February 26 - Speak Life, Walk Boldly

FEBRUARY 26 - Speak Life, Walk Boldly3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 11:12–13; Psalm 23; Acts 26//⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠3-Year Bible Devotional Book (Year Two) Available on Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠//________________________________________“Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent. Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.” — Proverbs 11:12–13 (ESV)“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” — Psalm 23:1–3 (ESV)“And now I stand here on trial because of my hope in the promise made by God to our fathers.” — Acts 26:6 (ESV)________________________________________We all know what it feels like to be misunderstood, judged, or even talked about behind our backs. It stings. Proverbs warns us about using our words recklessly, while Psalm 23 reminds us that God leads us to peace and restoration even when life feels messy. Then there’s Paul in Acts 26—on trial for his faith, but he stood with courage because his hope was unshakable. These passages speak to real struggles: what we say, how we feel when life gets rough, and where we stand when faith is tested.________________________________________THINK ABOUT IT1. Watch Your Words: Words can build someone up or tear them down. Are you using your voice to encourage or to criticize? How can you be the “trustworthy” person Proverbs talks about?2. Let God Lead: Psalm 23 says God restores your soul and leads you on the right path. What areas of your life need His peace and direction right now?3. Stand with Courage: Like Paul, have you ever felt pressure to stay quiet about your faith? How can you stand boldly for Jesus, even when it’s not easy?________________________________________BOTTOM LINEUse your words wisely, let God guide you, and stand firm in your hope no matter what.________________________________________PRAYERHeavenly Father, thank You for being my Shepherd and leading me to peace when life feels overwhelming. Help me use my words to encourage others, not tear them down. Give me courage to stand for my faith like Paul did and strength to trust You with every step I take. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.