June 13 - The Heart Behind the Action

June 13 - The Heart Behind the Action

JUNE 13 - The Heart Behind the Action 3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 17:23–24; 1 Samuel 15 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2017%3A23%E2%80%9324%3B%201%20Samuel%2015&version=WEB&interface=print] //3-Year Bible Devotional Book (Year Two) Available on Amazon [https://amzn.to/4pmHfWh] // ________________________________________ “A wicked man accepts a bribe in secret to pervert the ways of justice. The discerning man keeps wisdom in view, but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.” — Proverbs 17:23–24 (ESV) “But Samuel said, ‘Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.’” — 1 Samuel 15:22 (ESV) ________________________________________ It’s easy to get caught up in doing what looks right on the outside—getting good grades, helping out at home, or appearing “good” in front of friends—but Proverbs 17:23–24 reminds us that God cares about what’s going on inside: our heart and our motives. In 1 Samuel 15, King Saul learned the hard way that partial obedience or doing things his own way wasn’t enough. God wasn’t impressed with his sacrifices when his heart wasn’t fully aligned with His commands. For teens, this can hit close to home. We might try to “check the boxes” of being a good person while ignoring selfish motives, shortcuts, or small compromises. God isn’t fooled by what looks right; He sees your heart. True wisdom isn’t just about making good choices—it’s about cultivating a heart that loves, listens, and obeys Him fully. ________________________________________ THINK ABOUT IT 1. Heart Check: Are your actions motivated by love for God or by wanting approval from others (Proverbs 17:23–24)? 2. Obedience Matters: Like Saul, have you ever done the “right thing” in the wrong way? How can you ensure your obedience comes from the heart (1 Samuel 15:22)? 3. Focus on Wisdom: How can keeping wisdom in view guide your decisions daily, instead of just reacting to what’s easiest or most convenient? ________________________________________ BOTTOM LINE God values a heart that obeys Him fully, not just actions that look good on the outside. ________________________________________ PRAYER Heavenly Father, thank You for seeing my heart and not just my actions. Help me to love You with sincerity and obey You fully, not just do what looks right. Teach me wisdom and guide my decisions so that my life honors You in every way. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

June 12 - Laughter and Courage: Keys to a Bold Life

JUNE 12 - Laughter and Courage: Keys to a Bold Life 3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 17:21–22; 1 Samuel 14 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2017%3A21%E2%80%9322%3B%201%20Samuel%2014&version=WEB&interface=print] //3-Year Bible Devotional Book (Year Two) Available on Amazon [https://amzn.to/4pmHfWh] // ________________________________________ “The wicked dies when his hope is lost, and the man of honor falls when his integrity is shattered. A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” — Proverbs 17:21–22 (ESV) “Jonathan said to the young man who bore his armor, ‘Come, let us go over to the outpost of the Philistines.’ But he did not tell his father. Jonathan said to him, ‘Come, let us go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised; perhaps the Lord will work for us.’” — 1 Samuel 14:1–6 (ESV) ________________________________________ Life can feel heavy sometimes—tests, social pressures, or family stress can leave you feeling drained. Proverbs 17:22 reminds us that joy isn’t just a nice feeling—it’s medicine for the soul. A positive, trusting heart can strengthen you more than you realize. At the same time, courage is essential. 1 Samuel 14 shows Jonathan stepping into a risky situation with faith in God. He didn’t wait for permission; he trusted God to guide his actions. When we combine a joyful heart with bold, faith-driven choices, we unlock a way to face challenges that doesn’t rely on our own strength alone. Being joyful doesn’t mean ignoring problems, and being courageous doesn’t mean being reckless. It means trusting God with your heart and your actions—finding joy in Him and letting that fuel your courage to step forward, even when things feel uncertain. ________________________________________ THINK ABOUT IT 1. Joy as Medicine: How can keeping a joyful perspective (Proverbs 17:22) help you handle stress, disappointment, or conflict at school or at home? 2. Faith-Fueled Courage: What’s one “Jonathan moment” in your life—something that feels risky but could make a difference if you trust God and step forward (1 Samuel 14:1-6)? 3. Balance Heart and Action: How can you cultivate a heart of joy while also being brave in the choices you make each day? ________________________________________ BOTTOM LINE A joyful heart fuels courage, and trusting God empowers you to step boldly into the challenges life throws your way. ________________________________________ PRAYER Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of joy and the courage You give when I trust You. Help me to keep a cheerful heart even when life is hard and to step forward boldly, knowing You are with me. Teach me to combine joy and faith in every decision I make. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

