A daily quiet time journey as we search the scriptures and tell our story.
by Mark & Debbi Witt
June 1: The Lord Is My Light (Psalm 27:1)
“The Lord is our light, our salvation, and our stronghold… so why should we fear?”
We took a group of kids from Teen Quest Ranch to Laurel Caverns near Uniontown, Pennsylvania. The excitement was high. Kids laughing. Exploring. Crawling through tight passageways deep inside the earth.
But then came the moment. The guide shut off the lights. Instantly… total darkness. Not dim. Not shadows. Absolute black. You could not see your hand in front of your face. The kind of darkness that feels heavy… almost suffocating. And suddenly, you could hear it, nervous breathing, shifting feet, a quiet panic rising in the cave.
I remember when I was younger, crawling through one of those tight openings myself. The rocks pressed in around me. The space got smaller. The air felt thinner. And in that pitch black darkness, something hit me I had never felt before, claustrophobia. Panic. For a moment, I felt trapped.
That is exactly what life is like without Christ. We are born into darkness. We try to find our way, but we stumble. We feel trapped, uncertain, afraid. The darkness closes in, and no matter how hard we try, we cannot find the way out on our own.
But then the Light comes. When Jesus Christ enters your life, everything changes. He doesn’t just give a little light, He becomes your light. He drives out the darkness. He gives direction. He gives peace. He gives freedom.
The cave didn’t change, but the moment the light came back on, fear lost its grip. And that is what happens when Christ shines in your life.
If you are living in darkness today, don’t stay there. Call out to Him. Trust Him. Step into His light. Because when the Lord is your light and your stronghold, fear doesn’t stand a chance.
Prayer: Lord, be my light, my salvation, and my stronghold today.
Challenge: When fear starts to rise, stop and repeat this truth: “The Lord is my light… I will not fear.”
June 2: Waiting with Courage (Psalm 27:13- 14)
We wait for the Lord with courage, trusting we will see His goodness.
I don’t know about you, but I really do not like to wait
The other day, while driving an old car that could break down at any moment, it seemed wise to make sure the AAA membership was paid up. A quick check of the app showed the payment had been forgotten. The payment was made, but it didn’t seem to go through, so I hit the button again. That was a mistake. AAA pulled the payment twice out of the bank account.
A call to AAA brought no answer. Then a call to the bank led to being passed from one department to another. Finally, the response came: the only option was to file a dispute, and it could take up to seven days and I had to wait.
My request was simple, “Just cancel the extra payment.” But the answer stayed the same, a dispute was the only way. So there I was… my account lower than expected, and nothing to do but wait.
That’s when the Lord gave me a reminder, this is often how life works.
When problems hit, everything in us wants to fix things immediately. But many times, God allows situations where the only real option is to wait.
Waiting on the Lord is not doing nothing. Waiting is choosing to trust. It is placing God right in the middle of the situation and believing He is at work even when nothing seems to be happening.
God is working behind the scenes. And in His perfect time, His goodness will be seen.
Prayer: Lord, give me courage to wait on You and trust You, even when we don’t understand.
Challenge: In one delayed situation today, choose to say, “I will wait for the Lord,” instead of complaining.
June 3: Blessed Is the One Who Trusts (Jeremiah 17:7- 8)
Those who trust in the Lord are like trees planted by the water. They do not fear heat or drought because their roots go deep. Trust anchors us in God’s faithful care.
Many years ago at the Teen Quest Ranch, we ordered a large group of little evergreen trees to plant down by the lake. They were so small that it hardly seemed possible they would ever grow into anything strong. But after a few years, we began to see them taking root and growing. Today, several of those trees are tall, strong, and healthy.
We probably planted about 100 trees that day, but only around 20 survived. Perhaps some were not planted deep enough. Maybe some were in poor soil. Some may have been damaged by birds or deer. Whatever the reason, only the trees with strong roots made it.
That is a picture of our spiritual lives. God blesses those who trust in Him. As we read His Word, believe His promises, and stay close to Him, our roots grow deeper. Then when hard times come, we do not have to live in fear. Even in the middle of trouble, we can have peace because we are rooted in God’s care.
Trust God. Read His Word - the Bible. Let Him plant your life so deeply in His truth that you can stand strong through every obstacle, just like those trees by the lake.
Prayer: Lord, plant my trust deep in You.
Challenge: Name one area of drought in your life and deliberately choose to trust God with it.
June 4: Great Is Your Faithfulness (Lamentations 3:21- 23)
In the middle of sorrow … when everything feels lost, the writer remembers something unshakable: God’s steadfast love never fails. His faithfulness never runs out.
There was a day at our old Teen Quest camp in Laurel Hill State Park that I will never forget. Fire destroyed our recreational building. In a moment it was gone. Years of ministry tools. Equipment. Memories. All reduced to ashes.
The loss was overwhelming. Thousands of dollars gone. And then came the next blow, the state would not rebuild because they are self-insured.
