Unlocked: Daily Devotions for Teens

Epizodes

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  What About Romantic Relationships? (Part 2) 17.09.2026 4min

  READ: EPHESIANS 5 Did you know that God-honoring romantic relationships can be a great place to learn more about God’s love? In my own life, God has used my relationship with my fiancé to teach me more about my relationship with Him. First, when I consider how much my fiancé and I love each other, I’m reminded of how much more God loves both of us. As we love and serve each other, we are reminded of the ways Jesus loves and serves us—even sacrificing His own life for ours (Ephesians 5:2; 1 John 4:19). Second, I’ve learned how well God knows me. Sometimes, when we’re on a date, my fiancé will ask if I want to split mozzarella sticks, and I’ll debate and then refuse. He’ll go ahead and order them for himself and, lo and behold, guess who actually wants mozzarella sticks? This simple way my fiancé knows me so well pales in comparison to how deeply God knows me (Psalm 139; John 10:14). Third, my relationship with my fiancé has been a reminder that God made people to be in community (Genesis 1–2). This doesn’t always mean romantic relationships, but sometimes it can. Some Christians are called to marriage, and we’re all called to singleness for at least part of our lives, so romantic relationships are one way—but not the only way—Christians can experience community (1 Corinthians 7). Ultimately, marriage points to Jesus because the church is the bride of Christ. A faithful, loving marriage between a husband and wife offers a picture of the kind of love Jesus has for us (Ephesians 5:25-33). He died for our sins and rose again so we could be with Him forever, enjoying His presence, working alongside Him in His kingdom, and resting in His unconditional love. As Christians—whether we are single, married, or dating—we are intimately loved by the one who knows us better than we know ourselves. • Naomi Zylstra • What does the gospel have to do with our approach to romance? What does a relationship centered on Jesus look like? (If you want to dig deeper, read Matthew 19:4-6; 1 Corinthians 6:11-20; 7:39; 13:4-7; 2 Corinthians 6:14-15; Hebrews 13:4.) • What questions do you have about dating and marriage? Who is a trusted Christian adult in your life— such as a pastor, counselor, or parent—you feel comfortable talking to about these things? (If no one comes to mind, you can ask God to help you identify someone in the future.) Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Ephesians 5:2 (NLT) 
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  What About Singleness? (Part 1) 16.09.2026 5min

  READ: 1 CORINTHIANS 7:7-9, 25-40 Some of you need to hear this. It’s okay to be single. No really. You do not need to be dating or married to be whole. Wholeness is found in Christ Jesus alone—not through a romantic partner. Our relationship with God is where we find fullness of life and meaning (John 10:10). Yet, in our broken world, many people have a fear of being single. I was single for almost twenty-one years, and it did not, in fact, kill me. Actually, sometimes I miss certain things I took for granted while I was single. A God-honoring romantic relationship—from dating to engagement to marriage—takes a time commitment. And that’s especially true for married couples, because the husband and wife have made vows before God and His people to care for each other. There isn’t the same kind of abundant free time to spend with friends. There’s also a learning curve as you both figure out what it looks like to serve Jesus and keep His kingdom central in the ways you serve one another (Matthew 6:33). Paul talks about being single in the book of 1 Corinthians. He says remaining single is a good thing, especially because it allows a person to devote more attention toward serving the Lord. How? Singleness can offer greater flexibility in pursuing opportunities and friendships with other people, which in turn can deepen our understanding of God and our relationship with Him. Remember, serving is just as much about God pouring peace, love, and joy into our lives as what we’re able to share with others. God wants to fill our lives with the joy of community! At the same time, it’s important to remember that Jesus is the only one who loves us perfectly. People will let us down, but Jesus will never fail us. He always cares for us, never acts selfishly, and always knows exactly what we need. He is the faithful bridegroom, and we—His church—are His bride. He loves us so much that He gave up His own life for ours on the cross, because He wants to live in love and community with us every day, every moment. You might be thinking, “This is all fine and dandy, but I still want to date and get married someday.” And that’s okay. But while you’re single, take time to invest in the relationships you already have. Enjoy community with Jesus and with the people He has placed in your life! • Naomi Zylstra • How might God be inviting you to invest in the relationships you currently have? How could you serve right now, just as you are? What are some ways you can share God’s love and joy with others—both those who know Jesus and those who don’t? I [Paul] am saying this for your benefit, not to place restrictions on you. I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible. 1 Corinthians 7:35 (NLT) 
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  From Scrolling to Thanking 15.09.2026 5min

