DECEMBER 28 - Speak Up and Shine Bright
3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 31:1–9; Psalm 148; 1 Thessalonians 4–5
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3-Year Bible Devotional Book Available on Amazon
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“Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute.” — Proverbs 31:8
“Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights!” — Psalm 148:1
“For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:9–10
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Have you ever seen something wrong happening and stayed silent because speaking up felt too risky? Maybe you saw someone getting bullied, or a friend making a bad decision, and you weren’t sure what to do. Proverbs 31 encourages us to stand up for others, especially those who don’t have a voice.
Meanwhile, Psalm 148 reminds us that all of creation—yes, even YOU—exists to praise God. And in 1 Thessalonians 4–5, we’re reminded that Jesus gave everything for us, so we can live with purpose, hope, and courage. When we speak out with love and live with bold faith, we not only honor others, but we also shine the light of Jesus into a dark world.
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THINK ABOUT IT
1. Use Your Voice for Good: Who around you needs help, encouragement, or someone to speak up for them? Ask God to show you how to be brave and loving in those moments.
2. Created to Praise: Psalm 148 says everything should praise God—stars, animals, people...even teens! How can your daily actions, words, or even your social media reflect God’s greatness?
3. Live Awake: In 1 Thessalonians, Paul encourages believers to live alert and self-controlled. Are there areas of your life where you’ve been “asleep” to what God wants for you? What would it look like to “wake up” spiritually?
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BOTTOM LINE
You were made to shine, speak truth, and praise God—right where you are. Don’t underestimate the power of your voice and your life when it's rooted in Jesus.
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PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me a voice, a purpose, and the hope of salvation through Jesus. Help me to be brave in standing up for others, to live a life that praises You, and to stay spiritually awake and ready to follow You each day. Fill me with Your love and courage. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
