MAILING LIST SIGN UP
You may choose the lists that you’d like to be on. Make your selection after entering your email.
DOWNLOAD THE APP


 

Kids — Sundays

20 May

Posted at 23:59h in Kids — Sundays

Memory Verse

“SO WE SAY WITH CONFIDENCE, ‘THE LORD IS MY HELPER; I WILL NOT BE AFRAID.’” HEBREWS 13:6A, NIV

Bible Story

Peter and John are taken to the Sanhedrin

Show respect even God is with you no matter what.

Acts 3:1-4:21

1 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple. It was three o’clock in the afternoon. It was the time for prayer.
2 A man unable to walk was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful. He had been that way since he was born. Every day someone put him near the gate. There he would beg from people going into the temple courtyards.
3 He saw that Peter and John were about to enter. So he asked them for money.
4 Peter looked straight at him, and so did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!”
5 So the man watched them closely. He expected to get something from them.
6 Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk.”
7 Then Peter took him by the right hand and helped him up. At once the man’s feet and ankles became strong.
8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. He went with Peter and John into the temple courtyards. He walked and jumped and praised God.
9 All the people saw him walking and praising God.
10 They recognized him as the same man who used to sit and beg at the temple gate called Beautiful. They were filled with wonder. They were amazed at what had happened to him.
…

Daily Devotionals

Read Acts 4:18-20

Peter and John couldn’t deny what they’d seen Jesus do. Jesus died and rose again! They had to keep telling people about Jesus, no matter what. We should be ready to show everyone about how much God loves them! We can even share how God sent Jesus! Just like Peter and John, you can stand up for what you believe with confidence because God is with you no matter what.

Picture This
Draw this scene between Peter and John and the religious leaders. Draw speech bubbles above their heads and include their words from today’s verses.

Read Deuteronomy 31:8

Do you ever watch the end of the movie before watching the whole thing? In the middle of confusing or hard or even scary situations, it would be so nice to know the ending. We can’t skip ahead in real life. But here’s some good news: God is with you no matter what. God promises to always be with you, so you can have confidence to keep going.

Hide It In Your Heart
This verse is a GREAT one to memorize as a reminder that God is always with you.
1. Write out the three phrases of the verse below on three strips of paper.
– “The Lord himself will go ahead of you.
– He will be with you. He will never leave you. He’ll never desert you.
– So don’t be afraid. Don’t lose hope.”
Deuteronomy 31:8, NIrV
2. Read the first strip three times aloud then say it without looking.
3. Fold the strip so you only see the first two words. Can you say the rest of the phrase from memory?
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 with the last two phrases of the verse until you can confidently repeat the verse from memory.

Read Joshua 1:9

When you’re afraid, it’s hard to face fear with courage and confidence… but it can be a little easier when you remember something really important.

You don’t have to face anything alone. God is with you no matter what.

This week, when you need some confidence, remember the words from Joshua 1:9. “Be strong and brave. . . I am the Lord your God. I will be with you everywhere you go.” (NIrV)

Read Hebrews 13:6a

Cross out the words that are the opposite of confidence:
Courage           Doubt
Fear           Faith
Uncertainty           Insecurity
Weakness            Conviction
Hope           Certainty
With God on our side, we can experience the
opposite of fear! Circle all the words that are left
in the list above. Read the circled words aloud.
God can replace our doubt, fear, uncertainty,
insecurity, and weakness with all those things.
This week, when you start to feel fear take over,
stop and say three things:
I’m not alone.
God is with me.
God will help me.
Take time to thank God for always being with you.
Ask God to help you have confidence.

As your kid starts their day, let them know you are a big fan of theirs no matter what!

At a meal, have everyone at the table answer this question: “What is something tough you are facing right now? How could remembering God is always with you help you with that situation?”

While on the go, ask your kid: “Who are some of your favorite people to be with?” (Don’t take it personally if they don’t name you in that list.)

Pray for each other: “God, thank You for always being with us. When we are lonely, sad, overwhelmed, or mad, help us to remember You are there with us in all the good things we feel and the bad things too.”

06 May

Posted at 23:59h in Kids — Sundays

Memory Verse

“SO WE SAY WITH CONFIDENCE, ‘THE LORD IS MY HELPER; I WILL NOT BE AFRAID.’” HEBREWS 13:6A, NIV

Bible Story

Great commission and ascension

Share God’s love with others.

Matthew 28:16-20

16 Then the 11 disciples went to Galilee. They went to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.
17 When they saw him, they worshiped him. But some still had their doubts.
18 Then Jesus came to them. He said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
19 So you must go and make disciples of all nations. Baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
20 Teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And you can be sure that I am always with you, to the very end.”

Daily Devotionals

Read Matthew 28:18-19

This month, we’re talking about confidence, living like you believe God is with you. Have you ever faced something that made you feel a little nervous or anxious?

We all feel anxious sometimes. When you do, it’s important to remember one big truth. You don’t have to face anything alone. When we put our faith and trust in Jesus, we have his Spirit to help us. We can have confidence to share Jesus’ love with everyone no matter the situation because we aren’t alone.

