February 2025 Devotional #23 - Peace That Stays

Scripture: John 14:27

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

What Kind of Peace Are You Looking For?

Life can be chaotic. School pressures, career choices, relationships, and personal struggles can make us feel overwhelmed. We often look for peace in success, money, or even in distractions like social media and entertainment. But these things only give temporary relief, not lasting peace.

Jesus, knowing the troubles His disciples would face, promised them a different kind of peace—His peace. It wasn’t a promise that life would be easy, but that in Him, they could have a calm assurance no matter the storm.

Jesus’ Peace vs. The World’s Peace

The world’s peace is based on circumstances. If things go well, we feel at peace. But when life gets tough, that peace vanishes. Jesus’ peace is different. It is a peace that stays with us, even in the hardest times, because it is rooted in Him

When Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid,” He wasn’t saying we will never face problems. Instead, He was telling us that in Him, we don’t have to be controlled by fear. His peace is stronger than our worries.

How Can We Experience Jesus’ Peace?

1. Stay Connected to Jesus - Spend time in prayer and the Word. The more we know Him, the more we trust His peace

2. Surrender Your Worries - Instead of holding on to anxiety, give it to God. “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

3. Trust His Promises - Even when things don’t make sense, remember that God is in control and His plans are always for our good. (Romans 8:28)

A Prayer for Peace

Lord, thank You for the peace You give, a peace that is not dependent on my circumstances. When my heart feels troubled, remind me to trust in You. Help me to rest in the assurance that You are in control. Fill me with Your peace today. Amen.

No matter what you are facing today, remember: Jesus offers you His peace. Will you receive it?

February 2025 Devotional #22 - Choosing Peace: A Call to Action

Scripture: Psalm 34:14

“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”

Introduction

Life is full of choices—every day, we decide how to react to situations, how to treat others, and what kind of person we want to become. Psalm 34:14 gives us a simple yet powerful challenge: turn away from evil, do good, and actively seek peace. But what does that look like in our everyday lives as young Christians?

Turning from Evil

The world constantly tempts us to compromise our values. It might be easy to justify gossiping about a friend, lying to avoid trouble, or holding onto anger. But God calls us to walk away from these things. True strength isn’t in fighting back with bitterness but in choosing what is right—even when it’s hard

Ask yourself: What are some things in my life that I need to walk away from?

Doing Good

Following Jesus isn’t just about avoiding sin; it’s about actively doing good. It means choosing kindness over rudeness, standing up for those who are hurting, and living with integrity. Doing good isn’t always easy, but when we make it a habit, it transforms us and impacts those around us.

Ask yourself: What is one good thing I can do for someone today?

Pursuing Peace

Notice that the verse doesn’t just say to “want” peace—it says to “pursue” it. That means we have to work for it. Whether it’s making the first move to resolve a conflict, choosing to forgive, or bringing people together, peace is something we actively create.

Ask yourself: Am I bringing peace into my relationship, or am I allowing conflict to grow?

Challenge

This week, take one step in each of these areas:

• Identify one harmful habit or behavior to turn away from

• Find one opportunity to do good for someone else

• Take action to bring peace into a situation in your life

Prayer

Lord, help me turn away from anything that draws me away from You. Teach me to do good and seek peace in every area of my life. Give me wisdom, strength, and a heart that reflects Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Are you ready to take up the challenge? Let’s live out Psalm 34:14 together!

February 2025 Devotional #21 - Peace Beyond Understanding

Scripture: Philippians 4:7

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

What is True Peace?

In today’s fast-paced world, we often search for peace in relationships, social media, achievements, or entertainment. But despite all these things, anxiety still creeps in—about the future, friendships, school, or even our identity. True peace, however, is not found in circumstance; it is found in Christ.

A Peace That’s Beyond Understanding

Paul wrote these words to the Philippians while he was in prison. Imagine that! He was locked up, yet he spoke about peace that “surpasses all understanding.” This kind of peace is not based on having a perfect life but on trusting a perfect God. It doesn’t always make sense to the world, but it is real and powerful.

