Archive for category: Family Devotions

Read: Acts 3:12-20

Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus.
Acts 3:19,20

Bad News, Good News

 

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

Have you ever had to tell someone bad news? It isn’t very fun. For example, you wouldn’t be overly excited to let your parents know you got in big trouble at school or to tell your best friend you are moving out of town. On the flip side, it is great to share good news. We love telling people about the A we got on our big project or that we made the team or were selected for the lead in the play. In our reading for today, Peter shares some bad news and good news.

Peter was talking to people who had recently shouted for Jesus to be crucified. He spoke the law to these people to show them their sin. By following their leaders, they were guilty of putting Jesus, the Savior of the world, to death. This bad news must have been hard for them to hear.

God’s law is difficult for us to hear as well. It shows us that it was also because of our sins, those times that we have sinful thoughts, speak unkindly to our parents, or hurt others, that Jesus had to die a terrible death. Our sins have ruined our relationship with Jesus.

Peter’s command to those in the crowd is the same for us. Repent! To repent means to feel sorry for our sins, admit them, turn from them, and trust that Jesus has forgiven them. That forgiveness of sins was won for us through Jesus when he died on the cross and rose from the dead.

That was the good news Peter shared with the crowd he was speaking to. It was the message of the gospel which showed the people their Savior. Even though they were guilty of killing Jesus, God used their evil actions to carry out his plan. This plan to was to save them and all people from their sins. We know this plan was successful because on Easter morning Jesus’ tomb was empty. He was alive!

That first Easter was over 2,000 years ago. Yet the message of Easter still remains the best news ever for all people of all time. Because Jesus rose from the dead, we can be certain that all of our sins are forgiven. Through the gift of faith, we can be sure that even though we don’t deserve it, we will live forever with Jesus in heaven.

May God give us the confidence of Peter to be honest with ourselves and others about the bad news of sin and the importance of repenting, and then give us the opportunity to point others to the solution to sin, our risen Savior, Jesus!

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, we have done nothing to deserve the love you showed us by dying on the cross and rising from the dead to save us. Guide us to share this good news with others. 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 it called when we disobey God’s commands?
• What event do we celebrate on Easter?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What does it mean to repent of your sins?
• Why is Easter the most important day in the history of the world?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Name two barriers that get in the way of you and your family sharing Jesus with others?
• Why is it so important that both the law and the gospel are taught?

Hymn: CW 149:1 – Christ the Lord Is Risen Today

“Christ the Lord is ris’n today!”
Saints on earth and angels say;
Raise your joys and triumphs high;
Sing, O heav’ns, and earth reply.

 

Read: 1 Corinthians 15:19-26

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.
1 Corinthians 15:20-23

Christ First, Then Us

 

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

The summer months are fantastic. Not only do kids have off school and families go on vacations, but it’s also one of the best food times of the year. Yep, you guessed it, it’s time for sweet corn! After months of nourishment and growth and care, when the ears are still firm and the husks still green, farmers begin harvesting for hungry corn lovers everywhere. And perhaps that first batch of sweet corn harvested is the best—because it means there’s lots more to come!

You might call that first batch of corn the firstfruits. That’s what God’s Old Testament people called the very first of their grain harvest every year. And it’s an appropriate name—it was the first of the fruit of the ground, the very first of the wheat or the barley brought in from the fields.

But why, then, does the Bible call Jesus the firstfruits? That’s what the apostle Paul said in our reading: “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” What does that mean? Why is Paul comparing Jesus to a plant?

That’s the good news about Easter! Just like the first of the harvest means there’s lots more grain or corn to come, so also the first resurrection—Jesus’ resurrection—means there are more resurrections to come. Or more simply: Jesus’ resurrection means we too will rise from the dead! Jesus is the firstfruits because he’s the first of many, including you and me, to be raised from death!

Think about what that means. On that first Easter, Jesus’ once lifeless body lived again. His eyes that had closed in death only days ago, opened. His voice that had become silent, spoke. His feet that had walked among his followers, stood among them again. His hands that had broken bread with his disciples, shared a meal with them once more. Jesus, once dead, lived!

So shall you and I. On the last day, when our Savior returns to raise all the dead, we too will live again. Our eyes will open. Our voices will speak. Our feet that once ran, jumped, skipped, and danced will run, jump, skip, and dance once more. Only this time, when Jesus raises us it will be forever! Just as Jesus lives and will never die again, so also we will live with Jesus and never die again.

We too will defeat death. Jesus, our firstfruits, is the guarantee. Because he lives, we too will live!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for rising from the dead so that one day my eyes will open, my voice will speak, my ears will hear, and I will live with you forever—never to die again. 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 the very first of the harvest called?
• What happened to Jesus’ body on Easter?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• When does Paul say that we will rise from the dead?
• In this life, we run and get tired, we fall and break bones, we catch a cold and get sick. When we rise, our bodies will be like Jesus’ body. What do you think that will be like?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• The apostle Paul says that Jesus is “the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” Why do you think he calls our death a sleep?
• Look again at verses 21-22. Why have all people died in Adam? Why will all believers live through Christ?

Hymn: CW 152:7,8 – I Know that My Redeemer Lives

He lives and grants me daily breath;
He lives, and I shall conquer death.
He lives my mansion to prepare;
He lives to bring me safely there.

