A 4-Week Journal Study
By Beth Shriver ©

WEEK 1 “Affection”

DAY 1-

  “Love the Lord with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” Deuteronomy 6:5

  Ask Your Teen:

What do you love more than God?   How do you feel about others when you love God more?

With divorce taking half of the marriages today, teens need to understand what it means to show love to others.   As much as parents want to be good examples, it doesn't always happen.   But the more positive relationships our teens can experience the more they will see the other half, the half that doesn't make the statistics.

“I looked at God and He looked at me, and we were one forever.”   Charles H. Spurgeon

Lord, show ___ how to truly love, to put aside self-consciousness and display affection, to demonstrate care and value to the people in their lives.

  ~Day 2- “For zeal for your house consumes me and the insults of those who insult you fall on me.” Psalms 69:9

Ask Your Teen:

What do you get most passionate about? Where does that kind of passion come from?

Passion can come from those with other beliefs and from those with no beliefs.   You know what it's like to talk with someone with another belief system.   Even people close to us can take us off guard.   Teens need to be aware of all types of opinions, when it comes to a person's faith, and learn how to get through to people from the outside in.

“I was living, like so many atheists or anti-theists, in a whirl of contradictions.   I maintained that God did not exist.   I was also very angry with God for not existing.   I was equally angry with Him for creating a world.”

C.S. Lewis  

Lord, give ___ the courage to stand strongly for you, to use your words as a sword that cuts through anything against you.

~Day 3- “Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God?   Or am I trying to please men?   If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10

Ask Your Teen: How do we know when to seek the approval of others?   When to stop?

A teen may try to fit into many types of groups. Guide them to the right people.   In our transient world, friends regularly come and go.   Our teens need to be confident enough to wait for the right ones.  

“It is not the style of clothes one wears, neither the kind of automobile one drives, not the amount of money one has in the bank that counts.   These mean nothing.   It is simple service that measures success.”

George Washington Carver

Lord, let ___ see you clearly through the mass of fleshly temptations.   Be guarded from what seems appealing to the naked eye and be led to what is good in Your eyes.

~Day 4- “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.   Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:10

Ask Your Teen: Do you think this includes people who aren't believers, as well as believers?   Why?

Teens face greater pressures today than ever before. There is more exposure in the media and communications industry.   We had a chosen few very predictable TV shows/radio in our day but now they have more than we are aware of.   Parents can only fight against what they know is corruptive, making it crucial for them to be aware.

“Christians are like the several flowers in a garden that have each of them the dew of heaven, which, being shaken with the wisdom they let fall at each other's roots, whereby they are jointly nourished, and become nourishers of each other.”   John Bunyan

Lord, give ___ the discernment when seeking friendship.   Guide them to the people you know is best for them, for only you know the true hearts of people and their motives.

~Day 5- “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:2

Ask Your Teen: How would your day change if you went all day thinking of heavenly things?  

Teens usually think for the moment, it is our job to help them look at the big picture.   It may seem overwhelming at times, but the more they see the path that lies ahead, the better decisions they will make.

“O Lord, let me not live to be useless.” John Wesley

Lord, teach ___ to live as though they were with you this day.   If we could only do and say what we should, feeling your presence when we chose our words and actions.    

~Day 6- “Because he loves me, says the Lord, I will rescue him.   I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.” Psalms 91:14

Ask Your Teen: What do you think it would feel like to have the Lord reach down and rescue you?

The Lord is with us, no matter what we need.   We constantly remind ourselves that our teens will never be alone.   Without audibly hearing His voice or feeling His bodily presence, we often forget and make decisions on our own.

“As sure as ever God puts His children in the furnace, he will be in the furnace with them.”

Charles H. Spurgeon

Lord, remind ___ that you save them everyday and for eternity.   And not a day will pass while on this earth that you aren't accessible for them to turn to.

~Day 7- “As the deer pants for the streams of water, so my soul pants for you God.” Psalms 42:1

Ask Your Teen: What do you long for?   Why?

What teens hope for will vary as they mature.   If we can instill what God wants for them them, it may help them grow into Godly adults.   What a person yearns for and longs to be are intertwined into their character when they are grown.   It's never too early to guide their desires.

“Don't take anyone else's word for God.   Find Him for yourself, and then you too will know by the wonderful, warm tug on your heartstrings that he is there for sure.”

