Read: John 9:1-7,13-17,34-39

As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”

“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.
John 9:1-3

Jesus Uses Bad for Good

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

As a baby, he never looked up at a colorful toy hanging over his crib. As a boy, he never kept his eye on the ball so he could hit it with a bat. He might have felt the warmth of the sun on his face, but he never saw the paintbrush of God fill the sky with reds and purples at the end of the day. The man was blind.

Why? Was he blind because he was being punished for something bad he or his parents did? It seems to make sense that if someone does bad things, bad things will happen to him or her, right? Today, many still believe that accidents happen because God is getting them back for the wrong they had done. “Why?” is often asked after bad experiences. Why did the pet sea turtle have to die? Why do bones break so casts have to be worn, especially during the summer? “It doesn’t seem fair! It isn’t right! What did I do to deserve this?” might be screamed.

In today’s devotion, Jesus said that the blindness wasn’t because of any sin the man or his parents had done. The man was born blind so that God could flex his almighty muscles in his life. Jesus taught his disciples that through challenges and bad experiences God does some of his most amazing work.

Why does God allow bad things to happen? He isn’t punishing you but is wanting to do his amazing work in your life, and especially in your heart.

After the blind man washed off the mud Jesus had put on his eyes, he saw for the first time smiling faces, green trees, and the brightness of the sun. But the man was still blind. Sure, his eyeballs worked but the eyes of faith were still closed. He couldn’t identify or see who his Savior was. The man was lost! That is, until Jesus found him.

Jesus took away the blindness from his eyes so that God could take away the blindness from his heart. When the man saw Jesus and believed him to be God, he didn’t complain or ask why he had to be blind for many years, instead he worshiped Jesus as Lord. The man saw Jesus with his eyes in this life for a little while, but he will see glory forever because he saw Jesus as Lord with his eyes of faith.

Closing Prayer:

Lord God, thank you for the physical health that we do have. Heal us according to your will and plan. When we are challenged in this life, help us to trust that your plan is to bless us by giving us the opportunity to trust in you. Thank you for giving us the eyes of faith that see you, Jesus, as 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

• “I spy with my little eye … what?!” (Play 1 round!) What are you thankful for that your eyes saw today? (Think of the most beautiful thing!)
• How do you know God loves you even when bad things happen?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• How does the cross teach us that we don’t need to fear being punished by God for sin?
• What can you pray when bad and scary things happen and you can’t figure out why?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• How can worshiping God during really difficult times bring us comfort and strength?
• Discuss. Jesus doesn’t always give us an answer to our needs, but he always wants to be the answer.

Read: Isaiah 42:14-21

For a long time I have kept silent,
I have been quiet and held myself back.
But now, like a woman in childbirth,
I cry out, I gasp and pant.
I will lead the blind by ways they have not known,
along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;
I will turn the darkness into light before them
and make the rough places smooth.
These are the things I will do;
I will not forsake them.
Isaiah 42:14,16

God Can’t Wait for You to See

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

Are there times when you just can’t wait to get out of the car because you are so excited? You can’t wait to hug Grandma and Grandpa! You can’t wait to slide down the waterslide and float in the lazy river! You can’t wait to get some popcorn and see the movie that you have been waiting to see for what seems like forever! No matter how excited we are, we often must wait.

The Bible says that God waited like a woman who was going to have a baby. How strange! But remember, after nine months of waiting, a mom can’t wait for her baby to be born so she can hold, love, and care for her baby.

What couldn’t God wait for? What was God excited about? He wanted to safely guide the blind and cause them to see! The prophet Isaiah wasn’t talking about people who had blind eyes, but blind minds and hearts. If a blindfold is over your eyes, you can’t see where you are going. If someone told you to run through your home while you were blindfolded, most likely something would get broken, and you would get hurt.

Have you ever experienced a moment of “blindness” that caused hurt? Talking back to parents doesn’t show love, but instead it hurts Mom or Dad. Being bossy to friends doesn’t let them see a kind person but a selfish one, which means feelings will get hurt and friends could be lost. Sin has blinded every heart and mind so that people cannot see who the true God is or know how to live for God. People who refuse to see that God is their Lord and Savior are not on the path to heaven, but on the road to hell.

But God couldn’t wait to take off the blindfold of sin so that you could see that there is only one true God. Jesus’ Word is a light that lets you see him as the Savior who died to forgive you all your talking back and selfishness so that you can see God as the Father who loves you. The Holy Spirit is excited to teach you that you are his child and guide you in a life that honors him as Lord.

