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.

MAY 11 - The Power of Words and Wisdom

3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 15:30-31; Psalm 52; 1 Corinthians 14

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“The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the bones. The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise.” —Proverbs 15:30-31

“Why do you boast of evil, O mighty man? The steadfast love of God endures all the day. Your tongue plots destruction, like a sharp razor, you worker of deceit.” —Psalm 52:1

“For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints, the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says.” —1 Corinthians 14:33-34

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Have you ever said something that you instantly regretted? Maybe it was a hurtful comment or a harsh word spoken in anger. Proverbs 15:30 says that “good news refreshes the bones,” reminding us that the right words can bring life and joy, while the wrong ones can cause pain. Words have the power to build others up or tear them down, and in the moment, it can feel like it’s just a quick reaction. But the truth is, what we say matters more than we think.

In Psalm 52, David speaks about the evil of those who use their words to plot destruction, boasting in their deceit. He paints a picture of someone using their words as a weapon, a sharp razor, cutting down others for personal gain. It’s a reminder that our words can either reflect God’s love or be used for destruction. We must choose to speak in ways that honor God and build others up, not tear them down.

In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul gives instructions about orderly worship, emphasizing that peace and order are essential when believers gather. God doesn’t want confusion—He desires unity. In the same way, our words should promote peace and clarity. When we speak in love and with wisdom, we reflect God’s character. When we’re quick to speak or act in anger, we risk causing division and confusion.

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THINK ABOUT IT

1. Words as Life or Death: Proverbs tells us that a wise person listens to life-giving reproof. Have you ever been corrected or challenged in a way that helped you grow? How did it feel to receive correction, and how can you respond to it more wisely in the future?

2. The Power of Destruction: In Psalm 52, we see the destructive power of words used to hurt others. Have you ever used your words in a way that hurt someone else? How can you work to speak more kindly and wisely, even when you're upset or frustrated?

3. Promoting Peace: 1 Corinthians 14 teaches that God desires peace, not confusion. How can you help bring peace into your relationships by choosing your words carefully? Is there someone you need to apologize to for something you’ve said in the past?

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BOTTOM LINE

Our words have the power to heal or hurt, and when we speak with wisdom, kindness, and love, we reflect God's character and build others up.

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PRAYER

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the gift of words and for the opportunity to speak life into others. Help me to be mindful of the things I say and to choose my words carefully. May I use my words to encourage, heal, and bring peace, not to hurt or destroy. When I need correction, give me a heart that is willing to listen and learn. Help me to reflect Your love in everything I say. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

MAY 10 - The Power of Thoughtful Words

3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 15:28-29; 1 Corinthians 13

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“The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things. The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.” —Proverbs 15:28-29 (ESV)

“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.” —1 Corinthians 13:1-2 (ESV)

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Words are powerful. They can build someone up or tear them down. Have you ever said something without thinking and immediately regretted it? Maybe it was a comment you thought was funny but hurt someone, or you spoke in anger without considering how it would affect the other person.

Proverbs 15:28-29 shows us that the righteous person thinks carefully before speaking, while the wicked just let harmful words fly. What’s inside of us—our hearts—determines what comes out of our mouths.

In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul challenges us to understand that love is the true power behind our words and actions. Without love, even the most impressive speech or talents are meaningless. No matter how great your skills, knowledge, or faith might be, without love, it’s like being a noisy distraction—like a clanging cymbal that just annoys everyone around you.

Paul reminds us that the heart matters. Just as Proverbs teaches us to think carefully before speaking, Paul teaches that love is the driving force behind everything we do. We can be the most gifted person, but without love, those gifts will not make a lasting impact.

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THINK ABOUT IT

1. Words with Impact: Proverbs tells us that the righteous think before speaking, and God listens to their prayers. How can you be more thoughtful with your words today?

2. Love Over Everything: In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul says love is the most important thing. Think about a time you acted in love, even when it was hard. How did that affect others around you?

3. What’s Inside Comes Out: Our words reflect what’s going on inside. Do you ever find yourself saying things you regret? How can you start to fill your heart with love and wisdom so that your words reflect that?

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BOTTOM LINE

Our words have the power to build up or break down. Love should be the foundation of everything we say. If we speak with love in our hearts, our words can encourage, heal, and lift others up. Let’s take a moment today to think before we speak and make sure our words reflect the love that God has shown us.

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PRAYER

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the gift of speech and for the power of words. Help me to be thoughtful in what I say and to let love guide my conversations. Please fill my heart with love so that I can speak words that bring encouragement and peace. Help me to reflect Your love in everything I do. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

MAY 9 - Building with the Right Foundation

3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 15:26-27; 1 Corinthians 12

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“The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord, but gracious words are pure. The greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes will live.” —Proverbs 15:26-27

“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.” —1 Corinthians 12:4-6

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Ever wonder how you can make a difference? Or how you can use your unique talents and abilities in a way that makes a positive impact? Proverbs 15:26-27 shows us how our words and actions can either build or destroy. Gracious words are pure and pleasing to God, while greed and selfishness bring ruin. If we’re seeking to build something meaningful in our lives, we need to start with the right foundation—using words that are kind and actions that are selfless.

In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul reminds us that we all have different gifts and abilities, but they all come from the same Spirit—God. He’s given each of us something unique to contribute to His work. Whether it's serving others, encouraging, teaching, or something else, each of us has a role to play. We’re all part of God’s big picture, and when we use our gifts to build others up, we reflect His love and grace.

