With Beth Shriver
WEEK 37-MEEKNESS
DAY 1-
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1
Ask Your Teen:
Who gets the harshest words from you? Gentle
answers? Why is that?
It is notorious that we are most harsh with those we care about most, easy to do, hard to understand. Teens know they will be accepted no matter what their behavior so they continue in whatever way is tolerated. Letting them know where the boundaries are will help guide them when they've gone too far.
“We should constantly use the most common, little, easy words (so they are pure and proper) which our language affords.” John Wesley
Lord, take away ___'s sharp tongue and make it gentle. Let them see the positive reactions that come from this behavior so they will continue to want to act with kind words.
DAY 2-
Do everything without complaining or arguing.
Philippians 2:14
Ask Your Teen:
Do you think you should do this, even if it isn't fair in your opinion? Then why do you think it is in the Bible?
Just think what a utopia it would be to really live this way. Teens are challenged to know what their opinions are and our culture tells them to share it, even if it is unwanted; grooming them to know when to speak out and when not to can be a tricky balance but one that will help them when they are out in the world.
“Whether we preach, pray, write, do business, travel, take care of children, or administer the government—whatever we do—our whole life and influence would be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Charles Finney
Lord, keep ___ obedient to You, give them a good heart toward others. Help them to always remember Your ways in even the smallest detail.
DAY 3-
And we urge you brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, and be patient with everyone. I Timothy 5:14
Ask Your Teen:
Do you do this more with other people—or do other people do it more often with you?
Following these commands would make the world such an incredible place. Help your teen to see this and how if they acted this way with those around them what a difference it would make.
“Every day's duties were done as every day brought them, but the rest was left with God.” Mary Slessor
Lord, give ___ the desire to be with those who love You and have pure hearts and to help those who don't. Let them be the one to reach out to those who need it, in hope others will follow.
DAY 4-
To slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward men. II Timothy 3:2
Ask Your Teen:
How do you respond when people act this way around you? How do you respond when people act the opposite way around you?
Being humble is not the in thing to be, but it is what Christ did and asks us to do also. It may take some time for a teen to see how this works, and how in the long run they will come out ahead, but it something worth the wait.
“I seem to have been led little by little, for my work. And I believe that the same effect will appear in the life of anyone who will cultivate such powers as God has given him. And then go on, bravely, quietly, persistently, doing such work as comes to his hands.” Fanny Crosby
Lord, let ___ find shelter in Your presence, safe beneath Your hand and away from conspiring enemies. Teach them what true humility is toward others and the reward of treating others with respect.
DAY 5-
My dear brothers, take note of this, everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. James 1:19
Ask Your Teen:
Who is a good example and model for you to follow in doing these things? Do you ever try to consciously try to be like that person?
How often we wish this and it is so hard to follow through with. The spirit is willing but the flesh in weak, especially in the areas in this Bible verse. If our teen could be the one to listen and only give advice when asked, think of all who would turn to them.
“The world does not understand theology or dogma, but it understands love and sympathy.” Dwight L. Moody
Lord, take ___ to Your holy place and give them a humble spirit and contrite heart. Show them the blessings these traits bring and how it helps others.
DAY 6-
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. James 3:13
Ask Your Teen:
What qualities do you have that might make people who know you, pick you?
If we can display a good Christian life with zeal and not pass judgment, some may follow in our footsteps. It is so easy for a teen to get caught up in the gossip, but if they are the one to turn away from it, they would also be the one others turn to.
“Those who make religion consistent altogether and good works, overlook the fact that works themselves are not acceptable to God and must they proceed from faith. For without faith it is impossible to please him and those and make religion consistent altogether in faith, overlook the fact that true faith always works by love, and invariably produces the works of love.”
Charles Finney
Lord, I pray that ___ will stay holy and pure and keep clear from sin. That they would not get caught in dangerous words but be the one to stand firm in You.
DAY 7-
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate, when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to whom who judges justly. I Peter 2:23
Ask Your Teen:
What would you think of a person if you observed them following these directions? What would you think of the persons who were doing the insulting?
It is hard for us to imagine such humbleness and even harder to do, but with Christ as our example it is what we should strive for. It's hard for a teen to see the reward in this because it isn't immediate and the benefits are long in coming, but so sweet.
