Read: John 5:25-29

[Jesus said] “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned.
John 5:28,29

You Done Good!

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

“You done good!” The grammar is not good, but when someone says, “You done good,” doesn’t that make you feel good? Your music or math teacher, your football coach, or your mom or dad. When they say, “You done good,” that makes life good, doesn’t it—at least for a little while?

Imagine if God said that to you. I think it would far surpass anyone else, wouldn’t it? Could you ever hope for him to say words like Jesus said in our Bible reading today, “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have ‘done good’ will rise to live.” When Jesus calls you out of the grave, will you hear his voice tell you that you have “done good?” God says you will!

He says you will hear those words, not because of anything special you’ve done, but “because you listen to his Son.” If you and I want to hear Jesus say that we have “done good” at that time, we need to listen to the good things that Jesus has to say now. So, listen again, “I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.”

This week, we especially think of the day when we finally will be away from all our sins and failures that follow us now, all the things we haven’t “done good.” What God wants us to remember is that by listening to the voice of his Son, Jesus, we also are saints. We have crossed over from death to life and have eternal life.

So, out of love for Jesus, let’s do as much good as we can until it’s time to go to those graves that we will someday hear his voice call us out of. That day, for Jesus’ sake, we will hear these words spoken with perfect grammar, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”

Closing Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for sending Jesus to die and rise so that I can have certainty that when I die, I will be in heaven. Please give me the simple words of truth and comfort to speak to others when they lose someone they love. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What happens when we die?
• What is heaven going to be like?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why do plants, animals, and people die?
• Why don’t we need to be afraid of death?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• What are some things that make death scary to think about? How does Jesus overcome those fears?
• Our life on this earth is short (70–90 years, maybe). Heaven goes on for eternity. Why is that important to remember as we go about our days here on this earth?

Read: Daniel 12:1-3

“There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered. Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.”
Daniel 12:1,2

We Know the End of the Story

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Daniel is an amazing book of the Bible. Can you think of some of its amazing stories? Maybe you think of the three men in the fiery furnace or Daniel in the Lion’s Den. Those two accounts are amazing and a bit scary. Just imagine, because you were a believer in the true God, the government could burn you to a crisp or feed you to lions in Daniel’s day.

As if that weren’t enough, during Daniel’s lifetime, King Nebuchadnezzar sent out a decree to kill all the “wise men” in Babylon because they couldn’t tell Nebuchadnezzar what his dreams meant. Soldiers came to Daniel’s door to execute him. Thankfully, God told Daniel what the dream was and what it meant, so Daniel’s life was spared.

As if all that wasn’t enough, while Daniel was serving in the government, he saw the mighty king—Nebuchadnezzar—go nuts! Nebuchadnezzar was so full of himself that God caused him to lose himself and his sanity. There was a time when Nebuchadnezzar even lived like an animal, grazing on grass. How worried would you be for your country if your president started munching on grass?!

As if all that wasn’t enough, late in his life, Daniel lived through the invasion of the city of Babylon by the Medes and Persians. In one night, the Persian soldiers poured into the city, killing and capturing the Babylonians. Do you think living through that would have been scary? How does a person like Daniel keep going?

But at the end of the book of Daniel, God gives Daniel several visions. Our Bible reading takes place towards the end of his last vision, and it tells the end of the story. The story of the resurrection!

God stepped into our world to battle with our enemy the only way he could, by taking it head-on. Jesus went to the cross to die. But death couldn’t hold him. He rose! And because of that, death cannot hold you either! You will rise from the dead! You will be one of those who “sleep,” but God will “wake you up!” You will be in perfect joy and happiness forever!

Knowing the end of the story helped Daniel. It helps us, too! Yes, life can be difficult, frustrating, scary, and sad. But it’s not the end of the story. The end is living with God, forever and ever, with no more pain or tears, only joy and happiness. That’s the end of your story!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord, let my eyes join the eyes of Daniel and see God in control at all times and in every way. Let the scary parts of this life fade away when I see your hand ruling for my good. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What are some things you’re afraid of?
• Who is bigger than all the scary things in our life?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What is one thing you’re worried about this week?
• Why is it comforting to know that Jesus has all power and authority?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why is it comforting to know that Jesus is standing before the throne of the almighty God for us?
• God is ruling over all things for your good. Name three areas of your life where that truth is especially comforting.

