Devotional Day 15: Faith

• Hebrews 11:1 : "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
• 1 Corinthians 16:13 : "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong."
• 1 Peter 5:9 : "Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings."
• Faith is not something that can be taught. Faith is not something that can be forced nor seen or touched. Faith is seeing even when the rest of the world is blind.

     I love Hebrews 11:1! It explains faith in the most appropriate way. A lot of faith is based on hope and trust in God that what He has told us is true. You can't see faith and each of us learns faith in our own special way. I gained faith through a very unfortunate, but powerful way. It took something extreme to happen. In December a night or so before the 4th, I decided to sleep in the living room downstairs. I just had a feeling something wasn't right, and I couldn't sleep. My mom had me come into her room, and I could see that her body was twitching uncontrollably. She was scared, and so was I, but I needed to stay calm for her. I helped her out of bed and told her I was going to call the ambulance. She had me find some cute comfy pajamas (lord knows if somethings going to happen she still has to look good;-) ) and right then I started praying. I knew something unnatural was going on, and I needed God to pull through for me, to keep my calm so I could help my mom. I didn't know what to do, but He did. Finally I walked into the living room and helped her sit down on the couch. The twitches wouldn't stop and neither would my prayers. We needed a miracle. I prayed that she would stay safe until the paramedics arrived, professionals that could help with what was going on. I heard the sirens and saw the flashing lights, so I walked outside to meet them. They asked me a few questions as we walked in and I showed them to the living room where my mom sat. I could tell she was scared. Right as the paramedics walked in and turned to ask her a question my mom went into a full active grand mal seizure, the most dangerous kind there is. The paramedics knew exactly what to do, and they took care of her until the seizing stopped then wheeled her out to the ambulance to take her to the hospital. I was shocked. My mom held back something that powerful for over an hour, before she even came and got me. God answered my prayers that night when the paramedics showed up at the exact right moment. I knew He has shown me what I needed to see to trust Him. Sadly enough I should have trusted Him all along, and I hate that it took something that extreme to open my eyes. I know now what I feel inside, an unmistakable amount of faith.

     Faith is our biggest weapon against evil, but its the hardest thing for some of us to grasp. It's hard to trust something you can't physically feel or touch. It's hard to trust something you have never seen before in your life. Some moments in life teach you the lesson of faith in a way that speaks to you the most, but sometimes in the most unexpected ways. Another thing that we have to realize is that we aren't the only ones with this struggle! People all around the world struggle with faith, with trust. It's something that takes time so that you can develop your own understanding. Faith isn't something someone is going to be able to teach you, only show you what it's like for them. Faith is a self journey, one that's well worth taking.

                                                                       Questions/Application

• What does faith mean to you?
• How did you come to understand faith?
• What makes faith difficult? How can we face those difficulties?

Devotional Day 14: Finding God Through All The Noise

• Psalms 46:9 : “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

• Psalms 1:2 : "But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law does he meditate day and night."
• Meditation seems to be a recurring command in many verses speaking of God's Word. Its important that we have time to sit and be quiet and clear our minds so that we may truly focus on the message of God.

     I love Psalms 46:9. It's such a powerful verse and I think what makes it so powerful is the first couple words: be still. A lot of times in our busy chaotic lives we forget to be still and embrace the quiet. It takes quiet to truly clear our minds. There needs to be no distractions when focussing on God's Word so we can fully absorb in out hearts and minds what He has to say to us. I like to compare reading the Word to school. When you're sitting in class trying to learn its usually pretty difficult with distractions! Maybe there's the giggling girls in the back (often times that was me..oops!) or maybe something as simple as someone tapping their pencil. When it comes time to meditate on God's Word, find a quiet place to be. You could go to the park, sit in your room, or maybe go to the library. Wherever you decide to go be sure that you are giving God your full attention. The second part of the verse is really powerful as well. Know that He is God. Know His power and His compassion. 

