Read: Romans 6:1b-11

What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
Romans 6:1-4

My Baptism Helps Me to Put God First

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

Listen carefully to the following:

First, is Joey. Joey peeked around the corner. No one was looking. He quickly grabbed two candy bars and stuffed them into his pockets. “What are you doing?” Sydney asked. “No one saw me,” Joey said, “And it’s OK. God will forgive me anyways.”

Second is Quincy. Quincy knew that his mom wouldn’t be home for another 30 minutes, so he quickly got on the computer to use it for things that were wrong and sinful. “Mom would be so mad . . . but at least God will love me,” he told himself.

Third is Deanna. Deanna just loved to talk about other people. When she was little she always liked to “tell” on her friends at recess. Now in high school, she loved to talk badly about people at lunch or in text messages. One time, a friend said, “But aren’t you a Christian?” Deanna replied, “Yes I am. That means I’m forgiven, and it doesn’t matter.”

Do you see how confused Joey, Quincy, and Deanna are? They think that because God is loving and forgiving, they can do anything they want—including sinful things. Because they thought their actions didn’t matter, they started putting worldly things and sinful desires in front of God in their hearts.

Today the apostle Paul helps us to think clearly about this. He asks, “Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?” In other words, should I keep doing sinful things because God will forgive me anyways? His loud and clear answer is, “By no means!” Absolutely not!

The reason Paul tells us that we don’t live this way is because of something special that has happened. We are baptized! When we were baptized, God connected us to Jesus who lived and died for us. That means all our sins were washed away! But God also connected us to Jesus’s resurrection when we were baptized. That means that just as Jesus rose to life, he gives us a new life as his dear children when we are baptized.

If God loves us this much and has given us so many blessings in Jesus, should we just sin some more and do whatever we want? By no means! Instead, we show thanks to God for his love by living as God’s children. That means we live “a new life,” a life of love for him and for other people. What a joy to be God’s child! He gave his life for me, now I can live my life for him!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, I am so thankful that I have been baptized into your name. In love, you made me your own dear child. Now help me to live my life in love for you and for 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

• As a family, talk about your baptisms. What were they like? What memories do you have? What made them special?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What makes us want to live a life of love for God and for other people?
• What is it that makes baptism so powerful?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Evaluate this statement: Now that I am forgiven and freed from sin, I can live however I want.
• Identify all the ways that baptism is similar to or different from the concept of adopting a child into a family.

Hymn: CW 391:1,4,6 – God Loved the World So that He Gave

God loved the world so that he gave His only Son the lost to save
That all who would in him believe Should everlasting life receive.

Be of good cheer, for God’s own Son Forgives the sins that you have done.
You’re justified by Jesus’ blood; Baptized, you are a child of God.

Glory to God the Father, Son, And Holy Spirit, Three in One!
To you, O blessed Trinity, Be praise now and eternally!

 

Read: Matthew 10:34-42

“Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.”
Matthew 10:37-39

Jesus Teaches Us to Love him Above all Things

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

Silas runs down the hallway, bursts through a doorway, leaps into the air, and lands perfectly on his hands and feet—just like Spiderman would. Silas doesn’t ever want to go to bed without his Spiderman pillow, blanket, and jammies either.

Mom comes in to turn on the night light for Silas and tuck him in tight like a spider in a web. “I love you to the moon and back, my dear. Have a good sleep.” Silas replied, “Mommy, I love you more than anything . . . more than AN-Y-THING . . . I love you more than anything in the whole wide world!”

Is Silas the most adorable mini superhero ever? Quite possibly. But is Silas talking the way Jesus would want us to talk? Not really.

This week we are going to spend some time thinking about how Christians want to put God first in their hearts. That might sound easy. “Of course I love God!” we say. But today Jesus speaks some very difficult words for us to understand. Jesus teaches us that if we truly have God first in our hearts, that means that we will love him more than our parents or grandparents, our children or grandchildren, our best friends, and yes, even more than Spiderman.

Does God want you to love your family and friends? Yes! He does! Does God want people like Silas and his mom to love each other so very much? Absolutely! But God does not want any of those people to come before him.

Take a moment to think about how God has put you first in his heart. All of us have sinned against God in so many ways. Yet God sent his Son Jesus to this world to suffer and die for you. Jesus set aside the glory of heaven for a while so that you could have the glory of heaven. How amazing that “God so loved the world” so much that he would allow us to become his dear children!

Jesus wants you to know that love. And when we know that love of God, what a joy it can be to love him first and best in our hearts. And you know what? When we love God with our whole heart, he will help us to love our family and friends in just the right way. Thank you, Lord for your love!

Closing Prayer:

Dear God, you have given me many special people in my life—family and friends. Help me to love them so much, but to love you the most. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

• Who are the people in this world that you love the most?
• What do you love about Jesus?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• When you are older, what might you be tempted to love more than God?
• Why do you think it is so difficult to love God more than everything else?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Evaluate this common statement by parents about their children: “I just love them so much—they are my whole world!”
• Explain why your parents, your best friends, your spouse, or your children are the ones Satan might tempt you the most to love more than God.