Billy Graham

Lord, give ___ the discernment to set their goals for things worthy and good.   Help them see the true value of ‘things' and of people.   Let them separate the material from the individual.

WEEK 2 “Grace”

~Day 1- “Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth.” Revelation 3:10

Ask Your Teen: Is it hard for you to endure patiently?   What makes it      hard?

Teens often struggle to see what they're waiting for at times.   God's never-ending promises keep us in tune with what the reward for the race really is, not for the here and now but for eternity.

“God has plans-not problems-for our lives.   Before she died in the concentration camp in Ravensbruck, my sister Betsie said to me, ‘Corrie, your whole life has been training for the work you are a doing here is in prison-and for the work you will do afterward.'”

Corrie Ten Boom 1892-1983  

Lord, give ___ the patience to persevere until your return.   To feel your encouragement along the way and to know they are on the right path.

~Day 2- “Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.” Jude 1:21  

Ask Your Teen: Do you love yourself and forgive yourself like God does?

Whatever our teen has done, God forgives them.   So should we.   We are called as parents to mold and shape our child just as God does.   Until they are molded to His will, we're not finished.

“When we focus on God, the scene changes.   He's in control of our lives; nothing lies outside the realm of His redemptive grace.   Even when we make mistakes, fail in relationships, or deliberately make bad choices, God redeems us.”   Penelope J. Stokes

Lord, let ___ feel your compassion, kindness and understanding.   Help me show the kind of love only You can give.

~Day 3- “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” 1 Peter 5:10  

Ask Your Teen: What are some things you do or think about to help you get through suffering?

Struggles are unavoidable.   We must follow our Father's example and let teens learn by persevering through hardships.   He may not deliver them from going through the fire, but he will always deliver them.

“The happiness which brings enduring worth to life is not the superficial happiness that is dependant on circumstances.   It is the happiness and contentment that fills the soul in the midst of the most distressing of circumstances.”   Billy Graham

Lord, help ___ see the restoration God has planned and avoid bitterness.   To know that whatever they go through, it is to work for the best as only God knows.

~Day 4- “Who through faith we are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.”   I Peter 1:5  

Ask Your Teen: Do you feel like God shields you from difficult situations?   Why or why not?

When a teen gets into a difficult situation, God is there.   If only they could learn to call on Him during those times, to truly know He is with them.   Once this is achieved, think of the comfort they will find.

“My will is weak, my strength is frail,

And all my hope is nearly gone;

I can but trust thy working true

To gently hold and lead me on.” Watchman Nee

Lord, let ___ feel the strength of your protection.   To call on You in times of trouble and not feel alone.  

~Day 5- “So that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:7  

Ask Your Teen: Do you really feel like you are justified and that God isn't blaming you for your wrong actions?

When a teen feels despondent, where do they go?   Is it a friend, an addiction, or their heavenly Father?   We need to know and learn about our teens.   How else can we guide them to where they need to be?

“No matter what sin we have committed, no matter how terrible it may be, God loves us.”

Billy Graham

Lord, let ___ feel your acceptance.   Encourage them to come back to You.   Remind them of Your forgiveness in all things, no matter how ashamed they may be.

~Day 6- “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his spirit in your inner being.” Ephesians 3:16  

Ask Your Teen: Can you put into words the different emotions you feel about your relationships?   Your relationship with Christ?

The famous and beautiful people are glorified in today's world.   Help your teen be discerning.   Sometimes teens don't go deeper than the outward appearance.   Our culture is set up that way.   If they could learn what they miss when they limit themselves to this way of thinking, they could gain some solid friends and people in their lives.

“Am I ignitable?   God deliver me from the dread asbestos of ‘other things.'   Saturate me with the oil of the Spirit that I may be aflame.”

Jim Elliot  

Lord, place your holiness into ___'s heart and soul.   Let them see the mix of personalities you have created and to discern the differences.  

~Day 7- “When I called, you answered me, you made me bold and stouthearted.” Psalms 138:3  

Ask Your Teen: When you pray to God, do you expect an answer?   Really?   Why?

When teens are learning independence, it's hard to ask for help, especially if the answer isn't one they can hear or see.   To lean solely on God is something we strive to achieve.   Start trying that now.

“Let others say what they will of the effectiveness of prayer.   I believe in it, and I shall pray.   Thank God!   Yes, I shall always pray.”

