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Read: Isaiah 56:1,6-8

And foreigners who bind themselves to the LORD to minister to him, to love the name of the LORD, and to be his servants, all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it and who hold fast to my covenant—these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.” The Sovereign LORD declares—he who gathers the exiles of Israel: “I will gather still others to them besides those already gathered.” Isaiah 56:6-8

Better Than Stinky Fish!

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

What is the strangest food you’ve ever smelled—or actually tasted?

Different countries have different foods that are local favorites. But just because people in one place love a certain food doesn’t mean everyone will love it! Some Scandinavian countries have the tradition of eating fish prepared in a special way. People who grew up eating it may think it is delicious. But people who aren’t used to it may hold their noses and call it “stinky fish.” No thanks!

The Old Testament Israelites had some traditions that may have seemed equally strange to people who hadn’t grown up with them. One of God’s Old Testament rules for them was called the Sabbath Day. Every week they had one whole day when they stopped their regular work to rest, worship, and remember what God had done for them. Can you imagine how strange that seemed to people from other countries? They might have said, “You stop working for an entire day? No thanks! I’ve got things to do!”

That’s why these words from Isaiah are so surprising. Isaiah talks about “foreigners”—people from other nations—joining the Israelites on their Sabbaths. Even though these foreigners hadn’t grown up following Israel’s customs, they wanted to worship and to be like the Israelites. That’s as strange as people from other countries wanting to eat “stinky fish”!

Why did they want to join the Israelites? They wanted to join them because they had come to know that the true God wasn’t only for the Israelites. He was for them too! And he wasn’t just a God that gave people rest one day of the week. He promised eternal rest through the Savior who was coming. That Savior was Jesus.

You are proof that God’s promise is still coming true today. Your family and your congregation are probably not made up of people from Israel. This means you are also a group of “foreigners” who have joined to do the same thing they did for so long. When your family stops what you are doing to listen to God’s Word, you are enjoying the rest Jesus gives. All around the world, “foreigners” from all sorts of backgrounds and countries are still joining God’s people to do the same thing. They do this because Jesus is not like “stinky fish”—something only certain people might enjoy. Jesus is for everyone. His love is for everyone. His promise of heaven is for everyone. And that includes you!

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, you are the Savior of all people. Thank you for gathering me into your family of believers through your Word. Gather even more people around the world into your family. In your name we 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 is the strangest food you have ever smelled or tasted? Did you like it?
• A “foreigner” is someone from another country or nation. Who were the foreigners in today’s devotion coming to worship with?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What are some family traditions you have that might seem unusual to other people?
• Why might celebrating the Sabbath have seemed strange to someone who wasn’t an Israelite?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• What did the foreigners learn about Israel’s God that made them want to worship him too?
• Jesus has already done all the work needed to save us. How does knowing that give us “rest”?

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Read: Romans 8:28-39

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

It Still Holds

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

There’s an episode of the show Bluey called “Cubby”, where Bluey and Bingo make a pillow fort for the ages. Have you ever built a pillow fort before? A really good one needs something to hold it together. You can use couch cushions or chairs. You can use clothespins, binder clips, or even some tape to try to hold the blankets up. But then someone crawls inside and the whole thing moves, shifts, and then . . . falls apart. Not everything holds.

You’ll notice that in today’s Bible reading, Paul talks about some very tough things: trouble, danger, hunger, pain, and even death. Things that are waaaaay too heavy for the pillow forts of our lives. And when those things happen, people might wonder, “Does God still love me? Did his promises fall apart, too?”

But the answer in Romans is clear: it still holds.

God’s love still holds when life is scary. God’s love still holds when our prayers aren’t answered the way we wanted them to be. God’s love still holds when people are mean to us, when we get sick, or when we feel worried.

How can Paul be so sure? Because of Jesus! “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also . . . graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32). God already gave his only Son for you. God showed his love for us like this: while we were still stuck in sin, Jesus died for us. He carried your sins to the cross and rose again so you could know for sure that God’s love still holds.

So, when you wonder, “Is God still for me?” just look at Jesus. In him, God’s answer is yes. That doesn’t mean everything will be easy; Paul never says that. You will still have very hard days.

But the point is that those hard days cannot pull you away from Jesus. Sad days can’t take Jesus away from you. Scary days cannot remove you from his love. Because that love is not like tape on a pillow fort. It won’t slip, snap, or give up. In Jesus, God’s promise still holds.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for holding us in your love when life is hard or scary. Help us trust that nothing can separate us from 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

• Build a tiny “fort” with your hands. What would happen if it fell?
• Say this together: “Jesus’ love still holds!” Now write it down and put it somewhere the whole family can see it.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Name one thing that does not always hold together very well.
• What hard things does Paul say cannot separate us from God’s love?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why is it important that Paul does not pretend Christians will avoid trouble?
• When someone wonders, “Is God still for me?” how does Jesus answer that question?

