Unlocked is a daily teen devotional, centered on God’s Word. Each day’s devotion—whether fiction, poetry, or essay—asks the question: How does Jesus and what He did affect today’s topic? With daily devotions read by our hosts, Natalie and Dylan, and questions designed to encourage discussion and a deeper walk with Christ, Unlocked invites teens to both engage with the Bible and to write and submit their own devotional pieces.
Have you ever wondered how to respond to the injustices you see in the world? And have you ever wondered how the gospel affects your response to those issues? You’re not the first to ask these impor…
Have you ever been talking to someone, only to notice them looking at their phone while you spoke? When this happens to me, I’m tempted to stop and ask, “Are you listening to me?” Because I wonder i…
“Something isn’t right,” Aaliyah thought as the front door creaked open. Instead of the usual bustling energy from her home, silence greeted her. “Mom,” she cried, but there was no answer. Trembli…
How can romantic relationships help us better understand who Jesus is? God-honoring romantic relationships can be great places to learn more about God’s love. In my own life, God has used my relation…
Some of you need to hear this. It’s okay to be single. No, really. You do not need to be dating or married to be whole. Wholeness is found in Christ Jesus alone—not through a romantic partner. As Chr…
What is precious to you? Family and acceptance rank high on the lists of most people. You are precious to God. He loves you so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, into a sinful world to suffer and poi…
What are you afraid of? Heights? Snakes? Public speaking? Chickens? Yes, alektorophobia (the fear of chickens) is a real thing! So is coulrophobia (the fear of clowns), dentophobia (the fear of dent…
Have you ever tried to talk to someone about Jesus and been unsure about what to say? Opening up to others can be scary. It can be terrifying to share your faith in Christ, especially when you’re no…
We all are faced with the temptation to look godly to those around us. We may go to church, volunteer to pray, pray before every meal, refuse to use bad language, and the list could go on. But does a…
Torien nudged Strider forward, holding fast as the horse muscled his way up the steep incline. Word had come only days ago that Torien’s uncle had fallen ill. His mother had sent him to manage his un…
I was born legally blind. Usually I can see enough to get by, but if I have to find a classroom where the room number is posted above the door, I can’t see it. When the church puts the words to the c…
In stillness before day, Feet tread, afraid Of wakening the dawn—Sabbath gone. Mourners come—these did not run When hope was dethroned, When nail drove through bone. Black space yawns where door s…
Have you ever felt like you have lost the heart to pray? It could be for any number of reasons. Jesus knows there are times we may be discouraged from praying, and so He tells a parable in Luke 18 me…
We see it in social media hashtags and on T-shirts, but what does it mean to be #blessed? By definition, bless is a verb. It’s an action someone takes to give something to someone else. I could just…
Have you ever assembled an aquarium? If so, you understand how certain requirements must be met to create an ideal habitat for fish. Some species require fresh water, others salt. Some thrive with co…
READ: 1 KINGS 19:1-9
Editor’s Note: Today’s devotion discusses depression and suicide.
Some people think being a Christian means you need to be happy all the time. If someone says they’re depre…
A few days ago, Keera had been told of the beautiful Golden City where there were no tears. Keera had left her family and life to seek it out. But, when she had arrived, she had been astounded to fin…
“I’m so stressed! I have volleyball practice for two hours after school, homework in every class, and I have to study for my test tomorrow. I won’t get to bed until after midnight!” We live in a fa…
During a holiday meal, five-year-old me carelessly set down a glass of milk, tipping it over. Immediately, I pointed to my great-grandpa sitting next to me and said, “Frank did it.” I may be older…
Do you ever feel so overwhelmed by temptations around you? Our world is packed with opportunities to sin. Temptation seems to be around every corner. Each day, when we look at our phones or go to sch…