     In Psalms 1:2 it speaks of meditating day and night. It's simply telling you spend time in the Word. Take time out of your schedule to strengthen your knowledge in Him and the things He has to teach you. We need to find pleasure in learning what God has given us. Find ways to relate important messages to your heart. I understand fully that sometimes it's just plain hard to pay attention! Some days you feel bored or put out. That's why you have to make it enjoyable so that you can focus. Mix it up a little. Do your quiet time in different places! Maybe draw pictures or make little projects to help remind you of your lesson. Whatever it is, do it wholeheartedly! 

                                                                      Questions/Application

• Where do you do your quiet time and when?
• How can you make quiet time interesting for yourself?
• What message here lately do you feel God is trying to impress on you?

Devotional Day 13: Being a Leader

• Titus 1:7-13 : "For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers..."
• 1 Timothy 3:13 : "For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus."
• God calls all of us to be a leader in our own way. As followers of Christ, we should be leaders by example and council to help those around us rather than followers.

     In the verse from titus stated above it lists many qualities that a leader should display and names some of the things a leader shouldn't be as well! The verse itself is pretty self explanatory. A leader is patient and not quick to anger. They are humble rather than self absorbed or arrogant. Another important thing is that leaders should be generous, never greedy. They must be level headed and not jump to violence as their only solution for things. Its important that leaders are approachable! People will look to leaders to shine God's light and inspire them. Leaders favor good over evil, obviously. They believe in doing what's right and standing up for those beliefs. A leader is disciplined and self-controlled meaning they use discernment to make sound decisions however difficult they may be. You have to be able to trust your leaders in this world! And you have to trust that they are justly translating God's Word from their heart to help others and to witness. Their reasons for being a leader must be selfless! I think this verse really brings up a powerful point. Not only must a leader give good instruction to others, but they must also be able to stand up for what the say! They must not be afraid to stand up to those who would try and sabotage the good works of God through them. Something that isn't mentioned in this verse that I think is important is something I've brought up before: a leader has to be able to look past the sin into a person's soul separating the sin from the person and realizing that we are all children of God some of us just don't know it.

     Being a strong spiritual, Christian leader can also strengthen your walk with Christ. When teaching and translating the Word to others we often learn things ourselves! We realize and think about things we may not have before. Being a leader holds you accountable to the Godly character people see in you, which is a good thing. That helps when you think of giving into temptation. All you have to do is remember the people you've preached God's Word to, and realize how much they look up to you for guidance. Follow the Word you teach to others and trust that God is impressing on you exactly what you need to say! We are all leaders in our own way. We all have the capability of helping one another as a Christ following fellowship of people, of children of God.

                                                                          Questions/Application

• How are you a leader? What about people in your family? Friends?
• What special gifts has God given you that you can use to witness to others?
• What is the biggest temptation for you and what helps you resist that temptation?

Devotional Day 12: Back to School Nerves!

• Psalms 27:3 : "Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident."

• Ephesians 4:23 : "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."

• Psalms 46:1 : "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."
• Going back to school can be rough for both students and parents! There's a lot of stress involved no doubt.  I just wanted to share a few Bible verses that might help and some comforting words for young people of all ages and parents as well.

     I like to compare Psalms 27:3 to the first day of school! Its so nerve racking walking in, not knowing anyone, wondering who you'll be in class with,  who you'll sit with at lunch, or for college students, how your roommate will be or how the professor will teach! Sometimes its just nice to think of a few things that will bring you comfort! In the verse I mentioned above it brings up something very important: confidence. You have to be secure and confident in who you are! If you're comfortable with yourself then you'll have no problem displaying your personality to other people, which is an excellent witnessing time by the way. When you have God on your side there is nothing to fear. He's always there with you to guide and protect you! When you shine God's light through you people will notice, and you'll be a positive influence on those around you. Be confident that you are making the right choices, and you're a respectable person!

     You won't be the only one that's nervous those first few days of school! 98% of the other people around you will feel the exact same way you do! An important thing to remember to do is to be kind. Kindness, such a simple word. Show people understanding andcompassion. That's what kindness is to me at least. Give someone a helping hand whether its physically or mentally! We all need friends who understand what we are going through and are there to show kindness and comfort. Be tenderhearted and sympathetic to one another. You have to realize that everyone is in the same boat as you! Be the one that steps out as a leader and comforts those around you. Reassure people that we aren't alone, thatGod has blessed your heart with courage so that you might help others.

