From Our Hearts

DEVOTION: Even though I knew God spoke specifically to women about not gossiping (1 Timothy 3:11 and Titus 2:3), I did it anyway. The Holy Spirit led me to change my heart and empowered the purification process I still continue to go through. I want to be known as a woman who is a friend of women; a woman who is for other women rather than being against them. What did that entail? Sharing words that are full of grace (Colossians 4:6), kind (Proverbs 16:23-24; 31:26), pleasant, constructive, and instructive. It also means having speech edify and minister grace to our hearers (Ephesians 4:29). Have you ever sat down with a group of friends to have joyful, encouraging fellowship only to have the momentum start swinging in the direction of gossip? I think we all have. If you are a young lady then I believe it is pretty safe to say that you have at least once in your life entertained the thought of joining in or have actually participated in gossip.

DEVOTION: There is so much devastating news coming through the media every day now. The tragedies of the Coronavirus and the subsequent shutdowns of entire countries including our own; the destructive storms and tornadoes; famine; unemployment; and so many more are or daily reality. How can we find peace in such turmoil? How We Can Obtain This Peace? True spiritual peace comes with knowing that our heav­enly Father is continually with us — and indeed He is! God is omnipresent and therefore fully aware of every detail of our life at every moment and in every place. He knows our needs at all times and in every situation. As Psalm 139:7-12 teaches, we can never be anyplace, from the heights of heaven to the depths of the sea, where God is not present with us and available to us. The key to our peace then is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of God no matter the conflict.

DEVOTION: This is normally the time of year every high school, college, and grad student looks forward to; a commencement ceremony to celebrate and applaud their years of diligence and hard work. This year the activities may look a little different, but there are some things that remain the same. For example, following the graduation usually consists of more pondering the next steps in this phase of life. Life is full of choices. However, the issue is not the mere act of making choices itself, but rather learning how to make not just good choices or better choices, but the best choices. None of us are perfect. The key is to gain wisdom and biblical insight from each stumbling block and turn it into a stepping stone to a greater future!

DEVOTION: With every new growing milestone in life there comes a small twinge of fear and uncertainty. Even those who seemingly have it all together will ponder whether or not they are making the right decisions. They may wonder how they will handle all that this new adventure in life will bring and that is normal.

DEVOTION: Trust is essential in any relationship. If you want to have friends who are honest with you, then (you guessed it) you must be honest with them, even if it means having a difficult conversation. Honesty is one of the benefits of a true friendship. The Bible puts it this way: “Wounds from a friend can be trusted… and the pleasantness of one’s friend springs from his earnest counsel” (Proverbs 27:6, 9).

DEVOTION: As a Christian, you already have a perfect friendship. You have a friend in Jesus Christ. But God also provides other people with whom you can and should have friendships. The bible teaches us that it is not good for man to be alone and that as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another (Genesis 2:18 and Proverbs 27:17). 

Lord, help me to always see you as the most important friendship in my life. And help me to seek and develop relationships that are healthy, godly, and meaningful to both my life and theirs.

 

 

DEVOTION: Every prayer you lift up for your friends reaches God’s ears and heart. Ask Him to use His power, strength, and wisdom to help the people you care about. Are you friends with others who encourage and build you up in the faith? Are you making the effort to grow spiritually so you can be that kind of friend to others?

 

DEVOTION—TEEN TUESDAY: Temptation should not be viewed as sin. Rather, giving in to a temptation is sin. Here's reassuring news: God promises us deliverance from sin. In other words, this is God’s promise of an “exit.” 

DEVOTION: Do you have an unbelieving husband or children? Do you work with non-Christians? Are you continually misunderstood because you don’t live like others? A gentle and quiet spirit is one of your best assets in navigating these relationships.

DEVOTION: Do you know the one-word theme of the book of Ruth? Learn about the main points, the key characters, and simple & personal applications for spiritual growth and daily living from Ruth.

DEVOTION: Do you usually spend a few hours in the evening scrolling through your phone or texting? I used to watch hours of TV, but over time, I began to maximize my night hours. Here are 5 practical ways you can make the most of your time too!

DEVOTION: I remember the day I first read about the Proverbs 31 woman and discovered the meaning of the word “virtuous.” As a result, I began to pursue her excellence. How about you?