“Poor, weak and worthless, though I am. I have a rich almighty friend, Jesus, the Savior, is his name. He freely loves, and without end. He ransomed me from hell with blood. And by his power my foes controlled. He found me wandering far from God. And brought me to his chosen fold.” John Newton
Lord, remind ___ that all sufficiency is within You and that we can walk before Him blameless. That our past is behind us and all is forgiven. We are set free and in so we are obligated to do the same for others.
WEEK 38-CONSOLATION
DAY 1-
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weakness, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrew 4:15-16
Ask Your Teen:
When you picture Jesus in your mind, do you think of Him as “perfect God”, or do you sometimes picture Him as a human like yourself, who had all the temptations and feelings (good and bad) that you have? How do the two pictures make you feel different?
We can never measure up but God still accept us that way. Unholy in his sight but still he welcomes us. For a teen to know this may help bring them forward, out of the sin they've let rule them and into the Father's arms.
“Joy is love exalted, peace is love and repose. Long-suffering is love in during, gentleness is love in society, goodness is love in action, faith is love on the battlefield. Meekness is love in the school, and temperance is love in training.” Dwight L. Moody
Lord, let ___ know of Your deliverance. That You take away all fears and troubles and that an angel surrounds them and delivers them.
DAY 2-
Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:39
Ask your Teen:
This is a famous verse that we sometimes read over quickly and don't really think about it. Really think about it. Now how do you feel about that verse?
It is overwhelming when you really listen to the words, say it out loud. Think about how safe you are when you are in the love of God. To know that kind of unconditional love can only be through our savior Jesus Christ.
“A child of God should be a visible beatitude for joy and happiness, and a living doxology for gratitude and adoration.” Charles H. Spurgeon
Lord, may ___ love you with all their heart and soul. Let them know how big You truly are.
DAY 3-
The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him. Nahum 1:7
Ask Your Teen:
What two meanings could the word (cares) have here? (loves, and takes care of) Which one do you like the best? Why?
God cares whether we trust Him or not, but those who do trust Him accept refuge more feverishly, from things of this earth that don't last or truly protect. Teens need to know what is lasting and what is fleeting and to know the difference is to know God.
“Ah! Dearest Jesus, Holy Child, make thee a bed, soft, undefiled, within my heart, that it may be a quiet chamber kept for thee.” Martin Luther
Lord, search for and look after ___ as the good shepherd looks after his flock.
DAY 4-
Do not be afraid, you will not suffer shame. Do not fear disgrace, you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood. Isaiah 54:4
Ask Your Teen:
What kinds of behaviors do you think the writer is talking about? Do you think all behaviors fit here?
Shame can be a good thing if it helps you make the right decision. Guilt can keep a teen on the right path. But then we need to forgive and let the teen forget, start over and begin anew.
“God's guidance is even more important than common sense. I can declare that the deepest darkness is outshone by the light of Jesus.” Corrie Ten Boom
Lord, watch over ___ and keep them from harm, now and forever more.
DAY 5-
You will surely forget your trouble, recalling it only as waters gone by. Job 11:16
Ask Your Teen:
Why is this a good verse for you? How does it help you?
It is hard to imagine not remembering our sins, if only we could live that way now. For a teen to know they are forgiven by God and by those around them can give them the courage to forgive themselves and then to move forward.
“The happiness for which our souls take is one undisturbed by success or failure, one which when looked deeply inside us give inward relaxation, peace, and contentment, no matter what the surface problems may be. That kind of happiness stands in need of no outward stimulus.” Billy Graham
Lord, let ___ return to You after the weeping and mourning and refresh their spirit once more.
DAY 6-
The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Psalms 9:9
Ask Your Teen:
Who is the first person you think of going to when you are in trouble? Do you need the Lord then?
Thinking of who your stronghold is should make your teen feel fortunate, some don't have one. Knowing your teen has someone of good faith to lean on can help give a parent peace that they are being led by someone of good virtue.
“God's greatness flow around our incompleteness, round our restlessness, his rest.” Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Lord, let ____ fear You and run from evil, pride and arrogance.
Day 7-
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalms 23:4
Ask Your Teen:
If you picture Jesus protecting and comforting you with a “rod and staff”, what would he be doing? How do you like that?
