: EPHESIANS 6:18-20; PHILIPPIANS 2:12-16; 1 PETER 3:15-16 As Christians, we’re called to share the good news of Jesus with others. And this is a wonderful thing—it’s an honor to be entrusted with such a task. But have you ever been around somebody telling others about Jesus in a way that just doesn’t seem all that great? It might feel like this person is bragging because they know Jesus and others don’t. While it’s commendable to have the courage to speak up about Jesus, we should be careful to consider the way we witness to others. If people don’t even like to be around us, maybe our approach needs to change. In Matthew 5, Jesus tells His disciples, “You are the light of the world…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (verse 14-16). A person’s witness—the way they share Jesus with others—can be like a floodlight shining in someone’s eyes, blinding them. On the other hand, a witness with a kind, gentle spirit is like a scented candle (2 Corinthians 2:14-16). As Christians, sometimes we’re tempted to be a floodlight in situations when a candle is needed. Think about it this way—imagine you walk into your friend’s home, and you’re greeted by the warm, calming scent of coconut. Even though the smell is coming from a candle, it makes you hungry for your favorite dessert: coconut cake. Just as a scented candle can make us hungry for the real thing, a gentle witness can make people hungry to know Jesus. When we consistently treat others the way Jesus would and gently tell them what He means to us, they can see the difference He’s made in our lives. Then they may decide they want to know Him too. So, how will you witness? Will you be like a floodlight, trying to shine God’s truth on people all at once? Or will you be like a scented candle, gently yet consistently pointing to Him in your words and actions? While there are times when a direct conversation with someone about Jesus is necessary, we should never do it with a know-it-all attitude. Instead, we can remember that we need Jesus just as much as anybody, and we can let our lives be filled with the aroma of His love and kindness so others will be hungry to know Him too. • A. W. Smith • Think about how you came to know Jesus. Were there any people who were like scented candles in your life? What did they do or say that was helpful? • Consider taking some time to reread today’s Bible passages and write down what sticks out to you about how we’re called to share the good news. (More about this good news on our “Know Jesus” page.) “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (NIV) 

READ: LAMENTATIONS 3:19-22; ROMANS 12:15 Have you ever heard of lament? In Christianity, lament is the practice of telling God about your hurts, anger, and disappointments—and asking Him to do something about it. Sometimes we find it hard to lament something we have lost. We tend to prefer laughter to crying, joy to anxiety, celebration to nostalgia, and happiness to mourning. Anxiety, sadness, anger, and nostalgia are part of the spectrum of human experiences and therefore normal to every human. They must be embraced, not avoided. I don’t know why we have the idea that following the God who gives joy means that we cannot experience sadness, anger, or anxiety. Sometimes, we feel pressured to be happy all the time even when the Bible teaches that weeping, lamenting, and mourning are regular experiences for those who follow Jesus. In fact, Paul encourages us to “weep with those who weep,” not to command them to feel well (Romans 12:15). Instead of shunning uncomfortable emotions, we can normalize saying things like “I’m angry,” “I’m hurt,” “I need time to process,” or “I’d like to talk to someone.” God enables us to embrace uncomfortable emotions. Jesus Himself experienced uncomfortable emotions like anxiety, grief, and sadness (Luke 22:44; John 11:33-35). He invites us to process all our feelings with Him, trusting in His unfailing love. And even when we don’t have words, He laments for us, on our behalf. In the midst of grief, sadness, and anxiety, the first step to regaining hope is to allow ourselves to recognize these emotions. Some other things we can do to help process difficult emotions are: • Talk to someone. Friends, family, and health professionals can be of great help. • Recognize and accept that you are going to have bad days. The faster you recognize it, the more comfortable you’ll feel with it. It’s okay to not be okay. • Don’t try to move on to the next thing. Listen to your emotions; they’re trying to talk to you and give you important information about how you’re doing. As you do these things, bring your feelings to Jesus in lament. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but tell Him how angry, sad, disappointed, or hurt you are. God is not afraid or ashamed of your feelings, and you don’t have to be either. Let’s embrace lament, it’s normal. • Samir Eljagh • What do you need to lament right now? If you’re ready, you can write your own lament. For some ideas about where to start, you can read Psalm 13, Psalm 88, and Psalm 102. The Lord is near the brokenhearted; he saves those crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 (CSB) 