  READ: JEREMIAH 29:8-14; JOHN 21:20-22; 2 CORINTHIANS 10:12; GALATIANS 6:4 Ever been online scrolling, watching your friends and other people you follow as they share their vacations, adventures, accomplishments, funny stories…and you just ended up feeling like your own life was on hold? Let me tell you something: you’re not alone! Comparison steals your joy, and it can even make you forget about anything good that might be happening in your life. It can make your life seem like a sob story. One night, I remember sitting alone in a local park, feeling left behind. When I looked at my friends’ socials, it was just stories of which colleges they were set to attend. Meanwhile, I had yet to start the application process, let alone decide which colleges to apply to. I felt low and ungrateful. Nevertheless, I decided to think of three things I was thankful to God for. I thought of my dog, the recent earth-nourishing rains, and a wonderful phone conversation with my parents. Though spending that time in thankfulness to God didn’t change my situation, it redirected my focus from feeling small to feeling gratitude for the good things God was doing in my life. Isn’t it good news that God doesn’t compare us to each other? And He calls us not to compare ourselves with others either. Rest assured, God loves you and He has good plans for you. He made you unique, and He will lead you on your journey according to His timing and purpose. You will never get left behind— Jesus is with you every step of the way. So instead of fixing your eyes on someone else’s life journey or achievements, pay attention to what God is doing in yours. As you fix your eyes on Jesus— resting in His faithful love and following where He leads—you just might discover that true freedom is found, not in a life of comparison, but one of gratefulness (Hebrews 12:1-2). • Sammy Mwatha • What are three things you’re thankful to God for today, no matter how small? • We live during a time in history when the internet, smartphones, social media, etc. are still relatively new, and we’re constantly learning how to steward these resources well—and limit the potential negative impacts they can have on our brains. This week, consider turning off all your devices (anything with a screen) for at least one hour per day, and focus on things in your life that you’re thankful for—and do them with Jesus! You might spend the time relaxing outside, playing with your pet, eating a meal with your family, or engaging with something you enjoy (like art, music, sports, etc.) either alone or with friends. “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD, “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT) 
• 
  I'd Like Some Faith with a Side of Certainty! 14.09.2026 4min

  READ: ROMANS 10:11-17; 2 CORINTHIANS 5:7 I was born legally blind. Usually I can see enough to get by, but if I have to find a classroom where the room number is posted above the door, I can’t see it. When the church puts the words to the chorus on the big screen up front, I can’t see it. If I’m in a restaurant where the menu is hanging behind the counter, I can’t see it. To compensate for not being able to see such things, I have to ask for help: “Do they have cheese curds here?” When the people around me are kind enough to answer my questions, I have to take them at their word. I can’t verify if cheese curds are on the menu until I place my order and say, “I’d like cheese curds with that.” Romans 10:17 says, “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” Most define faith as “belief” or “trust.” But take it from this legally blind guy: it’s a little deeper than that. I’m looking for information to act on—information I can’t see. Faith relies on someone who has more power and knowledge than I do. My bad sight forces me to depend on others and take them at their word. “For we live by faith, not by sight,” 2 Corinthians 5:7 says. I know full well what this means. I regularly put my life into the hands of others who can see what they’re doing. Similarly, God knows more than we do. He has more power, more insight, and is never wrong. We are wrong frequently. Faith acknowledges our weaknesses, but also God’s strength—and through the Holy Spirit, God leads us to rely on that strength (Romans 5:6; 8:26; 2 Corinthians 12:9; 1 John 4:16). Faith in Jesus is more than mental agreement with some statements; it’s living in light of sure information (1 John 5:20). As Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” • Jeff Weddle • Can you think of a time you had to depend on others? What was that like? • Faith in Jesus means relying on Him to save us, and depending on Him in every area of our lives. Of course, none of us will have perfect faith—at least, not until Jesus returns. But as we draw near to God, the Holy Spirit will help us grow in faith, reminding us that we can rest in a secure relationship with God because Jesus has made the way for us to become His dearly loved children (1 John 3:1). How could it be helpful to think of faith, not just as belief and trust, but also as reliance and dependence? For we live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV) 
• 
  The Treasure 13.09.2026 6min

  READ: MATTHEW 13:44-46; JOHN 10:10; PHILIPPIANS 3:7-9, 19-21 Kellen crossed his arms and shook his head as smoke engulfed his one-man transport. He turned away and stepped off the tracks that connected the two largest cities in the world. This delay would cost him. Negotiators were expecting him in the northern city within the hour. The railway cut through a thick forest. Kellen marveled at some of the trees before he reached for his phone. As he slipped his hand into his pocket to call for a new transport, something caught his eye. A sliver of blue glistened through an opening in the trees. He pulled back some branches and stepped into the forest. Kellen gasped as he found himself standing in a new world. The brilliant blue was coming from a rushing waterfall. Beyond the cascade was an endless golden field. A gust of wind swept over the meadow and stirred up a flock of colorful birds that piloted over the waterfall and down to a cluster of luscious green branches. Kellen breathed deeply. His soul had never felt like this before—completely refreshed, utterly satisfied. He thought about his immense riches, and the steel utopia he had built for himself, but neither of them compared to the peace that he felt now. For the first time, Kellen knew he was home. “It can all be yours,” said a voice. Kellen turned to see an old man holding a staff twice his height. “It is of more value than anything you can ever achieve,” said the man. Kellen nodded and looked over the paradise one more time. As he turned and stepped back through the tree line, he repositioned some branches to hide his newly discovered treasure. - - It didn’t take long for Kellen to sell everything he had. The following morning, he returned to the field. He stepped off the transport and pulled back the branches like he had the day before. Then He stepped through the brush and into the paradise. The man greeted him, “Welcome home.” • Rafe Bellers • Today’s allegorical story echoes Matthew 13:44, which is one of many parables Jesus told about the kingdom of heaven, also called the kingdom of God. Why is this kingdom far more valuable than anything we could ever possess or achieve? Why is it worth giving up everything for? • The only way into the kingdom of God is through Jesus. He gave up everything for us when He died and rose again to rescue us from the dominion of darkness and bring us into His kingdom of light (Colossians 1:12-14). Jesus promises that everyone who has put their trust in Him is a part of that kingdom forever! Why is it so important that nothing we do—or don’t do—can earn our place in His kingdom? (Hint: read Ephesians 2:8-9.) For more about this good news, see our "Know Jesus" page. • We live in a time when the kingdom of God has already come and is still coming. When Jesus came and lived among us, He announced that the kingdom has come near (Matthew 4:17), and He promised that when He returns, we will experience the kingdom in all its fullness! As we wait for that glorious day, we can see glimpses of the kingdom wherever we see Jesus’s rule and reign bringing “righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17). Can you think of a time you glimpsed the kingdom in your own life? What was that like? • If you want to dig deeper, you can read ab...
• 
  Tandem Life 12.09.2026 3min