     The last thing I wanted to point out is be strong! That goes for both parents and students. Parents have to be strong in raising your kids, in comforting them. They are reflections of you in your most genuine moments. Be strong in your belief in your children. Stay strong in what you know they can achieve and reinforce your confidence in them everyday! And always listen to what God tells you. He can help you on your path to raising you children. Students, be strong in the person you are! Listen to your parentsand receive their help. They've been in the same position as you on several occasions so trust me, and them, they know what they're talking about! Stay strong in your beliefs as a child of God because Lord knows we face many temptations and pressures in school as we become older. Never sway from the path you know God has put you on! Believe in Him, believe in your parents just like they do you and things like the first day of school will be no problem for you.

                                                                       Questions/Application

• How do you think you can help comfort others?
• What does being a leader mean to you?
• Parents, how do you feel the first day of school? How can you help give your children confidence?
• Kids, how can you show that you appreciate what God and your parents have to teach you?

Devotional Day 11: Valuing Others Help

• 1 Thessalonians 5:11 : "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."

• Ephesians 4:25 : "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, got we are all members of one body."

• Hebrews 3:13 : "But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness."
• We aren't alone in this world and it's important that as Christians we stick together and encourage one another. We need to appreciate each other and the things we do for one another!

     In 1 Thessalonians 5:11 the message is simple, encourage each other! I feel like God has really impressed upon me to share the same message as before. All of us have our off days, days when we feel "not so spiritual." We aren't alone in our struggle though! There are other people that deal with the same things. Help is anywhere you ask for it and I think its important we are prepared to help just as much as we're prepared to ask for it. Your message may be just what someone needs to make it through the day or week, maybe even the month. Don't be afraid to translate what you think or feel God is impressing on your heart. That could be someone's saving grace!Another important part of appreciating one another is being honest with each other. We're all part of the same body of Christ. We have to be able to trust each other in what we say and do and trust that we can come to each other with our problems and get an honest, God driven answer.

     In Hebrews it speaks of protecting each other from the deceitfulness of sin. The evils in this world will cling to any weakness they can. Their main purpose is to cause pain and destroy. In our weak moments its important to seek help. Don't be afraid to ask people the opinion you value so much from them. Every now and then you may be the person that people come to for a valued opinion. Appreciate others and show them you value them. They'll learn to trust you and you'll learn to establish lasting relationships with members of Christ so that we can each help one another.

                                                                     Questions/Application

• How can you show that you value someone?
• How has someone shown that they value you? How did it make you feel?
• When was a time someone came to you for a respected opinion?

Devotional Day 10: Anger

• Ephesians 4:26-27 : "Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil."

• James 1:19-20 : "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God."

• Proverbs 15:18 : "A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention."
• Anger is not a stranger to any of us. We've all felt it at some point, some more than others. There are different ways of controlling your anger and different ways of dealing with it. We just have to remember not to let anger control us. Harbored anger is not the work of God. Its spiritual warfare.

     In Ephesians 4:26-27 it brought up something very important. Be angry... This to me spoke volumes. Never should you lock all your anger inside. Don't suppress it and pretend it doesn't exist. The first thing you have to do to solve a problem is recognize its there, acknowledge it. The next part of the verse simply tells you deal with it! Recognize you're angry and fix it. Don't spend all night and day thinking and dwelling on this anger. If you do that it will control you. Anger will consume all your thoughts and aggression will start to seep out of any part of you it can. Don't let Satan control you with the negative things like he wants to. He wants to use a natural human emotion, that isn't a sin by the way, and force you to feel it excessively. That's where we face our sin, in the excess.