READ: LAMENTATIONS 3:19-22; ROMANS 12:15 Have you ever heard of lament? In Christianity, lament is the practice of telling God about your hurts, anger, and disappointments—and asking Him to do something about it. Sometimes we find it hard to lament something we have lost. We tend to prefer laughter to crying, joy to anxiety, celebration to nostalgia, and happiness to mourning. Anxiety, sadness, anger, and nostalgia are part of the spectrum of human experiences and therefore normal to every human. They must be embraced, not avoided. I don’t know why we have the idea that following the God who gives joy means that we cannot experience sadness, anger, or anxiety. Sometimes, we feel pressured to be happy all the time even when the Bible teaches that weeping, lamenting, and mourning are regular experiences for those who follow Jesus. In fact, Paul encourages us to “weep with those who weep,” not to command them to feel well (Romans 12:15). Instead of shunning uncomfortable emotions, we can normalize saying things like “I’m angry,” “I’m hurt,” “I need time to process,” or “I’d like to talk to someone.” God enables us to embrace uncomfortable emotions. Jesus Himself experienced uncomfortable emotions like anxiety, grief, and sadness (Luke 22:44; John 11:33-35). He invites us to process all our feelings with Him, trusting in His unfailing love. And even when we don’t have words, He laments for us, on our behalf. In the midst of grief, sadness, and anxiety, the first step to regaining hope is to allow ourselves to recognize these emotions. Some other things we can do to help process difficult emotions are: • Talk to someone. Friends, family, and health professionals can be of great help. • Recognize and accept that you are going to have bad days. The faster you recognize it, the more comfortable you’ll feel with it. It’s okay to not be okay. • Don’t try to move on to the next thing. Listen to your emotions; they’re trying to talk to you and give you important information about how you’re doing. As you do these things, bring your feelings to Jesus in lament. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but tell Him how angry, sad, disappointed, or hurt you are. God is not afraid or ashamed of your feelings, and you don’t have to be either. Let’s embrace lament, it’s normal. • Samir Eljagh • What do you need to lament right now? If you’re ready, you can write your own lament. For some ideas about where to start, you can read Psalm 13, Psalm 88, and Psalm 102. The LORD is near the brokenhearted; he saves those crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 (CSB) 

READ: LAMENTATIONS 3:19-22; ROMANS 12:15 Have you ever heard of lament? In Christianity, lament is the practice of telling God about your hurts, anger, and disappointments—and asking Him to do something about it. Sometimes we find it hard to lament something we have lost. We tend to prefer laughter to crying, joy to anxiety, celebration to nostalgia, and happiness to mourning. Anxiety, sadness, anger, and nostalgia are part of the spectrum of human experiences and therefore normal to every human. They must be embraced, not avoided. I don’t know why we have the idea that following the God who gives joy means that we cannot experience sadness, anger, or anxiety. Sometimes, we feel pressured to be happy all the time even when the Bible teaches that weeping, lamenting, and mourning are regular experiences for those who follow Jesus. In fact, Paul encourages us to “weep with those who weep,” not to command them to feel well (Romans 12:15). Instead of shunning uncomfortable emotions, we can normalize saying things like “I’m angry,” “I’m hurt,” “I need time to process,” or “I’d like to talk to someone.” God enables us to embrace uncomfortable emotions. Jesus Himself experienced uncomfortable emotions like anxiety, grief, and sadness (Luke 22:44; John 11:33-35). He invites us to process all our feelings with Him, trusting in His unfailing love. And even when we don’t have words, He laments for us, on our behalf. In the midst of grief, sadness, and anxiety, the first step to regaining hope is to allow ourselves to recognize these emotions. Some other things we can do to help process difficult emotions are: • Talk to someone. Friends, family, and health professionals can be of great help. • Recognize and accept that you are going to have bad days. The faster you recognize it, the more comfortable you’ll feel with it. It’s okay to not be okay. • Don’t try to move on to the next thing. Listen to your emotions; they’re trying to talk to you and give you important information about how you’re doing. As you do these things, bring your feelings to Jesus in lament. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but tell Him how angry, sad, disappointed, or hurt you are. God is not afraid or ashamed of your feelings, and you don’t have to be either. Let’s embrace lament, it’s normal. • Samir Eljagh • What do you need to lament right now? If you’re ready, you can write your own lament. For some ideas about where to start, you can read Psalm 13, Psalm 88, and Psalm 102. The LORD is near the brokenhearted; he saves those crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 (CSB) 