It makes God happy that you have his Word so that your faith can see how much Jesus loves you now, and so that your eyes will see him in heaven forever.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Holy Spirit, thank you for opening my eyes of faith through the power of your Word. Every day of my life, cause me to see Jesus as my Savior from sin and to see myself as the child whom God the Father loves. Guide me in the truth so that my life is a reflection of praise and thanks for saving 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

• Recall the last time you couldn’t wait to get out the door of the car. What was the cause of your excitement?
• Can you recall what God was excited to do for you in today’s devotion?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Identify a recent moment of “blindness” in your life that caused hurt. What helped you to see the “light” and do what was right?
• Which person of the Trinity is there to teach and guide you in a life that honors God?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• List as many things you as a believer can “see” by faith that the unbelieving world can’t.
• If God is happy when you have his Word, talk about ways that you can keep God’s Word in front of you and on your mind.

Read: Romans 5:1-8

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Romans 5:1,2,5

The Holy Spirit Doesn’t Know How to Say, “When”

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

Bud loved to eat ice cream. Bud loved to scoop out ice cream for others even more. When he dug into the gallon bucket of vanilla, he would speak with a smile, “Say when.” If you didn’t want a mountain of vanilla, it would be wise to take only one scoop.

The Holy Spirit doesn’t dish out ice cream, but he does love to give you God’s love. Think of the Holy Spirit as God’s delivery man. God the Father gave us his Son to be our Savior. The Son gave his life on the cross to forgive us and then spit death out of his mouth to promise us life forever. The Holy Spirit takes the forgiveness, love, and life from Jesus and delivers it to people through the Bible’s promises. The Spirit doesn’t give you a little love and say, “You get what you get so don’t throw a fit.” The Spirit pours God’s love into you.

What do you do after your plate is piled high with ice cream? You eat it and enjoy the frozen desert. After the Holy Spirit has given you his love, what is it now time to do? Trust and enjoy the spiritual gifts that God has given to you.

How can you be sure that God loves you? Jesus’ cross promises that he does. Jesus died for you without being asked. More than that, Jesus died for you not because you were a good person but because you were a sinner. You needed Jesus, so he willingly went to the cross to show how much he loved you.

Jesus isn’t just anyone. He is true God. If God died for you, not only do you know how much you mean to him, but the death of God’s Son promises forgiveness of sins and peace. Everything between you and God is good! God doesn’t look at you with a disappointed frown. God isn’t angry with you, but he loves you so much that he wants to spend forever with you.

These are the promises of love that the Holy Spirit pours into your heart, and he doesn’t ever ask you to say when.

Closing Prayer:

Holy Spirit, give us a thirst to listen to the Word that promises God loves us. Thank you for the gift of faith that holds on to Jesus as 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

• What does it mean to make a promise?
• In today’s devotion, what promises does Jesus make to you?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What can you point to as proof that God will always love you?
• Why can we think of the Holy Spirit as God’s delivery man?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• What is the difference between God’s love and a human being’s love?
• If the Holy Spirit pours his love into you through God’s Word, discuss what would need to happen for you to connect with God’s Word every day.

Read: John 3:1-17

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believe in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

God So Loved You

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

One Sunday, a pastor had a special announcement after church.

“We have a guest today who would like to say a few words to you,” he told the congregation mysteriously.

All eyes turned to an old man who slowly made his way up to the front of the church with a walker.

“Many years ago,” the old man began, “I went sailing with my twelve-year-old son and his friend on the ocean. A terrible storm suddenly came up and the boat capsized. I was able to grab on the overturned boat, but my son and his friend were quickly being dragged away by the current. Within my reach was a life-preserver tied to a rope. I could only throw it to one of the boys and I only had seconds to decide who I would throw it to.”

The eyes of the congregation grew wide as they waited to hear what the man decided.

An audible gasp went out from the congregation when he said, “In the end, I threw the life-preserver to my son’s friend.”

“I loved my son more than life itself and would have gladly given my life for him, but I knew that he believed in Jesus. We had taken him to church since he was little. I knew where he would be if he died.”

“But I also knew that his friend’s parents never took him to church. I didn’t know if he believed in Jesus. I couldn’t take the chance. So I threw him the life-preserver.”

The pastor went and put his hand on the old man’s shoulder. “That is a true story,” the pastor said. “I know, because I was his son’s friend.”