Hymn: CW 391:1,2 – God Loved the World So that He Gave

God loved the world so that he gave His only Son the lost to save
That all who would in him believe Should everlasting life receive.

Christ is the solid rock of faith, Who was made flesh and suffered death.
All who confide in him alone Are built on this chief cornerstone.

 

Read: Jeremiah 20:7-13

But the LORD is with me like a mighty warrior; so my persecutors will stumble and not prevail. They will fail and be thoroughly disgraced; their dishonor will never be forgotten.
Jeremiah 20:11

The Lord is With Us When We Share His Word

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

Tiny Tony thought he was the best little basketball player in the entire neighborhood. Even though he was in kindergarten, he would run up to much bigger kids and say, “I can beat you! I can beat you all!”

One day Tony went to the park with his dad and got his wish—a basketball game with all the neighborhood big kids. “We’re going to win! I know it!” he boasted. Sure enough, tiny Tony went home that day feeling at the top of his game because his team did win—and they won by a lot!

However, Tony was too young to understand or realize what really had happened. Tony’s dad was tall, strong, and athletic and had played basketball in college. The entire game Tony’s dad was quietly making sure that Tony was going to win, playing great defense and offense for him. Actually, Tony didn’t have much to do with the big win at all. His big, strong dad had done all the work for him!

Today we hear some words from the prophet Jeremiah. He had a very difficult job. He was very young when he started preaching, and every time he preached, he found that he was outnumbered—everyone was against him! In this chapter of Jeremiah, he had even been hurt by others and put in jail!

But just as Jeremiah started to become frustrated, he remembered whose team he was on—God’s! God is not just strong and athletic though. He is the all-powerful and almighty God who made all things and rules over all things. That’s why Jeremiah said that, “The LORD is with me like a mighty warrior.” Jeremiah knew that God was on his side and would fight for him, and that meant Jeremiah would win and his enemies would fail.

Sometimes it may feel like nothing is going our way, or even that everyone is against us as Christians. But remember who is on your team—the mighty God of all! Not only does he rule over all things that he made, but he also crushed in defeat our greatest enemy, the devil. God fought for us on Calvary and won the victory over Satan and this world. This mighty Savior God will be with you just as he was with Jeremiah. And one day, he will bring you from this difficult life to the victory celebration of heaven. What good news! No one can beat us with God on our side because we have already won with Jesus!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, when I feel sad or alone, remind me that you are always with me. Give me strength to endure every challenge knowing that you have already given to me the victory of eternal 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

• Why was Jeremiah frustrated and sad about his preaching?
• How has God shown us that he has more strength than anyone, even the devil?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Can you think of other people in the Bible besides Jeremiah who had difficult times preaching God’s Word?
• Why do so many people get angry when we simply want to tell them about Jesus?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why is it a fitting picture to describe God as a mighty warrior?
• Explain why we can say with Jeremiah that we will always win and our enemies will always fail, even if we may be persecuted or even die for our faith.

Hymn: CW 542:1,2 – Dear Lord, to Your True Servants Give

Dear Lord, to your true servants give
The grace to you alone to live.
Set free from sin to serve you, Lord,
They go to share your living Word,
The gospel message to proclaim
That all may know your saving name.

They gladly go at your command
To spread your Word o’er sea and land.
Be with them, Lord, and make them strong
To heal sin’s ills, to right the wrong.
Your rule is over wind and wave,
And mighty is your arm to save.

 

Read: Romans 5:6-11

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.
Romans 5:6

God’s Love Saves Sinners

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

Have you ever been stranded? Maybe your car went into the ditch on a snowy road, and you had to wait for someone to arrive and pull you out. Maybe a flat tire left you stranded on the shoulder of a busy interstate with no spare. Maybe Dad or Mom forgot to pick you up from practice or a friend’s house. If you’ve ever been stranded, you know it can be a pretty helpless feeling. You might be far from home. You might even be in a bit of danger. There isn’t a whole lot you can do about it but wait for someone to come save you.

We realize what an awesome God we have when we are reminded how helpless we are to save ourselves. Paul writes, “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.” When we come into this world, by nature we are stuck spiritually speaking. We are stranded and powerless. There isn’t anything we can do to reach out to God.

So God, in his great love, reaches out to us. Into a world so undeserving of his love, God sent Jesus—the One and only One who deserves his love. Jesus himself said, “The Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost” (Luke 19:10). Jesus had all the “tools” necessary to save us. Perfect words, perfect attitudes, perfect kindness, perfect contentment, perfect patience. He did all the work necessary to save us—living, dying, rising, ascending.

But God didn’t stop there. He came to you personally through his Word and baptism to bring you faith. Today he gives people who love you enough to tell you more about God, so that your faith can grow and become even stronger.

When your car is stuck, and you are stranded somewhere at night, it’s a pretty amazing feeling to see the headlights of your “rescue” vehicle pull up behind you. You were stranded. But help has arrived! You are safe. Think of that when you remember Jesus and what he has done. You were stranded. But because of God’s great love for you, help has arrived. In Jesus, you are safe.