  READ: JOHN 10:27-30; 14:16-17, 26; 15:4-10; 1 CORINTHIANS 6:17 Have you ever wanted to go skydiving? The thrill! The exhilaration! The absolute terror?! If you’re not quite daring enough to jump from a plane with nothing but a parachute, you could try tandem skydiving instead. This much safer option means you’re connected to a harness, which is attached to a highly experienced tandem instructor. The instructor guides you through each and every step prior to, during, and after the jump. You’re secured to this expert skydiver the whole time. From exiting the plane to landing safely on the ground, they’re responsible for and in control of everything that’s happening. Your part is to rest in their control and enjoy! The tandem’s connection means placing all your trust in the instructor’s abilities and knowledge. For all practical purposes, you’re placing your life in their hands. It wouldn’t be good to fight against their movements or try to go in a different direction from where they’re leading. No matter what happens on the journey, you can trust the safety of the harness and the person you’re attached to. What if we thought about our Christian journey as being on a tandem flight with the Lord? When we come to faith in Jesus, we aren’t just attached to Him, we are united with Him. We are inseparable—connected together forever. The Holy Spirit is our highly qualified instructor, there from the beginning. As our traveling partner, the Spirit of Christ guides us along our journey till we safely reach our final destination of eternity with Jesus (Ephesians 4:30). So, as Christians, we never have to be afraid of freefalling alone. We can rest and abide in the one who holds us securely, now and forever. • Deborah del Villar • Can you think of a time your life felt like a freefall? Maybe you felt disoriented or just unable to handle the things you were going through. Consider taking a moment to imagine Jesus right there with you—you could even picture Him strapped to your back like a tandem skydiving instructor. How does this image make you feel? Is there anything you want to say to Jesus? I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 (NIV) 
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  Jesus Wept 11.09.2026 4min

  READ: JOHN 11:1-44; 14:16-18; 2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-5 Do you know the shortest verse in the Bible? It’s John 11:35, “Jesus wept.” It has only two words, and yet it’s so profound. A few years ago, my brother died suddenly. It was a big blow to me and my family. I asked God many questions. Why did He not save my brother? Why did He allow it to happen? Does He care? When I was reading the book of John, God spoke to me through the story of Lazarus. Lazarus, Martha, and Mary were siblings, and they were close friends of Jesus. When Lazarus died, Martha and Mary were very sad. They were grieving over his death and wished Jesus had come earlier to save their brother. Both sisters said the same thing to Jesus: “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:21, 32). What they said echoed the words that I had bottled up in my heart. Jesus understands the pain of losing our loved ones. He grieves with us. In John 11:35, it was written that “Jesus wept.” Even though Jesus is God, He is human as well. He felt the pain of losing his close friend. When Jesus wept, the Jews who had gathered to mourn said, “See how he loved him!” (verse 36). Jesus was there when Martha and Mary were grieving the loss of their brother. He showed compassion and comforted them. These two words, “Jesus wept,” meant so much to me. They made me realize that even though I could not see Jesus, He was there with me when my brother died. The Holy Spirit was with me. God cares! And Jesus Himself assures us that He will comfort us. In Matthew 5:4, Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” We are not alone. God gives us family, friends, and His very own presence to comfort us in our loss. In the story of Lazarus, Jesus performed a miracle and raised Lazarus from the dead. And Jesus assures us that our loved ones who are believers will be resurrected one day, and we will live together in renewed creation—forever. Yet He also feels our sadness as we wait for that day. So whenever we feel the pain of losing our loved ones, we can remember that Jesus is weeping with us too. • Kelly Choy • When we experience loss, how could it be comforting to remember Jesus wept with Martha and Mary, and He also weeps with us, holding us close in our grief? Jesus wept. John 11:35 (NIV) 
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  Wonderful or Disgusting? 10.09.2026 5min

