Devoted: A Girl's 31-Day Guide to Good Living with a Great God
176
Devoted: A Girl's 31-Day Guide to Good Living with a Great God
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Overview
What’s a girl to do in a changing world full of darkness, distractions, pressure, lies, and uncertainty? Is it really possible for a twenty-first-century young woman to live a life in direct contrast to culture’s ever-changing standards? The answer is yes!
With a Lord like Jesus, guidance like the Holy Spirit’s, and that powerful weapon we call the Holy Bible, God’s truth is ours to live out. Come learn along with talented young author, Marjorie Jackson, in this devotional about letting our love and dedication to Jesus penetrate every area of life—our relationships, our decisions, our standards, our convictions, our priorities, our everything.
Whether you’re a long-time Christian or you’ve still got your spiritual training wheels on, get ready to dive into God’s Word and discover what it truly means to be a young woman of God who is completely, joyfully, beautifully different.
Special Features Include:
- Unique Hand-Lettered Art Pages for Coloring
- Key Scripture Verses
- Personal/Small Group Study Questions
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781683223337 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Barbour Publishing, Incorporated |
| Publication date: | 05/01/2017 |
| Sold by: | Barnes & Noble |
| Format: | eBook |
| Pages: | 176 |
| File size: | 10 MB |
| Age Range: | 12 - 18 Years |
About the Author
Read an Excerpt
Devoted
A Girl's 31-Day Guide to Good Living with a Great God
By Marjorie Jackson
Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Copyright © 2017 Marjorie JacksonAll rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-68322-333-7
CHAPTER 1
DAY 1
Doing It All unto Jesus
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Colossians 3:23–24 NIV
* * *
Wouldn't it be nice to live in a sitcom world — every day centering around a plot, applause and laughter for every scene, and never a dull moment? The reality, however, is that regular days bring tasks to be done, work to accomplish, laundry to fold, bathtubs to scrub, practice to make perfect. Life can feel like it's panning out to be 27 percent exciting adventure, 73 percent monotony. Sometimes we wonder when we're going to get to the real mission that God has in store for us — the good, thrilling stuff. What about taking part in mission trips, reaching the world, being a part of something huge?
Real-life example: landing a publishing deal was just about the most exciting thing that happened to me all year. It changed up my schedule a bit — I not only got to write a book but had to write a book: put words on paper, meet deadlines. And here's a secret: I wrestle with horrible writer's block. Sometimes the responsibility of the project before me can be overwhelming. I love writing, but when a blockage clogs up the brain pipes, it takes just about every remedy in existence (prayer, fresh air, coffee, Chick-fil-A, you name it) to overcome it.
The process of getting to the grand finale or finished product can often feel tedious. It's an in-between season that involves hard work, waiting, and patience. I'm not just talking about book writing here — though that's a good example of a long, but highly rewarding project. What about growing relationships, whether with family, friends, acquaintances, or coworkers? What about completing high school or college? What about training in a sport, dance, or music? There's temptation to slack off, give our B effort, or even complain when we hit a dry, rough patch. We try to simply get by, looking blessings straight in the eye and instead calling them burdens.
Most of life is spent preparing for yet another "next step." We acknowledge the importance of the big things in our lives — the book deals, the mission trips, the championships, the adventures — but maybe, just maybe, God sees it all, and it's all a crucial part of His detailed plan for us. And when you think about it, maybe that makes even the little, in-between, seemingly menial parts of our lives a big deal in His eyes. Maybe He's watching our faithfulness to write a thousand words, fold our little sister's laundry, scour the dishes, tutor that classmate, help Mom fix dinner, do our homework, work our summer job, run that errand ... Forget the maybes. I know He does — scripture is clear that "little" is big in God's eyes.
What have you been given on your plate? Maybe it's huge. Maybe it's meager and plain — something like five loaves and two fish (Matthew 14:13–21). God works outside of our logical human understanding — He takes what we humbly offer Him and multiplies it for the kingdom of heaven. We may think we're just giving our tithe to the church, but we don't see God using that money to bless someone in need. We may think we're only babysitting, and we don't realize we're imprinting a godly example on a child who will grow up desiring to love others and know God like we do. Each little act of faithfulness can have big results. No wonder Jesus said, "He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much" (Luke 16:10). God wants the ones who have faithfully tended to His smallest responsibilities to be the ones on the big jobs — He knows they will obey and get the job done well, no matter what.
So do your best. Colossians 3:23–24 (NIV) says, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." In public and in private, wherever we are, whatever we're doing, we are really working for the Lord. No matter how demanding the manager, no matter how lenient the teacher, no matter how difficult the client, we respond to the Lord. He deserves our very best, our 100 percent. A cheerful heart, a thankful attitude, a joyful countenance, and diligent effort turn the daily grind into an eternal mission: bringing God glory everywhere. Every day. Through everything.