God used this crises to get our attention. Out of the ashes God began to stir a vision for us to find a new place and a new beginning. What seemed like an ending was actually the beginning of what we now know as the Teen Quest Ranch.
God’s mercy, love and plan was at work. And that is exactly what the prophet Jeremiah discovered. He watched his nation collapse and saw the destruction of Jerusalem with his own eyes. Everything he had warned about came true. Jeremiah became known as the weeping prophet. And yet, in the middle of devastation he lifted his eyes and declared: “Great is Thy faithfulness.” Not because life was easy, but because God was still faithful.
Maybe you are walking through sorrow right now. Maybe something in your life feels like it has burned to the ground. Do not forget that God still loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life and his mercies are new every morning.
Prayer:
Thank You, Lord, that Your faithfulness is new every morning, even in my darkest moments.
Challenge:
Write down two ways God has shown His faithfulness in your life over the past year… and thank Him for each one.
June 5: The Word That Stands Forever (Isaiah 40:8)
“Grass withers and flowers fade, but God’s Word stands forever.”
The Bible is the most important foundation for everything we do at Teen Quest. We often tell kids and leaders, “The Word of God does the work of God.” If you want true success in life, let the Bible be the source that guides all you do.
At every Teen Quest camp, we encourage students to see the Bible as their strength for daily living. We pass out cards with Bible verses and ask them to memorize those verses. Many students have hidden God’s Word in their hearts, and those verses have helped them in times of need. We have even used Bible quizzing to make learning scripture fun and exciting.
On Saturday mornings during our weekend camps, I challenge students to have a daily quiet time, to read and meditate on God’s Word, and to apply it to their lives. Thousands of students have accepted that challenge and are now spending time in the Bible each day.
God tells us to hide His Word in our hearts. When life gets hard and challenges come, the verses you have memorized can come back to your mind and give you strength for the journey.
Make sure you attend a church where the pastor faithfully preaches the Bible. Never forget that every issue in life can be answered, directly or indirectly, through the Word of God.
The Bible never changes. It is our source of strength in every situation. Everything else is temporary, but Scripture is forever true.
Prayer: Lord, anchor my life in Your unchanging Word.
Challenge: Take one verse, write it out, and keep it in your wallet or on your phone screen.
June 6: Draw Near to God (James 4:8)
“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”
I remember it like it was yesterday. I was about 12 years old, sitting in a class at church as the pastor taught about the Bible and salvation. One Sunday morning, I walked to the front of my EUB church in Connellsville, Pennsylvania, and dedicated my life to Christ.
I grew up in a Christian home where my dad read the Bible to us every night, so my conversion wasn’t dramatic. But it was real. As I got older, my uncle took me under his wing and discipled me, helping me grow in my faith.
At 18, I attended Otterbein College, which no longer stood on the authority of God’s Word. For the first time, I faced strong opposition to my faith. One day, as I was walking across campus, God spoke to my heart. Right there, I settled it once and for all. I made sure of my salvation and told the Lord, “I will serve You for the rest of my life.”
Now, many years later, by God’s grace, that commitment still stands.
The greatest desire of my life is to see people draw near to God and serve the God I love and trust. Life has not always been easy, but knowing God is near and that I can go to Him for anything is an incredible blessing. He has answered so many prayers, and I know without a doubt that He lives because I walk and talk with Him daily.
If you have never trusted Christ, He can be the greatest friend you will ever have. He is faithful, He can be trusted, and He cares deeply about every need in your life. When we take the initiative to seek Him, He always responds by drawing near to us.
Prayer: God, I draw near to You, I trust in you and please draw near to me.
Challenge: Spend a few minutes today intentionally drawing near to God, through prayer, a song, or reading His Word.
June 7: Quick to Hear, Slow to Speak (James 1:19- 20)
We’re called to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.
I enjoy a good debate. In fact, when I’m challenged … bring it on. I’m ready to jump in. But sometimes I get so convinced that I’m right, I forget to listen to what the other person is saying.
The same thing can happen in our relationship with God. Life gets busy, and we don’t take time to really listen for what He is trying to tell us. Someone once said we have two ears and one mouth so we should listen more than we speak. That’s good advice.
Even though I’m basically a shy person, my big mouth has gotten me into trouble more than once.
I remember when my teenage granddaughter thought she was becoming overweight. Honestly, I didn’t think so at all. One day while she was visiting, I was serving milkshakes and jokingly said, “This will make you fat.” I meant nothing by it, but she took it to heart and was hurt as if I were calling her fat. To this day, she still teases me about it.
That moment reminded me how powerful our words can be and how important it is to think before we speak.
The Bible gives us such clear wisdom in this area. When James tells us to be quick to listen and slow to speak, he is protecting our relationships. So much damage is done when we reverse that order.
Prayer: Lord, help me listen well and speak wisely.
Challenge: In one conversation today, make a deliberate effort to listen longer before responding.
June 8: Pure Religion (James 1:26- 27)
“True religion cares for orphans and widows and keeps oneself unstained from the world.”