READ: PSALM 51; REVELATION 21:1-5 God can make all things new. That’s what the Bible tells us. It’s easy to believe, too, when it’s spring and everything is changing in the world around us. But it can be harder to see in fall and winter, when trees start to lose their leaves. The whole world becomes a bit barren. Everything looks gloomy and gray. But then the weather starts to warm a bit; little signs of spring and life appear. Buds pop up on the trees. Flowers push up from the ground. The grass starts to brighten. Spring comes, and suddenly the world is beautiful again. Everything is new. That’s what God can do in our lives. He can make us fresh and bright and new. He can take us from any dark and wintery place and help us see spring again. God can renew our lives, even though we have all sinned and made mistakes. One example is in Psalm 51. David wrote this psalm after he repented of his sin—using his position as king of Israel to have sex with Bathsheba and then have her husband killed. David had been in a season of darkness and despair, lost in his sin, but after the prophet Nathan confronted him, David trusted God to cleanse him of his sin and make him new again (2 Samuel 11-12). We can also see God’s renewal in the life of Paul, who wrote much of the New Testament. Before Paul knew Jesus, he killed and persecuted Christians. Then one day, God met him on the road with a bright light and transformed him and made him new by the power of Jesus’s death and resurrection (Acts 9:1-31). God loves us, and He can take anything and make it new. When you feel in need of spring in your life, you can ask Him to help you find it. • Bethany Acker • Where do you need renewal in your life? A painful situation, a persistent sin, a broken relationship? You can bring all of these to Jesus in prayer, asking for new life. He loves you, and He is listening. • Because of Jesus, any sin can be forgiven, and any life can be made new. And when Jesus returns, He will establish the new heavens and the new earth—then sin and death and suffering will be no more, and everyone who has put their trust in Jesus will live with Him forever! How can observing the spring season help us remember Jesus’s bountiful forgiveness and look forward to His glorious return? He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Revelation 21:5a (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 51; REVELATION 21:1-5 God can make all things new. That’s what the Bible tells us. It’s easy to believe, too, when it’s spring and everything is changing in the world around us. But it can be harder to see in fall and winter, when trees start to lose their leaves. The whole world becomes a bit barren. Everything looks gloomy and gray. But then the weather starts to warm a bit; little signs of spring and life appear. Buds pop up on the trees. Flowers push up from the ground. The grass starts to brighten. Spring comes, and suddenly the world is beautiful again. Everything is new. That’s what God can do in our lives. He can make us fresh and bright and new. He can take us from any dark and wintery place and help us see spring again. God can renew our lives, even though we have all sinned and made mistakes. One example is in Psalm 51. David wrote this psalm after he repented of his sin—using his position as king of Israel to have sex with Bathsheba and then have her husband killed. David had been in a season of darkness and despair, lost in his sin, but after the prophet Nathan confronted him, David trusted God to cleanse him of his sin and make him new again (2 Samuel 11-12). We can also see God’s renewal in the life of Paul, who wrote much of the New Testament. Before Paul knew Jesus, he killed and persecuted Christians. Then one day, God met him on the road with a bright light and transformed him and made him new by the power of Jesus’s death and resurrection (Acts 9:1-31). God loves us, and He can take anything and make it new. When you feel in need of spring in your life, you can ask Him to help you find it. • Bethany Acker • Where do you need renewal in your life? A painful situation, a persistent sin, a broken relationship? You can bring all of these to Jesus in prayer, asking for new life. He loves you, and He is listening. • Because of Jesus, any sin can be forgiven, and any life can be made new. And when Jesus returns, He will establish the new heavens and the new earth—then sin and death and suffering will be no more, and everyone who has put their trust in Jesus will live with Him forever! How can observing the spring season help us remember Jesus’s bountiful forgiveness and look forward to His glorious return? He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Revelation 21:5a (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 51; REVELATION 21:1-5 God can make all things new. That’s what the Bible tells us. It’s easy to believe, too, when it’s spring and everything is changing in the world around us. But it can be harder to see in fall and winter, when trees start to lose their leaves. The whole world becomes a bit barren. Everything looks gloomy and gray. But then the weather starts to warm a bit; little signs of spring and life appear. Buds pop up on the trees. Flowers push up from the ground. The grass starts to brighten. Spring