Today’s Bible passage is John 3:16. It’s one of the most well-known verses in all of the Bible. It contains all of the love in the story you just heard.

God loved you so much, he gave up what was most precious to him. God loved you so much, he sacrificed his one and only Son to save you.

That’s how much God loves you. That’s what he gave up to save you. Be amazed by his sacrifice to save you. Cling to that life-preserver every day of your life.

Closing Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for sacrificing so much for me. Help me to trust in and appreciate your amazing love every day of 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

• What did God the Father give up for you?
• What did Jesus, God the Son, sacrifice for you?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why did the old man from the story throw the life-preserver to his son’s friend instead of his son?
• Why does God love you?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Martin Luther once said that John 3:16 gave him more comfort by saying, “For God so loved the world” than if it would have said, “For God so loved Martin Luther.” What do you think he meant by that?
• Knowing that those who don’t believe in Jesus will be condemned to hell, list at least one way in which you can throw a life-preserver to others.

Read: Genesis 12:1-8

I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.
Genesis 12:3

Standing on God’s Promises

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

There’s an old saying: “Promises, like pie crusts, are made to be broken.” Have you ever made a promise but then you broke it? Have you felt the pain caused by the making and breaking of a promise? Moms and dads promise to take their kids to McDonalds or Chuck E. Cheese, but then don’t keep their promise. Husbands and wives promise to love each other until death do they part, and yet nearly half of all marriages in our country end in divorce.

God is a promise-maker. The Bible is packed full of his promises—like the promise in today’s devotion to people like Abraham. It was a promise of a Savior, a promise to protect, provide, and pardon.

When Abram was 75 years old, God told him to pick up and move together with his wife to a far-off land. He promised to bless Abram. He promised that Abram’s descendants would be so many, they would outnumber the stars in the sky and the sands on the seashore. He promised that all the peoples of the earth would be blessed through him.

But Abram was old. His wife Sarai was old. They had no children. God’s promises might have looked like a pie crust about to be broken.

But God isn’t only a promise-maker. He is also a promise-keeper. Every promise God ever made in the Bible he has kept. Twenty-five years after God made the promise to Abram that he would make his family into a great nation, God kept his promise. Abram and Sarai miraculously had a son in their old age. Abram’s descendants would be a great nation.

And all the peoples of the earth were blessed through Abram, because one of his descendants, Jesus, lived and died for the sins of every person who has ever lived. God’s pie crusts never get broken. Because God always keeps his promises.

Remember that the next time you are lying in your bed unable to sleep because you are afraid. God promises to be with you and protect you. And God always keeps his promises.

Remember that the next time you mess up—the next time you do something bad. God promises to forgive every screwup and sin because of Jesus. And God always keeps his promises.

In our world today, promises are often like pie crusts. They are easily broken. Thankfully, God’s promises never are.

Closing Prayer:

Dear God, give me a simple trust in your promises. Thank you for the faith you have given me. When I worry and experience moments of weakness, help me stand and be strong knowing you can do all things. This I ask for Jesus’ sake. 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 promises did God make to Abram?
• What promise has God made to you?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Instead of trusting, we often worry or are afraid. Why is it so hard for us to trust God’s promises?
• How does the story of Abram and Sarai help us to trust God’s promises in situations that seem impossible?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• If God promises to make everything in our lives work out for our good, why doesn’t he always do what we ask him to do in our prayers?
• When we struggle with doubt about whether God’s promises are true, how does today’s devotion direct us to what we should do?

Read: Romans 5:12-19

For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.
Romans 5:19

Greater Than, Less Than, or Equal To?

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

Greater than, less than, or equal to. At one point or another, we all learn those phrases in math class. They are used in comparisons. For example: Is the number five greater than, less than, or equal to three?

Five is greater than three, right?

In our reading for today, the apostle Paul is making a comparison. He is comparing Adam, the first man, to Jesus.

Adam and Eve, the very first people to live on earth, were also the very first people to sin against God. Their sin changed everything. Their sin brought death into our world. From Adam and Eve, sin and death have been passed down from grandparents to parents and to their children.

Because of Adam, we all have sinned, and we all will die.

Before we point the finger and put all the blame on Adam, however, we need to remember that we can’t blame anybody else for the choices we make. We are the ones who choose to lie. We are the ones who choose to fight. We are the ones who choose to get mad. We are ones who have earned God’s punishment of death and hell.