If you start to feel anxious this week, bow your head and thank God for being right there with you. Ask God to help you remember that because of Jesus you can stand with confidence, no matter how you feel.

Read Matthew 28:20

Let’s say you had two choices: 40 pieces of your favorite candy right now or 1 piece today and doubled every day for a week.

If you said option 1, you’d have 40 pieces. If you said option 2, by the end of the week, you’d have 64 pieces of candy!

Don’t believe me? Complete the math problems below.
Day 1: 1 X 1 = _________
Day 2: 1 X 2 = _________
Day 3: 2 X 2 = _________
Day 4: 4 X 2 = _________
Day 5: 8 X 2 = _________
Day 6: 16 X 2 = _________
Day 7: 32 X 2 = _________
Grand Total: 64 pieces of candy!

This idea is called exponential growth!

When you share God’s love with one person, and then both of you tell one person and then all four of you tell one person (see math answers above) soon ALL those people can start living with confidence too!

Read Ephesians 3:16-19

Love in ALL Directions
Grab four pieces of paper and some tape. With adult permission, tape the four pieces of paper on the wall of your room to indicate the four directions on a compass.

North: Reach up as high as you can to tape one page to the wall

West & East: stretch your arms out as wide as you can to tape two pages to the wall

South: Tape the fourth page to the bottom of your wall

You can easily see all four directions, right? And though it might be a stretch, you can reach each one. God’s love is way bigger than that. It’s wider, and longer, and higher, and deeper than we can imagine. It’s so big, we can’t even measure it! He wants you to have confidence to live the way He’s called you to live because He loves you more than you can imagine.

This week, if you need a little confidence, tap each of these pieces of paper as a reminder of God’s great big love for you. Then ask God to help you share that love with everyone.

Read John 15:12

When a drill sergeant in the army gives a command, what does a soldier do? Of course, they follow the command!

Thankfully, Jesus isn’t a drill sergeant. He’s asking us to share HIS love with the people around us. We follow Jesus and love others because He loves us.

At the first week of basic training, soldiers start singing in cadence so they can step in time. Repeat the following cadence below. Then write your own rhyme in the space below.

“I don’t know but I’ve been told”
“God’s love for you is better than gold”
“Love each other every day”
“Because God’s love is here to stay.”
Sound off,
One two,
Sound off,
Three four,
Sound off,
One, two, three four, one, two – three, four!

As your kid starts their day, remind them of this—God loves them no matter what, and you do too!

At a meal, have everyone at the table answer this question: “When something good happens in your life, who do you want to share that news with?”

While on the go, ask your kid: “What are some ways we can share God’s love with the people we will see today?”

Pray for each other: “God, open our eyes to see the people around us who need to know how much You love them. Give us the courage to tell others about You.”

22 Apr

Posted at 23:59h in Kids — Sundays

Memory Verse

“DON’T DO ANYTHING ONLY TO GET AHEAD. DON’T DO IT BECAUSE
YOU ARE PROUD. INSTEAD, BE HUMBLE. VALUE OTHERS MORE THANYOURSELVES.”
PHILIPPIANS 2:3, NIRV

Bible Story

On the Road to Emmaus

Put others first by helping them understand.

Luke 24:13-35

13 That same day two of Jesus’ followers were going to a village called Emmaus. It was about seven miles from Jerusalem.
14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened.
15 As they talked about those things, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them.
16 But God kept them from recognizing him.
17 Jesus asked them, “What are you talking about as you walk along?” They stood still, and their faces were sad.
18 One of them was named Cleopas. He said to Jesus, “You must be a visitor to Jerusalem. If you lived there, you would know the things that have happened there in the last few days.”
19 “What things?” Jesus asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet. He was powerful in what he said and did in the eyes of God and all of the people.
20 The chief priests and our rulers handed Jesus over to be sentenced to death. They nailed him to a cross.
21 But we had hoped that he was the one who was going to set Israel free. Also, it is the third day since all this happened.
22 “Some of our women amazed us too. Early this morning they went to the tomb.
23 But they didn’t find his body. So they came and told us what they had seen. They saw angels, who said Jesus was alive.
24 Then some of our friends went to the tomb. They saw it was empty, just as the women had said. They didn’t see Jesus’ body there.”
25 Jesus said to them, “How foolish you are! How long it takes you to believe all that the prophets said!
26 Didn’t the Christ have to suffer these things and then receive his glory?”
27 Jesus explained to them what was said about himself in all the Scriptures. He began with Moses and all the Prophets.
28 The two men approached the village where they were going. Jesus acted as if he were going farther.
29 But they tried hard to keep him from leaving. They said, “Stay with us. It is nearly evening. The day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
30 He joined them at the table. Then he took bread and gave thanks. He broke it and began to give it to them.
31 Their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. But then he disappeared from their sight.
32 They said to each other, “He talked with us on the road. He opened the Scriptures to us. Weren’t our hearts burning inside us during that time?”
33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them. They were all gathered together.
34 They were saying, “It’s true! The Lord has risen! He has appeared to Simon!”
35 Then the two of them told what had happened to them on the way. They told how they had recognized Jesus when he broke the bread.

