June 20 - Finding Your Safe Place

June 20 - Finding Your Safe Place

JUNE 20 - Finding Your Safe Place 3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 18:10–11; 1 Samuel 22; Psalm 52 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2018%3A10%E2%80%9311%3B%201%20Samuel%2022%3B%20Psalm%2052&version=WEB&interface=print] //3-Year Bible Devotional Book (Year Two) Available on Amazon [https://amzn.to/4pmHfWh] // ________________________________________ “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. The rich man’s wealth is his strong city; he thinks of it as a wall.” — Proverbs 18:10–11 (ESV) “David departed from Naioth in Ramah and came and lived with Samuel at Naioth. And he and his men were about four hundred.” — 1 Samuel 22:2 (ESV) “Why do you boast of evil, O mighty man? The steadfast love of God endures all the day.” — Psalm 52:1 (ESV) ________________________________________ Life can feel intense, especially when you face pressures at school, online, or even within your own family. You might wonder, “Where can I find safety or peace when everything around me feels uncertain?” Proverbs 18:10 reminds us that God Himself is our strong tower—a safe place we can run to when fear or danger comes. David in 1 Samuel 22 literally found safety with God’s people during a time when enemies were after him. And Psalm 52 warns that trusting in wealth, status, or the strength of other people will never truly protect you. Your safe place isn’t a physical location, money, or popularity—it’s God. Turning to Him in prayer, worship, and reading His Word creates a stronghold that nothing in this world can shake. Even when life feels scary or unfair, God’s love and protection are constant. Just like David, you can find peace, courage, and direction by running to God and leaning on Him instead of temporary things that feel strong but ultimately fail. ________________________________________ THINK ABOUT IT 1. Your Strong Tower: Where do you turn when you feel afraid, stressed, or overwhelmed? How can you make God your first refuge (Proverbs 18:10) instead of other temporary solutions? 2. Safe Community: David found safety not just in God, but also among trusted friends (1 Samuel 22:2). Who are the people God has placed in your life to support you, and how can you rely on them wisely? 3. Avoid False Security: Psalm 52 warns against trusting in the “might” of wealth or influence. What are some areas where you might be tempted to trust in yourself or other people instead of God? ________________________________________ BOTTOM LINE True safety and peace are found when you run to God, trust His protection, and resist putting your confidence in temporary things. ________________________________________ PRAYER Heavenly Father, thank You for being my safe place and strong tower. Help me to run to You when I feel scared, stressed, or unsure. Teach me to trust in Your steadfast love rather than temporary things or people. Surround me with godly friends and give me the courage to rely on You in every situation. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

June 19 - Words That Matter

JUNE 19 - Words That Matter 3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 18:8–9; 1 Samuel 21; Psalm 34, 56 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2018%3A8%E2%80%939%3B%201%20Samuel%2021%3B%20Psalm%2034%2C%2056&version=WEB&interface=print] //3-Year Bible Devotional Book (Year Two) Available on Amazon [https://amzn.to/4pmHfWh] // ________________________________________ “The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body. Whoever is slack in his work is brother to him who destroys.” — Proverbs 18:8–9 (ESV) “David came to Nob to Ahimelek the priest. Ahimelek trembled when he met David and asked, ‘Why are you alone, and no one with you?’” — 1 Samuel 21:1 (ESV) “I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” — Psalm 34:4; “When I am afraid, I put my trust in God.” — Psalm 56:3 (ESV) ________________________________________ Have you ever heard gossip or rumors about someone and felt like it spread instantly? Proverbs 18:8 warns that words can dig deep into our hearts, either to encourage or to harm. David’s story in 1 Samuel 21 shows that even when life feels tense or people doubt you, God provides protection and guidance. Psalm 34 and Psalm 56 remind us that when fear creeps in—whether from bullies, peer pressure, or uncertainty—we can turn to God and find courage. Words, choices, and trust all play a role in shaping how we handle the pressures around us. Even in moments when people talk behind your back or life feels overwhelming, God’s presence and protection are constant. Choosing to speak life, work diligently, and trust God transforms fear into strength. Your words and actions can either build up or tear down—not just others, but yourself too. ________________________________________ THINK ABOUT IT 1. Watch Your Words: Are the things you say encouraging others or adding to the negativity (Proverbs 18:8) around you? 2. Trust God in Pressure: How can you rely on God’s protection and guidance when you feel scared or alone, like David did in 1 Samuel 21? 3. Courage Over Fear: When fear shows up in school, friendships, or family situations, how can putting your trust in God (Psalm 34:4; 56:3) change your response? ________________________________________ BOTTOM LINE The words you hear, the words you speak, and the trust you place in God determine whether fear controls you or courage guides you. ________________________________________ PRAYER Heavenly Father, thank You for being my protector and my refuge when fear or gossip surrounds me. Help me to speak words that encourage, to work diligently, and to trust You completely even in scary situations. Teach me to rely on Your strength so that fear does not control my heart or actions. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