comes, and suddenly the world is beautiful again. Everything is new. That’s what God can do in our lives. He can make us fresh and bright and new. He can take us from any dark and wintery place and help us see spring again. God can renew our lives, even though we have all sinned and made mistakes. One example is in Psalm 51. David wrote this psalm after he repented of his sin—using his position as king of Israel to have sex with Bathsheba and then have her husband killed. David had been in a season of darkness and despair, lost in his sin, but after the prophet Nathan confronted him, David trusted God to cleanse him of his sin and make him new again (2 Samuel 11-12). We can also see God’s renewal in the life of Paul, who wrote much of the New Testament. Before Paul knew Jesus, he killed and persecuted Christians. Then one day, God met him on the road with a bright light and transformed him and made him new by the power of Jesus’s death and resurrection (Acts 9:1-31). God loves us, and He can take anything and make it new. When you feel in need of spring in your life, you can ask Him to help you find it. • Bethany Acker • Where do you need renewal in your life? A painful situation, a persistent sin, a broken relationship? You can bring all of these to Jesus in prayer, asking for new life. He loves you, and He is listening. • Because of Jesus, any sin can be forgiven, and any life can be made new. And when Jesus returns, He will establish the new heavens and the new earth—then sin and death and suffering will be no more, and everyone who has put their trust in Jesus will live with Him forever! How can observing the spring season help us remember Jesus’s bountiful forgiveness and look forward to His glorious return? He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Revelation 21:5a (NIV) 

READ: GENESIS 1:20-31; ISAIAH 11:6-9; ROMANS 8:18-25 How do you feel about spiders? Many people have strong opinions about these web-making creatures. They often inspire fear or disgust. But the reality is, although some spiders’ venom can cause pain or illness to humans, most spiders are harmless to large beings like us. In fact, there are a lot of things we can appreciate about spiders. They construct beautiful webs of silvery strands connected to make a lacy pattern, which sparkle with dew drops in the morning sun. They also do some important pest control because their diet includes insects. We can be thankful that the presence of spiders means there will be fewer bugs that can sting or bite us, or eat the plants we rely on for food, or carry diseases that could be spread to humans or animals. Spiders have a purpose, just like all the other animals, plants, etc. we find in our world. God made everything good. But when sin came into the world, it changed things. All that God made good was bound to death and decay (Romans 8:21). That’s why now there are bugs that can bite or sting us and diseases that make us sick. But it will not always be this way, because Jesus came into our broken world, and He faced death head on—for us. He died for our sins, and then He rose from the grave, declaring victory over sin and all its effects, including death and decay. One day, Jesus will return and make all things new, and everything that has been warped by sin will be made right again. Then spiders won’t be scary to us anymore, and “there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain” (Revelation 21:4). On that glorious day, “the baby will play safely near the hole of a cobra. Yes, a little child will put its hand in a nest of deadly snakes without harm. Nothing will hurt or destroy” (Isaiah 11:8-9). So, think about the creatures you’re unsure of. How might they play an important part in God’s world? When we take the time to notice how everything is good for something, it can help us marvel at the greatness of God and all He has made. We can rest in God’s role as Creator and in His promise to one day restore all His creation to the way He intended it to be. • A. W. Smith • What is your favorite creature? What about your least favorite? What good might these creatures bring to the world? Consider taking a moment to thank God for that good work and for His promise to one day make all things new, free from sin and death. Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good! Genesis 1:31a (NLT) 

READ: GENESIS 1:20-31; ISAIAH 11:6-9; ROMANS 8:18-25 How do you feel about spiders? Many people have strong opinions about these web-making creatures. They often inspire fear or disgust. But the reality is, although some spiders’ venom can cause pain or illness to humans, most spiders are harmless to large beings like us. In fact, there are a lot of things we can appreciate about spiders. They construct beautiful webs of silvery strands connected to make a lacy pattern, which sparkle with dew drops in the morning sun. They also do some important pest control because their diet includes insects. We can be thankful that the presence of spiders means there will be fewer bugs that can sting or bite us, or eat the plants we rely on for food, or carry diseases that could be spread to humans or animals. Spiders have a purpose, just like all the other animals, plants, etc. we find