Sojourner Truth

Lord, make ___ solid in knowing you will answer according to Your will, not theirs.   This is the difficult part of leaning on You, Lord.   Help us learn to yield to Your answer.  

WEEK 3 “Assurance”

~Day 1- “I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he  

  will stand upon the earth.” Job 19:25

Ask Your Teen: Do you have peace in your belief that our savior will return, do you have doubts?

Even when teens feel shut out of the world they need to know they are always accepted by God.   They are never unworthy in their heavenly Father's eyes, and are loved by a God of second chances.

“When I was young I was sure of everything; after a few years, having been mistaken a thousand times, I was not half so sure of most things as I was before; at present, I am hardly sure of anything but what God has revealed to me.”   John Wesley

Lord, You have a place for ___ in your kingdom.   You have given them the promise of heaven, and they will not be turned away.   Let them be comforted, in knowing they are always accepted by You.

~Day 2- “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalms 23:4

Ask Your Teen: What valley are you walking through?   Are you alone?

An addiction is a dark shadow, but your teen has God and you, as their parent to help them through.   Maybe they're still struggling, but we are never to give up, any more than our Lord would give up on us.

“Afflictions make the heart more deep, more experimental, more knowing and profound, and so more able to hold, to contain and beat more.”   John Bunyan

Lord, You are with ___ and will never leave their side.   Nudge them and stir their hearts to know this at times when they feel shunned.

~Day 3- “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith,     we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

  Romans 5:1

Ask Your Teen: In what way do you feel at peace? What keeps you from having these feelings?

Trying to find peace, a teen can be led astray—but there is true peace with God.   Doing what feels good can become a trap.   Help them to know the high God gives eternally and not to turn to the temporary highs of the world.

“Character is the ability to carry out a good resolution long after the emotion of the moment has passed.”   Cavett Robert

Lord, let ___ feel the calming of your streams in their desert.   No matter how lost they are in the vast hills of sand, you are their oasis that can quench their thirst as no other can.

~Day 4- “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed, perplexed, but not in despair.” 2 Colossians 4:8

Ask Your Teen: When have you felt the most desperate?   What do you feel desperate about now?   How can I help?

Depression has become more common, but more treatable, in teens.   Although we hesitate to medicate and seek council, feeling that will show weakness or reality to the problem.   We need to discern how to help our teens and do what ever God calls us to do.

“The Lord gets his best soldiers out of the highlands of affliction.”   Charles H. Spurgeon

Lord, don't let ___ despair.   Help them to trust You.   For we know God is the almighty healer, and we need nothing if we only trust in his powers.      

~Day 5- “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.   For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Colossians 4:18

Ask Your Teen: How great is your need to have things? How do you feel when you don't have the things you need? Want?

The desire to have the latest fashion or the best grade is strong.   Teens often don't feel they fit in if they can't keep up.   Helping them see where the stopping point is will help them make wise decisions.

“We can stand affliction better than we can prosperity, for in prosperity we forget God.”   Dwight L. Moody

Lord, help ___ to see that now is temporary.   Help them work on the inside and not what is on the outside.  

~Day 6- “For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you.” 1 Thessalonians 1:4

Ask Your Teen: Do you realize God has picked you?   What's special about that?

Rampant bullying can challenge a teen's self esteem.   If they know Christ will always accept them, it might support in dealing with those who are so angry.   Help them not only to stand up against this abuse but also to try and temper it from happening to others.

“An infinite God can give all of Himself to each of His children.   He does not distribute Himself that each may have a part, but to each one He gives all of Himself.”   A.W. Tozer  

Lord, let ___ know how special they are to you, the creator of the universe.   Help them to feel worthy of being loved by the almighty one who created them and everything in their world.

~Day 7- “This is the confidence we have in approaching God.   That if we ask anything accordingly to his will, he hears us.” 2 Peter 1:14

Ask Your Teen: Do you believe that God hears your prayers?   Why do you feel that he does/doesn't?

Teens don't always ask, for fear that they won't be heard.   Looking to scripture can help them realize how important God views our prayers.  

“Lord, teach us to pray.   Some of us are not skilled in the art of prayer.   As we draw near to thee in thought, our spirits long for the Spirit, and reach out for thee, longing to feel thee near.”