But now let’s compare: Is Jesus greater than, less than or equal to Adam and us? Thankfully, he’s greater! Where Adam and we disobey, Jesus obeyed. Where we lie, Jesus told the truth. Where we fight, Jesus forgave. Where we get mad, Jesus loved.

In fact, he loved us so much that he died the death we deserve in our place. He died for all our wrongs so that we could be right before God. Because of Jesus and through faith in him, God the judge declares us innocent even though we are guilty. Through faith in Jesus, we receive life instead of the death we inherited from Adam.

In math terms, there really is no comparison. Jesus’ obedience is greater than Adam’s (and our) disobedience.

Jesus is the greatest! For us, that equals heaven.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for the gifts of forgiveness and heaven that you won for me. There truly is nothing greater than 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

• In what ways is Jesus greater than Adam?
• Think of three gifts given to you. Now think of three gifts God has given you. Which list of gifts is greater?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Paul uses the word “trespass” when talking about our sins. Why is “trespass” a good word to describe sin?
• Prove that Jesus is greater: Instead of finding us guilty, he declares us ____________. Instead of giving us death, he gives us ___________________.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• True or false: The only way to heaven is by being perfectly obedient.
• Do you consider yourself a “righteous” person? Explain your answer.

Read: Matthew 6:1-6,16-21

Be careful that you do not do your righteous works in front of people, so that they will notice. Instead, when you perform acts of mercy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Then your acts of mercy will be in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.
Matthew 6:1a,3-4 EHV

Kindness in Quietness

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

You might know the kind of person—the one who brags—the kind of person who brags about where they’re going, what they’re doing, and who they’re with. It eventually becomes hard to listen to and even be around them. Bragging is such a human thing to do. We like to talk about ourselves because it makes us feel good about ourselves. God warns against bragging, especially when it comes to the good things we do for others that makes us feel good about ourselves. God wants us to serve each other, to reach out to others with kindness, and to show mercy. Yet, he does not want us to brag about it in front of others.

Why is it so easy to fall into the temptation called pride? It’s one thing to feel satisfaction and a sense of joy in helping others. When your mom recognizes that you have washed the dishes for her, it makes you feel good. We can be proud—in a good way—about a job well done. But if the only reward for helping is so you can tell everyone else, “Look what I did today! I did the dishes and Mom didn’t even ask!” Don’t be surprised if someone comments that your head is so big it won’t fit through the door.

God’s Word encourages this: “When you perform acts of mercy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Then your acts of mercy will be in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” We can be content knowing that God sees our good deeds done out of love for him and our fellow Christians and it pleases him. Just as God was pleased with Jesus who humbly covered our sin of pride on the cross.

In the chapter before our reading, Jesus speaks to the crowd, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). Meek means quiet and gentle. Do good … quietly. Gently. Humbly. God sees and will give you your reward in heaven. That’s even more than we could ask for and better than any earthly thanks or praise from others.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord God, sometimes it is so easy to boast about what I do and who I am. I know this is not God-pleasing, and I ask you to forgive me. Help me to be kind and loving to everyone. Give me a gentle and quiet spirit. And if the only one who sees what I do is you, may that be my greatest reward! I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

• Instead of bragging (talking only about yourself), name one thing you could do instead.
• Think of (don’t say it) something kind you did for someone else today. Then quietly ask God to use it to bless that person.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• How does it make you feel when someone brags to you about how good they are?
• To put humility into practice, think of one good thing you can do for someone tomorrow without them even knowing.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Name two reasons why God warns against boasting about our good deeds.
• Ask members of your family to share stories about the consequences of pride and boasting. What can you learn from them to fight against this temptation?

Read: Matthew 17:1-9

Six days later Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John the brother of James; and he led them up onto a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured in front of them. His face was shining like the sun. His clothing became as white as the light. Just then, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Jesus.

Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here.”
Matthew 17:1-4a EHV

In All His Brilliance

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

It wasn’t all that long ago that maybe you heard or recited these words: “and the glory of the Lord shone around them…” (Luke 2). A shining angel announced to simple shepherds in the fields outside Bethlehem that Jesus was born. For a few seconds, they witnessed the brilliance of heavenly glory because the Holy One, the Messiah, our Savior, had come into the world.

Did you know something like that happened years later in Jesus’ life? Jesus was a grown man when he began preaching and performing miracles. Even though he traveled the country doing miraculous things such as healing people and walking on water, he looked like a normal human being. His appearance was nothing even close to the glorious company of angels on the night of his birth.