in our world. God made everything good. But when sin came into the world, it changed things. All that God made good was bound to death and decay (Romans 8:21). That’s why now there are bugs that can bite or sting us and diseases that make us sick. But it will not always be this way, because Jesus came into our broken world, and He faced death head on—for us. He died for our sins, and then He rose from the grave, declaring victory over sin and all its effects, including death and decay. One day, Jesus will return and make all things new, and everything that has been warped by sin will be made right again. Then spiders won’t be scary to us anymore, and “there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain” (Revelation 21:4). On that glorious day, “the baby will play safely near the hole of a cobra. Yes, a little child will put its hand in a nest of deadly snakes without harm. Nothing will hurt or destroy” (Isaiah 11:8-9). So, think about the creatures you’re unsure of. How might they play an important part in God’s world? When we take the time to notice how everything is good for something, it can help us marvel at the greatness of God and all He has made. We can rest in God’s role as Creator and in His promise to one day restore all His creation to the way He intended it to be. • A. W. Smith • What is your favorite creature? What about your least favorite? What good might these creatures bring to the world? Consider taking a moment to thank God for that good work and for His promise to one day make all things new, free from sin and death. Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good! Genesis 1:31a (NLT) 

READ: GENESIS 1:20-31; ISAIAH 11:6-9; ROMANS 8:18-25 How do you feel about spiders? Many people have strong opinions about these web-making creatures. They often inspire fear or disgust. But the reality is, although some spiders’ venom can cause pain or illness to humans, most spiders are harmless to large beings like us. In fact, there are a lot of things we can appreciate about spiders. They construct beautiful webs of silvery strands connected to make a lacy pattern, which sparkle with dew drops in the morning sun. They also do some important pest control because their diet includes insects. We can be thankful that the presence of spiders means there will be fewer bugs that can sting or bite us, or eat the plants we rely on for food, or carry diseases that could be spread to humans or animals. Spiders have a purpose, just like all the other animals, plants, etc. we find in our world. God made everything good. But when sin came into the world, it changed things. All that God made good was bound to death and decay (Romans 8:21). That’s why now there are bugs that can bite or sting us and diseases that make us sick. But it will not always be this way, because Jesus came into our broken world, and He faced death head on—for us. He died for our sins, and then He rose from the grave, declaring victory over sin and all its effects, including death and decay. One day, Jesus will return and make all things new, and everything that has been warped by sin will be made right again. Then spiders won’t be scary to us anymore, and “there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain” (Revelation 21:4). On that glorious day, “the baby will play safely near the hole of a cobra. Yes, a little child will put its hand in a nest of deadly snakes without harm. Nothing will hurt or destroy” (Isaiah 11:8-9). So, think about the creatures you’re unsure of. How might they play an important part in God’s world? When we take the time to notice how everything is good for something, it can help us marvel at the greatness of God and all He has made. We can rest in God’s role as Creator and in His promise to one day restore all His creation to the way He intended it to be. • A. W. Smith • What is your favorite creature? What about your least favorite? What good might these creatures bring to the world? Consider taking a moment to thank God for that good work and for His promise to one day make all things new, free from sin and death. Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good! Genesis 1:31a (NLT) 

READ: 2 CORINTHIANS 2:12-17 A child and a spoil of war. Forced to live with the enemy, far from home. Then, as a young woman, a war prize again, forced to serve the nation’s most powerful leader. Finally, exiled to an island for her Christian faith. This was the life of Julia Ota, who lived over four hundred years ago. Japanese warriors invaded her Korean home and swept her back to Japan, an unjust and tragic event, especially for a child. But Julia also grew up experiencing God’s blessing, goodness, and transforming love. In Japan, an influential Christian general and his wife raised her as their own. She was baptized and named Julia. Life changed again for Julia, however, when Tokugawa Ieyasu won a decisive battle, became Shogun, and executed the Christian general. Julia became the Shogun’s lady-in-waiting. When she was faced with an ultimatum, Julia refused to deny Christ, who loved her and had sacrificed Himself and been raised for her. So, the Shogun exiled her to the Izu Islands. On the islands, she cared for those who were