As I read the story of how He waits for us at a table set for two, I remembered all the things that I so quickly fill up my schedule with. All the stuff that seems so important and urgent at the time, but yet really seems so petty when I think about an appointment with the maker of the universe.

I don’t think Jesus is looking to give us another guilt trip, but I do think He knows our need for time with Him. In fact He created us to live dependent on Him! Just as it says in Acts 17:28 For in him we live and move and exist.

Stopping to give you time might seem hard, Jesus, but remind me today of my desperate need for you.

If you made it to Day 30 – CONGRATULATIONS! Be sure to stop in at FSM tomorrow night and mention the code: “thirty-up thirty-down” for an AWESOME surprise!

The fact is we are beautiful and desired by Christ. Sure there are flaws, mistakes and disappointments within the church because as humans we are flawed. But to reject the church completely because of the people is to reject those that Christ loved enough to give His life for!

I once heard a preacher say that the enemy doesn’t have to attack the message of the gospel when he can tear apart the method of taking the gospel. Let’s look to encourage instead of discourage, and let people know what a privilege it is to be a part of OUR church!

Give me the humility to see my own flaws before pointing out those I look for in others. Help me to love them like you do.

The truth is there are SO MANY options available to help us stay on track in living a life of worship. It helps us establish a positive attitude and put our focus back on God. In fact if you’ve found a positive artist that you love to listen to feel free to share it on our Facebook page!

The story about the man sacrificing his son to get something He wanted was so sad as it illustrated the poor decisions we make when we choose to worship something other than God. It always hurts us and the people around us. It’s a road paved with regrets and mistakes.

May the desires of my heart be pleasing to you, God.

I’m sure people can cite study after study of what effect media or video games have, but to be honest I can’t think of a more personal topic than this one. Everyday we experience some sort of entertainment through media and those choices establish a feeling of entitlement – I deserve to be able to watch/read/look at/listen to whatever I want to.

Today let’s get past the habits that we’ve established and REALLY get honest about what road those choices are going to lead us down. In fact let’s forget the labels and ratings and just get honest about this question: “Is this good for me?” When we begin to answer that truthfully then Jesus can help us make choices that would honor Him!

God, today I put you in control of what I set before myself – it has to pass your standards 1st.

Dating (and eventually marriage) have an amazing purpose attached to them, but only if you do things according to the signs God has given us. The first sign He sends us reminds us of His love and invites us into relationship with Him. Down the road He will send us another sign indicating the direction of our life – our purpose.

In the midst of this process (called maturing) He’s preparing the path of someone else and making a convergence (look this one up and use it today if you’re brave enough) of your paths down the road. Meaning God’s process revolves around us DOING life and not being stuck in neutral until the perfect spouse comes along. What mission is He giving you in this season of life?

Help me to trust that you see beyond the next turn in life, Jesus.

But instead of focusing on the kind of person you will want to eventually marry (hair color, eye color, height, if they have 2 ears – the important stuff) the focus is TOTALLY on who we are becoming. It’s true that so many times we put an emphasis at finding Mr. or Mrs. Right, but in reality we are totally incapable of loving ourselves.

I would start with looking at the areas in your life where God has been challenging you. Maybe there’s a habit or attitude you’ve been dealing with lately – start there! It’s the best thing you can do right now to make your marriage amazing.

Search me out and find anything in me, Lord, that doesn’t bring glory to you.

There was so much great information today about dealing with our 5 different tanks in life:

1. Spiritual

2. Physical

3. Emotional

4. Relational

5. Intellectual

The one I have found myself really working to keep up is the Intellectual Tank. It’s hard for me to pick up a book or pull up a podcast and focus. So I’ve decided to take a couple minutes before I go to bed to grab a book and get lost for a little bit. Sometimes it’s a fiction read for fun or a informational read for growing. Right now I’m caught up in one by John Eldridge called The Journey of Desire. Definitely worth a read! What tank do you need to focus on this week?

God, help me to take care of myself, so that I can run the race you’ve called me to run.

Lining up the three lighthouses that determine the direction God has for us are really pretty simple:

1.What God’s word says

2.The peace of God

3.Wisdom in our current situation

I don’t think God wants us to be frustrated or mystified about our future. Instead He’s given us what we need to determine the direction to go, but it takes effort to step back from the situation and make a decision directed by His peace and truth. Proverbs 3:5-6 is a fantastic truth to build our life on!

Thank you for the incredible future you’re planning for me, Jesus!

Which principle from today do you want to apply? Personally, I see the first one (adding variety to your devotional time) as something I need to work on. It’s not just forcing myself to do something, but it’s really taking the time to think about how I want to spend my time with God.

I love that the emphasis is on us to take the first step. It’s not your parent’s job or your Journey Group leader’s job – it’s all up to you! I think we find the energy and excitement to put into it as we begin to discover who God is. Movies get interesting when the plot develops, so what will you do to dive into the plot?

Let complacency fall behind me as I walk on the waves with you, Jesus.

I really got a lot out of the practical ideas for Bible study. Learning to read and apply the word is such a great skill to have. Something no one has ever said: “Boy, I sure regret being able to understand the Bible and apply it to my life.”

Instead of being overwhelmed by trying to use all those methods – pick one to use this week as you open up the Bible. Don’t feel like you have to devour chapters and chapters of the Bible either. Just start with one or maybe a few verses!

Thanks for you love letter to me, Lord.

PS Great work making it to Day 21! There’s something on the horizon if you can stick it out to the end…