Every summer, we take teams of young people into the inner city of Johnstown, one of the poorest communities in Pennsylvania, to serve those in need. Many of the homes we visit are occupied by elderly individuals or single mothers doing their best to provide for their families. The needs can feel overwhelming.
Our teams come alongside them in simple but meaningful ways - painting homes, cleaning yards, hauling away trash, repairing steps. These acts may seem small, but to the people receiving them, they are a reminder that someone cares.
In the evenings, we gather in local parks where children come and hear about Jesus through music, drama, and personal connection. Each summer, we also invite some of these children to attend camp at Teen Quest Ranch, giving them a chance to experience hope, joy, and the love of Christ in a new environment.
Why do we go? Because Jesus came to bring hope and life. And He calls us to do the same.
It can be easy to say we believe, yet never step into the lives of those who are hurting. But as James reminds us, genuine faith expresses itself through compassion for those who are often overlooked.
Living out our faith doesn’t always require going far. It may be helping a neighbor, encouraging a single parent, or caring for someone elderly in your church. When we open our eyes to the needs around us God will show us where to serve.
Godly faith is both compassionate and holy.
Prayer: Father, give me a tender heart for those in need and a desire to live a life that honors You.
Challenge: Ask God to show you one person this week you can bless—and take a step to serve them.
June 9: The Lord Is Compassionate (Psalm 103:13- 14)
God has compassion on us as a father has on his children; He knows our frame and remembers we are dust. He understands our frailty.
I often think of Brian and his deep love for the kids in Johnstown. He didn’t just talk about caring, he lived it. He purchased a building right across from the school so kids would have a place to come. Almost every afternoon, they showed up, looking for connection, encouragement, and hope.
It all began when our Teen Quest mission team went into the park to share the Gospel. Kids seemed to come out of nowhere, and many gave their lives to Christ. What started as a single outreach grew into a steady, faithful ministry of presence and love.
Brian’s life was not easy. He struggled financially and faced ongoing physical challenges. Yet none of that stopped him from loving those kids. Day after day, he showed up, investing in their lives and pointing them to Christ, right up until his sudden passing.
His life reminds me of something even greater, the compassion Christ has for us.
God knows us completely. He understands our weaknesses, our struggles, and even the burdens we carry that no one else sees. He knows our frame. He remembers that we are fragile, and yet He loves us deeply.
When my father was living I could always go to him for advice, knowing he would listen and guide me. That is the kind of relationship God invites us into, not distant or formal, but close, personal, and caring.
If you have never experienced that kind of closeness with the Lord, you can begin today. Simply talk to Him. He truly cares about what you are going through, and His compassion never runs out.
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for Your gentle compassion toward my weakness.
Challenge: Take time today to talk honestly with God, then show that same compassion to someone who needs it.
June 10: Forget Not His Benefits (Psalm 103:1- 5)
We’re told to bless the Lord and not forget His benefits - His forgiveness, healing, redemption, and lovingkindness.
Over the years, I’ve made it a habit to write down God’s blessings in my life and the answers to my prayers. Those stories have become powerful reminders, not just for me, but for the teens and adults I share them with of how God is actively working. The truth is, God’s blessings are all around us, but we often overlook them or forget to talk about them.
A few years ago, just before Thanksgiving, I became very sick. I was vomiting on and off for hours and felt miserable for two days. By Sunday, I started to feel a little better. That afternoon, I was sitting in my chair when my Apple watch alerted me that my heart rate was over 100. I didn’t feel especially bad, but the alerts kept coming.
Debbi and I decided not to ignore it and went to the hospital. That decision turned out to be very important. The doctors told me I was extremely dehydrated and it had caused my heart to go out of rhythm.
What struck me was this: I didn’t feel how serious it was. If it weren’t for that watch, I might have ignored it. God used something as simple as a watch to get my attention and lead me to the help I needed.
The watch and the hospital were tools, but God was the One caring for me and bringing healing.
That experience reminded me how important it is not to forget the benefits of God. Sometimes His blessings come in ways we don’t expect, even through ordinary things.
Prayer: Lord, help me remember and celebrate Your benefits.
Challenge: Write down at least five ways God has worked in your life, and thank Him for each one.
_____________________________________________________________________________
June 11: Teach Me Your Ways (Psalm 25:4- 5)
We ask God to show us His ways and teach us His paths. Often, His answers come through people and moments we don’t expect.
I remember sitting at a youth conference in Lynchburg, listening to Al Metsker, director of Kansas City Youth for Christ. At the time, I was serving as youth pastor, but as he spoke, God stirred something deeper a burden to reach masses of teens.
Debbi and I began to pray and search our hearts. God made it clear He was calling us into a new adventure that would change our lives.
In His kindness, God didn’t just give us a vision, He gave us guidance. Through Al’s Bible Institute training, he sent cassette tapes filled with practical teaching. As I listened while driving, God used those messages to guide us in building Bible clubs, camping programs, counseling, and raising support.
Those early lessons were more than helpful they were God teaching us His ways.
