June 9 - When Courage Counts

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.

June 8 - Before It Breaks

JUNE 8 - Before It Breaks 3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 17:14; Psalm 66; 1 Samuel 9–10 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2017%3A14%3B%20Psalm%2066%3B%201%20Samuel%209%E2%80%9310&version=WEB&interface=print] //3-Year Bible Devotional Book (Year Two) Available on Amazon [https://amzn.to/4pmHfWh] // ________________________________________ “The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out.” — Proverbs 17:14 (ESV) “Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul.” — Psalm 66:16 (ESV) “Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on his head and kissed him and said, ‘Has not the Lord anointed you to be prince over his people Israel?’” — 1 Samuel 10:1 (ESV) ________________________________________ Have you ever been in a fight with a friend or family member where things got out of control fast? One minute, it’s a small disagreement; the next, it’s a full-blown argument you can’t take back. Proverbs 17:14 compares this to water bursting through a dam—it starts small, but if you don’t stop it, it will destroy everything in its path. In Psalm 66, the writer shares about what God has done in his life—a reminder that our stories can point others to God instead of drama or conflict. And in 1 Samuel 10, Saul is anointed as Israel’s first king—a huge moment showing how God sets people apart for His purposes, even in the middle of life’s messiness. The truth is, you can’t control everything that happens, but you can control how you respond. Walking away from an argument before it explodes, choosing peace over pride, and focusing on what God is doing in your life will help you live out the purpose He has for you. ________________________________________ THINK ABOUT IT 1. Stop It Early: How can you recognize when a disagreement is about to “break out” and choose peace instead (Proverbs 17:14)? 2. Tell Your Story: Like the writer of Psalm 66:16, what could you share about what God has done in your life that might help someone else? 3. Live with Purpose: Saul was anointed for a mission (1 Samuel 10:1). How does knowing God has a plan for your life change the way you handle conflict or pressure? ________________________________________ BOTTOM LINE Choosing peace over conflict keeps relationships from breaking and points others to the God who works through your life. ________________________________________ PRAYER Heavenly Father, thank You for calling me to live with peace and purpose. Help me walk away from arguments before they destroy relationships, and teach me to point others to You by sharing what You’ve done in my life. Remind me that You have a plan for me even when things feel messy or out of control. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

June 7 - Be Careful What You Ask For

JUNE 7 - Be Careful What You Ask For 3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 17:12–13; 1 Samuel 8 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2017%3A12%E2%80%9313%3B%201%20Samuel%208&version=WEB&interface=print] //3-Year Bible Devotional Book (Year Two) Available on Amazon [https://amzn.to/4pmHfWh] // ________________________________________ “Let a man meet a she-bear robbed of her cubs rather than a fool in his folly. If anyone returns evil for good, evil will not depart from his house.” — Proverbs 17:12–13 (ESV) “But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, ‘Give us a king to judge us.’ And Samuel prayed to the Lord.” — 1 Samuel 8:6 (ESV) “And the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Obey their voice and make them a king.’” — 1 Samuel 8:22 (ESV) ________________________________________ Have you ever begged for something you thought would make your life better—only to regret it later? That’s exactly what happened with Israel in 1 Samuel 8. They wanted a king because they thought it would solve their problems and make them like other nations. But God knew it would bring challenges they hadn’t considered. In Proverbs 17, we’re reminded that foolish choices can lead to lasting consequences, especially when we ignore God’s wisdom. Sometimes we want things our way—fast answers, shortcuts, or decisions that make sense in the moment—but God sees the bigger picture. When Israel demanded a king, they were choosing their own way instead of trusting God’s. Like them, we face moments when we have to decide: will we trust God’s plan, or will we push for our own? ________________________________________ THINK ABOUT IT 1. God Knows Best: How can you learn to trust God’s plan even when His answer to your prayer isn’t what you expected (1 Samuel 8:6)? 2. Watch Your Choices: Proverbs 17 warns about foolish decisions and returning evil for good. How can you make sure your choices lead to blessing rather than regret? 3. Pray Before Acting: Samuel prayed before responding to Israel’s request. What decisions in your life right now need prayer before action? ________________________________________ BOTTOM LINE When we trust God’s wisdom over our own desires, we avoid the regret that comes from rushing into decisions without Him. ________________________________________ PRAYER Heavenly Father, help me to trust Your plan even when I want things my way. Teach me to pray first, wait on Your timing, and choose wisely so my life brings honor to You. Keep me from decisions that lead to regret, and guide my heart to follow Your wisdom. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