Read: 2 Corinthians 8:1-9

But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
2 Corinthians 8:7

Excel at Giving

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

What does it mean to excel? It means to have success, to be good at something. For example, what helps someone excel at being a piano player? A good teacher, practice, goals, a love for music, devotion to the task, and talent all help. What does someone need to be a good soccer player? Practice, ball skills, speed, dedication, and love for the sport are all important.

In our Bible reading today, the apostle Paul urges us to excel in giving to others. Why would we want to be good at giving to others? Isn’t the best part of birthdays and Christmas that we receive gifts? Actually, there’s something better. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

That is what Paul means by the “grace of giving.” God has given us the grace and gift of giving back to others. And to excel at something means you have a good reason to do it. Paul gave the Corinthians that reason: Jesus.

Jesus is incredibly rich. All the heavenly glories are his. Yet, he became poor for us. He was born in a barn, didn’t have much for an earthly home, and gave up everything, even his life on the cross, to give us forgiveness and heaven. What a gift! When you receive a great gift from someone, what’s the first thing you want to do? Thank them, possibly by giving back a gift of your own!

A group in Mizoram, India, started doing that very thing. Back in 1910, the women of Mizoram would save a handful of rice from every meal and give it to the church, which helped the church grow. Today, this tradition continues. The generosity extends beyond the rice. They give fruits, vegetables, and other items that further the mission. Today, in Mizoram, over 95% of the people are Christians, and the churches are growing and self-supporting. Their generosity leads others to Jesus!

Jesus’ act of love on the cross is why Christians excel in generosity. In Jesus, we are so blessed that giving back to others becomes second nature. It’s what we naturally want to do to thank God for his great gift of grace.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for giving your life for me. Help me to live for you each and every day. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What is one way that Jesus has shown love to you?
• We show love for Jesus by loving others. What is something that you can do for someone else today?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Name three spiritual gifts that God has given you. Give one way you might use each.
• How does knowing God’s grace motivate us to be generous?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• In your own words, explain what Paul meant when he says that God has given you the “grace of giving?”
• What are some things that make it difficult to follow Paul’s instructions in today’s devotion

Read: John 11:32-44

When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”
John 11:32

Jesus, Where Were You?

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Jeff was going through going through a really difficult time in life. His grandmother was so sick. He could see how worried his parents were. They said things like, “Grandma may be with us only a little bit longer.” Jeff felt a knot in his stomach. It hurt. He began to think, “Jesus, where are you? Why don’t you make my grandma feel better?”

In today’s devotion, some very good friends of Jesus were asking the same question. Lazarus was sick. His sisters, Mary and Martha, sent for Jesus. But Jesus didn’t come right away. Lazarus died. Four days later, Jesus showed up. But it was too late. “Jesus, where were you? If you had been here, our brother would not have died.” Like Jeff, they were hurting.

But Jesus has something amazing to show us to help us when we are hurting. “Lazarus, come out!” And with those words, Jesus brought life to Lazarus, who came right out of his tomb. Had Jesus abandoned them in their time of need? No. He had not ignored their cries for help. He had given that appearance, but only so he could bring a greater blessing. He showed them that he is the Lord of life and death. He showed his power over death.

Just a short while later, he’d do it in a final and triumphant way. After laying down his own life to pay for the world’s sin, he took it back up again three days later to declare that sin and death no longer have the final say. He did it so that you and Jeff can repeat his beautiful, powerful, and comforting words any time we face death. He said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me will live, even though he dies, and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.”

Jesus, where were you? Jesus answers, “I am with you always.”

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, help us to always trust in you, even when it seems you aren’t around. Remind us that you have given us eternal life and will bless us in your own way and time. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What made Jeff, Mary, and Martha sad in today’s devotion?
• What words does Jesus say that made them happy?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why didn’t Jesus come right away and heal Lazarus of his sickness?
• TRUE or FALSE. Lazarus eventually died again. But why could he face his death with joy and confidence?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Agree/Disagree. Jesus’ followers will never die.
• Agree/Disagree. Jesus will always hear and answer our prayers.

