Read: Malachi 4:1-3

“Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire,” says the Lord Almighty. “Not a root or a branch will be left to them. But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves. Then you will trample on the wicked; they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day when I act,” says the Lord Almighty.
Malachi 4:1-3

Jump for Joy!

 

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

Have you ever seen a baby cow, a calf, released from its stall? Those young calves have so much energy! They don’t want to be enclosed behind a gate. When they are well-fed and well-rested, they can’t wait for the gate to be opened. Then, when it finally is, they leap out of the stall and jump around for joy!

In some ways, baby calves are kind of like school kids going outside for recess after lunch. They can’t wait to go and play! It’s always funny that one of the first things young kids do at recess when they go outside is to start running and shout, “Yaaaaay!” They are so happy! They can’t wait to play!

One day soon, every believer will have a moment like this! No, it’s not a special recess time just for Christians. This special moment will be on judgment day when Jesus comes back.

When we first hear the words of God through the prophet Malachi for the devotion today, we might be a little scared. God talks about coming back with judgment and with fire, and everything will be done away with and destroyed. That sounds scary!

But then we hear the good news for believers. God says, “But for you who revere my name [that’s believers], the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays.” This verse is talking about Jesus. Like a beautiful sunrise that shines light in the morning, so the Son of God will come back to shine on us with the light of his love. Because he has forgiven all our sins and given to us the victory over death, judgment day will simply be a day for all believers to celebrate. We will finally be able to live with God forever in the joy of heaven. It’s like an eternal recess where we can be happy and rejoice all the time forever and ever.

It’s no wonder that God also says this, “And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves.” We sure will! When Jesus comes back for us to give us the final victory and life in heaven, we will run and jump for joy like kids going out to recess . . . like calves released from the stall . . . or even better, like children of God who have just won the victory forever and ever. What a special day when all believers will run and jump for joy!

Closing Prayer:

Lord God, help us to be patient as we wait for Jesus to return on judgment day. We can’t wait to celebrate his victory when he returns! 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 might sound scary about judgment day?
• Why don’t believers need to be scared about judgment day?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• The Bible verse today said that Jesus will come back with “healing” on judgment day. Explain what kind of healing that is talking about.
• What are you looking forward to the most on judgment day?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Agree/Disagree: Jesus coming back on judgment day will be a surprise to believers. Explain your answer.
• For those who do not believe, judgment day will actually be a very scary day. Describe how that fact influences the way we live.

 

Read: Revelation 14:6-7

Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people. He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.”
Revelation 14:6-7

Proclaim the Gospel!

 

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

Little Audrey loved to let her light shine. She was excited about her faith, and she was not afraid to show it. In church on Sunday mornings, Audrey could be heard saying the Lord’s Prayer louder than anyone else. She wasn’t being silly or rude, she was just happy to say that prayer like all the big people in church.

But it wasn’t only at church. Audrey talked about God in the classroom, on the playground, and on her sports teams. She even asked someone on an airplane once, “Do you believe in Jesus?” When they said, “No,” seven-year-old Audrey came right back with, “Well why not?!” Audrey loved Jesus so much that she wanted everyone to know about him and to be in heaven with her one day in the future.

The verses for this devotion are very special. The apostle John saw a vision of an angel flying through the air and proclaiming the gospel to all people. That word gospel means good news, and the good news is that Jesus is our Savior from sin. The Bible helps us to understand that this special vision was a prophecy—a promise about something, or someone, in the future.

We call ourselves Lutherans after the name of a great reformer, Martin Luther. Many people see him as a fulfillment of this vision. God used Martin Luther to help bring back the truth of the gospel, that good news that we are saved by God’s grace alone through faith in Jesus Christ. Martin Luther was a bold witness who helped preserve that message so that people all over the world could hear the good news. He was like the angel flying through the air in these verses.

But while Martin Luther is a part of this special vision, he’s not the only one. God has used many, many people over the years to help preach the gospel’s good news to other people all throughout the world. And you know what? That includes you! That’s right, when you act like little Audrey and talk about our Savior Jesus at school or on the playground, when you share the good news on an airplane or on a bus, or when adults share their faith at work or at the store—these are all examples of people that God is using to proclaim the good news of Jesus to others.

