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Read: 1 Timothy 2:1-7

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
1 Timothy 2:1-4

What Should We Pray For?

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

Last time, we learned that prayer helps us understand God better. This time let’s talk about what kinds of things God wants us to pray about.

In the Bible, in 1 Timothy chapter 2, God tells us four kinds of prayer:

1. Petitions – that means asking God for help.
2. Prayers – these are worship-type prayers, like the Psalms.
3. Intercession – that means praying for others.
4. Thanksgiving – thanking God for the good things he gives.

So, when you pray, God wants you to: Ask. Worship. Pray for others. Say thank you.

But here’s something important: God doesn’t just want us to pray for anything we want. He wants us to pray for what he wants—his will.

There’s a kids’ book called Anytime, Any Place, Any Prayer. It encourages children to talk to God whenever they want—and that’s true! But God also tells children in the Bible what kinds of things are best to pray about.

Jesus says it in the Lord’s Prayer: “Your will be done.” And the Bible says in 1 John 5:14: “If we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”

So how do we know what God’s will is? From the Bible! The more we read Scripture, the more we know what to pray.

Here’s a great idea: Open your Bible, read a few verses, and then pray about what you just read. For example, in 1 Timothy 2, God says we should:

• Pray for rulers and leaders
• Pray for peace
• Pray to live good, godly lives
• Pray for more people to be saved

You can also pray through a Psalm—like the one below.

Remember, you can talk to God anytime and anywhere—but it’s also great to start with what he’s already told us matters most.

Prayer:

Dear God, I put my trust in you. Show me your ways. Teach me how to live. Guide me with your truth. You are my Savior, and I hope in you all day long. Amen. (shortened prayer on Psalm 25)

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

Questions for Younger Children

• What are some things you like to thank God for when you pray?
• How do you feel knowing that God listens when you pray?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why do you think God wants us to pray for things he wants, not just what we want?
• What does it mean to pray for leaders like presidents, mayors, or teachers? Why is that important?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• How does praying Scripture (like a Psalm) help us focus on what God wants instead of just what we want?
• What is one part of your life where you want to pray for God’s will to be done? (Now pray for it!)

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As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42

The One Thing That Changes Everything

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

Jimmy didn’t like talking out loud—but he loved words. Jimmy had a hard time speaking because he had a big stutter. When he tried to talk, his words got stuck, and kids would laugh. So, Jimmy stopped talking almost completely. From the time he was five to fourteen years old, Jimmy hardly said anything.

But even though he didn’t talk much, he loved reading—especially poems. He wished he could read them out loud, but he stayed quiet. Then one day, Jimmy tasted something amazing for the first time: grapefruit! He loved it so much, he wrote a poem about it for his English class.

His teacher, Mr. Crouch, thought the poem was so good that Jimmy must have cheated. He told Jimmy he had to read it out loud to prove he wrote it, or he’d get an F. Jimmy was angry. So he stood up—and recited the whole poem without stuttering once!

That’s when Jimmy learned something incredible: his stutter disappeared when he said something from memory. From then on, he started memorizing poems, lines from plays, and entire scripts. He even became an actor and won awards. And then . . . he got a super famous job. He became the voice of Darth Vader, the famous villain from Star Wars. Jimmy’s real name? James Earl Jones. The one thing that changed his life forever was memorizing.

And guess what? There’s one thing that can change your life forever, too: God’s Word.

In Luke 10, two sisters—Mary and Martha—had Jesus over at their house. Mary sat down and listened to Jesus. Martha was busy cooking and cleaning. Jesus told Martha that Mary had chosen the one thing needed: his Word.

So let’s be like Mary. Listen to Jesus. Read his Word. Love it. Learn it. Remember it. Because God’s Word is the one thing that changes everything—for now and forever!

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, help me love your Word more than anything else. Teach me to treasure it 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 famous movie character did Jimmy (James Earl Jones) use his voice for?
• What is the one thing we need most in our lives?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What was the one thing that helped Jimmy’s life change?
• How can God’s Word change your life?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Do you have a favorite Bible verse memorized? If not, what’s a verse you’d like to learn this week?
• Martha was busy and forgot about Jesus’ words. Have you ever done that too? How can you remind yourself to be more like Mary and spend time with God’s Word?