God’s Peace Will Guard You

Philippians 4:7 says that God’s peace will “guard” your heart and mind. The Greek word for “guard” is a military term meaning to protect from invasion. That means God’s peace is like a soldier standing watch over your thoughts and emotions. It keeps out fear, doubt, and anxiety when we place our trust in Him.

How to Experience This Peace?

• Pray About Everything - Philippians 4:6 tells us to bring all our worries to God. When you feel overwhelmed, take a moment to pray and surrender your concerns to Him.

• Fix Your Mind on Jesus - Isaiah 26:3 says, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Instead of dwelling on problems, focus on God’s promises

• Trust That He is in Control - Even when life feels uncertain, remember that God sees the bigger picture. His plan is greater than our understanding

Reflection

• What is something in your life that is stealing your peace?

• Have you fully surrendered your worries to God?

• How can you remind yourself daily of God’s promises?

Prayer

Lord, I thank You for the peace that You give, a peace that goes beyond my understanding. Help me to trust You with my worries and to rest in the truth that You are in control. Guard my heart and mind with Your peace, and help me to fix my thoughts on You. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Let this verse be a reminder that no matter what you face, God’s peace is available to you. Will you choose to receive it today?

February 2025 Devotional #20 - Take Heart: Overcoming the World

Scripture: John 16:33

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Reflection

Life as a young person can feel overwhelming at times. You may find yourself dealing with the pressure of school, friendships, relationships, expectations, and so many other things. In the midst of these challenges, it’s easy to feel like you’re all alone or that you’re being defeated by the world around you. But here, in this powerful verse, Jesus offers a message of hope and peace.

Jesus doesn’t sugarcoat the reality of life. He says, “In this world, you will have trouble.” We all face difficulties, struggles, and moments of doubt. Yet, He doesn’t leave us there. He encourages us to take heart—to stand strong, knowing that He has already overcome the world.

What does this mean for us today?

1. Peace in the Middle of the Storm: Jesus offers peace not because our problems disappear, but He gives us the strength to navigate them. In Him, we can find calm, even when the world around uCours feels chaotic. His peace is the assurance that no matter what happens, He is with us every step of the way.

2. Hope in the Battle: Jesus has already overcome the world. He has defeated sin, death, and all the forces that try to break us. This means we don’t face the world alone—we face it with the victorious power of Christ. When you feel discouraged, remember that victory has already been secured for you!

3. Courage to Press On: When life gets tough, it’s tempting to give up or to retreat. But Jesus calls us to take courage, knowing that no matter what challenges come our way. He’s already won. We are more than conqueror in Him. So, when you face hardships—whether big or small—remember who is with you and that you can them with His strength

Questions to Reflect On:

• What challenges are you currently facing in life?

• How can you remind yourself of God’s peace in the midst of those challenges?

• How does knowing that Jesus has overcome the world encourage you to press on?

Prayer:

Jesus, thank You for the peace You offer us. Thank You for the victory You’ve already won for us. When life gets difficult, help us to remember that You are with us, and You’ve overcome the world. Give us the strength to face our struggles with courage and hope. We trust in You, knowing that in You, we are more than conquerors. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

January 2025 Devotional #4 - A New Beginning In Christ

Scripture: Acts 2:38

“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’.”

Introduction: A Fresh Start

Have you ever wished for a fresh start? Maybe you’ve made mistakes, said things you regret, or taken the wrong path. The good news is that God offers us a brand-new beginning—one that isn’t based on our past but on His grace.

Acts 2:38 captures a powerful moment in history. It was the day of Pentecost when Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, preached to a crowd about Jesus. When the people realized they had rejected their Savior, they were deeply convicted and asked, ”What shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). Peter’s answer in verse 38 gives us a clear roadmap to salvation:

1. Repent - Turn away from sin

2. Be Baptized - Show your commitment to Jesus

3. Receive the Holy Spirit - Live empowered by God’s presence

Repentance: Turning Back to God

Repentance means more than feeling sorry for your mistakes. It means turning away from sin and running toward God. Think of it like using GPS—when you realize you’re heading the wrong way, you don’t just feel bad, you make a U-turn.

