No Boys Allowed Devotions for Girls (Paperback)

Chapter One

"A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones."-Proverbs 14:30 (NIV)

The Green-Eyed Monster

A peaceful heart is relaxed and easy, not tense and fearful. This peace of mind and heart will actually give you a longer, healthier life. But envy and jealousy gnaw at you, deep inside. The Bible says it can even rot your bones. That's pretty unhealthy!

Envy and jealousy can take you totally by surprise. You see your dad holding your little step-sister or hugging his new wife. The stab of jealousy can jab hard. Or maybe it's a milder form of envy. You'd give anything for your classmate's designer jeans. Instead, you wear big sister's hand-me-downs and shop at thrift stores.

These are perfectly innocent moments, but how you feel during these times-and what you do about it-is what counts.

Jealousy is sneaky. It's natural to compare ourselves to others or want what someone else has. But when that comparison makes us unhappy, we're probably feeling jealous. Notice how you feel about the good fortune of others: their cool clothes, perfect looks, or their attention in the spotlight. If you feel anything but peace in your heart, you might be feeling jealous. Can you be happy for them instead? Can you compliment them on an outstanding performance or their pretty outfit? Taking positive action is a quick way to kill that green-eyed monster.

The Bible says in James 3:16 that where you have envy (which is another word for jealousy), you will find disorder and every evil practice. Not good! The sooner you tackle these emotions, the easier they are to defeat. God wants you to have a heart filled with peace. A heart at peace is a heart focused on God. So the next time you feel jealous, ask God to help you put jealousy in its place-out of your life!

More To Explore: Read James 3:13-18

Did You Know

... you can read about jealousy in Genesis 37? When Joseph's half-brothers envied his fancy clothes and were jealous of Joseph's special attention, their evil actions changed history!

Girl Talk:

Are you jealous of someone? Be honest with yourself, but more importantly, be honest with God. He will help you overcome jealousy.

God Talk:

Lord, I am really jealous of _______________. I know that I shouldn't be, but I am. Forgive me. Please help me to love this person like you do. Thank you for all the good things in my life. Help me to focus on all the blessings I already have instead of envying the blessings of others. And thank you for blessing _______________. I know you have more than enough blessings to go around. Amen.

Devotion #2

"What is the price of five sparrows? A couple of pennies? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to him than a whole flock of sparrows."-Luke 12:6-7 (NLT)

Million Dollar Hair

If God cares for small birds that are worth only a couple pennies, then imagine how much more he cares for you. He watches over you so closely that he even knows how many hairs you have on your head. You don't ever need to be afraid. God says you are valuable: of great worth, precious, and priceless!

Get outside for a minute. Watch the birds overhead as they glide on the breeze without a care in the world. They aren't worried about where their next worm is coming from! "Look at the birds. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are." (Matthew 6:26 NLT) If God provides every need for the birds, how much more will he take care of you?

Thinking deeply about this truth can help when you feel sad and lonely, when you think no one notices you. If he is concerned enough to count every hair on your head, then God is even more concerned about your nightmares, that fight with your friend, your dream of being a nurse, and yes, even your frizzy hair. God-the Creator of the whole universe-cares deeply and personally about you.

You are precious to God!

More To Explore: Luke 12:22-31

Did You Know

... that even David, great king of Israel and close friend to God, felt unimportant and overlooked at times? Read Psalm 13.

Girl Talk:

Have you ever felt lonely, even if you're around by family or friends? Take a walk in a park, or look through a nature magazine, to remind you that God takes care of everything in this world, including you! It's a perfect time to ask God to fill you with his love.

God Talk:

"Lord, I'm feeling all alone today. I don't know why I'm so valuable to you, but I thank you for your unfailing love. Please help me remember how much you care for me. Amen."

Fun Factoid:

An average head has approximately 100,000 hairs on it. Redheads have about 90,000 hairs. Brunettes have about 110,000 hairs, and blondes have about 140,000 hairs.

Devotion #3

"A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends." -Proverbs 16:28 (NLT)

Tame the Tongue

We all know people who enjoy stirring up trouble by telling people's secrets. Although it's tempting to do this, beware! It can cause a permanent division between even the best of best friends.

You know how it is. Someone whispers that they know Trish's boyfriend is IMing another girl. Or Ms. Gossip tells a juicy tidbit about Alyssa's "F" on the science test. Or maybe you spent the night at your friend's house and overheard a nasty fight between your friend's parents. You're so tempted to repeat it when you're asked how you enjoyed your sleepover. It's especially hard not to gossip about a friend when she's hurt your feelings. We want to tell someone!

Do you want to be known as a troublemaker? No! Gossip hurts others, and it can come back to hurt you too when you lose friends. What's a better choice? "He who covers and forgives an offense seeks love, but he who repeats or harps on a matter separates even close friends." (Proverbs 17:9 NIV)

Instead of repeating someone's private information, zip your lip and sit on it. If you've already gossiped, ask God's forgiveness. Then go back to those you spread tales to and admit you were wrong to gossip. Last, apologize to your friend for repeating a story about her. Next time you're tempted to gossip, "cover and forgive an offense" and keep your friendship close and loving.

Avoid being a troublemaker who stirs up conflict. Instead, control your tongue and tell any "secrets" you know about others only to God. Then pray for that person, like a real friend would.

More To Explore: Psalm 34:13-14 Proverbs 15:4

Did You Know

... that James, brother of Jesus and author of the book of James, says the tongue is "full of wickedness, and poisons every part of the body"? (James 3:6 LB) Makes you think, doesn't it?

Girl Talk:

Have you caused strife through gossip lately? What should you do when someone wants to share gossip with you?

