Read: Colossians 1:1-11

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
Colossians 3:1-3

Your Life Is Safe

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

There is a place in the United States that holds more gold than any other country in the world. Located in Kentucky, Fort Knox is a fortress-like building with granite walls two feet thick. The gold vault is protected by a blast-proof door that weighs the same as a fully-loaded school bus. Fort Knox protects some of the most precious items that belong to the United States.

Today’s devotion says, “Your life is hidden with Christ” —not hidden like in “hide and seek, come and find me,” but hidden safely. It’s the Bible’s way of saying that the empty vault of Christ’s tomb means your life is now safe in Christ! So close is your life connected to him, it’s as if you died with him on Good Friday and came back to life with him Easter morning! Because Christ is alive—your faith is suction-cupped to him safely and forever. Your life is Fort Knox-safe!

And a “safe” life changes how you live: “Set your hearts on things above… Take off the old self and put on the new self” (verses 2,9,10). Like a dirty, sweaty shirt after a long day outside, “Take it off!” Jesus bought your life on the cross. You don’t belong to yourself. You belong to him! Your life is hidden with Christ. You’re safe! You’re forgiven! It’s like wearing a brand-new set of clothes every day. The “new” you doesn’t want to talk naughty or tell lies or make someone cry. The “new” you wants to be trusted by friends and family. The “new” you is peaceful, happy, and content.

The best part about the “new” life? It can happen to anyone! Jesus doesn’t care what your past looks like or what your background is. None of that matters. Your life is safe in Jesus. It gives the new life and the new you that you’ve always wanted. It’s not just possible. It’s already happened! Thanks be to God! Amen.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, today we thank you for our lives. Thank you for saving them and keeping us safe every day. When we fall back into old ways of living, help us set our hearts on things above where you are seated at the right hand of God. 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 the name of the fort where America keeps its gold safe?
• How did Jesus keep us safe?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What does it mean that “your life is hidden with Christ?” Where did that happen? (At the cross)
• What does it mean to “take off the old self and put on the new self?” When did that happen? (At your baptism)

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Ask your family the characteristics of the “new” you they most appreciate about you.
• Now identify at least two more ways you can live the “new” you this week.

Read: Luke 11:1-13

“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Luke 11:11-13

Gifts for Our Good

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

As she ripped the wrapping paper off the present, her eyes were full joy and excitement. Who doesn’t like opening presents?! Then, a puzzled look, as she pulled out a dirty, stinky pair of socks. She tore into the next present, hoping it was better, only to find a half-eaten, moldy piece of cheese.

Eeww! Those are not great gifts—who would ever ask for THAT?! Can you imagine someone who loves you giving such an awful gift?

They wouldn’t, would they? Your family and friends want to give you good gifts. When you give a friend or someone in your family a gift, you want to give them something good. We like to give and get good gifts!

When we talk to God about all the things going on in our lives, about the people in our lives, and about the things we need, God gives us a wonderful promise. He says that he will hear and answer all of our prayers! So does that mean that God will always give us exactly what we want and asked him for?

Not exactly.

Today’s Bible verses tell us that God knows the best way to answer all of our prayers. In the same way we know our parents and those who care for us want to give us what is best for us, God too will give us what is best for us.

So, what if we really want something, and we ask God for it—but that thing that we really want would actually be bad for us? Worse, what if it would be something that could hurt our faith? What if it is something that would lead us away from Jesus? Or what if it would get in the way of God giving us something even better? Then that thing we might really want wouldn’t actually be good for us to get—kind of like dirty, stinky socks or moldy cheese!

Instead, because he loves us, God gives us what is best for us. He has given us the Holy Spirit, who created faith and keeps us in our faith. He has given us Jesus, who forgave all our sins. He has given us promises that he will hear and answer all our prayers with what is best for us! And that brings joy to our heart!

Closing Prayer:

Lord, you know how to give good gifts. Help me to trust that your answers to my prayers are what are best, even when I don’t see it. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

• What is the best you’ve been given? What made it great?
• What is the best gift God has given you?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• How does God know what is the best way to answer our prayers?
• Does knowing that God is going to listen to your prayers and answer them help you talk to God more? Why or why not?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why is the Holy Spirit a great gift from God?
• Take a moment and think of something that might at first appear to be a good thing, but later could be bad for you.

Read: Genesis 18:20-32

The men turned away and went toward Sodom, but Abraham remained standing before the LORD. Then Abraham approached him and said: “Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked?
Genesis 18:22-23

I’ve Got Questions…

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

If you had a question for the President of the United States, do you think you could just walk up to the front door of his house, knock on the door, and then ask your question when he opened the door?