He lives, all glory to his name!
He lives, my Jesus, still the same.
Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives:
“I know that my Redeemer lives!”

 

Read: Mark 16:1-8

As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.
Mark 16:5,6

He Has Risen! He Is Not Here!

 

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

“Trembling and bewildered.” That’s how the Bible describes the women on that first Easter morning. And if we’d been there with them, we probably would have been a little shaky and confused too.

After all, the past several days weren’t what they had expected. These women came to Jerusalem with Jesus very much alive but watched as he was crucified. They saw him buried. They gathered spices to anoint his lifeless body. That’s not what they expected.

Early that morning, the women made their way to the tomb. They wondered how they’d get in. They asked each other who’d be able to help them. But when they got there, to their surprise, the giant stone had already been rolled away. Jesus’ grave was open. That’s not what they expected.

And when they set foot inside? There was a stranger, a young man in a white robe—an angel! He was sitting there, inside Jesus’ tomb, and he said: “Don’t be scared.” That’s not what they expected!

We can understand why they felt scared, upset, and confused. We would have felt the same way!

But there’s a much more important reason for their surprise and confusion. The angel told them, “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here.” What?! This was more shocking than Jesus’ crucifixion, his death, the open grave, or even the angel. The women saw Jesus die. They knew he was buried. And now he wasn’t here? He was alive? That’s not what they expected!

It’s not what we expect, either! When the hero in our favorite book or movie dies, we understand that they’re not coming back to life. When we go to the grave of a friend or loved one, we know their body will be there. And if we were there with the women that morning, we would have been just as shocked to hear that Jesus was alive, to see that his body was not there—because things like this just don’t happen!

Except that’s exactly what happened. Jesus did the unexpected. Jesus did the seemingly impossible. Jesus rose. Yes, he’d died, but death could not hold on to him. Yes, he’d been buried, but the tomb could not contain him. Jesus did what no one else has ever done: he defeated death itself! That’s the bewildering—but amazing and true—story of Easter.

And the best part of all? Jesus did it for you and me.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for the amazing but true news of Easter: you live! Help me to trust this good news and to know that you did it for me! 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 women see in Jesus’ tomb?
• What happened to Jesus on Easter?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Imagine you were with the women when they saw that Jesus wasn’t in the tomb. How would you have felt? What would you have been thinking?
• What does Jesus’ resurrection from the dead tell you about his power?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Recall one other time when angels brought news about Jesus. Why do you think God used angels to make these announcements?
• Why do you think the women were afraid and confused, instead of joyful and relieved?

Hymn: CW 152:1,2 – I Know that My Redeemer Lives

I know that my Redeemer lives;
What comfort this sweet sentence give!
He lives, he lives, who once was dead;
He lives, my ever-living Head!

He lives triumphant from the grave;
He lives eternally to save.
He lives all glorious in the sky;
He lives exalted there on high.

 

Read: Zechariah 9:9,10

Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion!
Shout, Daughter Jerusalem!
See, your king comes to you,
righteous and victorious,
lowly and riding on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
Zechariah 9:9

The King Came as Promised

 

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

“I promise.” Those are special words, aren’t they? Those words mean that we can rely on what the person is saying. For example, when Mom or Dad promises that you’re all headed to the movies on Friday, you know it’ll happen. It’s a promise. Or if your teacher promises a field trip to the zoo or museum, you can rely on it. It’s a promise. Or if you promise to clean your room, it’ll definitely happen (right!?). It’s a promise.

Promises are for certain—except when they’re broken. Sometimes a parent plans for family movie Friday, but unexpectedly has to work late. Promise broken. Sometimes a teacher gets everything ready for a field trip, but suddenly school is canceled and everyone stays at home for months. Promise broken. Sometimes you have every intention of picking up your room, but you just forget or lose track of time or are exhausted from practice. Promise broken.

Over the years, God’s people Israel might have wondered, “Will God keep his promise?” God had promised to send a Savior many times, ever since Adam and Eve sinned. Our verses from Zechariah are one of those promises, where God assured his people that their Savior, their King, would come to them. But not long before this, God’s people had been conquered by a foreign nation and taken away to live in a foreign land. His people must have wondered: “Will God keep his promise?”

But we know what happened—the King came! We heard about it in our last devotion. Jesus entered Jerusalem just like Zechariah said he would: “…lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Isn’t that amazing? Jesus, the King, fulfilled Zechariah’s prophecy given hundreds of years before—even the part about riding on a donkey! Jesus, the King, came! Which means, God kept his promise!

Yes, God keeps all his promises—because unlike people, God can’t break a promise. And that means we can trust everything God tells us about our King. The King came to save—and he has. His death on the cross has saved you. Promise kept! The King came to bring peace—and he has. Your sins are forgiven. Your guilt is gone. Promise kept! The King came to bring you into his kingdom—and he has, through your baptism. Promise kept!

No matter how things seem or how we may feel, we can always rely on this: God keeps his promises in Jesus!

