April 20 - Faith That Works

APRIL 20 - Faith That Works3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 14:23; Psalm 32; Romans 4//⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠3-Year Bible Devotional Book (Year Two) Available on Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠//________________________________________“In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.” — Proverbs 14:23 (ESV)“I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,’ and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.” — Psalm 32:5 (ESV)“For it was not through the law that Abraham and Sarah received the promise, but through faith.” — Romans 4:16 (ESV)________________________________________Have you ever felt like just talking about your dreams or faith wasn’t enough? Like thinking positively or saying “I want to be better” isn’t really making a difference? Proverbs 14:23 reminds us that real effort—taking action—is what produces results. Meanwhile, Psalm 32:5 shows us that confessing our mistakes and facing our weaknesses brings freedom and forgiveness, not shame. And Romans 4 highlights that faith is powerful when it’s active; Abraham didn’t just believe in a promise—he lived it out.For teens, it’s easy to get frustrated when growth or change seems slow. But God sees every step you take, every choice to do what’s right, and every act of obedience—even when it feels small. When we combine effort with faith, amazing things happen. Your homework, your kindness to friends, your honesty, and even your prayers are not wasted—they’re building something lasting, just like Abraham’s faith built the foundation for generations.________________________________________THINK ABOUT IT1. Action Over Words: Are there areas in your life where you’ve been all talk and little action? How can you turn your intentions into real effort (Proverbs 14:23)?2. Freedom in Confession: How can admitting your mistakes to God (Psalm 32:5) free you from guilt and give you courage to start fresh?3. Faith in Motion: What’s one way you can actively live out your faith this week, trusting God even when it’s hard (Romans 4:16)?________________________________________BOTTOM LINEFaith isn’t just believing—it’s taking action, confessing honestly, and trusting God to work through your efforts.________________________________________PRAYERHeavenly Father, thank You for showing me that faith works when I take action and trust You. Help me to turn my words into deeds, confess my mistakes honestly, and live out the promises You’ve placed in my heart. Give me courage to act, even when it feels small, knowing that You are working through me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.