On this mountain the LORD Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine—the best of meats and the finest of wines. On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove his people’s disgrace from all the earth. The LORD has spoken. In that day they will say, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the LORD, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.”
Isaiah 25:6-9

Eat An Amazing Meal on a Mountaintop

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Mountains are amazing to look at. Especially if you live in a place that doesn’t have mountains and visit Colorado or Glacier National Park—just their size can be breathtaking. People love climbing mountains. They do it for the thrill, exercise, or accomplishment of it. But what do they find when they get to the top? It has an amazing view and a different type of clean, cool air. But little else. Maybe a bench, a book to sign, or a flag. But not much more.

Can you imagine climbing a high mountain and finding a huge, delicious meal waiting for you at the top? Can you imagine that it’s the best meal you’ve ever had? Imagine being told, “Eat and drink all you want it’s free!” What if the same person who said that also promised that he could take away all your problems, fears, and anxieties with a wave of his hand? Not only would your belly be full, but your heart would be calm and trouble-free. Would that be a mountain worth climbing?

Isaiah talks about a mountain where the LORD Almighty offers exactly that—a splendid feast and a scattering of fear. Where is it? How do we get there? It is a mountain that Jesus climbed. He climbed Mount Calvary with a cross on his back. He was nailed to it. He died on the top of that mountain. By his death, he gave us the rich food of forgiveness and took care of our greatest fear, the fear of death. Very near that same mountain, he came back to life. He tells us that he has provided food for our souls and rest for our hearts. But we don’t need to climb a mountain. It’s all there for us in God’s Word. It is made ours in baptism and given to us in the Lord’s Supper.

One day, Jesus will take us to his heavenly mountain and care for us forever. We’ll never want for anything or experience fear or sorrow again. We’ll never suffer or feel shame. Nothing will make us frown. Total happiness! In heaven, we’ll join all of God’s people on the mountain of the LORD to rejoice in his love and salvation forever.

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank you for providing me with my every need. Help me to treasure all you give me and to look forward to the day when we’ll feast in the joy and peace of heaven. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What does the Lord tell us we’ll find on his mountain?
• What does it mean to trust in the LORD’s salvation?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What is Isaiah trying to tell you when he says Jesus “swallowed up” death?
• Why is that such a comforting thing for us to remember?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• In what way is going to church like going to this mountain of the LORD?
• In what way is going to heaven the full experience of this mountain of the LORD?

Read: Daniel 3:16-28

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
Daniel 3:16-18

Our God Is Able

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Have you heard the Bible story entitled “The Three Men in the Fiery Furnace?” It’s amazing! Three men were about to be thrown into a blazing furnace. The Lord delivered them from certain death. He kept their bodies and clothes from being destroyed by fire (you couldn’t even smell any smoke on them!). It was a complete and total and physics-defying deliverance from certain death. The three men didn’t know it would turn out that way. But they didn’t care. So, they made a very bold confession from which we can learn a lot. They stated clearly that their God had the power to save them from dying. But then they said, “Even if he doesn’t save us from this fire, we will trust in him and obey him.”

What an amazing thing for them to say! They had everything to lose. They were important officials in the government. The king liked, admired, and respected them. They probably enjoyed a good living because of their high positions. But they were willing to give it all up if they did one small thing: Just bow down to an idol! Everybody is doing it. It’s just a way to show respect to your king.

But they stood their ground. Why? Because God was the only one, they would bow down to. Why were they willing to give up everything? Because their trust was in the God who had given them everything. Their position, possessions, and even their lives in this world were all from the Lord, but those were nothing compared to the eternal blessings that the Lord had given them. They knew they belonged to him forever because of the promise he made to them in his Word. They knew of their true King who would come to wipe out sin and conquer death. They knew of the One who would stand up to the lies of Satan, the imposter king of this world. They knew the One who would give his life, that they might lose everything in this world and gain eternal life in his death and resurrection. They trusted him. He was worth everything to them, and they showed it.

What words for God’s children to live by today: “Our God is able to save us, but even if he doesn’t, we’ll trust in him and live for him.”