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THINK ABOUT IT

1. Your Words Matter: Proverbs 15:26-27 tells us that gracious words are pure. How do your words impact others? Do you use them to encourage, build up, or tear down?

2. Unique Gifts for a Greater Purpose: Just as each part of the body has a unique role in 1 Corinthians 12, you have a unique gift to use. Have you thought about how you can use your talents, skills, or passions to serve God and others?

3. Building a Strong Foundation: Both your words and actions lay the foundation for the life you're building. Are you focusing on things that honor God? How can you shift your mindset or actions today to reflect His love and purpose?

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BOTTOM LINE

To build a life that honors God, it’s important to start with the right foundation—gracious words and selfless actions. As Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 12, we each have a unique gift to offer, and when we use it to serve others, we reflect God’s love and make a positive impact. Let’s build wisely with the gifts God has given us!

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PRAYER

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the unique gifts You’ve given me. Help me to use my words and actions in a way that reflects Your love and builds up those around me. I want to honor You with how I serve others, knowing that each gift I have is a blessing from You. Please guide me today in using my talents to make a difference in the world for Your glory. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

MAY 8 - Humble Hearts and True Worship

3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 15:24-25; Psalm 51; 1 Corinthians 11

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“The path of life leads upward for the prudent, that he may turn away from Sheol beneath. The Lord tears down the house of the proud but maintains the widow’s boundaries.” —Proverbs 15:24-25

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” —Psalm 51:10

“For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when He was betrayed took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘This is My body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.’” —1 Corinthians 11:23-24

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Have you ever found yourself caught in a moment where you felt like you couldn’t quite approach God with a full heart? Maybe you’ve messed up, and it feels like the weight of your mistakes is pulling you down.

Proverbs 15:24 reminds us that the path of life leads upward for those who choose humility, but the proud are brought down. God values humility over pride, and a humble heart allows us to turn away from destruction and move toward the fullness of life that He offers.

In Psalm 51, David pours out his heart to God after realizing the weight of his sin. He doesn’t try to justify himself or cover up what he did. Instead, he asks God to create a clean heart and renew a right spirit within him. David knows that true restoration comes from God alone. It’s not about looking good on the outside; it’s about having a heart that is genuinely seeking God’s forgiveness and guidance.

In 1 Corinthians 11, Paul speaks about the importance of the Lord’s Supper, which is a moment for believers to remember Jesus' sacrifice. When we come to the table, it’s a time for us to reflect, repent, and renew our commitment to Christ. Just like David, we are called to approach God with a humble heart, recognizing our need for His grace. The Lord’s Supper isn’t just a ritual; it’s an opportunity to reconnect with God and let Him transform us.

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THINK ABOUT IT

1. The Pride Trap: Proverbs reminds us that God brings down the proud, but He values humility. Are there areas of your life where you’ve been acting out of pride instead of humility? How can you change your attitude and seek God’s path of life?

2. A Clean Heart: David's prayer in Psalm 51 asks God to create a clean heart within him. Is there something you need to ask God to clean up in your heart today? It might be anger, jealousy, or unforgiveness—anything that stands in the way of your relationship with God.

3. True Worship: In 1 Corinthians 11, Paul reminds us that the Lord’s Supper is about remembering Jesus’ sacrifice. What does true worship look like in your life? Are you approaching God with a heart that seeks His forgiveness and peace?

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BOTTOM LINE

True worship begins with a humble heart open to God’s forgiveness and transformation, not just outward actions or appearances.

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PRAYER

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your constant grace and forgiveness. I know that I fall short, and sometimes I let pride get in the way of my relationship with You. Please create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Help me to approach You with humility, to seek Your forgiveness, and to worship You with a sincere heart. I want to live in the fullness of life that You offer. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

MAY 7 - The Power of Wise Counsel and Intentional Living

3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 15:22-23; 1 Corinthians 10

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“Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed. To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!” —Proverbs 15:22-23 (ESV)

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” —1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV)

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Have you ever had an important decision to make and wished you could get a bit of advice? Whether it's choosing a career, deciding on friendships, or handling a tough situation, seeking counsel can make all the difference.

Proverbs 15:22-23 highlights that making decisions without seeking advice is risky, but wise counsel can bring success and joy. It's not just about asking for advice, but knowing that those words can help guide you in the right direction.

In 1 Corinthians 10, Paul challenges us to live intentionally in everything we do—whether it's as simple as eating or drinking. He says that we should do all things for God’s glory. That means every action, even the small ones, can be an opportunity to reflect God's wisdom and love. When we choose to act wisely and with purpose, we honor God and move toward success in our lives.

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THINK ABOUT IT

1. The Power of Counsel: Proverbs says that plans succeed with good advice. Have you ever made a big decision on your own? What would have been different if you had asked for advice from a trusted friend, mentor, or leader?

2. Living for God’s Glory: Paul reminds us that everything we do should bring glory to God. How can you change your attitude or actions today to reflect that you’re living with God’s purposes in mind, even in the small choices you make?

3. Wisdom in Words: Proverbs also talks about how a timely word can bring joy. Think about a time when someone said something at just the right moment—how did it impact you? How can you be a source of wisdom and encouragement to those around you?

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BOTTOM LINE

Life is full of decisions, big and small, and having the right advice can make all the difference. God invites us to live intentionally and to seek counsel from those who can guide us toward His will. As we live for His glory, we begin to see that our decisions align with His purpose for our lives.

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PRAYER

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the people in my life who offer wise counsel. Help me to seek guidance from others and to make decisions that honor You. Teach me to live intentionally and to do all things for Your glory. May my actions, words, and choices reflect Your wisdom and love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.