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you sending our Savior Jesus, just as you promised. Help us to trust all of your precious promises, because we know you will always keep them. 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 promise?
• What did the Bible promise King Jesus would ride?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• God kept his promise to send the Savior Jesus. What does that tell you about God’s promise to take you to heaven?
• What’s different about God’s promises compared to the promises we make?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why might the people of Israel have wondered whether God would keep his promise?
• Think of an encouraging promise that God has made to you in the Bible. Why is it so special?

Hymn: CW 130:3 – Hosanna, Loud Hosanna

“Hosanna in the highest!” that ancient song we sing,
For Christ is our Redeemer, the Lord of heav’n, our King.
Oh, may we ever praise him with heart and life and voice
And in his royal presence eternally rejoice.

 

Read: Hebrews 5:7-10

Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.
Hebrews 5:8-9

Jesus Suffered and Became the Source of Our Salvation

 

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

It was 1925 in Alaska, and Leonhard Seppala was driving a sled pulled by dogs. They ran for 260 miles—five times as long as an average sled dog ride. While Mr. Seppala and his dogs were driving their sled, the temperature was −85 °F (−65 °C). They went through a lot of pain and danger, but they reached their goal. They made it to their hometown of Nome, Alaska. What motivated them to do that? They weren’t they racing to win a trophy. They weren’t trying to get bragging rights. Their motivation was people who needed them. Many children in Nome were sick, and Mr. Seppala carried medicine for their sickness. After he made it home, any children who came to him could get better.

Jesus also endured a lot of pain. Picture him in your imagination, kneeling on the ground and praying to his Father in heaven. In one more day, he will suffer and die on the cross. Because Jesus is God, he knows exactly what will happen to him. He will get hurt, and his heavenly Father will abandon him. Jesus will experience hell, and then he will die. What motivated Jesus to do all that? You. You motivated him.

The Bible says, “Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.” (Hebrews 5:8-9) When it says he was “made perfect,” it doesn’t mean that Jesus became less sinful. He never sinned at all. “Made perfect” is the Bible’s way of saying that Jesus made it to his goal. And his goal was to save you. When his body was hurting, you motivated him to keep going. When he felt all alone, he thought of you to inspire him. Jesus knew that you were much sicker than those children in Alaska. All people are sick with sin, and Jesus’ big goal was to save us so we could be with him in heaven. He did.

Now that Jesus accomplished his goal, any sinner can go to Jesus and be forgiven. Jesus suffered to become the source of our salvation.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for suffering for us. Help us to go to you for all our needs, especially the forgiveness of our sins. 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 Jesus do to save us?
• Who can go to Jesus to be saved?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What does it mean that Jesus was made perfect?
• What motivated Jesus through his suffering?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• As true God, Jesus knew the future. As true man, Jesus had human feelings. How would both of those truths make his suffering difficult?
• Describe an example of how Jesus’ obedience for you could motivate your obedience for him?

Hymn: CW 110:1,2 – My Song is Love Unknown

My song is love unknown,
My Savior’s love to me,
Love to the loveless shown
That they might lovely be.
Oh, who am I
That for my sake,
My Lord should take
Frail flesh and die.

He came from his blest throne
Salvation to bestow,
But such disdain! So few
The longed for Christ would know!
But oh, my friend,
My friend indeed,
Who at my need
His life did spend!

 

Read: John 12:20-33

“Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!”
John 12:27-28

Jesus Came to Suffer for Us

 

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

A humongous basketball player laid on the court and folded his arms under his head like a pillow. LeBron James was ready for a nap. He had just finished playing game three of the 2015 NBA Eastern Conference finals, and he was exhausted. The television announcer praised LeBron for playing so hard, but it wasn’t easy.

Some people think LeBron James is the greatest basketball player of all time. When they try to convince others that LeBron is the best, they don’t say, “He is the best because he makes the tastiest tacos.” They don’t say, “He’s the best because he has a beautiful singing voice.” No, the best thing about LeBron is his basketball skills. He scores a lot of points, wins a lot of games, and plays very hard. That’s what makes him tired, and that’s what makes him famous.

Jesus got tired too. It wasn’t from running or jumping. It was because his body was going to be punched, whipped, and then nailed to a cross. Jesus’ friends would run away from him, and he would feel guilty in his heart because of all the things that other people did wrong. Jesus didn’t suffer for sins that he committed, but for sins that you and I committed. And worst of all, Jesus’ Father in heaven would ignore him when he was on the cross. You can see why he was going to be so tired. His suffering would take a lot out of his body and soul.

Before Jesus suffered, he was nervous. Suffering would tire him out, but he was determined to do it for you. Jesus felt guilt, so you don’t have to. God abandoned Jesus so that you will never be abandoned. That’s how much Jesus loves you.

And that’s why Jesus is famous. LeBron James might be the best basketball player, but Jesus is the glorious person of all time. Not because he was smart—and he was brilliant. Not because he was kind—and he was the most thoughtful. No, the best thing about Jesus is that he suffered and died for you, even though it was hard. He said, “Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!”

And God is glorious because Jesus suffered for us.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for suffering in my place. Help me appreciate your love and glorify your name. 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 Jesus tired?
• What is the best thing about Jesus?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What did it mean when Jesus said, “My soul is troubled”?
• For what reason did Jesus come from heaven to earth?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• How could you respond to someone who says Jesus was a wise teacher, but not our Savior?
• Explain how Jesus’ most humiliating experiences were also his most glorious accomplishments.