June 11 - The Power of a Tender Heart

JUNE 11 - The Power of a Tender Heart 3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 17:19–20; Psalm 68; 1 Samuel 13 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2017%3A19%E2%80%9320%3B%20Psalm%2068%3B%201%20Samuel%2013&version=WEB&interface=print]// 3-Year Bible Devotional Book (Year Two) Available on Amazon [https://amzn.to/4pmHfWh] // ________________________________________ “Whoever loves transgression loves strife, and he who makes his door high seeks destruction. One whose heart is corrupt does not prosper, but the one with a faithful heart succeeds.” — Proverbs 17:19–20 (ESV) “God is mighty in his strength; he makes peace in your borders. He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the Lord!” — Psalm 68:35–36 (ESV) “Saul waited seven days, according to the time set by Samuel. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and the people were scattering from him. And Saul said, ‘Bring me the burnt offering here at Gilgal.’” — 1 Samuel 13:8–9 (ESV) ________________________________________ Have you ever felt pressure to act before the right time—maybe to send a text, speak up in class, or prove yourself in front of friends? 1 Samuel 13 shows us that even Saul, who was chosen as king, made a hasty decision that had consequences. It’s a reminder that impatience and acting outside God’s timing can create problems. Proverbs 17 encourages us to cultivate a faithful heart, not one driven by selfish ambition or impulsive decisions. And Psalm 68 reminds us that God’s strength brings peace and joy, even when circumstances feel overwhelming or unfair. God cares about the condition of your heart and the timing of your actions. A tender, faithful heart is one that trusts Him, waits for His timing, and seeks His wisdom. Choosing patience and faith over impulsiveness doesn’t always feel exciting, but it positions you for lasting success and peace. ________________________________________ THINK ABOUT IT 1. Heart Check: What does your heart crave most right now—approval, power, or God’s guidance? How does Proverbs 17:20 challenge you to focus on faithfulness over instant gratification? 2. Timing Matters: Are there areas in your life where you’ve rushed ahead, like Saul in 1 Samuel 13? What can you do to learn patience and trust God’s timing? 3. Rely on His Strength: How can remembering God’s power and provision (Psalm 68:35–36) help you remain steady and faithful when life feels confusing or unfair? ________________________________________ BOTTOM LINE A faithful, patient heart trusts God’s timing, leans on His strength, and avoids the pitfalls of impulsive decisions. ________________________________________ PRAYER Heavenly Father, thank You for caring about my heart and guiding my steps. Help me to cultivate a faithful heart, trust Your timing, and rely on Your strength instead of rushing ahead. Teach me to wait patiently and make decisions that honor You, even when it’s hard. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