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, you are the true King of our hearts and lives. Give us boldness to always live for you. Amen

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What were the names of the three men of God in today’s Bible reading?
• What did the three men refuse to do that got them into trouble?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why was it a big deal for the three men to bow down to an idol?
• An idol is something/someone you follow and give your love and loyalty to other than God. Identify an “idol” in your life that you need to say NO to.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Have you ever been tempted to “bow down to an idol” instead of trusting Jesus?
• Why were the men willing to give up their lives in this world rather than commit sin? Where can we find strength to do the same?

Read: 1 Corinthians 9:7-12,19-23

If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you?
1 Corinthians 9:11

Take It or Leave It?

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Two pastors each conducted weddings over the summer. After the service, each pastor was offered a gift of money as a thank-you for performing the wedding. One of the pastors gratefully accepted the gift as an expression of appreciation. The other pastor graciously declined, pointing out that his congregation provided for his needs, and conducting weddings was included in his call as a pastor.

Which pastor did the right thing? Should such a gift be accepted or declined?

Both could be correct, couldn’t they? As we look at the words of the apostle Paul in our Bible reading today, he points out that it is perfectly normal for church workers to expect something in return for their church work. When a pastor serves a congregation full-time, it is the responsibility of the church to support those whom God sends to share the gospel. That’s what Paul encouraged in today’s verse when asked, “If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you?”

However, Paul declined such aid (“material harvest”) because he didn’t want anyone to think that money or receiving payment were the only reasons he was preaching and teaching about Jesus. He didn’t want people to think he became a pastor because of the money. In his specific situation, he was making a sacrifice for the sake of the gospel.

God doesn’t call every Christian to make that kind of sacrifice. But he does tell us that sacrifices will be a normal part of following him. Rather than avoid such sacrifices, we make them joyfully in support of the gospel, for our minimal sacrifices remind us of the greatest sacrifice ever made: the sacrifice Jesus made for us when he gave up his life and died so that we might live forever.

Now that we have that promise, how are we to live? Sacrificially. We can do without certain things because we know God, who has taken care of our greatest need, will provide for all our other needs as well.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, you richly and daily provide all we need for life and then some. Thank you! Thank you for our pastor who brings God’s Word to us. Help us support the gospel work and workers of our church with our prayers and offerings. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• How do you think churches take care of their pastors for their service?
• What is one way you can show your pastor (and Savior!) that you appreciate him?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What are some sacrifices you have had to make because of your faith?
• Agree or disagree. Since pastors carry out the most important work of saving souls, they should make lots of money.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• What is the greatest sacrifice you have seen another Christian make because Jesus was their priority? What impact did it have on you?
• If you were in the position of the pastor having performed the wedding, what would you do with the gift of money and why?

Read: Mark 10:17-27

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”
Mark 10:27

Faith Sees the Impossible

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Do you wear glasses or contact lenses? If you do, you know how difficult it is to see without them. But you also know how important it is for them to be the right prescription. If you don’t have the right prescription, wearing your glasses won’t matter—everything will still be fuzzy or blurry.

The man who approached Jesus thought he could see quite well, spiritually speaking. He was pretty sure the key to eternal life was being a good person and living a good life. So, when he asked Jesus what he had to do to earn eternal life, he did so because he was confident that he had lived a pretty good life.

But Jesus helped him see things differently. It was like the man had the wrong prescription, and Jesus gave him the right one so he could see he wasn’t as good as he thought. Jesus helped him see that his heart was too focused on his money and possessions. And then, Jesus invited him to, “Come, follow me.” Sadly, the man refused and walked away. The price was too high. His eyes couldn’t see the prize—Jesus, treasure of heaven.