Closing Prayer:

Jesus, Helper of the helpless, we’re so glad and thankful that you came to save us. Lead many more to know that you are their help and Savior, too. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

• How might someone feel if they are stuck or stranded?
• What did Jesus do to help us when we were stuck and helpless spiritually?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Explain why it could only be grace—undeserved love—that led Jesus to come and save us.
• Why is it so critical for us to tell other people about Jesus?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Evaluate this statement: When we live how God wants, we are paying him back for what he has done for us.
• Identify three practical ways that you can show thanks to God for his love this week.

Hymn: CW 576:3 – Spread, Oh, Spread the Mighty Word

Tell of our Redeemer’s love,
Who forever does remove
By his holy sacrifice
All the guilt that on us lies.

 

Read: Matthew 9:35-10:8

Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.
Matthew 10:1

God Sends Helpers to Proclaim His Love

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

Have you ever had a classroom job? Maybe you were the calendar person who wrote the day and date on the marker board each morning, or maybe it was your job to get everybody’s milk from the milk cooler at snack time. Maybe it was your job to stack the chairs on the tables at the end of the day so that the floors could be cleaned or to be “line leader” when the class headed outside for recess.

Could your teachers have done all those jobs themselves? Sure. They could have written on a marker board or stacked up chairs. So why did they ask for helpers? Well, maybe it was to give them a few less jobs to have to do—teachers have a lot of work! But maybe they also realized that you would gain something from helping. You would learn responsibility and ownership of something valuable—your education. You would get to be a part of something important—making your classroom run smoothly.

Jesus found helpers for himself during his life on this earth, too. You know them as “the disciples.” Peter, James, John, Andrew, Thomas, and all the rest. Could Jesus have done all the work of sharing the good news of God’s love by himself? Sure. (After all, he DID calm storms, change water into wine, and raise people from the dead without help.) If Jesus didn’t need help, why did he send the disciples to share the Word?

It is true that he had a lot of work to do—and a short period of time to do it. There were a lot of people who needed to hear the good news! Jesus knew that the disciples would gain something helping. Jesus’ helpers learned the responsibility of something valuable. They got to be a part of something really important—telling others the good news about the Savior!

Jesus still sends out his helpers to share the good news of his love today. Every time a pastor shares God’s Word with the people at his church, he gets to be one of Jesus’ helpers. Every time a teacher shares a Bible story with the children in her class, she gets to be one of Jesus’ helpers. Every time you invite someone to church or tell a friend that Jesus loves them, you are a helper. Being a helper is not something anyone earns. It’s a special job that Jesus gives us because he is kind and merciful. We can always be thankful that Jesus uses us to bring the good news to others.

Closing Prayer:

Thank you, Jesus, for sending us and others to tell about you. Give us strength for this job and joy in this work. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

• There were 12 disciples listed in the reading. How many can you name?
• Do you think that you could be a pastor or a teacher in a Lutheran school as your job? Why or why not?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What things would make being a pastor or teacher hard? What things would bring joy? (If you’re unsure, maybe you could ask a pastor or teacher!)
• How can you serve as Jesus’ helper, sharing the good news, even if you are not a pastor or teacher?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Identify three reasons it is a blessing for Jesus to use different people with different backgrounds to share his good news with others.
• Agree or Disagree: Pastors and teachers have more opportunities to share their faith than lay church members. Explain your answer.

Hymn: CW 576:1 – Spread, Oh, Spread the Mighty Word

Spread, oh, spread the mighty Word;
Spread the kingdom of the Lord
Ev’rywhere his breath has giv’n
Life to beings meant for heav’n.

 

Read: Exodus 3:1-15

Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” And God said, “I will be with you.”
Exodus 3:11-12

God’s Mercy is for Sinners Like Moses and Me

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

In what ways is your life different from the lives of people who lived in Bible days? You live in a different part of the world, most likely. You speak a different language than they did. Your clothes are different from the clothes they wore. They didn’t eat mac and cheese, pizza, or burgers. They didn’t have electricity—so no Wi-Fi, tablets, or cell phones. No cars, no swing sets, no Little League. It may seem like we have absolutely nothing in common with the people who lived in Bible days.

I bet that you weren’t put in a basket and floated in the reeds of the Nile River when you were a baby, were you? So you might think that you and Moses have nothing in common. But have you ever been scared? Didn’t think you were good enough? Didn’t really want to do the thing that God wanted you to do? You and Moses have something in common after all.

When God called Moses to be the leader of the children of Israel, Moses realized what a big and serious job that was. He was scared and didn’t think he was good enough. He said, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” He didn’t think he was right man for the job. But the thing is . . . God told Moses that he was the right man for the job. Being scared and hesitant isn’t a sin. But telling God he’s wrong sure is!

At that point God could have crumpled Moses up like a piece of paper and started over with someone else. He could have exploded in rolling black clouds of anger, with thunder and lightning bolts all around. But God didn’t. Instead he showed Moses mercy. He promised to go with him. He gave Moses signs that would show God’s power. He even promised to send Aaron, Moses’ brother, to help him. What a patient and kind God Moses had.

