As a teenager, you are in an amazing season of life! Your future is limitless, and you have energy and passion for so many things. You also have a Savior who wants to be your Best Friend. He will guide you into adulthood if you will open up your heart to Him. As you read this devotional, we are praying that you will feel God’s love in a tangible way.
Help Club for Moms
Day 1
Scripture: Ephesians 2:10
You Are a Piece of God’s Masterpiece
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:10
Do you feel like you were created uniquely and for a purpose? There is truly no one like you on the planet. God designed it that way. When He created you, He made you special, with a unique personality, look, and vibe. Think of it as a gigantic puzzle. Each person is a piece of God’s masterpiece, and it wouldn’t be complete unless each piece played its individual part!
Sometimes, we can feel insecure about who we are as we look around and compare ourselves to others. Our temptation can be to want to change ourselves to “look like” or “be like” someone else. In those moments, remember that God needs you to be exactly who you are. He doesn’t want a replica of another piece He made! Don’t let comparison steal your joy. When God looks at you, He is so pleased, and you are His girl, created on purpose.
Reflection:
What are some of the unique quirks or personality traits that make you, you? Take a couple of moments to write those down and say a quick prayer of thanks to God.
Love, Krystle
Day 2
Scriptures: John 10:27, John 10:11
Hearing God’s Voice
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27
Did you know that God speaks? The Bible says that if you’re one of His sheep, He speaks to you, and you hear His voice. It’s a fact. And there are no other requirements involved. He is the good shepherd (John 10:11), and you are His sheep. And as His sheep, you hear His voice.
Have you ever heard God’s voice? What did it sound like? When God speaks, it often feels like an impression or a knowing. God’s voice usually sounds like a quiet, peaceful voice in your mind. To hear a quiet voice, you must be still. So when you ask Him a question, be patient, be still, and wait for Him. He will answer! He loves you so much!
And remember: Always check what you have heard in the Bible. God will never contradict His Word or His character (who He is) when He talks to you.
Reflection:
Ask God what He has for you today, whatever your specific circumstance or need. Then, record what He says, and thank Him for loving you!
With love, Linda
Day 3
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 10:12
Comparison Steals Our Joy
“We do not dare to compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.” 2 Corinthians 10:12
Do you struggle with comparing yourself to others?
Perhaps it’s someone’s clothes, athletic ability, or looks.
Comparing ourselves to others leaves us feeling like we aren’t good enough, and it steals our joy.
How do we get our joy back? By changing our thoughts.
When we change our thoughts from what we don’t have to what we have, gratitude takes over. When we focus on what is going well and what God has given us, we begin to experience JOY.
When social media makes you sad as you compare your life to others, put down the phone and remember your blessings. Pick up a good book or call a friend for encouragement. Ask God to show you what He has put inside YOU!
Reflection:
Ask God (and others) what gifts are on the inside of YOU. Then, write them down and find ways to use those gifts.
Love, Kathryn
Day 4
Scripture: Hebrews 13:5
When Life Gets Hard
“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5b
How’s your life, friend? Does it ever feel overwhelming to you?
My teen years were hard. My parents divorced, and I moved to another state to an inner-city school filled with new faces who didn’t like me. I tried to fit in, but it never worked. Then, one day, some girls chased me into the bathroom with yardsticks, trying to hit me. I hid in the stall and locked the door. I climbed up onto the toilet lid so they couldn’t hit my feet.
As I rode home on the bus that afternoon, I felt hopeless and alone. Depression began to set in, and I felt there was no reason to live.
The following day, I got into the shower and cried out to God. I told Him how much my heart hurt and how lost I felt in this new place. After I prayed, I felt so much better. My life didn’t change right away, but I didn’t feel alone anymore. I had Jesus with me, and I knew He would help me. Friend, Jesus loves you too. You are not alone!
Reflection:
Are you going through something hard right now? Pray and tell God all about it. He loves you so much!
Love, Deb
Day 5
Scripture: Psalms 73:23
Feeling Lonely?
“Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.” Psalm 73:23
When we feel lonely, we often turn to social media for comfort, which usually leaves us feeling emptier and lonelier. VIRTUAL connections are not SOUL connections.
If you are lonely, here are some things that can help:
1. Reach out to a trusted friend or family member and tell them you are lonely. Letting someone know how you feel invites them to encourage you, pray for you, and spend time with you.
2. Create a gratitude list. If you look for the good, you WILL find it! When we focus on the things we DO have rather than what we don’t, our feelings and attitudes change.
3. Get outside. Take a walk, soak in the fresh air.
4. Talk to God. Your Heavenly Father is always ready and willing to spend time with you and comfort you. It’s easy to forget that God is always with you, ready to listen and connect. He’s the one Friend that will never leave you.
Reflection:
Ask God to give you a good friend.
Love, Kathryn
Day 6
Scripture: Proverbs 18:24
Real Friendship is Not a Clique
“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24
Choosing friends wisely can be difficult. I understand that friendship can be confusing in junior high and high school and sometimes even a source of hurt and frustration. I don’t know where you are exactly with your friend group, but can I encourage you with a few words? If you have to act differently or treat others in a way that makes you feel guilty, then I’m sure the people you are hanging out with do not strengthen your faith.