     I know in the beginning of my devotionals I used the verse in James to apply it to listening. I think its very powerfully applicable to anger as well. We must not be quick to overreact and become angry without understanding the situation. A lot of dealing with anger comes from communication and listening. In a rage, don't say things that are hurtful and unnecessary. That's where harbored anger comes from. It gives each person reason to hold on to that anger towards each other. Sometimes you just have to let go and let God. Understand that all problems are solved by time and understanding, not by anger. Another thing this verse brings up is that you don't set a great example for a child of God if in your worst moments you don't mimic God's character. In our darkest times is when we prove ourselves. Its easy to be Godly when you feel love and happiness. Its hard to be Godly when we feel hurt, disappointed, sad, angry, frustrated, or guilty, the list goes on, but its in those times of negativity that we should radiate God through us the most. That's when we need it and when others around us need it.

     A lot of times when we are angry we get into arguments. I'm very guilty of this and I'm not afraid to admit I'm a very hot tempered young woman. Something that I need to work on, and I think that everyone should work on, is understanding that anger breeds more anger. If you're angry and engage in the argument the other person feels the need to defend themselves, so they say things that make you even more angry, and it just goes back and forth and back and forth. Its never ending. Be the one who is slow to anger. Be the one with gentle, reasonable words. Hold people accountable and follow through with what you say and deal with your anger when it comes. Don't hold it in and hurt yourself or others because of it. God never intended for you to suffer. Anger isn't there to torture you, but it will if you keep it locked inside and you don't think about what you say and do.

                                                                   Questions/Application

• How do you handle your anger? If you don't handle it well, how do you think you could handle it better?
• When was a time you wanted to be angry, but showed compassion instead? How did it make you feel?
• Reflect on a time when someone was angry with you. How did that make you feel?
• How do you think listening affects anger?

Devotional Day 9: God Centered Home Life

• Deuteronomy 6:5-8 : "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up."
• Proverbs 4:10-11 : "Hear, my son, and accept My sayings and the years of your life will be many. I have directed you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in upright paths."
• Growing up in a healthy, spiritual based home can and will help you with many things in life. Its our parents job to lay the foundation of opportunity for loving God. However, children and young adults can be just as responsible for encouraging our parents to further their spiritual walk. Everyone has their off days. Its our job as a family to keep each other on track.

     I really like the passage from Deuteronomy. Here Moses is giving guidance to parents, in my opinion. First, as a parent you must learn to love God whole heartedly. Its hard to teach something you don't feel or understand. You have to feel God in your soul and really trust in Him. The next step is teaching this to your children. Sit with them, talk with them, and tell them your testimony. Tell them the love of God and preach to them what He has done. No matter what age your kids are they will always need some kind of spiritual reinforcement. The world can be a cruel and harsh place filled with all kinds of temptations and windows that open to bad choices. If you reinforce God on your child's life everyday they will be able to experience the good things the world has to offer. Now, that doesn't mean shelter them. Real people have real issues. Everyone has to learn things some how. Protect your child and raise them the best you can. Radiate the love of God in everything you do and your child will pick up! They'll form their own testimony and their own opinion on God. You are their spiritual leaders.

     In Proverbs 4:10-11 it speaks of knowing that you've led your child on the right path and done the best you can do to help them in their beginning stages of their spiritual walk! You'll teach them as much as you can for as long as they'll listen. You'll show them the meaning of discernment, the meaning of love, trust, friendship, forgiveness, grace, andspirituality. Trust what God tells you. Translate this to your children. If you do this you'll be surprised at how much the learn and perceive on their own. They'll be able to help you in your days of spiritual weakness, days when you feel no hope, no faith. I feel like this especially relates to single parents. They'll be there to show you the same love you've shown them each in their own way. And when they've grown and began to make their own adult decisions you can sit back and smile knowing that you've raised them with God's guidance the best way you knew how, and they're making sound choices that will benefit them. Parents we need you! We know you need us too. Don't be afraid to ask!

                                                                 Questions/Application

• How do you think you can help your children on their spiritual walk? What about you kids; How can you help your parents when they are in a time of spiritual weakness?
• What's an important thing you can do everyday to make God more involved in your life? Family prayer? Share new Bible verses? Etc..
• Regardless of your past, who helped you start the walk to your spiritual path? Teachers? Coaches? Aunts or Uncles? Etc..