Hymn: CW 100:1,2 – A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth

A Lamb goes uncomplaining forth,
Our guilt and evil bearing
And laden with the sins of earth,
None else the burden sharing.
Goes patient on, grows weak and faint,
To slaughter led without complaint
That spotless life to offer,
Bears shame and stripes and wounds and death,
Anguish and mockery and says,
“Willing all this I suffer.”

This Lamb is Christ, the soul’s great friend.
The Lamb of God, our Savior;
Him God the Father chose to send
To gain for us his favor.
“Go forth, my Son,” the Father said,
“And free my children from their dread
Of guilt and condemnation.
The wrath and stripes are hard to bear,
But by your passion, they will share
The fruit of your salvation.”

 

Read: Numbers 21:4-9

But the people grew impatient on the way; they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!”

Then the Lord sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died. The people came to Moses and said, “We sinned when we spoke against the Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses prayed for the people.

The Lord said to Moses, “Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.” So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, they lived.

Numbers 21:4b-9

Rejoice and Look to Jesus in Faith

 

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

Did you know that a one-dollar bill does not cost one dollar? The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (or B.E.P. for short) makes one-dollar bills in Texas and Washington D.C. The workers at the B.E.P. weave linen and cotton into paper. Then they use special ink to color the paper, so it looks like a dollar bill. If you add up the cost of the linen, the cost of the cotton, and the cost of the ink, can you guess how much it costs? A one-dollar bill costs 7.7 cents.

Of course, if you take a one-dollar bill to the store you can buy more than 7 cents worth of candy. That’s because a dollar is worth more than the paper and ink that are used to make it. A one-dollar bill is a promise. It says, “I promise you can trade this paper for one dollar’s worth of something you want.”

Imagine somebody who doesn’t believe that promise. He might say, “This is only worth seven cents. I’ll throw it away.” That would be crazy! He would miss out on some good things.

A dollar bill is like what God did for the Israelites one time. God loved the Israelites as his special people. But they began to complain about God. The Lord sent venomous snakes into their land so they would learn to not complain. God’s lesson worked. The people stopped complaining and asked for help. So God made a promise. He told them to make a statue of a snake and hang it from a pole. Then God promised, “anyone who is bitten can look at it and live” (Numbers 21:8). A metal statue cannot heal a snake bite. But just like a one-dollar bill, the snake wasn’t important because of what it was made of. The snake was important because of God’s promise. People who looked at the snake were trusting God’s promise. “Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, they lived” (Numbers 21:9).

God saved your life with a promise too. “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Money and statues can’t save sinners, but Jesus can! That’s God’s promise. Rejoice, and look to Jesus in faith.

Closing Prayer:

Lord, thank you for your lifesaving promise to take us to heaven. Help us trust in Jesus today and always. 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 bad thing happened to the Israelites?
• What did God do to save them?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What was God teaching the Israelites when he told them to look at a bronze snake?
• What are some ways that Jesus is like the bronze snake? What are some ways he is different?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• How can God use bad things, like snakes, to help people trust him? List some modern-day examples.
• Explain this statement: Christian faith trusts God’s promise even when it doesn’t make sense.

Hymn: CWS 747:1,2 – There Is a Redeemer

There is a Redeemer, Jesus God’s own Son,
Precious Lamb of God, Messiah, Holy One.
Thank you, O my Father, for giving us your Son
and leaving your Spirit till the work on earth is done.

Jesus, my Redeemer, Name above all names,
Precious Lamb of God, Messiah, Hope for sinners slain.
Thank you, O my Father, for giving us your Son
and leaving your Spirit till the work on earth is done.

 

Read: Romans 8:1-10

Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.
Romans 8:5-6

The Spirit Helps Us Live in Obedience

 

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

As you grow up, you need help. You need help eating. You need help with changing your diapers. You need help getting dressed. You need help learning to crawl and then walk. You need help to cross a street. You need lots of help. We all do as we grow up, so who provides that help? Mom or Dad, grandmas or grandpas, aunts, uncles, friends, teachers—they all help us learn what we need to do every day as we grow up and live our lives.

There’s one more thing you need help with. You need help to live as God wants you to live. You need help to obey and serve him. You see, from the moment our lives begin, we are all hostile toward God.

It means we are like a rebellious child that wants his freedom and hates the rules. If God says, “Go right,” he will go left. If God says, “Talk nice,” he will reply with sarcasm.

We need help. Thankfully, help is on the way! Like Mom or Dad helping us learn how to move or get dressed or eat, God sends help for us. He sends the Holy Spirit to help us. Now the Holy Spirit doesn’t come to help us in a dream or through our imagination. No, he comes to help us through God’s Word, through the waters of Baptism, and through the bread and wine of Holy Communion. He creates faith in our hearts as we hear and learn about Jesus our Savior who came to help us with the problem of our sin by forgiving us of all our sins. Through that faith, he makes us holy and gives us life with Jesus that lasts forever.