That is how God often leads.
He doesn’t always give the full picture. Instead, He leads step by step, using His Word, His Spirit, and godly people to guide us. He is not just showing us what to do He is teaching us how to walk with Him.
Prayer:
Lord, teach me Your ways and lead me in Your truth.
Challenge:
Today, ask, “What would it look like to walk in God’s way right here?”
June 12: The Fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10)
The fear of the Lord does not mean being afraid of God. It means having a deep reverence, awe, and respect for who He is.
Over the years, God has allowed me to experience moments that reminded me just how real He is and how much I need Him.
I remember being under a trailer at a church near Washington, D.C., trying to jack it up. Suddenly, I sensed the Lord urging me to get out. Within seconds of moving, the trailer came crashing down. It could have crushed me. Another time, while merging into a single lane, a tractor trailer slammed into the back of my car. Yet, no one was hurt. Each time, God protected me.
Those moments did more than save my life they deepened my reverence for Him. They reminded me that God is not casual. He is holy, powerful, and actively at work in our lives.
That’s why it troubles me when people use God’s name lightly or approach Him with shallow prayers. When we truly understand who God is, we come before Him with humility and awe.
The fear of the Lord draws us closer, not farther away. It leads us to honor Him, trust Him, and give Him glory especially when we see His hand at work. Apart from God, we are left to our own limited understanding. But when we walk in reverence before Him, He gives wisdom, direction, and peace.
Healthy awe and reverence toward God is the foundation of wise living.
Prayer:
Lord, deepen my reverence for You. Help me to honor You in my thoughts, my words, and my actions.
Challenge:
Before you go to bed tonight, take a moment to praise God for His greatness and holiness and thank Him for how He has been at work in your life.
June 13: Trust and Acknowledge (Proverbs 3:5- 6)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart… and He will make your paths straight.”
We are called to trust in the Lord with all our heart and acknowledge Him in all our ways. When we do, He guides and straightens our path.
Back in the 1980s, Teen Quest held an evangelistic event at a large church in Wilkinsburg during the Halloween season called Scaremare. Teens walked through powerful scenes showing the reality of death, followed by the hope of life in Christ.
Because of the location, some parents were hesitant to let their kids participate. But we moved forward trusting God. Night after night, students came and many gave their lives to Christ.
Then one evening, we learned there had been a murder just a street away. The very next night, a group of older teens showed up intending to disrupt the event. I went out to meet them and asked them not to interfere. I’ll be honest, I was nervous and uncertain about what might happen.
But God was faithful. What could have turned into chaos didn’t. God protected us, and the ministry continued.
That experience strengthened my trust in the Lord. Even when fear was present, God proved that He was in control.
When life gets difficult, our trust in the Lord is what steadies us. As we acknowledge Him in every situation, He leads us through challenges we could never handle on our own.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to trust You fully, even when I feel afraid. Lead me and guide my steps.
Challenge:
In a difficult moment today, choose to trust God instead of fear and watch how He directs your path.
June 14: Guard Your Heart (Proverbs 4:23)
Everything we do flows from the heart, so we must guard it carefully. What we allow into our lives, our media, our conversations, our thoughts, will shape who we become and how we live.
Let me ask you something. Are you experiencing a heart attack, not physically, but spiritually? Is your heart filled with sin or drifting away from God? What is in your heart will eventually show up in everything you do, your attitude, your actions, and the direction of your life.
We often look to leaders or politicians to fix what is wrong in our world, but laws cannot make people righteous. Only a changed heart can bring real change.
I grew up in a conservative, godly home. From my earliest memories, we were in church, we had daily family devotions, and I was taught the Bible in Sunday School. My parents were strong examples of faith and I was blessed to grow up in a loving environment.
Outwardly, I did many things right. I never smoked, drank, took drugs, got involved in pornography or struggled with swearing. But my heart wasn’t always right. I battled things like selfishness and a quick temper.
It was not until I fully dedicated my life to Christ that my heart truly began to change.
God tells us in Proverbs to guard our heart, because He knows that when our heart drifts away from Him and from His truth, our life will reflect it.
Prayer: Father, help me guard my heart diligently and keep it aligned with You.
Challenge: Take a close look at one regular influence in your life, a show, a website, or a conversation, and ask yourself if it is strengthening your heart or pulling you away from God.
June 15: Gentle Answer (Proverbs 15:1)
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger.”
A few years after we moved to the Teen Quest Ranch, I sent my son and a helper to take my truck into the woods to gather logs for our fire pit. They were glad to help and returned with the load.
But as soon as they pulled in, I noticed the back of my truck had been damaged by the logs.
Frustration rose quickly. Without thinking, I raised my voice. “Why did you damage my truck? Why weren’t you more careful?” I went on and on, letting my anger take control. I could see they felt terrible about what had happened. It was an accident. But I kept going for nearly two minutes.
Then the Lord convicted me.
Right there, I realized I was wrong. I stopped and apologized for my outburst. If I had continued in anger, I might have crushed their spirit instead of helping them take responsibility for what happened.