Devotional Day 8: Spreading God's Word

• Matthew 28:19 : "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."
• Mark 16:16 : "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned."
• Mark 16:15 : "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."
• How can you learn the Word of God if you've never heard of it? Its a pretty simple question and there's an easy solution. As creations of God its our job to spread His Word and save the souls of our fellow brothers and sisters.

     In Matthew 28:19 it gives specific command to spread the Word. I'll say what I've said before in my previous devotionals; the Word is there for a reason. Its there to protect, teach, and bring further understanding of God. As children of God its our job to spread the Word of God so that others may have to opportunity to appreciate Him the same way we do. Now, don't misunderstand. Its not our job to force the Word upon them. Its a personal choice. That person has to be willing to accept God on their own. We are merely the messengers to those who are ignorant to God, His Word, and His purpose. In Mark 16:15 it repeats the same message. Go and tell the Word to others so that they might not be ignorant of God's purpose.

     In Mark 16:16 it explains that those who do not have that opportunity to appreciate God's love are lost. They don't get the chance to experience God's love like everyone should. Again, its the other person's job to accept God. Our job is just to translate and to help guide. We're like God's little workers! Each of us has an interpretation that may speak to people differently. Its important to do what we can to reach out to others. My view on things may be completely different than yours, but it speaks to someone, at least I hope, and that's what matters.

                                                                 Questions/Application

• How can you spread the Word of God?
• What is an important message that you would share with someone who is naive  to God's Word?
• Do you feel like by doing this we can prove our love to God?
• What was the first Bible story you ever heard? How did it make you feel?

Devotional Day 7: Love

• Philippians 1:9-10 : "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ."

• Proverbs 4:23 : "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."

• Psalms 138:8 : "The Lord will vindicate me; your love, Lord, endures forever-do not abandon the works of your hands."
• Love is something we see in our everyday life. Whether its people displaying you or you witnessing love being displayed to others, its all around us. Its important to recognize real and genuine love and safe guard yourself from false love. Its also important to remember that God's love is never ending.

     In Philippians 1:9-10 it speaks of growing your knowledge in love and keeping your love pure. Sometimes in life we experience false love or things like "puppy" love like when we're young and infatuated with someone. Its fun when you're younger, but as you get older its important that your love matures, that you understand love more and more each day. Our love should be pure at heart, caring for someone because of who they are on the inside and qualities you appreciate in them.

     In Proverbs 4:23 it brings up a very important and valid point about love. You have to guard your heart against false love and things that could sabotage your pure heart. You put your heart into a lot of the things you do on a daily basis. Your heart is the center point of a lot of the things you feel and do. If your heart is corrupt then you can't fully put it into your works or, of course, do things whole heartedly. Love is a precious gift, a gift that can be put into many things whether its loving your job, family members, or friends.

     Love is also a precious gift from God. Regardless of what you do or how you sin God will never stop loving you. You are His precious work of art made in His likeness. Its like my mom always tells me, "Nothing you could ever do could ever make me stop loving you." I've had moments and time in my life where I've made mistakes and I've done things that I know have hurt my mom, but its my mom's understanding, compassion, and forgiveness that allows her to continue loving me. That can translate directly to the way God loves us. We've made mistakes and done things that hurt God through our disobedience, but He doesn't love us any less because of it. 

     We can find comfort in love and comfort in knowing that regardless of what we do there's always someone in your corner ready to forgive and love you anyway.

                                                      Questions/Application

• How do you show love? How are you loved?
• How do you think you can better understand love?
• Has there ever been a time where you felt "puppy" love? How has love changed for you now?

Devotional Day 6: Honesty

• Leviticus 25:14 : "If you sell land to one of your countrymen or buy any from him, do not take advantage of each other."

• Proverbs 10:9 : "The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out."

• 1 Timothy 1:19 : "Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked."
• In life its important that you are honest to yourself, to others, and to Christ. Not only does it bring you self security because of a clear conscience, but it brings respect from others and contentment from God knowing you are obeying.