Now through faith in Jesus, God’s Holy Spirit works in us a new way of thinking. He helps us love to obey God’s will. He helps us want to obey God’s will. He helps us be able to obey God’s will at home, at school, in the neighborhood, at church, at work, everywhere. We could never do any of that on our own, but every day through faith, the Holy Spirit helps us live in thankful, willing obedience to our God.

Closing Prayer:

O Holy Spirit, strengthen our faith in Jesus every day. Help us to love God. Help us to want to obey his will, and help us to be able to obey his will all our lives. 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

• Name two people who help you every day.
• Who does God send to help you do what God wants you to do?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why is it impossible for any of us to obey God’s will on our own?
• What does the Holy Spirit use to create and strengthen faith in your heart?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• How do you respond to someone who says, “People are basically good and will do the right thing”?
• What does the apostle Paul mean when he writes, “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace?”

Hymn: CW 185:1,2 – O Holy Spirit, Grant Us Grace

O Holy Spirit, grant us grace that we our Lord and Savior
In faith and fervent love embrace and truly serve him ever,
So that when death is near at hand
We at his cross may firmly stand and there find our salvation.

Help us that we your saving Word in faithful hearts may treasure;
Let e’er that bread of life afford new grace in richest measure.
Make us to die to ev’ry sin;
Each day create us new within that fruits of faith may flourish.

 

Read: John 2:13-22

In the temple courts [Jesus] found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.”
John 2:14-17

Jesus Deeply Desires We Keep his Word

 

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

Why was Jesus so angry? Why would Jesus get so angry that he forced sheep, cattle, and the people who were selling them to run away from the temple courts? Why would Jesus get so angry that he even flipped tables over, knocking coins all over the ground? Is Jesus throwing a temper tantrum like a little two-year-old who didn’t get his way?

The simple answer is no, but why was Jesus so angry? Well, Jesus actually had a very good reason. Remember who he is. When you think of Jesus, what comes to mind? A powerful Lord who calms storms, heals the sick, and raises the dead? A Savior who blesses the little children? How about Jesus as the holy God, who is King of kings and ruler over all things—time, space, creation, and people?

Jesus is our holy God, who deeply wants us all to keep his Word. Unfortunately, we all fail to do that on our own. In his Word, God tells us what he wants us to do and not to do, but we do what we want. We go our own way rather than God’s way. We need Jesus to help us. That’s why Jesus came into our world. He cares so deeply about each of us that he became a human being like us. He perfectly kept God’s holy will in our place, even dying on a cross for us. We learn all about that in his Word.

So why was Jesus so angry in the temple? There was nothing wrong with selling animals or exchanging money, but that’s not why God gave his Word or the church where we hear that Word. The temple, like church, was meant to be a place where people could worship and offer prayers to God. There they learned God’s Word. The last thing Jesus wanted to see in his Father’s house was people arguing over prices and purchases rather than hearing his Word and worshiping his heavenly Father. So, in holy love for his Word, Jesus cleared the temple that day.

Do we love God’s Word like Jesus? Do we get angry when something gets in the way of hearing it? Do we love learning about Jesus and what he has done for us? Jesus passionately desires that we love his Word. In that Word, we learn about him. With his help, we will see how important it is to spend time with Jesus in his Word. With his help, we will love his Word as we learn how deeply our Savior loves us. With his help, we will keep that Word as we live each day, serving Jesus, our Savior-God.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, you are our Savior and our God. Forgive us for not giving your Word the respect it deserves. Help us to gladly learn and keep your Word all the days of our lives. 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

• Describe what happened when Jesus went into the temple.
• Name two places where you can listen to God’s Word.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why was Jesus so angry in the temple?
• Why do we need God’s Word?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Explain this statement: Studying God’s Word is time spent with Jesus.
• How do you respond to someone who tells you that attending worship and Bible study is not that important?

Hymn: CW 282:1-3 – Lord, Open Now My Heart to Hear

Lord, open no my heart to hear, and through your Word to me draw near.
Let me your Word e’er pure retain; let me your child and heir remain.

Your Word inspires my heart within; your Word grants healing from my sin.
Your Word has pow’r to guide and bless; your Word brings peace and happiness.

To God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit, Three in One,
Shall glory, praise, and honor be now and throughout eternity.

 

Genesis 28:10-17

The Lord said, “I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac… All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go… I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”
Genesis 28:13-15

Taking Up the Cross Means Denying Yourself

 

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

“I can do it myself!” The little boy declares to his mom as he tries to put his shirt on himself. But the more he tries, the more tangled his arms and head become. Finally he cries out, “Help!!” Mom comes to his rescue, helping her little boy get his head and arms back where they need to go.

Do you ever think “I can do it myself” when it comes to following Jesus? A man named Jacob had a lot of trouble with that. God promised that the Savior would come from his family. But Jacob’s father wanted to give that promise to his twin brother Esau. Jacob tried to get that promise for himself. He deceived his father to get the promise. Unfortunately, Jacob’s attempt to “do it himself” made his brother so angry, Jacob fled for his life.

Jacob got himself into a tangled mess. What was he going to do? He needed help, even though it may seem he did not deserve help. Yet the Lord still loved him. One night while Jacob was running away, he slept under the stars with a rock as his pillow. God gave him the most amazing dream. Jacob saw angels going up and down a stairway to heaven. At the top, the Lord made promise after promise to Jacob. Even though Jacob did not deserve it, the Lord would still send the Savior through Jacob’s family. The Lord would still watch over him and never leave him.