What a patient and kind God we have! Don’t misunderstand. It’s never okay to tell God that he’s wrong, no matter how difficult what he’s asking us to do. God says, “I will be with you.” He holds our hand when we’re scared, and he promises he always will be with us. He sends people to help us do the right thing. He will treat us with patience and mercy, just like he treated Moses.

Closing Prayer:

Your mercies are new every morning, gracious God. Every day we need them. Treat us with patience in our weakness, not because we are worthy, but because of Jesus, your perfect Son, our Savior. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

• God told Moses he would be leader of his people. What did Moses answer?
• Why do you think Moses was scared to do the important work God had for him?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• The opposite of being scared is being overly confident in our abilities. Which do you struggle with more—being afraid or being too bold? Why did you answer the way that you did?
• Moses used excuses like being slow of speech to try to avoid answering God’s call. Come up with three excuses we use when we’re hesitant to do something difficult that God has asked us to do.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Think of a time when you were overwhelmed by task you faced. What promises does God give you to remember in that moment?
• Think of a time when Jesus was overwhelmed by the task in front of him. How did he handle that situation?

Hymn: CW 596:2 – Let Me Be Yours Forever

Lord Jesus, my salvation,
My light, my life divine,
My only consolation,
To you I all resign,
For you have dearly bought me
With blood and bitter pain.
Let me, since you have sought me,
Eternal life obtain.

 

Read: Romans 3:21-25a, 27-28

There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
Romans 3:22b-24

We Proclaim the Truth about Sin and Grace

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

In so many ways, we are all different. We live in different places. We have different families. We have different gifts and abilities. We have different likes and dislikes. We like or dislike different foods. We have different backgrounds, different cultures, different schools. We even look different. But the apostle Paul begins our devotion like this, “There is no difference . . .”

Why would Paul say that if we are all different in so many ways? Paul explains, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God . . .”? All have sinned? All have fallen short? Yes, all of us have disobeyed God. None of us have been perfect. None of us have perfectly listened to our parents or teachers. None of us have perfectly loved our brothers, sisters, friends, classmates, or neighbors. God tells us in his Word that we must be as perfect as he is. The problem is, we aren’t perfect all the time. All of us have fallen short, from the newest newborn to the oldest adult. No matter who we are, where we come from, or what we look like, none of us have been that perfect.

That means we all deserve punishment for our sins, eternal, forever punishment. Yet God loved us with a love that none of us deserved. We call that “grace”—God’s undeserved love that caused him to send Jesus to be our Savior. Paul describes it this way. We “are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”

“Justified” and “redemption” are big words but really important. He “redeemed” us. He bought us back by facing our punishment in our place. By doing that, we are “justified.” Like a judge in a courtroom, God has declared us “not guilty” because Jesus suffered in our place. That becomes ours through faith in Jesus. Now God looks at you and me “just as if we had never sinned,” all because of Jesus.

We are all different in so many ways, but we are all more alike than we think. We have all sinned. We have all fallen short of being holy like God. Yet we are all loved by our God, who sent his Son to rescue us. We can all rejoice in this: Christ has paid for all the sins of all!

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, your love for me led you to take my place. Thank you for living perfectly for me. Thank you for dying for me. Help me to live each day as your redeemed child. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

• How are we all different? How are we all alike?
• What is God’s grace?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What does it mean to be “justified freely by his grace”?
• Define redemption.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• How does knowing that we have all sinned help you to understand yourself and other people around you?
• How does knowing that Jesus has paid for the sins of all people impact how you look at other people no matter who they are, where they come from, or what they look like?

Hymn: CW 382:1,4 – My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less

My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare to make no other claim but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.

When he shall come with trumpet sound, oh, may I then in him be found,
Clothed in his righteousness alone, faultless to stand before his throne.
On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.

 

Read: Matthew 7:15-29

Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.
Matthew 7:24-27

We Stand on the Truth of God’s Word

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

What is the most important part of your home? The roof keeps rain and snow out, while also providing shade. Walls offer protection from the outside and divide rooms on the inside. Windows and doors allow you to look or go outside. Furnaces, air conditioners, and all kinds of appliances serve a good purpose inside your home, but what about what is underneath your feet?

The floor and the foundation are very important. Every home needs a strong foundation, because the foundation holds up your entire house. If the foundation is weak or poorly made, it can ruin the entire building. Just as important is where the foundation is laid. Build the house in a swamp, and it could sink. Build the house on a sandy beach, and a violent storm could wash it away. Build the house on firm soil or even rock, and that house is not going anywhere.

In our reading, Jesus tells us a story about two men who built very similar houses. Both built beautiful houses, but there was one big difference. One man built his house on rock. The other built his house in a dry, sandy riverbed. When violent storms came up, where they built their houses proved to be the difference between survival and destruction.