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Read: Matthew 14:13-21

They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children. Matthew 14:20-21

When Your Lunch Is Too Little

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

Five loaves of bread and two fish.

That might be enough for one small lunch. Maybe. But it was definitely not enough for a crowd of thousands of people. Not even close!

The disciples knew that. They looked around at the hillsides packed with people who had followed Jesus. Some of them had been sick—and Jesus had miraculously healed them. Now the people were tired and hungry. The sun was starting to set. So, the disciples did the math: one tiny, packed lunch divided by thousands of people equals . . . uh-oh. Big trouble!

You can understand why the disciples told Jesus to “send the crowds away.” It made sense. Let the people go buy their own food. But Jesus had a different plan. He said, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”

Just imagine the disciples looking at each other! “We should feed them? With what?” They had only five loaves and two fish, and that would never feed a crowd like this. It probably wouldn’t even feed your whole classroom at school.

But watch closely what Jesus does next. He says, “Bring them here to me.” Five loaves and two fish looked far too small—but they were being placed into the hands of Jesus. That is the best place for small things, weak things, hard things, and impossible things. Bring them to Jesus.

Jesus took the bread and fish. He gave thanks. Then he gave the food to the disciples, and the disciples gave it to the people. And everyone ate. Not just a little taste; not just one tiny bite. They all ate and were satisfied. They began with one small meal and ended with twelve baskets of leftovers! Perhaps each disciple carried away a basket—a powerful reminder of what Jesus can do.

Jesus gave more than enough. That’s what Jesus did for the hungry crowd. He saw hungry people and gave them bread. He saw sick people and healed them. Most importantly, he saw sinful people and came to save them.

Jesus sees what you need, too. Sometimes you need food, help, courage, patience, or rest. But most of all, you need him. So, Jesus gave himself for you. He gives forgiveness that does not run out. He gives love that does not end. He gives life that lasts forever.

Five loaves and two fish looked hopelessly small—until placed in Jesus’ hands. When what you have looks too small, bring it to Jesus. In his hands, there is always more than enough.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for seeing what we need and caring for us with compassion. Help us bring our worries and needs to you, trusting that your love is always more than enough. 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

• Hold up five fingers for the loaves. Now hold up two fingers for the fish. Was that a lot of food for thousands of people?
• Show with your face how the disciples might have looked when they saw twelve baskets of leftovers.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What do the twelve baskets of leftovers teach us about Jesus’ power?
• Jesus said, “Bring them here to me.” What is one worry or need your family can bring to Jesus in prayer?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• The disciples’ first idea was to send the hungry people away. Why do people sometimes try to solve problems without bringing them to Jesus first?
• Jesus gave the crowd more than enough food. How does that miracle help you trust him when your own strength, patience, faith, or resources feel too small?

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Read: 1 Kings 17:1-6

You will drink from the brook, and I have directed the ravens to supply you with food there.” So he did what the LORD had told him. He went to the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan, and stayed there. The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook. 1 Kings 17:4-6

God’s Delivery Service

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

Birds are pretty good at finding food. They peck in the grass. They look for crumbs. They raid your beach picnic (we’re looking at you, seagulls!). They search in trees and bushes. But in today’s Bible reading, you probably noticed that the birds weren’t finding food for themselves. They were working for God’s delivery service! God used ravens to deliver food to Elijah.

Sounds pretty strange, right?

Elijah was a prophet who spoke God’s Word during the reign of a wicked king named Ahab. Ahab didn’t love the one true God and led many people away from the Lord. So, God sent Elijah with a message to show Ahab how serious his sin was: there would be no rain for a long time.

No rain meant dry ground; dry ground meant no crops; no crops meant people wouldn’t have enough food. Many people and animals could starve to death! But God didn’t forget about Elijah. He told his prophet to go to a special place near a brook, where clean, cool water would flow for Elijah to drink. God would even send ravens to bring food for Elijah! So, Elijah went, and God kept his promise. Every morning and evening, ravens came with bread and meat. Day after day, Elijah had what he needed.

God’s care looked strange . . . it came through birds! But it was still God’s care.

God still provides for us today. And he provides for us in ways you have come to expect: grocery stores, parents, friends, a teacher, a neighbor . . . so many different ways. But, at other times, God provides for us in ways we never saw coming.

This is what makes God’s people different, though, just like Elijah was different from Ahab. Christians don’t always know how God will provide or when he will provide. But we do know this: God will provide! God cared for Elijah near the brook. God cares for you, too. And if you ever need proof of that, remember that God provided his own Son, Jesus, as the sacrifice needed to pay for our sins. Through Jesus, God gives you what you need. Through Jesus, God gives forgiveness, life, and a home with him forever.

