Read Luke 11:1-4 (NIV) 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." He said to them, "When you pray, say: "'Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.'"
Prayer is talking to God. When you talk to God in prayer, you can tell him anything. Anything at all. God cares about your needs, fears, problems, and the events that make you happy, sad, or angry. You can pray to God about anything in your life.
When Jesus lived on earth, he took time to pray to his Heavenly Father. He would find a place where he could be alone with God and pray.
You can pray to God anytime, anywhere, about anything. It doesn't matter if it's day or night. It doesn't matter when you pray or where you pray. You don't have to go to church to pray. You can pray in your room, at the park, on the school bus, or when you walk to school.
Think About It
God loves you and wants to spend time alone with you so you can get to know him better. God speaks to you through his word. You speak to God as you tell about your hopes and dreams, fears and problems, concerns and gratitude. That's prayer.
When you get stuck and aren't sure how to pray, you can always turn to the prayer that Jesus taught his friends. It's called "the Lord's Prayer." It is a simple, beautiful prayer. It is short and to the point. Take some time today to think about some of the things you would like to talk to God about when you pray. And don't forget: You can pray to God about anything, anywhere, anytime.
Pray About It
God, thank you for the gift of prayer. Help me to take full advantage of this gift and privilege.
Daily Reading Plan—Read Romans 13
God's Word for Students.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Thursday, September 30, 2010
September 30: Be a Good Neighbor
Read Luke 10:25-37
It was Friday morning, and Kara was walking to school. Her head was full of thoughts of the upcoming weekend. There's the big game tonight and a party Saturday night. Sunday there's a pizza fund-raiser at church to raise money for summer camp. It's going to be a great weekend. I can't wait.
All of a sudden, her thoughts were interrupted by someone crying for help. She stopped. There, by the car—someone was holding his bleeding head in his hands.
She realized that she didn't know him, but that he was a gang-banger. A member of a group that she and her friends avoided and shunned. They were different, not like her or her circle of friends.
What should I do? Her adrenaline started pumping; her breathing grew faster.
In the dim recesses of her memory, Kara had a vague recollection of a story that Jesus told. What was it—the Good Samaritan? There was an eerie similarity between Jesus' story and this situation.
She made a decision. She had no choice. She had to help. She swung the straps of her backpack over her shoulders and headed for the injured person.
Think About It
Just about everyone knows about the Good Samaritan. Even if they don't know the story from the Gospel of Luke, most people know that a Good Samaritan is someone who helps people who can't help themselves.
You never know when you may find yourself in a situation where God offers you the chance to be a neighbor to someone in need. When the opportunity presents itself, don't pass it up. If you do, you may be making a big mistake. That's not just your neighbor lying by the side of the road. In a sense, it's Jesus himself (read Matthew 25:40).
Pray About It
God of love, help me to remember the story of the Good Samaritan. When I see someone in trouble, don't let me forget that when I help my neighbor in need, I'm helping you, too.
Daily Reading Plan—Read Romans 12
God's Word for Students.
It was Friday morning, and Kara was walking to school. Her head was full of thoughts of the upcoming weekend. There's the big game tonight and a party Saturday night. Sunday there's a pizza fund-raiser at church to raise money for summer camp. It's going to be a great weekend. I can't wait.
All of a sudden, her thoughts were interrupted by someone crying for help. She stopped. There, by the car—someone was holding his bleeding head in his hands.
She realized that she didn't know him, but that he was a gang-banger. A member of a group that she and her friends avoided and shunned. They were different, not like her or her circle of friends.
What should I do? Her adrenaline started pumping; her breathing grew faster.
In the dim recesses of her memory, Kara had a vague recollection of a story that Jesus told. What was it—the Good Samaritan? There was an eerie similarity between Jesus' story and this situation.
She made a decision. She had no choice. She had to help. She swung the straps of her backpack over her shoulders and headed for the injured person.
Think About It
Just about everyone knows about the Good Samaritan. Even if they don't know the story from the Gospel of Luke, most people know that a Good Samaritan is someone who helps people who can't help themselves.