When the rains came down and the streams flooded up, as the winds blew and beat against the house built on rock, nothing happened. The house was fine, because it had a foundation built on unmoving rock. When the rains came down and the streams flooded up, as the winds blew and beat against the house built on sand, that house was destroyed. Why? That house had a foundation built on sand that shifts, moves, and washes away.

What is Jesus teaching us here? Jesus wants us to understand that as believers, the only way we can have a strong foundation is by listening to him in his Word. If we try to depend on our own wisdom or our own abilities, they may fail us when life gets tough, scary, or uncertain. At times like that, we need Jesus and his Word to be our foundation. Right now, there are a lot of “storms” raging around us, a lot of things that might frighten us or make us feel nervous. Yet in his Word, we find Jesus standing firm for us. He holds on to us and holds us up. He is our Rock. He is our foundation. On Jesus and his Word, we can stand safe and secure, no matter how scary the storms of life might be.

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, the storms of life can make me and people I love afraid. Help me to listen to your Word and live according to your will, because you are my firm foundation. 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 is the foundation so important for a house?
• Why is it wise to listen to God’s Word?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Explain what makes a Christian “wise” in God’s eyes.
• Explain what can happen to a person if their “foundation” is not built on Christ.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Identify three dangers—physical or spiritual—that threaten your “foundation.”
• Identify three ways that listening to God’s Word helps to strengthen your “foundation.”

Hymn: CW 382:1,3 – My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less

My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare to make no other claim but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.

His oath, his covenant and blood support me in the raging flood;
When ev’ry earthly prop gives way, he then is all my hope and stay.
On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.

 

Read: Genesis 1:1-2:3

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Genesis 1:1

The Triune God Created All Things

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

“Once upon a time, there was a beautiful princess who lived in a tower…”
“Once upon a time, there was a brave boy who traveled into a dark forest…”

For centuries, storytellers have started out fairy tales, folk tales, or adventure stories with those famous words, “Once upon a time…” Something amazing or unbelievable, breathtaking or terrifying happened long ago “once upon a time.” The storyteller captures our attention with those familiar words as he or she tells an ancient tale of good and evil, fear and courage, love and adventure. We love stories like that, but we know that they are just made up stories. In fact, those words “Once upon a time…” make us think that the story we are about to hear is just a fairy tale.

The very first verse of the Bible does not start out with “Once upon a time…” Instead, it starts out with “In the beginning…” Sadly, many people still think that what they are about to read is as much a fairy tale as any imaginary princess or adventure story. They think there is no way that God could have created the universe in six days.

If you take a closer look at the first chapter of Genesis, you will see some of the reasons why this account is no fairy tale. What we find is the history of how God did something amazing. He created the universe for his greatest creation—people. See God the Father at work, using his unlimited power to create light and day, sky, land and seas, plants and trees. See God create the sun, moon, planets, and stars. See God create all the sea creatures and every animal that flies. See God create all the animals that live on the land. Then see God create man and woman with the greatest care. Why? God has loved us from the very beginning, not as the greatest animals, but as his most precious creation.

The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit was there, so was God the Son. How? The apostle John tells us, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… Through him all things were made…” (1:1,3) When John speaks of “the Word,” he means Jesus. Jesus was there “in the beginning,” giving life where before it did not exist. The triune God was there “in the beginning,” creating the heavens and the earth. The triune God has graciously given us life. We are God’s special creations, carefully created and dearly loved. Praise God that there is nothing imaginary about that!

Closing Prayer:

O triune God, how amazing is the universe that you have created! How even more amazing to know that you care even about me! Use your Word to guide me to trust in you and all that you have done for me. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

• What did God use to create the universe?
• What do you love most about God’s creation? Why?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What are the differences between “Once upon a time” and “In the beginning?”
• What makes us God’s special creation unlike all the plants and animals?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Explain this verse that speaks about the creation of the universe: “By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.” (Hebrews 11:3)
• If you know that you and everyone around you are God’s special creation, how will that change the way you interact with other people?

Hymn: CW 194:1,2 – Oh, that I Had a Thousand Voices

Oh, that I had a thousand voices to praise my God with thousand tongues!
My heart, which in the Lord rejoices, would then proclaim in grateful songs
To all, wherever I might be, what great things God has done for me.

Dear Father, endless praise I render for soul and body, nobly joined;
I praise you, Guardian kind and tender, for all the daily joys I find
So richly spread on ev’ry side and freely for my use supplied.

 

Read: Acts 2:1-21

Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? We hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!”
Acts 2:5-8, 11b

The Holy Spirit Comes and Changes Lives

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

On March 10, 1876, Alexander Graham Bell said to his co-worker Thomas Watson, “Mr. Watson, come here. I want to see you.” That may not sound like a big deal, but it was. Those were the first words ever spoken on the telephone Mr. Bell had just invented.

The telephone has changed our lives! How many people in your family carry around a cell phone today? You can use your phone to make calls, send text messages, have video chats, and play games. We can talk to our friends or family whenever we want and no matter where they live. Can you imagine what your life would be like without one?