No way!

The President is really busy and important. Even if you did manage to get some time with him to ask your questions, you would probably only be able to do that once, and maybe for just a few short minutes.

It can be hard to get important and powerful people to pay attention to you, especially the younger you are. Now, look at the amazing thing that happens in this Bible story. “Abraham remained standing before the LORD. Then Abraham approached him and said…”

Abraham approached God to talk to him! If the President is a powerful and busy guy, imagine how busy God must be! He takes care of everyone on earth. He sends rain to water the grass and cause crops to grow. He makes sure the animals have food. He causes the sun to rise and set. Yet, Abraham was able to approach and talk to God! And he kept talking to God!

Talking to God—that is what prayer is. What a neat thing you and I can do—anytime and from any place—we can talk to God about anything! God is never too busy to listen to us.

But why? Why would God want to listen to Abraham, or to you? God wants you to talk to him because you are important to him! He wants to listen to you because he loves you. He hears all of your prayers and answers them because Jesus forgave all your sins. God wants you to keep talking to him, every day and about everything, because at your baptism, God made you his child. Because of who God is and what he has done for you, you can, like Abraham, approach God and talk to him!

Whether you’ve got questions, things you are afraid of, or something that makes you really happy and thankful—all are great things to talk to God about!

Closing Prayer:

God, thank you for never being too busy to listen when I talk to you about all the things going on in my life. 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

• If you could ask God any question, what would it be?
• Who is the most important person you have ever talked to?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why can you approach God and talk to him like Abraham?
• Make a list of things you always wanted to talk to God about. Which do you want to talk to him about today?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why does God want you talk to him?
• What do you think God wants you talk to him about?

Read: Colossians 1:1-14

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.
Colossians 1:3-4,9b-10

Thank You, Lord… Can I Have More?

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

Alison just finished eating supper at the table. It was time for dessert. It was her favorite—strawberry shortcake. The cake was on the plates and the bowl of strawberries was making its way around the table. Suddenly, disaster struck. There weren’t enough strawberries for everyone. Alison’s mom mysteriously calculated the exact number of strawberries, divided it by the number of kids at the table, and then spooned them out evenly. Now everyone would be happy, right? Wrong! Alison complained, “But Mom, the berries don’t even cover my cake.” Mom replied, “Alison, be happy with what you have.”

Be happy with what you have. Is that what your mom says too when you’re at the store and you see the newest game or an action figure? Is that when Mom says something like, “Stop begging, be happy with what you have”?

Whether strawberries or toys, it’s good to be happy with what we have. But when it comes to spiritual blessings, God wants us to beg, and ask and ask and ask, and want more and more and more. More of what? Let’s call them our “spiritual strawberries.” When it comes to spiritual things, to the strength of our faith, to the number of God-pleasing fruits, or works of faith, “We pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way.” God never wants us to stop wanting more.

But that’s sort of hard, because there’s a part of us that doesn’t want to do that. There’s something in us that wants to do exactly the opposite of what God wants. But God has an answer for that. God tells us how we can grow in love for God and others. We grow when God feeds us. We grow the more we hear and know and read and study God’s Word.

For the tons of spiritual presents God gives, each wrapped with the red ribbon of Jesus’ blood—for faith in Jesus, for forgiveness, for the certain hope of heaven—we say “Thank you, God!” But never stop asking God for what you don’t have. Ask him to cover your cake and dump on those spiritual berries. Ask the Lord for strength to please him in every way, for strength to produce fruit in every good work. And find that strength in God’s Word.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord, I am so thankful for everything you have given me in my life and for my faith. Don’t ever stop strengthening and supporting me to live my life for you. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

• When Alison complained she didn’t get enough strawberries on her shortcake, did her mom tell her—“Be happy with what you have” or “Ask for more and more”?
• When it comes to producing good spiritual berries of love for God and others, does God tell us—”Be happy with what you’ve got” or “Ask for more and more”?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• “Live a life worthy of the Lord.” What exactly does that mean?
• What has God given us that gives power to live life for him?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Have an honest discussion with your parents (or guardian, etc.) what is getting in the way of your family “growing in God’s Word.”
• The devotion talked about “spiritual strawberries” as fruit that shows itself in life. Identify what a couple of those berries might look like in your life.

Read: Luke 10:25-37

“A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
Luke 10:30-37

How to Love Unlovely People

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

The priest walked by. The Levite walked by. What were they thinking? Why wouldn’t they help the poor man who was beaten, bloody, and left to die? Maybe they were thinking, “How can I help? I don’t know this guy. I will not know what to do. Besides, I will be late…” The list could go on. Jesus said these two men went on their way. He didn’t say they didn’t care. They were men of God. They likely would have had sympathy or concern. But they didn’t care enough to do something.