One day, he took three of his followers (Peter, James, and John) up a mountain with him. There, Jesus’ appearance changed. It’s hard for us to imagine exactly what that would have looked like. Matthew tells us, “His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.” Our eyes can’t even handle looking directly at a 60-watt lightbulb, let alone the brilliance of the sun. It’s even dangerous! Yet here Jesus stood before them, glowing in abundant light. This was something extraordinary and his disciples knew it! That’s why Peter exclaimed, “Lord, it is good for us to be here.”

It was here on this mountain that Jesus revealed his perfection and holiness in his glory. For a few moments, it was like the door of heaven was left open a crack and Peter, James, and John saw Jesus in all his glory. It was here that God the Father put his stamp of approval on Jesus as his Son. It is here that we too can be assured that Jesus is indeed the glorious and true Son of God.

Being in the presence of brilliance and holiness made shepherds and disciples afraid. It’s the same for us. In the face of such holiness, we ought to fall face down on the ground. Until Jesus taps us on the shoulder and says, “Get up. Don’t be afraid.” We don’t need to be afraid of Jesus. He would head down that mountain to do the difficult work of the cross so that someday, you could experience the full glory of his presence in heaven!

Closing Prayer:

This brightness, Lord! What shall I say
to see your face outshine the day?
No greater gift could I receive;
I’ll stay right here and never leave!

I’ll soon exchange this mountain sight
for heaven’s everlasting light;
your brightness, Lord, will then be mine,
and then my face, like yours, will shine!
(Christian Worship 392:1,6)

Thank you, Lord for your gift of 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 happened to Jesus when he went up the mountain?
• Fill in the blank: Jesus shining in brilliant glory shows us that he is true _______.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Name three things that happened when Jesus, Peter, James, and John went up the mountain that day.
• How did that show that Jesus is true God?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Compare Jesus’ transfiguration to Jesus’ baptism. What was alike? What was different?
• Discuss why it was important for Jesus to come back down the mountain after his transfiguration.

Read: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12

Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders.
1 Thessalonians 4:11,12

Behavior that Opens Doors

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

Has this ever happened to you? Your family is out in public. A child misbehaves or does something obnoxious. A parent says, “Stop that! What will people think?”

Ah, yes. The age-old “what will people think” question! Parents have been using it for years to call kids on the carpet for their behavior. That’s because many times human beings are motivated by the approval or respect of others. Or we don’t want to lose the approval or respect of others. We do not want to be embarrassed. We want to look good.

Let’s think about the role that appearances play in a Christian’s life. In our reading today, the apostle Paul urges the early Christians to live good lives “so that they might win the respect of outsiders” (v 12). Because they are Jesus-followers, Paul urges them to act like Jesus-followers: Keep showing love to one another. Lead peaceful lives. Be busy and productive. This good behavior would get noticed by their non-Christian neighbors.

Why does getting noticed matter? After all, what I do is between me and God, isn’t it? It should not matter what other people think.

Paul, speaking with Jesus’ authority, wanted the Christians to “win the respect of outsiders”—not to impress people, and not so the believers can feel good about themselves. Rather, Paul says that the good behavior of the Christians will get noticed and make people wonder why Christians live as they do. The outsiders might ask about this “Jesus” the Christians follow. And then a door would open to talk about who Jesus is and why the Christians follow him.

When other people notice our good behavior, a door opens to talk about why we behave as we do. Outsiders get a peek inside our hearts to see Jesus living there. We get a chance to talk about what Jesus means to us. This is how the gospel spread across the world in those early days of the Christian church. And this is how it still spreads today, as we Christians live lives that honor Jesus.

Jesus said it himself: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). In our reading today, Paul reminded the early Christians of Jesus’ words. Now we as family members can remind each other, too. As followers of Jesus, our behavior matters. Our good behavior may lead others to Jesus.

Closing Prayer:

Jesus, Savior, help us lead lives that honor you. Please let others see my behavior and see how important you are to me. And help us all encourage one another in love to behave in ways that honor you. In your name we pray, Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

• How do other people know that Jesus lives in your heart?
• What are some ways you can show people that Jesus lives in your heart without using any words?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Share a time when you noticed someone’s good behavior.
• What are some behaviors people might respect?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Discuss a time when you or a family member’s good behavior or decisions reflected faith in Jesus. What impression did this behavior have on you?
• What important tools do we have to encourage one another to live the Christian life? (ref. 2 Timothy 3:16, Ephesians 4:32)

Read: Matthew 5:13-20

You are the salt of the earth … You are the light of the world … In the same way, let your light shine before others, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:13,14,16

Saltshakers and Flashlights

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

To start today’s devotion, take a minute to focus on something special about each family member present. For example, “She has a wonderful smile” or “He is incredibly helpful.”