Over the years, I have learned that yelling and harsh words are never the way of a Christian. You can be firm. You can be clear. But anger-driven words do not produce the right results.
As believers, we must learn to control our emotions. When anger rises, sometimes the best thing you can do is step away, take a moment, and ask the Lord to help you respond the right way.
Prayer: Lord, give me gentle words when I am tempted to speak in anger. Help me reflect Your spirit in every conversation.
Challenge: The next time you feel tension rising, step away and pray. Then come back, lower your tone, and choose to respond gently.
___________________________________________________________________________
June 16: A Friend Loves at All Times (Proverbs 17:17)
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
As we get older, many dear friends go home to be with the Lord. It’s never easy to say goodbye, but we find comfort knowing they are with Him.
When I first went to college, I quickly realized I wasn’t prepared to write or organize my thoughts well. My high school teachers had done little to help me in that area. That’s when God brought Doug into my life. He patiently helped me learn how to write and think clearly as he was a true friend when I needed one.
In return, I shared with him how Christ was working in my life, and the next summer Doug trusted in the Lord and became a strong Christian.
Our friendship was special he helped me grow academically, and I had the privilege of helping him grow spiritually.
I remember years later, visiting Doug in the hospital before he passed away from a blood disease. We prayed together, and that was the last time I saw him. Later, I heard how he had led many others to Christ. His life made an eternal impact.
True friendships are centered on the Lord. A real friend draws you closer to God, not away from Him and stands with you when life is hard.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to be a faithful friend who points others to You.
Challenge:
Reach out today to a friend who may need encouragement and remind them of God’s love.
June 17: Humble and Contrite (Isaiah 57:15)
God dwells in a high and holy place, yet He is near to the contrite and lowly in spirit. Humility and brokenness draw us close to Him.
It seems like just yesterday Debbi and I were sitting in the basement of our small townhouse in the South Hills of Pittsburgh, asking God, “What do we do next?”
We had just resigned from our church to begin a new youth ministry. It was a huge step of faith. We needed to raise support, start Bible clubs, hold youth rallies, and reach kids with the Gospel.
At the time, it was just Debbi, me, and Gus the cat. Our sons had not yet been born. We had no savings, no backup plan. It was simple, move forward in faith or stop.
So we prayed. We asked God for direction, vision, and provision.
Over the years, there have been highs and lows. Some seasons were full, others felt empty. But it was in those low moments that we learned true dependence on God.
Today, we have more supporters, students to whom we minister, and more opportunities, but our dependence has not changed. We still trust Him day by day.
If you want to draw near to God, humble yourself and cast your cares on Him, because He cares for you.
Humility is not thinking poorly of yourself. It is recognizing that everything you have comes from God and choosing to put others first.
Prayer: God, give me a humble, contrite heart that depends fully on You.
Challenge: Admit a fault today instead of defending yourself, and ask God to grow humility in your life.
June 18: Rivers in the Desert (Isaiah 43:18- 19)
God spoke to His people before they went into Babylonian captivity, telling them not to dwell on the past. Through Isaiah, He reminded them they were not defined by their failures or present struggles, but by His promise to restore them. God declared He would do a new thing.
I remember when we were trying to purchase the Teen Quest Ranch in 2001. We felt called to move believing it would help us reach more students for Christ, but we felt stuck. Our small youth center in Mt. Pleasant could not support the growth we needed.
Everything depended on one thing, the building in Mt Pleasant had to appraise for $200,000. It seemed impossible. We had purchased it years earlier for just $35,000, and I did not see how it could ever reach that value.
Our banker encouraged us to make a few repairs and trust God. A few weeks later, the miracle came, the building appraised for exactly what we needed. God made a way and we were able to move to the 140 acre Ranch by November of 2001.
Maybe you feel stuck today. Maybe your situation seems impossible. But God is still the One who does new things. He makes a way in the wilderness and brings life to dry places.
Do not let your past or your present define you. Trust Him, He is already at work in your life.
Prayer: Lord, help me see the new thing You are doing in me.
Challenge: Ask God to show you one new thing He is beginning in an area where you feel stuck.
June 19: The Lord Your Helper (Hebrews 13:5- 6)
God calls us to be free from the love of money and to be content with what we have. He also promises, “I will never leave you nor forsake you,” so we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear.”
After more than 50 years in youth ministry, there have been times I’ve struggled with comparison. I’ve seen other ministries with larger facilities, bigger budgets, and more students and I’ve found myself asking, “Lord, why can’t we have what they have?”
I remember visiting a summer camp that had been completely donated to a youth organization fully equipped with beautiful buildings and state-of-the-art facilities. It had taken us years of hard work to build what we have and they received it all as a gift.
That’s when the Lord got my attention. He showed me that my heart wasn’t right. Comparison had turned into coveting, and that attitude was quietly discouraging me. I realized the enemy was using it to take my focus off of God’s faithfulness.