When Jesus was on earth, he promised to send someone to change people’s lives. That promise came true. On the day of Pentecost, God the Holy Spirit arrived in a dramatic way. There was the sound of a blowing wind, tongues of fire appeared on people’s heads, and Jesus’ apostles spoke in different languages! The Holy Spirit came to change hearts and lives. He would work through the words the apostles spoke to bring repentance and saving faith into people’s hearts. Now they could have Jesus’ forgiveness and the promise of eternal life. Talk about life-changing!

Ever since that day, the Holy Spirit has been changing lives. That includes your life too! There was a time when you and I did not believe in God. We were helpless to please God. God had no reason to love us. To go through life without God’s love is the scariest thing in the world.

That all changed when the Holy Spirit changed your life. When you were baptized, the Holy Spirit filled your heart and gave you a special gift: he made it possible for you to believe in Jesus. Now your sins are forgiven! You are God’s child! Someday, you will be with him in heaven. Until then, the Holy Spirit helps us do what pleases God. He inspires kindness, goodness, gentleness, patience, love, and self-control. He makes us eager to love others and serve God.

Can you imagine what life would be like without the Holy Spirit? Praise be to God, the Holy Spirit has changed your life forever!

Closing Prayer:

God the Holy Spirit, thank you for changing my life. You brought me to faith and connected me to my Savior. Preserve that faith in my heart until the day I am able to see my Savior face-to-face in 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

• What did the people see or hear on the day of Pentecost that told them the Holy Spirit had arrived?
• What did God want the apostles to do when the Holy Spirit came to them? What does he want you to do?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• How has the Holy Spirit changed your life? Name as many ways as you can.
• Why did we need the Holy Spirit to change our lives?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Discuss with your parents how the Holy Spirit changed someone’s life that you know. Explain, if you can, what they were like before they came to faith in God and what they were like after.
• The Holy Spirit changed my life by forgiving all my sins and giving me saving faith in Jesus. I am now God’s child! This means that I want to… _______________________. (Fill in the blank as many ways as you can.)

Hymn: CW 184:3 – O Holy Spirit, Enter In

O mighty Rock, O Source of life,
Let your dear Word, in doubt and strife,
In us be strongly burning
That we be faithful unto death
And live in love and holy faith,
From you true wisdom learning.
Your grace and peace
On us shower; by your power Christ confessing,
Let us see our Savior’s blessing.

 

Read: Joel 2:28-29

And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.
Joel 2:28-29

God Foretells the Coming of the Spirit

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

Who do you want to be like when you grow up? A famous athlete or actor? Your favorite teacher? Maybe you just want to be like your mom or dad.

Why do you want to be like that person? More than likely it is because they can do something you want to do! For instance, you want to be like LeBron James or Alex Morgan because you want to be excellent at sports. Or you want to be like your dad, because he is good at fixing things or your mom because she is the kindest person you know.

Did you know there are people who wanted to be just like you? It’s true! Thousands of years ago, even before Jesus lived, there was a man of God named Joel who shared God’s Word with the people of Israel. Sometimes God spoke directly to Joel with his Word, but most often he shared the Word of God in the Bible. Joel was one of a few people who shared God’s Word because he was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Then God came to Joel and told him that in the future, all of God’s people would be sharing the Word. Some of the apostles of Jesus would hear from God directly and write God’s Word. The rest of God’s people would share the Word in the Bible. Joel promised the Holy Spirit would fill all believers. That means you too!

Imagine how the people in Joel’s day wished they could be like you and speak God’s Word! It’s so exciting that we get to share God’s Word! How amazing it is that we can share God’s Word personally or even on social media! Should we forget to, God forgives us and still gives us the Holy Spirit who encourages us to share God’s Word. You are so special because you are God’s witness here on earth! Do not forget the wonderful privilege to share God’s Word with our family, friends, and neighbors. God even planned this for you to do a long time ago!

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, you promised that we would be filled with your Spirit and sent out to share your Word. Help us to see the opportunities around us to share your Word. Support those who share the Word full time. 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 your favorite Bible story?
• Think of someone you could share that Bible story with. How would this story encourage this person?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What special privilege and opportunity did God give to all his believers, including you?
• What does it mean to you that God chose you to share his Word?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Agree/Disagree: Only pastors and teachers are qualified to share God’s Word, so we should just leave the work to them. Make sure to defend your answer.
• Come up with one or two practical ways you can use a social media account (if you have one) to spread the good news about Jesus.

Hymn: CW 184:2 – O Holy Spirit, Enter In

Give to your Word impressive pow’r
That in our hearts from this good hour
As fire it may be glowing,
That in true Christian unity
We faithful witnesses may be,
Your glory ever showing.
Hear us, Cheer us by your teaching;
Let our preaching and our labor
Praise you, Lord, and serve our neighbor.

 

Read: John 17:1-11

Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.
John 17:3-5

We Have Hope Through the Word

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

We all like attention from important people in our lives:

• “Mom, watch this!” the little girl yelled as she jumped into the water.
• “James is our 6th grade class president,” his teacher announced. When James heard that, he sat up taller, grinning from ear-to-ear.

The point is, we appreciate when someone notices us or pays attention to what we are doing or saying.