Jesus desires for you to be a light. He is so proud to see you remain true to yourself. Do not change who you are to fit the mold of friends you are currently spending time with. Don’t accept friendships that hurt you or others. You are loved and valued! True friends don’t repeatedly disappoint you. Real friends champion what you are interested in and encourage you.
Sweet girl, if you are struggling tonight with a friend or a group of friends, turn to Jesus. He knows what’s going on in your life. He had many friends, and one of His closest ultimately betrayed Him. I promise, if you disconnect from these friends, it will be for the best.
Reflection:
What is the state of your friendships? Then, ask yourself, “Should I hang out with these people?”
Love, Rachel
Day 7
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:6-7
Don’t Give Up On Your Good Friends
“Love…always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13:6a-7
Godly friendships are one of life’s greatest blessings. It’s good to have someone walk with you through the good and bad seasons. My longtime friends have seen me at my best and worst, and thankfully, they love me anyway.
What do you do if one of your good friends hurts you? How can you stay friends? Long-lasting friendships require commitment and grace and an attitude of hoping for the best. Our friends are human and can say or do things that can hurt us. But, if you and your friend are both Believers in Christ, you have the Holy Spirit inside of you helping you to forgive and stay friends.
The next time one of your godly friends hurts you, pray for her instead of getting angry and wanting to call it quits. Ask God to help you to assume the best. She may be having an off day and needs grace. Go to her and ask her if she’s okay. Let her know you care.
Reflection:
Write down a prayer for your friend, and pray this prayer often.
Love, Deb
Day 8
Scripture: Proverbs 3:5
Trusting in the Lord and Becoming Trustworthy
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5
“Trust is built in drops and lost in buckets.” This means that trust is earned little by little over a long period of time, but it can be lost instantly with thoughtless words or decisions. Trust is such an integral part of relationships.
Jesus, always faithful, encourages us to trust Him completely. And, as imitators of Jesus, we, too, must strive to be trustworthy. Talk to God and repent about any hidden struggles (Phone apps, gossip, relationships, etc.). We do not want to lose someone’s trust and grieve our Heavenly Father because of unkindness or dishonesty. So, trust in the LORD. He will help you and guide you!
Reflection:
Ask Jesus to reveal areas of your life that have become stumbling blocks as you strive to be trustworthy. He adores you, and He longs to help you, so ask for the courage and wisdom to repent. Lastly, if someone has betrayed your trust, ask Christ to help you be forgiving and gentle with them.
With Love, Bek
Day 9
Scripture: Deuteronomy 7:6
Boys Are a Cheap Substitute for God
“For you are holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession.” Deuteronomy 7:6
Being admired by a boy is an amazing feeling. I get it! The moment you hear about your crush liking you back or the swell in your heart when he tells you you’re pretty can make a bad day instantly a great one. But do you realize the Creator of the world, your Heavenly Father, looks at you that way all the time? Sweet daughter, His affections for you never waver, but can you say that about boys? Only God can and should fill you completely. He wants to be your closest friend, and He will always be there.
God loves you so much and desires you to step into the full realization that you are His treasure. Any boy you consider dating needs to know that about you. Do not let him steal your hope and certainty in Christ, and be careful filling your heart with a guy.
One day you will meet a boy who will become the man you will marry. He will see you as God’s daughter, and he will celebrate your character and beauty and even admire some of your faults. That is real love.
Reflection:
Pray about your relationship with Jesus. How can you depend on Him more and care about guys less?
Love,
Rachel
Day 10
Scripture: Matthew 7:13-14
Two Gates, One Choice
“Enter through the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who go through it. How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it.” Matthew 7:13-14
You got invited to a party hosted by the cutest guy in your class. Unfortunately, no adults will be there, and there will be alcohol. You like this boy, but you’re feeling weird about his party. What do you do?
Christians face these kinds of dilemmas frequently. I have been at the crossroads you’re facing many times, and honestly, I didn’t always make the right choice, but I want you to.
The wide gate is the crowd. The crowd is great because you feel like you belong, but being a part of the crowd can lead to trouble.
Only one person can fit through the narrow gate—you. As a result, being bold in your faith can be challenging, scary, and lonely.
Being a follower of Jesus is not easy. But trust me, it’s worth it!
Reflection:
What will you do the next time you have to pick a gate?
Love, Susie
Day 11
Scripture: James 1:21-22
Being a Light
“…humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.” James 1:21b
As a Christian student, you have the amazing honor to spread joy and blessings to your peers. You have freedom in Christ and He has given you His word, which can be planted in your heart to encourage and lift up. But the disconnect happens when you struggle to represent Christ and you cover up your light. The world is so hard, I get it! But choosing to live differently is worth it.
Humbly accepting the word simply means recognizing all that God has given you and how your gifts and talents can be used to serve His Kingdom. Do you have any friends who passionately pursue Jesus? Aren’t they fun to watch and don’t you admire them?
By choosing to obey Jesus you will be blessed and you can bless others with your authenticity and love. As you make decisions to change your behavior, focus on your relationship with Jesus, and guard your heart, you will be in a position to love and bless because you will be free from the pressure of life. The habit of caring and being seen should not rule you. You know who you are and to whom you belong!
Reflection:
What is one practical thing you can do to help your faith be more evident in your life? Ideas such as praying daily when you wake up or before bed, reading your Bible daily for a few minutes, journaling your thoughts and prayers, listening to worship music over secular, etc.
Love,
Rachel