May 23 - Wisdom That Guides

May 30 - Strength in Patience

MAY 30 - Strength in Patience 3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 16:31–32; Ephesians 5 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2016%3A31%E2%80%9332%3B%20Ephesians%205&version=WEB&interface=print] //3-Year Bible Devotional Book (Year Two) Available on Amazon [https://amzn.to/4pmHfWh] // ________________________________________ “Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life. Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.” — Proverbs 16:31–32 (ESV) “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret.” — Ephesians 5:11–12 (ESV) “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” — Ephesians 5:8 (ESV) ________________________________________ Life can feel like a race to get noticed, be popular, or prove yourself. But Proverbs 16:32 reminds us that real strength isn’t about winning arguments, getting your way, or having the loudest voice—it’s about patience, self-control, and walking in righteousness. In Ephesians 5, Paul calls us to live as light in a world full of darkness. That means refusing to be pulled into gossip, harmful habits, or peer pressure, and instead choosing actions that honor God. Choosing patience and self-control can feel slow or even frustrating. It’s tempting to react in anger when someone hurts you or to join in when everyone else is doing something wrong. But every time you choose wisely, you’re building a character that lasts—a crown of glory that no one can take away. The way you respond today matters more than the applause you get from peers. ________________________________________ THINK ABOUT IT 1. Self-Control Over Strength: When someone pushes your buttons, how can you respond with patience and not anger (Proverbs 16:32)? 2. Walk in Light: Are there areas in your life where you’re tempted to follow the crowd into “darkness”? How can you choose to live as a child of light (Ephesians 5:8)? 3. Integrity Counts: How does avoiding secret or harmful behaviors (Ephesians 5:11–12) help you grow stronger inside, even if nobody sees it right away? ________________________________________ BOTTOM LINE True strength is shown in patience, self-control, and walking in God’s light, even when it’s hard or unnoticed. ________________________________________ PRAYER Heavenly Father, thank You for teaching me that real strength comes from patience and self-control. Help me to resist temptation, walk in Your light, and honor You with my choices, even when it’s hard. Shape my heart to respond with wisdom and integrity each day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

May 29 - Guard Your Heart, Guard Your Words

MAY 29 - Guard Your Heart, Guard Your Words 3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 16:27–30; Psalms 61; Ephesians 4 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2016%3A27%E2%80%9330%3B%20Psalms%2061%3B%20Ephesians%204&version=WEB&interface=print] /3-Year Bible Devotional Book (Year Two) Available on Amazon [https://amzn.to/4pmHfWh] // ________________________________________ “A worthless man plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire. Whoever winks with his eyes plans perversity, and whoever purses his lips brings evil to pass.” — Proverbs 16:27–30 (ESV) “For you, O God, have heard my vows; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.” — Psalm 61:5 (ESV) “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.” — Ephesians 4:31 (ESV) ________________________________________ Have you ever noticed how quickly words can hurt? A single comment in class, a group chat message, or even a joking remark can set off a chain reaction. Proverbs 16:27–30 warns that careless or malicious speech spreads damage like fire. But God calls us to something higher. In Psalm 61, David reminds us that God hears us and provides a place of refuge when life feels heavy. And in Ephesians 4, Paul encourages us to rid ourselves of bitterness, anger, and slander, replacing them with grace and patience. The truth is, your words reflect what’s in your heart. If your heart is full of frustration, fear, or jealousy, it can spill out in ways that hurt others and even yourself. But when your heart rests in God, you gain perspective, self-control, and the ability to speak life instead of destruction. It’s not easy—sometimes friendships, family conflicts, or stress at school test our patience—but this is where God wants you to grow. ________________________________________ THINK ABOUT IT 1. Check Your Heart: What kinds of thoughts or feelings tend to influence your words the most? How can you guard your heart so your words reflect God’s love (Proverbs 16:27–28; Ephesians 4:31)? 2. Find Your Refuge: How does remembering that God hears you and protects you (Psalm 61:5) help you stay calm and respond wisely when life feels stressful? 3. Choose Life-Giving Words: What is one specific way you can replace anger, bitterness, or gossip with encouragement or kindness today (Ephesians 4:31–32)? ________________________________________ BOTTOM LINE Your words have power—let them come from a heart anchored in God, spreading life, not harm. ________________________________________ PRAYER Heavenly Father, thank You for being my refuge and for giving me the strength to control my words. Help me to replace anger and bitterness with kindness, patience, and encouragement. Guard my heart so that everything I say reflects Your love and truth. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