Isn’t it nice to have someone point out something unique about you? Taking the time to do this for each other helps us recognize and appreciate the unique gifts and abilities God has given to each one of us. We encourage one another when we point out each other’s gifts and abilities.

That’s actually what Jesus was doing for those who were listening to him preach in our reading today. “You are the salt of the earth” and “You are the light of the world.”

Jesus was pointing out two very unique characteristics of those who follow him. Let’s take a moment to recognize and appreciate what Jesus means when he calls us “salt” and “light.”

Salt in Jesus’ day was not just seasoning in a shaker on the kitchen table. It was used to preserve food from spoiling. It was very valuable and played an important role keeping people healthy and well-fed.

Likewise, light in a lamp had a very important purpose (and still does today). It lights up a dark room so people can see what is around them and move about safely.

Jesus’ followers have important roles in the world: To preserve his words when the world wants to spoil them. To light up a room so people don’t feel alone and afraid. We are salt and light because Jesus has called us to faith and has given us these special roles in the world.

Does knowing this help you understand just how important and special you are? That is what Jesus wants you to know. He has given you everything you need to live as a child of God in this world. You are God’s child. You are connected to Jesus through his Word. His Spirit lives in you.

You may have a beautiful smile or be incredibly helpful around the house. Today, God says you are salt and light. And that makes you so very special, with a very special purpose in this world.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, you have made me your own dear child. You have given me unique abilities to live my life as salt and light in this world. Please help me to remember that. Give me the courage to live a unique and special life for you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

• What did Jesus do for you that makes you a special child of God?
• How can you show people that you are a special child of God?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Review the purpose of salt as Jesus describes it in our reading. How can you live a life that preserves God’s Word?
• Review the purpose of light sources such as a lamp or a flashlight. What role can you play in helping people find their way to Jesus in this dark world?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• What effect is salt that doesn’t taste salty, or a light that isn’t turned on? How do these analogies help you think about your purpose as a Christian?
• What can we do when we struggle with our identity or sense of purpose as a Christian? (ref. 1 John 3:1-3)

Read: Exodus 19:1-8

You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession.
Exodus 19:4,5

Chickens and Eggs, Blessings and Obedience

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

Which came first—the chicken or the egg? It’s a fun question that teaches us something about the order of things. Go ahead and debate it for a moment, just for fun! Then let’s apply it to today’s Bible reading.

In our reading, God assembles the people of Israel and asks them for their obedience. Listen again: “…If you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then … you will be my treasured possession” (verse 5). In other words, “Be good, and you’ll be blessed.”

That doesn’t sound too hard to do, does it? Maybe we’ve heard or said these things:

• “Be good and we’ll go to the park.”
• “Be quiet and you’ll get extra recess.”
• “Eat your dinner and I’ll give you a cookie.”

So it’s easy to hear today’s Bible reading and think, “I want to obey and be good because I want God to bless me.”

But like the chicken and the egg, which comes first—the obedience or the blessing?

What really helps to answer that question is verse 4: “You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.”

This verse comes before the part about obedience. God reminds the people of Israel what he has already done for them. There they were trapped and suffering in Egypt—their freedom taken away by harsh masters. But God rescued them and brought them safely to a place where they could live freely. All this God did before he asked the people to live as his obedient children. First, he rescued them and made them his family. Then he asked them to obey and live like the special family members they were.

We are like the people of Israel. Without Jesus, we would be trapped in our sins, in a life without hope. Jesus rescued us from sin and death and carried us into his grace. By faith in Jesus, we are treasured and loved as members of God’s family. Now, God asks us to live as thankful children.

Do you see the real reason we obey God (or our parents, or others in authority)? Because we are loved, now we can show love in return.

So which comes first—the blessings or the obedience? The blessing of God’s grace comes first. Let’s remember the true order of things and live as grateful children.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank you for rescuing us and giving us the chance to live as your treasured children. Help us live with gratitude and obedience. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

• How do you know that God loves you?
• Name a way you want to show your love for God.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Reread Exodus 19:4 and compare it with Galatians 3:23-27. How did you become a child of God?
• Name two choices you can make in life that demonstrate to others that you are a thankful child of God.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Describe the difference between obeying for a reward and obeying out of love and thankfulness for God’s grace.
• Discuss the meaning of this phrase: “God’s grace is free, but it is not cheap.” How does understanding the value of God’s grace motivate your Christian living?

