Zondervan - Once-A-Day Devotional for Teens

{ for teens }

Kevin Johnson

As you begin using this book, you may notice the Scriptures for each devotion follow a unique patternsomewhat chronological, but bouncing from the Old to New Testaments and Psalms and Proverbs, and then back. Thats because this devotional is tied to the Once-A-Day reading plan, which takes a short, chronological selection from each of those sections of the Bible each day to help you read through the Bible in one year. Weve tied each devotion to a key verse from the reading plan for that daywhich may mean, for example, youre reading a devotional thought based around Genesis 1:1 one day, Proverbs 2 the next, and Matthew 3 the day after.

You can use this book on its own for your daily devotional time, of course. As an everyday devotional, this book will let you explore key ideas and verses from across Scripture and see how they apply to your life today. If you choose, you can also use this devotional alongside the full Once-A-Day reading plan, so the devotion for each day will correspond with your Bible reading for that day, deepening your understanding of Gods Word and enhancing what youve read.

Weve included the Once-A-Day reading plan alongside each devotion (under Read It) so you can follow along with the one-year plan if you desire. Or if you want a simple way to follow the reading plan, the Once-A-Day Bible for Teens works alongside this devotional by presenting the readings for the day in order, making tracking your progress and staying on track easy.

Genesis 1:1 2:17, Matthew 1:1 25, Psalm 1:1 6

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

G ENESIS 1:1

Its tough to wrap your head around the start of everything. But the Genesis account of the worlds beginnings is more than a tale of distant history. Its more than a reason to debate with modern scientific theory. The first chapters of the Bible tell why you exist.

Suppose you make a clay sculpture in art class. Suddenly you hold in your hands an object that belongs uniquely to you. Because you made it, you own it. When God created the world, he instantly became master of all his handiwork. Psalm 24:1 2 says, The earth is the L ORDS, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters. The world belongs completely to God.

You might never be satisfied with what you shape from a lump of clay. But God was incredibly pleased when he made people. First he dreamed up our design. He determined our purpose. He thought of everything humans need for a happy existence. Then he went to work. He put us in the most perfect place ever. He made us partners with each other and gave us solid work to do. Because we belong to him, he expects us to follow his commands.

So why did God make you? He created you to enjoy life close to him and to people.

God, you made the world. So I belong to you now and forever. Teach me to live for you.

Genesis 2:18 4:16, Matthew 2:1 18, Psalm 2:1 12

The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the L ORD and against his anointed.

P SALM 2:2

Everyone knows what its like to make another person angry. But only God knows what its like to have the whole human race up in arms against him.

Human rebellion started back with Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1 24). But sin quickly spread to every person and place on earth. Psalm 2 shows the entire world rising up against the Lord. Nations scheme. Groups hatch useless plots. The earths rulers want to break loose from Gods control.

God studies this crowd of puny rebels and laughs because their might is nothing compared to his. And the Lord has a secret power: he has installed his Son as ruler over the earth. Thats an astonishing Old Testament picture. Hundreds of years before Jesus showed up as a baby in Bethlehem, this Scripture reveals him reigning as king of everything. Even when human beings join together to fight God, they cant beat his anointed, or chosen one. The whole world belongs to Jesus, and wise people everywhere submit to his authority. No one can stop the Lords plan to save people, and he blesses everyone who runs to him for help.

Glance around and youll see plenty of people living against God. But you can serve God with utter respect. You can celebrate his reign. You can bow to him with every part of who you are.

God, you reign over everything. But people all around me rebel against you. I choose to serve you in awestruck respect.

Genesis 4:17 6:22, Matthew 2:19 3:17, Psalm 3:1 8

In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.

M ATTHEW 3:1 2

Even before Jesus began to teach and do miracles, people knew someone amazing was on the way. Thats because John the Baptist had come on the scene and prepared people to meet the Lord.

Johns arrival was no surprise. Isaiah, the Old Testament prophet, once predicted a voice in the wilderness would clear a path for God (Isaiah 40:3). And an angel announced that Elizabeth, a relative of Mary the mother of Jesus, would give birth to the Lords messenger.

John wore rough clothes and ate a plain diet. His grueling life in the desert reminded everyone of Gods ancient messengers. When he commanded everyone to repentto stop sinning and turn back to Godhis challenging words drew crowds from every direction. John confronted not only the masses but Pharisees and Sadducees, religious rulekeepers who considered themselves too good to need cleansing from sin. He baptized everyone who accepted his message, dipping them in the Jordan River as a way of demonstrating remorse for doing wrong. His every word and action pointed to one fact: someone much greater was coming.

You would be startled if John the Baptist showed up shouting in your street. But his message hits home no matter where you live. You want to be prepared for Jesus. You need to recognize the awfulness of sin and be ready to meet your Savior.

Lord, Im tired of sin and the hurt it causes me, others, and you. I want to be done with doing wrong. Im ready for your forgiveness.

Genesis 7:1 9:17, Matthew 4:1 22, Proverbs 1:1 7

The fear of the L ORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

P ROVERBS 1:7

Fearing God might not sound fun. But again and again Scripture says its your first step to getting the wisdom you need to survive real life.

The meaning of the word for fear ranges from feeling terror in the midst of a deadly storm (Jonah 1:10) to overflowing with awe in a kings presence (1 Kings 3:28). When you experience the fear of the L ORD you simultaneously wonder about backing away in dread but cant help but draw close in amazement. This healthy reverence doesnt leave you quaking. It does remind you to honor God and not treat him casually, like some kind of heavenly buddy.