God Talk:

"Father, I sometimes tell secrets or repeat information that I shouldn't. I realize this is wrong, and I want to do better. I ask that you keep my mouth in line and my heart pure. Help me to be a trustworthy friend. I want my tongue to praise, not hurt. Thank you. Amen."

Devotion #4

"Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things."-Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

Whatever!

Your mind is the control center for your whole body, so feed it great food! What makes a great "mind meal"? Think about what is real and true and worth depending on. Think about people with high moral qualities who deserve honor. Focus on things that are free from error-like God's Word. No matter who or what you think about, concentrate on the things of highest quality. We make choices every day. Should we watch that video with our friends, even though the language and morals are bad? What about the books and magazines you choose, or the music you listen to? Are you feeding your mind with excellent images and words? If not, choose a video that is high quality in language and behavior, one that leaves you with peace of mind instead of feelings of guilt. Read stories of admirable heroes, those who make a positive difference in the world. Listen to music you like, but be sure the songs' words are praiseworthy.

Thinking great thoughts also helps us control our feelings. Look hard for something good in a bad situation, and think about that instead. Maybe your friend canceled your shopping trip, but now you have time to read that great book. Maybe in gym you got paired with the new girl instead of your best friend, so choose to be glad for a chance to make a new friend. Your thoughts control your feelings.

More To Explore: Proverbs 23:7, Matthew 5:6-9

Did You Know

... that Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, let his thoughts lead him astray? Read 1 Kings 11:1-14 to learn more.

Girl Talk:

If you think mean thoughts, how do you feel? If you forgive someone, how does that make you feel? Which one feels better?

God Talk:

"Lord, I thank you for giving me choice in what I do. Please help me to make the right choices, to do what is pure and excellent. I want to grow closer to you through the choices I make. Amen."

Devotion #5

"Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes-these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God."- Ephesians 5:4 (NLT)

Phew! Got Mouthwash?

Your beautiful voice was not created for telling foul jokes and stories, nor for conversation that lacks good sense or judgment. Instead, in your conversations, focus on the good things in your life. Remind each other of God's blessings and be thankful.

Have you ever sat at the lunch table at school, trapped between two people telling dirty jokes or making indecent comments? Maybe it happened to you at someone's sleepover, at the mall, or in the theater waiting for a movie to start. Wanting badly to fit in, some girls are tempted to join the foolish talk or laugh at the dirty stories. Others choose to say nothing. Not cool either. Being quiet and just listening while others use foul talk is not what God wants for you.

What can you do in such situations? Be gutsy. Speak up against the foul talk. Others may be uncomfortable with it as well, and they'll be glad you said something. If the coarse jokes continue, then avoid these people. They are not the kind of friends God wants for you.

Do you have trouble turning aside from off-color stories and talk? If talking this way is a real temptation for you, perhaps you have a "heart condition" and need a check-up. "For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks." (Matthew 12:34 NIV)

Fill your heart with good, positive thoughts from God's Word, for this will determine your words. Then remind your friends of all that God has done, and be thankful.

More To Explore: Proverbs 4:23-27

Did You Know

... the book of Proverbs was written to give "knowledge and discretion (good judgment) to the young"? (Proverbs 1:4, NIV) Proverbs was written for you, so get to know it well!

Girl Talk:

Have you told dirty jokes or stories to fit in? Think back to a time where you made the wrong choice. Ask God to forgive you, and ask forgiveness from any person involved.

God Talk:

"Father, it is so hard to keep a pure mind and heart. I want to stand up for you, but my courage fails me. Please help me speak up against filthy talk, and help me guard against it in my heart. Thank you. Amen."

Fun Factoid:

A good clean laugh beats gossip any day! Doctors call laughter "inner jogging" because it gives the muscles of your face, shoulders, diaphragm, and abdomen a good workout!

Devotion #6

"Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you." -2 Corinthians 13:11 (NIV)

Living in Peace

Paul says we should make perfection our goal, especially in our relationships, with friends, teachers, and family members. Learn to live peaceably and agree with one another. The more you try to do this, the more you will experience God's love and peace in your life.

Do you ever aim for perfection? Do you try to achieve a perfect math score? Do you attempt the perfect batch of chocolate chip cookies or the perfect swan dive? Do you look for the perfect hair cut and clothes for a party? We aim for perfection-for excellence-many times in our lives. As we keep trying, we keep improving and getting closer to our goals. But only God is actually perfect, or ever will be. He is happy with us if we keep growing and trying to do better. It's like shooting a bow and arrow. You're aiming for a perfect bull's-eye, but you're pleased as your arrows get closer and closer.

Even more important than tests and sports and clothes is how we live with people. Will we ever live perfectly with our friends and family members? No, but we can head in that direction. Don't dish out that put-down you usually snap at your brother. Don't bicker about whose turn it is to empty the dishwasher or fold laundry. Don't be touchy when your best friend doesn't give you her undivided attention at the ball game.

Can't do this on your own? No problem! God is the source of the love and peace you need, and he wants to help you live in harmony with others. Just ask him to help you. And your reward? The God of love and peace will be with you. How terrific is that!

More To Explore: Romans 12:14-18

Did You Know

... that it's God who gives you the desire to get along and then the power to carry it out? Read Philippians 2:13.

Girl Talk:

In the past day or so, have you helped at home with a loving heart or a resentful attitude? Could you do better next time?

God Talk:

"Lord, I know I have a hard time getting along with my family and friends sometimes. Please help me to help others willingly and with joy. Thank you for the peace you bring to my life. Amen."

Devotion #7

"Those who love to talk will experience the consequences, for the tongue can kill or nourish life."

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