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Read: Genesis 18:1-14

Is anything too hard for the LORD? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” Genesis 18:14

The Ultimate Promise Keeper

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

Abraham and his wife Sarah were waiting for God to keep a big promise. God had promised to give them a baby boy. He told Abraham this when Abraham was already 75 years old, and Sarah was 65! Now Abraham was 99, and Sarah was 89—and they still didn’t have a baby. That’s 24 years of waiting! Can you imagine waiting that long? Do you think they wondered, “Did God forget?”

Nope! God didn’t forget. But he knew Abraham and Sarah needed to be reminded. So God came and told them, “In one year, Sarah will have a baby boy.” He even said it again, just to make sure they knew he meant it.

And guess what? One year later, just like God said, they had a baby boy! Even though they were super old, God kept his promise. Because that’s what God does—he always keeps his promises.

God makes promises to you, too! He promises to forgive you when you sin. He promises to take care of you. He promises to be with you everywhere you go. And he promises to make everything turn out for your good. You can trust those promises. Because God keeps his promises. Always.

But sometimes it’s hard to trust, right? Like when you’re feeling really bad about something, or when you’re sick, or when life is just hard. That’s when God gives you a reminder, just like he did for Abraham and Sarah. He talks to you.

Now, God probably won’t show up at your house and talk out loud like he did back then. But God does talk to you through his Word—the Bible. When you hear God’s Word at church, at home, or at school, that’s God reminding you that his promises are still true. When your parents, pastors, or teachers talk about Jesus, that’s God saying, “I’m still here and I keep my promises. Always.”

Because that’s who God is. The ultimate promise keeper.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for always keeping your promises. Help me trust them 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 promise did God make to Abraham and Sarah?
• How many years did they wait for that promise to come true?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What are some of the promises God makes to you?
• How does God remind you that his promises are still true?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Think of someone who told you about God’s Word this week. Say a thank-you prayer for that person.
• Can you think of someone who needs to be reminded of God’s love and promises? How could you help them feel better?

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Read: Galatians 5:1,13-25

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-25

Live By the Spirit

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

Have you ever seen a cartoon with a little angel and a little devil sitting on someone’s shoulders? The angel whispers good advice—like “Do the right thing!”—while the devil tries to get them to do something wrong—like lie or be mean.

They’re not real, of course. But that picture helps us understand what the Bible talks about in Galatians 5. There’s a battle going on in our hearts. One side is the Holy Spirit, helping us do what is good and right. The other side is our sinful nature, which tries to pull us into doing wrong.

When we listen to the Holy Spirit, we are kind, loving, patient, and full of peace. But when we listen to our sinful nature, we can become jealous, angry, selfish, or even mean to others.

That’s not the way God wants us to live. God wants us to “Live by the Spirit.” Why? Because God is loving and kind to us, and when we live by the Spirit, we show that same love and kindness to others.

God’s Word gives some great encouragement: “Live by the Spirit.” It means this: You’re not alone in the fight! God gave you the Holy Spirit to help you make good choices and to live the way Jesus did for us—full of love, patience, and peace. So even when you mess up, God forgives you—and helps you try again.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, help us to live by the Holy Spirit each and every day. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

• Fill in the blanks: Christians can either live by the _______(Spirit) or live according to their sinful _______(nature).
• True or false: God wants us to live by the Spirit. (True!)

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What are some ways kids might live by their sinful nature? (Being selfish, fighting with friends, complaining)
• What are some ways kids can live by the Spirit? (Sharing, helping, being kind and patient)

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Look at Galatians 5:19-21. Which of those bad choices do you think are hardest for kids your age to avoid? Why do you think that is?
• Look at Galatians 5:22-23. Which of those good “fruit of the Spirit” would really help you shine at home or at school? How could that make a difference?

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Read: Luke 10:1-12,16-20

[Jesus] told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Luke 10:2

We Have Work to Do!