The God who sent birds with bread has not forgotten what his children need. And he knows why you need it. And he promises that he will always provide.

Prayer:

Dear Father, thank you for giving us what we need each day. Help us trust your care, even when we do not yet see how you will provide. 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 kind of birds brought Elijah food?
• Pretend you are a raven delivering Elijah’s meal. What food are you carrying?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What did God show Elijah by giving him food each morning and evening?
• List as many people, places and things God uses to give you what you need as you can in 30 seconds. Ready. Set. Go!

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why can it be hard to trust God when he provides only one day at a time?
• What’s the difference between trusting God to provide what we need and expecting him to give us everything we want?

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Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, which some have professed and in so doing have departed from the faith. Grace be with you all. 1 Timothy 6:17-21

The Richest Kid in the World

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

David Lee Edwards won a $27 million lottery, but only five years later, all that money was gone, and he was living in a storage shed with his wife. Imagine having millions of dollars—enough to buy enormous houses, fancy cars, and almost anything you wanted—and then losing it all! Other lottery winners have had the same thing happen to them.

I guess money doesn’t last forever.

Then why do so many people chase after money as if it is the magic wand that will solve every problem, make them happy forever, and never run out? Because every one of us has a sinful nature. Our sinful selves are attracted to things we can see, hold, buy, and enjoy right now. God’s treasures may not be things we can hold in our hands, but they are much more valuable—and they last forever.

This is not a new problem. More than 2,000 years ago the apostle Paul wrote, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth” (1 Timothy 6:17). Paul did not say that having money is sinful. Money is one of God’s gifts, and it can be used in wonderful ways. The danger comes when we trust money more than we trust God.

God wants you to be rich—just not only in things that can break, disappear, or be taken away. Be rich in something that lasts. Paul said it like this, “Command [them] . . . to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment . . . to be rich in good deeds . . . In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age” (1 Timothy 6:17-19).

“Everything” means that our money, food, clothing, homes, toys, and everything are gifts from God. We can enjoy them and thank him for them. But those blessings are only for our life here on earth.

Now look even farther—past this life and the way into eternity. There you can see God’s greatest treasures. We are sinners who could never earn a place in heaven or save ourselves. So God gave us something no amount of money could ever buy: Jesus, our Savior. Because of him, God freely gives us forgiveness and eternal life.

So be rich in things that last! Adults invest in “forever” when they use that money to support Christian education. Parents invest when they bring their family to worship and Sunday school. Friends are “rich in good deeds” when they use their time and talents to help others. You become spiritually rich whenever you spend time with God in his Word.

So, who is the richest kid in the world? You may not have the most money or the coolest stuff. But if Jesus is your Savior, that makes every child of God—including you—one of the richest kids in the world.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, help us put our hope in you instead of money or possessions. Make us rich in faith, rich in good deeds, and rich in the treasures that last forever. 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

• Does money last forever?
• What do we have that WILL last forever?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Name some earthly treasures—things we can own or buy. Who gives us those blessings?
• Name some spiritual treasures—gifts from God that money can’t buy. Who blesses us with those?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• If someone watched how you use your time, spend your money, and serve with your talents, what would they conclude is most valuable to you?
• Make a list of at least ten spiritual treasures Jesus gives us for free that are more precious than anything money can buy. (Possible examples include forgiveness, faith, peace with God, prayer, God’s Word, Baptism, the Lord’s Supper, Christian friends, purpose, and eternal life.)

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Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared. “The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’ “‘An enemy did this,’ he replied. “The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ “‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’” Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. “As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear. Matthew 13:24-30,36-43

Difficult Farming

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

Farming is difficult business. You need to find good seeds and good soil. The sun and rain are beyond your control. Neither planting nor harvesting are easy. And in between you’ve got to keep the weeds from choking out the wheat. But what if the weeds looked almost exactly like the wheat? How would you know which ones to pull?

Jesus says the farmer should leave them alone for now. That’s Jesus’ surprising answer. Of course, he wasn’t talking about literal farming. He was talking about harvesting souls.

When Jesus explained his parable of “The Weeds and the Wheat,” he uncovered some uncomfortable truths. We are happy that the Holy Spirit has called us to be God’s people through Jesus—that’s not uncomfortable. What is uncomfortable, however, is that the devil also has his followers in the world. Like the similar-looking weeds and wheat, believers and unbelievers often look the same on the outside. Someone may smile, be kind, and seem like a good person, but only God knows what is truly in a person’s heart. Only God, who sees hearts, can immediately tell the difference.

That leads to a second uncomfortable truth: God allows both believers and unbelievers to live together on earth. Jesus explains that it is out of concern for believers that God allows this, “while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them” (Matthew 13:29). God knows what he is doing, even when we do not understand all his reasons.