How often do we fall into the same situation? Parents do care: they make supper, pay bills, mow the lawn, wash/fold/put away laundry. Do we stop to care for a friend in crisis? Do we stop to understand the heartache our child has? Children care: they do homework, feed the pet, practice music or sports, and help around the house. But do we stop for a friend who needs someone to talk to? Do we go over and above to help our parents? Do we help an older neighbor struggling with their yard? How sad when our love stays focused inward.

The point of Jesus’ story is not “Who is my neighbor?” Instead, it is “To whom can I be a neighbor?” The priest and the Levite, fresh from going to church, left the church parking lot and could have been a neighbor to the man who had been beaten, left looking unlovely and half-dead. They didn’t. The Samaritan man had every reason to think, “Why should I help him? He’s not my neighbor!” Even if he thought that, he didn’t say that. And if he felt that way, it quickly turned into pity for the hurt man. So his heart did not hold anything back.

“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” Jesus’ question to makes us realize how often our heart is not right and our thinking is wrong. Our hearts need to change to show that kind of love. Only the gospel story of Jesus can change a person’s heart from natural self-centeredness into a heart of selfless love and compassion. Compare the love of the Samaritan with the love of God’s son, our Savior. Jesus held nothing back from helping us in our desperate and helpless condition. He laid down his life to rescue us from unending death and to give us life that lasts—a gift of pure grace.

God is love! Love has no limits because the God of love has loved us with no limits. With such an attitude of love, Jesus ends today, “Now go and do likewise.”

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, I’m not perfect in loving others. But you are! Help me follow your example of love and loving action. Give me the privilege of being a little Jesus to someone in need of 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 happened to the man who got hurt in Jesus’ story?
• How did the Samaritan help man help him?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Remember a time that you didn’t help someone and should have. Why is it so important to then remember Jesus’ love for you?
• Think of someone you are really struggling to love—someone who really hurt you and you are staying away from them. What would need to change inside of you to love them without limit?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• List two things that keep you and others in your family from helping each other.
• Place yourself in the shoes of an unlovable person. Consider what may have made him (her) so critical, so touchy, so selfish, or so mean. How can better understanding their loneliness or unhappiness soften your heart?

Read: Ruth 1:1-19

But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.”
Ruth 1:16,17

Outward-Focused Love

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

What will I get done today? How early will I have to get up? How hard is it for me? How can I possibly do more? Have you ever said something like that when you’re facing something new? The immediate response is focused inward and how events will impact your life.

Ruth had a life event that impacted her life. Her husband died. What a shock! Everything she knew and planned was changing. Ruth had much she needed to figure out. She also needed time to be sad. If anyone had a right to focus inward on herself, Ruth was that person.

Amazingly, this was not Ruth’s reaction! Even as her world was completely changing all around her, she still focused outward on others—like her mother-in-law, Naomi. Ruth felt the pain of losing her husband. But she knew Naomi was mourning the loss of her son. She didn’t want Naomi to be left without support or aid. Even though Naomi urged her to go back to her family, Ruth would not leave Naomi alone. Ruth had strong words as well. “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay.” Ruth was making a promise that she was going to care for Naomi and stay with her no matter what else the Lord had in store for them.

Then we see why Ruth had this outward focus. “Your people will be my people and your God my God.” When Ruth was brought into Naomi’s family, she learned of Naomi’s God. Through this focused act of love by Naomi and her son, Ruth had the greatest love in her life. Ruth knew that she had everything she needed through God. With God’s love shining through her, she could now focus away from herself and love Naomi.

Some people may say that what Ruth did was foolish. The world believes that a person needs to take care of himself first because no one else is going to take care of him. We know that this is love focused inward. Like Ruth, our love is different. We already have everything we will ever need because Jesus has given us eternal life. Having that in our hearts, may we reflect that outward love to others!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, we give you glory for your amazing love that you shower down on us every moment. Please Lord, give us strength and courage to focus our love on 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 did Ruth say to Naomi that showed amazing love?
• Name a way we can show love to others?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• How might Ruth have felt when Naomi commanded her to leave?
• Why is remembering God’s love for us through Jesus so important if we are going to show outward love to others?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Think about times you find it difficult to show love to others. Share what’s getting in the way of it.
• Think of at least one way you can put outward love into practice in the next few days. What’s the occasion? Who is it with? How will you do it?
  