Daily Devotionals

Read Luke 24:27

When Jesus met the men on the road to Emmaus, they had no idea they were actually talking to Jesus! Jesus had been crucified and buried. They’d heard that the tomb was empty. But Jesus wasn’t dead. He was alive and with them on the road!

As they walked, Jesus started explaining everything the Scriptures said about God’s promised Savior, how he would have to die and then be raised back to life. They couldn’t believe what they were hearing, and they didn’t want Jesus to stop talking! So, they invited him to eat with them, and as he broke the bread, suddenly they recognized this man was Jesus!

Jesus took the time to explain everything about Himself. He was humble, patient, and kind. We can treat others in the same way.

You can put others first by helping them
understand.

Read Colossians 3:12

Whether you’ve thought about it or not, your clothes say something about you. Just like you’d never leave the house without getting dressed, God wants you to clothe yourself with humility.

Grab your favorite piece of clothing like your favorite hoodie or pair of jeans. With an adult’s permission, write “BE HUMBLE” on the tag. As you put it on this week, stop and think about God’s deep love for you. Ask God to help you show love by putting others first this week.

Read 1 Corinthians 10:24

Do you know what it means to be self-centered? It means to be preoccupied with yourself, to only think about what you want. We live in a self-centered world where people worry about themselves instead of caring for others. When you’re self-centered, everything is about me, me, me! But humility takes the focus off of me and puts it on others.

Just think about how different your world would be if everyone in your class at school chose humility?

While you can’t control what others do, you can control what you do. Thankfully God will help you! Spend some time in prayer today. Name the kids in your class at school or on your ball team or in your neighborhood. Ask God to help you put those friends first this week.

Read James 4:10

When we recognize who God is, we understand that God is worthy of all honor and praise. When we understand how mighty and powerful and loving and perfect God is, we “humble” ourselves and think about how God wants us to live.

God lovingly sent Jesus to save us so long ago. Jesus came to serve, to show us who God is and to give His life for us. Serving and humility go hand in hand and we see that in the way God loves and cares for us.

Write down the name of someone you know who is great at serving others?
How do they put others first?
Write down one way you can put that person first this week!

As your kid starts their day, tell them something you admire about how they treat others.

At a meal, have everyone at the table answer this question: “What is one thing you believe about Jesus?”

While on the go, ask your kid: “Name one person who has taught you how to do something. (Coach, teacher, dance instructor) What did they teach you to do?”

Pray for each other: “Jesus, thank You for saving us from sin and being our friend. Help us to find ways to tell others about You—and to be brave, kind, and loving to do it!”

15 Apr

Posted at 23:59h in Kids — Sundays

Memory Verse

“DON’T DO ANYTHING ONLY TO GET AHEAD. DON’T DO IT BECAUSE
YOU ARE PROUD. INSTEAD, BE HUMBLE. VALUE OTHERS MORE THAN YOURSELVES.”
PHILIPPIANS 2:3, NIRV

Bible Story

Being Humble Like Jesus

Put others first because Jesus put you first.

Philippians 2:3-8 NIRV

3 Don’t do anything only to get ahead. Don’t do it because you are proud. Instead, be free of pride. Think of others as better than yourselves.
4 None of you should look out just for your own good. You should also look out for the good of others.
5 You should think in the same way Christ Jesus does.
6 In his very nature he was God. But he did not think that being equal with God was something he should hold on to.
7 Instead, he made himself nothing. He took on the very nature of a servant. He was made in human form.
8 He appeared as a man. He came down to the lowest level. He obeyed God completely, even though it led to his death.

Daily Devotionals

Read Philippians 2:3

Grab a sheet of paper and write today’s verse.

Put a BIG box around the word “anything.” What does that word include? Well, everything! If you find yourself doing something just to get ahead or win or be first, don’t! Instead, you should what? Yes, be humble.

The next time you find yourself doing “anything” to get ahead, stop. Remember what Jesus has done for you and ask Him to help you put others first this week.

Read Philippians 2:5-6

Since 1837, Buckingham Palace has been the official London home of Britain’s monarchy. It takes a lot of people to run a palace with 600+ rooms. They even have two people who just take care of the 300 clocks inside!

How many people do you think work at the palace?

When Jesus came to earth, he was way more influential and important than any king or queen. But he didn’t build a fancy palace or expect other people to serve Him. He came to serve. He humbled himself, going all the way to the cross for us. We should put others first because Jesus put us first.

What’s Missing?
Fill in the missing letters below. Pray and ask Jesus to help you think and act like Him this week.

“A___ you ___ea___ ___i___ ___ o____e a_____o ____e ____, you ____ou____ _____ _____ ______i_____ ____ 
a_____ _____ a_____ ____ a_____ _____e____u_____ 
_____i_____ .” Philippians 2:5, NIrV

Read Philippians 2:7

Paul talks about how Jesus chose to come to earth and live a poor life instead of entering the world as a rightful king or powerful ruler. Jesus came to serve, to love others, to help, and most importantly to SAVE. Because of His obedience to live this way and to die on the cross for us, we can have a relationship with God forever. Jesus gives us the ultimate example of humility by choosing to put us first.

