Эпизоды
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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)
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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)
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Пропущенные эпизоды?
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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