Sometimes you might think you can follow Jesus yourself. Yet how often don’t we find ourselves tangled up in temptation, hurting with guilt, or lost and confused? In moments like that, we need help, even though we do not deserve it. Jesus comes to our rescue. He untangles us from temptation, heals our hurt, and helps us follow him once again on the journey to heaven. Why? He loves us. Remember that Savior is with you. He watches over you. He forgives you, and he will bless you.

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, so often I get myself tangled in temptation because I don’t think I need your help. Forgive me and help me with your mercy and 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

• Why did Jacob run away from home?
• Describe something amazing from Jacob’s dream.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why did the Lord make promises to Jacob even though he did not deserve them?
• List ways that Jesus “did it all for me” when I could not save myself.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Recount a time when you were so mad, you wanted to run away from home.
• How can you use the story of God’s love for a runaway Jacob to encourage someone whose life seems all tangled up at the moment?

Hymn: CW 429:1,2 – What God Ordains Is Always Good

What God ordains is always good; His will is just and holy.
As he directs my life for me, I follow meek and lowly.
My God indeed In ev’ry need
Knows well how he will shield me; To him, then, I will yield me.

What God ordains is always good; He never will deceive me.
He leads me in his righteous way And never will he leave me.
I take content What he has sent;
His hand that sends me sadness Will turn my tears to gladness.

 

Romans 8:31-39

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
Romans 8:31-32,37

We Are Champions

 

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

Sometimes there are people who are so great at sports that their teams feel like they will never lose. Lakers fans think, “We have LeBron James now. We’ll win every championship.” In the past, Chicago fans used to think the same about Michael Jordan. Some football fans have thought, “We have Tom Brady… We have Aaron Rodgers; how can we lose?” And U.S. Olympic fans have good reason to believe, “We have Simone Biles. We will win every gymnastics gold medal.”

While it is true that some athletes are so great that they help their teams win a lot, no athlete is perfect. Sometimes they miss shots, throw interceptions, or fall off the balance beam. As great as they are, sometimes they lose and leave their fans disappointed.

Thanks be to God that Jesus is nothing like those worldly athletes. Jesus’ record is perfect! He never failed to defeat a single temptation from Satan. He won the ultimate and eternal championship when he crushed Satan at the cross. Jesus is Victor, Champion, and King of all! We will never ever be disappointed with Jesus on our side!

The apostle Paul reminds us of this with beautiful words today from Romans 8. Paul asks, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” In other words, if God is on our side, who can possibly defeat us and keep us out of heaven? You know the answer: No one! With God on our side, we can be confident and trust that we will win the victory of eternal life!

This is such comforting news! No matter what happens at school; no matter what disaster might happen like an earthquake, tornado, or hurricane; no matter what sickness or disease someone gets; nothing can separate us from God’s love. That’s right—not one person, not one problem, not Satan, and not even death itself can ever separate us from the love of God we have in Christ Jesus. We are conquerors! We are champions! We are winners forever in Jesus! Praise the Lord!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord, you showed us your power over all things at your cross and your empty tomb. You also showed us your great love and forgiveness. Give us confidence and courage knowing that nothing will ever separate us from your power and 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

• How has Jesus shown to us that he has power over all things?
• How has Jesus shown to us that he loves us so much?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What things in this world do you think make people the most afraid?
• Explain why not even death can separate us from God’s love.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• How does Satan use bad things in our lives to try and lead us away from God?
• What are ways that we can grow more confident in our trust in God’s love?

Hymn: CW 200:1,4 – A Mighty Fortress is Our God

A mighty fortress is our God, A trusty shield and weapon;
He helps us free from ev’ry need That has us now o’ertaken.
The old evil foe Now means deadly woe;
Deep guile and great might Are his dread arms in fight;
On earth is not his equal.

The Word they still shall let remain, Nor any thanks have for it;
He’s by our side upon the plain With his good gifts and Spirit.
And do what they will—Hate, steal, hurt, or kill—
Though all may be gone, Our victory is won;
The kingdom’s ours forever!

 

Mark 1:12-15

At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.

After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
Mark 1:12-15

Ready? Repent!

 

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

“Kids! We have to get ready! We have guests coming over tonight!” Jose and Gabriella looked at each other, rolled their eyes, and did one big sigh at the same time—“Ugh, really?” They knew exactly what was about to happen. Jose and Gabriella would have to do a whole pile of house chores—empty the dishwasher, vacuum, clean their rooms, and more. They also knew they would need to shower and change into nicer clothes. After all, their Abuela was coming over, and everyone knew how picky their grandmother would be. She always pointed out every speck of dirt or dust!

What things do you have to do when guests come to your house? Cleaning and chores like Jose and Gabriella? Do you need to help make food or set the table? Maybe something else? Have you also noticed that when there is an extra special event with guests, there’s always more you have to prepare?

Here’s one more question to consider today: How much have you prepared for one other special guest . . . for Jesus? We heard today that Jesus preached the message that the kingdom of God has come near. That’s still true today. God’s kingdom is near us because God comes to us in his Word in Baptism and in Communion. We also know that Jesus will be coming back soon on judgment day with his eternal kingdom.

