For the last eighteen months, I have been working on a devotional book for teenagers with my oldest daughter, Eden. In partnership with Tyndale, I am excited to announce 50 Days to Embracing (and Enjoying) Who God Says You Are. For more information on the book, click here.
There are many reasons I am passionate about this devotional book. Here are six:
Teenagers and the Discipline of Reading God’s Word
As a senior in high school and a new Christian, by God’s grace, I became addicted to reading the Bible. My time in the Word set the whole course of my life and hiding His Word in my heart was the best choice I made as a new believer. I was a youth pastor for nearly a decade, and the students who developed the holy habit of reading and studying the Scripture were continually set apart by God and used by Him, as the Word sanctifies us. To think God will use this devotional to help teenagers spend time in the Scripture is thrilling.
Teenagers and the Quest for Identity
When I was a youth pastor, I read the work of the renowned social psychologist Erik Erikson, as he focused on adolescent development. He believed that teenagers are searching for an identity. He wrote, “In the social jungle of human existence, there is no feeling of being alive without a sense of identity.” I saw his theory in the teenagers I worked with, trying on different looks, different music styles, different activities—trying to achieve an identity that fit. But Erikson believed that if you did not get your identity resolved as a teenager, you could live as a perpetual adolescent. Still trying to find who you are. Teenagers in 30-year-old bodies, trying to find themselves in accomplishments or possessions.
The Scripture gives us incredible imagery of a glorious identity we don’t achieve, but simply receive. We are His creation, His child, His priest, His friend, His ambassador, His beloved, and so much more. I am excited to help teenagers embrace who God says they are.
The Joy of Writing (and Podcasting) with Eden
Writing with Eden, discussing our identity in Christ with her, and podcasting with her has been a deep joy (we have some episodes we will announce soon for those who pre-order the book). I have seen God refresh her heart, as He has mine, and I believe He will do the same for the reader.
My Heart for Teenagers
I never really got over being a youth pastor. While serving as Senior Vice President of Lifeway, I would speak at youth camp each summer. When I came to serve as the Senior Pastor of Mariners, I led a high school guys group for four years. I am excited thinking about the teenagers who will read the devotional, open their Bible, and be changed by God’s grace.
My Heart for Youth Ministries
When I was a youth pastor, after every retreat or camp, I would do anything that I could to get the teenagers reading their Bibles—convinced that God would use His Word to keep and mature them. We have worked with Tyndale to offer bulk and custom options. Meaning, you can order a bunch of the devotionals at a discount to give to all the teenagers in your ministry. Or, you can even customize the devotional with a letter from you (think: what you will give your teenagers after camp next summer).
The devotional will be available in early January, but if you want information on bulk and custom orders, click here.
People I Respect Immensely Have Loved the Devotional
Here are what some others have written:
“In a world where young people are inundated with false messages about their value, purpose, and identity, 50 Days to Embracing (and Enjoying) Who God Says You Are reminds the reader that they are created in the image of God and have innate dignity, worth, and value. The unique perspective offered by Eric (father) and Eden (daughter) makes this an invaluable devotional for every young person.”
– Christine Caine, Founder of A21 and Propel Women
“In a world where identity is being shaped more by social media than Scripture, this devotional is a much-needed reset. Eric and Eden walk readers through powerful, truth-filled reminders of who God says we are and why that changes everything. This isn’t just encouragement. It’s formation.”
– Jonathan Pokluda, Lead Pastor of Harris Creek Baptist Church, best-selling author, host of the Becoming Something with Jonathan Pokluda podcast
“I’ve known and loved and deeply respected Eric and Kaye Geiger for a long time, so I was really excited when I found out that Eric and their oldest daughter, Eden, wrote a devotional for teenagers. Then getting to watch my own teenage daughter, Missy, lean more fully into the unconditional love of Jesus as a result of walking through 50 Days to Embracing (and Enjoying) Who God Says You Are has been such a joy to observe. If God has graciously woven teenagers into your story, (and I so hope that’s the case because they’re awesome) buy a case of these devotionals so their friends can lean more fully into the unconditional love of God, too.”
– Lisa Harper, bestselling author, speaker, and host of the beloved Lisa Harper’s Back Porch Theology podcast
“Eric and Eden Geiger have created something truly special in 50 Days to Embracing (and Enjoying) Who God Says You Are. This isn’t just another devotional; it can be a lifeline for teenagers drowning in the identity crisis of our culture. The father-daughter perspective brings both pastoral wisdom and teenage authenticity to every page. If you want to give a young person the gift of knowing their true worth in Christ, this book is it. This devotional tackles the real struggles teens face, from body image to gender confusion to finding purpose, with biblical clarity and genuine compassion. Eden’s honest voice paired with Eric’s pastoral heart makes this a must-read for any teenager seeking solid ground in shaky times.”
– Kyle Idleman, Senior Pastor of Southeast Christian Church and author
“For years, I’ve been asked, ‘Do you have a good devotional for my teenager?’ I wanted to say yes, but NOW I can. Eric and Eden Geiger have written something rare: theologically solid, refreshingly honest, and genuinely helpful for today’s teenager. This isn’t just a book—it’s a gift to the next generation.”
– Doug Fields, author, veteran Youth Pastor, and Co-Founder of downloadyouthministry.com
“Eric and Eden Geiger have done something that’s both helpful and remarkable. As a father and daughter, they’ve combined their voices to help young men and women understand their identity in light of God and His Word. These devotions are filled with wisdom and practical application. They’re readable and they’re do-able. This is a gift to a generation looking for meaning and purpose.”
– Clayton King, evangelist, author, pastor, and Minister-In-Residence at Anderson University