Read: 1 Peter 5:1-4

Shepherd God’s flock, that is among you, serving as overseers, not grudgingly, but willingly, as God desires, not because you are greedy for money but because you are eager to do it…And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive an unfading crown of glory.
1 Peter 5:2,4 (EHV)

The Good Shepherd Is Seen Through Faithful Shepherds

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

It was a pretty good Sunday for little Andy. His parents didn’t need to take him out during the service. He sang his version of the songs and even said part of the Lord’s Prayer that his parents had been teaching him. After the service was over, Andy really wanted to greet the pastor. So he ran up to the pastor, shook his hand, and with a big grin blurted out, “Good morning, Jesus!”

Why would a little child call their pastor “Jesus”? No pastor is actually Jesus. No pastor is the Good Shepherd. After all, every pastor is a human just like everyone else, so why would a little Andy call his pastor “Jesus”? It’s because he sees Jesus in his pastor.

God’s Word tells us that a pastor’s job is to watch over and care for the souls of God’s flock, like shepherds watching over sheep. A shepherd makes sure that his sheep get green grass to eat and clean water to drink. He protects them from dangerous animals and bad weather, even if he has to risk his own safety. He takes care of them when they get hurt. He puts a lot of work into taking care of those sheep, even putting their needs before his own.

Is that what Jesus calls pastors to do? Yes, but in a different way. It all starts with what Jesus did for pastors and their flocks. As the Good Shepherd, Jesus willingly and eagerly rescued us from the dangers of sin and death. He put our needs before his own. He even gave his life to give us life. Now he provides for our needs. He heals our hurts and guides us on the path to heaven.

Like the Good Shepherd, God provides pastors to care for our souls like a shepherd does for his sheep. Pastors share the love of Jesus with us. Jesus wants his pastors to serve willingly and eagerly as he did, out of love for people rather than money or power. He wants pastors to be an example for believers like us. Above all, he wants pastors to shepherd his people through the faithful preaching and teaching of God’s Word. When pastors shepherd us with God’s Word, we see Jesus through their loving care.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Good Shepherd, you care for every one of us, your sheep. Provide us with faithful pastors who will shepherd your flock with love and care like yours. Help them to feed us with your Word, and hold them close to your heart. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

• In what ways is Jesus the Good Shepherd?
• Who does Jesus provide to take care of us, his sheep?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why did little Andy call his pastor “Jesus”?
• In what ways do you see Jesus in your pastor(s)?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• One of the most important tasks of a shepherd is to protect his flock. From what does a pastor protect his church flock?
• Why does God want us to pray for pastors? List three things you would include in such a prayer and then pray that prayer.

Read: Luke 9:51-62

As they went on the way, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” He said to another man, “Follow me!” But he said, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” Jesus told him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Another man also said, “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me say good-bye to those at my home.” Jesus told him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Luke 9:57-62 (EHV)

Will I Follow Jesus?

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

Have you ever tried to ride a fence? Not turned towards either side, but sitting on the fence with one leg on each side like riding a bike? It’s tough to ride a fence for very long. While riding a fence might give you a decent view for a little while, eventually it gets uncomfortable, even a little painful. Plus, you have to be careful about keeping your balance. If you tip too much either way, you can end up falling off the fence. It can be tough to ride a fence.

One day, Jesus met three men who seemed to be riding a fence. Would they follow Jesus or not? One of them came up to Jesus and said, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus had become pretty popular, so this man wanted to be one of his followers, to be part of the popular crowd. Yet Jesus told him that following him is not always popular. In fact, a follower of Jesus might even be asked to make sacrifices for Jesus. Would he follow or not?

Jesus asked another man to follow him, but the man told Jesus, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” The man loved his family, but his family was more important than Jesus. Jesus wanted the man to realize that following him needed to be more important than even his own family. Would he follow Jesus or not?

Another man came up to Jesus and said, “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me say goodbye to those at my home.” This man claimed that he would follow Jesus in the future, but his attention was pulled back in a different direction. Would he follow Jesus or not?

When it comes to us following Jesus, does it ever feel like riding a fence? We love to follow Jesus when it’s easy and fun, but what happens when following Jesus isn’t fun? Will we still follow him? What if following Jesus means going in a different direction than the people we love? Will we still follow Jesus? Remember this: Jesus never sat on a fence when it came to saving us. He looked ahead to the cross even though it meant rejection and separation from God because of our sins.

When it comes to you, Jesus didn’t ride the fence. Today he says, “Hop off the fence and follow me!”

