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.
Monday, July 19, 2010
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.
Friday, July 2, 2010
July 2: Bridges Not Walls
Read Proverbs 25:15
For Leslie, another Friday night brings another family fight. She wants to go to the movies and spend the night with Michelle and a bunch of other girls. Leslie's dad wants more information before he lets her go. He asks her, "What movie will you see? What friends will be there? Will Michelle's parents be home?" When Leslie admits that she doesn't know the answers to these questions, her dad tells her that she can't go unless she finds out all the details.
Leslie responds angrily, "What do you mean 'all the details'? Don't you trust me? You never let me go anywhere. You hate me."
Angered, her dad confronts her. "Sorry, Leslie, you're not going to talk to me in that tone of voice. You're grounded all weekend."
Words become weapons. The weapons leave wounds. Wounds that hurt. Wounds that last.
Think About It
If Leslie had applied Proverbs 25:15, she might have been able to work out a compromise with her dad. "With patience you can persuade a ruler, and a soft tongue can break bones."
Patience and gentleness are two keys to the best possible relationship with your parents. These traits build bridges between you and your parents, instead of building walls.
Think about your conversations with your parents in the past week. Did you build bridges or walls? Did you show patience toward your parents? How could you have spoken with gentleness?
Pray About It
Lord, I confess that I do not always show patience and gentleness toward my parents. Help me to be quick to listen and slow to speak. Guide me as I build bridges, not walls, with my parents.
Daily Reading Plan—Read James 1
God's Word for Students.
For Leslie, another Friday night brings another family fight. She wants to go to the movies and spend the night with Michelle and a bunch of other girls. Leslie's dad wants more information before he lets her go. He asks her, "What movie will you see? What friends will be there? Will Michelle's parents be home?" When Leslie admits that she doesn't know the answers to these questions, her dad tells her that she can't go unless she finds out all the details.
Leslie responds angrily, "What do you mean 'all the details'? Don't you trust me? You never let me go anywhere. You hate me."
Angered, her dad confronts her. "Sorry, Leslie, you're not going to talk to me in that tone of voice. You're grounded all weekend."
Words become weapons. The weapons leave wounds. Wounds that hurt. Wounds that last.
Think About It
If Leslie had applied Proverbs 25:15, she might have been able to work out a compromise with her dad. "With patience you can persuade a ruler, and a soft tongue can break bones."
Patience and gentleness are two keys to the best possible relationship with your parents. These traits build bridges between you and your parents, instead of building walls.
Think about your conversations with your parents in the past week. Did you build bridges or walls? Did you show patience toward your parents? How could you have spoken with gentleness?
Pray About It
Lord, I confess that I do not always show patience and gentleness toward my parents. Help me to be quick to listen and slow to speak. Guide me as I build bridges, not walls, with my parents.
Daily Reading Plan—Read James 1
God's Word for Students.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
July 1: Strikeouts Are Part of the Game
Read Proverbs 24:10
When you hear the name Babe Ruth, what do you think of? One of the greatest baseball players of all time? One of the greatest home run hitters ever?
Did you know that Babe Ruth not only holds records for home runs, but also for strikeouts? It's true. Babe Ruth was not only the "Home Run King," but also the "Strikeout King." Yet despite his many strikeouts, Babe Ruth persevered. He didn't give up; he kept working. Today, he's remembered for his success.
Think About It
Think about the tough parts of your life—the times you have felt like giving up. Are there areas of your life that seem hopeless right now? Proverbs 24:10 says, "If you faint in a crisis, you are weak." Those who can persevere during difficult times, however, are strong.
Each one of us has trouble. Strikeouts are part of the game. In fact, most achievements have an occasional strikeout along the way. When you fail, don't give up: Keep trying. Jesus is ready to help you, and nothing is impossible for him.
Pray About It
Thank you, Lord, that you are my strength. Use my times of failure to teach me to rely on your strength.
Daily Reading Plan—Read Hebrews 13
God's Word for Students.
When you hear the name Babe Ruth, what do you think of? One of the greatest baseball players of all time? One of the greatest home run hitters ever?
Did you know that Babe Ruth not only holds records for home runs, but also for strikeouts? It's true. Babe Ruth was not only the "Home Run King," but also the "Strikeout King." Yet despite his many strikeouts, Babe Ruth persevered. He didn't give up; he kept working. Today, he's remembered for his success.
Think About It
Think about the tough parts of your life—the times you have felt like giving up. Are there areas of your life that seem hopeless right now? Proverbs 24:10 says, "If you faint in a crisis, you are weak." Those who can persevere during difficult times, however, are strong.
Each one of us has trouble. Strikeouts are part of the game. In fact, most achievements have an occasional strikeout along the way. When you fail, don't give up: Keep trying. Jesus is ready to help you, and nothing is impossible for him.
Pray About It
Thank you, Lord, that you are my strength. Use my times of failure to teach me to rely on your strength.
Daily Reading Plan—Read Hebrews 13
God's Word for Students.
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