     I know selling land doesn't apply a lot in everyday life! However, in Leviticus 25:14 a very important message is brought up. Don't take advantage of people with your dishonesty. The unfortunate part about lying is that there are people that will believe those lies. Just because someone will buy what you're saying doesn't mean you take advantage of their ignorance to your true intention. Convincing someone of something just because you can temporarily get away with it is unfair. Not only will you break that trust with another person, but you weigh down your conscience and go against the guidelines God has laid out to protect you and others.

     In Proverbs 10:9 it speaks of being able to be proud of who you are as a person. When you know you are a honest person you can walk securely in who you are and be comfortable in what you do. There is no extra stress from the guilt you feel or consequences you suffer from dishonesty. You know that others can trust what you say when you say it without question. Just remember the story with the boy who cried wolf! Its a very valid example of what can happen when you display a honest character. Dishonesty affects your personal relationships with others. It can cause them pain and at times can even affect your spiritual relationship. Your guilt consumes your thinking like it says in 1 Timothy like it says above. A lot of times lying causes shame. You lose respect for yourself and you try and hide who you are or what you've done from God. What you have to understand is that God forgives you of all your transgressions. Now, another thing you have to remember is what I brought up in the paragraph above. Just because God and others will forgive you doesn't mean you take advantage of that forgiveness. If you do, the trust will be lost all over again just like it was before. The guilt will stick with you. Be a trustworthyperson so others can value you, God can be proud in what you do, and you can besecure with yourself.

                                                              Questions/Application

• How can you display a more honest character?
• Do you think others view you as an honest person?
• When was a time someone was dishonest with you? How did it make you feel? Compare that to times you've been dishonest. How do you think it made others feel?
• How does being honest make you feel?

Devotional Day 5: Accepting Yourself

• Psalms 139:14 : "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well."

• 1 Samuel 16:7 : "For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
• We all battle with acceptance at some point in our lives. One thing that's important to remember is that God made you just the way you needed to be. Be a beautiful person on the inside. Appreciate what God sees, not what you think you should be.

     In Psalms 139:14 it brings praise to the Lord for making each one of us the way we did. Its an important thing to give thanks to how He made us. We were "fearfully and wonderfully made", a walking work of art by God Himself. Another thing to realize that's in this verse is its reference to the soul. Beauty isn't just something you see from the outside. Your soul must be beautiful. Appreciate the complexity of our spirit. When you appreciate how God has made you and others that inner beauty shines through you. Life isn't about material things. It shouldn't be about a physical competition with other people. Whether its girls who think they need to lose weight or guys who think the need to work out more, we all search for ways we think we should be. We strive for a physical beauty goal. I think its important that we work just as hard on our hearts, minds, and souls as we do our outer appearance. Don't get me wrong! Everyone like to look good. It makes you feel good when you have nice clothes or you have a good hair day. There's nothing wrong with appreciating outer appearance. We just can't forget to work on our inner beauty just as hard.

     In 1 Samuel 16:7 it shows that God values you for the person you are on the inside, not the person everyone else sees on the outside. He focuses on our hearts. He focuses on genuineness, on compassion, understanding, empathy, strength, determination, discipline, all powerful character traits that make up a beautiful soul. In the end, looks can get you many places, but its what's inside that makes others value you. Be confident in yourself, love yourself. Be secure in knowing that you were made just the way God wanted you. Everyone is beautiful in their own special way.

                                                               Questions/Application

• How can you work to improve your inner beauty?
• What are things about yourself that you appreciate that God gave you both inside and out?
• When is a time you've shown acceptance of someone else? How do you think it made them feel?

Devotional Day 4: Prayers Against The Spirit Of Destruction

• Psalms 107:20 : "Send Your Word, and deliver me from any destruction."
• Psalms 35:17 : "Rescue my soul from destructions."
• There are a lot of things we have to deal with in life, a lot of outside influences on each day we live. Its important that we arm ourselves against Satan's attempt at our demise.