Whenever Jesus comes to us, he’s looking for more than just dirt or dust. Jesus sees every dirty speck of sin in our lives. That could be scary! How am I supposed to prepare for Jesus when I struggle to fight temptations and I sin so often?

Take comfort in God’s Word for today about Jesus’ temptation by Satan. Remember that Jesus fought Satan and won. Jesus resisted all temptations and sin. And then, Jesus took away all our sins on the cross. He washed us squeaky clean in his blood so that there are no more sin-stains on us! So how can we be ready for Jesus? You heard what he said today, “Repent!” Be sorry for your sins, turn away from them, and find forgiveness in Jesus. He alone will make you ready and prepared for him as your special guest.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Savior, thank you for defeating Satan with your life and death. I know that your power alone will help me to resist temptation and avoid sin. Help me with this 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

• How did Jesus show his power over Satan?
• What are good choices around the house that Jesus can help you to make instead of sinning?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• In what special ways does Jesus come to us now? (Hint: There were three mentioned in the devotion.)
• Name two big temptations that Satan brings to children your age.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Explain this statement: Jesus defeated Satan with his life and death.
• What are ways that you can grow stronger in faith and resist temptation and sin?

Hymn: CW 200:1,3 – A Mighty Fortress is Our God

A mighty fortress is our God, A trusty shield and weapon;
He helps us free from ev’ry need That has us now o’ertaken.
The old evil foe Now means deadly woe;
Deep guile and great might Are his dread arms in fight;
On earth is not his equal.

Though devils all the world should fill, All eager to devour us,
We tremble not, we fear no ill; They shall not overpow’r us.
This world’s prince may still Scowl fierce as he will,
He can harm us none. He’s judged; the deed is done!
One little word can fell him.

 

Luke 18:9-14

“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’

“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’

“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Luke 18:10-14

Ash Wednesday

 

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

You couldn’t find two people who were more different than these two guys. One was a Pharisee. The Pharisees were a group of people who set themselves apart as special by doing extra things for God. They thought God would love them more when they did these extra things. This man in particular really thought he was special. He even bragged and boasted out loud in front of other people that he was so great—that he gave so much money to God and that he wasn’t as bad as other “sinners.”

The other man was a tax collector. This means that he collected tax money from his own Jewish people and gave it to the Romans. While many didn’t like this, the bad part was that most tax collectors cheated people and stole some of the money for themselves. This particular tax collector felt terrible about all his sins. He felt so guilty that he couldn’t even look up to heaven. Instead, he bowed his head and begged and pleaded, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”

So . . . which guy are you?

That may sound strange, but remember that Jesus told this story to teach us something. Jesus wants us to understand that sometimes we sin by being proud and boastful, by thinking that we don’t sin much and that we are better than other people—just like the Pharisee. But other times we are like the tax collector and feel so bad and guilty about all that we have done! So which guy am I? I am both! Sometimes I’m a proud Pharisee and sometimes I’m a guilty tax collector.

Now here’s the most important question—which of the two in the story had a good relationship with God? Or in other words, which sinner did God forgive? Jesus tells us that God forgave the tax collector. Why? Because the tax collector repented. He was sorry for his sins, asked God for forgiveness, and wanted to make a change in his life.

This week includes Ash Wednesday, the first day of the church season we call Lent. Lent is a time for us to be like the tax collector. We remember our many sins, and we repent—we turn to God for forgiveness. But friends, rejoice! During Lent we will follow Jesus to the cross where he paid for all our sins so that we can be forgiven just like the tax collector. God bless our journey with Jesus to the cross this year!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord, have mercy on us. We are sorry for our sins. We look to you for forgiveness, and we rejoice that you have paid for all we have done at the cross. Thank 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 made the Pharisee so proud that he would brag to others?
• Why did the tax collector feel so guilty and sad?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Explain how people sometimes act like the Pharisee in this story.
• Explain how people sometimes act like the tax collector in this story.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• The word repent literally means to change your mind or to turn around. Explain in your own words then what it means for us to repent of our sins.
• Agree or Disagree: God will not forgive any sin unless you first repent of it. Explain your answer.

Hymn: CW 304:1,4,5 – Jesus Sinners Does Receive

Jesus sinners does receive; Oh, may all this saying ponder
Who in sin’s delusions live And from God and heaven wander.
Here is hope for all who grieve—Jesus sinners does receive.

Come, O sinners, one and all, Come, accept his invitation.
Come, obey his gracious call; Come and take his free salvation!
Firmly in these words believe—Jesus sinners does receive.

I, a sinner, come to you With a penitent confession.
Savior, show me mercy, too; Grant for all my sins remission.
Let these words my soul relieve—Jesus sinners does receive.

 

Romans 8:28-30

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28

All Part of the Plan

 

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

Have you read a good book or watched a good movie recently? Good stories are ones that have lots of twists, turns, and adventures. Sometimes there are big problems in those stories, but somehow the main characters get through it, and by the end of the story everything works out for a happy ending.

Imagine being a character in that book or that movie. With each new chapter or scene, you never know what is going to happen next. Sometimes the story makes no sense to you. But when the story is over, you are glad that everything worked out for good in the end.

