February 25 - Voices That Shape a City

FEBRUARY 25 - Voices That Shape a City3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 11:10–11; Acts 25//⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠3-Year Bible Devotional Book (Year Two) Available on Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠//________________________________________“When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish there are shouts of gladness. By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is overthrown.” — Proverbs 11:10–11 (ESV)“But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, ‘Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem and there be tried on these charges before me?’ But Paul said, ‘I am standing before Caesar's tribunal, where I ought to be tried… To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you yourself know very well.’” — Acts 25:9–10 (ESV)________________________________________Have you ever noticed how much influence words and actions have? A friend’s encouragement can totally change your day. Gossip or lies can ruin someone’s reputation. In Proverbs 11, we see that when godly people live with integrity, entire communities are blessed, but when wickedness spreads, it drags everything down. In Acts 25, Paul stood before powerful leaders, facing false accusations, but he didn’t panic or let the loudest voices define his future—he stood on truth. Our lives, choices, and words carry weight too. The question is: Are we using them to build up or tear down?________________________________________THINK ABOUT IT1. The Power of Influence: Your words matter. Do they bring encouragement, peace, and hope to your school, family, or friend group—or do they add to negativity and drama?2. Stand on Truth: Paul didn’t back down even when people twisted the truth about him. How can you stay grounded in what’s right, even if others misunderstand or oppose you?3. Bless Where You Are: Proverbs says a city is blessed by the righteous. What’s one practical way you can make your community, school, or online space better because you follow Jesus?________________________________________BOTTOM LINEWhen we choose truth and righteousness, our lives become a blessing that lifts others instead of tearing things down.________________________________________PRAYERHeavenly Father, thank You for showing me how much my words and actions matter. Help me to use my voice for truth and encouragement, to stand firm like Paul when life gets tough, and to bring Your blessing wherever I go. Make me a light that lifts my community closer to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.