Maybe you’re thinking, “If it’s possible for me to walk away from and lose sight of Jesus, how can I keep my eyes on him all the way to heaven? You can’t. But here is the good news: Jesus said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”

No matter how good a job we think we may be doing, it’s impossible for us to follow Jesus on our own to heaven. God has a better prescription for us to see him. It’s called the gospel. The power of the gospel is its ability for us to see Jesus, believe in him, and never lose sight of him! Through the prescription of faith, we can clearly see that our salvation only comes through Jesus, our Savior.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord, our lives are so busy and filled with so many activities. Thank you for helping me see that none of them are greater than you. Help me always to see you with eyes of faith. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• Why is it impossible for anyone to save themself?
• What did God do that makes it possible for all people to be saved?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• The man in today’s devotion felt he was doing a pretty good job keeping God’s commands? What areas of life do you feel you’re doing pretty good in?
• The man went away sad because it was hard for him to imagine giving away his wealth. What is something that you would find hard to give up if it meant keeping Jesus as number one in your life?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Read Mark 10:24-27. What words prove that we aren’t good enough to earn eternal life?
• Agree or disagree? Good people don’t get into heaven.

Read: 2 Kings 5:14-27

Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God. He stood before him and said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel.” “So please accept a gift from your servant.” The prophet answered, “As surely as the LORD lives, whom I serve, I will not accept a thing.” And even though Naaman urged him, he refused.
After Naaman had traveled some distance, Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said to himself, “My master was too easy on Naaman, this Aramean, by not accepting from him what he brought. As surely as the LORD lives, I will run after him and get something from him.”
2 Kings 5:15-16,19-20

It’s No Secret: Stealing Is a Sin

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

She was excited to be old enough to babysit and eager to jump at any chance to do so. It wasn’t just for the money, although that was nice. She was very good with little kids and genuinely enjoyed babysitting. When the neighboring family, who struggled financially, was caught in a bind and needed someone to watch their toddler, she offered to do so free of charge.

Later in the week, when she wasn’t home, the neighbors stopped by. They wanted to pay her a small amount of money for babysitting. Her brother answered the door. After explaining that his sister wasn’t home, he offered to take the money and said he would give it to her.

He never did. Instead, he kept the money and never told his sister about it.

The brother acted like Elisha’s servant, Gehazi, dishonestly taking something that wasn’t his. Even if he never got caught, it doesn’t change that what he did was wrong. Stealing, whether it is done openly or secretly, is always sinful. Not only does it reveal greed and a lack of contentment, but it also shows an unhealthy desire for earthly possessions that can easily bump God out of the number one spot in our lives.

Thankfully, Jesus showed that God the Father was always his number one. How? Instead of giving in to any sinful desires, he chose to carry out his Father’s will perfectly. He never took what wasn’t his. He was always content and grateful for what he had. And he was even willing to die for every sin, including stealing! If he loves his Father—and us! —that much, to prioritize us over everything, let’s return that love by keeping him as our number one priority!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord, keep us from getting distracted and tempted by worldly things that mix up our priorities. We have all that we need in you; please grant us contentment with that. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What happened to Naaman in the Bible story that made him want to give a gift to Elisha?
• In the babysitting story, what did the brother do that was wrong?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• How was the brother like the servant Gehazi?
• Share a time when you have been tempted to act like the brother.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• How might you handle the situation if you found out what the brother did?
• How might you assure someone who has stolen that Jesus has forgiven that specific sin? (Hint: remember who was crucified with Jesus.)

Read: Ephesians 5:21–6:4

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”
Ephesians 5:21-23; 6:1-3

Role Play

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Have you ever heard of a symphony? It’s an elaborate work of music with a lot of musical instruments. There aren’t many symphonies that let a large, loud brass instrument called a trombone take the lead. That usually belongs to the violins, the flutes, or the trumpets. The trombones play the musical notes underneath. Now imagine this: you attend the symphony, and the entire time, the trombones play as loud as they can. Oh boy, you better cover your ears! That wouldn’t be beautiful music. For a symphony to sound delightful, each instrument needs to know its role.

“Know your role” might be a theme for today’s devotion. In Ephesians chapter 6, the apostle Paul addresses life as a family. “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ,” he begins. Families seek to live in service to each other. As each member of the family—mom, dad, kids—carries out their roles, they do so humbly and with the well-being of everyone else in mind.

From there, Paul speaks to each member of the family. Wives are to submit to their husbands. Many hear those words and cringe because they think this is a put-down, like a master/slave relationship. It isn’t. Think instead of the head/helper image God uses. Think of our relationship to Christ. Why wouldn’t we want to submit to Christ when, as our head, he gave himself up for us? So, when a husband lives with self-sacrificing love like Christ, it shouldn’t be difficult for a helper to submit to a head like that, right? What a beautiful role!

Husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved the Church. In love, Jesus took the lead and was responsible for the sins of the world on the cross. He sacrificed himself in our place. Using Jesus as their role model, husbands are asked to do the same and mirror Jesus’ love. They are to be responsible leaders for their families. Whether that means moments of pride or bearing sorrow, husbands sacrifice themselves and their self-interests for the good of the family. God lays the spiritual nurture of the family at the feet of husbands.

Even children fall underneath Paul’s probing eye. Family is the training ground for later adulthood, and as long as children are the learners, God calls for their obedience to their parents.

Each member of the family has a role to play as it goes and grows. Since God forms families, it is good to listen to what he says about our roles. His advice is simple, “know your role.”

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for our home and family, for love and gentleness, for laughter enjoyed and sorrow shared, for daily bread. Help us to be mindful of all your gifts and to rejoice in your goodness. Give us the desire to know our roles and appreciate the roles of others within our family. May your peace be with us and your presence protect us. Amen. (Modified prayer “For the Family” from Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal, 1993)

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• Who are the people in your family?
• Which role do you play in your family: mom, dad, or kid? What is your role?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• In what way are wives to be like the Church?
• How are husbands to be like Christ?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Read carefully, who all is asked to “submit,” why, and to whom?
• How is Christ both a motivation and an example for husbands to fulfill their role in the family?

The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
Luke 10:17-20

You’re on the List

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The White House is one of the most famous houses in America because it’s home to one of the most powerful leaders in the world. It is not easy to get into it. You can’t just walk in off the street. Your name must be on a list, sometimes months in advance.

How easy is it to get into heaven? Can anyone get in? Does everybody get in? Does nobody get in?

The answer is that your name must be on the list. Well, how do you get on the list?

One word: Jesus. Because of what he has done and through faith in him, your name is written in heaven. This message is what Jesus had sent the disciples to share. God empowered them to do miraculous things to support the truth of their message, even driving out demons. The disciples returned from this trip with joyful hearts. When they shared their experience with Jesus, he explained that the message worked, and he “saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.” The evil angel, Satan, was defeated when names were written on the list of heaven.

After Jesus sent out his disciples to share his powerful name, the disciples returned and reported they drove out demons because of it. However, Jesus reminded them and us that the most important thing is that our “names are written in heaven.” The only way that happens is through faith in him!

Notice what Jesus said to the disciples personally. As exciting as it was to drive out demons, and as special as it was that they could share Jesus, he reminded them, “Rejoice that YOUR names are written in heaven.” They were on the list. Heaven was their home.

One day, we’ll see the good angels in heaven. The devil and his rebel angels will never be in heaven. Their names will never be on the list. But what a joy that we will have the privilege some of the angels won’t. By God’s grace, our names will be on the list.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Father in heaven, thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to earth to carry out your plan of salvation. Through Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection, our home in heaven is secured. We are on the list! Please help us to be eager to share this good news with others that they, too, may say, “Heaven is my home!” Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What was something special that the disciples were able to do?
• Who are some people who tell you about Jesus?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Who is on the list of heaven?
• Tell of a time when you talked to someone about Jesus.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Name some people you know whose names are on the list of heaven. Explain why you think they are on the list.
• How would you explain to someone why Jesus is so important to you?

Read: 2 Kings 6:8-17

When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked. “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
2 Kings 6:15-17

How Many Angels Fit on the Head of a Pin?

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Centuries ago, students of the Bible argued over the question: how many angels fit on the head of a pin? How would you answer? One? A hundred? A thousand? We will never know because angels are spirits and rarely appear in a form we can see. But in today’s Bible reading, Elisha and his servant saw the sight of a lifetime. God let them see real angels. We don’t know how many they saw, but Elisha was correct, “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”

Wouldn’t it be fascinating if we could see angels? Even though we can’t see them, Elisha’s words encourage us: There are many angels watching over us.