  READ: PSALM 103:12; EPHESIANS 2:8-10; 1 JOHN 1:8–2:1; 3:1-2 Sometimes I hate myself. I look at the people around me and wonder how they look so put together, so beautiful, so confident. My jeans don’t fit right, and my jacket is warm instead of trendy. I feel unremarkable and worthless. I want to disappear into the wall. But sometimes I love myself. My hair looks great today, and that shirt I found at the thrift shop works perfectly with this outfit. I even made a grumpy person smile. I feel awesome. Sometimes I hate myself. Once again, I sinned in the same way that always comes back to tempt me. I should be able to resist it by now, and yet, when the temptation came knocking in the same sweet way I know so well, I gave in. I feel like a total failure. But sometimes I love myself. My friend says, “You are so good at using your spiritual gifts! We love your ministry at church.” Pride fills me up like a tall glass of lemonade, and pride is what splashes out when I move. I feel fantastic. Then I stop. Is it true that I am a wonderful child of God, created in His image and indwelt by His Holy Spirit? Yes. Is it also true that I am full of sin and failure? Yes! I puzzle for a while: How am I supposed to think of myself? Am I good or bad? Wonderful or disgusting? I remember. There is someone far more beautiful, completely without sin, who loves me more than words can say. He is eternal, omnipotent, infinitely creative, and never gives up. In His love for me, He died on the cross for my sins, and He is making me like Him—free from sin. No matter what I do or how I feel, my identity and worth are found in Jesus. • Amy Glendinning • Humans seesaw so quickly between pride and shame. But Jesus reveals who we truly are. We were created in God’s image, and we were created good. Yet ever since the first humans sinned, we’re all born sinful, so we all sin daily. In the words of Paul, “Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 7:24-25). Though we were sinners, God still loved us! And through Jesus, He made the way for us to be forgiven, made new, and adopted into His family. Today, if we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we live in the “already-and-not-yet” of His transforming work. We’ll struggle with sin until Jesus returns and finishes the work He started (Philippians 1:6), yet we’re already blameless in God’s sight. How can this affect the way we think about ourselves? We are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. 1 John 3:2 (NLT) 
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  Uninvited 09.09.2026 5min

  READ: ESTHER 2:5–4:17 If she did not act, they would all perish. You are uninvited. The threat tormented her, stealing her breath—and her confidence with it. To go before the king uninvited is a death sentence. Esther reached the ornate doors of the throne room and stopped. One more step would bring her before her husband, the king of Persia, and if he did not welcome her in with a wave of his scepter, she would die. “Why me?” she breathed. She was a young Jewish woman, not a queen. Yet the sparkling crown on her head declared otherwise. Why did he choose me? The words of her cousin, Mordecai, the man who had raised her from childhood, now rang in her mind: Perhaps it is for such a time as this that you have been chosen. Such a time as this. A time when the king was deceived by his secon-in-command, Haman, who hated the Jews. The deceived king had sealed a proclamation to eradicate every Jew in Persia on the charge of treason. Did the king know he had just sentenced his own queen to death? Esther stared at the closed doors. Someone must unveil the lies that had borne an impending massacre. You will die if you go, her mind taunted. Esther tilted her chin in defiance. I will die if I stay. Even now, the king’s men waited to be unleashed upon the kingdom and not one living Jew would be left in their wake. The young queen straightened her shoulders and nodded to the guards. The massive doors swung open. Lord, give me courage, she pleaded. Her eyes met the king’s across the royal throne room. If I perish, I perish. • Anita Seavey • Today’s story is how one author imagines Esther 2:5–4:17. Consider taking some time to read what happens next in Esther 7–8. How did God intervene in Esther’s situation? • Esther’s courage, risking her life to save her people from genocide, foreshadows Jesus’s courage to face death on a cross to save us from sin. And once we know Jesus, His Spirit fills us with that same courage, so we can do whatever He calls us to do. Are there any ways you feel God may be calling you to take a risk—perhaps by telling others about Jesus, showing kindness to your enemies, or helping someone who’s in trouble? Who are trusted Christians in your life you can talk to about this—people who can help you discern God’s guidance and next steps? [Mordecai said to Esther,] “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14 (NIV) 
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  Why Am I Angry? 08.09.2026 4min

  READ: EPHESIANS 4:20-32 We deal with anger for a number of different reasons. We get angry at ourselves when we fail. We get angry when we see others being treated in an unjust way. We get angry when the people in our lives hurt us. The Bible doesn’t call the feeling of anger a sin, but it does say we shouldn’t sin because of our anger (Ephesians 4:26). It’s okay to feel angry at times. After all, God gets angry, and we’re made in His image (Genesis 1:26-27; Exodus 34:6; Psalm 30:5). It’s actually good for us to be angry at what makes God angry— things like lies, injustice, and death. Unfortunately, because our world has been broken by sin, we don’t feel anger perfectly. Sometimes we get angry because of something silly or selfish. Sometimes anger causes deep, hurtful divisions in families, friendships, and the church. So what does God want us to do with our anger? How do we know when we should just punch a pillow, and when we need to get out there and do something about the anger we’re feeling? We look to Jesus. He invites us to come to Him with all our feelings, including anger. He understands how we’re feeling because He experienced the pain and brokenness of this world firsthand, and He wants to help us (Hebrews 4:14-16). Here are some helpful questions to talk to Him about: • Have I been hurt by someone, or am I upset that things aren’t working out my way? • Did someone intentionally harm me, or did an accident cause me pain? • Can I take the anger I’m feeling over an injustice and use it to go out and help those who are being wronged? Am I ready to do that well, or do I need to wait and calm down? • Is my anger causing me to do things that are wrong? • Am I hurting others because of my anger? We’re all going to feel angry at times, but it’s how we respond to our anger that really matters. Thankfully, Jesus knows how we feel, and He’s there to help us figure it out. • Emily Acker • What kinds of things make you angry? One day, Jesus will return to put an end to sin and heal all the brokenness sin has caused, so anger will be gone because there will be nothing left to be angry about. How could these truths help us process our anger in healthy ways? • Who is a trusted Christian in your life who can help you prayerfully process your anger? No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 (NLT) 
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  Worthwhile Work 07.09.2026 5min