Take out a piece of paper and write the word “JESUS” in large block letters in the center of the page. All around the page, write out words that describe how you could become more like Jesus. Here are a few examples to get you started: loving, listening, serving, helping.

Ask God to help you follow him by putting others first this week.

Read Philippians 2:8

Jesus chose to put us first. When you follow Jesus, you can put His love into action. You can treat everyone around you like Jesus treated people in His life.

Because Jesus listened when people were hurting, you should listen well.

Because Jesus showed compassion to the people around him, you should show compassion.

Because Jesus taught others about God, you should tell others about Him.

Because Jesus consistently gave up what he wanted to put others first, you should put others first too.

Think of someone who you can put first. In the space below, write one way you could put that person first sometime this week. Be specific.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Ask God to help you follow through on what you’ve written so you can put others first just as Jesus put you first.

Actions speak louder than words. Show your kid today that what you do and  say isn’t out of obligation or responsibility. It’s because of your love for them.

At a meal, have everyone at the table answer this question: “Who is someone we as a family can help together? What can we do? How can we do it?”

While on the go, ask your kid: “Let’s look for people helping others and see how many we can find.” Try to guess how many you think you’ll be able to identify. At the end of the day, see who got closest.

Pray for each other: “Open our eyes to see the needs of those around us, and show us ways we can help them with the things You have given us.”

08 Apr

Posted at 23:59h in Kids — Sundays

Memory Verse

“Do to others as you want them to do to you.” Luke 6:31, NIrV

 

Bible Story

Crucified and Risen

Celebrate because Jesus is alive.

John 18:12-20:23 (supporting: John 16, Matthew 26)

*Since this is A LOT of scripture, please open up a Bible or use the Bible App*

Daily Devotionals

Read Matthew28:5-6

This week, we celebrate the most important event in all of history. Easter is the day we celebrate that Jesus is alive! After Jesus died, they placed His body in a tomb with a huge rock rolled over the entrance. When Jesus’ friends went to the tomb on Sunday, they found the stone rolled away and an empty tomb. Jesus wasn’t there because Jesus rose again!

We celebrate Easter because Jesus conquered the grave and is alive. Because of what He did for you and for me, we can have a relationship with God forever.

Traditions
What is your favorite Easter tradition? Do you hunt for Easter eggs, gather with family for a big
meal, or try your best not to eat all that chocolate bunny in one sitting? Easter candy and family
meals are awesome but the real reason we celebrate is because of what Jesus has done! At your next family meal, read Matthew 28:5-6 aloud and then spend some time talking about why Easter is important to you!

Read John 20:18

On the Sunday morning after Jesus died, Mary went to the tomb. We can imagine that she felt sad and hopeless. Jesus, her teacher and friend, had died.

And when she saw that empty tomb, she must have been so confused. Where had they taken Jesus’ body? But then Jesus appeared to her – ALIVE! His death wasn’t the end. Her sadness was replaced with joy.

We celebrate Easter because Jesus rose again! Did you catch the very last part of today’s verse? Mary told the disciples what she had seen and heard. Pray and ask God to help you celebrate by telling others about what Jesus has done for you!

Read Ephesians 1:7

When we think about freedom, sometimes we think about a life without rules. Jesus didn’t see things that way. He gave up control, allowed those people to arrest, convict, and crucify Him so that you could be free. At any moment, Jesus could have called down an army of angels to rescue him. But He didn’t. Jesus humbled himself so that we could experience real life.

The best way we can celebrate that freedom is by choosing to follow Jesus every day. When we follow Jesus and share His love with others, we can lead them to know Jesus too!

Fill in every other word of the verse. Then read it aloud and say “THANK YOU” to God for the freedom you have through what Jesus has done.
“_____________ have _____________set _____________ because _____________what _____________has _____________ . Because_____________ bled _____________ died _____________ sins _____________ been _____________. We _____________ been _____________ free _____________ God’s _____________ is _____________ rich.
Ephesians 1:7, NIrV

Read 2 Corinthians 5:15

When someone puts you first, helps you, encourages you, and loves you completely, doesn’t it make you want to put them first, encourage, and love them right back?

Jesus did that for us! He died on the cross for us. Instead of living lives for ourselves, as followers of Jesus, we should live like He did. We should treat others the way we want to be treated.

The best way to celebrate and show our gratitude for what Jesus has done is by choosing to follow Him and show His love to others. We can do that when we put others first.

Write down the name of someone you can put first! How will you do that? Make a plan to share Jesus’ love with that person today.

As your kid starts their day, tell them something specific you love about them.

At a meal, have everyone at the table answer this question: “What can we do to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection? What is something new we can do or continue to do?”

While on the go, ask your kid: “What is your favorite way to celebrate something really good happening?”

Pray for each other: “Help us to never forget what Jesus did for us through the cross and the resurrection. May we remember Your love for us is huge, and there is nothing that You can’t do.”

01 Apr

Posted at 23:59h in Kids — Sundays

Memory Verse

“DON’T DO ANYTHING ONLY TO GET AHEAD. DON’T DO IT BECAUSE YOU ARE PROUD. INSTEAD, BE HUMBLE. VALUE OTHERS MORE THAN YOURSELVES.”