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

“This is going to take forever!” Daniel felt overwhelmed when Mom told him that they had to get the house clean before all the family arrived for his sister’s graduation party that evening. Bedrooms were messy. Garbage needed to be taken out. Dishes needed to be washed. Bathrooms needed a good cleaning. Someone had to clean up after the dog. Of course, there was also lots of food and party preparation to be done. How would they ever get all that work done? Everyone in the family would have to work together, including his grandparents who were there to help. Even though there was a lot of work to do, everything would be ready in time.

For nearly three years, Jesus worked hard to share God’s message, heal the sick, and carry out his heavenly Father’s work. But as Jesus looked out at the people around him, there was still so much work to do. So many people still needed to know about their Savior. So many people were still hurting and feeling broken inside. So many people were still headed toward hell. How would all the work get done? Even as Jesus was walking to the cross to give his life for the sins of the world, he sent out 72 disciples to get to work preparing the way for his coming. The Savior was coming to bring forgiveness, peace, and life. With Jesus’ help, everything went far better than expected. Even the demons obeyed them!

Now, two thousand years later, Jesus looks at our world today. What does he see? There is still so much work to do. So many people still need to know about their Savior. So many people are still hurting and feeling broken. So many people are still headed toward hell. How will all the work get done? Jesus sends pastors and teachers today to do his work, but they can’t reach everyone on their own. Who will go and help?

Jesus sends each of us to share his good news with people in our lives. He sends us to our family members and friends, to our neighbors and classmates. What is our message? Jesus came into the world to save us, and he came to save them from sin and death too. As we get to work, we might feel nervous or scared, but Jesus goes with us and will bless our work of sharing his good news with the world.

Prayer:

Lord of the harvest, there are so many people who need to hear about you. Give us courage and help us to tell them about you, their Savior. Bless our work so that many more may come to know and love you. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

• What did Jesus send the 72 disciples out to do?
• What special work does Jesus want you and me to do?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why do we all need to help share the good news about Jesus?
• How does Jesus help us share his good news when we feel nervous or scared?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• True or False: Only pastors and teachers are the ones who can tell others about Jesus.
• Think of one person in your life who doesn’t know Jesus yet. How would it help them if you told them about their Savior? If God gives you a chance, will you be brave and tell them?

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Read: Ezekiel 2:9-3:11

But the house of Israel will not be willing to listen to you because they are not willing to listen to me, because the whole house of Israel is hard-headed and hard-hearted. Look, I have made your face just as hard as their faces and your forehead just as hard as their foreheads. I have made your forehead like the hardest stone, harder than flint. Do not fear them, and do not be intimidated by their looks, for they are a rebellious house.”
Ezekiel 3:7-9 (EHV)

Jesus Loves the Hardheaded

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

Do you have a hard head? Now, don’t go knock your forehead into a wall to check! This isn’t about how tough your skull is. It’s about being “hardheaded”—a word God sometimes uses to describe people who don’t want to listen. Have you ever been stubborn? Refused to listen to someone who loves you? Ignored good advice? That’s what it means to be hardheaded.

No one really wants to be called that. It means we’re being stubborn, difficult, and maybe even a little rude.

But the truth is—we all act hardheaded sometimes. We don’t always want to listen to our parents or teachers. We might ignore our friends. And sadly, we sometimes don’t want to listen to what God says either.

A long time ago, God told a man named Ezekiel to be a prophet. His job? Go and speak God’s words to the people of Israel. But God warned him—it was going to be really tough. Why? Because the people were hardheaded. They didn’t want to listen to Ezekiel or to God. Some would roll their eyes. Others would argue. Some would even get angry. But Ezekiel still had to speak. Why? Because God loved those people—even when they were stubborn.

God still loves people who act hardheaded. That includes us. He could yell at us. He could say, “Fine! Don’t listen!” But he doesn’t. Instead, he sends loving people—like parents, teachers, pastors, and friends—to share his message. And he sends us the best message of all: Jesus loves us even when we mess up. Even when we’re hardheaded. Even when we ignore him.