It is difficult to live as wheat among weeds. Sometimes it feels like there are more people who ignore God than follow him. Christians can feel outnumbered. We wonder why God does not put an end to wickedness right now. Yet Jesus calls us to live patiently, faithfully, and with hope. God knows those who belong to him. We cannot always tell who truly belongs to Jesus. A friend who doesn’t believe today might hear about Jesus tomorrow. A neighbor who never goes to church today may someday trust in Jesus because someone shared God’s Word with them. He wants more people to hear the good news and be brought into his kingdom. That’s one reason God waits. He wants more people to be saved.

A harvest is coming. On the Last Day, God’s angels will separate the wheat from the weeds without making a single mistake. Then every believer will finally “shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father” (Matthew 13:43). What a wonderful day that will be! Until then, we live confidently as God’s people, trusting the Farmer who knows exactly what he is doing.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, help us live patiently and faithfully for you among the weeds of this world. Keep us trusting in you until the day we shine in your heavenly kingdom. 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

• In Jesus’ story, what grew in the field besides wheat? Are weeds good or bad?
• Who is the only one who can see what is really in a person’s heart?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• True or False: You can always tell if someone believes in Jesus just by looking at them. Why or why not?
• Can you think of a time when it was hard to follow Jesus because people around you made different choices?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why is it dangerous to decide whether someone is wheat or a weed just by what we can see?
• How does the promise of the final harvest help you live patiently and hopefully in a world where evil still exists?

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Read: Isaiah 44:6-11

“This is what the LORD says—Israel’s King and Redeemer, the LORD Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God. Do not tremble, do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago? You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one.” All who make idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Isaiah 44:6,8-9

God Isn’t Monopoly Money!

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

Every Monopoly game comes with $20,580. That’s a lot of money! But imagine walking into a toy store with a handful of Monopoly money and trying to buy your favorite LEGO set or stuffed animal. It won’t work. It’s fake money.

Sometimes people make a similar mistake with something much more important. They put their hopes for happiness and even heaven in created things instead of the Creator. In Isaiah’s time—and, in some places still today—those created things were statues—idols—made of wood or stone. But idols don’t have to be made of wood or stone. An idol can be anything or anyone that we fear, love, or trust more than the true God. Today idols may look like sports, video games, being the best at something, friends, money, or being popular. Wood and stone are real. Toys, money, friends, and popularity are real too. But none of these are God. They are false gods that cannot bring us real joy, peace, forgiveness, or eternal life.

Isaiah says, “All who make idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless” (Isaiah 44:9).

What are the idols that tempt you? Money? Are you more in love with the stuff of this world than with the One who created it? Popularity? Is your life focused on being the most popular person in the room with the most “likes” and “followers”?

This is what makes believers in Jesus different. Christians may or may not be famous or wealthy, and they may or may not have lots of nice things, but they have Christ. They believe God’s words, “Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one” (Isaiah 44:8). By grace, the one and only God found them and called them into his family of faith. They also know that Jesus has forgiven all their sins, even the sin of so often wanting their own selfish desires above what God wants.

Living as God’s people in this world is not always easy. Advertisements whisper that happiness is found in what we own. Social media suggests our value depends on how many people notice us. Yet none of those can save us. Christians are different because they listen to the voice of their Savior, who alone forgives sinners.

To have the true God is to have everything. God forgives sins, promises the resurrection from death, and reserves for us a room in his heavenly mansion. Those are gifts that never wear out, never break, and can never be taken away. When we have him, we possess treasures that never fade and a future that never ends.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, forgive us when we love other things more than you. Help us trust you above all else and find our joy in your forgiveness and promises. 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 wouldn’t Monopoly money work at a real store?
• How many true Gods are there?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Name three idols that people today might be tempted to love more than God.
• What are some things that the true God gives that idols cannot give?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Luther says that a “god” is whatever we trust most or run to first for help. When kids are scared, sad, or worried, what are some things they might be tempted to trust instead of God?
• How can a Christian enjoy God’s gifts—such as family, success, possessions, or popularity—without turning them into idols?

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Read: 1 Corinthians 3:5-11

By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:10-11

The First Button

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

Have you ever gotten dressed in the dark? Maybe you started buttoning your shirt and everything seemed fine at first. But when you got to the last button, something looked funny. One side was higher than the other! You turn on a light and discover the problem. The very first button was in the wrong hole. Because the first button was wrong, every other button ended up wrong too. One little mistake at the beginning changed everything at the end.

Paul was dealing with a problem at the church in Corinth. Some people were arguing about which teacher was most important. Was it Paul, who started the church? Was it Apollos, who helped teach the people afterward? Paul reminded them that they were all working together for God. One person planted the seed. Another person watered it. But God was the one making it grow.