When I confessed that and chose contentment, something changed.
Instead of focusing on what we didn’t have, I began to see God’s blessings more clearly. We may not be the biggest or the most impressive, but we are right where God has called us and that is enough.
Contentment doesn’t come from having more. It comes from trusting that God is with you and that He is enough.
If you find yourself comparing your life to others, take it to the Lord. Ask Him to help you be content and to trust His plan for you. He loves you, He is with you, and He will never let you down.
Prayer:
Thank You, Lord, that You are always with me. Help me to be content and to trust Your provision in my life.
Challenge:
When you feel comparison creeping in, stop and say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear.”
June 20: Offering of Praise (Hebrews 13:15)
Let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that acknowledge His name.”
God is always at work, blessing us and surrounding us with His love. Yet so often, we take those blessings for granted.
I’ve tried to develop a habit of thanking the Lord daily for His goodness to my family, and our ministry, and me. When I slow down and look, I realize His blessings are everywhere. We just need to become more aware of them.
One of the most helpful things I’ve done is write those blessings down. When God answers a prayer or shows His hand in a situation, I record it. Otherwise, it’s easy to forget. And when difficult days come, those reminders help me see again just how faithful God has been.
It brings to mind the old hymn:
“Count your blessings, name them one by one… and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.”
Praise is not just something we offer when life is easy. Sometimes it’s a sacrifice. But those are the praises God treasures most when we thank Him even in the middle of challenges.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for Your constant goodness in my life. Help me to recognize Your blessings and praise You in every circumstance.
Challenge:
Today, thank God out loud for something difficult, trusting Him even in that situation.
June 21: The Father’s Compassion (Luke 15:20)
In Luke 16 the father runs to meet his returning son with compassion.
When I turned 16, I could not wait to get my driver’s license. I took my test, passed, and immediately started driving. Like many teens, I was not always as careful as I should have been.
One day, my dad asked me to pull the car into the garage before he got home from work. Trying to hurry, I rushed the car in and scraped the entire driver’s side along the inside wall. My heart sank. I thought, “Oh no, my dad is going to be so angry.”
I tried to fix it myself, but the car was too close to the wall. There was nothing I could do.
When dad arrived home, he didn’t yell. He didn’t lecture me. Without saying a word, he got a jack, and together we lifted the car and moved it away from the wall. His quiet response impacted me more than any anger could have. I expected him to yell, but instead, he showed patience.
It reminds me of the prodigal son. When he returned home, he likely expected rejection or punishment. But instead, his father ran to him with open arms. When this happen the son said he sinned against heaven and his father.
This is the heart of our Heavenly Father.
When we fail, when we make careless mistakes, when we drift away, God is not standing at a distance with anger. He is watching, waiting, ready to run toward us with mercy and grace.
Luke 15 gives us a clear picture of His heart toward repentant children.
Prayer: Father, thank You for meeting me with grace, even when I fail.
Challenge: If you have drifted in any area, take a step toward God today. He is ready to receive you.
June 22: The Narrow Gate (Matthew 7:13- 14)
The narrow gate leads to life, and few find it.
Debbi and I recently watched The Great Awakening, a powerful true story of how George Whitefield stirred revival across the 13 Colonies. He preached to crowds of over 30,000 people at a time, and it is estimated that nearly 80% of the colonies heard him speak in person. His message didn’t just draw crowds, it brought conviction and real change to people’s lives.
Even Benjamin Franklin was influenced by Whitefield. He printed his sermons and openly acknowledged that God governs in the affairs of men. Yet, there is no clear evidence that Franklin ever fully placed his faith in Christ.
That is the sobering reality that we need to think about
There are many today who show interest in spiritual things. They pray, attend church, and respect God, yet have never truly surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ.
“He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” John 5:12
Jesus said the gate is narrow and few find it. The difference is not knowledge, interest, or activity. The difference is surrender.
Following Jesus means choosing a path that may not be easy or popular, but it leads to true life.
Prayer: Jesus, help me to trust you and walk the narrow way with You.
Challenge: Today, choose obedience over convenience. Take one step that clearly puts Christ first in your life.
June 23: Do Not Worry (Matthew 6:25-27)
Jesus reminds us that worry doesn’t add a single hour to our lives.
Years ago at the Teen Quest Ranch, we set up a large tent for our summer program. When August ended, we decided to leave it standing through the fall so we could use it for additional space during camps and events. It took a lot of people to set up, so we wanted to get as much use out of it as possible.
Then early November came, and with it a powerful snowstorm. Snow began falling hard and fast. Most of our staff were gone. It was just me, Debbi, and our son Jason.
We knew if we left that tent up, the weight of the snow would destroy it. Standing there in the storm, the situation felt overwhelming. How were the three of us going to take down such a massive tent?
There was no time to panic. No time to worry. We grabbed our coats and gloves, stepped out into the storm, and went to work. Somehow, just the three of us brought that tent down in time.
Looking back, that moment reminds me of so many times in life when I’ve faced what seemed impossible. In those moments, I’ve had to stop, pray, and ask God for help.