  READ: GENESIS 1:26–2:15; 3:17-19; EPHESIANS 2:10; 4:28 In a certain season of my life, I felt bored. I had mundane chores to perform each day. But simply being “busy” didn’t feel satisfying. I wanted something significant. I shared my longings with my mom; then she shared her idea. Over the years, our family had saved up multiple boxes of photographs from all kinds of events. Mama asked if I wanted to organize them and place them in photo albums. It seemed like a daunting task. It also seemed like one that would give meaning to otherwise empty moments. As I secured photos in albums, I saved a few for my siblings. I wrote up memories to accompany the pictures. Then I gave those to my brothers and sister. This project provided purpose for me and for my family. Though I didn’t realize it, I had craved work. We often complain about work, but God Himself works (John 5:17), and He established work as His good design for us. When God created Adam and Eve, they shared perfect connection with Him, and their work flowed from that relationship. Then they sinned. Ever since then, humanity’s relationship with God has been corrupted by sin, which is why Jesus came. If we’ve put our trust in Jesus, believing that His death and resurrection paid for our sins, that means we have received forgiveness—and we have been reunited with God! Even before Adam and Eve disrupted their relationship with God, He gave them work in caring for the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:15). After they sinned, Adam and Eve faced “painful toil” in their work (3:17), but God didn’t form work as punishment. Sometimes we grumble about schoolwork, part-time jobs, chores, or yard work. Yet God lovingly ordained work for His people. And He often chooses to accomplish His work through us! We get to work together with the King of the Universe. So, whether we’re doing work that enables us to earn money, share with those in need, or enjoy satisfaction in creative pursuits, we can experience God’s presence and purpose as we engage faithfully in work. • Allison Wilson Lee • God delighted in His work when He created the world. What work do you delight in doing? • How might viewing work as something ordained by God, something He wants to do with us, affect the way we feel about it? The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. Genesis 2:15 (NIV) 
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  Does Anyone Understand? 06.09.2026 4min

  READ: PSALM 139 Have you ever wondered why your life has taken the twists and turns it has? Sometimes our circumstances and disappointments leave us feeling frustrated, and it can feel like the people around us don’t really get what we’re going through. Feeling misunderstood, lost, and alone are all terrible parts of living in a broken world—but, as Christians, we are not without hope! Even though we may feel isolated in our struggles, we have an incredibly caring God who knows every detail of our lives, and He understands how we feel. In Psalm 139, David describes God’s intimate knowledge of our lives—and His tender care for us. This passage goes into great detail about how we can never escape God’s loving presence (verses 7-12). It tells us God knows our thoughts before we have them and our words before we speak them (verses 2, 4). That’s both comforting and convicting. Convicting because we can’t lie to God or trick Him when we sin, but comforting because God understands us completely and loves us fully. How powerful to know God understands our weaknesses and our struggles! More than that, Paul tells us in Romans 8:26-27 that God searches our hearts and His Holy Spirit prays for us when we don’t know what to pray for ourselves. And in Hebrews 4:14-16, we find that Jesus doesn’t just understand us, He even empathizes with us in our weaknesses because He is God in flesh, and He knows firsthand what it’s like to suffer as a human in a broken world. What’s more, it’s because Jesus suffered for us that we can have hope in any circumstance. Through His death and resurrection, He made the way for our sins to be forgiven so we could be with God—forever! So whenever we feel alone, misunderstood, or anxious about what’s happening in our lives, we can look to Jesus, our Lord who knows us completely and loves us fully. • Phil Cox • Can you think of a time you felt misunderstood? Jesus sees your pain, and He cares. Consider taking a moment to talk to Him about whatever hard things you’ve been going through and receive His tender compassion. • Consider reading Psalm 139 slowly, one verse at a time, savoring the words. What catches your attention? If you were to choose one verse to memorize from this psalm, which one would it be? You have searched me, LORD, and you know me. Psalm 139:1 (NIV) 
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  Blessed? 05.09.2026 4min