You never know when you may find yourself in a situation where God offers you the chance to be a neighbor to someone in need. When the opportunity presents itself, don't pass it up. If you do, you may be making a big mistake. That's not just your neighbor lying by the side of the road. In a sense, it's Jesus himself (read Matthew 25:40).
Pray About It
God of love, help me to remember the story of the Good Samaritan. When I see someone in trouble, don't let me forget that when I help my neighbor in need, I'm helping you, too.
Daily Reading Plan—Read Romans 12
God's Word for Students.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
August 19: Foggy Love
Read Hosea 6:4-6
Fog has a certain romance to it. It's the cloudy mist that spreads across the Yorkshire bogs of England, the early morning cloud that nestles low in the mountain valley, and the gray, mysterious soup that soaks the New England shoreline. Fog reminds us of eerie mysteries and passionate romance.
But, as a phenomenon of weather, fog is really kind of bland. Fog exists when it's not wet enough to rain and not clear enough to be sunny. It's kind of an in-between condition. It's there just enough to cloud our visibility and add a chill to the air.
The prophet Hosea charged that Israel's love for God had become like morning fog that passes away. The people knew all the right "God-talk," but they never seemed quite willing to give God the steadfast love he desired.
It wasn't that they were always bad or never good; it was just that they were always in between. Their love wasn't wet enough to be rain or clear enough to be sunshine. It was just a halfway gray that kept them from clearly seeing God.
Think About It
Too many of us know exactly why God was dissatisfied with Israel's love. Instead of a faithful, steady commitment to God, many of us also have offered him a foggy, halfway love that seems to melt away as the day wears on. We start off okay, but then in the heat of everyday life—tough choices, tempting options, tests, and trials—our foggy love evaporates into a midday mist.
What are some of the foggy areas in your life? Is it greed? Is it disobedience to your parents? Is it looking down on others who are different from you? Is it holding back from that full commitment to God? Is it your dating relationships?
This passage reminds us that foggy faith is neither refreshing like rain nor warm like sun. What makes your love for God foggy? Ask God to burn away that fog and help you to love him fully.
Pray About It
Lord, show me the places in my life where I have given you a halfway, foggy love instead of the wholehearted, steadfast love you want.
Daily Reading Plan—Read Revelation 21:21
God's Word for Students.
Fog has a certain romance to it. It's the cloudy mist that spreads across the Yorkshire bogs of England, the early morning cloud that nestles low in the mountain valley, and the gray, mysterious soup that soaks the New England shoreline. Fog reminds us of eerie mysteries and passionate romance.
But, as a phenomenon of weather, fog is really kind of bland. Fog exists when it's not wet enough to rain and not clear enough to be sunny. It's kind of an in-between condition. It's there just enough to cloud our visibility and add a chill to the air.
The prophet Hosea charged that Israel's love for God had become like morning fog that passes away. The people knew all the right "God-talk," but they never seemed quite willing to give God the steadfast love he desired.
It wasn't that they were always bad or never good; it was just that they were always in between. Their love wasn't wet enough to be rain or clear enough to be sunshine. It was just a halfway gray that kept them from clearly seeing God.
Think About It
Too many of us know exactly why God was dissatisfied with Israel's love. Instead of a faithful, steady commitment to God, many of us also have offered him a foggy, halfway love that seems to melt away as the day wears on. We start off okay, but then in the heat of everyday life—tough choices, tempting options, tests, and trials—our foggy love evaporates into a midday mist.
What are some of the foggy areas in your life? Is it greed? Is it disobedience to your parents? Is it looking down on others who are different from you? Is it holding back from that full commitment to God? Is it your dating relationships?
This passage reminds us that foggy faith is neither refreshing like rain nor warm like sun. What makes your love for God foggy? Ask God to burn away that fog and help you to love him fully.
Pray About It
Lord, show me the places in my life where I have given you a halfway, foggy love instead of the wholehearted, steadfast love you want.
Daily Reading Plan—Read Revelation 21:21
God's Word for Students.
Monday, July 19, 2010
July 19: Faking It?
Read Isaiah 29:13
Don't you hate it when people at school are nice to your face but talk about you behind your back? It's awful to find out that a friend is two-faced.
