Browsing Tag

decisions

Daily Bible Verse and Devotion – Proverbs 15:22

Posted on March 11, 2022

Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success. – Proverbs 15:22 (NLT)

When you’re making decisions it can be hard to know who to go to ask for advice. Many times we go get advice from people who tell us what we want to hear. If we really want to go to volleyball camp instead of going on a missions trip this summer, we go to our volleyball coach for decision-making advice. We ask the coach because we know they will tell us what we want to hear. Instead of going to a friend or someone who will tell you what you want to hear, it’s really helpful to go to someone who can give you honest, heartfelt feedback.

When looking for advice, it’s always good to go to someone who has a good track record on the subject you need advice on. For example, if you’re wanting advice about how to be successful in college, you’d want to get advice from someone who had been to college before and had gotten good grades and done well there. If you need advice about relationships, go to someone who has been successful in their own relationships.

Getting advice from others can be really beneficial. You can learn from the experiences of others and not make the same mistakes they did. So if you’re faced with a big decision today, consider asking someone for some godly advice. Once you get that advice, make sure you balance it out with what God is telling you to do. God is the only one who knows all about you. He’s also full of wisdom, so make sure that you follow His leading above all else. However, if God hasn’t spoken to you about a decision, it’s ok to follow the advice of others.

Today, learn from the lessons of others. Choose to lean on godly advice and use it to help you make a good decision.

Provers 15

Daily Bible Verse and Devotion – Isaiah 48:17

Posted on March 4, 2022

This is what the LORD says– your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. – Isaiah 48:17

Have you ever had to make a really difficult decision? I recall one time when I felt like I needed to drop out of college. It was after some prayer, and it seemed like I needed to stop pursuing a business degree and to go to Bible College instead.

It was tough to make this decision. I knew my grandparents might not be very happy with me, and I had a pretty good scholarship to college that I would be giving up. But I decided to obey what I felt God was calling me to do.

Life is full of difficult decisions.

Life is full of difficult decisions. Many times it can feel overwhelming trying to make the right decision. If you’re faced with a tough decision right now, you can be encouraged. God wants to lead you. He wants to guide you and show you which way to go.

God has your best interests at heart. So if He tells you no, as He did for me continuting my business degree, it’s best to obey. I realized now the confidence and reliance I gained in Bible College has helped me so much in life. God has your best interests at heart.

God wants to show you things to come and direct your paths. So go to Him. Ask Him for His leading and guidance and watch Him bring good things to pass in your life.

 

Isaiah 48:17

Daily Bible Verse and Devotion – John 10:10

Posted on December 27, 2021

“The thief does not come except to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come so that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” – John 10:10

Many times when bad stuff happens in life, it can be easy to want to blame God. Its easy to get angry at God when something doesn’t go your way or turn out like you expected. However, God shows us in this verse that He isn’t to blame for the bad stuff that happens in life.

Today’s Truth: Jesus came to give you an abundant life! 

Jesus came so that we could have life, and have an abundant life. That means a good life, a full life. So when bad things happen, realize that blaming God doesn’t do any good. Jesus came to give us an abundant life!

Today choose to not get mad at God. Instead realize that He came to bring good things to you and stay hopeful knowing that your situation will turn around.

 

Jesus came to give you an abundant life

Why You Shouldn’t Compromise, Even in the Smallest Ways

Posted on November 18, 2019

Teen Devotion on Compromise

It can be really easy to begin to compromise. Many times, you don’t even realize that you’ve compromised in an area. Compromises can happen in big areas of your life, but they also happen in the smaller ones too.

Usually, compromise happens in small things. You wouldn’t probably go out and kill someone because that would be really WRONG. But you might tell a lie or cheat on your homework. It’s easy to justify small compromises.

If left unchecked, small compromises will eventually lead you down a path that you never intended.

Those small compromises can easily grow and before you realize it, you’re compromising in bigger areas too. Do you tell a lie to look better to others? Perhaps you decide to go to a party that you know your parents wouldn’t approve of. Do you date that guy in math class that is really cute, but who you know isn’t a good influence? Each day these small decisions that you make set the tone and direction for your life.

Read: How to Make Better Decisions

Small Choices Matter

Those small choices have gotten you to where you are at so far. Do you like the person you’ve become? Do you make godly choices even in the small things? Have you begun to compromise your beliefs?

The good news is that if you have been compromising, Jesus offers us forgiveness and a fresh start. You can stop compromising and begin living a life full of character.