  READ: EPHESIANS 1:3-14 We see the word blessed thrown around on the internet and t-shirts, but what does it really mean to be blessed? By definition, bless is a verb. It’s an action someone takes to give something to someone else. I could just brag about my awesome family, my best friends, or my new shoes, but saying I’m “blessed” implies that someone, somehow, has given me these things. So what do I expect to be true if I’m “blessed” by God? He has all the power in the universe, and He’s the true Owner of everything. As His kid, I know that He cares for me. Does that mean I’ll have wealth? Health? Loads of amazing friends? Success in my grades and test scores? Early acceptance into my dream school? Not necessarily. In Ephesians 1, Paul tells us that everyone who knows Jesus has been blessed beyond measure! But Paul also describes that these blessings are spiritual— and as it turns out, these are the best kinds of blessings (verse 3). Our heavenly Father loves us so much that He has made it possible for us to be united with Him through Jesus’s death on the cross; it gave Him great pleasure to purchase our freedom and adopt us into His family, pouring out His grace, kindness, wisdom, and understanding on us in abundance (verse 5-7). And God has promised that—no matter what we face in life and no matter what happens in this world—a time will come when “he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ” (verse 10). And even now, He has blessed us with the Holy Spirit—His very own presence living inside us and guaranteeing His promise: that we will be resurrected, just like Jesus was, and we will live with Him forever in renewed creation (verses 13-14). In the meantime, because I’m surrounded by ads and influencers, each promising me their own version of the American dream, it’s hard to see that what I already have in Jesus surpasses it all. But Jesus is eager to remind me of His goodness and turn my attention to the blessings I already have in Him— especially the greatest blessing, Himself. • Mandy Desilets • Can you think of a time you felt like other people were more blessed than you? It’s easy to begin comparing our blessings to other people’s. Consider taking a moment to bring these feelings to Jesus, asking Him to remind you of the blessings He has given you. All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. Ephesians 1:3 (NLT) 
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  Love Your Enemies? 04.09.2026 4min

  READ: MATTHEW 5:43-48; LUKE 6:27-28; ROMANS 12:9-21 Ordinary students—like me—kept to themselves in order to avoid fists or knives. Paralyzed by fear, teachers ignored bullying because it was dangerous to interfere. Only blood and severe violence forced school administrators to act. Why was I singled out? I didn’t know. For some reason, the gang leader hated me, and her minions made my life miserable. At first, I ignored the elbow in the ribs in the hallway or a basketball slammed against the back of my head in the gym. The badgering escalated because silence conveyed weakness. My parents had their own problems. I couldn’t share mine. I wasn’t a fighter, and neither were my friends. I had no backup. At church, the youth pastor challenged us to read the Bible and trust God. Unconvinced that God was more than a distant-energy-cosmic-thing, I didn’t think much of Him. However, I started to read Matthew, and when I read Jesus’s words to love your enemies, I laughed. Love your enemies? Pray for those who persecute you? But I couldn’t shake off the idea, so I decided to try it. I bought a glittery card with a poem about friendship. My stomach churned so hard I thought I’d vomit when I handed the card to the gang leader and ran away. She never said one word to me. In fact, I barely saw her the rest of the semester, but the threats stopped. I was no longer pushed, shoved, or spit on. She called off the gang. It was the first time I saw God working in my life, the first time I saw the power of His Word. It was a miracle. • Gretchen Carlson • Today’s devotion is a true story of God doing a miracle in the author’s life. But every bullying situation is different, so if you’re being bullied or seeing bullying happen, don’t go it alone. In addition to talking to God, tell a trusted adult so they can help you figure out what steps to take. • Jesus loved us even while we were still His enemies (Romans 5:6-11). If you know Him, He lives in you and empowers you to love others with that same love. How can Jesus’s love affect the way we view people who hurt us? After talking with a trusted adult about your situation and discerning next steps, consider talking about ways you can love your enemies in your situation. [Jesus said,] “But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!” Matthew 5:44 (NLT) 
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  God's Guidance 03.09.2026 4min

  READ: PSALM 32:8; PROVERBS 3:5-6; ISAIAH 30:21 Life is full of choices—big and small. Sometimes we feel confident about what to do, but other times we’re unsure which path to take. Thankfully, God invites us to trust Him for guidance. All throughout the Bible, we find His invitations. Let’s take a look at a few examples. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us not to lean on our own understanding. Our perspective is limited, but God sees the bigger picture. When we submit our ways to Him, He promises to make our paths straight. That doesn’t mean life will be easy, but it does mean He will lead us in the right direction. Psalm 32:8 gives us another assurance: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” God’s guidance is not cold or distant—it comes from His love and care for us. The truth is, God loves us so much that He came and lived among us in Jesus. Through His death and resurrection, He made the way for us to be in closest relationship with Him. And one of the blessings of that relationship is His guidance. Isaiah 30:21 says we will hear a voice behind us saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” God’s Spirit gently directs us when we listen. His guidance may come through prayer, Scripture, wise counsel, or circumstances—but it always points us closer to Him. I remember facing a decision that felt overwhelming. I prayed, searched Scripture, and asked God to show me the way. Over time, He gave me peace about the choice I needed to make. Looking back, I can see how His guidance protected me and opened doors I never expected. When we lean in to God’s guidance, we discover that He is faithful. Jesus doesn’t just show us the path—He walks with us every step of the way. • Martha Karas • Can you think of any ways God has guided you in the past? Consider taking a moment to thank Him for this. • What decisions or situations are weighing on you today? Consider bringing these to Jesus in prayer, asking Him to help you notice how He is leading you. • Who are trusted Christians in your life who can help you grow in discerning God’s guidance? Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) 
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  From Jonah to Jesus 02.09.2026 4min