     In Psalms 107:20 it talks about us asking God for His Word. God's Word is our main defense against destruction from outside sources and any internal conflicts we might be facing. His Word is there to comfort, to teach, to guide, and to protect. You must make yourself knowledgeable of the Word, read it and carry it close to your heart. Protect your mind with the tools God has laid out in front of you to use. Its there for a reason! Its there because it works! God loves us. He wants us to lead healthy, happy, successful lives! That's why He gives us His Word, His specific guide to life. Another important verse above that I felt was very powerful was Psalms 35:17. It shows true power in God, acknowledges it. God has the power to protect if we but ask it of Him. Prayer and studying God's Word is a very influential part of spiritual success. God is our only hope of salvation, of strength, rescue, refuge, everything! Its easy to fight what you can see. God has given you the Word to fight that which you can not see, that which you cannot physically lay your hands on. Its a mental game, a spiritual war within yourself! Utilize what He gives you, study what He intends you to use to protect yourself. You can find comfort in the fact that only God can grasp your soul in His hands, only God can determine your fate if you but follow Him. Live out the instructions, the guidelines he has given you for success and you will be protected from evil, from destruction. Always remember, destruction can come from what gets to you the most whether its family members, close friends, ect.. Something I'll always remember that a woman told me in the Christian book store the other day, "Separate the sin from the person." That's all you have to do! Battle the sin. Fight the good fight.

                                                                       Questions/Application

• How can you arm yourself against destruction?
• What Bible verses inspire you to fight the good fight?
• Who are people that might be causing destruction in your life? How can you separate them from the sin?
• Do you trust God? How can you further build your trust in Him?

Devotional Day 3: Grace

• Galatians 2:20-21 : "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body I live by faith in the son of God who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God for if righteousness could be gained through the law then Christ died for nothing!"
• Titus 2:11 : "For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people."
• There has been a continuing message today that I feel is weighing heavy against my heart, something I feel like everyone should should hear about; Grace.

      The pastor at Lonestar Cowboy Church said something that really stuck with me today;Grace is when God gives you what you need, not what you deserve. How true is that? Its crazy to think that grace can be explained so easily. 

       God sent Christ to die for us, the ultimate sign of grace. Just think about it..Christ was nailed to the cross, hanging there, nails driven through his hands and feet, a crown of thorns, the rays of the sun beating down on him as man spit on him, beat him, and cursed his name. Yet, there he stayed, thinking about each one of us, prepared to forgive us for all that we had done or planned to do. He intended to show us grace. In Galatians it talks about how we are saved through Christ, how our spirits are brought to salvation through Him. An important part to recognize in that verse is, "I do not set aside the grace of God." Without His grace a spiritual relationship wouldn't be possible! He gave us the forgiveness and love that we, as mankind, didn't deserve. As pastor Randy said, "He made the unforgivable forgivable." He took all our sins and transgressions and cleaned the slate. He showed us forgiveness we didn't deserve. We need His grace and His forgiveness to walk a righteous path in life. However, that's not to be taken for granted! Just because God forgives you doesn't mean you still go and do what you know you shouldn't. Don't go out and commit every sin possible on Saturday and think to yourself, "Oh, it'll be ok! I'll be in church on Sunday and God will just forgive and forget all this." We need to appreciate God's grace because we truly don't deserve it. God loves us enough to give us what we need despite the pain we may have caused Him, despite the disobedience. Grace is a precious gift...

                                                                    Questions/Application

• How has God shown you grace? Did you appreciate it at the time?
• What would you have done/said/thought had you been in the place Christ was when nailed to the cross?
• How can you display grace in your life?
• How can you better appreciate grace or show that you are thankful for it?

Devotional Day 2: Listen

• James 1:19 : "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger."

• 1 John 5:14 : "And this is the confidence that we have toward Him, that if we ask anything according to His will He hears us."
• Listening applies not only to us, but to God as well. We must open our hearts and minds to receive what God wants to tell us. We must also understand that God listens! God answers prayers, not always in the way you think or want, but still...He answers you in your time of need when you seek comfort or just someone to talk to.

