MAY 14 - Planned, But Not Perfect

3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 16:1; 2 Corinthians 1–2

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“The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.” — Proverbs 16:1

“For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.” — 2 Corinthians 1:20

“Now if anyone has caused pain… you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.” — 2 Corinthians 2:5,7

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Have you ever made a plan that totally fell apart? Maybe you studied hard for a test and still didn’t get the grade you hoped for. Or you planned a big moment—like saying something important to a friend—and it didn’t come out right. That can be so frustrating.

But Proverbs 16:1 reminds us that even when we make plans, it’s God who ultimately directs what happens. And in 2 Corinthians 1, Paul teaches that all of God's promises are trustworthy—even when things go sideways. In chapter 2, he also reminds us that when others mess up, forgiveness matters just as much as planning ahead.

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THINK ABOUT IT

1. God’s Direction Over Our Plans: What’s something you've planned recently? Did it go as expected? How might trusting God more with your plans give you peace, even when things change?

2. God’s Promises Are Steady: When Paul says that all of God's promises are “Yes” in Christ, what promise from God do you need to cling to today?

3. Grace for Others: Paul encourages forgiveness instead of piling on guilt. Is there someone you might need to show compassion to, even if they’ve hurt you?

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BOTTOM LINE

You can make plans—and you should—but trust that God sees the whole picture. His promises never fail, and His grace isn’t just for you; it’s for you to share with others too.

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PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me that while I can make plans, You are the one who guides the outcome. Help me trust in Your promises, even when life doesn’t go the way I expect. Teach me to be gracious and forgiving, just like You are with me. Let my plans be surrendered to You and my heart always open to Your direction. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

MAY 13 - True Wisdom, Genuine Faith, and Steadfast Service

3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 15:33; Psalm 53; 1 Corinthians 16

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“The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.” —Proverbs 15:33

“The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, doing abominable iniquity; there is none who does good.” —Psalm 53:1

“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” —1 Corinthians 16:13-14

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Have you ever met someone who seems to have everything figured out, but they just can’t seem to make wise choices? Or someone who rejects God and insists on going their own way? Proverbs 15:33 reminds us that true wisdom comes from the fear of the Lord—a deep respect and reverence for God. This wisdom leads us to humility and honor, but without that foundation, we’re left wandering aimlessly, just like the person described in Psalm 53.

Psalm 53 warns us about the foolishness of denying God’s existence. The world may say there is no God, but for those who know Him, we recognize that denying Him leads to emptiness and moral failure. The psalmist points out that those who turn away from God fall into sin and corruption. It’s a reminder that without God, we have no true guide for our lives.

Then, in 1 Corinthians 16, Paul gives instructions to the church to be steadfast in faith, to be strong, and to act with love in all things. It’s a call to stand firm, to not be swayed by the distractions or pressures of the world. This ties in perfectly with the wisdom we gain from Proverbs: when we fear the Lord, we build our lives on a solid foundation that helps us remain strong, act honorably, and be courageous in following God’s ways.

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THINK ABOUT IT

1. The Foundation of Wisdom: Proverbs tells us that wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord. What does it look like in your life to "fear the Lord"? How can you make God the foundation of your decisions, actions, and relationships?

2. Foolishness of Denying God: Psalm 53 warns about the foolishness of those who say there is no God. How does this challenge you in a world that often denies God’s existence? How can you stand firm in your faith and point others toward God’s truth?

3. Steadfast Faith in Action: In 1 Corinthians 16, Paul encourages believers to be strong and act with love. How can you apply this to your life as a teen? Are there areas where you need to stand firm in your faith, even when it’s difficult or unpopular? How can you show God’s love in the way you act and speak?

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BOTTOM LINE

True wisdom starts with honoring God and trusting Him, giving us the strength, courage, and love to boldly live out our faith.

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PRAYER

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the wisdom You offer through Your Word. Help me to grow in my fear and respect for You, so that I can make wise choices in my life. Strengthen my faith and help me stand firm in You, even when the world around me tries to pull me away. May all that I do be done in love, and may my life reflect Your honor and truth. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

MAY 12 - The Wisdom of Humility and the Victory of Resurrection

3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 15:32-33; 1 Corinthians 15

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“Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but whoever listens to reproof gains intelligence. The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.” —Proverbs 15:32-33

“But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead.” —1 Corinthians 15:20-21 (ESV)

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We all want to be successful, and we often look for shortcuts to get ahead. It’s tempting to ignore advice or feel like we don’t need to listen to anyone. But Proverbs 15:32-33 reminds us that humility and a willingness to learn lead to wisdom and honor. If we reject correction, we’re only hurting ourselves, but if we humble ourselves and listen, we grow in understanding.

Humility isn’t just about accepting correction—it’s also about recognizing that we don’t have all the answers and being open to the wisdom of others. The fear of the Lord—a deep respect for God—leads us to wisdom, and humility is the path that leads to honor.

In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul reminds us of the ultimate victory that comes through Jesus’ resurrection. Death entered the world because of sin, but through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we have hope beyond the grave. Jesus is the “firstfruits” of the resurrection, showing us that death doesn’t have the final word. Just as humility comes before honor, death was followed by resurrection—proof that God’s plan brings victory from what seems like defeat.

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THINK ABOUT IT

1. Learning from Correction: Proverbs teaches us that ignoring correction hurts us. Think about a time when you didn’t want to listen to advice or instruction. What was the result? How can you make a habit of being open to learning and growing from correction?

2. The Fear of the Lord: Wisdom begins with reverence for God. How does the fear of the Lord shape the way you make decisions and view life? What are some areas where you can be more humble and rely on God’s wisdom?

3. Victory in Christ: 1 Corinthians 15 speaks about the victory over death that Jesus brings. How does knowing that Jesus conquered death and offers us eternal life change the way you live today? What does that victory mean for your everyday life?

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BOTTOM LINE

Humility and wisdom go hand in hand. When we listen to correction and live in the fear of the Lord, we grow in understanding and honor. And just as Jesus’ resurrection brought victory over death, we can experience the victory He offers in our lives. Humble yourself, learn from God, and walk in the victory He has already won for you.

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PRAYER

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your wisdom and for teaching me that humility leads to honor. Help me to listen to correction and grow in wisdom, always seeking Your guidance. Thank You for the victory that Jesus’ resurrection brings, and help me to live today with the hope and confidence that I am victorious in Him. In Jesus' Name, Amen.