  READ: JONAH 1–4 When you think of the prophet Jonah, what comes to mind? Getting swallowed by a huge fish? Running from God? A certain movie with talking vegetables? What you might not know is how the story of Jonah points us toward the gospel. Although Jonah is known for his reluctance to preach to the people in Nineveh, his story still shows God’s mercy and foreshadows the Messiah—the promised rescuer who was to come. And we now know that Messiah is Jesus. First, both Jesus and Jonah sacrificed themselves to save others. Jonah chose to be thrown off a ship in the midst of a storm to save the other sailors— because he knew that his sin had caused the storm. Jesus chose to sacrifice Himself on the cross—because He knew that He was without sin, so He could save us sinners (Romans 5:8; Hebrews 4:15). Second, both Jonah and Jesus also found themselves in the depths for three days. For Jonah, this meant being in the belly of a big fish. Jesus spent three days in the tomb after His death on the cross. Then, both returned from the depths after three days. Jonah was vomited by the fish on to shore, and he went on to (reluctantly) share God’s message of repentance with the people of Ninevah, which ultimately led to Gentiles repenting and being saved. Jesus rose from the grave, defeating sin and death forever and saving all who put their trust in Him—both Jews and Gentiles! These similarities and connections are no accident, and they’re just the beginning of the ways the book of Jonah points to the gospel. The whole book intentionally points toward Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection. God the Father sent both Jonah and Jesus out of His great love for us. But Jesus is better than Jonah (Matthew 12:41). Jonah was only human, but Jesus is both fully human and fully God. While Jonah was a reluctant prophet who did not have much love for the people he preached to, God the Son willingly came and dwelled among us, sacrificing His own life on the cross so that we could be saved from sin and live with Him forever. • Naomi Zylstra • Did anything about today’s devotion surprise you? If so, what? • While reading the book of Jonah, did you notice any other connections between the story of Jonah and the story of Jesus? • For more about the gospel, the good news of Jesus, see our "Know Jesus" page. [Jesus said,] “For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” Matthew 12:40 (NIV) 
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  Anchored in the Storm 01.09.2026 5min

  READ: MARK 4:35-41; PHILIPPIANS 4:4-13 Life can feel like a storm—friendships changing, family struggles, church drama, schoolwork piling up, or just general uncertainty about the future can all send us reeling. Anxiety often sneaks in when we don’t know what’s coming next. But Jesus offers us something the world can’t: peace that goes beyond understanding. In Philippians 4, Paul reminds us that we can bring our worries to God in prayer. When we do, we find His peace guards our hearts. And Jesus Himself, on the night before He went to the cross, told His disciples, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27). The peace of Jesus is like an anchor holding steady in rough waters. This doesn’t mean storms disappear. It means we don’t face them alone. Jesus’s presence steadies us, reminding us that He is in control. He died on the cross and rose from the grave to save us and secure our eternal future with Him. That means, once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we can rest—even when life feels uncertain. I’ve experienced moments when life felt overwhelming, like waves crashing over me. But when I turned to God in prayer, I found His peace calming my heart. He didn’t erase the situation, but He reminded me that He was with me, holding me steady. Hebrews 6:18-19 says, “We who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.” Jesus’s peace is not fragile—it’s strong enough to carry us through the hardest days. When we anchor ourselves in Him, we discover a security that no storm can shake. • Martha Karas • In Philippians 4:7, what do you think it means that Jesus’s peace transcends or surpasses understanding? • How can spending time in prayer and Scripture help us anchor our hearts in Jesus’s peace? (Hint: read Matthew 6:25-34.) • Consider taking some time to talk to Jesus, following Philippians 4:6 as a guide—thanking Him for ways you’ve seen His goodness and asking for His help with whatever is weighing on you. • God designed the church to comfort and encourage each other in difficult times. Who can you talk to about the storms in your life—maybe a parent, pastor, youth leader, friend, or counselor? Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 (NLT) 
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  Last Words 31.08.2026 4min

