08/30/2026
August 2026: Our Month of Supernatural Increase
Speak Up Sunday
Topic: Choosing God's Way in a Confusing Generation.
Scripture: Romans 12:2, Proverbs 3:5-6.
We live in a generation where everyone has an opinion. Social media tells you who to be. Friends tell you what is cool. The news tells you what to fear. And if you are not careful, you will find yourself living someone else's life while God has a specific plan for you. As the new school year begins, the question before every one of us is simple: Whose voice will you follow?
Point 1: Do Not Be Conformed (Romans 12:2; 1 John 2:15-17)
Teens: You are walking into hallways where the pressure to conform is real. People will make you feel strange for standing for Christ. But God says: Be not conformed. You were made to stand out. (See also Daniel 1:8 — Daniel purposed in his heart not to defile himself, even in a foreign land.)
Youths: University and early career life bring pressure to compromise your faith to get ahead. But your identity is not in your degree or job title — it is in Christ. (Also 2 Corinthians 5:17 — if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.)
Adults: We face financial and workplace pressures. Sometimes we conform without realizing it. But it is never too late to realign with God's standards. (Also Joshua 24:15 — "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.")
Point 2: Be Transformed (Romans 12:2; Philippians 4:8; Psalm 119:105).
Teens: Start this school year with a decision — "I will read my Bible before I read my social media." That one habit will change your year. (See also Psalm 119:11 — "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.")
Youths: Before making major decisions, ask: "Has my mind been renewed, or am I thinking like the world?" (See also Philippians 4:8 — think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report.)
Adults: We must model this for the younger generation. When they see us choosing God's way, they learn that faith is for every day. (also Titus 2:7 — shewing thyself a pattern of good works.)
Point 3: Trust God Completely (Proverbs 3:5-6; Jeremiah 17:7-8; Isaiah 55:8-9).
1. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart" — Not half. Not when convenient. Even when the situation looks impossible. (See also Mark 11:22 — "Have faith in God.")
2. Lean not unto thine own understanding" — You do not see the full picture. God does. What looks like a setback might be God setting you up. (See also Isaiah 55:8-9 — "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.")
3. In all thy ways acknowledge him" — In academics, relationships, finances, career — not just in church. ( Colossians 3:17 — "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.")
Conclusion: A Commitment for the New Season
As we enter this new season, let us commit together:
1. I will not be conformed to this world. (Romans 12:2)
2. I will allow God to transform my mind through His Word and prayer. (Psalm 119:105)
3. I will trust God completely, even when I do not understand. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Let us pray:
Father, we commit this new school year into Your hands. We choose Your way over the world's way. Renew our minds — teens, youths, and adults alike. We disconnect from every spirit of confusion, compromise, and fear. Direct our paths, Lord. Open the right doors. Close the wrong ones. Let Your favor go before us. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen.
God bless you and your family. Go into this new season choosing God's way. He will never lead you wrong.