Worry only adds pressure. It’s a sign we’re trying to carry the burden ourselves instead of trusting God with it.
Jesus reminds us that the Father who feeds the birds and clothes the flowers cares even more for us. We are never facing life’s storms alone.
Prayer: Lord, help me trust You instead of worrying.
Challenge: When anxiety rises, stop and pray one simple sentence of trust, “You care for me.”
June 24: Seek First the Kingdom (Matthew 6:33)
We are called to seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness, trusting Him with every need. When God is first, everything else falls into place.
I will never forget that day in November 2001 when we opened the Teen Quest Ranch. Over 200 people stood with us as we dedicated that property to the Lord. It wasn’t just a ceremony. It was a surrender. We were placing something impossible into God’s hands.
People still ask how the Ranch was built from nothing. My answer has never changed: “God did it.” Every building tells a story and every story is filled with people God sent at just the right moment.
In those early days reality hit fast. The Ranch House, the only livable building we had, needed major work before our first Snow Camp in January. Time was short. The job was overwhelming.
Then God stepped in. Men showed up with their sons. Week after week, we worked side by side. Closets became bathrooms. Wires were run. Lights came on. Rooms took shape. What looked impossible, slowly became a place ready to welcome kids.
It didn’t happen because we had a perfect plan. It happened because we gave it to God and trusted Him to do what we could not.
And that raises a question for all of us: What are you still holding on to? Have you truly given Him your family, your home, your resources, your future?
God doesn’t want part of your life. He wants all of it. And when He is first, you will see Him move in ways you never imagined.
Blessed are those who seek the Lord first in everything.
Prayer: Lord, take first place in every area of my life today.
Challenge: Look at your schedule today and ask, “Is God truly first?” Change one thing to put Him where He belongs.
June 25: Ask, Seek, Knock (Matthew 7:7- 8)
Those who ask receive, those who seek find, and those who knock will have the door opened. God invites us into a life of persistent prayer, not casual requests.
Last year, a contractor came to work at the Teen Quest Ranch for a week. He wasn’t a believer, but I made it a point to show him kindness and when the opportunity came, I sat down with him to share about God’s love and forgiveness.
Before I could say much, his response came fast and sharp. He was angry.
When I gently asked why, his guard dropped just enough for the truth to come out. He had lost his wife the year before and he was blaming God.
I tried to tell him that God loved him, and even in his pain, God had not abandoned him. But he wouldn’t hear it. His heart had grown cold and bitter.
As I walked away from that conversation, I was reminded of how many people want nothing to do with God, until life falls apart. Then suddenly they expect Him to respond like a genie, ready to grant every wish. But prayer does not work that way.
You would not walk up to a stranger on the street and ask for something deeply personal. But you would go to a brother, a sister, someone you know and trust.
It is the same with our Heavenly Father. Prayer flows out of a strong relationship.
If you have never trusted Christ as your Savior, that is where it begins. That is where the door opens.
Prayer: Father, teach me to seek You first, to trust You deeply, and to come to You with a heart that knows You.
Challenge: Choose one specific request and bring it to God every day this week, not just asking, but trusting Him as you do.
June 26: Workers for the Harvest (Matthew 9:37- 38)
The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Jesus tells us to pray for laborers. Many hearts are ready, God is simply looking for willing workers.
I was talking with Jimmy one day about his health. Because of ongoing issues, he recently had to step away from his role at Teen Quest, and we are continuing to pray for him.
For more than 16 years, Jimmy faithfully served campers in the Activity Barn at the Teen Quest Ranch. In fact, during his very first visit to the Ranch, he gave his life to Christ and from that moment on he has served the Lord with consistency and joy.
Years ago, Jimmy had a serious accident while rappelling off a bridge in Johnstown with some friends. He fell and was rushed to the hospital, where doctors told him he would never walk again. But by God’s grace, he did walk again, using a crutch. Through pain, setbacks, and challenges, Jimmy continued to show up and minister to students. Weekend after weekend, summer after summer, he poured into the lives of young people.
Yet, I often hear people say, “I’ve retired, I’m done serving,” or “I’m too busy right now.” That is not God’s plan. God calls every believer to use their gifts for His glory; not to sit on the sidelines. The harvest is still plentiful. The need is still great.
Has God called you to serve? Then step in. Serve in your church, your youth group, or even behind the scenes. You and your family could come to the Ranch this summer and be part of what God is doing. What a blessing that would be, not only to Teen Quest, but to you.
Scripture reminds us not only to serve, but to pray for more workers to enter the harvest.
Prayer: Lord, send laborers into Your harvest, and make me willing to be one of them.
Challenge: Pray this week for missionaries, pastors, and ask God how He wants to use you as a worker in His harvest.
June 27: Come to Me and Rest (Matthew 11:28 - 30)
Jesus gently invites the weary to come and find rest in Him. He says, “My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
A yoke was a wooden frame that joined two animals together so they could walk side by side and carry a load. When Jesus invites us to take His yoke, He is inviting us into closeness with Him, to walk with Him and not carry life’s weight alone.