Unfortunately, we can be like that with God if we pretend to be a Christian at church or home but live differently at school or among friends. Living "by the rules" but not having a relationship with God makes us fake. (Just like someone who is nice to you while you're around but cuts you down when you leave.)
We can learn to live by the rules easily, can't we? We can work to stay out of trouble and look good while we're around Christian people. If it's just an act, though, it's not an honest relationship with God.
Think About It
Do you really know God, or do you play the "Churchianity" game? God knows the truth about you. Take a moment and talk honestly with God about your life. Tell him about areas where it's hard to live like a Christian, and ask for his strength.
Pray About It
Lord, I really want to be honest with you. I don't want to be like people who worship you with their mouths, yet their heart is far from you.
Daily Reading Plan—Read 1 John 2
God's Word for Students.
Don't you hate it when people at school are nice to your face but talk about you behind your back? It's awful to find out that a friend is two-faced.
Unfortunately, we can be like that with God if we pretend to be a Christian at church or home but live differently at school or among friends. Living "by the rules" but not having a relationship with God makes us fake. (Just like someone who is nice to you while you're around but cuts you down when you leave.)
We can learn to live by the rules easily, can't we? We can work to stay out of trouble and look good while we're around Christian people. If it's just an act, though, it's not an honest relationship with God.
Think About It
Do you really know God, or do you play the "Churchianity" game? God knows the truth about you. Take a moment and talk honestly with God about your life. Tell him about areas where it's hard to live like a Christian, and ask for his strength.
Pray About It
Lord, I really want to be honest with you. I don't want to be like people who worship you with their mouths, yet their heart is far from you.
Daily Reading Plan—Read 1 John 2
God's Word for Students.
Friday, July 16, 2010
July 16: The Best Plan
Read Isaiah 16:5
What's the biggest party you've ever been to? Imagine what it would be like to plan a party that big! The excitement of what you were going to do and who would come would keep you motivated. As the big day would draw closer, you'd invite lots of friends. They, in turn, would invite more friends. The day of the party would come and be a huge success! You'd have the right food, the right music, and the right games. Everyone would love it.
Thinking about planning a big party makes you wonder: How would you do it? A huge party doesn't happen by accident. It needs careful planning. Without a plan, it just wouldn't happen.
Think About It
How long would it take you to plan a big party? A few days? A month? That planning doesn't compare with God's effort in planning salvation. God planned that Jesus would be a descendant of King David and that Jesus would be born about 1,000 years after David. Then, God planned for you to hear the Good News of salvation about 2,000 years after Christ was born. What a plan!
In all his planning, God never forgot you. In fact, he planned salvation with you in mind. Take a few moments and thank God for his plan to save you.
Pray About It
Father, thanks for thinking of me and planning for me throughout history. Help me to fit into your plan for my life by allowing Jesus to direct my life.
TBWC Daily Reading Plan—Read 2 Peter 3
God's Word for Students.
What's the biggest party you've ever been to? Imagine what it would be like to plan a party that big! The excitement of what you were going to do and who would come would keep you motivated. As the big day would draw closer, you'd invite lots of friends. They, in turn, would invite more friends. The day of the party would come and be a huge success! You'd have the right food, the right music, and the right games. Everyone would love it.
Thinking about planning a big party makes you wonder: How would you do it? A huge party doesn't happen by accident. It needs careful planning. Without a plan, it just wouldn't happen.
Think About It
How long would it take you to plan a big party? A few days? A month? That planning doesn't compare with God's effort in planning salvation. God planned that Jesus would be a descendant of King David and that Jesus would be born about 1,000 years after David. Then, God planned for you to hear the Good News of salvation about 2,000 years after Christ was born. What a plan!
In all his planning, God never forgot you. In fact, he planned salvation with you in mind. Take a few moments and thank God for his plan to save you.
Pray About It
Father, thanks for thinking of me and planning for me throughout history. Help me to fit into your plan for my life by allowing Jesus to direct my life.
TBWC Daily Reading Plan—Read 2 Peter 3
God's Word for Students.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
July 15: Hoping for the Best!
Read Isaiah 9:2-7
Remember Christmas when you were a kid? You saw what you wanted on T.V., in the toy store, or at your friend's house. You dreamed that you would get exactly what you wanted, and you hoped for it with all your heart!