Did you know Jesus wants YOUR attention? He loves to be noticed, watched, and listened to. Why? It’s not because Jesus feels ignored by his Father or because he doesn’t have any friends. No, Jesus wants your attention because he has a very important gift to give you: eternal life.

The night Jesus was betrayed and arrested; he said a special prayer. It’s called his High Priestly Prayer. In that prayer, he prayed for himself, his disciples and for you. But even when praying for himself, it really was a prayer for you! Everything Jesus had been doing was everything his Father asked of him to win an important gift— the salvation for the world. Now, that work was almost complete. Just one thing remained. He needed to give up his life on the cross.

Jesus prayed the Father would allow him to continue this plan all the way to the cross so he would have everyone’s attention. That’s what he means by the word glory. Jesus wants your attention because he gives the eternal life you and I need.

We weren’t born with the built-in right to eternal life We were born separate from God and under his condemnation. God did not want that to happen, so he sent his Son to die and rise from the dead to win eternal life for you. Jesus did exactly that! Does he have your attention now?

He most certainly does. Give Jesus and his Word all your attention. They give eternal life! You don’t want to miss out on that!

Closing Prayer:

Ascended Lord and Savior Jesus, may I never lose my focus on you. Draw my attention to your Word where I can see your glorious promises and comfort that I am your child and will be with you in heaven forever. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

• Why does Jesus want our attention?
• How could we say thank you to Jesus for giving us eternal life?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What things in life distract you from paying attention to Jesus?
• Why is it so important that to pay attention to Jesus and our faith?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• It is not always bad to get people’s attention. How could you use your faith in Jesus in a good way to gain people’s attention for him?
• Read John chapter 17 on your own. We learn a lot about prayer from Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer. How does hearing Jesus prayed for you motivate how you pray and for what you pray?

Hymn: CW 173:2 – On Christ’s Ascension I Now Build

Since Christ returned to claim his throne, great gifts for me obtaining,
My heart shall rest in him alone, no other rest remaining,
For where my treasure went before, there all my thoughts shall ever soar
To still their deepest yearning.

 

Read: Genesis 4:1-16

Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”
Genesis 4:6-7

Love Avoids Temptation

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

Remember Cain and Abel? Their parents were Adam and Eve. Cain was the older of the two brothers. Cain, a farmer, gave some of his crops to God in a sacrifice. Abel, a shepherd, gave an animal from his flock. God was pleased with Abel’s gift, but not the gift from Cain. So Cain was jealous of Abel and killed his brother in anger. Cain lied about his actions to God and was punished by wandering for the rest of his life. What a sad ending.

The story of Cain and Abel is an important warning if you get angry easily. Long before anger lashes out, you can find it crouching at the door to our hearts. Cain made his sacrifice only because “I had to.” You know that dark feeling too. Someone (a parent or teacher) tells you to stop what you’re playing and help them. You do it because you were made to, not because you wanted to. Cain’s jealousy turned into anger. He couldn’t control it. He didn’t want to. Cain’s anger turned him into a murderer, a liar, and an excuse-maker who only worried about himself.

Cain’s anger separated him from God’s love—not because he felt angry (we all do)—but because he hung on to his anger even after God confronted him about it. He wanted Cain to repent of his sin and see his promised Savior. He even protected Cain when he worried that he might be murdered!

Where do we find the kind of love to help us when we are angry? It is found in another son God promised Adam and Eve who would be our perfect brother. Jesus let all our angry thoughts, words, and actions crush him on the cross. God’s love is so powerful, nothing can separate us from it! It can even crush any anger that tries hiding in your heart!

The next time you feel angry, remember the story of Cain and Abel. Ask God to help you to stop being so angry. Jesus’ power is ready to free your heart from it. Jesus promises to replace it with something far better—love. May his love put a smile back your face today!

Closing Prayer:

Gracious Savior, you taught us to pray “lead us not into temptation.” Help us to avoid temptation, flee when it comes our way, and turn to you as our Savior when it overcomes 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 did Cain do because he was so angry?
• Why is it important to remember Jesus when we get angry?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Agree or Disagree. God liked Abel’s offering more because he sacrificed an animal when Cain only gave fruits and vegetables.
• Make a list of things that make you angry. Evaluate how aligning yourself with Jesus’ love changes your view of them.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Give several reasons why God would protect the life of a murderer like Cain.
• Which is more important—that we avoid being angry or that we trust that Jesus has forgiven our sin of anger? Why do you answer the way that you do?

Hymn: CW 497:1,4 – This is My Will

“This is my will, my one command,
That love should dwell among you all.
This is my will, that you should love
As I have shown that I love you.

“You chose not me, but I chose you,
That you should go and bear much fruit.
I chose you out that you in me
Should bear much fruit that will abide.”

 

Read: John 14:15-21

If you love me, keep my commands … I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.
John 14:15,18-19

Love for God

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

It did not sound good. My dad turned the key, and the car only groaned. He turned the key again, and it only whimpered. He turned the key once more, and . . . nothing. “You gotta be kidding me,” Dad muttered in frustration. I grabbed the battery tester off the workbench, walked over to the car, and touched the red to the positive and the black to the negative. Nothing. “Battery’s dead, Dad.” A car without juice will not work.