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for not being hesitant about saving us. Thank you for going to the cross and paying for those times when we have hesitated to follow you. Help us to focus on you and follow you each day until you bring us home to heaven. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

• Explain what it means to ride a fence.
• What makes following Jesus hard like riding a fence?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• List three things or people that could distract you from following Jesus.
• What can help you focus on Jesus as you follow him?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why is it impossible to follow Jesus while “riding a fence?”
• In Luke 9:51, Jesus “set his face toward Jerusalem” where he would die on the cross. Explain what Jesus meant when he said: No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.

Read: 1 Kings 19:19-21

So Elisha turned back from following him. Then he took the team of oxen and slaughtered them. Using the equipment from the oxen as fuel, he cooked the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he got up, followed Elijah, and served him.
1 Kings 19:21 (EHV)

Are You All In?

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

“Are you in or out?” Jacob wasn’t sure. Was he going to go with his friends on the roller coaster or not? Jacob had ridden roller coasters before, but The Shark had a reputation for high speeds, deep dives, and extreme turns. The ride was a lot bigger, a lot faster, and a lot higher than anything Jacob had ever ridden. As his friends ran to get in line for the ride, Jacob paused. “Am I in or out? If I join my friends, I can’t turn back. If I stay here, will I ever go on this ride? I want to ride this ride, but do I really?” Jacob looked up, swallowed a big gulp of air, and ran ahead to join his friends. He was all in… and loved the ride!

Leading up to today’s Word of God, Elijah served the Lord faithfully for many years. His work was difficult because God sent him to face his enemies. Yet the time had come for someone else to take his place as prophet. So God sent Elijah to find a man named Elisha. Elisha was getting fields ready for planting. Elijah ran over to let Elisha know that he was going to be God’s new prophet. Was he in or out? The work would not be easy. Elisha would also have to face God’s enemies. People would reject his message, even threaten his life. Yet, many would trust in the true God through his work. So was Elisha in or out? He could have said, “I’m out,” but Elisha was all in. He held a big barbecue for his family, then left with Elijah to become a prophet.

Here’s where you fit in to today’s Word of God. Jesus has not called you to be his prophet, but he has called you to follow him. Are you in or out? Jesus wants followers who love him more than anything or anyone else in the world. Jesus wants followers who are willing to leave everything behind to be with him. On our own, we could never do it. We would fail. We would have to say, “I’m out, Lord!” Yet we have a Savior who was “all in” for us. Jesus left all the glory and comfort of heaven behind because he knew that he had to give up everything, even his own life, to save us from sin and death. Because of his super love for us, we now follow Jesus through faith. With his help, we are “all in.”

Closing Prayer:

Lord God, you call us to follow you, even giving up everything to be with you. Forgive us when we have not been all in. Help us through faith in Jesus to follow you now and always. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

• What does it mean to be “all in”?
• How was Jesus “all in” for us?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why did Elisha need to be “all in” to become a prophet?
• What makes it hard for you and me to be “all in” as a follower of Jesus?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Elisha left behind his family and wealth to become a prophet. Consider two things that you might have to give up in order to be “all in” on following Jesus.
• How can Elisha serve as a model of commitment for you as you follow Jesus?

Read: 2 Timothy 1:3-10

God did not give us a timid spirit, but a spirit of power and love and sound judgment. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Instead, join with me in suffering for the gospel while relying on the power of God.
2 Timothy 1:7,8

Feel Safe in the Midst of a Storm

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

Do you like thunderstorms?

Thunderstorms can be okay when you’re inside of a house with your family and the windows are all shut. Thunderstorms aren’t scary when you feel safe.

But what if you were camping in a tent, and a big thunderstorm started dumping rain onto your tent. The wind is blowing, the lightning cracks—BOOM! That thunderstorm would be a little scary, wouldn’t it? Thunderstorms like that don’t make you feel safe.

Today, Paul talks about being a prisoner. He was put into jail because he was preaching about Jesus. Paul even said that he would probably die before being released as a free man. Talk about scary!

But Paul was safe. Paul felt safe because he knew that Jesus had forgiven his sins. Paul knew he was safe, because Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to live in each Christian when they are brought to faith. Even though Paul was in a scary place, he was safe.

And scary things aren’t scary when you are safe.

That’s why Paul says these things in our reading. He basically says, “Friends! You’re safe! You’ve got nothing to worry about. You have a Savior who rose from the dead. You have a Savior who made you his witness. You have nothing to be scared of, nothing to be ashamed about—because Jesus has taken away your sin!”

In other words: Dear young Christians,—you are always safe. And the Jesus who has made you safe wants to make you his witnesses. Witnessing to Jesus means talking about Jesus and remembering that the resurrection of Jesus means all sin has been forgiven.