Then Paul shared something even more important. Every Christian is building on the exact same foundation: Jesus Christ. A foundation is the part of a building that everything else sits on. If the foundation cracks, the whole building is in trouble. But if the foundation is strong, the building can stand firm. Jesus is the strong foundation for the church.

Jesus is also the strong foundation for our family. Sometimes it’s easy to build our lives on other things. We might think, “I’ll be happy if I make the team.” Or “Everything will be okay if I get a good grade.” Or “I need everyone to like me.” Those things aren’t bad. Sports, school, and friendships are gifts from God. But they make terrible foundations. What happens if you don’t make the team? What happens if you get a bad grade? What happens if a friend says something hurtful? If those things are your foundation, your whole life can start to feel shaky like it’s going to crash down!

Our foundation is already laid for us in Jesus. That means your value doesn’t depend on how well you play, how smart you are, or what other people think about you. Your value comes from Jesus. When Jesus died and rose again, he forgave every sin. He made you part of God’s family. He promised to love you forever.

When our family prays together, reads God’s Word together, and reminds each other about God’s forgiveness, we are building on a rock-solid foundation. It’s a “first-button” issue: When Jesus is our foundation, we know how the rest of our story lines up. No matter what difficult days come, Jesus will hold us up now until he invites us to our forever home in heaven.

Now THAT’S a really good ending!

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for being our strong foundation. When we are tempted to build our lives on sports, grades, popularity, or other things, remind us that you are what matters most. Help our family stay close to you through your Word and prayer. Thank you for loving us, forgiving us, and holding us up 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 happened when the first button was put in the wrong hole?
• Who does Paul say is the foundation of the church?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What are some things kids your age sometimes think are the most important things in life?
• Why can sports, grades, friends, or hobbies make us happy but still be poor foundations?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Imagine two families. One builds everything around success and achievements. The other builds everything around Jesus. What differences might you notice when both families go through a difficult time?
• Look at the practical examples mentioned at the end: praying together, reading God’s Word, and reminding each other of forgiveness. Which of these do you think our family is doing well, and which one could we work on to make our foundation stronger?

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Read: Matthew 11:25-30

[Jesus said] “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (EHV)

The Best Kind of Rest

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

There is no animal that purposely delays sleep. Whether it is a giraffe needing 2 hours of sleep or a cat needing 20, no animal will go out of its way to not rest. People, however, are quite different. Despite knowing the dangers associated with lack of sleep and rest we humans continue to work too long and rest too little. We stay up watching shows, playing video games, scrolling on a device, or trying to finish one more thing before bed.

The God who made us knows that we need rest. But Jesus came to give us more than a good night’s sleep. He doesn’t give us one more thing to do, another homework assignment, or one more project to finish. Instead, Jesus invites us to himself so that he can give us rest.

Certainly, Jesus gives us an example of rest. Even the Son of God would take time to sleep, to pray, and to spend time in God’s Word.

But the most important rest Jesus gives is for your soul. He gives you rest when he says that your sins are forgiven. You don’t have to carry around the burden of guilt and the wrong things you’ve done. Jesus took the sins off your back, carried them to the cross himself, and took their punishment away. Because of him, you are God’s child and Jesus’ friend—forever!

Jesus gives you rest as he cares for you even now directing all things for your eternal good. Your life does not consist of you having to be smart enough to figure it all out or to outhustle everyone around you. You can be confident that good things await you because God is directing everything for your sake.

Finally, Jesus will give you the greatest rest you will ever know as he is in heaven preparing a place for you to be with him forever. The gentle and humble Savior has promised a place with him forever.

In a world where we so often fail to rest, our Jesus gives us exactly the rest we need.

Prayer:

Father in heaven, our souls are not at rest until they rest in you. Give us the rest Jesus offers to us. 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

• Who does Jesus invite to come to him in these verses?
• What kinds of things can make people feel tired, worried, or burdened?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• How does Jesus describe the rest he gives?
• Jesus says he is “gentle and humble.” Why is it comforting to know that Jesus is kind and patient with us?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• What are some things kids your age worry about? How can Jesus help you with those worries?
• The devotion says that you don’t have to have all the answers because God is caring for you. When is it hard to trust God instead of worrying?

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Read: Exodus 33:12-23

And the LORD said, “Behold, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock, and while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Exodus 33:21-22 (ESV)

Safe in Jesus’ Hands

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

Whether it is a scary part in a movie or a loud dog at the park, young children will often reach for their parents’ hand. They want to know if their mom and dad are still there and if they are safe. Their parents’ hand lets them know that wherever they are going they don’t need to be afraid. Someone stronger is there to protect them.

The burden of leadership must have been exhausting for Moses. Every day he helped lead hundreds of thousands of people through the wilderness. The people often complained about food, water, and even about Moses himself. One time, a golden calf seemed more attractive to worship than even God himself! Moses must have been tired, discouraged, and overwhelmed.

