Encouragement for Teens

I know there are a lot of jokes made about patience (“Patience is the ability to count to ten before blasting off!”, “I need patience—and I need it now!”), but when you’re the one who’s forced to wait while you suffer—or suffer while you wait—it’s no laughing matter. But, my friend, as the verse below says, we need to wait patiently on the Lord.

I once read about a woman who went to an art museum. Determined to see it all, she whisked from room to room, from painting to painting. Each time she criss-crossed the museum, she saw a gentleman seated on a bench across from one painting. He remained there the entire time, drinking in the glory of one masterpiece.

Too many times in the past I’ve told others “I’m fine” in order to hide my pain and sorrows from them. The truth is, my thoughts pulled me down so far that, in private, tears regularly streamed down my face. Are you constantly thinking negative thoughts? Being a woman after God’s own heart is all about “minding your mind.”

If the Lord allows you to live to enjoy a long life, what do you want to have accomplished by the time you blow out the candles that represent 80, 90, or 100 years? My friend, I’m praying right now that your answer to this crucial question will indicate your heartfelt desire to be a woman who is beautiful in God’s eyes!

The temptation for worldly acceptance comes when you lose sight of your identity. As a believer in Christ you are a Kingdom citizen. You are a sojourner and a pilgrim, merely passing through this life on your way to eternity. Don’t get too settled in a world and a life that is passing away.

Traditionally, Thanksgiving Day is a food-filled celebration associated with expressing gratitude to God for the harvest of His bounty. As we prepare for this Thanksgiving Day—in the midst of our food prepping, house cleaning, and entertaining, let’s pause, bow our head before God who is mighty, and note some of the great things He’s done for us—both in good times and in rough seasons.

Memorial Day heralds the beginning of summer. To students, it begins the countdown to summer vacation. Often summer schedules are hectic with family members going in every direction for sports, camps, social activities, or college preparation. Don’t let your summer get away from you!

Our devotion to God is strengthened when we offer Him a fresh commitment each day. Every morning, in a simple, genuine prayer, start fresh with God by giving Him all that you are, all that you have: now, forever, and daily. Lay everything on God’s altar in what one saint of old called the “surrendered life.”

As young girls, many of us grew up dreaming of the fairy tale stories we were drawn to as children. Visions of the future looked like big weddings, beautiful dresses, a handsome prince, a white picket fence, and a couple of sweet babes to call our own.

Many people often wonder how God talks with His children. Today, He speaks through what I call “the four Cs” which answer the question, "How does God communicate with us?"

Proverbs is considered to be “the wisdom book” of the Bible. I don’t know about you, but I’ve already made enough mistakes to last a lifetime. Frankly, I would like to make as few as possible between now and...

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.