It’s true that talking about Jesus might bring some difficulty. After all, Paul was put into prison for talking about Jesus. That probably won’t happen to you—but you might feel a little uncomfortable at first. That’s okay! You’re safe! You have nothing to fear; you have a Savior who has broken the power of death and opened the door to heaven. Nothing can hurt you… not even a thunderstorm!

Closing Prayer:

Thank you, Jesus, for making me safe. Give me the willingness and words to speak as your witness. 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 something that is scary for you.
• When you’re scared, what makes you feel safe?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• How can God use suffering to teach us to trust him?
• What is an easy way to practice talking about Jesus?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why would God allow suffering in our lives—especially if it is a result of our witnessing? (For instance, Paul was imprisoned for preaching about Jesus.) What good does God accomplish through suffering?
• Paul closes with a statement: “Join with me in suffering for the gospel while relying on the power of God.” Why must suffering as a Christian go hand in hand with relying on God’s power?

Read: John 16:12-15

He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.
John 16:14

The Holy Spirit Wants to Share Something with You

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

“Give it back! That’s mine! You have your own!”

“Here, you can use my toy. And if you want, I have extra crayons and maybe we can draw a picture together.”

Do you like to share? Or more to the point: Do you look for chances to share?

Sometimes sharing is easy. We like to share experiences, such as watching the fireworks on a summer night, playing a game together, or sharing a picnic basket at the park. Sometimes sharing is easy.

And then there are the other times—times when sharing is difficult. There’s one cookie left, and two kids who want a cookie. A friend is over, and she wants to play with your favorite doll. You’re playing a new game with friends, but one person always wants to be in charge. Sometimes it’s difficult to share, because we feel left out or unimportant, or we feel like someone else won’t take care of our things.

Jesus talks about sharing. But his words today aren’t a command to share—in today’s reading, he tells us that the Holy Spirit shares with him and us! This is what he says: “The Holy Spirit will glorify me, because he will share from what is mine, and share it with you.” Wow!

Jesus says that he shares with the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit shares with us! I like it when someone shares with me, because they show that they care about me. When someone shares with me, I know that I’m not left out.

But…what does the Spirit share with us?

He shares what Jesus has: his life. Jesus laid down his life at the cross and took it up again in the resurrection—and now, in Holy Baptism, the Spirit shares that same life with you!

The Spirit also shares what Jesus earned: righteousness. Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit, and that this Spirit would create faith. Through that faith, Jesus shares his righteousness, his goodness, his perfection with you—so that you are forgiven.

When Jesus shares with you, he shows that he cares about you—and he shows that you’re not left out. Jesus shares with the Spirit, so that the Spirit shares with you, me, and every other Christian. That’s the Holy Spirit’s work—to share with people today exactly what Jesus won for us at Good Friday and Easter. I’m glad God shares!

Closing Prayer:

Thank you, Jesus, for sharing all your work with the Spirit. Thank you for sharing your righteousness with me. Lead me to treasure your Word and Sacraments, where you still share forgiveness today. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

• When is it easy to share? Why is it sometimes difficult to share?
• What did Jesus share with you?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• How did the Holy Spirit share the gift of faith with you?
• Why does Jesus want to share with us?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why is the Spirit’s work of “sharing” important?
• Think of the Third Article: “I believe that I cannot, by my own thinking or choosing, believe in Jesus Christ my Lord, or come to him. But the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel…” How does the Spirit’s work of “sharing” Jesus happen? Based on how Jesus has promised to share his gifts—try to name the different times when the Holy Spirit is sharing Christ’s gifts in the regular Sunday service.

Read: Numbers 6:22-27

In this way they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.
Numbers 6:27

What is God like?

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

Take a moment and think of a favorite person—or perhaps a character from a book or movie. Maybe you would think of a friend, a relative, a neighbor, a classmate. Now that you’ve thought of someone, try to describe that person using only three words.

Can you do it? How would you describe that person?

In our reading from Numbers 6, God describes himself. And as he describes himself, he shows us what he is like—and what he does. But that’s not all! God also shows what he thinks about us, and the reason why!

In this section of Scripture, God promises to bless his people. He brought them out of slavery in Egypt and was leading them through the desert. He was bringing them to the Promised Land of Canaan, where God would finally keep the exact promise he once spoke to Abraham: “I will give this land to your descendants as a possession.”

As God led his people through the wilderness, he wanted the people to learn what he was like. God had already showed that he cared about his people—he rescued them from slavery, he led them through the Red Sea, and he provided food for them each day.