Are you serving? Serve like your guest is Jesus Himself. In Matthew 25:39–40 (NIV), Jesus tells us that when we serve "one of the least of these brothers and sisters," we are really serving Him. Serve others, even your enemies, all for the glory of God, like the good Samaritan from Jesus' parable in Luke 10:25–37.
Are you playing? Performing? Working? Bring your best forward. Let the gifts that God has blessed you with shine His light and openly proclaim His name. Be humble, directing the praise to the One to whom it belongs. Relying on the Lord's strength rather than your own, let Him be your "glory, and the One who lifts [your] head" (Psalm 3:3).
Are you suffering? Maybe taking a blow or two because of Jesus and His truth, or going through a tough time in life? First Peter 4:13 (NIV) encourages us to "rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed." Have joy in your relationship with Christ as you trek through hardship — let your every response point back to Him. Let your patience and grace be a witness to your love for Him.
Whatever we do — and whatever we don't — we do it all for the God who has lavished us with His love and blessings. You see, good works and dos and don'ts are completely independent of our salvation — we are saved by repenting and trusting in Jesus alone. Nothing we do or don't do can save us — salvation is the work of grace alone. Jesus accepts us the way we are, however messed up we may be; He saves us, and then through His love and Holy Spirit, He changes us. He washes us clean.
The things we choose to do and choose not to do are a testimony to the Holy Spirit's sanctifying work in our lives. We live by God's Word, obey His commandments, and listen to the voice of conviction from the Holy Spirit. Some areas of conviction, aside from explicit commandments, are a little gray, and it feels like there is room for interpretation. What kinds of movies, music, media, clothing — anything — are honoring and pleasing to the Lord? First Corinthians 10:31 says, "Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." Let the Lord lead you. Pray and seek wise counsel. If we wonder if something is pleasing to the Lord or not, we can ask, Can I do _____ to the glory of God? Can I thank Him for this as a blessing?
God is so good and loving toward us. He gives us His absolute best. He crafts such personalized plans for our lives. He takes great care and tends to every detail concerning us. He gave us the most wonderful gift of all for free — how can we help but give Him back our best? He deserves it more than anyone else, and His heart is warmed when His beloved children glorify Him. He sees little people like you and me offering the little that we can give, and in His power, He transforms it into something huge.
PERSONAL (OR GROUP) QUESTIONS
1. What kinds of responsibilities, opportunities, and blessings — little or big — has God entrusted you with right now?
2. When is it hardest to give your best effort? When do you feel like giving up? What is your motivation to keep going?
3. What are some decisions you have made (or would like to make) to bring glory to God through every area of your life?
CHAPTER 2DAY 2
Setting an Example
Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.
1 Timothy 4:12 NIV
* * *
Did you ever get the feeling you were being watched? Well, you'd be amazed how many people are watching you and me. Not every day do you see dedicated young Christian women who actually care about living out their faith. Many people choose to disregard whatever the Bible says and just live life their own way, following their own agenda and adhering to their own style — it's true. But you know what else is true? Matthew 5:14: "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden." When we choose to shine the light of Christ and live in obedience to His Word, people take notice! People are going to see the difference Jesus makes in your life. They might ask questions. And if they like what they see and realize Jesus is the solution to their problems, they may choose to follow Him.
Contrary to what many people think, true, committed Christianity is a call to live life to the absolute fullest through Jesus (John 10:10). We are called to represent the one and only true God — how do we make Him look? I mean, if people are looking at us Christians and basing their judgments about God on what they observe in us, what do they see? Do they see a bunch of girls who don't do this and don't do that, begrudgingly following the Bible because they feel obligated?
Or do people see young women who appear to be fairly regular teens aside from a stark difference in the way we carry ourselves and behave? Do they see joy on our faces? Respect and love in our interactions? Purity in our motives and in our hearts? Do they see how we've been changed from the inside out by true love? Yes, we follow the Bible and hold to its high standards, but we're not legalistic, fake, or robotic — we're authentic about our relationship with the Lord. You'd better believe that people will watch the way we interact with our parents, siblings, friends, guys, and authority figures. They will watch what kinds of pictures we put on social media. They will watch what kinds of entertainment we choose.
But let's not be fooled: Christianity isn't a pointless list of dos and don'ts! Of course God has commandments that He requires us to follow, but they're for our own good! We aren't perfect, and we will mess up now and then, but as we strive to live a righteous life, God's grace — the undeserved favor we receive from Him — floods our lives and He sanctifies us to become more and more like Christ. The things we do and don't do are signs of our love, devotion, and obedience to Him and our trust that His Word is true and good for our lives. The dos and don'ts we follow certainly don't earn us our salvation, because we can't earn it!
First Timothy 4:12 (NIV) is the young Christian's manifesto — a burst of lively hope that our choice to follow God and His Word makes a big difference: "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity." Right now, we're at the prime of our youth — not infants, but definitely nowhere near old. We have opportunities, mobility, and energy. Our age is a grand asset — it seems that everybody's interested in young people! Advertisements target young people as their demographic, trying to sell us whatever they can. Entertainment caters to the responses and demands of young people. In short, it's no secret that people are paying attention to us!
