Josh McDowell - #Truth: 365 Devotions for Teens Connecting Life and Faith

2017 by Josh McDowell Ministry

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All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation copyright 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Note: Some scriptures marked NLT are from the 1996 version.

Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the New American Standard Bible, 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the H OLY B IBLE , N EW I NTERNATIONAL V ERSION. NIV . Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked NCV are taken from the New Century Version of the Bible, copyright 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked TLB are taken from The Living Bible 1971. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked GWT are taken from GODS WORD, 1995 Gods Word to the Nations. Used by permission of Baker Publishing Group.

Scripture quotations marked KJV are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

Scripture quotations marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked MSG are from THE MESSAGE. Copyright by Eugene H. Peterson 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.

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January 1

My Bible Reading:

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1)

H ow about those New Years resolutions? At the beginning of the year some students might resolve to make better grades, work out more, eat healthier, play less video games, etc. The idea of a new year naturally leads to thinking of a fresh start, a new beginning.

The first verse of the Bible starts off with a new beginning when it says In the beginning God (Genesis 1:1). Everything in the universe had its beginning with God. Thats the best way to start a new yearbeginning with God first.

Jesus talked about putting God first and how everything else would be taken care of in your life. He said not to worry about material things like what youre going to eat or drink or wear. He said, Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God [first] above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need (Matthew 6:3233).

Truth is, thats an awesome New Years promise: put God first in your life and God will take care of you. And you can count on it, because the L ORD always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does (Psalm 145:13).

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My Prayer:God, You are the new beginning to everything. Thank You for all that You created and all that You provide. Help me put You first and keep You first in my life this year, starting today. You are an awesome God! Amen.

January 2

My Bible Reading:

Do not forget the things I have done throughout history. For I am GodI alone! I am God, and there is no one else like me. (Isaiah 46:9 NLT )

W hat does totally awesome mean? Words like truly impressive, absolutely astonishing, incredibly amazing, mind-blowing, breath-taking, magnificent, stunningthose are some words that define totally awesome.

Yet the meaning of the word awesome goes deeper than thinking of something being terrific. The idea of awesome can also represent a feeling of fear and wonder; it is that sense of awe and amazement of the truly extraordinary. And it is this total sense of awesomeness that best expresses the view of the Almighty God of the universe.

Truth is, the prophet Isaiah went on to explain that God never had a beginning nor will He have an ending. He is all-powerful, everywhere-present, all-knowing, and unchanging. That is really a totally awesome God!

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My Prayer:I am in awe of You, God. You are beyond awesome. And what is so mind-blowing and beyond my comprehension is that even though You are so great and beyond meYou have chosen to love the likes of me. Thank You! That is awesome! Amen.

January 3

My Bible Reading:

Before the mountains were born, before you gave birth to the earth and the world, from beginning to end, you are God. (Psalm 90:2)

D id you have a goldfish when you were really young? Where is it now? Whats your first memory of the car your parents owned? What happened to that car? Remember the burning candles on your last birthday cake? How long did the flames last?

If you had a goldfish, it has long passed away. The car your parents had when you were born is probably on the junk heap. And the burning candles on your birthday cake? They have long been snuffed out. Everything in this world and everything you experience has an end. But not so of God. He has no beginning and has no end. You are always the samethe Bible says of Godyou will live forever (Psalm 102:27).

Truth is, the idea of a foreversomeone who had no beginning and has no endingstretches the mind. But that is part of who God is, an everlasting, eternal, and forever God. But as difficult as that is to grasp, here is the amazing thing. You are a forever person too if you have placed your trust in Jesus.

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My Prayer:I am so thankful that You are forever. While I cant comprehend the idea of a never-ending life, I am so glad You offer me life eternal with You. You are an awesome God. I love that You are forever, and I am thankful I know You as my eternal God. Amen.