But God wanted to do more than take care of his people. God wanted to tell his people what he was like! That’s why God wanted his priest to bless the people. God wanted to tell the people what he is like, using three simple statements:

1. The LORD blesses and keeps you.
2. The LORD smiles at you and is gracious toward you.
3. The LORD looks on you favorably and gives you peace.

That’s how God described himself—as the One who provides for his people, who shows undeserved love for his people, and who continues to care for his people today.

Each Israelite worship service ended with this promise from God—exactly the same way our worship services end on Sunday mornings. With those same words, God still describes himself as the One who provides for our needs, the One who took away our sin, and the One who still gives us peace.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank you for keeping all the promises you made to Abraham—especially the promise to bless all nations through Jesus. Help me rejoice that you still describe yourself in Scripture and place your name on us today. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

• In the words of the blessing, remember at least one thing God promised to do for you.
• How does God care for you today?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why is it important to know that God kept his promises to Abraham?
• When do we normally hear this blessing from Numbers 6? Why do we use the blessing at that time?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Apart from the Bible, where can any person learn about God? What do they learn?
• Why is it important for God to describe himself in words when we can see evidence of God in the world around us?

Read: Acts 2:1-21

Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
Acts 2:21

From One Language to Many – Proclamation

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

The Holman family moved from America to a far away country called the Czech Republic. They loved it except for one thing—they didn’t speak the Czech language. They worked hard to learn words like “Hello” (Dobrý den!), and “How are you?” (Jak se máš?), and name items in the grocery store or restaurant. But when they would ask how someone was, they didn’t understand the answer. How frustrating when you want to tell people something or understand what they are saying!

Today’s Bible reading is a special story about the Day of Pentecost. When Jesus went to heaven, he told his disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit to come to them. They did what Jesus asked. While there, a huge feast was taking place. The feast was called Pentecost or the Feast of Harvest. Jews from all over the world came to Jerusalem for this feast. Each person spoke the language of their country. God had a special plan for the feast that year. The disciples were all together, and some amazing things happened—there was a sound like a wind and small flames of fire came to rest on each of them. The Holy Spirit gave them the ability to suddenly speak in other languages. They didn’t have to learn the language or practice it. They just knew it. People study for years to be able to speak another language. The disciples could do it immediately. That’s amazing! It was part of God’s plan!

What did they do? They did what Jesus had told them to do. They went out into the streets among the many people from all over the world and started speaking in people’s languages, telling them about Jesus. In a previous devotion this week, God made the people speak a different language to confuse them and spread them out. In today’s story, God gave the disciples the gift of speaking another language so they could tell others about him. Their message was that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. The disciples wanted to be sure that as many people as possible heard that message.

You and I can be like the disciples. We can tell others the same message, and we don’t need to learn a new language to do so! Who do you know that needs to hear this message—God loves you and wants you to be saved? In any language, this is the most important message to tell, and you get to share it!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, we want everyone we know to know about you and have faith in you. We know that faith comes only from the Holy Spirit, but that you’ve told us that we should tell others about you. Help us to be excited to tell those we know about 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

• If you had a chance to play with someone who spoke a different language, what would be fun about that and what might be hard?
• Most, or maybe even all, of the people you know speak the same language as you, but maybe they know very little about Jesus. What would you want to share with them about Jesus?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• The disciples did what Jesus said by going to Jerusalem and staying together until the Holy Spirit would come. Describe what you think their reaction may have been when they heard the wind, saw the fire, and were suddenly able to speak another language!
• You don’t have to learn a new language to tell others about your Savior, and yet, it can be hard sometimes. Why makes it hard for you? What would help for the next time?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Jerusalem was filled with visitors from all over the world when the disciples were able to speak different languages. Now imagine that was you. Describe your reaction and why you would walk into the streets and start talking to others.
• It can be hard to bring up your faith with others. Think of one possible consequence if you don’t speak up. What encouragement does God give you to talk to someone else about your faith?

Read: John 17:20-26

[Jesus said], “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”
John 17:20-21

I’m Praying for You

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

“I’m praying for you!” Has anyone ever said that to you? Have you said it to someone? What a loving and kind thing it is when we offer to pray for someone and then we go to God in our prayers. You might ask God to help someone get better when they’re sick. You may pray for God to calm a friend’s fears or worries. You may say a prayer of thanks when something really great happens to someone in your family or to a friend. God tells us we can pray to him at anytime and anywhere.