June 10 - Friends That Last, God That Guides

JUNE 10 - Friends That Last, God That Guides 3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 17:17–18; Psalm 67; 1 Samuel 12 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2017%3A17%E2%80%9318%3B%20Psalm%2067%3B%201%20Samuel%2012&version=WEB&interface=print] //3-Year Bible Devotional Book (Year Two) Available on Amazon [https://amzn.to/4pmHfWh] // ________________________________________ “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Whoever strikes a man so that he dies shall be put to death; he who strikes a woman shall be punished.” — Proverbs 17:17–18 (ESV) “May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us.” — Psalm 67:1 (ESV) “And now, behold, the king you have chosen, for whom you have asked; and see, the Lord has set a king over you.” — 1 Samuel 12:13 (ESV) ________________________________________ Life can feel like a rollercoaster—full of highs, lows, and twists you don’t expect. In those moments, having the right people around you matters. Proverbs 17:17 reminds us that true friends love at all times, not just when life is easy. Meanwhile, Psalm 67 shows that God’s blessing and favor can shine on us even when things seem uncertain, guiding our path and giving hope. In 1 Samuel 12, the people chose a king, and God honored their choice—but He also reminded them to stay faithful and obedient. Similarly, God gives us guidance and opportunities, but He also asks us to trust Him and make choices wisely. Whether it’s friendships, school decisions, or personal challenges, God wants us to lean on Him and surround ourselves with people who encourage, support, and challenge us in positive ways. His blessings can help us grow, and His guidance keeps us on the right path, even when life feels messy. ________________________________________ THINK ABOUT IT 1. True Friendship: Who are the people in your life that love you “at all times”? How can you show that same loyalty to them (Proverbs 17:17)? 2. Seek God’s Favor: How can you invite God’s blessing and guidance into your daily life, trusting that He will shine His face upon you (Psalm 67:1)? 3. Wise Choices Matter: Like the Israelites choosing a king (1 Samuel 12:13), what choices in your life need prayerful thought to align with God’s will? ________________________________________ BOTTOM LINE Surround yourself with loyal friends, seek God’s guidance and blessings, and make choices that honor Him—because life is better when God and true friendship lead the way. ________________________________________ PRAYER Heavenly Father, thank You for being a faithful friend and guide in my life. Help me to choose friends who reflect Your love and to be that kind of friend to others. Shine Your favor upon me and lead me in the decisions I make, so that I can honor You in all I do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

June 9 - When Courage Counts

JUNE 9 - When Courage Counts 3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 17:15–16; 1 Samuel 11 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2017%3A15%E2%80%9316%3B%201%20Samuel%2011&version=WEB&interface=print] //3-Year Bible Devotional Book (Year Two) Available on Amazon [https://amzn.to/4pmHfWh] // ________________________________________ “He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous are both alike an abomination to the Lord. Why should a fool have money in his hand to buy wisdom when he has no sense?” — Proverbs 17:15–16 (ESV) “And the Spirit of God rushed upon Saul when he heard these words, and his anger was greatly kindled.” — 1 Samuel 11:6 (ESV) ________________________________________ Have you ever faced a moment when you had to stand up for what was right—when staying silent would mean letting injustice win? In 1 Samuel 11, the people of Jabesh were in serious trouble, threatened by enemies who wanted to humiliate them. When Saul heard about it, something powerful happened: the Spirit of God stirred him to action. He didn’t sit back and hope someone else would step in—he responded with courage. On the other hand, Proverbs 17 warns us about making excuses for what’s wrong or failing to act when we should. Real wisdom isn’t just knowing what’s right; it’s choosing to do it. God calls us to live with courage, speak truth, and take action when people need help or when wrong needs to be made right. Courage isn’t about being fearless—it’s about trusting God enough to act even when you feel scared. ________________________________________ THINK ABOUT IT 1. Courage Over Comfort: When have you been tempted to stay silent instead of standing up for what’s right? How can Saul’s courage in 1 Samuel 11:6 inspire you? 2. Wisdom in Action: Proverbs 17:15–16 shows that wisdom isn’t about money or status—it’s about living God’s way. How can you show wisdom through your choices this week? 3. God’s Strength, Not Yours: Saul’s courage came after the Spirit of God came upon him. How can you rely on God’s strength instead of your own when facing challenges? ________________________________________ BOTTOM LINE True courage comes from trusting God and choosing to do what’s right, even when it’s hard. ________________________________________ PRAYER Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me the courage to stand up for what is right. Help me to rely on Your Spirit when I feel afraid or unsure. Teach me to live with wisdom, to act with boldness, and to honor You in every choice I make. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.