Read: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.
1 Corinthians 1:27

Striving to Be Foolish and Weak

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

Foolish. Weak. What do you think of when you hear these words? Do you feel like you want to be foolish and weak, or would you rather be wise and strong? That’s a silly question, isn’t it? You go to school every day so that you can be wise instead of foolish. You eat healthy foods and get enough sleep so that you can be strong instead of weak. Who would want to be foolish or weak if they could be wise or strong?

The apostle Paul gives us a surprising answer to that question. He says that God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise and the weak things of the world to shame the strong. Why? Why would God choose weak or foolish things when he could have something strong or wise instead? Does God actually want you to be foolish and weak? Yes…and no…

God doesn’t want you to stop going to school so that you can be foolish. He doesn’t want you to eat junk food all day and stay up all night so that you can be weak. He does want you to remember where your strength and wisdom come from, though.

Trying to be wise and strong on your own apart from God isn’t going to get you very far. Instead, that attitude will bring you to shame sooner or later. You’ll eventually run into a problem you can’t solve or a task you can’t tackle, a problem or a task where your own wisdom or strength just isn’t good enough. But when you turn to God for your wisdom and strength, you can be confident that he’s walking alongside of you and giving you everything you need to live a life of faith.

Relying on God for your wisdom and strength might make you look weak and foolish to those around you. They might say that it doesn’t make sense to believe in God. Nothing could be further from the truth! Jesus must have looked foolish and weak to the world when he was hanging on the cross, but that’s how he saved us. So when you appear foolish and weak to the world, when you turn to God for your wisdom and strength, you’re doing exactly what God wants you to do. Without God, you have nothing. With him, you have everything!

Closing Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for being my wisdom when I am foolish and my strength when I am weak. 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

• Would you rather be foolish and weak or wise and strong?
• Who should you rely on for your strength and wisdom?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

•  Agree or disagree. God wants you to be foolish and weak.
• Why might you look foolish or weak to the world when you rely on God?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• In Philippians 4:13, the apostle Paul says, “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” Explain what he means.
• What would you say to someone who says, “It doesn’t make sense to believe in God”?

Read: Matthew 4:12-23

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.
Matthew 4:18-20

Answer the Call

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

Katie loves her dad. She loves it when he swings her up on his shoulders when he comes home from work, and when he helps her with her homework after a long day at school. She especially loves when he tackles home improvement projects on the weekend. He often lets Katie follow him out to the garage or down to the basement when he works on something. There, he takes the time to explain what he’s fixing, patiently answering all of her questions, and showing her what she can do. Katie loves her dad, and she loves answering his call to come and help.

It’s easy to imagine Peter and his brother Andrew feeling the same way in today’s Bible reading. Jesus had already been preaching in the area where they were fishing, so it’s possible Peter and Andrew had heard Jesus before and maybe even met him. But that day was different. That day, Jesus came right up to them and spoke to them. That day, Jesus called them to leave their nets and catches of fish behind and instead come fish for people. That day, Jesus called Peter and Andrew to follow him.

And so they did! The two fishing brothers left their nets at once—immediately—and followed Jesus. They didn’t hesitate or wonder how they were going to earn a living now or try to sell their fishing supplies. They left everything to follow Jesus and trusted that he would show them how to fish for people.

You don’t get to see Jesus face-to-face or hear his voice in the same way that Peter and Andrew did, but Jesus still calls you today. He calls you to be his child through his Word. He calls you to learn more about him by reading the Bible and listening to your pastor at church. He calls you to follow him by doing your best to live according to his teachings and commands. He calls you to fish for people by telling those around you about him and how he came to earth to save us from our sins. And one day, Jesus will call you home to heaven where you will get to see him face-to-face and hear his voice.

Are you ready to answer the call? You don’t have to leave everything like Peter and Andrew did—just remember that Jesus is the most important part of your everyday life. And he calls you to fish for people too!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for calling me to be your child. Be with me as I daily carry out your call to fish for people. 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 job did Peter and Andrew leave to follow Jesus?
• What job did Jesus call Peter and Andrew to do?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why might it have been scary for Peter and Andrew to answer Jesus’ call?
• What does it mean to fish for people?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why is it important that Peter and Andrew left their nets at once—immediately—to follow Jesus?
• Why is it important for you to answer Jesus’ call to fish for people?