We Christians have heard the greatest news of all time. We believe in a Savior who lived and died for us to take away our sin, and who rose again to life so that we would rise to life in heaven. Now, God wants all people to know this gospel message, and he wants you to share it! So go, fly like an angel through the air to all the corners of the earth and proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ!

Closing Prayer:

Jesus, Lord of the Church, you send us out to make disciples of all nations. Help us to faithfully proclaim the truth of the gospel to all people everywhere we go. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

• What does the word gospel mean?
• What is the good news that God wants us to share with other people?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What are a couple reasons that people sometimes give for not wanting to share the gospel with others?
• Describe at least one way that we can overcome the temptation of not sharing the gospel with others.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Not everyone can be a pastor, teacher, or missionary. But what is a way that you can share the gospel with someone?
• Discuss with your family people you know that have boldly proclaimed the truth of the gospel to you. Discuss a way that you can thank them for preaching the truth of God’s Word.

 

Read: Daniel 3:16-28

Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.”
Daniel 3:28

Fired Up for the Lord!

 

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

What would you have done? What a tough situation!

Nebuchadnezzar was the wicked king of the Babylonians. He set up a giant gold idol that was 90 feet high and nine feet wide. Then he gave this command—whenever the signal was given, everyone was to bow down and worship that giant false god. But that’s not all! The command went on to say that whoever did not worship it would be thrown into a blazing furnace of fire and die.

Eventually, the signal was given, and everyone bowed down and worshiped. Well, almost everyone, that is. Three of God’s people named Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow down. They would not worship any other god besides our one true God.

So King Nebuchadnezzar had them thrown into the fiery furnace. But an amazing miracle happened! The Lord protected Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego so that not only did they not die, but not even a single hair on their heads was burned. Amazing! Nebuchadnezzar was amazed, too. That’s why he spoke the words of the verse for the day. The king praised God for protecting his three people who refused to worship any other God but their own.

It’s pretty unlikely that you will ever have to worry about being thrown into a fiery furnace. No one threatened you with death today because you are a Christian. Praise be to God for the many Christians of the past and in other parts of the world today who boldly trust in God in dangerous situations, like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did!

But just because your experiences are different, that doesn’t mean being a Christian is easy. Sometimes unbelievers try to convince us to worship other things—like money or fame or power, and yes, other false gods too. Sometimes friends might make fun of us for believing in Jesus or going to church. And yes, sometimes even family members might give us a hard time for worshiping the one true God.

Today we hear an amazing reminder about our gracious and powerful God. The same Savior God who loved us so much that he came to save us and who had the power to defeat death and the devil—that is the same Savior God who is with us every day. God will be with us and bless us every time our faith is tested. In the toughest moments, God will be there just like he was with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. And yes, even if we face death, we know that God will rescue us by taking us to life with him in heaven. So be bold, be brave, and worship the one true God knowing his grace and power for you!

Closing Prayer:

Dear God, help me to serve and worship you only, always putting you first and before anything else in this world. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

• What was the command that wicked King Nebuchadnezzar gave to the people in his kingdom?
• How did Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego show they loved God more than anything?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• In the United States, there are not many giant statues of false gods that people worship. But think of two things people are often tempted to put ahead of God in their lives.
• Explain how Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego putting God first in their lives was also an opportunity to witness to other people.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Agree/Disagree: Living in the United States where idols of money, fame, and power tempt us is more dangerous to our faith than if we lived in another country with actual idols to false gods. Explain your answer.
• Agree/Disagree: Christians are not afraid of death. Explain your answer.

 

Read: Mark 13:5-11

You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.
Mark 13:9-11

Bold Witnesses

 

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

“Church?! Why would you go to church?” Damien asked in disbelief. Aiden froze for a second. He didn’t know what to say. The two soccer teammates had been talking about their practice coming up on Sunday morning. Damien said he might be late to practice because he wanted to sleep in. Aiden chimed in and said he might be late too—but not because of sleep. Aiden said that he would be a little late to practice because he would be coming after church. That’s when Damien asked the tough question, “Church?! Why would you go to church?”

But after freezing for a second because he was afraid of what to say, Aiden suddenly had words come to mind. Very simply and yet confidently, Aiden said, “Our family goes to church to hear about Jesus’ love for us and to thank and praise him for that. Our pastor always has a great message, and our family never misses a service on Sunday.”

