Proverbs 15:31-16:3

“The ear that listens to life-giving reproof

will dwell among the wise.

Whoever ignores instruction despises himself,

but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence.

The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom,

and humility comes before honor.

The plans of the heart belong to man,

but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.

All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes,

but the Lord weighs the spirit.

Commit your work to the Lord,

and your plans will be established.”

Through the help of God’s Word, the Holy Spirit, and trusted advisors, how can you adjust your decision-making process to align it with God’s wisdom?

In everything you do, whether in your speech or conduct, commit it to the Lord to advance God’s glory.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken. “

1 Corinthians 1:10

“I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.”

Galatians 6:1-3

“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.”

Making positive friendships may be difficult, but what makes it difficult? How can the church help you develop friendships that seek your highest good? What do we do if someone we love strays away from the truth?

Take intentional time to ask the Lord to provide you with godly friendships by opening your eyes to people you may not have considered befriending before.

2 Corinthians 2:15-17

“For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God's word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.”

Colossians 3:18-25

“Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.”

Is there a relationship in your life that is not honoring God? If so, what can you do to ensure that you are glorifying God in that relationship?

Prayerfully meditate on the Lord when you find yourself in an unhealthy relationship with someone around you. Ask Him to illuminate an appropriate way of dealing with the relationship. Connect with trusted leaders God has placed in your life to seek guidance on managing that relationship in a way that honors God.

Lamentations 3:16-29

"He has made my teeth grind on gravel,

and made me cower in ashes;

my soul is bereft of peace;

I have forgotten what happiness is;

so I say, 'My endurance has perished;

so has my hope from the Lord.'

Remember my affliction and my wanderings,

the wormwood and the gall!

My soul continually remembers it

and is bowed down within me.

But this I call to mind,

and therefore I have hope:

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;

his mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness.

'The Lord is my portion,' says my soul,

'therefore I will hope in him.'

The Lord is good to those who wait for him,

to the soul who seeks him.

It is good that one should wait quietly

for the salvation of the Lord.

It is good for a man that he bear

the yoke in his youth.

Let him sit alone in silence

when it is laid on him;

let him put his mouth in the dust—

there may yet be hope;"

Are there areas in your life where you have fallen out of a healthy relationship with God? If so, are you willing to repent and receive His mercy and faithfulness?

Begin each day with a few moments of prayer or meditation, focusing on God’s glory. Take note of any actions or habits that may lead you to sin and commit to addressing them with the Holy Spirit’s help. Seek opportunities to learn more about God’s mercy and faithfulness through Scripture and your church family.

Isaiah 42:10-13

"fear not, for I am with you;

be not dismayed, for I am your God;

I will strengthen you, I will help you,

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Behold, all who are incensed against you

shall be put to shame and confounded;

those who strive against you

shall be as nothing and shall perish.

You shall seek those who contend with you,

but you shall not find them;

those who war against you

shall be as nothing at all.

For I, the Lord your God,

hold your right hand;

it is I who say to you, 'Fear not,

I am the one who helps you.'”

Reflecting on your own experiences, how have feelings of hurt and betrayal from others affected your sense of closeness with God? What strategies does Scripture encourage to prevent bitterness, anger, and unforgiveness from taking root in your heart and creating separation from God?

In what ways can trusting in God's sovereignty and His ability to handle situations where we feel distant due to hurtful experiences bring about healing and restoration? How can redirecting your thoughts and emotions toward Christ and His teachings help you find deliverance from emotional and spiritual burdens?

Over the next month, actively work on renewing your mind in Christ by redirecting your thoughts and emotions toward His Gospel message of hope. Specifically, focus on forgiving those who have hurt you, letting go of bitterness and anger, and trusting God's sovereignty to handle challenging situations. Journal your experiences and reflect on how this transformation of your mindset affects your sense of closeness with God and your overall emotional well-being. Share your insights and progress with a trusted friend, mentor, or youth leader for support and guidance.

Matthew 15:32-39

“And Jesus called His disciples to Him, and said, ‘I feel compassion for the people, because they have remained with Me now three days and have nothing to eat; and I do not want to send them away hungry, for they might faint on the way.’ The disciples said to Him,'Where would we get so many loaves in this desolate place to satisfy such a large crowd?' And Jesus said to them, 'How many loaves do you have?' And they said, 'Seven, and a few small fish.'

And He directed the people to sit down on the ground; and He took the seven loaves and the fish; and giving thanks, He broke them and started giving them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. And they all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up what was left over of the broken pieces, seven large baskets full. And those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children. And sending away the crowds, Jesus got into the boat and came to the region of Magadan."

How does Jesus' compassion for the hungry crowd in this passage inspire you to think about your role in nourishing the spiritual hunger of those around you? What practical actions can you take to share His teachings and build the Kingdom of God in your community?

Consider the disciples' initial response when faced with the challenge of feeding a large crowd. How does their question, "Where would we get so many loaves in this desolate place?" relate to moments in your own life when you felt ill-equipped to make a positive impact? How can you overcome such doubts and limitations in your faith journey?

Identify a specific need in your community, whether addressing a physical or spiritual need. It could be volunteering at an organization or organizing a Bible study discussion group with peers. Work with a group of friends or a local ministry at Mount Paran to make a meaningful impact. Document your experiences, challenges, and the positive outcomes you observe. Share your journey and its impact with your pastors and leaders.

Ephesians 1:17-21

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.

1 Corinthians 10:31-33

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.

What things in your life have you closed off to Christ this past year? How might Christ opening the eyes of your heart to His glory bring healing and wholeness to you in mind, body, and spirit?

God speaks. He is not silent and has never been silent. It is His nature to speak to His people. You will begin to experience His glory when you approach your Bible regularly with the idea that it is a book from God that speaks to your soul today. Read, savor, and enjoy communion with God through His Scripture.