God doesn’t expect us to be perfect, but He does call us to change. No matter what you’ve done, Jesus is ready to forgive and guide you into a new life

Baptism: Declaring Your Faith

Baptism isn’t just a ritual—it’s a public declaration that you belong to Jesus. It symbolizes dying to your old life and being raised to new life in Christ (Romans 6:4). Imagine washing away everything that has held you back—shame, guilt, and fear—so you can step into God’s purpose for your life

If you haven’t been baptized yet, consider taking this step as a sign of your commitment to Jesus

The Holy Spirit: Your Power Source

Peter didn’t just stop at repentance and baptism; he also promised the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is God’s presence living in you, guiding, strengthening, and transforming you.

Think of your phone—it needs to be charged daily to function. In the same way, we need to stay connected to the Holy Spirit to live a life that honors God. The Spirit helps us overcome temptation, gives us courage to share our faith, and fills us with joy and peace.

Conclusion: Your Response

Peter’s message was urgent, and so is the call today. If you haven’t given your life to Jesus, now is the time! If you’ve already repented and been baptized, remember that the Holy Spirit is with you every step of the way.

Ask Yourself:

• Have I truly repented and turned toward God?

• Have I taken the step of baptism as a declaration of my faith?

• Am I allowing the Holy Spirit to guide my daily life?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for offering me a fresh start. I choose to turn away from sin and follow You. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I can live boldly for You. Help me walk in faith, knowing that You have a purpose for my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Remember, Acts 2:38 isn’t just a one-time decision—it’s the beginning of a lifelong journey with Jesus!

January 2025 Devotional #3 - Whose Approval Are You Living For?

Scripture: Galatians 1:10

“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

Introduction

Have you ever felt pressured to fit in, say the right things, or act a certain way just to be accepted? Social media, peer groups, and even our own expectations often push us to seek approval from others. But in Galatians 1:10, Paul challenges us with a powerful question: Who are we living to please—people or God?

The Pressure to Please

As young people, it’s easy to fall into the trap of people-pleasing. We want our friends ti like us, our teachers to approve of us, and our family to be proud of us. While seeking encouragement is natural, the danger comes when we prioritize human approval over God’s truth

Paul reminds us that if our main goal is to make people happy, we won’t be fully committed to Christ. Why? Because following Jesus often means standing uo for what’s right, even when it’s unpopular

Living for an Audience of One

The world’s standards are constantly changing, but God’s truth never changes. Instead of chasing after likes, compliments, or validation, we are called to live for an audience of One—God.

Jesus Himself faced rejection, but He never compromised. He didn’t seek the approval of religious leaders, crowds, or even His own disciples. His focus was on obeying His father, When we follow Christ, we must be willing to stand firm in our faith, even when others don’t understand.

Practical Steps to Live for God’s Approval

1. Check Your Motives - Before making decisions, ask yourself: Am I doing this to honor God or to impress others?

2. Stay Rooted in Scripture - God’s Words reminds us of our identity and worth in Him, not in what people think

3. Be Bold in Your Faith - Don’t be afraid to stand up for what is right, even if it’s not popular

4. Pray for Strength - Ask God to help you focus on His approval rather than the world’s

Reflection

• Are there areas in your life where you are seeking people’s approval more than God’s?

• What steps can you take this week to focus on pleasing God first?

Prayer

Lord, help me to seek Your approval above all else. Give me the courage to stand for what is right, even when it’s hard. Remind me that my worth comes from Your, not from what others think. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Challenge for the Week

Step out in faith! This week, take one bold step to live for God’s approval. Maybe it’s sharing your faith with a friend, standing up for what’s right, or spending more time in prayer instead of seeking validation online. Whatever it is, commit to pleasing God first—because His approval is the only one that truly lasts!

Final Thought

The world will always have opinions about you, but only God’s opinion truly matters. If you seek His approval first, everything else will fall into place. Choose today to live boldly for Christ, knowing that His love and acceptance are far greater than anything the world can offer.