His yoke is easy, meaning it is kind, gentle, and perfectly suited for us. Yes, there is a cost to following Christ, but even in the midst of trials and pressures, He gives a deep and steady peace.
So often, we slip into thinking we must earn God’s approval. The world tells us to try harder, do more, and measure up. But that is not the heart of Christ. He is not asking us to strive, He is asking us to trust.
I remember when I used to think I could gain favor with God by doing all the right things: going to church Sunday morning and Sunday night, giving, reading my Bible, and trying to be kind. These are good and important, but they were never meant to replace a relationship with Him.
God is not looking for performance. He is inviting you into His presence.
Today, lay down the striving. Yoke yourself with Christ. Walk with Him. Let Him carry what feels too heavy for you.
Real rest is not found in doing more, but in being with Him.
Prayer: Jesus, I come to You with my weariness. Teach me to walk closely with You and rest in Your strength.
Challenge: Find a quiet moment today, set everything aside, and simply sit with Jesus. Let your heart rest in Him.
June 28: The Solid Rock (1 Corinthians 3:11)
Few people know that the road leading into the Teen Quest Ranch is actually a township road that dead ends at our first building. From there on, it’s up to us to maintain everything.
For years after we moved to the Ranch in 2001, the township kept that road in good shape. But about three years ago, they stopped, saying there was no money. Slowly, potholes turned into craters. Last summer, it got so bad we had to buy our own material just to patch the township’s road.
This year, we discovered something even worse. Part of the road is actually sinking because water is running underneath it. The problem? The foundation was never properly laid. And when the foundation is weak, the damage always shows up.
That’s exactly how many people are living today.
They look fine on the surface, but underneath, their foundation is sinking. God was meant to be their strength, but instead He’s an afterthought, Someone they turn to only when everything starts falling apart. There’s no real relationship, no time in His Word, no solid ground.
Jesus Christ is the only foundation that will hold.
So what are you building your life on? Friends? Family? Social media? Success? All of those can shift and crumble. But when Christ is your rock, He never fails. He never moves. He never lets you down.
Build your life on Him.
Prayer: Lord, be the solid foundation of my life and family. Help me stand firm on Your Word.
Challenge: Take an honest look, what am I really standing on? Then bring it to God and start building on the only foundation that lasts.
June 29: Run to Win (1 Corinthians 9:24 - 25)
Paul compares the Christian life to a race, not a casual jog, but a race run to win. Every serious runner knows that victory doesn’t happen by accident. It takes focus, discipline, and daily choices that others might not see.
Think about our physical lives. We live in a world full of ultra-processed food. Places like McDonald’s offer quick, convenient meals, but many of those choices slowly work against our health. And yet, knowing that, we still drift toward what is easy instead of what is best.
No one wins a race by neglecting their body. Strength comes through discipline: choosing what fuels you, training when it’s hard, and saying no to what holds you back.
The same is true spiritually. No one drifts into a strong walk with God. It takes intentional discipline: opening His Word when you’re busy, praying when you’re tired, turning away when temptation calls. These are the daily decisions that build a life that finishes well.
A runner trains for a medal that fades. We are running for an eternal prize. So run to win.
Ask the Lord to shape your life with purpose and discipline. He is not only your Savior, He is your coach, your strength, and the One cheering you on every step of the way.
Grace doesn’t make us passive.
Grace empowers us to press forward.
Prayer:
Lord, help me run my race with focus, discipline, and endurance. Strengthen me to choose what honors You each day.
Challenge:
Choose one area this week, prayer, Bible reading, serving, or giving, and commit to strengthening it daily.
June 30: Christ in You (Colossians 1:27)
“The mystery revealed is this, Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
Paul wrote these words from a prison cell, yet his heart was full of hope. He wanted believers to understand that their hope is not found in circumstances, but in Christ living within them.
I often think of two local Chinese boys who came to Teen Quest Ranch. Their parents sent them simply to make new friends and have a fun time. But while they were there, they began to hear the gospel, and something started to change in their hearts.
One morning, after hearing a clear message about Jesus, both boys quietly came forward and placed their trust in Christ. It was a tender, powerful moment, one only God could bring about.
But not long after, they stopped coming. We never saw them again. It seems their decision to follow Christ was not welcomed at home.
Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. So many today are drawn to Christ, yet face opposition from parents, teachers or friends. It can feel discouraging, even lonely. But this is where Paul’s words become so real.
Christ in you. Not around you, but IN you. That means your hope is not dependent on people’s approval or easy circumstances. Your hope is anchored in the living presence of Jesus.
Paul rejoiced even in prison because Christ was in him. And if Christ is in you, your hope is secure.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for living in me. Help me to stand firm, even when it is difficult.
Challenge: When you feel pressure or opposition, remind yourself, Christ lives in me, and He is my hope.
Share:
Quest For The Journey — May Devotions