Like Elisha’s servant, we face times that make us feel nervous, anxious, or stressed: Starting a new school or job, meeting new neighbors, or making new friends. In our Bible reading today, there was concern over being surrounded by an army. We may also feel uneasy about possible danger. In those moments, God promises, “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). The promise of God’s presence is enough. But by his grace, he gives us more—he gives the protection of the angels, “For he will command his angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways” (Psalm 91:11).

You might wonder if there are enough angels to go around. Does God have angels available to watch over me? Elisha’s answer, “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” comforts us. God even gave an apostle named John a vision of the angels, which was more than he could count. He said, “I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand” (Revelation 5:11). That’s a lot of angels! We may not know how many God created, but we do know that there are always enough to fulfill our needs.
Although Elisha and his servant were blessed to see the angels God sent to their aid, we can be just as confident in God’s promise to protect us. More important than knowing how many angels fit on the head of a pin is trusting that God has angels ready to serve you.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for angels who watch over us. May the thought of them watching over me tonight let me sleep even better! In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What did the angels that Elisha and his servant saw look like?
• Who sends angels to help us?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• How did Elisha comfort his worried servant?
• How are we comforted when we are worried?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Your friend says, “Prove to me that angels exist.” How do you answer?
• True or False: Everyone has a guardian angel.

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
James 3:13-18

Humility Takes Wisdom and Leads to Peace

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Why would anybody want to be humble?

Even though it seems many people today do not prize it as a virtue, humility is very practical. There are few things more annoying than a know-it-all. And people who think they are better than everybody else might find it hard to have any real friends. But that’s not the only thing. Humility is one of the most highly praised virtues in the Bible. God’s Word says, “The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Matthew 23:11,12). Humility has incredible practical and spiritual benefits. How do we get this highly praised and highly practical virtue? Today, James tells us that to be humble, you must be smart. Humility takes wisdom.

But not just any kind of wisdom. There is a kind of wisdom that comes from this world James calls unspiritual and even of the devil. This earthly wisdom is marked by bitter envy and selfish ambition. Those are big words. What do they mean? Bitter envy is jealousy or anger over the good that someone else has. It is the attitude that is behind selfish ambition, which means always trying to get whatever you want without thinking about anyone else. Bitter envy and selfish ambition always lead to a life that is full of evil, disorder, and fighting.

Humility takes a different kind of wisdom—not worldly but heavenly. It takes that kind of wisdom to not put yourself first, but others first instead. It takes that kind of wisdom to have a life that is full of peace. Humility takes wisdom and leads to peace.

Who came down from heaven to give us peace? Jesus did. God’s Son came down from heaven without any bitter envy or selfish ambition. He did not think about himself. Jesus only thought about others. He thought about us. That’s why he humbled himself to come into this world, make himself nothing, go to the cross, and bring us sinners peace with God. That is what Jesus has accomplished for us. Through him, may God accomplish that in us.

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, we thank you that you humbled yourself to come down from heaven and give us heavenly peace forever. Help us to be wise and humble in all our dealings with others so that we might spread your peace in this world. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What does it mean to be selfish?
• Give an example of how being selfish leads to fighting.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why do you think people look out for themselves more than others?
• How does what Jesus has done for you change that attitude?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• A Christian thinker named C.S. Lewis once said: “Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” Explain what he meant.
• How does humility help you to be a peacemaker at home, at school, and in the world?

When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. “What are you arguing with them about?” he asked. A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.” “You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.” So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.
Mark 9:14-27

Help Me Overcome My Unbelief!

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

In 1918, Robert Ripley premiered his newspaper panel that shared strange events and artifacts so unusual that readers might find the claims unbelievable. The newspaper panel, which he called Believe It or Not, was eventually adapted for use in books, radio, television, and even a chain of museums. You may have toured one when you were on vacation with your family and discussed whether what you saw there was real. Do you believe it or not?

Some things are hard to believe—even things about God. We see that in our reading from the Word of God for today. There was a man who had a son who was possessed by an evil spirit. This evil spirit made it so the man’s son could not talk and often threw him onto the ground with a seizure. Jesus’ disciples had been trying to drive out the spirit, but they couldn’t. It seemed like most people did not believe healing the man’s son was possible—maybe even the man himself.