But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from everything we’ve done wrong. – 1 Jn 1:9 (CEB) 

You Can Choose to Not Compromise

He’s ready to pick you up and help you get started on the right track. You can choose to make good decisions every day. Even though it isn’t always easy to choose to not compromise what you believe, you will be really glad that you made the choice to follow God and not compromise…even in the smallest areas!

Read More: 5 Devotions to Build Character

How Do You Break Free From Compromise?

One of the best ways to break free from compromise is to spend more time with God. Instead of watching Netflix until late at night, switch that for some Bible time. If you don’t like to read, watch a Biblically solid preacher on YouTube or listen to Bible verses being read to you.

To break free from compromise you’ve got to really get into God.

“If you love me, obey my commandments. – John 14:15 (NLT)

It’s so much easier to stay free from compromise when you’re into God. If you really seek God, you’ll find that you don’t want to compromise. You find that you just want to get to know God more.

[Tweet “The more you get to know God, the less you want to compromise! – @studentdevos”]

The more you get into God, the less fun the compromise is. So if you’ve struggled with compromise, determine to make changes in your life. Choose to take a look at the books you’ve been reading, the friends you’ve been hanging out with, and the things you’ve been watching. Ask God to show you what to say no to so that you can say yes to Him!

I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. – Proverbs 8:7 (NIV)

Youth Group Discussion Questions

If this devotion has challenged you to ditch compromise and walk into the plan God has for your life, grab some friends or your youth group and do a study on compromise. We’ve got some discussion questions already made up. Just print them off and show up and see what God does in your group!

5 Reasons Choices Help Make You Successful

Posted on August 12, 2015

5 Reasons Choices Make You Successful Devotion for TeensChoices are something we all have to face at times in our lives. We have small decisions like what to wear or what to eat. We also face bigger decisions as well. We may have to choose to stand up for what you believe in or remain silent to avoid criticism. Choices are a part of our daily life, and becoming better at making choices will help you be successful in everything you do. So with that in mind, here are five reasons choices will help make you successful.

  1. Little choices make a big difference.

    Its easy to overlook little choices and think they really don’t matter. For example, practicing your sport a few extra minutes a night doesn’t seem like a big deal, but over time, it can make a huge difference in how you play. Little choices don’t always appear to be a big deal, but they are. How you handle the little choices will determine how you handle the bigger choices.

  2. God gave you the freedom to choose.

    God gave mankind the ability to make their own decisions. We all have the freedom to choose our actions, our thoughts and the course our life takes. Getting God involved with your decisions and choosing godly things will always make you a success.

    “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!  – Deut 30:19 (NLT)

  3. When you don’t choose, you’re making a choice.

    Many times it can feel easier when faced with a difficult decision to not make a choice. However, when you do that, you are still making a choice. You’re just choosing not to do anything. Life is full of difficult choices, so begin learning how to make them now. Don’t let your life slip away in indecision.

  4. Each Choice has a consequence.

    When we hear the word consequence we automatically think that its something bad. However, consequences can be good too. Each choice you make has a consequence, but that doesn’t mean that making choices is bad. For example, if you choose to work a job, a consequence of that choice is getting a paycheck for the hours you worked. In this case, the consequence isn’t a bad one.

  5. Choices need to be intentional.

    You’ve got to live intentionally. You will never accomplish the dreams that God has placed in your heart without getting intentional about them. You’ve got to choose to make good choices everyday that will propel you forward toward your dreams.

The choices you make each day set the pace and the direction for your life. Choose to be intentional about each decision you make. Is that decision pushing you closer to God  and His plan for your life? If it isn’t, then the choice isn’t a good one. Choosing God and His plan for your life will always help you become successful!

What Google Maps Can Teach You About Success

Posted on May 11, 2015

Devotion on Following God's Plan For Your LifeI want you to imagine for a moment that you were in a new town and you didn’t know your way around. Let’s say that you’ve got a smart phone, and you know that you’ve got Google Maps on the phone. You know that Google maps can give you turn by turn instructions on how to get to your destination.

The interesting thing about your Google maps on your phone is that it is up to you to use it. You can keep your phone in your pocket and never use it and wind up lost. If you don’t ever consult the directions, or look to see where to go on the map, you won’t get to where you want to go. You’ve got to consult something smarter than you…Google Maps to help you get to your destination.

The same is true in life. Whatever path you take in life, you’ll find success in that by letting God lead. Success is consulting God on each turn, like you would Google Maps on your phone to help you get to your destination and to get which way to go.

Proverbs 3:5-7 5. Trust in the lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the lord and turn away from evil.

