Devotion of the Week

Way to Go!

Your love has given me great joy and encouragement. Philemon 7 (TNIV)

When we love one another, we bring joy during times of disappointment and hardship. Show your love by giving a kind word and lifting someone else’s spirits.

Samantha wasn’t athletic or pretty. She couldn’t sing, play an instrument, or create art. But Samantha was very popular. Why? She loved others, and she showed it by encouraging people. She cheered hard at the baseball games. She attended her classmates’ concerts and complimented them on their band and vocal solos. She noticed when people looked sad and did her best to cheer them up. She didn’t do it to be popular, but people loved having her around.

How can you be an encourager? Notice when someone tries hard to accomplish something. Say, “Great job!” or “Way to go!” Also, find someone going through a hard experience that you have been through yourself. If your parents were divorced a few years ago, and a classmate is now coping with it, you can offer encouragement. Let her know that things will get better. You could also tell her about the comfort you received from God, who is the best encourager of all: “the Father of compassion and the
God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (2 Corinthians 1:3–4
TNIV). Make it your goal to encourage someone in your family or at school every day. One surprising benefit will be that your own joy will greatly increase.

More Devotions to Get You Thinking

Stand Strong

“Remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way

We all want to have—or do—something that we know we should avoid. Everyone experiences temptation of one kind or another, and the temptation itself is NOT a sin. It’s only a test. God is always there for you. Turn to him, and ask for help. God won’t let the test, or temptation, get too strong for you to fight. Also, he will show you a way out so you don’t have to give in to it.

Temptations come in all sizes. Your older sister left her wallet on the table, and you’re tempted to take a little of her money. Your friend hurt you, and you’re tempted to gossip about her to anyone who will listen. The Bible says that temptations happen to all people. God won’t shield you from all temptation, but he won’t let it overpower you. He’ll give you a way out if you really want to overcome it.

Sometimes you need to get away from the temptation. If you’re tempted to buy too much candy, leave the store. If you’re tempted to take money, remember these words and get away: “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness . . . But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness” (1 Timothy 6:10–11 NKJV).

No matter what test you face, God will be faithful in each and every one. He’ll show you a way out. So stand strong in the Lord!

Are You Talking to Me?

“The Samaritan woman said to him, ‘You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?’ (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)” —John 4:9 (TNIV)

The Samaritan woman drawing water at the well was surprised when Jesus asked her for a drink. At that time, Jews refused to associate with Samaritans. (Jews believed they would become “unclean” if they used a drinking vessel handled by a Samaritan.) Also, women were usually ignored. “Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman” (John 4:27 TNIV). Jesus broke tradition by talking to a Samaritan and a woman. He didn’t consider her “beneath” him.

You learn about prejudice when your family moves. You never felt out of place while living in Texas, but when your family relocates to a small town in Minnesota, you’re the only Hispanic student in your school. Most kids ignore you. Some treat you like you have a contagious disease. A few call you names. Being the target of discrimination and bigotry is more hurtful than you ever would have guessed. Two years later, your family moves back to Texas. You absolutely love being “home,” but you’ve changed. From now on, you’re careful to never make another prejudiced comment. You’ve learned firsthand the pain it can cause.

Certain people believe they are worth more than others. God’s Word, however, has strong words for such people: “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you” (Romans 12:3 TNIV). God’s Word clearly says that your worth isn’t in your nationality or the color of your skin. Instead, judge yourself by the strength of your faith in God. That’s what really matters.