January 2025 Devotional #2 - Transformed, Not Conformed

Scripture: Romans 12:2

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—-His good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Breaking Free from the Mold

As young people, we live in a world that constantly tells us how to think, act, and live. Social media, peer pressure, and cultural expectations try to shape us into something that might not align with who God has called us to be. But Romans 12:2 challenges us to break free from the world’s mold and instead allow God to shape us through transformation

Conformity vs. Transformation

• Conformity happens when we allow the world’s values, opinions, and trends to dictate our choices. It’s easy to go with the flow, but that often leads us away from God’s plan

• Transformation happens when we allow God to renew our minds. It’s an inside-out change that shapes our character, decisions, and purpose to align with His will

Renewing Your Mind

Transformation doesn’t happen overnight. It requires:

1. Spending Time in God’s Word - The Bible is like a filter that helps us separate truth from lies (Psalm 119:105)

2. Prayer and Worship - The more time we spend in God’s presence, the more we reflect His heart (2 Corinthians 3:18)

3. Choosing the Right Influences - Surround yourself with friends, mentors, and content that encourage your faith (2 Corinthians 15:33)

Knowing God’s Will

When we allow God to renew our minds, we begin to see His will clearly. Instead of confusion or fear, we have confidence that His plans for us are “good, pleasing, and perfect.” His purpose is greater than anything the world can offer

Prayer

Lord, help me not to conform to the ways of the world but to be transformed by Your truth. Renew my mind daily so that I can walk in Your perfect will. Give me the strength to stand firm in my faith and live a life that honors You. Amen

A Challenge for You

Ask yourself:

• In what ways have I been conforming to the world?

• What areas of my life need transformation?

• How can I allow God to renew my mind daily?

God is calling you to something greater than the world’s expectations. Will you let Him transform you?

January 2025 Devotional #1 - A New Thing – Trusting God’s Plan for Your Future

Scripture: Isaiah 43:18-19

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

Life is Full of New Beginnings

As young people, we often find ourselves at crossroads—graduating from school, starting a new job, building new friendships, or even struggling with personal failures. The past can feel like a weight on our shoulders, especially when we hold on to regrets, disappointments, or mistakes. But in Isaiah 43:18-19, God gives us a powerful reminder: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.”

God is not saying to erase your memories, but rather not to let the past define you. Whether you’ve had failures, heartbreaks, or disappointments, God is calling you to move forward because He is doing something new in your life!

God’s New Thing in Your Life

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

Sometimes, we are so focused on what went wrong that we miss what God is doing right now. God is already working in your life, creating new opportunities, opening doors, and bringing the right people into your path. But to see it, you must trust Him and be willing to let go of the past.

• Are you holding on to past failures? God is giving you a fresh start

• Are you stuck in past mistakes? God’s grace is bigger than your failures

• Are you afraid of the future? God is already making a way for you

A Way in the Wilderness

“I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

Life can sometimes feel like a wilderness—a place of confusion, loneliness, or uncertainty. But God promises to make a way even in the driest, most difficult seasons. Maybe you’re wondering, What’s next for me? Where is my life going? Trust that God is already preparing a path, even when you don’t see it yet.

Reflection and Application

1. What are some past struggles or mistakes you need to let go of?

2. In what ways do you see God doing something new in your life?

3. How can you trust God more with your future?

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for reminding me that You are doing a new thing in my life. Help me to let go of the past and trust in the path You are creating for me. Even when I feel lost, remind me that You are making a way in the wilderness. I put my future in Your hands. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Final Thought

God is always working in your life, even when you don’t see it yet. Trust Him, move forward, and get ready—because something new is coming!

Welcome to the New EWT Bridge of Hope Blog!!

Hello!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL THE YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS!!!

This is Sharon Mariampillai. Welcome to the EWT’s Bridge of Hope Blog!

It is now 2025 and we are coming back stronger than ever. We are ready to continue to strive to build our relationship with God. We are starting anew, so please comment on every post and share your views. I will be posting devotionals, and would like to know what topics you would like to be featured or discussed. I hope this year is the year where you see more spiritual growth in your life! God bless you richly!