Peter Marshall

Lord, let ___ have the assurance that you are listening.   Teach them to be confident to come boldly before you with open hearts and confession.

WEEK 4 “Atonement”

~Day 1- “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8

Ask Your Teen: What is the best gift you have ever gotten? How often do you think about and appreciate that gift?

Our intensions are good in wanting only the best for our kids, making it easy to overdo.   Sometimes we need to take a step back and examine what the best gift is to help keep our lives in perspective.

“In all our best efforts to provide ‘advantages' we have actually produced the busiest, most competitive, highly pressured and over organized generation of youngsters in our history-and possibly the unhappiest.”

Eda J. Leshan

Lord, open ___'s eyes to the importance of the best gift they've ever received.   Take them out of the material world and into yours.

~Day 2- “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way.   And the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 53:6

Ask Your Teen: Do you ever feel like running away?   What is it that makes you feel that way?  

Teens often look for the easy way out without the consequences.   With maturity and experience we hope they will learn they can't run from sin, only find peace with themselves in the Lord.

“God is in the business of taking old pieces of our lives, refining them and, at just the tight r ight time, surprising us with newfound beauty.”

Susan Duke

Lord, give ___ wisdom not to make rash decisions.   To learn to see the end result of their behaviors and come to You for help with this discernment.

~Day 3- “Because on this day atonement will be made for you, to cleanse you.   Then, before the Lord, you will be clean from all your sins.” Leviticus 16:30

Ask Your Teen: What would you have to do to feel totally clean?

The labels a teen receives are hard to amend.   Others are often not forgiving or willing to let someone change.   Help them rest in the forgiveness of the Lord, the only way to truly become clean.

Mercy has converted more souls than zeal, or eloquence or learning or all of them together.

Soren Kierkegaard

“Lord, let ___ know You see them pure and clean.   Help them drink that in and accept Your promise as truth.”

~Day 4- “Greet one another with a kiss of love.   Peace to all of you who are in Christ.” Zechariah 13:14

Ask Your Teen: Who are your friends?   What is it about them that makes you consider them your true friends?

Teen's friends can quickly turn to enemies and visa versa, not knowing one day to the next leads to insecurity and loneliness.   For a teen to know their savior is always with them no matter what their day was like, or what their friends said, or did, can bring more comfort than any earthly person can ever bring.

“A true friend doesn't care what I've done or where I've been; there's an unconditional commitment that will never die.” Michael W. Smith

Lord, help ___ to love their friends and their enemies.   To live as Christ did in forgiving and not judging, also to accept others no matter what their transgressions may be.  

~Day 5- “Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father's son, will be with us in truth and love.” 2 John 1:3  

Ask Your Teen: Do you offer mercy to others?   When are some times you've done this?   How did you feel afterward?

When a teen is up sometimes they forget those who are down.   It's a constant struggle to stay on top and not get bumped and bruised along the way.   Being an example of mercy might help other teens understand how to treat each other with respect as Christ did.

“It is wonderful how much may be done if we are always doing.” Thomas Jefferson

Lord, remind ___ not to leave any one behind, to show kindness where needed, not just when it's expected.   Help them do the unexpected and accept those that others do not.

~Day 6- “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people.” Revelation 22:21

Ask Your Teen: What are some words that describe kindness as you have experienced it?

If a teen helps those less fortunate it may help open their eyes to their peers as well.   Mission trips are one way to discover how others who are less fortunate live.   But you don't have to cross an ocean to do good works.

“We can love Jesus in the hungry, the naked, and the destitute who are dying...If you love, you will be willing to serve.   And you will find Jesus in the distressing disguise of the poor.” Mother Teresa

Lord, give ___ the opportunity to give charity to others.   Create a stirring in their heart to want to help those in need and to know when that opportunity occurs.

~Day 7- “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” 1 John 2:2

Ask Your Teen: Jesus sacrificed himself for everyone.   When you think of the people you have sacrificed for, how big is your world?

At times, nothing we sacrifice seems to be enough, but God acknowledges our efforts.   Whenever we feel we've given all we can, Christ is our encouragement to find the energy to do more.

“One of the things I keep learning is that the secret of being happy is doing things for other people.” Dick Gregory

Lord, help ___ to love Jesus for what He has done for each one of us.   To never forget or take for granted the depth and length Christ went through to save us.