Read: Isaiah 8:19–9:4

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.
Isaiah 9:2

Better Than a Flashlight

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

Have you ever been in your house at night and had the power go out? It can be scary when this happens, especially if you’re in your room all by yourself. You’re suddenly surrounded by thick darkness, and sometimes you can’t even see your hand in front of your face. Every noise seems louder, every shadow seems more frightening, and you can’t help but imagine that there are monsters under your bed just waiting to pounce.

But then a flashlight beam carried by a parent shines in the doorway, and you don’t feel so scared. It’s amazing how one little flashlight (which isn’t really all that bright) can pierce through the darkness and take away all your fears. There’s something about a little light shining in the darkness that makes everything better.

In today’s reading, the prophet Isaiah talks about something worse than the power going out. He writes about people walking in darkness and living in the land of deep darkness. You can turn on a light anytime you want, so you might think these words aren’t meant for you. But they are.

Isaiah isn’t talking about darkness you can see with your eyes. No, he’s talking about something much scarier—he’s talking about darkness in your heart. You’re a sinner, and that means you naturally have darkness in your heart. On your own, you wouldn’t have any hope of breaking free of this darkness. You’d walk around in it and live in it and eventually die in it.

If Isaiah would have stopped writing there, there wouldn’t be any reason for hope. But did you hear what else he said? He said that the people living in darkness—you!—have seen a great light, that a light has dawned. And unlike a little flashlight beam, this light is brighter than any light the world has ever seen.

Can you guess where this light comes from? If you said “Jesus,” you’re absolutely right. Jesus is the One who shines brightly as a light in the darkness of sin. He’s the One who lights your path as you live each day here on earth. And he’s the One who will shine so brightly in heaven that there will be no more night.

So the next time you see a flashlight beam, think of Jesus. Remember that he is the light shining in the darkness of sin. You don’t have to be scared, because Jesus, your light, has come!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for coming to this world and being a light to save me from the darkness of sin. 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 makes you feel better when you’re scared of the dark?
• Who is the light that today’s devotion is talking about?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What does it mean that we used to have “darkness” in our hearts?
• What is something you can do to show people the light of Jesus?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• If Jesus is the light that shines in the darkness, why do some people prefer to not believe in him and live in darkness?
• Think of someone you know who is living in spiritual darkness. What could you say to them to tell them about the light of Jesus?

Read: Colossians 2:6-15

God erased the record of our debt brought against us by his legal demands. This record stood against us, but he took it away by nailing it to the cross.
Colossians 2:14

Erased and Taken Away

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

Imagine a list of every single sin you committed. On that list there is a section for all the times you worried about something instead of trusting God. It’s followed by another section for all the times you got distracted and didn’t listen to God’s Word. A detailed record of every mean thing you ever thought and every hurtful thing you ever said about your parents, your brothers and sisters, your classmates.

How long would that list be? How sad would it be to read through it? How guilty would you feel after reading it?

Don’t worry! In our reading, we hear the good news that God has gotten rid of that list. The apostle Paul uses two different pictures to describe what God has done to the list of all the sins we’ve committed.

First, he tells us that God erased the record of our sins. How big would an eraser have to be to get rid of so much writing? There’s no eraser in this world big enough to do it.

Instead, God erased the list of all our sins through the blood of Jesus. The blood that Jesus shed while he was hanging from the cross was so precious and so pure that it was able to wash away every sin ever committed by every person who has ever lived.

Second, the apostle Paul tells us that God took that list of our sins and nailed it to the cross. Jesus took every one of our sins away from us, and he put them on himself. He took the blame and the punishment for everything we’ve done wrong. When they nailed Jesus to the cross, it was like they were nailing your sins to the cross.

Psalm 130 says, “If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness.”

In Jesus, all your sins are forgiven. Erased. Dead and gone. God doesn’t remember them. He isn’t angry with you because of them. He won’t punish you for them. Thank you, Jesus!

Closing Prayer:

Jesus, thank you for carrying all our sins to the cross and washing them away with your blood. 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

• Is it easy or hard to forgive other people? Why?
• Why did God forgive you all your sins?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Do the math. How many sins do you commit in a minute? An hour? A day? A year? A lifetime? How does that help you appreciate how much God has forgiven you?
• If God has forgiven you so generously, what does that mean for the way you forgive others?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Go through each of the Ten Commandments and consider ways that you have sinned against each one.
• How does God give you a fresh start each day? How can you make the most of it?