June 6 - Turning Back to God

JUNE 6 - Turning Back to God 3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 17:10–11; Psalm 65; 1 Samuel 6–7 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2017%3A10%E2%80%9311%3B%20Psalm%2065%3B%201%20Samuel%206%E2%80%937&version=WEB&interface=print]// 3-Year Bible Devotional Book (Year Two) Available on Amazon [https://amzn.to/4pmHfWh] // ________________________________________ “A rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding than a hundred blows into a fool. An evil man seeks only rebellion, and a cruel messenger will be sent against him.” — Proverbs 17:10–11 (ESV) “By awesome deeds you answer us with righteousness, O God of our salvation, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas.” — Psalm 65:5 (ESV) “And Samuel said to all the house of Israel, ‘If you are returning to the Lord with all your heart, then put away the foreign gods… and direct your heart to the Lord and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.’” — 1 Samuel 7:3 (ESV) ________________________________________ Have you ever messed up and felt like you couldn’t come back from it? Maybe you ignored advice, made a bad choice, or tried to do things your own way. In 1 Samuel 7, the Israelites had drifted far from God, but Samuel reminded them that if they turned back to Him with all their hearts, He would deliver them. Proverbs 17 warns that ignoring correction leads to trouble, while Psalm 65 reminds us that God answers with awesome deeds when we call on Him. No matter how far we drift, God always calls us back. He doesn’t want half-hearted devotion; He wants our whole heart. And when we return, He meets us with forgiveness, strength, and hope. ________________________________________ THINK ABOUT IT 1. Listen and Learn: When someone corrects you with love, how do you respond? Are you open to learning like Proverbs 17:10 suggests, or do you resist? 2. Return Fully: What would it look like for you to “return to the Lord with all your heart” (1 Samuel 7:3)? Are there things you need to let go of to put God first? 3. Trust His Power: How does knowing God answers with “awesome deeds” (Psalm 65:5) encourage you when life feels overwhelming or when you feel stuck? ________________________________________ BOTTOM LINE God always welcomes us back when we turn to Him with our whole heart—and He responds with power, forgiveness, and hope. ________________________________________ PRAYER Heavenly Father, thank You for always calling me back when I drift away. Help me to listen to Your correction, return to You with my whole heart, and trust in Your power to restore and guide me. Teach me to put You first in every part of my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

June 5 - When God Shows Up

JUNE 5 - When God Shows Up 3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 17:8–9; 1 Samuel 5 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2017%3A8%E2%80%939%3B%201%20Samuel%205&version=WEB&interface=print] //3-Year Bible Devotional Book (Year Two) Available on Amazon [https://amzn.to/4pmHfWh] // ________________________________________ “A bribe is like a magic stone in the eyes of the one who gives it; wherever he turns he prospers. Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.” — Proverbs 17:8–9 (ESV) “And when the people of Ashdod rose early the next day, behold, Dagon had fallen face downward on the ground before the ark of the Lord. So they took Dagon and set him up in his place again.” — 1 Samuel 5:3 (ESV) ________________________________________ Have you ever watched a situation completely flip overnight—like the underdog team beating the champion or the quiet kid getting the highest score on the test? That’s kind of what happened in 1 Samuel 5. The Philistines thought their idol, Dagon, was unbeatable until they placed the ark of God in his temple. The next morning, Dagon was facedown, like he was bowing to the true God! Meanwhile, Proverbs 17 reminds us of two things: people chase quick fixes (like bribes) to get ahead, but real success comes when we choose love over drama and gossip. When God shows up, like He did in the temple of Dagon, He reveals what really lasts—love, truth, and His power—not shortcuts, idols, or lies. It’s easy to rely on things like popularity, money, or even our own strength. But those things can fall flat fast. God wants us to trust Him, love people well, and let His power—not our plans—win the battles. ________________________________________ THINK ABOUT IT 1. False Idols Fall: What “idols” or distractions might be stealing your trust in God right now, like Dagon in 1 Samuel 5? 2. Love Over Drama: Proverbs says covering offenses brings love (Proverbs 17:9). How can you let go of gossip or grudges this week to protect friendships and show God’s love? 3. Trust His Power: How does seeing God’s power in the Bible help you trust Him with your problems today? ________________________________________ BOTTOM LINE When God shows up, idols fall, love wins, and His power changes everything. ________________________________________ PRAYER Heavenly Father, thank You for showing me that You are greater than anything I face. Help me to trust Your power instead of chasing shortcuts or holding onto things that can’t save me. Teach me to choose love over drama and to let You win the battles in my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.