So to be successful in life, do what this verse says and let God lead your life. Don’t run around life without direction and lost. Find success in your endeavors by letting God lead. Seek God’s direction in the decisions you make…include Him in what you do.

Self- sufficiency & self dependence have been the ruin of man-kind since Adam. The grand sin of the human race is their continual endeavor to live independently of God – Adam Clarke

Just like Adam said, living independently of God, just doesn’t work. It doesn’t bring happiness or fulfillment. When you try to live your life in your own strength and ability you will always fail, be unhappy or feel like something is missing.

The foundation for happiness and success in your life is knowing Jesus and letting him lead in your life. As you go through life, as you make decisions and as you make choices for your future, consult God in everything you do, and you’ll find true success!

If you’re a youth leader and you liked this devotion, we’ve got a lesson outline and powerpoint download available for you in our online youth leader resource center.

 

4 Reasons to Live for God

Posted on April 29, 2015

Devotion on reasons to live for God

It can be easy to wonder, ‘what is the point of living for God?’  You probably have friends that don’t live for God, and it seems like they’re having more fun than you. Or maybe you feel like there is so much pressure to be good and do the ‘right’ thing that you question if it is really worth it.

It can be really hard to stand strong in the face of peer pressure and live for God. Even though it can be hard at times, living for God is always worth it. So here are four reasons to live for God.

  • Living for God Doesn’t Bring Heartbreak
    There can be pain and hurt associated with making bad choices. Choosing to do things God’s way can seem hard at times. However, in the end, you won’t experience the regrets and heartbreak that not living for God will bring.
  • Living for God Brings Rewards –
    God brings rewards into the lives of those who do right.

    The LORD rewarded me for doing right. He has seen my innocence. – Psalm 18:24

    This doesn’t mean God is mad or doesn’t love those who don’t do right. God loves people regardless of whether they do right or wrong. However, doing the right things sets you up to be rewarded in the end.

  • You Get to Choose to Live for God
    A great thing about living for God is that it starts with a choice you make. You decide to put aside peer pressure and choose to live for God. One of the best decisions you can make is to start living for God when you’re young. Don’t put it off.  Make the choice to take control of your life and choose to live for God.
  • Living for God Doesn’t Mean You Have to Be Perfect
    What a relief, you don’t have to be perfect to start living for God. Many times we make living for God really hard, but here’s the truth: You don’t have to be perfect to start living for God. Lots of times in living for God, you’re going to mess up. That’s ok. God’s grace is big enough to help you through it. The good news is that you don’t have to be perfect to live for God.

Living for God might seem hard sometimes, however, in the end it is always worth it. Decide today to live for God and don’t let anything stop you or get in your way. If you do mess up, you can pick yourself back up, knowing that God’s love and grace are there for you.

Listen: You Lead by Jamie Grace

 

How to Get Your Heart Sucker Punched

Posted on February 16, 2015

Teen Advice, Youth Bible Study Lesson and Devotion on Dating and Broken Heart

February is known for Valentine’s Day. Its a holiday that’s great, if you have a date. If you don’t, its a sad reminder that you’re single, and not getting a stuffed bear, box of chocolate or whatever else your significant other might get you. With the idea of relationships in mind, here are a few things to keep in mind if you’d like a broken heart. Or if you’d rather avoid a broken heart, then these are a few things to not do in a relationship.

  1. Have Sex.

    If you’re not married, you shouldn’t be having sex with your boyfriend or girlfriend. It doesn’t matter how amazing the person is, or how you know that this person is the “one” and that one day the two of you will get married. The point is you’re not married right now, and that’s what counts.
    Many teenagers think its okay to have sex if you’re thinking about marrying the person you’re dating. However, the only time you should have sex is when you’re married. Not almost married, not after you’ve exchanged promise rings, or if you’re talking about marriage. If you’re almost married, you’re NOT married. Something could happen, you could break up. And if or when you do, your heart will get ripped to shreds because you didn’t guard it. Choose to not allow your heart to be broken. Choose to go about having sex God’s way, and keep your heart from being broken.
    Stay away from sexual sins. Other sins that people commit don’t affect their bodies the same way sexual sins do. People who sin sexually sin against their own bodies. – 1 Cor 6:18 (God’s Word)

  2. Fall in Love.

    Many teenagers let themselves fall in love with the person they’re dating. Almost all teenage relationships don’t end in marriage. So, if you allow yourself to fall in love too quickly, you’re going to get hurt. Guard your heart. Take time to get to know the person you’re dating. Don’t give too much of your emotions away to that person. If you allow yourself to fall in love too quickly you are setting yourself up for heartbreak in the long run.
    Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. – Proverbs 4:23 (NLT)

  3. Don’t give your life to God.

    One of the best ways to get your heart broken is to not give your life to God. God created you to need Him. You’re not designed to run your life on your own. You were created for relationship and fellowship with God. God wants to guide you, comfort you, and walk with you through life. By not giving your heart to God, you are not allowing Him to be your comfort and guide for your life. Life can be tough at times and if you’d like a broken heart, the best way to do that is by not letting God into your life.