“Oh,” said Damien. (Now he was the one who didn’t know what to say.) But Aiden jumped in again. “Maybe your family should come to church with us some time. I think you would like it.” Damien thought for a moment and replied, “Maybe we will.”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus warned his disciples that following him would not always be easy. In fact, sometimes they would be put in difficult situations and have to be his witnesses before important and powerful people like rulers and kings. However, Jesus said that in those tough moments, the Holy Spirit would give them courage, strength, and the right words to talk about him. Sure enough, just as Jesus had foretold, the disciples did in fact become bold witnesses about the amazing news of Jesus’ death and resurrection for us.

Since the time of Jesus, many Christians have been in situations where it was difficult or even scary to talk about Jesus. This week we celebrate the Reformation of the Church. We remember that one of those many, many brave witnesses was Martin Luther. The Holy Spirit gave Martin Luther courage, strength, and the right words to stand before world leaders and speak the truth of being saved by God’s grace alone.

Just like Jesus’ disciples, just like Martin Luther, and just like Aiden, you can be a witness, too! Whether you are talking to a neighbor, a friend, a classmate, or a soccer teammate, be confident! God will give you courage, strength, and the right words to speak as a witness for Jesus!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord, you have promised to send your Holy Spirit to help us be bold witnesses to tell others about you. Give us courage and strength to share with all people your good news. 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 promise would help us share his Word with other people?
• What is the good news that we should share with others?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What does the word witness mean?
• What are real, practical ways that you can be a witness for the Lord?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• What do you think are the most challenging situations for young people to share their faith? Why?
• What do you think are the most challenging situations for adults to share their faith? Why?

 

Read: Hebrews 4:9-16

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12

Living for the Lord

 

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

Zavier was a mess. The tears were streaking down his face and dripping onto his legs. His eyes were red and puffy. His nose was running. His lips were quivering as he took big breaths trying to calm himself down. “I’m sorry . . . I’m . . . just . . . so . . . sorry!” He managed to say while crying.

Zavier had been caught using his dad’s iPad without asking. But not only did he not ask to use the iPad, Zavier made bad choices while using it, and then he lied about the whole thing. His parents found out and told Zavier how upset and disappointed they were because he had sinned against God and against them.

Now Zavier felt terrible and could hardly calm down—that is, until he heard something very special from his parents. “Zavier, this was very wrong. But we love you and we forgive you . . . and so does Jesus.” “Really?” Zavier asked. “You really forgive me?” “Yes, we forgive you, just like Jesus has forgiven all of us.” Zavier cried again, but this time because he was so relieved and thankful.

Zavier experienced the very thing that God describes in the Bible verse for this devotion. God says that his Word is like a double-edged sword. That means that it is powerful and very sharp as it goes to work. One side of God’s Word we call the law. The law shows us our sin as it reminds us how we break God’s commands. Zavier was “cut” by God’s Word when his parents told him how he had sinned against God and against them. He felt guilty and it hurt.

But then Zavier experienced the other powerful side of God’s Word, something we call the gospel. The gospel is the good news that Jesus loves us, forgives us, and is our Savior from sin. Amazingly, this side of the sword of God’s Word doesn’t hurt—but actually comforts and relieves us. Zavier’s parents shared the gospel with him, the good news that Jesus forgave what he had done.

This week the Scripture readings and devotions have focused on having a humble heart of love like Jesus. Part of being a humble Christian is continually going to the powerful Word of God. There we are reminded that we have sinned against God (that’s the law). But there we are also comforted that we are forgiven for Jesus’ sake (that’s the gospel). God’s Word is so powerful when it creates faith in our hearts to humbly trust in our Savior Jesus!

Now we have the opportunity to put the sword of God’s Word to work too. We can share with other people both the law and gospel so that they also know they need a Savior and that they have one in Jesus Christ. God bless us as we humbly share his Word with others!

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, your Word is so powerful! It shows us our sin, but it also shows us our Savior. Thank you for creating faith in my heart to believe in Jesus. Now fill my heart with courage to share your Word with others too. 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

• God’s Word is like a two-edged sword. Name the two powerful sharp sides.
• What are times or places that you can read or hear God’s powerful Word?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Explain what the law does and what the gospel does in God’s Word.
• When would you share the law with someone? When would you share the gospel with someone?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Agree/Disagree: Some people have sinned so much and so badly in life that they don’t deserve to hear the good news of the gospel. Explain your answer.
• Even though God’s Word is so powerful and effective, why is it that we are often so afraid to share it? How can we overcome that?