  READ: JOHN 19 If you search “famous last words,” you’ll read the final thoughts of a variety of people throughout history— thoughts that range from sad to crass to funny to hopeful. Jesus has seven recorded statements from the cross, but His final statement summarizes His saving work: with His last breath, Jesus announces, “It is finished” (John 19:30). It’s a startling end to the life of the greatest person who ever trod the planet. And yet, on the surface, the three-word sentence seems rather basic. But picture Leonardo DaVinci painting the Mona Lisa. He has spent many years perfecting his painting. There’s the blend of colors, the smile, the eyes, the shading. Finally, after completing his masterpiece, I imagine DaVinci puts down his brush, sits back in his chair, and announces, “It is finished.” That’s the sense of Jesus’s words. He had come down from heaven, become a human, lived a perfect life to fulfill the requirements of the law. When Jesus said, “It is finished,” He declared that there was nothing more for Him to do to make sinful people righteous before a holy Father. As Christians, we are His masterpiece—the work is already done (Ephesians 2:8-10). The implications of this are huge. There is nothing left to do, nothing left undone. Jesus completed the task—dying on the cross and then rising from the grave—so there is nothing left for us to earn. Jesus’s righteousness covers those who put their faith in Him (Romans 4:5; 2 Corinthians 5:21). Virtually every other religion offers salvation through works, but Christianity relies on Christ’s work to provide our salvation from sin and death. Jesus removed all doubt with His final words on the cross: “It is finished.” • Mike Hurley • When Jesus died and rose again, what work did He finish? • Why is Jesus the only one who can finish the work of salvation in us? (Philippians 1:6) • Because Jesus rose from the dead, His words on the cross weren’t really His last. And this is good news! Find out more on our "Know Jesus" page. When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished.” Then bowing his head, he gave up his spirit. John 19:30 (CSB) 
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  Throw off the Chains of Guilt 30.08.2026 4min

  READ: PSALM 103:8-12; MICAH 7:18-19; ROMANS 8:1-4 When I was a freshman in high school, I messed up. I lied and misused my parents’ trust—and I got caught. The broken relationship with my parents (as well as losing my privileges) hurt, and I beat myself up about it for a long time. I had sleepless nights and bouts of sobbing because I couldn’t believe how stupid I’d been and how bad I was. I couldn’t forgive myself. Even though Jesus had forgiven my guilt, I still felt so guilty. It was a constant, unbearable weight. Satan wanted my shame to make me doubt Jesus’s forgiveness and lose my way. In time, though, I realized something incredible: I didn’t have to carry that burden. Because of God’s faithfulness, goodness, and mercy, I could give my shame to Jesus, over and over again, as many times as it took before I could let go. I kept taking it back and telling myself I still deserved the feelings of guilt even after Jesus forgave me. But, through the struggle, Jesus was patient with me, and I eventually gave my shame over this incident to Him for good. You may be struggling with guilt and shame too. But God’s Word tells us that all people are guilty of sin, yet He loves us even in our failures (Romans 3:23-24). It was because He loves us that Jesus died on the cross, taking the punishment for all our sins—past, present, and future. Since Jesus rose from the grave, everyone who has put their trust in Him has already been declared innocent, permanently. So, when we sin, may the feelings of guilt drive us to Jesus, who understands our struggles and offers us boundless grace every time we fall. He picks us up, smothers us in His mercy and love, and bears our burdens so we don’t have to. If you know Jesus, everything you’ve ever done or ever will do has already been forgiven. So, instead of living in the past and beating yourself up, you can come to Jesus with all your guilt—He is eager to help you throw off the shackles of shame and bask in His love and forgiveness. • Martalisa Fischer • Can you think of a time you felt stuck in a cycle of guilt, but then God helped you get out of it? Consider taking a moment to thank Him for this! (2 Corinthians 7:10) • Are you feeling burdened by guilt today? Consider taking some time to talk to Jesus about any sins that come to mind and thank Him for His sure forgiveness. (Hebrews 4:14-16) • Why is it sometimes difficult to forgive ourselves even when we know God has forgiven us? Who is a mature Christian in your life you can be honest with when that happens? Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1 (NIV) 
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  I Judged Them—Then I Remembered Me 29.08.2026 4min

  READ: 1 SAMUEL 16:1-13; MATTHEW 7:1-5; COLOSSIANS 3:12 I was recently talking with my son about a person I didn’t know very well, so my son pulled up the person’s Instagram. I instantly had a thought I’m not proud of. Their clothes were a little messy. They looked a little wild and like they didn’t care. I was looking at their hair color and their family, and I’m not proud of some of my thoughts. Then it hit me—I was judging a version of myself. As a teen, I didn’t come from the best home. People made assumptions about me based on how I looked, how I dressed, who my family was, and what I didn’t have. I felt insecure, misunderstood, and like I didn’t belong. So why—years later—was I doing the same thing to someone else? In that moment, God reminded me of me. Who was I to judge anyone? Matthew 7:1 reminds us: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” That reminder isn’t just a command. In this verse, Jesus is calling us back to compassion and grace. The truth is, we never fully know someone’s story. That classmate who dresses differently might be expressing themselves the only way they can afford. That kid who smells like smoke might live in a house where no one opens a window. That “angry” person might be heartbroken. “People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). God sees the real us. And He calls us to see others with that same grace. This is possible because, once we know Jesus, His love begins to transform us from the inside out. When we remember that all our sins and vulnerabilities are covered by His mercy, we can be free to love others—and ourselves. As it says in Colossians 3:12, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Next time you’re tempted to judge, pause and ask yourself: “Am I seeing people through God’s eyes, or through my own ego? What if that was me?” Because maybe, just maybe, it was. • LaVerne Vest • When are you tempted to make assumptions and judgements about other people? • How can resting in Jesus’s love and understanding for us help us view others as He does? “The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)