PHILIPPIANS 2:3, NIRV

 

Bible Story

Palm Sunday / Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet

Jesus put others first.

John 12:9-16, 13:1-17

9 Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there, so they came. But they did not come only because of Jesus. They also came to see Lazarus. After all, Jesus had raised him from the dead.
10 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus too.
11 Because of Lazarus, many of the Jews were starting to follow Jesus. They were putting their faith in him.
12 The next day the large crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem.
13 So they took branches from palm trees and went out to meet him. They shouted, “Hosanna! ” “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Psalm 118:25,26) “Blessed is the King of Israel!”
14 Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it. This is just as it is written in Scripture. It says,
15 “City of Zion, do not be afraid. See, your king is coming. He is sitting on a donkey’s colt.” (Zechariah 9:9)
16 At first, Jesus’ disciples did not understand all this. They realized it only after he had received glory. Then they realized that these things had been written about him. They realized that the people had done these things to him.
 
1 It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world. It was time for him to go to the Father. Jesus loved his disciples who were in the world. So he now showed them how much he really loved them.
2 The evening meal was being served. The devil had already tempted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon. He had told Judas to hand Jesus over to his enemies.
3 Jesus knew that the Father had put everything under his power. He also knew he had come from God and was returning to God.
4 So he got up from the meal and took off his outer clothes. He wrapped a towel around his waist.
5 After that, he poured water into a large bowl. Then he began to wash his disciples’ feet. He dried them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
6 He came to Simon Peter. “Lord,” Peter said to him, “are you going to wash my feet?”
7 Jesus replied, “You don’t realize now what I am doing. But later you will understand.”
8 “No,” said Peter. “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you can’t share life with me.”
9 “Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet! Wash my hands and my head too!”
10 Jesus answered, “A person who has had a bath needs to wash only his feet. The rest of his body is clean. And you are clean. But not all of you are.”
11 Jesus knew who was going to hand him over to his enemies. That was why he said not every one was clean.
12 When Jesus finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes. Then he returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them.
13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord.’ You are right. That is what I am.
14 I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet. So you also should wash one another’s feet.
15 I have given you an example. You should do as I have done for you.
16 “What I’m about to tell you is true. A servant is not more important than his master. And a messenger is not more important than the one who sends him.
17 Now you know these things. So you will be blessed if you do them.

Daily Devotionals

Read Mark 9:35

This month is all about humility, putting others first by giving up what you think you deserve. We feel like having things our way, all the time! But Jesus tells us to do the opposite. We need to serve others before serving ourselves. To serve simply means to pay attention to the people around you and find ways to help.


Write out the words Jesus gave to his followers from today’s verse in big block letters on a piece of paper. Decorate the page any way you’d like. Then cut the paper apart into four or five large pieces to create a puzzle. Shuffle the pieces into a stack. Ask a younger sibling or friend to put the puzzle together. Then read the verse aloud and tell them what it means to you.

Read Mark 10:45

Jesus gathered His friends for their last supper and showed them how to serve by getting down on his hands and knees to wash their dirty feet. This act of service, something usually done by the lowest ranking servant in a home, painted a picture of how He wanted them to treat others. Jesus knew that in just a few hours, he would be arrested, tried, convicted, and sentenced to death. Right up until the very end of his time on earth, Jesus chose to serve. And by doing so, He set an example for His disciples and for all of us.

So how can YOU serve? In the space below, write down the names of three people you see most every day. Next to each name, write one way you can serve them this week. Then pray and ask Jesus to help you serve just as He served, with a good attitude and a willingness to put others first.

  1. ______________________________________________
  2. ______________________________________________
  3. ______________________________________________

Read Romans 5:8

Jesus came to give us a forever relationship with God. He didn’t wait for you to stop messing up or get your act together. He chose to love and forgive us. Jesus humbled himself so that we can be forgiven. Putting others first is a way to show Jesus how grateful we are for all He’s done.

 

Memorize This!
Write down each word from Romans 5:8 on separate scraps of paper. Lay them out in order and say the verse aloud. Remove two cards and repeat the verse. Continue in the same way, removing two cards each round, until you can say the verse from memory.

Read John 15:13

No one loves you more than Jesus loves you. He proved His love for you on the cross. You don’t have to earn His love. And once you accept His love, you cannot lose it. Understanding just how much you are loved should lead you to love the people around you. Following Jesus means we love others like He loves us.


When you choose humility, you choose to lay down or give up what you want. That could look
like…

-Letting someone else pick the movie or TV
show you watch.
-Holding the door to let a friend walk through
first.
-Standing back so that others can get the first
choice.
-Listening instead of interrupting.

This week, look for opportunities to lay down your life – to put others first – just as Jesus put you first.

 

As your kid starts their day, find a way to do something extra special one morning this week (special breakfast, a note in the school bag, etc.).

At a meal, have everyone at the table respond to this: “Tell us about a time when you or someone else put others first.”

While on the go, make a game of how many places you can let someone in front of you— either in traffic or in line for the bus, in the drive-thru, or in the grocery check-out line.