God had promised Moses, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest” (Exodus 33:14). But Moses wanted even more reassurance. He cried out, “Please, show me your glory” (Exodus 33:18).

God answered Moses’ request, but in a special way. No sinful person can look directly at all of God’s holy glory and live. So, the Lord placed Moses in the cleft of a rock—a safe hiding place—and covered him with his own hand as his glory passed by.

Moses found rest not by escaping his work, but by being safely hidden in the care of God Almighty. Moses learned that God’s glory isn’t just a burning fire of judgment. God’s glory is also his mercy and kindness. He is slow to anger and full of faithful love.

Like Moses, we also pray to a gracious God that the Rock of ages would hide us as well. We don’t need to hide in a rocky outcropping like Moses did, but we do need Jesus. Jesus keeps us safe in his grace and gives us true rest. In Jesus, God’s glory is seen as his saving grace. Jesus stretched out his nailed-scarred hands on the cross. Now those same loving hands watch over you and everywhere you go. Wherever you go, Jesus goes with you.

Hidden in Christ, your sins are forgiven, your burdens are carried, and your soul is granted eternal rest. God’s hand is on you, and you are safe with him!

Prayer:

Lord God, heavenly Father, when we feel worried, scared, or tired, remind us that Jesus is our safe place. Hide us in the shelter of our rock, Jesus Christ. Thank you for revealing your glory to us through your Word and sacraments. Thank you for forgiving our sins and giving us peace and rest. In Jesus’ 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

• Where did God hide Moses to keep him safe while his glory passed by?
• Jesus is like that “safe rock” for us. When are times that you feel scared, worried, or nervous? How does it help to know that Jesus is always with you?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Moses had a very big job leading God’s people through the wilderness. What are some things that can make kids feel tired, frustrated, or overwhelmed?
• Why couldn’t Moses look directly at God’s holy glory? How does God show us his grace and love today without scaring us?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• The devotion says that Jesus is our safe rock. What do you think that means?
• How does God’s Word in Holy Baptism and Holy Communion “safely hide” us when we face doubts or guilt?

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But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen. 1 Timothy 6:11-16

Ready, Set, Run!

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

It is so simple. One of the first sports anyone plays. At the playground, in the backyard, over at the neighborhood park. “I’ll race you! Ready, set, go!” Some people, many adults, continue to play this game and are willing to pay money to race with hundreds and thousands of people for distances far longer than to the swing set or across the park. In any race of any distance, to win, you gotta run fast, keep your eyes on the goal and never give up—even when you’re tired.

In his first letter to Timothy, the apostle Paul tells us to “flee” from things like greed and selfishness. The word “flee” means to run away as fast as you can. If you saw a skunk with its tail up or a swarm of angry bees coming your way, you probably wouldn’t walk away—you’d run!

But Paul doesn’t just want us to run away from bad things; he wants us to run toward the good stuff. He tells us to pursue things like righteousness, godliness, and love. The word “pursue” means to chase after something. So, Paul is saying, “Run away from sin, and run toward the things God loves.”

Sometimes, living as a Christian can feel like a long race. We know how hard it is to be kind and loving when someone seems to be mean to you. We know the struggle of remaining patient when we really want something right now. And these struggles are part of every day, far more than just a few times in our day. Paul calls this the “good fight of the faith.” It’s a fight because our sinful nature always wants us to go the wrong way or simply give up.

But here is the best part: You are never running this race alone. God has promised to be with us to strengthen us and help us. We know how hard it can be to tell the truth when a lie seems easier. We know how hard it can be to share when we want something all for ourselves. When it comes to winning the prize, God has already given you the prize! Jesus’ resurrection means all our enemies have been defeated. He has won the victory over sin, death, and the devil. Because of him, your sins are forgiven, and you have the gift of eternal life. The victory is yours.

Imagine entering a race and finding out that the prize already belongs to you before the race even starts. That’s what Jesus has done for us. We don’t run so that God will love us. We run because he already loves us and has already saved us.

When you feel tired or distracted, look at Jesus. Remember his promises from favorite Bible passages. Remember the good news of great joy you heard in worship this last week. Jesus is the “King of kings and Lord of lords.” He gives you the strength to keep running, to keep loving others, and to keep “fighting the good fight” until the day we stand in victory with him in heaven.

So today . . . Ready. Set. Run! Run away from sin and run toward Jesus!

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank you for winning the victory for me through Jesus. Help me to run away from things that hurt others and run toward the things that please you. Give me strength to continue fighting the good fight of faith today. 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 flee” from something?
• What does it mean “to pursue” something?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Paul calls living our faith a fight. Is it a fight against someone else or something else? Who or what are we fighting?
• Even in a large race usually only a few top finishers receive a prize. How does knowing Jesus has already won the prize make our days easier when things are hard?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Take some time to discuss the difference between righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Which is easiest to understand? Which one is hardest?
• King of kings and Lord of lords. The almighty God is on our side and he deeply loves us. How does this help us in the way we act in the constant fight of faith?