Did you know that Jesus prayed for you? When you read today’s words from the book of John, you hear Jesus praying for his disciples, but also for you! You are one of those who believe in him though hearing about God’s message in the Bible. Jesus also prays for anyone else who comes to faith in him. In his prayer, Jesus asks “that all of them may be one.” Another word for that is unity. Jesus wants all of us (including you and me) to have unity. What does that mean? He wants us to have the strong bond that comes from being one with God and with each other. He wants us all to work together to share God’s Word. He wants us to all share the same message—that Jesus is the Savior and that because of him, we have forgiveness and the gift of heaven.

Do you know why unity is so important? Imagine you are in a canoe with someone. One is facing the front and one is facing the back and you are both using the oars to move the boat. However, because of how you’re sitting, you’re rowing in opposite directions. That won’t work! It’s the same with us and all believers. Satan wants us to quarrel and disagree with each other because then we can’t work well in telling others about God. However, if we work together, share the same message, be in the Word together, and get along well, there is so much that can be done to spread God’s Word. Jesus is praying for that kind of unity with each other and with him.

“I’m praying for you.” Let’s do that for each other. Let’s pray for each other and ask God, just like Jesus did, that he blesses our unity with him and with each other so that many others can see Jesus through us.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Father, thank you for praying for your disciples and for us. Help us to keep our focus on the truths in your Word and to encourage each other in faith in you. In your name, Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

• Jesus prayed for you, and we can pray for others. Sometimes we might think that praying is something grownups do for us, but God loves to hear everyone pray. Think of someone you would like to pray for.
• Take a moment and say out loud a little prayer for that person.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Unity was at the heart of Jesus’ prayer in our reading today. He prays that “all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.” What does it mean that he wants all believers to be one?
• Name at least one way you can help keep unity in your home.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Satan is so good at trying to turn believers away from God. Some ways are very sneaky, and some are obvious. Think of at least one sneaky and one obvious way that he might do so.
• Name two ways that we can stay strong and encourage others to be strong in faith so that God’s message of grace can be shared with as many as possible?

Read: Acts 16:6-10

During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
Acts 16:9-10

Me? A Missionary?

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

Paul was a missionary. A missionary is a person sent by a church into an area to share the gospel (that’s God’s good news that our sins are forgiven and that heaven is ours). Paul spent years traveling from place to place telling people about the gospel. But it wasn’t easy. He traveled mostly by walking. He depended on others to provide food and a place to stay. Do you wonder how he knew where to go? He didn’t have Google maps! The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit guided his journeys. We don’t know exactly how the Holy Spirit did so, except in today’s reading. We’re told that the Holy Spirit gave a vision of a man from Macedonia begging Paul to come and help. It’s hard to imagine what that would have been like!

What did Paul do? He went. He journeyed to Macedonia to preach to the people there. He went where the Holy Spirit led him. In a span of 17 years, Paul traveled about 10,000 miles to share the gospel. God blessed his work in spite of the challenges Paul and his friends faced, including being arrested, jailed, beaten, shipwrecked, and run out of towns.

How about us? When we read about Paul, the stories are remarkable! He faced so many dangers and still worked everyday to tell others about their Savior. It would be easy to say that we can’t do what Paul did. To pick up, leave, and spend our lives on foot, telling people about Jesus seems like too big of a task. Even though God may not provide us with a vision, he still asks us to preach and share the gospel. For most of us, we know people in our own neighborhood or in our family that need to hear about their Savior. We don’t need to be a pastor or teacher to share Jesus. We can tell our friends and those in our family. When someone is discouraged or worried, we can share how much God loves them and watches over them. When great things happen, we can celebrate with them and thank God for those blessings. You and I are part of God’s team of missionaries and can tell others how much God loves them, what Jesus did for them, how God forgives them, and God’s promise to be with us in all things.

So, missionaries, who can you tell? What opportunities might you have to share a simple message of God’s grace with others? Ask God to help you to see those opportunities and to be eager and excited to tell others about Jesus their Savior.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Father, thank you for missionaries like Paul who served you with faith and trust. Help us to trust you to be with us and help us to be excited to tell others about 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 do you think would be really great about being a missionary?
• You can be a missionary starting now. What is the most important thing you can tell your friends and others about God?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• It’s easy to think that the work of telling others is for our pastor and others who serve at our church. Today, we were reminded that we are missionaries as well. What’s the hardest thing about sharing your faith with your friends and others?
• What would help you be more confident in sharing your faith?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Sometimes sharing faith happens with someone we know is going through a difficult time. Think of a friend who was struggling with something. What did you say, or could you have said, to encourage their faith?
• Discuss at least two ways your family can share your faith with others. How can having others with you help?