June 18 - The Power of Words and Loyalty

JUNE 18 - The Power of Words and Loyalty 3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 18:6–7; Psalm 71; 1 Samuel 20 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2018%3A6%E2%80%937%3B%20Psalm%2071%3B%201%20Samuel%2020&version=WEB&interface=print] //3-Year Bible Devotional Book (Year Two) Available on Amazon [https://amzn.to/4pmHfWh] // ________________________________________ “A fool’s lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating. A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his life.” — Proverbs 18:6–7 (ESV) “Do not cast me off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength is spent. For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth.” — Psalm 71:9, 20–21 (ESV) “Jonathan said to David, ‘Whatever you say, I will do for you.’” — 1 Samuel 20:4 (ESV) ________________________________________ Have you ever said something you instantly regretted? Or felt hurt by words someone else spoke? Proverbs 18 warns how careless words can create fights, problems, or even long-term consequences. But words aren’t just about danger—they can be powerful tools for loyalty, encouragement, and protection, like Jonathan’s commitment to David in 1 Samuel 20. Amid uncertainty, loyalty and faithfulness become lifelines. Psalm 71 reminds us that even when we grow older or face challenges, we can rely on God’s faithfulness to protect, strengthen, and guide us. Life is full of voices—some that tear down and some that build up. Choosing our words carefully and surrounding ourselves with trustworthy friends isn’t just smart; it’s life-shaping. Loyalty, encouragement, and wise speech create a protective shield that carries us through hard seasons, while careless words or betrayal can create struggles that linger far longer than we imagine. ________________________________________ THINK ABOUT IT 1. Words Matter: How have your words built someone up or caused tension recently (Proverbs 18:6–7)? What can you do differently this week? 2. Faithful Friends: Who in your life shows loyalty like Jonathan to David (1 Samuel 20:4)? How can you both encourage and be a loyal friend to others? 3. God’s Faithfulness: In times of fear, doubt, or uncertainty, how can you rely on God’s protection and guidance as described in Psalm 71? ________________________________________ BOTTOM LINE Words and loyalty carry great power—choose them wisely, and lean on God’s faithfulness to navigate life’s challenges. ________________________________________ PRAYER Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness and for friends who stand by me. Help me to use my words wisely, to encourage and not harm, and to be loyal to others as You are loyal to me. Protect me in times of challenge, and strengthen me to rely on You completely. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