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Read: Matthew 10:5a,21-33

[Jesus said] Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven. Matthew 10:29-33

Safe in God’s Care

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

Imagine you saw a job description that read something like this:

WANTED: Someone willing to work long hours for little pay. You won’t see your family as much. Some people won’t like you. Some may even be angry with you. You might have to leave your home and travel to new places. Your job will never end.

Would you want that job? That doesn’t sound very exciting, does it?

It’s not so different from what Jesus told his disciples when he sent them out to tell others about him. Jesus wanted them to know that sharing God’s Word would not always be easy. And Jesus doesn’t just send pastors and missionaries. He sends all of us to tell others about him. Sometimes people don’t want to hear about Jesus. Sometimes they disagree with what God says. Sometimes they may even make fun of Christians.

That happened to Jesus’ disciples. All of them suffered. Most of them gave their lives for their faith because they shared the good news about Jesus. But Jesus didn’t tell those things to scare them. He told them something better. Jesus said: “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care” (verse 29).

Sparrows are tiny birds. Most people barely notice them. But God notices every single one. “Even the very hairs of your head are all numbered” (verse 30). God knows everything about you. He knows your name. He knows your thoughts. He knows your joys and your fears. And because he loves you so much, Jesus says: “Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” (verse 31). What a promise! When Jesus sends us to share our faith, he doesn’t send us alone. He walks beside us. He watches over us. He cares for us every day.

So, imagine reading this instead:

WANTED: Someone to see God’s love every day. You’ll walk side-by-side with a Savior who never leaves you. There will be challenges, but you never need to be afraid. God will care for you so closely that he even knows how many hairs are on your head. And one day you’ll live with him forever in heaven.

You don’t have to imagine it. That’s exactly the life Jesus has given you.

Prayer:

Jesus, help me see the beautiful, challenging, wonderful, grace-filled life you’ve called me to, and let me speak your Word faithfully here until you bring me faithfully home to 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

• Why do you think Jesus talked about sparrows?
• What does it mean that God knows even how many hairs are on your head?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why can you be brave when you talk about Jesus or share your faith?
• Who is someone you know that shares Jesus with others? Pray for them together.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Jesus says that following him can sometimes be hard. If nobody has ever given you a hard time because you’re a Christian, does that mean you aren’t sharing your faith well? Why or why not?
• What does Jesus promise to do for those who acknowledge him before others? (see verse 32)

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Read: Jeremiah 20:7-13

If I say, “I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name,” his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot. But the LORD is with me like a mighty warrior; He rescues the life of the needy from the hands of the wicked. Jeremiah 20:7-13 (selected verses)

When God’s Word Burns Inside You

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

Have you ever had good news that you wanted to tell, but you weren’t allowed to yet? Maybe you knew about a surprise party or that your mom was going to have another baby, but you were told, “Don’t tell anyone yet!” When you have news that’s so exciting like that, it’s hard to keep it in. You just want to burst out!

That’s a little like what happened to the prophet Jeremiah. God gave him a message to share with God’s people. Part of the message warned them about their sins. But it also included the promise of God’s love and forgiveness. Jeremiah said that he tried not to speak God’s Word, it felt like a burning fire inside him. It was hard to keep it in!

But there was a problem. People didn’t always like hearing God’s message. When Jeremiah warned people about their sins, they became angry with him. They even hated him and tried to hurt him. Can you imagine how hard that must have been? It hurt Jeremiah when he didn’t speak God’s Word, but it also hurt him when he did.

You probably can! Because God shared his Word with you. You know that sins separate us from God, and when you see people you love who don’t believe in God or are living in sinful ways, you care about them and want them to know Jesus. And more than that, you love to tell people about God’s grace and forgiveness. Sometimes it feels hard to keep that good news inside!

But maybe you’ve experienced something else too. Maybe you told someone what God says about sin or told them about Jesus—and they didn’t believe you. Maybe they laughed, rolled their eyes, or didn’t want to listen. That hurts too.

Jeremiah didn’t find a way to make it stop hurting. Instead, he remembered that his Savior was with him. That gave him courage to speak—and it gave him comfort when speaking God’s Word brought him pain.

Jesus is with you, too, and has placed his promises in your heart. He promises to help you speak with courage, kindness, and love. So, don’t hold his promises in!