These are three things to do if you’d like a broken heart. Heartbreak isn’t what God desires for your life, but He lets us decide if we want to follow Him or not. By not following God and what He has said in His word, you’re opening up your heart to be broken.

Choose to follow after God and allow Him to direct your paths. As you do, you’ll find that you’ll be happier and experience less heartbreak.

Similar Teen Devotions

How To Make Better Decisions

Posted on May 28, 2014

devotion-for-teens-making-decisionsHave you ever made a really bad decision? Or maybe sometimes you just struggle with making a decision. Maybe you’re afraid to make the wrong choice and so its hard for you to commit to making a decision and stick with it. Making decisions can be tricky at times, but here’s a few thoughts that we think will help make the decision making process easier.

  • God wants to help. God wants to lead and guide His children into making good decisions. Whether its what car to buy, or who to date, God is interested in helping you make a good decision about that thing. So lean on His wisdom and include Him in the decision making process.
    “Those who are led by God’s Spirit are God’s children.” – Romans 8:14 (GNB)
  • Spend time with God. To really get to know God and get His take on your decisions, you’ve got to start by spending time hanging out with God. You get to know God better by reading the Bible and talking to God/praying. So invest the time now getting to know God so that when a time of decision comes, you’re ready to know and hear His voice.
  • Don’t get mad if you don’t get an answer right away. Its easy to pray about something and expect an answer right that second. Sometimes, the answer doesn’t always come right away. So don’t give up or back out on involving God in your decisions if you don’t hear anything right away. Choose to hang in there, knowing that God will always come through for you.
  • Balance God’s wisdom with other people’s wisdom. If God speaks to you about a decision always go with what God says, not what others say. However, if you haven’t really heard anything from God about a decision, its okay to ask other people for advice or help. Some decisions aren’t world altering, and so its totally fine to just lean on the advice, thoughts, or wisdom of others.

Making better decisions always starts by putting God and His word first in your life. If you’ll choose to always put those things first in your life, you’ll find that you’ll be making better decisions and living with less regret. Choose to always put God and the Bible first in your life!

Finding The Right Career

Posted on February 21, 2014

Finding The Right CareerOne of the toughest decisions to make as a teenager is what you’ll do after you graduate. Until graduation, you’ve had your course mapped out for you at school. Then, once you graduate, suddenly its all up to you. It can seem pretty scary if you’re not 100% sure what you’d like to do once you graduate.

One thing that can make finding a career less scary is to begin discovering what careers appeal to you. Here are a few things you can do to help in the discovery process.

  1. Get to know yourself – Take some time to discover your likes. Do some honest self-inventory. Do you like working with people or do you prefer to work alone? Do you like reading? Do you prefer doing things that are more hands-on? Do you like risk or do you prefer security?
    If you ask yourself these types of questions, it will help you narrow down which types of careers are a good fit for you. If you don’t like working with people, then you should not aim for a career where you deal with people all the time. You’ll wind up hating it. If you like security, then a consistent stable job is something that you should consider. Keep in mind the type of person you are when looking to find a career.
    Take a close and honest look at yourself. Taking time to determine the types of jobs that are a good fit for your personality will go a long way in finding the right career for you.
  2. Do some research – Once you’ve got a list of a few careers you think you might be interested in, do some research. Get online and find out if people are hiring for that career where you would like to live. Find out what those jobs require in terms of training or a degree.
    Don’t just jump blindly into a degree or training program at college. Research online and talk to other people who have studied similar things to find out if the degree or training program will really land you the career you want.
    If you take the time to do the research now, you’ll not waste money on training or schooling that you will regret later. Many young people find out that they went on to college only to get a degree in a field where few jobs exist. Do your research and make sure your degree or training program will help you get a job.
  3. Get God involved – Lots of times in looking for the right career, we forget to get God involved. God knows you better than anyone else. He knows what types of careers are the right fit for you. Get Him involved in your decision-making process.
    “Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”  – Proverbs 3:6

Choosing a career is a process that involves some research and a bit of work. However, if goes the smoothest when you get God involved in the process. Ask His wisdom and guidance and you’ll be so glad you did.