On the other hand, imagine that you are the author of the book or the director of the movie. You know everything that’s going to happen. You know the beginning of the story, the problems of the story, and the happy ending. After all, because you wrote the story, you know how everything works together for good.

Sometimes in life there are things that do not make sense to us at all. Why is my friend being so mean to me? Why did we have to lose that big game? Why did mom lose her job? Why did my loved one have to die so soon? These problems are confusing and frustrating, and sometimes make us very sad.

But today the apostle Paul encourages us with some very special words. He reminds us that, “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Even though we may not understand things that are happening in our lives, God does. God is like the author of a story. He knows the beginning, the middle, and the end of the story of our lives. He knows how everything will fit together and he knows how he will work it out for good.

So that friend being mean to you? Maybe God will bring a new and better friend into your life! Mom lost her job? Maybe God will lead her to a better job, or maybe God will teach your family to trust and rely on him more! That loved one who passed away so soon? Not only does God bring all believers to heaven, but he also reminds us when people die how special heaven is and that we want to be there, too.

You see, in each and every chapter of our lives, God is working all things for our good. We may not know how at the time, but we can trust that our mighty God is doing what he promises is for our good. After all, if God loved us enough to give us his own Son to save us, we can definitely trust that God will work in love in all things for our good. Best of all, God is working in all things to lead you to life with him in heaven, and that’s the happiest ending any story could ever have!

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, help us to trust that you work all things, even bad things, for good in our lives. We may not know how or why, but we trust that you do. We thank you for loving us so much. 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 bad things that happen to people sometimes in this world?
• Explain what it means that God will work something out for your good.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why is it comforting to know that God knows every moment of your life—the past, the present, and the future?
• How can you learn to trust in God and his promises more?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Give examples of things that happen in life where people might say, “There is no way this could be for my good.”
• Next, give examples of how God might work through those things for good.

Hymn: CW 93:1,4 – Hail to the Lord’s Anointed

Hail to the Lord’s Anointed, Great David’s greater Son!
Hail, in the time appointed, His reign on earth begun!
He comes to break oppression, To set the captive free,
To take away transgression, And rule in equity.

O’er ev’ry foe victorious, He on his throne shall rest,
From age to age more glorious, All blessing and all-blest.
The tide of time shall never His covenant remove;
His name shall stand forever—That name to us is Love.

 

Read: Mark 1:29-39

Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her. So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them.

That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. The whole town gathered at the door, and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.
Mark 1:30-34

I Need Help

 

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

“I need help!” Those are words that parents get to know very well. Their children say them more times than anyone could ever count. “I need help tying my shoes!… I need help cutting the pizza… I need help pouring milk… I need help with my math.” Even though they hear it a lot, parents are glad to help their children and to teach them what to do.

However, sometimes children are a little bit stubborn (okay, sometimes really stubborn), and they think they can do things without help. That’s when problems happen. They try to pour the full gallon of milk onto their cereal, and milk ends up everywhere. They try tying shoes without first learning, and they trip and fall over the laces. They try that tricky math problem they don’t understand without any help, and they get a bad grade in the class. It’s good to admit you need help and to get help from someone who loves you!

Sometimes we act like this with Jesus, too. We have so many problems in our lives, but sometimes we think we can take care of them on our own. But whether you are sick, in trouble, sad, or lonely—there is no problem we can take care of in our lives without God helping us in some way.

Jesus’ disciples found that out very quickly. Soon after Jesus called them to be his disciples, they saw Jesus perform all kinds of miracles. In today’s devotion we heard about just some of the people who were in great need. People had diseases, demons, and sicknesses—even Simon Peter’s mother-in-law was sick with a fever. Yet all of those people learned through their problems that they needed the Lord’s help and that he did have the power to help them.

If we need help with our physical problems in life like sicknesses and diseases, how much more is this true with our spiritual problems! We need Jesus’ help with our sins! The one who can take away all our sickness is also the one who took away all our sins! The one who conquers diseases also conquered death! Today we remember that we need Jesus’ help, and that he has the power to help us. We also thank God that Jesus helped us with our greatest problem by taking away our sin and giving us life in heaven.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, help me to remember how much I need you in my life. I need you with every worldly problem, but I also need you as my Savior. Thank you for being the answer to my every need. 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 some of the problems that people had in the Bible story today?
• Where did Jesus get all his power to help and to heal people?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What are some of the problems in your family that you would like to ask Jesus to help with?
• Why can we be so confident that Jesus has the power to help us? What proof do we have?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• If Jesus has the power to help us with every worldly problem, why doesn’t he fix all of them for us?
• Agree or Disagree: Jesus healed people to show that he loves them. Explain your answer.

Hymn: CW 93:1,2 – Hail to the Lord’s Anointed

Hail to the Lord’s Anointed, Great David’s greater Son!
Hail, in the time appointed, His reign on earth begun!
He comes to break oppression, To set the captive free,
To take away transgression, And rule in equity.

He comes with rescue speedy To those who suffer wrong,
To help the poor and needy And bid the weak be strong,
To give them songs for sighing, Their darkness turn to light
Whose souls, condemned and dying, Are precious in his sight.