         Listening is an important and vital skill for us to learn. If you think about it, we spend the majority of our lives listening! Whether its listening to your parents, teachers, bosses, ect., we all receive important information by listening. This same thing applies to your relationship with God! You just have to learn to stop and listen. Like it says in James 1:19 above, its important for us to listen and understand what's being said before we act. God provides a lot of the answers to our problems and situations in life both in His word and in your heart and mind. Many times we get caught up in our busy lives and forget to just stop...just for a second. Think about God, talk to Him. Listening to God doesn't have to be about negative things either or just when you need help with a problem! You can listen and understand the path God wants for you in life, the happiness He wishes for you. God will answer your prayers as long as you stay open minded and realize that it might not be in the way you hope for or the way you think it should happen. He has a plan, and He knows what's best. Search for ways to understand how He intended things to play out.

         Another part of listening to remember is knowing that God listens to us! Like I touched on in the paragraph above, when we pray, when we hope, when we have faith, God listens and answers prayers. A lot of us feel that we can handle all our problems on our own, but we can't. Don't get me wrong! I highly doubt that we need to pray every time we can't figure out what to wear to school or what kind of video game we should buy! Sometimes we know through God's word what we should do about certain circumstances, but sometimes we just don't know! We get lost every now and then, and that's where its important to remember that God is there to listen to us. He is there to help and tells you He wants to! If you have an problem you're just not quite sure how to handle then I urge you to stop, sit down, and talk to God. Tell Him what's going on just like you would your best friend or your parents. Trust Him.  

                                                                   Questions/Application

• Do you ever take time to stop and listen to God? Why or why not?
• If you have a busy schedule, when can you make time for God to listen to you and for you to listen to Him? Before bed? While brushing your teeth?
• What has been a time where God has answered your prayers, but not in a way you thought He would? Did things still work out and what lesson was taught?

Devotional Day 1: Dealing With Pain Through Forgiveness

• Psalms 34:17-20 - "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. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; He protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken."
• 2 Corinthians 2:10-11 : "Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. What I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs."
• Pain is inevitable! At some point in our lives we will all feel pain, but its important that we don't avoid this pain or suffering, but control how we respond to it through the power of forgiveness. God is loving enough to listen to you and big enough to care for you in your pain.

     There are all different kinds of pain; disappointment, heartbreak, ect..  And along with that pain comes many ways of dealing with it. Forgiveness is the key to a majority of healing. Many times in life people will disappoint you or hurt your feelings. One thing to remember is that people aren't perfect; They aren't always going to act the way you want or expect. People make mistakes which is why its important to understand forgiveness. When you forgive someone that doesn't mean you discredit what they did. You have to hold that person accountable for the actions they have taken in order to help them on their path to becoming a better person. Tell them you've forgiven them! Not only does it lift a burden off your shoulders, but it gives the other person hope that even when they've done things they shouldn't have done, there are people out there caring enough to not hold a grudge and to understand they aren't perfect. God has forgiven us time and time again as individuals and as mankind. Our transgressions against Him have been many, yet He still loves us. He is still there for us in our time of need. We find comfort in him because we know that He holds us accountable for the people we should be, but forgives us when we stray from that path. Its important to understand that God doesn't want to control us in any way. He gave us free will for a reason. His word isn't there to tell you what you have to do or else! His word is there to guide us from hurting ourselves. Forgiveness is an important tool He has given us to utilize. Not only does is help relieve your pain, but relieves the pain of others. Negative emotions are powerful. Sometimes you feel hopeless; You feel there is no way to overcome the pain. To overcome this pain we have to understand the things God has given us to help ourselves!

                                                           QUESTIONS/APPLICATION

• What in your life could be causing you unnecessary pain? Perhaps there is someone you've been wanting to talk to...to forgive? Go for it!
• How do you think dealing with pain through forgiveness is healthy for you?
• What is your response to pain? How do you think you could handle it better?
• What are some Bible verses that comfort you in your time of pain?