He’s patient. He’s gentle. He forgives. That’s the kind of love that can soften even the hardest heart.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, sometimes we don’t want to listen. We get stubborn and hardheaded. Thank you for loving us anyway. Help us to listen to your Word and to the people you send to help 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

• What made Ezekiel’s job really difficult?
• Who are some people God sends into your life to help you hear and learn his Word?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What do you think it means when God says someone is hardheaded?
• Why is it so important to listen when God’s Word is read or taught?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• What happens when we don’t listen to God or the people he sends to help us?
• What could you say if a friend told you, “I don’t need to listen to the Bible”?

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Read: 2 Corinthians 11:21b-30

If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.
2 Corinthians 11:30

What Do You Brag About?

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

“I’m better than you are! I’m faster! I’m stronger, and I’m smarter!”

“No, you’re not! I can do everything better than you!”

Things were getting tense on the playground. Andy and Jake were trying to prove who was better. Soon they were racing, lifting heavy things, and even trying to outdo each other on tests. “See? I’m better. I’m awesome!” So much bragging. So . . . much . . . showing off.

The apostle Paul worked really hard to tell people about Jesus in a big city called Corinth. It wasn’t easy. Lots of people didn’t want to listen. But God helped Paul, and new churches started growing all over the city. After Paul left, some other teachers came to those churches—and they started bragging. “We’re better than Paul! We speak better. We’re smarter. We’re more important!”

Sadly, the people believed those “super-apostles.”

So how did Paul respond? Did he say, “Well, I’ve started way more churches than you,” or “Jesus himself picked me to be an apostle—did he pick you?” Paul could have bragged. He had lots of reasons to. But instead, he said something surprising: “If I am going to brag, I’ll brag about how weak I am.”

Wait—what?

Yes! Paul knew that when he was weak or going through hard times, Jesus’ strength and love stood out the most. When Paul felt small, Jesus showed how big he is. When Paul suffered, people saw how much Jesus helped him. That’s what Paul wanted people to see—not how great he was, but how great Jesus is.

And that’s true for us too. We don’t need to show off or act like we’re better than others. Instead, we can thank Jesus for loving us every day. We can even tell others how Jesus helped us when we were scared, tired, sad, or made a mistake. Our weakness gives Jesus a chance to shine.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, when we feel weak, show your strength. When we’re hurt, bring healing. When we mess up, show us your forgiveness. Help us tell others about your amazing love. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

• What’s something you sometimes brag about?
• What did Paul choose to brag about instead?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why did Paul think being weak could be a good thing?
• When you feel small or weak, how can Jesus help you be strong?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• The world says being strong is best. What does God say about being weak?
• Can you think of a time when something hard happened, and Jesus helped you? (How was that a blessing?)

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Read: Luke 8:26-39

The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.
Luke 8:38-39

Your Story Starts at Home

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

What a nightmare. Demons are more frightening than any scary movie. The Gospels tell us about several people who were possessed by demons. We don’t know exactly why this happened so much when Jesus was on earth. Some people think the devil was showing off his power and trying to get attention because Jesus was performing so many miracles. Others think the devil uses different ways today to hurt people and keep them away from God.

One of the saddest stories is the man in Luke 8. He didn’t have any clothes. He didn’t live in a house. He used to be chained up, but he had broken free and now lived among the tombs—all alone. But what was worse than all of this? His soul was lost. He was controlled by demons.

Then Jesus came. The man said his name was Legion, because he had so many demons in him. But Jesus is always stronger than Satan. Just like he beat the devil in the wilderness, Jesus beat the devil here too. Jesus cast out the demons and saved the man. His life was changed forever.

He wanted to go with Jesus—wouldn’t you? But Jesus told him to go back home. Why? Because there were people at home who needed to hear about God’s love. “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” That’s a mission plan! It was simple. It was powerful. The man had a story to tell—what Jesus had done for him.

That’s your mission too. Every day, go home and remind your family how good God has been to you. Tell others about what Jesus has done—how he forgives you, loves you, and gives you eternal life. You don’t need to go far. The mission starts right where you are.

Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for a family that helps us grow in our faith and spends time with us in your Word. Help us remember every day—especially the tough ones—that you have done good things for 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

• Why do you think the man wanted to go with Jesus?
• What would you say if Jesus told you to go home and tell others about him?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• If Jesus helped someone in your town, who would you want him to help—and why?
• Why do you think Jesus wanted the man to stay and tell others instead of coming with him?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• What’s something kind or amazing someone has done for you? How did it make you feel?
• What are some ways you can “go home and tell” the good things God has done—even if it’s just to one person?

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Read: 2 Timothy 1:3-10

I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
2 Timothy 1:5-6

Timothy’s Faith Story

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

Have you ever heard names like Lois or Eunice? They aren’t very common today, but a long time ago, these were the names of Timothy’s grandma and mom. Timothy was a young pastor who loved Jesus, and he got his faith from these two special women.

The apostle Paul, a big helper for Christians back then, knew Lois and Eunice and wrote letters to Timothy to encourage him. But Timothy didn’t start believing in Jesus all by himself—he learned about Jesus from his family first!

Just like Timothy, many children today learn about God from their parents, grandparents, or someone close to them. Maybe someone reads you Bible stories, sings songs about Jesus, or prays with you. That’s how faith starts—at home and in people who love us.

Paul reminded Timothy to keep his faith strong, like fanning a small flame to make a big fire. May the Holy Spirit keep doing that saving work in your homes and hearts. Whisper a little prayer of thanks for the people who have brought Jesus into your life!

Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for the people who helped me learn about you and your love. Please help me keep my faith strong and help me share your love with others when I can. 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

• Can you think of a prayer you say a lot?
• Who taught it to you?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Do you remember anything about your baptism? Why not?! Who made sure you were baptized?
• Besides your family, who has influenced your faith most and why?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Timothy had his grandma, mom, and Paul to help him. Who can you thank for helping you believe in Jesus?
• Do you know how your parents learned about Jesus? Could you ask them to tell you their story sometime?

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Read: Numbers 6:22-27

The LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.
Numbers 6:25

Absolutely Glowing

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

Have you ever seen someone with a big, bright smile that lights up their whole face?

• Ashley is walking down the aisle of her wedding. She’s glowing! Everyone says she looks amazing. She’s full of joy.
• John just became a dad. He can’t stop smiling. He tells everyone about his new baby girl. He’s glowing with happiness.
• Oliver made a gift at school for his mom. He worked hard and can’t wait to give it to her. His teacher said it was beautiful. He’s glowing with pride.

Have you ever felt like that? So full of joy or love that you just can’t hide it on your face? Maybe it happened today!

But here’s something amazing: God glows too. The Bible says his face shines on us. Why would the holy God—who is perfect and powerful—shine with happiness when he looks at us?

After all, we mess up. Sometimes we say mean things. We forget to do what we promised. We try to do what’s right, but it doesn’t always happen. We might feel disappointed in ourselves—and we’ve probably seen that look of disappointment on other people’s faces too.

But here is the good news: God still smiles when he sees you. Why? Because Jesus came to take away all your sins. The Bible says, “We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).

That means your sins are gone. Jesus paid for every one of them. God’s love fills your heart through the Holy Spirit, and now—when God looks at you, he sees someone he loves, someone he smiles at.

That’s what it means to live in God’s grace. His face shines on you—not because you’re perfect, but because Jesus is. And when you believe in Jesus, God is always happy to see you.

Prayer:

Dear Lord God, thank you for smiling at me even when I mess up. Thank you for forgiving me through Jesus. Help me remember that you love me always and help me to show your love and joy 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

• What made you smile today? (Was it something fun, someone kind, or something silly? God gives us lots of reasons to smile!)
• Can you think of something you did today that would make God smile? (Like helping someone, sharing, or saying something kind?)

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What does it mean that God’s love is “undeserved”? (Why does God love us even when we don’t always do the right thing?)
• Why is it a good thing that God’s love doesn’t depend on us being perfect? (Think about times you were forgiven or loved even after a mistake.)

