Chapter One
Devotion #1
"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."
Continues.