Pray for each other: “Jesus, help us to love other people the way You love us. Help us to sometimes say ‘no’ to things we want to do and say ‘yes’ to the things others need.”

25 Mar

Posted at 23:59h in Kids — Sundays

Memory Verse

“Do to others as you want them to do to you.” Luke 6:31, NIrV

 

Bible Story

The Story of the Lost Son

God will always forgive you.

Luke 15:11-32

11 Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons.
12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.
13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living.
14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need.
15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs.
16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!
18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.
19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’
20 So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.
23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate.
24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.
25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing.
26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on.
27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’
28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him.
29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends.
30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’
31 “ ‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.
32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ ”

Daily Devotionals

Read Psalm 86:5

Have you ever messed up really badly? Whatever the situation and whatever the mess up, there’s good news. God doesn’t choose to forgive some things and not others. God forgives all things.

Grab a piece of paper and draw a large heart in the center of the page. Write the words of this verse in puffy letters and then decorate your heart any way you choose. Put your heart next to your bed as a reminder this week that when you ask, God will forgive you.

Read 1 John 1:9

Jesus came to earth so that we can be forgiven. When you trust Jesus as your Savior, you become a part of God’s family forever. Following Jesus doesn’t make you perfect. You’ll still mess up and need to ask God and others for forgiveness. Thankfully, when you ask, God will always forgive you.

To confess means that you admit when you’re wrong. You let God know how you know you messed up. When you’re honest with God, it helps you feel connected to God.


Fill it in
Fill in the blank with what’s missing.
“But God is faithful and fair. If we confess our sins, he will _________ our sins. He will _____________every wrong thing we have done. He will make us pure.”
1 John 1:9, NIrV


Remember, God always forgives us.

Read Psalm 130:4

Who is the “you” in this verse? Who forgives? God!

And who can you serve with respect? God!

Because God forgives us so completely, God deserves all our respect and honor and praise.

 

 

Read Luke 15:21-24

In this story Jesus told, the son dishonored his father in every way. But when he decided to go home and beg for forgiveness, what did his father do? He ran toward his son! Instead of anger, the father called for a celebration. He chose to restore his son to the family. This is what God does for us!

When you need forgiveness, picture God running full speed toward you!

Grab some paper and a pencil. Draw the son on one side, scared of what he might face. Then draw the father on the other, running to embrace him. Write “God will always forgive you” along the top of the page to remind you of God’s great love for you.

As your kid starts their day, remind them that you love them—no matter what. And nothing they do or say could make you love them less.

At a meal, share the definition of forgiveness for this month, “Deciding that someone who has wronged you doesn’t have to pay.” Talk through some examples and real-life scenarios to explore what that means and how to do that.

While on the go, ask your kid: “Who is someone you know who needs some encouragement? What is something nice we can do for them?”

Pray for each other: “God, thank You that no matter what we do, no matter how bad we think it is, You will always forgive us when we come to You.”

18 Mar

Posted at 23:59h in Kids — Sundays

Memory Verse

“Do to others as you want them to do to you.” Luke 6:31, NIrV

 

Bible Story

The Story of the Unmerciful Servant

Forgive others because God forgives you

Matthew 18:21-35

21 Peter came to Jesus. He asked, “Lord, how many times should I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”

22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but 77 times.

23 “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to collect all the money his servants owed him. 24 As the king began to do it, a man who owed him 10,000 bags of gold was brought to him. 25 The man was not able to pay. So his master gave an order. The man, his wife, his children, and all he owned had to be sold to pay back what he owed.

26 “Then the servant fell on his knees in front of him. ‘Give me time,’ he begged. ‘I’ll pay everything back.’ 27 His master felt sorry for him. He forgave him what he owed and let him go.

28 “But then that servant went out and found one of the other servants who owed him 100 silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he said.

29 “The other servant fell on his knees. ‘Give me time,’ he begged him. ‘I’ll pay it back.’

30 “But the first servant refused. Instead, he went and had the man thrown into prison. The man would be held there until he could pay back what he owed. 31 The other servants saw what had happened and were very angry. They went and told their master everything that had happened.

32 “Then the master called the first servant in. ‘You evil servant,’ he said. ‘I forgave all that you owed me because you begged me to. 33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on the other servant just as I had mercy on you?’ 34 In anger his master handed him over to the jailers. He would be punished until he paid back everything he owed.

35 “This is how my Father in heaven will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”

Daily Devotionals

Read Ephesians 4:32

Raise your hand if forgiveness is easy? Let’s be honest. It’s not easy to forgive someone that hurts you, even when they say they’re sorry. But forgiveness can be easier when you remember one big truth. We don’t forgive others because they ask for it. We forgive others because God forgives us.

When it comes to forgiveness, God went first! Jesus made a way for everyone who believes in Him to be forgiven.

Think about someone who might have hurt you this week. Are you still holding on to your anger? Take time to pray and ask God to help you replace that anger with kindness and forgiveness. Thank God for choosing to forgive you too.

Read Colossians 3:13

Today’s verse gives us a plan for how we can think about others. Others might annoy us, but we get to choose how we respond. Instead of staying annoyed, we can choose to let it go.