Questions for Middle School and Above

• How does it feel when someone is excited to see you? (Warm, special, happy?)
• How does it feel knowing God always feels that way about you?

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Read: John 14:23-27

[Jesus replied], “All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:25-27

Don’t Be Scared—Jesus Is Here!

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

Don’t be troubled. Don’t be afraid.

If Jesus were sitting at the table with you right now and he told you, “Don’t be scared,” do you think you would still feel nervous? I don’t think you would be. I think you would see how much Jesus loves you and remember how powerful he is, how he forgives you, and all the promises he’s made to take care of you. You’d say, “You are my Savior, and I know you love me. I don’t have to be scared of anything.”

But there are lots of scary things in our world and in our lives that make us feel afraid. And because we can’t see Jesus with our eyes, we might forget he’s with us and feel like we’re all alone.

Jesus spoke the words in our Bible reading on the night he was going to be betrayed by a friend and arrested. The very next day, he would be put on trial and nailed to a cross. His disciples would see him taken away and would feel very scared. Later, after Jesus rose from the dead, they saw him go up into heaven. And again, when they couldn’t see Jesus anymore, they were tempted to feel afraid.

But Jesus told them—and us—“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Don’t be afraid.” Even though they wouldn’t see him with their eyes anymore, Jesus promised he would still be with them. He said he would send the Holy Spirit, who would be with them always. The Holy Spirit works through the Bible, teaching us about Jesus, reminding us of all God’s promises, and helping our faith stay strong—even when we’re scared.

Because Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to live in our hearts, we can say with confidence, “I trust you, Jesus. I’m not afraid.”

Prayer:

Jesus, thank you for your promise to send the Holy Spirit to help us when we’re scared. Thank you for teaching us your Word and filling us with your love. Help us share your promises with others when they feel worried or afraid. 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 do you think Jesus would say if you were afraid? How does knowing he loves you help you feel safe?
• If we can’t see Jesus with our eyes, how can we still know he’s with us?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Who helps us remember that Jesus loves us and keeps his promises? Have you ever felt comforted by something you heard in church or the Bible? (That’s the Holy Spirit at work!)
• Why do you think Jesus says, “Don’t be afraid”? How does remembering Jesus’ love help chase those fears away?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Can you think of a Bible promise that helps you feel brave?
• What makes people feel afraid sometimes? In what ways can we ask the Holy Spirit to help us trust God and feel strong inside? (Hint: The Holy Spirit works through Word and sacraments.)

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Now the whole world had one language and a common speech. As people moved eastward, they found a plain in Shinar and settled there. They said to each other, . . . “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.” But the LORD came down to see the city and the tower the people were building. The LORD said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.” So the LORD scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. That is why it was called Babel—because there the LORD confused the language of the whole world. From there the LORD scattered them over the face of the whole earth.
Genesis 11:1-9

Babbling Babel

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

Have you ever tried to build the tallest LEGO tower ever? Imagine you and your friends stacking bricks sky-high. You’re smiling and thinking, “Wow, we’re amazing! Everyone will think we’re the best!”

That’s kind of like what happened in the Bible in Genesis 11. A big group of people wanted to build a super tall tower that reached all the way to the sky! But here’s the problem: they weren’t doing it to honor God. They were doing it to show off how great they were.

Back then, everyone spoke the same language, so working together was easy. But they forgot about God. They didn’t pray to him, thank him, or ask for his help. They were proud and wanted to make a name for themselves.

God saw what was happening. He knew their pride was dangerous. So, God did something surprising—he mixed up their languages! Suddenly, people couldn’t understand each other anymore. One person might say, “Pass me a brick,” but the other person heard, “Pickle my giraffe!” Total confusion!

Because they couldn’t understand each other, the building stopped. The big tower plan fell apart. That place became known as Babel, which sounds like the word for “confused talking.”

Even today, we see how hard it can be to understand others. Sometimes we don’t speak the same language. Other times, we do speak the same words but still argue or misunderstand each other.

