AUGUST 23 – Building a Life That Lasts3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 22:6; 1 Peter 1–2//3-Year Bible Devotional Book (Year Two) Available on Amazon//________________________________________“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” — Proverbs 22:6 (ESV)“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” — 1 Peter 1:3 (ESV)“As servants of God, live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.” — 1 Peter 2:16 (ESV)________________________________________Have you ever wondered how the choices you make today will affect your future? Maybe it’s how you treat friends, the way you study, or the habits you’re building. Proverbs 22:6 reminds us that what we learn and practice now shapes who we become later. 1 Peter 1 shows that God gives us a fresh start and a living hope through Jesus, which means every choice can be influenced by His grace. And 1 Peter 2 encourages us to live intentionally, not letting freedom become an excuse for bad habits, but using it to serve God and reflect His character.Your life is like a foundation being built brick by brick. Each action, attitude, and decision you make lays down part of that foundation. The habits you build now, the values you hold, and the way you respond to challenges are shaping the “adult” you’ll become. With God’s guidance, training, and grace, you can build a life that honors Him and impacts others in ways that last.________________________________________THINK ABOUT IT1. Choices Shape Your Future: What daily habits or decisions are you making now that will influence the person you become (Proverbs 22:6)?2. Live in Hope: How does remembering that God has given you a living hope (1 Peter 1:3) affect how you face tough situations or make choices today?3. Freedom with Purpose: How can you use your freedom wisely to serve God and others, instead of just doing whatever you want (1 Peter 2:16)?________________________________________BOTTOM LINEThe choices and habits you build today, guided by God’s grace, set the foundation for a future full of purpose and hope.________________________________________PRAYERHeavenly Father, thank You for giving me a fresh start and a living hope through Jesus. Help me make choices that honor You, build good habits, and reflect Your character. Teach me to use my freedom wisely and serve You in all I do, so that the foundation of my life is strong and lasting. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.