Finish It
Finish each word of the verse with its correct ending from the box below. Use another sheet of paper if needed.

“P_____ u_______ wi______ o_______ an_________ .
For______ on______ anot_______ i_______ y________
a________ hold_____ some_____ again________
some_____ . Forgi______ , j______ a______ t______
L_______ for_____ yo________ .” Colossians 3:13

 

e                  f                  p                  s                  u                  ou                 he                  st                  re                  ut                  th                  ve                  ord                  one                  her                   ing                  give                  gave                  thing                  other                   ne                  ust

Read Luke 17:4

Multiples of Seven
In the space below, fill in the blank multiples of 7:

7     14     ____     ____     ____     42     ____     ____     ____ 
70     ____

When it comes to forgiveness, is there ever a limit?

If someone is consistently being unkind without apologizing or trying to change their behavior, then it’s time find a trusted adult. But for everyday mistakes that most everyone makes, Jesus wants us to forgive. Why? Because God forgives us! God’s forgiveness has no limits. If we mess up 7 times or 77 times, God will forgive. All we need to do is ask! So instead of keeping score this week, ask God to help you forgive.

Read Psalm 130:3

Have you ever played a game of Taboo? In Taboo, if you say one of the words listed on the card, a fellow player gets to push the red buzzer. That annoying sound lets you and everyone else know that you messed up.

Imagine if God had a buzzer like that. What if God pushed it so that everyone could hear it every time you mess up?

Thankfully, that’s not what God does with us. Instead of keeping track to punish us, God chooses to forgive us when we need it most. Because of Jesus, forgiveness is available to everyone.

The next time you do something wrong and you need forgiveness, think about that annoying buzzer sound. Be honest with God about what you’ve done and be thankful God forgives you.

As your kid starts their day, point out a time when they were kind even when those around them may not have been.

At a meal, have everyone at the table answer this question: “Have you ever had a time when it was hard to forgive someone?”

While on the go, ask your kid: “Who is the nicest person you know? What do you most admire about how they treat others?”

Pray for each other: “God, thank You for forgiving us. Help us to follow your example and forgive others.”

11 Mar

Posted at 23:59h in Kids — Sundays

Memory Verse

“Do to others as you want them to do to you.” Luke 6:31, NIrV

 

Bible Story

Zacchaeus

When you forgive others, you can change them.

Luke 19:1-10 (NIRV)

1 Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through.
2 A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy.
3 He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd.
4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.
5 When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.”
6 So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.
7 All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.”
8 But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”
9 Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham.
10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Daily Devotionals

Read Proverbs 10:12

When someone hurts you, it can be hard to forgive. When we’re hurt, we want to hurt the other person right back. We cannot move toward forgiveness if we choose to hold onto our anger. Anger can just make things worse. Choosing to love and forgive can help us make things right.

Instead of stirring things up and making them worse, forgiveness calms everything down. In fact, forgiving someone else can change them!

 

Fill in the analogies by unscrambling the words below:

FURRY is to RACCOON as SPIKY is to

_______________________.
E I P P O R U N C

SHAKING is to EARTHQUAKE as SPINNING is to

____________________.

O O A R N T D

HATE is to FIGHT as FORGIVE is to

______________.

E A P E C

Read Luke 19:7-8

When Zacchaeus climbed up in that tree to get a better view, he had NO idea that Jesus would stop, call him by name, and invite himself over for dinner. But that’s exactly what happened!

Everyone needs forgiveness. That’s why Jesus came! Jesus chose to love and forgive him. And because of Jesus’ forgiveness, Zacchaeus changed from the inside out!

Ask these questions about forgiveness at your next family meal.
How did it feel when someone chose to forgive you?
What might happen to the people around you if you decided to forgive?
How does forgiveness change you when someone offers it?

Read Matthew 5:7

What is mercy? Circle the answer below.

The compassionate treatment of those in distress
a. Forgiveness, benevolence, and kindness
b. Choosing to treat someone with compassion
c. Letting someone off the hook


Did you circle all the answers? When someone hurts you and asks for forgiveness, you have a choice. You can choose to show mercy and forgive, or you can hold onto your anger.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told us that people who show mercy will be blessed. When we choose to forgive, to show mercy, we become more like Jesus. Stop and thank God for forgiving you, no matter what. Ask God to help you to show mercy and compassion to the people around you.

Read Luke 6:37

Have you ever followed a map at a museum or an amusement park? Without that map, you might have gotten lost!

When Jesus spoke these words about forgiveness, He was giving us a kind of map for our relationships. When you forgive instead of holding on to your anger and frustration, it frees you. Let love be the guide for your life.

What might happen if you let forgiveness and love be your map this week?

Draw a line to complete the phrases from today’s verse. Ask God to help you lead with love and forgiveness this week.


Do not Judge                     and you will not
                                            be found guilty


Do not find                        and you will
others guilty                      be forgiven


Forgive                              and you will not
                                           be judged

 

As your kid starts their day, encourage your child by sharing a way you’ve seen them grow or change.

At a meal, have everyone at the table answer this question: “Have you ever forgiven someone for something they did? How did it make the other person feel? How did you feel?”