But here’s the good news: even when our words get mixed up, God’s Word is always clear. He sent Jesus to forgive our sins—including our pride—and he gives us the Holy Spirit to help us understand his truth.

When we listen to God’s Word, we understand the most important thing: Jesus loves us, and he brings us together.

Prayer:

Dear God, forgive us when we are proud or try to do things without you. Thank you for giving us your Word, which helps us understand your love. Help us live in peace with others and trust in you. 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

• What did the people want to build in today’s reading?
• What happened when God mixed up their languages?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Have you ever had trouble understanding someone—even a friend? Maybe they said something confusing, mumbled, or were speaking too fast. What happened? What does that remind you of from the Tower of Babel?
• God mixed up everyone’s language. Why do you think God did that? How could that actually be a way of helping the people, not just stopping them?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• The people wanted to show off and make a name for themselves. Why is it dangerous to be too full of ourselves or think we’re better than others? Have you ever seen someone being too proud?
• What did God do to stop the people from building the tower? How did that help them realize they needed God? Have you ever had a time when you were doing things your own way and needed help?

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Read: Revelation 22:12-17,20

“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
Revelation 22:12,20

Soon Is Not Scary

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

“I’m coming soon,” Mom says. You’ve been in your room for 30 minutes, but . . . uh-oh . . . the bed isn’t made, the toys are still on the floor, and your clothes are everywhere! You were supposed to clean it all up before Mom came to check. Now it’s too late. “I’m coming soon” might sound like you’re in big trouble. You might think, “Oh no! I’m not ready!”

But what if “I’m coming soon” means something else?

“I’m coming soon,” Mom says—but this time, she’s not coming to check your work. She’s coming to help you! Your room is a mess, and you know you can’t fix it on your own. But Mom walks in with a smile and says, “Let’s do this together.” Now “I’m coming soon” doesn’t sound scary—it sounds like the best thing ever!

Jesus says the same thing: “I am coming soon.” At first, that might sound a little scary. You might think, “Oh no . . . I’ve done some bad things. My heart isn’t clean.” We all sin. Sometimes our hearts and lives feel messy—kind of like a really messy bedroom. And the Bible says, “I will give to each person according to what they have done.” Yikes! That sounds like we deserve a really big punishment—way worse than a time-out, losing screen time, or having to do extra chores.

God’s punishment for sin is much more serious. It doesn’t just last a little while—it can last forever.

But wait—keep listening to Jesus. He says, “Blessed are those who wash their robes.” That means our sins and messes are cleaned up—not by us—but by Jesus! The Bible says, “The blood of Jesus, God’s Son, washes away every sin” (1 John 1:7). Jesus forgives us. He makes us clean.

So now, when Jesus says, “I am coming soon,” we don’t have to be afraid. We smile and say, “Yes! Come, Lord Jesus!” Because we know he’s coming to take us to heaven—a perfect place where sin and messes are gone forever.

Prayer:

Come, Lord Jesus. Thank you for forgiving all our sins. Help us to be happy and ready for the day you come back. 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 do you think it means when Mom says, “I am coming soon”?
• What do you think Jesus means when he says, “Blessed are those who wash their robes”?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• When Jesus says, “I am coming soon,” is that a good thing or a bad thing?
• How can we be happy and not afraid when we think about Jesus coming back?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• The Bible says, “Jesus’ blood cleans us from every sin” (1 John 1:7). What does that mean for us when Jesus says, “I am coming soon”?
• What’s a way to express that we are happy and thankful for Jesus’ promise to come back?

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Jesus went on to say, “In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me.” At this, some of his disciples said to one another, “What does he mean by saying, ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me,’ and ‘Because I am going to the Father’?” They kept asking, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We don’t understand what he is saying.” Jesus saw that they wanted to ask him about this, so he said to them, “Are you asking one another what I meant when I said, ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me’? Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
John 16:16-24

God’s Big Quilt: Even the Messy Side Matters

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

Ever heard of “The Weaver’s Poem”? It describes my life like a big picture God is sewing together—kind of like grandma’s homemade quilt. On one side, it’s all messy and full of knots and loose threads. But flip it over—and wow, it’s beautiful! Same with God’s picture for my life. I don’t get to pick the colors. Sometimes, he uses dark, sad colors, and I don’t understand why. But God can see the whole picture, and I only see the messy side. One day, when I’m with him, he’ll show me the beautiful picture he made—using all the colors, even the dark ones.