The great comforter, think of someone who you know will always comfort you and try and be that support for your teen; even when they go astray and are disobedient. To live as Christ's example and comfort is the greatest gift we can give them.
“The purpose of Christianity is not to avoid difficulty, but to produce a character adequate to meet it when it comes. It does not make life easy, rather it tries to make us great enough for life. James L. Christiansen
Lord, let ___ put You first and know that You will crown their efforts with success.
WEEK 39-FAITH
DAY 1-
It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. Psalms 118:8
Ask Your Teen:
We know this is better, but when you have problems, do you go first to the Lord or to a person?
We know this is true, but yet how many times has a person let us down, but not God. We could save ourselves a lot of grief if we could learn to start with Him and finish with our Christian friends.
“Life with Christ is and must love, without him it is a loveless end.” Billy Graham
Lord, let ___ stay clear of the wicked but be light in Your ways and meditate on You day and night. When we wake and through the day and through the night help us to call on You first and foremost.
DAY 2-
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5
Ask Your Teen:
Who do you trust and depend on more, yourself or God? Can you trust in the Lord and still be a person who takes responsibility for you? How do you do that?
There is much to tempt and lead a teen away from the Word and even more for them not to follow what the Word says. Learning by experience is best but hard for a parent to watch if they make the wrong choice and struggle. We as parents also need to trust in Him when our teen is learning.
“If all things are possible with God, then all things are possible to him who believes in him.” Corrie Ten Boom
Lord, show ___ that only fools refuse You, and to listen to your instruction. Let them see the ways of the wicked and how poorly the outcome. In turn let them see that in time what You offer is best.
DAY 3-
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1
Ask Your Teen:
It seems that faith is the bottom line. How strong is your faith? Does your faith change up and down during the day?
Teens often subtly condemn themselves because they are not with Christ. This leads to pushing themselves farther away until they are living independently from Him. Reminding them of His forever forgiveness may help them want to again, grow closer to Him.
“If the blood has never cleansed us, never the spirits power will know, if for Christ we do truly witness, self life to the cross must go.” Watchmen Nee
Lord, let ___ walk in Your spirit with a sense of peace and progressing hunger for You. Help them hold fast to You and not stray due to feeling unworthy but come to You for Your never ending mercy.
DAY 4-
For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did, but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith. Hebrews 4:2
Ask Your Teen:
Do you know people who have learned lots of information about the Bible and religion, but have no true faith in God? Do you feel better about your “knowledge about God” or your “faith in God?”
Teens must absolutely know that to make good choices is easier when walking with God. It is a never ending challenge to follow His ways and feel His presence. But when they do walk with Him and seek His face there is nothing else that can take its place.
“When thou pray rather let thy heart be without words. Than my words be without heart.” John Bunyan
Lord, do not let ___ be hindered from hearing Your voice and listen with an open ears and steadfast heart. Help them to be open to Your nudge and direction in their lives, looking for the signs You put in their paths.
DAY 5-
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1
Ask Your Teen:
Sometimes we have “faith” in a person. How is that faith different than “faith in God”?
Teens often don't see that God sees them as holy and good regardless of their actions and feelings. We are to see that He is the almighty and anyone here on earth that they have abilities out teen admires come from Him not of themselves.
“I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen. That only because I see it, but because I see everything by it.” C. S. Lewis
Lord, reveal to ___ Your Spirit and rule over their heart. Don't let them be consumed by humans who claim to be all knowledge and just. Help them to discern those who are humbly called by You and those who are not.
DAY 6-
For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 1 John 5:4
Ask Your Teen:
This is a tremendous promise! If you are “born of God”, how does this promise affect how you feel about yourself?
Remembering that we are born again washes us with mercy and grace. Teaching a teen to take advantage of this in doing everything with a clean heart and mind will help give them God-confidence.
“Christianity is not a theory or speculation, but a life. Not a philosophy of life, but a living presence.”
Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Lord, let ___ see You as refuge and strength and protect them in the midst of struggle. Help them to see the end results of their mission of spreading the Word and evangelizing to others and that they will someday overcome the world.
DAY 7-
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7
Ask Your Teen:
Do you think you could survive the trials of being a Christian without faith?
The race is long and hard, let your teen relish in the positives that come along with it. Make their journey fruitful by helping them see the good they do as they live out their lives for Him.