 

Read: Isaiah 53:10-12

Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer,
and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin.
After he has suffered,
he will see the light of life and be satisfied;
by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many,
and he will bear their iniquities.
Therefore I will give him a portion among the great,
and he will divide the spoils with the strong,
because he poured out his life unto death,
and was numbered with the transgressors.
For he bore the sin of many,
and made intercession for the transgressors.
Isaiah 53:10-12

Who’s the Greatest?

 

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

“I am the greatest!” A famous boxer named Muhammed Ali made that statement in 1964 just before one of his big boxing matches. Ever since that day, many Americans hear that phrase and immediately think of that very famous man.

Being “great” is something that a lot of people hope for. Whether its athletes being great at their sports, musicians being great performers, or students being great in school and other activities—all people seem to have a desire to be great.

However, greatness doesn’t last very long. Great athletes get older and slower. Great singers lose their fame to new great singers. Great basketball teams are beaten by other great teams. And finally, every human being eventually dies. Our greatness doesn’t last.

But that’s not the case with Jesus. Jesus is the one and only who can say, “I am the greatest,” something that always has been and always will be true. But he didn’t say it. Jesus set aside his glory and honor in order to give up his life for you and for me. The words that we hear today are a prophecy from the prophet Isaiah spoken about 700 years before Jesus came to earth. The words tell us how Jesus would come to suffer and bear the sins of the world as he gave his life as an offering, or payment for all sin.

Jesus fulfilled this promise and did come to save us. So God the Father says about his Son in verse 12, “Therefore, I will give him a portion among the great.” Jesus has all glory and honor as the greatest—the one and only who lived, died, and rose again to save us from death and hell.

Because Jesus is so great, it is good for us to thank and to praise him. What a joy to worship our great Savior on Sunday! What a blessing to be able to pray to our great Lord and know that he listens to us! What a comfort to be able to put our hope and confidence in our great God! Rejoice that you know the one who actually is the greatest—Jesus Christ our Lord.

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, how great and gracious you are, that you came to live and die for me. Now help me to thank and praise you in all that I do! 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 are “great” in this world.
• Why is Jesus the greatest?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Satan is very powerful and dangerous! How do we know that Jesus is more powerful than Satan?
• Explain how the greatness of Jesus is so much different than the greatness people in this world think about.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Isaiah spoke these words about Jesus’ suffering and dying 700 years before it happened. Explain why that is something that helps us to know that the Bible is truly God’s Word.
• We often talk about thanking and praising Jesus for what he has done. Give a real and practical way that you can do that in your life?

 

Read: Hebrews 13:1-6

Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.
Hebrews 13:1-3

Loving Like Jesus

 

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

“Wait!” Aiden shouted. “Don’t go yet!” Aiden’s parents looked back at him from the front seat of their van with confused looks. Aiden rolled down the window next to his seat and held one of his cheeseburgers out the window. You see, Aiden saw a homeless man on the sidewalk next to their minivan. Even though he loved McDonalds, he wanted to be sure that this man had something to eat. Aiden’s parents smiled and offered the man something to eat as well.

Clearly Aiden had been learning from his parents. It was very common for their family to show love and kindness to other people. The family had guests at their home all the time. They even had students from other countries stay with them during the school year. The family donated used clothes to those who needed them, and they went a few times a year to serve food at a homeless shelter. Showing love to others was important to them. Aiden was learning to do the same.

Jesus has shown love to people who need it too—people like you and me! We needed his love after all the many sins we have committed. So Jesus showed us love in the most amazing way! Jesus gave himself to be the payment for our sins. His life and death won for us the gift of life with him in heaven, too. We didn’t earn this love. We don’t deserve it. But Jesus showed us love anyways.

Because Jesus has loved us so much, it is our privilege to show that kind of love to other people, just like Aiden and his family do. The Bible verses for today offer some ideas for how to do that. We can welcome people into our homes or show kindness to those in prison or in need. But there are so many more ways you can show love! You can share your lunch at school with someone who forgot theirs! You can help a classmate with an assignment they don’t get. You can donate toys or clothes or food to people in need. You can give offerings at church that will help spread God’s Word to those in need.