May 28 - The Path That Leads to Life

MAY 28 - The Path That Leads to Life 3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 16:25–26; Ephesians 3 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2016%3A25%E2%80%9326%3B%20Ephesians%203&version=WEB&interface=print] //3-Year Bible Devotional Book (Year Two) Available on Amazon [https://amzn.to/4pmHfWh] // ________________________________________ “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. The appetite of the laboring man works for him; his hunger drives him on.” — Proverbs 16:25–26 (ESV) “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.” — Ephesians 3:20 (ESV) “So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge.” — Ephesians 3:17–19 (ESV) ________________________________________ Life is full of choices that seem right in the moment—but sometimes the path that feels easiest or most fun can lead to dead ends. Proverbs 16:25 warns us to pay attention to where we’re headed and not just go with what feels right. Meanwhile, Ephesians 3 reminds us that God’s love and power are bigger than anything we can imagine. When we let Christ dwell in our hearts, He strengthens us to understand His love and walk in the paths that bring life, not destruction. Sometimes it feels like following God is slow or hard, especially when friends or society are tempting you to take shortcuts. But like Proverbs 16:26 says, your hunger—your desire for what’s good and true—can drive you forward, helping you work toward a life that truly matters. The amazing part? God not only guides your steps but also empowers you to accomplish more than you could ever dream when you trust Him. ________________________________________ THINK ABOUT IT 1. Check Your Path: Are there areas in your life where you’re choosing what “feels right” instead of what’s wise? How can you redirect toward God’s ways (Proverbs 16:25)? 2. Let God Work: How does remembering that God can do “far more abundantly than all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20) change the way you approach challenges or dreams? 3. Rooted in Love: What does it look like for Christ to dwell in your heart daily? How can understanding His love (Ephesians 3:17–19) guide your decisions and relationships? ________________________________________ BOTTOM LINE Following God’s path, empowered by His love, leads to a life that truly fulfills. ________________________________________ PRAYER Heavenly Father, thank You for guiding my steps and for the amazing love You pour into my heart. Help me to choose the paths that lead to life, to trust Your power in every challenge, and to be rooted in Your love so I can walk boldly in Your ways. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

May 27 - Words That Heal, Hearts That Rise

MAY 27 - Words That Heal, Hearts That Rise 3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 16:23–24; Psalms 60; Ephesians 2 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2016%3A23%E2%80%9324%3B%20Psalms%2060%3B%20Ephesians%202&version=WEB&interface=print] //3-Year Bible Devotional Book (Year Two) Available on Amazon [https://amzn.to/4pmHfWh] // ________________________________________ “The heart of the wise makes their speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to their lips. Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” — Proverbs 16:23–24 (ESV) “You have made the land shake; you have torn it open; heal its breaches, for it totters.” — Psalm 60:2 (ESV) “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” — Ephesians 2:8 (ESV) ________________________________________ Ever noticed how one kind word can totally change your day? Maybe someone complimented your work, encouraged you when you were down, or simply smiled when you felt invisible. Proverbs 16:24 reminds us that words aren’t just sounds—they carry life. Sweet, gracious words can lift someone’s spirit and even bring healing. At the same time, life can feel like a battle, like David in Psalm 60, facing brokenness and uncertainty. But just as God heals the land and restores what is broken, He can also restore hearts and relationships. In Ephesians 2, we are reminded that this restoration and hope aren’t earned; they are gifts from God through His grace. This means you don’t have to be perfect to make a difference. Small, thoughtful words, acts of kindness, and faith in God’s grace can ripple outward in ways you might never see. Your words can heal, encourage, and bring hope—because God has given you His Spirit to guide you in speaking life into every situation. ________________________________________ THINK ABOUT IT 1. Speak Life: How can your words today reflect God’s grace and bring encouragement to those around you (Proverbs 16:24)? 2. Restoration in Action: Are there broken friendships or misunderstandings in your life that need God’s healing touch (Psalm 60:2)? How can you participate in that restoration? 3. Grace-Fueled Confidence: Knowing that your salvation and purpose are gifts from God (Ephesians 2:8), how does that change the way you approach challenges, relationships, or fears? ________________________________________ BOTTOM LINE Gracious words, faith in God’s grace, and a heart open to restoration can heal, uplift, and transform lives—including your own. ________________________________________ PRAYER Heavenly Father, thank You for Your grace and the power of Your words to heal and restore. Help me to speak life, show kindness, and trust Your guidance in every situation. Teach me to trust Your restoration in my life and in the lives of others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

May 26 - Wisdom That Guides Your Heart

MAY 26 - Wisdom That Guides Your Heart 3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 16:21–22; Ephesians 1 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2016%3A21%E2%80%9322%3B%20Ephesians%201&version=WEB&interface=print] //3-Year Bible Devotional Book (Year Two) Available on Amazon [https://amzn.to/4pmHfWh] // ________________________________________ “The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness. Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it, but folly is the punishment of fools.” — Proverbs 16:21–22 (ESV) “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.” — Ephesians 1:3 (ESV) “In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will.” — Ephesians 1:11 (ESV) ________________________________________ Life is full of choices—what we say, how we react, and the decisions we make each day. Proverbs 16:21–22 reminds us that wisdom and understanding are more than just knowledge; they guide our words, our friendships, and even how others see us. Ephesians 1 highlights that God has already given us every spiritual blessing in Christ, including wisdom and discernment. This means you’re not trying to figure life out on your own—God has equipped you to navigate challenges and grow into the person He created you to be. Sometimes it feels like everyone else has it all together, but God’s Word assures you that your life is in His hands. He works all things according to His plan (Ephesians 1:11), and when you walk in wisdom and understanding, your words and actions become life-giving—not just for you, but for those around you. Even small acts of discernment, kindness, or patience can ripple into bigger impacts than you realize. ________________________________________ THINK ABOUT IT 1. Guard Your Words: How can you use wisdom in your conversations this week to encourage others instead of causing confusion or hurt (Proverbs 16:21)? 2. Recognize Your Blessings: What spiritual blessings from God can you rely on to help you make wise decisions (Ephesians 1:3)? 3. Trust God’s Plan: How does knowing God works all things according to His will (Ephesians 1:11) give you confidence when facing tough choices or uncertainty? ________________________________________ BOTTOM LINE God has given you wisdom and every spiritual blessing to guide your heart, words, and actions—use them to reflect Him every day. ________________________________________ PRAYER Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me wisdom, understanding, and every spiritual blessing in Christ. Help me to use what You’ve given me to make wise choices, speak life into the lives of others, and trust Your plan even when I don’t understand it. Guide my heart and my words so they reflect You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.