June 17 - When People Mean Harm

JUNE 17 - When People Mean Harm 3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 18:3–5; 1 Samuel 19; Psalm 59 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2018%3A3%E2%80%935%3B%201%20Samuel%2019%3B%20Psalm%2059&version=WEB&interface=print] //3-Year Bible Devotional Book (Year Two) Available on Amazon [https://amzn.to/4pmHfWh] // ________________________________________ “When wickedness comes, contempt comes also, and with dishonor comes disgrace. A fool’s lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites blows. It is not good to favor the wicked or to strike the righteous in the gate.” — Proverbs 18:3–5 (ESV) “But Saul sent messengers to David’s house to watch him, to kill him in the morning. And Michal, David’s wife, told him, ‘If you do not escape with your life tonight, tomorrow you will be killed.’” — 1 Samuel 19:11–12 (ESV) “Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise up against me. Deliver me from evildoers who speak lies, from those who are violent in their pride.” — Psalm 59:1–2 (ESV) ________________________________________ Have you ever faced someone who seemed determined to bring you down—maybe a jealous friend, a bully at school, or just people spreading rumors? It can feel scary, unfair, or even hopeless. Proverbs 18 warns about the damage that wickedness and pride can do, especially when people target the innocent. In 1 Samuel 19, David’s life was in danger because of King Saul’s jealousy, but God gave him protection and even used his friends to help him escape. Psalm 59 shows us that it’s natural to feel fear, but God is always ready to deliver and defend those who trust Him. Facing opposition or people who want to hurt us can be intimidating, but these verses remind us that we are not alone. God is watching, guiding, and protecting us—even when it doesn’t look like it. His protection doesn’t always remove the challenge immediately, but it gives us the courage and wisdom to respond in ways that honor Him. ________________________________________ THINK ABOUT IT 1. Recognize True Motives: Are there people in your life who act out of jealousy, pride, or anger? How can Proverbs 18:3–5 help you respond wisely instead of reacting with anger? 2. Trust God’s Protection: When David faced danger in 1 Samuel 19, God used both His power and the help of others to keep him safe. How can you rely on God when you feel threatened or unsafe? 3. Pray for Deliverance: Psalm 59 reminds us to ask God for protection. Who or what do you need to pray about today, asking God to defend and guide you? ________________________________________ BOTTOM LINE Even when others try to harm you, God’s protection and guidance are stronger than any threat. ________________________________________ PRAYER Heavenly Father, thank You for being my protector when I face people or situations that want to harm me. Help me to respond with wisdom, not fear or anger, and remind me that You are always watching over me. Strengthen my faith to trust in Your protection and guidance every day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

June 16 - Listening Over Isolation

JUNE 16 - Listening Over Isolation 3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 18:1–2; Psalm 70; 1 Samuel 18 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2018%3A1%E2%80%932%3B%20Psalm%2070%3B%201%20Samuel%2018&version=WEB&interface=print] //3-Year Bible Devotional Book (Year Two) Available on Amazon [https://amzn.to/4pmHfWh] // ________________________________________ “Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment. A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.” — Proverbs 18:1–2 (ESV) “Make haste, O God, to deliver me! O Lord, make haste to help me!” — Psalm 70:1 (ESV) “Saul was very angry, and this anger was kindled against David; and he said, ‘Because the Lord has been with him… he has become more honorable than I, and everything he does succeeds.’” — 1 Samuel 18:8 (ESV) ________________________________________ Have you ever felt frustrated when people didn’t understand you—or maybe when you felt misunderstood? Sometimes, it’s tempting to withdraw and just focus on your own thoughts and desires. Proverbs 18:1–2 warns that isolating yourself can keep you from wise counsel and real growth. Life isn’t meant to be lived alone, and ignoring good advice can actually make things harder. At the same time, there are moments when we feel urgency or even fear, like David in Psalm 70, calling out for God’s help quickly. And just like David’s experience in 1 Samuel 18, success or favor can sometimes trigger jealousy in others, reminding us to rely on God rather than be distracted by what others think. Being a teen can feel like a constant mix of pressures—from friendships, school, family, or social media. But God calls you to balance honesty with humility, expressing yourself while still listening to others and depending on Him. Isolation might feel safe, but true strength comes from connection, prayer, and trusting God to handle jealousy, competition, or misunderstanding. ________________________________________ THINK ABOUT IT 1. Value Advice: Are there areas in your life where you’ve been ignoring guidance or feedback from wise people? How can listening more open doors to growth (Proverbs 18:2)? 2. Call on God Quickly: When you feel stressed or overwhelmed, how can you practice turning to God immediately, like David did in Psalm 70:1? 3. Stay Humble in Success: How can you maintain a humble and God-focused attitude even when you achieve something that might make others jealous (1 Samuel 18:8)? ________________________________________ BOTTOM LINE True wisdom comes from balancing your voice with listening, relying on God in every situation, and trusting Him to guide your steps. ________________________________________ PRAYER Heavenly Father, thank You for always being ready to hear me and help me. Teach me to listen as much as I speak, to trust You when I feel misunderstood or overwhelmed, and to stay humble when I succeed. Help me rely on Your guidance instead of isolating myself or being distracted by others’ reactions. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.