weak, sick, or in need of encouragement. Like a beautiful flower, Julia’s love for Christ spread a healing fragrance of joy and hope everywhere she went. Her charity and evangelism are still remembered in Japan and Korea today with various memorials and even an annual festival! How amazing is it that Jesus is at work even in the worst of circumstances? • Sonja Anderson • As Christians, when we go through terrible circumstances in our lives, we can know that Jesus Christ holds us through it all and He is working for our good (Romans 8:28-29, 35-39). How might this truth embolden us to share His goodness with others, even in the midst of hardship? • Has anyone in your life shared Jesus’s joy, hope, and healing with you? What was it like? • Is there anyone in your life who might need the fragrance of Jesus’s joy, hope, and healing in their life? Consider spending sometime in prayer, asking God how you might spread the love and knowledge of Christ to that person. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. 2 Corinthians 2:15 (NIV) 

READ: 2 CORINTHIANS 2:12-17 A child and a spoil of war. Forced to live with the enemy, far from home. Then, as a young woman, a war prize again, forced to serve the nation’s most powerful leader. Finally, exiled to an island for her Christian faith. This was the life of Julia Ota, who lived over four hundred years ago. Japanese warriors invaded her Korean home and swept her back to Japan, an unjust and tragic event, especially for a child. But Julia also grew up experiencing God’s blessing, goodness, and transforming love. In Japan, an influential Christian general and his wife raised her as their own. She was baptized and named Julia. Life changed again for Julia, however, when Tokugawa Ieyasu won a decisive battle, became Shogun, and executed the Christian general. Julia became the Shogun’s lady-in-waiting. When she was faced with an ultimatum, Julia refused to deny Christ, who loved her and had sacrificed Himself and been raised for her. So, the Shogun exiled her to the Izu Islands. On the islands, she cared for those who were weak, sick, or in need of encouragement. Like a beautiful flower, Julia’s love for Christ spread a healing fragrance of joy and hope everywhere she went. Her charity and evangelism are still remembered in Japan and Korea today with various memorials and even an annual festival! How amazing is it that Jesus is at work even in the worst of circumstances? • Sonja Anderson • As Christians, when we go through terrible circumstances in our lives, we can know that Jesus Christ holds us through it all and He is working for our good (Romans 8:28-29, 35-39). How might this truth embolden us to share His goodness with others, even in the midst of hardship? • Has anyone in your life shared Jesus’s joy, hope, and healing with you? What was it like? • Is there anyone in your life who might need the fragrance of Jesus’s joy, hope, and healing in their life? Consider spending sometime in prayer, asking God how you might spread the love and knowledge of Christ to that person. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. 2 Corinthians 2:15 (NIV) 

READ: 2 CORINTHIANS 2:12-17 A child and a spoil of war. Forced to live with the enemy, far from home. Then, as a young woman, a war prize again, forced to serve the nation’s most powerful leader. Finally, exiled to an island for her Christian faith. This was the life of Julia Ota, who lived over four hundred years ago. Japanese warriors invaded her Korean home and swept her back to Japan, an unjust and tragic event, especially for a child. But Julia also grew up experiencing God’s blessing, goodness, and transforming love. In Japan, an influential Christian general and his wife raised her as their own. She was baptized and named Julia. Life changed again for Julia, however, when Tokugawa Ieyasu won a decisive battle, became Shogun, and executed the Christian general. Julia became the Shogun’s lady-in-waiting. When she was faced with an ultimatum, Julia refused to deny Christ, who loved her and had sacrificed Himself and been raised for her. So, the Shogun exiled her to the Izu Islands. On the islands, she cared for those who were weak, sick, or in need of encouragement. Like a beautiful flower, Julia’s love for Christ spread a healing fragrance of joy and hope everywhere she went. Her charity and evangelism are still remembered in Japan and Korea today with various memorials and even an annual festival! How amazing is it that Jesus is at work even in the worst of circumstances? • Sonja Anderson • As Christians, when we go through terrible circumstances in our lives, we can know that Jesus Christ holds us through it all and He is working for our good (Romans 8:28-29, 35-39). How might this truth embolden us to share His goodness with others, even in the midst of hardship? • Has anyone in your life shared Jesus’s joy, hope, and healing with you? What was it like? • Is there anyone in your life who might need the fragrance of Jesus’s joy, hope, and healing in their life? Consider spending sometime in prayer, asking God how you might spread the love and knowledge of Christ to that person. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. 2 Corinthians 2:15 (NIV)