Did you know that you also were born with a dead battery? When a mom gives birth to a baby, that baby can breathe, cry, and move right away. She is alive—physically! But that same baby is also born with a spiritual defect. She cannot love God or do what God wants. She is dead—spiritually. As a matter fact, she would not want to love God or do what God says. Like a car with a dead battery, a human being without faith in Jesus will not obey God’s commandments or love him. A dead battery is worthless. It’s not worth keeping. God already knows this to be true.

Yet, listen to Jesus. He does not look at us in frustration and mutter, “You gotta be kidding me.” He says, “I will not leave you. I will come to you. I live so that you also will live.” God understands the problem in us. He gave Jesus as the answer. At Easter, Jesus came out of his grave and announced, “I live!” Then he immediately looked at you and declared, “You also will live!” He did it by removing our dead batteries. Then he replaced them with one filled with the power of his love and life. Now, we have power for life now and forever in heaven!

Do you remember when God gave your new battery? Think again of a baby. What a blessing when God comes through his promises in the waters of baptism whether young or old! There he made you a child of God, gave you life, and gave you the “juice”—a heart that so loves and trusts God, it inspires us to keeps his commandments!

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Closing Prayer:

Gracious Savior, you know our struggle with sin. Thank you for your forgiveness. Give us your Spirit and faith in you so that we can live lives of thanksgiving and obedience that show our love for 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

• Why didn’t the car start?
• Why is it hard for us to do the good things God wants?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• The Bible describes us as spiritually dead. What are some other Biblical pictures of our spiritual problem that comes from our sin? Try to connect the beautiful ways the gospel answers those spiritual problems.
• When Jesus says, “Because I live, you also will live,” is he talking about our spiritual life now that follows God or eternal life in heaven? (Hint: The answer is found in second to last paragraph.)

Questions for Middle School and Above

• A friend asks you, “Why does God give us commandments that he knows we can’t keep on our own?” What would you say to him?
• How does the hope of the resurrection inspire us to love God and keep his commandments?

Hymn: CW 497:1,2 – This is My Will

“This is my will, my one command,
That love should dwell among you all.
This is my will, that you should love
As I have shown that I love you.

No greater love can any have
Than that one die to save his friends.
You are my friends if you obey
What I command that you should do.”

 

Read: 1 Peter 2:4-10

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
1 Peter 2:9-10

God’s People Rejoice in the Way

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

The young man was trapped. Heat and smoke filled the air. Flames engulfed every door and window. Total darkness blanketed his eyes. Escape was not an option. All seemed hopeless. All seemed lost until, bursting through the wall, encircled by an angelic glow, an axe-wielding firefighter cried out, “I’m here to rescue you!”

Clearly confused, the young man politely responded, “Thanks, but I was hoping for a different way out of this deadly fire than you!”

How ridiculous! When it is life or death and there is only one way out, we do not look for other options. We do not complain about that way. We do not drop our shoulders and sigh, “I guess. If I have to.” We rejoice! We grab hold of that firefighter as if our lives depended on it—because they do! We cannot stop thanking this hero for risking his life for us.

Jesus is our hero. He is the way, the only way to heaven. The Bible is clear: there is no other hero. We cannot save ourselves, we are the problem. It is our sin that got us into this hellish danger in the first place! Jesus, however, is the hero and his rescue mission on the cross is complete. Heaven is your home.

Thank him! Praise him! Rejoice! You are not alone. On the safe side of your rescue is a whole company of angels praising God that you have repented and trusted in this hero, Jesus. On the safe side of your rescue is a whole crowd of fellow believers who have also been rescued by Jesus. He has come save us all! That guarantees this: he has come to save you! Just as he burst out of that tomb on the third day, he has burst into your life through the gospel and rescued you from your sin, death, and Satan. Rejoice in Jesus your hero—the way, the truth, and the life!

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Closing Prayer:

Gracious Savior, help us to understand that our sins are serious and to appreciate the joy of salvation in the way you rescued 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 are some frightening situations you have been in?
• How does this devotion about our hero Jesus help you when you are afraid?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Look at the specific names Peter calls us in verses 9 and 10. Explain two or three of them.
• Describe different ways we can declare the praises of Jesus who rescued us from the darkness. Why would we do it?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Imagine a friend is struggling to believe that Jesus came to rescue her/him. How would you try to reassure your friend it’s true?
• Use some of the word pictures of verses 9-10 to encourage a Christian who says, “I don’t find any joy in my faith anymore.”

Hymn: CW 422:1,3 – Jesus, Lead Us On

Jesus, lead us on
Till our rest is won;
And although the way be cheerless,
We will follow, calm and fearless.
Guide us by your hand
To our fatherland.

When we seek relief
From a long-felt grief,
When temptations come alluring,
Make us patient and enduring;
Show us that bright shore
Where we weep no more.