God has shown us so much love, and we can show so much love to others too! Look for opportunities in your regular everyday life to show love to others. When you do, you aren’t just showing your love, but you are showing the love of Jesus as well. So go! Live! Love! And let your light shine!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, help me to reflect your love to others in all that I think, say, and do. Help me to see opportunities for showing love to 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

• Name one way you can show the love of Jesus to someone in your house or at school.
• Name one way you can show the love of Jesus to someone in your church.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Agree/Disagree: If you don’t have money to give, there aren’t many ways to show love for people in need. Explain your answer.
• Explain why showing love for someone else is also showing love for God.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• As a family, discuss ways that you could show love to people who are in need.
• Explain why helping someone in need might be a great way for a door to open so you can share God’s Word with them.

Hymn: CW 421:1,5 – All Depends on Our Possessing

All depends on our possessing God’s abundant grace and blessing,
Though all earthly wealth depart.
They who trust with faith unshaken In their God are not forsaken
And e’er keep a dauntless heart.

If on earth my days he lengthen, He my weary soul will strengthen;
All my trust in him I place.
Earthly wealth is not abiding, Like a stream away is gliding;
Safe I anchor in his grace.

 

Read: 2 Kings 5:14-27

Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God. He stood before him and said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant.”

The prophet answered, “As surely as the Lord lives, whom I serve, I will not accept a thing.” And even though Naaman urged him, he refused.
2 Kings 5:15-16

Which One Are You?

 

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

The two men couldn’t have been any more different! One was named Naaman. Naaman was from a different country that was an enemy to Israel. Naaman had a big problem—he had leprosy. Leprosy was a very bad and contagious skin disease. A kind young girl from Israel suggested that Naaman go ask one of God’s prophets for help. So Naaman found Elisha, Elisha told him to go and wash in the river, and Naaman was healed by the Lord in a great miracle!

Naaman was so thankful! He expressed it in today’s Bible verses. Now he knew that the Lord was the one true God. He wanted to thank God and his prophet Elisha, so he offered a very kind and very big gift to Elisha. But the prophet Elisha did not take it. He didn’t need any gifts for doing the Lord’s work.

But Gehazi was a very different person. Gehazi was Elisha’s helper. When he saw how big the gift was that Naaman had offered, he was greedy and wanted it. So Gehazi ran to Naaman and lied to him in order to take the big gift for himself. God was not pleased with Gehazi’s sin, and Gehazi ended up getting the leprosy that Naaman had.

These two men were very different. Which one are you like? Are you thankful for God’s grace and blessings like Naaman? Or are you greedy and selfish, wanting lots of things for yourself like Gehazi?

When we see things that we want on TV, in stores, or online, it can be very easy for us to be like Gehazi. Sinful hearts want us to love things of this world. Before we know it, Satan can lead us to be greedy and selfish like Gehazi.

It is important for us to remember that we were just like Naaman. We have a disease, too. Not leprosy. Our disease is called sin, and it’s even more dangerous because it can send us to hell. Thanks be to God that he has healed us of this disease! Jesus is the cure! He washed us clean, not in a river but in his own blood! What a miracle!

Like Naaman, we can now look for opportunities to show our thanks to God and to other people. How we use our time, our talents, and our treasures shows how thankful we are to God for all that he has done. May God give us thankful hearts that are happy to serve him every day!

Closing Prayer:

Lord God, thank you for the many blessings you have given to me. But best of all, you have healed me of the disease of sin by forgiving me through your Son, Jesus. Now help me to show my thanks in the way that I live. 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 was Naaman, the man from another country, so thankful to God and to Elisha?
• Why can we be so thankful to God?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why is being greedy a dangerous sin?
• Explain why being greedy and selfish also breaks the First Commandment.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Agree/Disagree. It is sinful to want new or nice things. Explain your answer.
• Describe how Christians can learn to be happier and more content in life.

Hymn: CW 421:1,3-4 – All Depends on Our Possessing

All depends on our possessing God’s abundant grace and blessing,
Though all earthly wealth depart.
They who trust with faith unshaken In their God are not forsaken
And e’er keep a dauntless heart.

Many spend their lives in fretting Over trifles and in getting
Things that have no solid ground.
I shall strive to win a treasure That will bring me lasting pleasure
And that now is seldom found.

Well he knows what best to grant me; All the longing hopes that haunt me,
Joy and sorrow, have their day.
I shall doubt his wisdom never—As God wills, so be it ever—
I to him commit my way.

 

Read: Mark 10:17-27

As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

“Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’”

“Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.”

Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.

Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!”
Mark 10:17-23

What’s Number One?

 

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

The living room was a mess! The floor was covered with bows and ribbons and crumpled up wrapping paper. Empty boxes were everywhere. In the middle of it all, Hayden was sitting in a chair, surrounded by gifts, and she had a great big smile on her face. It had been a great birthday party! She got so many cool new things!

Two days later, it was almost like her birthday never happened. Some of the new gifts were shoved under her bed. Two of them were broken already. The rest of the gifts were piled up in the corner of her bedroom. Meanwhile, Hayden gave out a big gasp of frustration, “Ugh! Mooomm! I have nothing to do! I’m so bored! Can we go to the store to get a new toy?”

Has this ever happened to you? Maybe you get so excited for all kinds of presents at Christmas or on your birthday, and before you know it you want something new or better. Or maybe someone in your family gets the newest iPhone or iPad or the newest game system . . . but soon enough they want the next bigger and better one. It is so easy for us to fall in love with money and possessions, and then to want more!

We hear today why this is so dangerous. A man came to Jesus and wanted to know what he needed to do to go to heaven. He thought he had done all kinds of good things and had obeyed God. Other people probably even thought he was a pretty good person. There was one big problem though—God wasn’t first in his heart. That’s why Jesus challenged him to go and sell all of his things and then come follow him. But the man couldn’t do it. He went away sad because he loved his money and possessions too much.

Watch out for the love of money and “things”—like toys or tools or technology. Quickly they can become number one in our hearts and lead us away from God. That’s why Jesus said it can be hard for rich people to enter heaven. Not always, but sometimes people who have lots of money start to love their money and possessions more than God.

Take a moment to think about how much God has given to you. Certainly he has given you many wonderful earthly blessings. But best of all, God has given you his own Son, Jesus, who won for us the greatest treasure of all—life in heaven. What a joy that we can put such a loving God as number one in our hearts.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, forgive us for loving worldly things so much. Help us always to put you first in our hearts. 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 something new that you would really love to have?
• What can be dangerous about always wanting new toys, games, and technology?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why was the man so sad when Jesus told him to sell everything he had?
• What things in your life might Satan tempt you to put as number one in your heart instead of God?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Agree/Disagree: It is better for Christians to be poor and not have much money. Explain your answer.
• Describe the proper way for Christians to live with their money and possessions. What is their attitude? How do they act? What kinds of things do they do?

Hymn: CW 421:1-2 – All Depends on Our Possessing

All depends on our possessing God’s abundant grace and blessing,
Though all earthly wealth depart.
They who trust with faith unshaken In their God are not forsaken
And e’er keep a dauntless heart.

He who to this day has fed me And to many joys has led me
Is and ever shall be mine.
He who ever gently schools me, He who daily guides and rules me,
Will remain my help divine.

 

Read: Genesis 2:18-24

The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”

Now the Lord God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds in the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds in the sky and all the wild animals.

But for Adam no suitable helper was found. So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and then closed up the place with flesh. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.

The man said,
“This is now bone of my bones
and flesh of my flesh;
she shall be called ‘woman,’
for she was taken out of man.”

That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.
Genesis 2:18-24

God’s Special Gift and Design

 

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

“Just leave me alone!” Bryson was so angry and upset. He missed a shot that could have won the game for his team. When he got home, he didn’t want to see or talk to anybody. All he kept saying was, “Leave me alone! Leave me alooone!” as he stormed off to his bedroom.

But even though Bryson was upset and frustrated, his room was so boring! After about 45 minutes, he came out again. Bryson realized that he needed that hug his mom offered him and the encouraging words his dad always spoke to him. It wasn’t good to be alone.

Adam realized the same thing in the Garden of Eden. God gave him the special task of naming all the animals. But when Adam saw Mr. and Mrs. Cheetah and Mrs. and Mrs. Kangaroo, he realized that he didn’t have anyone. Adam then understood what God said in verse 18, “It is not good for the man to be alone.”

So God caused Adam to fall asleep. He took one of his ribs and used his mighty power to make a woman—Eve. God then blessed Adam and Eve as he created marriage. Ever since, a man and a woman can leave their own families and come together in marriage to start a new family. Since that time in the Garden of Eden, billions of people have been married throughout time and throughout the world.