“All who call on God in true faith, earnestly from the heart, will certainly be heard, and will receive what they have asked and desired.” Martin Luther
Lord, strengthen ___'s heart and build them up for the endurance needed to run the race to overcome worldly trials. Help them never to forget what their goal is and the victory that lies ahead.
WEEK 40-ZEAL
DAY 1-
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. Isaiah 60:1
Ask Your Teen:
Does this describe how you get up in the morning? If you made it a practice every morning when you first get up, to think that “the glory of the Lord rises upon you” how do you think your day might go differently than usual?
For a teen to know their attitude is a choice may make a difference in their demeanor and their decisions. Putting God first before themselves can help them prioritize what they have to be thankful for and change the way they proceed with their day.
“We should live our lives as though Christ was coming this afternoon.” Jimmy Carter
Lord, fill ___ with joy and sustain them with a strong heart. Let them see Your glory and how powerful You are so they can take comfort in knowing their God can protect them in all things.
DAY 2-
Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. Daniel 12:3
Ask Your Teen:
Who do you know that fits this description? What is your opinion of this person? Would you like to be like them—or are you like them?
For a teen to feel comfortable enough to evangelize is a huge accomplishment to be praised. Helping them to know when to speak and be prepared with the words to say will help empower them to feel ready when the opportunity arises.
“The stars rule men, but God rules the stars.”
Christoph Cellarius
Lord, help ___ to be wise in their knowledge of Your word and strong in leading others to Your fold. Let them make a practice of memorizing verses of the Bible and give them the mind to remember them when they need the words to come.
DAY 3-
But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” Luke 22:33
Ask Your Teen:
What hardship are you ready to go through with the Lord? What hardship would you not want to do, even with the Lord?
To prepare a teen for hardships will make life easier to bear as they will come. Teaching them to lean on God during these times instead of the comforts of the world will be long lasting strength instead of short term satisfaction.
“This world is God's workshop for making men in.”
Henry Ward Beecher
Lord, give ___ Your healing touch to endure the workload given in the way You have designed for them. Help them to know that You have a plan for them and it will help them to prosper once You have refined them as You want them to be.
DAY 4-
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fever, serving the Lord. Romans 12:11
Ask Your Teen:
Have you ever lost your zeal for serving the Lord? Why and how did you get it back—if you did?
There will be peaks and valleys for a teen, even with God. We must be prepared for times when they doubt and question their faith. Always going to scripture for the answers gives authenticity to Your answers and teaches them where to go.
“A true love of God must begin with a delight in his Holiness.” Jonathan Edwards
Lord, let ___ give reverence to You and on task with what You have planned and not to follow the leading of their own flesh. Give them the confidence needed to trust that You are the truth, the way and the life.
DAY 5-
It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always and not just when I am with you. Galatians 4:18
Ask Your Teen:
Are you more “zealous” when you are around other Christians? If so, how do you explain why that is?
Remind your teen of the purpose of their zeal for Christ and not do it for show. To be sincere is the way to lead others to have what they have, by carrying themselves with love for the Lord in a humble way.
“Walk boldly and wisely. There is a hand above that will help you on.” Philip James Bailey
Lord, let ___ be honest in their walk with You and be true to themselves with no deception. Help them to think through their actions so they will have no regrets and show You honor.
DAY 6-
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9
Ask Your Teen:
What in your life right now are you spending time and energy on, but are seeing no rewards? How do you feel about “doing good for goods sake” and never receiving a reward for it?
It may be hard for a teen to bring themselves up after a difficult time, knowing they will reap a harvest may help them persevere. Learning to work without the rewards on this earth is hard but will prepare them for their life's work.
“God is a good worker, but loves to be helped.”
Basque Proverb
Lord, give ___ only what they can bear and be by their side as they live out the tasks. Let them shine on as they proceed with the tasks You have given them for all to see.
DAY 7-
Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do, forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14
Ask Your Teen:
How could, “forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead” help you in your every day life?
To have hope in something keeps teens able to press on. Knowing that whatever they have done will be forgiven is testified by Paul who did the incorrigible by killing Christians, what can they have done that could be less forgivable than that?
“The Christian faith has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult, and left untried.” Chesterton
Lord, let ___ not hang onto what was foolish and forge ahead with what You have planned for them. Help them not to look back to their sins of old but to make a new life ahead.