We're not that much different now than when we were little kids. We have hopes and dreams that engage our imagination. How about a car? or being accepted into your favorite college? What about hoping for a special friendship? It's exciting to hope and dream!
Think About It
Imagine what the prophet Isaiah must have felt when he told of the greatest possible hope in Isaiah 9:2-7. This hope wasn't just a dream; it was guaranteed. He was anticipating a sure thing, the coming of Jesus Christ!
It's easy to forget about Jesus. We get busy with the boring routine of school or work. We get caught up with friends, and our daily schedule becomes a numbing reality. But Jesus Christ can break through the numbing boredom. He not only came so that we could have Christmas morning but also so we could have Christmas every day. He gives us a reason to live, a joyful life, and an exciting future!
Pray About It
Lord, you know that I forget to watch you work in my life. A lot of times I look for excitement in things, activities, or people. Help me keep an eye out for the great things you do in my life.
Daily Reading Plan—Read 2 Peter 2
God's Word for Students.
Remember Christmas when you were a kid? You saw what you wanted on T.V., in the toy store, or at your friend's house. You dreamed that you would get exactly what you wanted, and you hoped for it with all your heart!
We're not that much different now than when we were little kids. We have hopes and dreams that engage our imagination. How about a car? or being accepted into your favorite college? What about hoping for a special friendship? It's exciting to hope and dream!
Think About It
Imagine what the prophet Isaiah must have felt when he told of the greatest possible hope in Isaiah 9:2-7. This hope wasn't just a dream; it was guaranteed. He was anticipating a sure thing, the coming of Jesus Christ!
It's easy to forget about Jesus. We get busy with the boring routine of school or work. We get caught up with friends, and our daily schedule becomes a numbing reality. But Jesus Christ can break through the numbing boredom. He not only came so that we could have Christmas morning but also so we could have Christmas every day. He gives us a reason to live, a joyful life, and an exciting future!
Pray About It
Lord, you know that I forget to watch you work in my life. A lot of times I look for excitement in things, activities, or people. Help me keep an eye out for the great things you do in my life.
Daily Reading Plan—Read 2 Peter 2
God's Word for Students.
Monday, July 5, 2010
July 5: Taking Out the Garbage
Several summers ago, the garbage collectors in New York City went on strike. They walked off their jobs and refused to collect any garbage. Day after day, week after week, garbage piled up around the city. It looked awful. It smelled worse. Finally, the garbage collectors returned to work, and the garbage was trucked away. As you can imagine, the entire city rejoiced!
Think About It
Do you ever feel like garbage is building up in your own life? Maybe it's not the garbage you see in the trash can next to your desk, but spiritual garbage. The garbage of sin and guilt can accumulate until you feel smothered and suffocated.
Proverbs 28:13 tells how you can take the garbage out of your life. "Whoever confesses and abandons [his or her sins] receives compassion."
To take the sin out of your life today, you must first admit your sin to God. The more specific you can be, the better. Next, you must leave that sin behind you. It is only then that you will experience the freedom and relief provided by God's mercy.
Pray About It
Lord, the garbage is building up in my life. I confess my sins to you and turn away from them. I especially bring my sin of ____________ to you. Thank you that you bring freedom and relief from the garbage in my life.
Daily Reading Plan—Read James 3
God's Word for Students.
Think About It
Do you ever feel like garbage is building up in your own life? Maybe it's not the garbage you see in the trash can next to your desk, but spiritual garbage. The garbage of sin and guilt can accumulate until you feel smothered and suffocated.
Proverbs 28:13 tells how you can take the garbage out of your life. "Whoever confesses and abandons [his or her sins] receives compassion."
To take the sin out of your life today, you must first admit your sin to God. The more specific you can be, the better. Next, you must leave that sin behind you. It is only then that you will experience the freedom and relief provided by God's mercy.
Pray About It
Lord, the garbage is building up in my life. I confess my sins to you and turn away from them. I especially bring my sin of ____________ to you. Thank you that you bring freedom and relief from the garbage in my life.
Daily Reading Plan—Read James 3
God's Word for Students.
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