But what message are we sending? Is our behavior, our social media use, our relationship history, our vocabulary, our dress — you name it — worth admiring? The question is one we all need to evaluate. Thankfully, 1 Timothy 4:12 gives us a checklist — okay, so it's not actually a checklist. Truth is, if the Lord really is doing a good work within our hearts and lives, the change will be manifested through the Holy Spirit in our speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. Let's break it down, shall we?
Speech. Some people say talk is cheap, but Proverbs 18:21 says, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." Our words hold great power and potential, and God doesn't take them lightly! Matthew 12:35–37 makes it clear that we are defined by and fully responsible for the words escaping our lips. Just think: our lips can pray to the Lord who can change things in the heavenlies outside of space and time. But we can also use vulgar language that may sound cool or edgy at the time but that in the end is a stain on our reputation, a negative statement about who we truly are, and an altogether bad example and testimony of someone who professes to follow Christ.
We can use our tongue to build someone up; for example, we can comfort someone going through a rough patch, speak true value into someone's life, or affirm how loved and appreciated someone is. But our tongue is also capable of abusive evil: bullying, cyberbullying, or just plain gossip — which may seem harmless but is capable of snowballing way beyond control.
When we choose to keep our words not only pure and godly, but encouraging, kind, and purposeful, the listening ears around us perk up. We share about Jesus. We openly share our faith — not in an obnoxious, abrasive, or cocky way, but rather with an inviting, joyful, and loving spirit that desires to see others draw closer to Him.
Conduct. Live with conviction. How do we present ourselves, inside and out? Do we behave authentically and honestly — being the same person in front of our friends as we are in front of our grandma — or are we two faced? People will notice inconsistencies in our lives when our walk doesn't line up with our talk. We have to keep in mind whose name we are bearing. My mom likes to remind me before I go anywhere, "You first represent Jesus, then your family, then yourself." What kind of reputation do we bear? It all plays into our testimony — the story continually being written of God's powerful, sanctifying, transforming work in us.
Love. What kind of person can possibly exhibit the selfless, unconditional love of Jesus? Surely only those who have experienced such love themselves! As Christians, we ought to exemplify the perfect love Jesus displayed for us when He gave His life so we could live free. Do we intentionally show love and kindness to people? Are we diligent in showing others through our actions and words that we love them — and more importantly, that God Himself loves and treasures them? When we really think about it, not many people do that — true, daily, enduring love stands in stark contrast to the norm.
Faith. Apathy — particularly about anything spiritual — plagues our generation. Few teenagers dare to venture beyond their own social bubbles, wants, and interests to care about eternally important matters. How many times have you heard someone say, "I'm not really into religion." Religion? Who said anything about that? We're in a relationship with Jesus Christ. We believe in Him and His Word; we love Him (but not nearly as much as He loves us!); and we desire to obey Him and serve Him because He's just so, so good! When people see us living out a vibrant faith with a true heart for Jesus — not just a church girl act — they will be intrigued. Choosing to live out our faith means choosing to swim against the crowd — the cool, the popular, the "normal." But it's worth it. When we choose to be bold, we inspire other Christians to stand up, to quit living like the world, and to start sharing their faith — and the boldness just spreads more and more contagiously from there.
Purity. You'd better believe people will watch for purity in your life. Sexuality is a big deal in our culture; where promiscuousness once would have been the hush-hush elephant in the room, it now seems that purity sticks out loudly more than ever in a world where anything and everything goes. How do we handle relationships? What kinds of movies, music, websites, jokes, and conversations do we allow and engage in? Is our dress suggestive and provocative, or modest and proper for a girl professing to have Jesus in her heart? Don't stop at appearances, though. Guarding our hearts and minds is key — because what's on the inside eventually comes out.
(Continues...)
Excerpted from Devoted by Marjorie Jackson. Copyright © 2017 Marjorie Jackson. Excerpted by permission of Barbour Publishing, Inc..
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Table of Contents
Contents
Introduction,1. Doing It All unto Jesus,
2. Setting an Example,
3. Identity,
4. Joy,
5. The Power of the Tongue,
6. Prayer,
7. Why Read the Bible?,
8. How to Read the Bible,
9. Why Share Your Faith?,
10. Defending Your Faith,
11. Ministry,
12. Standing Up for What's Right,
13. Fearlessness,
14. Forgiveness,
15. True Beauty,
16. True Love,
17. True Purity,
18. Delighting Yourself in the Lord,
19. The Truth about Your Heart,
20. Guys,
21. Beware of Idols,
22. Selfishness,
23. Humility,
24. Ten Ways to Be a Great Friend,
25. Picking Good Friends,
26. Being a Good Sister,
27. Submitting to Authority,
28. Being Teachable,
29. Living Wisely,
30. Determining God's Will,
31. Trusting God with Your Future,
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