You can understand why. The man told Jesus this had been happening his son’s whole life, and his son had often been in danger. The devil had used these attacks to hurt this family more than physically. He wanted them to stop trusting their God. You can see that in the man’s pleading conversation with Jesus. “But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief” (Mark 6:22-24)!

Jesus did a great miracle that day. He set that man’s son free from the evil spirit. Jesus’ miracle showed that he had God’s power. It also gave a glimpse of what Jesus had come into this world as Savior to do: overcome the devil. Jesus would do that once and for all by his cross and empty tomb. The devil is defeated. The war is won. The victory is ours.

As we continue to fight our spiritual battles on this side of heaven, Jesus assures us that “everything is possible for the one who believes.” So, we exclaim, with the father, “Help me overcome my unbelief!” And Jesus does. Through his Word and sacraments, he increases our faith in him and gives us eternal victory. Believe it!

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, sometimes what is happening in our lives makes us doubt that you are there, that you care about us, and that you have won the victory for us. In those moments overcome our unbelief and increase our faith with your tremendous promises. Remind us that everything is possible with you. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• Imagine you were the boy in this Bible story. How would you feel if you could not talk?
• How would your family feel if you were being hurt like that boy was?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• How did the devil really want to hurt the family in God’s Word today?
• Why would that be even worse than the boy not being able to speak and having seizures?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Talk about a time that you doubted God’s love or care.
• How do we overcome our doubts? Where do we go?

Read: 1 Kings 18:21-39

Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people said nothing. Then Elijah said to them, “I am the only one of the Lord’s prophets left, but Baal has four hundred and fifty prophets. Get two bulls for us. Let Baal’s prophets choose one for themselves, and let them cut it into pieces and put it on the wood but not set fire to it. I will prepare the other bull and put it on the wood but not set fire to it. Then you call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the Lord. The god who answers by fire—he is God.” Then all the people said, “What you say is good.”
1 Kings 18:21-24

The Lord Has No Rival

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The New York Yankees vs. the Boston Red Sox. The Green Bay Packers vs. the Chicago Bears. The Los Angeles Lakers vs. the Boston Celtics. These are some of the greatest rivalries in sports history. A rivalry is an ongoing competition between two people or groups. Each rival wants to reach the same goal, but only one can reach it. In the case of these sports teams, the goal is to be crowned champions in their sport. Though some sports rivalries go back over one hundred years, none are even close to the longest-running rivalry in history.

To find that rivalry, you need to go back to the beginning when the devil and his fallen angels started to battle the Lord for his place of power and for the people he loves—a much more important battle than any sports rivalry. Beginning in the Garden of Eden, the Bible gives us a play-by-play of this intense rivalry with eternal consequences. One such episode of this ongoing competition is recorded in 1 Kings chapter 18.

At this point in history, it seemed like the devil was getting the upper hand in the rivalry. The people of Israel were led to worship a false god named Baal by wicked King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. They said Baal was the god who made the rainfall so their crops would grow. There were a lot of prophets of Baal at the time and very few prophets of God. But the Lord announced through the Prophet Elijah that he was sending a drought on the land of Israel. The drought had been going on for three years. That should have shown the people of Israel where rain came from, but Elijah set up one final contest to prove the point. “The god who answers by fire—he is God” (1 Kings 18:24).

On top of Mount Carmel, no matter what they tried, the 450 prophets of Baal could not get Baal to answer them. That’s because Baal was a false god, an idol. The Lord answered Elijah by miraculously sending fire to consume Elijah’s sacrifice. On another mountain—Mount Calvary—God’s Son, Jesus, made the ultimate sacrifice that defeated the devil and his evil forces forever, an even greater miracle. Only the true God could accomplish that. The Lord has no rival.

Closing Prayer:

Lord, you are the only true God and Savior. Help us to always remember who you are and what you have done for us, so that we may never put our trust in idols, but always in you alone. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What is a rivalry?
• What is an idol?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Which of the Ten Commandments talks about idolatry? Recite the commandment and its meaning from Luther’s Small Catechism.
• How does the Lord prove that he is the one true God? Give an example(s) from the Bible.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Name at least two things in life that can become idols for people today.
• Why does the Lord want us to always remember that he is the only true God?