So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. – 2 Peter 1:12 (NIV)

Today’s Bible verse talks about being firmly established. That’s an interesting idea, isn’t it? It’s easy to be swayed by things. You might hear a good argument from a teacher at your school, or a friend and it changes your opinion about something. Maybe you read a book, and it helps you see things in a new light. When things like that happen, you have been swayed in what you believe.

Being swayed is okay for things that aren’t moral or things of faith. If your friend presents a good argument about why you should buy a certain brand of shoes for instance, that isn’t something that really matters in the light of eternity if your opinion is swayed.

But let’s say that a friend argues with you and sways your opinion about something the Bible speaks about? What then? Who do you believe and who do you go with? Well, the best thing to go with is what God’s word says.

Today’s verse talks about being established. And that means you might have to do some work. Maybe you don’t know what God’s word says about an issue or topic. That might mean that you’ve got to study a little, and find out what God’s word says. As you do this, you become more firmly established about what you believe.

The more you learn about what the Bible says, the more strong your foundation in God’s word will become. It’s knowing God’s word and getting it into your heart that will help you stand strong and be firmly established in truth. So today, decide to spend some time studying God’s word. Know what you believe and why you believe it so that you can be firmly established.

Today’s Truth: Know what you believe so you can stand firm.

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. – Colossians 3:16 (NIV)

Each day that you don’t put God’s word in you, you’re trying to live life on your own. That isn’t the way you were created to live. God created you to live in fellowship with Him.

As you already know, life can be difficult. School isn’t easy. There are subjects that don’t make sense to you. At school there are people who aren’t kind and that you don’t agree with. And you have to deal with them each day. So how do you do it?

How do you live your life for Jesus when you’re tired, frustrated, and sometimes don’t understand? You do it by getting closer to Him. Each day, you should be striving to get in His presence. Maybe it’s listening to some worship music and thanking Him for what He’s done. It could be praying or spending time in the Bible. But it’s all about it dwelling richly in you.

It’s foolish for you to think you can live your life in your own strength with all the problems going on. Instead, you should be going to Jesus. In His presence is where you’ll find the answers you need. In Him, you can get the wisdom you need to live your life each day.

Don’t forget to go to Him. Don’t get too busy and too consumed with the problems of life that you try to live life on your own. Instead spend time each day being refreshed in Him.

When we talk about living a life of character that pleases Jesus, we can have all kinds of ideas what that might look like. But here’s the crazy thing, it’s so easy to see the wrong things other Christians do, and judge them.

We can look at others and think I can’t believe they’re doing that, or going there, or saying that. But do we examine our own lives? Do we see the areas that we could improve as well? Our job isn’t to judge others, it’s to judge ourselves.

Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. – 1 Peter 2:11 (NIV)

Today’s verse reminds us to abstain from sinful desires. For you that might be lust, for another person, it could be lying. But remember that living a life of character for Jesus is important. Just like Joseph had to do the right thing even when he was accused of doing wrong, we too have to do the right thing no matter what others say or do around us.

The right thing is following what the Bible says and doing it out of a heart of love for Jesus. And even though it sounds crazy, the more you abstain from sinful things, the easier it will become to say no to them.

So today, instead of finding fault with others, look at your own life. Ask Jesus to show you areas where you can grow in character. Focus on yourself and becoming more like Christ.

but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. – Hebrews 1:2 (NIV)

Jesus was there at the beginning. Isn’t that an amazing thought? He was the one who helped make the universe. And instead of being too busy or important, He came to earth for us.

He laid down all the greatness He had. He humbled Himself and came to be the one to redeem us back from the curse of sin.

That’s the good news of the gospel. But it’s easy to get used to that fact and not really think about how important it is for us. See, God has made it possible for us to know Him. We can fellowship with Him and enjoy His presence through Jesus.

We can walk in freedom from sin because of Jesus. We are valued and loved all because of Jesus. So when you have a bad day, or when you think you can’t go on, just remember this truth. God made you, He loves you, and He sent His son for you.

Decide today to remind yourself of how good Jesus is. From creation until now, He’s been looking out for you. He loves you and has good things in store for you.

Have you ever thought about your relationship with God? Maybe you thought about what you’d like it to be. Perhaps you wished that it was awesome like one you saw a pastor have and you’ve wondered if something like that was possible for you too.

Let’s take a look at today’s Bible verse:

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. – Psalm 16:11 (NIV)

God’s presence is something that is for you, just like it was for King David. David describes joy in God’s presence. Wow! What an awesome place to be in where you find joy simply by being with God and being in His presence.

You might not experience that each time you open your Bible, and that’s ok. Just know that it’s possible. Having an exciting real relationship with God is possible for you. But it might take a bit of effort on your part. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not difficult to have a relationship with God, but it is difficult sometimes to keep yourself focused on Him.

With all the distractions and things screaming for our attention, finding joy in God’s presence can feel like it might be impossible. Here’s the thing. Determine to make room in your life for God. It might be two minutes a day before you fall asleep at night. Talk to God, thank Him for your day. Then when you wake up in the middle of the night and run to grab a drink, spend a second asking God to show you something you don’t understand. Each time you make room in your life for God, it makes joy in His presence easier.

Getting to know a new friend takes time and effort, and your relationship with God is no different. The more you practice talking to Him, reading the Word and praying, the easier it will become and the more you’ll find joy in His presence.

Today’s Truth: Finding joy in God’s presence isn’t difficult, but it takes effort.