God’s brilliant design was that husbands and wives would enjoy all kinds of amazing blessings. They love and support each other. They encourage and help each other. They have families with children together. In this amazing plan, whether you are young or old or married or single, you would always have somebody to love you and be with you so that you are not alone. May God bless all marriages and families so that they can enjoy the blessings he first designed!

Closing Prayer:

Lord God, thank you for your gift of marriage. It is a blessing for husbands, wives, and children. Help us to cherish this gift and to honor your designs for marriage. 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 God help Adam to recognize that he was alone?
• Why is it not good for us to be alone in life?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Describe in your own words how God made Eve.
• Names as many blessings as you can that God planned for husbands and wives to have in marriage.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• God could have made Eve in any way he wanted—by snapping his fingers, or from the petals of flowers, or even from Adam’s pinky toe. Why do you think God specifically chose to make Eve from the rib of Adam? What message might God be communicating? (Hint: What’s the closest thing to your heart?)
• Marriages are not very successful in our world these days. Describe a way that Christians can grow in their understanding and appreciation of God’s special gift of marriage.

Hymn: CW 506:1,3-4 – Oh, Blest the House Whate’er Befall

Oh, blest the house, whate’er befall,
Where Jesus Christ is all in all!
A home that is not wholly his—
How sad and poor and dark it is!

Oh, blest the parents who give heed
Unto their children’s foremost need
And weary not of care or cost.
May none to them and heav’n be lost!

Blest such a house; it prospers well.
In peace and joy the parents dwell,
And in their children’s lives is shown
How richly God can bless his own.

 

Read: Mark 10:2-16

“It was because your hearts were hard that Moses wrote you this law,” Jesus replied. “But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female.’ ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
Mark 10:5-9

The Original Plan

 

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

All the adults were playing cards, laughing, and having a great time. What a fun party! Suddenly, they paused their fun game and asked an important question. “Where are the kids?” The adults had been having fun, but the kids were quiet—too quiet. The experienced parents knew that this often meant trouble with their four and five-year-olds.

The parents left the dining room and went to the playroom. What they saw made them burst out loud in laughter. One of the little girls had a sparkly white summer dress on and she was holding two dandelions they picked from outside. One of the little boys was wearing his dad’s suit coat. It was so big it touched all the way down to the floor. Another boy was standing in front of those two with a white sheet wrapped around him like a pastor’s robe. The kids explained to their parents what they were doing. They were playing “wedding.”

Getting married is something that many young people dream of. What will the wedding day be like? What will your husband or wife be like? To be married is a wonderful blessing that God gives to a man and woman. But sadly, the devil always likes to try and ruin God’s beautiful blessings. This is certainly true with marriage.

Some leaders once came and tried to trick Jesus about this. They asked Jesus if it was okay for a marriage to end, and then they asked him why so many marriages ended. Jesus knew just how to answer them—with God’s Word. Jesus spoke to them the words for the devotion today as he told them that since the very beginning with Adam and Eve, God had planned for a man and a woman to be married and enjoy their love until death.

God planned that the special love that husbands and wives have for each other could be just a little picture of the love that he has for us. You see, as a husband and wife love and honor each other, so God loves us even more. He loved us so much that he was willing to die on a cross for us. In response, we love and honor God.

Thank God for marriage! It is a wonderful gift and a beautiful picture of how God loves us. And when marriage doesn’t go as God planned, thank God for his forgiveness! Jesus forgives every sin and gives us opportunity to live in his love once again. God help us then to honor and treasure the beautiful gift he has given in marriage!

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, you have blessed this world with a wonderful gift called marriage. Help husbands and wives to love and honor each other in a way that is pleasing to 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

• Who first started the idea of marriage? When?
• Who were the first married people?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why does Satan always want to ruin the blessings that God gives to us (like marriage and many other things)?
• Do you ever think about being married some day? What do you think that will be like?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Name two things in the world today that go against what God planned and designed for marriage?
• Sadly, not all marriages last and not every family has a married husband and wife in it. Explain why Jesus’ grace and love are so important and so comforting for these situations.

Hymn: CW 506:1-2 – Oh, Blest the House Whate’er Befall

Oh, blest the house, whate’er befall,
Where Jesus Christ is all in all!
A home that is not wholly his—
How sad and poor and dark it is!

Oh, blest that house where faith you find
And all within have set their mind
To trust their God and serve him still
And do in all his holy will.