Sometimes things go wrong. A pet dies. You get hurt. You feel sad. Those are the “dark threads” in the quilt of your life. The disciples felt this too when Jesus told them, “In a little while, you won’t see me . . . then you will.” They were confused and sad. But Jesus promised, “Your sadness will turn into joy.”

He even gave an example: a mom giving birth. It’s painful but once the baby is born, all she feels is joy. Jesus says that’s what it’s like for us. Life is hard now, but we’ll see him again. We’ll be filled with joy that no one can take away.

And while we wait? We pray and remember that God is sewing something beautiful together with our lives—even if it doesn’t look like it yet.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank you for weaving the story of my life. Thank you for the bright threads like family, friends, and fun. Help me trust you even when I can’t see the whole pattern. I know you have a plan! 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

• Have you ever made something with string, yarn, or fabric like a bracelet or a quilt? What did the back look like?
• How does it make you feel to know that God sees the whole picture of your life—even when you only see the messy side?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What do you think the “dark threads” in the poem are talking about? Can you name one?
• Why do you think God sometimes lets hard or sad things happen in our lives?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Jesus told the disciples their sadness would turn into joy. Can you think of a time when something sad later turned into something good?
• What are some “bright threads” in your life right now—things you’re thankful for that God has included in your story?

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Read: Acts 14:8-22

In Lystra there sat a man who was lame. He had been that way from birth and had never walked. He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed and called out, “Stand up on your feet!” At that, the man jumped up and began to walk. When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in human form!” Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker. But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting: “Friends, why are you doing this? We too are only human, like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them.
Acts 14:8-12,14,15

Not Gods—Just Guys With Good News

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

Have you ever seen someone do something so amazing, people freak out a little? Maybe someone made a full-court basketball shot or landed a skateboard trick that seemed impossible. Now imagine seeing a man who had never walked in his whole life suddenly jump up and walk because someone told him to. That’s what happened when Paul saw that the man had faith to be healed and shouted, “Stand up on your feet!” The man didn’t just stand—he leaped!

The crowd went wild. But they got the wrong idea. They thought Paul and Barnabas were gods—Zeus and Hermes! That’s like someone seeing a teacher do a science experiment and shouting, “She must be Wonder Woman!” It wasn’t true, and it wasn’t okay. So, Paul and Barnabas tore their clothes (an old way of saying “Stop! This is very wrong!”) and yelled, “We’re just humans like you!” Think of Incredible Hulk-level frustration—except without turning green.

Paul pointed them to the real God, the one who made the world, sends the rain, and gives us joy. But not everyone liked that message. People threw stones at Paul and left him for dead. But guess what? He got up, went back to the city, and kept sharing the good news. He didn’t give up!

Remember this: God can use ordinary people to do extraordinary things—not to make them famous, but to point others to Jesus—not with lightning bolts or superpowers, but with love, truth, and courage.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, sometimes people believe the wrong things. Help us be brave like Paul and Barnabas—to tell others about you, even when it’s hard. When we feel like giving up, remind us you’re with 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

• People praised Paul and Barnabas. What would you do if someone praised you a little too much?
• Who did the people think Paul and Barnabas were? Were they right?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why do you think Paul and Barnabas were so quick to stop the people from treating them like gods?
• Can you think of something you’re good at or proud of and how you can use it to point people to God instead of yourself? What might that look like at school or with friends?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Can you think of a time when people didn’t want to hear the truth about God?
• What do you admire most about Paul and Barnabas in this story? Paul and Barnabas told people about Jesus, but the people got so angry they tried to hurt them. Can you think of a time today when someone is made fun of or treated badly for talking about Jesus?

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