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for putting your Word in my heart. Help me also keep your Word on my mouth, so that others can hear what you’ve done. Give me courage to speak your Word truthfully, and grant that other people believe. 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’s a time you had exciting news that was really hard to keep secret?
• People were mad at Jeremiah for sharing God’s Word. Has someone ever been mad at you for telling them about what God says?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Jeremiah said God’s Word felt like a fire burning inside him. Why do you think he described it that way?
• Pick a pastor, teacher, or other church leader who shares God’s Word—even when it’s hard. Pray for them.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Jeremiah felt hurt whether he stayed quiet or spoke up. Why do you think he still kept sharing God’s message?
• What comfort gave Jeremiah courage at the end of the reading? And how does it help you when the truth of God’s Word is hard to hear or to share?

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Read: 1 Corinthians 4:1-7

This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:1-2

What Makes a Good Pastor?

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

John the Baptist ate bugs. Real bugs! The Bible says he ate locusts—kind of like giant grasshoppers—and wild honey.

Elijah wore strange clothes. Instead of nice soft clothes, he wore a rough coat made from camel’s hair and a big leather belt.

Moses stuttered. When God told Moses to speak to Pharaoh, Moses said, “I’m slow of speech and tongue.”

That makes us wonder: What kind of person does God use to preach and teach his Word?

People in the city of Corinth were wondering the same thing. Some people were starting to pick their “favorite pastors.” Maybe some liked the smartest preacher. Maybe others liked the funniest one. Maybe some liked the preacher who told great stories or spoke really loudly and confidently. People still do that today, don’t they?

But Paul said the most important thing to look for in a pastor or teacher is this: Are they faithful to God’s Word?

Of course, it’s wonderful when pastors and teachers are kind, interesting, funny, or good speakers. But the most important thing is that they teach what God says faithfully and truthfully.

Why? Because God describes his message as a mystery. A mystery is something we could never figure out on our own. We need someone to reveal it to us. So God sends us pastors, preachers, teachers, elders and other leaders to share this message that we could never figure out unless God had told us. No one would ever guess on their own that God loves sinners so much that he sent Jesus to save them. We might think we have to earn God’s love by being good enough. But God reveals the wonderful truth: Jesus already did everything needed to save us. Forgiveness and heaven are gifts from God.

And who does God use to share that message? Sometimes surprising people! People who eat bugs. People who aren’t fancy speakers. People who have weaknesses and sins. But when they faithfully teach God’s Word, they are exactly the kind of preachers and teachers God wants his people to have.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for revealing the mystery of your love to me. Bless us with pastors and teachers and help them be faithful in their work. 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 strange things did John the Baptist, Elijah, and Moses each have?
• Why do you think God sometimes uses surprising people to serve him?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What are some things people sometimes care about too much when picking favorite leaders or pastors?
• According to Paul, what matters most about a preacher or teacher?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why is the message of Jesus called a “mystery”?
• When people criticize us or we are upset at our leaders, why is it important to remember that God works through imperfect people?

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Read: Matthew 9:9-13

As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. Matthew 9:9

Used to Be

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

Have you ever been stuck with a nickname or remembered for something embarrassing? Maybe you were the kid who spilled milk in the lunchroom, forgot your lines in a program, or got in trouble at school. Sometimes people remember our mistakes for a long time.

That’s kind of what happened to Matthew. Before Matthew followed Jesus, he was a tax collector. That meant he collected money for the Roman government. Most Jewish people did not like tax collectors at all. They thought tax collectors were greedy, unfair, and friends with the enemy. Some tax collectors even cheated people and kept extra money for themselves.

So most people probably stayed away from Matthew. They may have whispered about him or pointed at him when he walked by. But then Jesus did something amazing. Jesus walked right up to Matthew and said, “Follow me.” Can you imagine how shocked the crowd must have been? “Wait . . . Jesus wants HIM to follow?”

But Jesus saw more than Matthew’s old job or past mistakes. Jesus saw someone he loved. Jesus forgave Matthew and gave him a new life. Matthew became one of Jesus’ disciples and even wrote one of the books of the Bible!

Did you know that Jesus does the same for you? That might sound silly, you’re not a tax collector. But you aren’t always perfect either. We can be selfish, rude, grumpy, lazy, or mean. Maybe there are times when people remember us for bad choices we made. But Jesus doesn’t only see your mistakes. Jesus says to you too, “Follow me.”

Because of Jesus, your sins are forgiven. You are not just “the kid who messed up.” That’s what you used to be—You are God’s child. Jesus makes you a new creation and helps you grow to live for him every day.

And just like Matthew, you get to tell other people about Jesus too!

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for calling me to follow you and making me your new creation. Give me the strength to live according to this new life you’ve given 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

• Who did Jesus call to follow him?
• What job did Matthew have before he followed Jesus?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why didn’t people like tax collectors?
• Why do you think people were surprised that Jesus talked to Matthew?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Keep reading the rest of Matthew’s story (verses 10-13). Where did Jesus go next?
• How does Jesus treat people differently than the world does?

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