While on the go, ask for their forgiveness for a parenting fail (we all have them!).

Pray for each other: “God, if there is someone in our lives who we need to forgive, remind us of them. And Lord, we pray you give us the strength and compassion to forgive them.”

04 Mar

Posted at 23:59h in Kids — Sundays

Memory Verse

“PUT UP WITH ONE ANOTHER. FORGIVE ONE ANOTHER IF YOU ARE HOLDING SOMETHING AGAINST SOMEONE. FORGIVE, JUST AS THE LORD FORGAVE YOU.”

COLOSSIANS 3:13, NIRV

Bible Story

A Woman Anoints Jesus’ Feet

Everyone needs forgiveness.

Luke 7:36-50, NIRV

36 One of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him. So he went to the Pharisee’s house. He took his place at the table.
37 There was a woman in that town who had lived a sinful life. She learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house. So she came with a special sealed jar of perfume.
38 She stood behind Jesus and cried at his feet. She began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair. She kissed them and poured perfume on them.
39 The Pharisee who had invited Jesus saw this. He said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him. He would know what kind of woman she is. She is a sinner!”
40 Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” “Tell me, teacher,” he said.
41 “Two people owed money to a certain lender. One owed him 500 silver coins. The other owed him 50 silver coins.
42 Neither of them had the money to pay him back. So he let them go without paying. Which of them will love him more?”
43 Simon replied, “I suppose the one who owed the most money.” “You are right,” Jesus said.
44 Then he turned toward the woman. He said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water to wash my feet. But she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.
45 You did not give me a kiss. But this woman has not stopped kissing my feet since I came in.
46 You did not put any olive oil on my head. But she has poured perfume on my feet.
47 So I tell you this. Her many sins have been forgiven. She has loved a lot. But the one who has been forgiven little loves only a little.”
48 Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”
49 The other guests began to talk about this among themselves. They said, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”
50 Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”

Daily Devotionals

Read Psalm 32:1

This month is all about forgiveness, deciding that someone who has wronged you doesn’t have to pay. That’s way easier to say than it is to do! When someone hurts us, we want to get even. There’s only one problem: everyone needs forgiveness, including you. No one is perfect. We all mess up and do things that hurt others and ourselves.

When we are honest about how we’ve messed up, Jesus will forgive us. He covers our sins or mess ups. He takes them away. Everyone needs forgiveness and thankfully, God’s forgiveness comes in an unlimited supply.

Wipe the Slate Clean
Grab a dry erase marker and find a mirror where you live. Do you need forgiveness? Draw a picture or write down what you’ve done on the mirror. Be honest, tell God about what happened, and ask for forgiveness. Use a tissue to wipe the “slate” (mirror) clean.

Read Ephesians 2:4-5

With an adult’s permission, head outside and find a patch of dirt. Take a moment to dig around in it. What do you see? Maybe you see new sprouts of life starting to grow—like some grass or even a flower or two! It’s amazing to think that God creates such beautiful plants and flowers from seeds in the dirt. Every spring, God creates new life all around us.

God does the same thing in our life too! Because of Jesus, God gives us new life! Even though we might mess up, God makes something beautiful out of our lives. God’s love for us is amazing!

Read 2 Corinthians 5:17

Remember all that dirt yesterday? Take out a sheet of paper and something to draw with, like
crayons or markers. Take a moment to draw a scene from a garden: dirt, flowers, sunshine, and sky! Make it super colorful and full of life!

Above your drawing write the phrase: “I am a new creation!” Hang up your drawing somewhere you’ll see it before you head out for school each morning.

Because of Jesus, we can be new creations! God’s forgiveness is so great! All we need to do is ask, and God will forgive us! When we remember that we’re a new creation because of Jesus, it completely changes how we see the world around us. We can trust that God will help us make the wise choice and live like Jesus!

Read Luke 5:30-32

Measure Up
Grab a ruler or tape measure and five random objects from around the house. On a piece of paper, write down how tall you think each item is. Then measure the items to see if your guess was correct. Do you know how tall you are? If not, ask an adult to measure you. How many of these items would it take to measure up to you?

Today’s verse reminds us that no matter how “good” we are, no matter how hard we try to do the right thing, we can never measure up to God’s goodness. And it’s not just you that doesn’t measure up. Everyone doesn’t measure up.

Everyone includes every single person. We all need forgiveness. That’s why God sent Jesus. Jesus made a way for all to be forgiven. On the counter in your kitchen, stack the items on top of each other as best you can. As you pass them this week, be reminded that we don’t have to measure up to be forgiven.

 

As your kid starts their day, tell them how much you admire their compassion for others, and give them an example of a time recently when they were kind or thoughtful. (You may have many examples to choose from or just one.)

At a meal, have everyone at the table answer this question: “Talk about a time when you did something that hurt someone and you needed forgiveness. How did the other person react?”

While on the go, ask your kid: “What is the nicest thing someone has done for you recently? What is something not so nice that someone has said or done to you or someone else recently? How did each make you feel?”

Pray for each other: “God, none of us are perfect. As much as we try to say or do the right thing, sometimes we don’t. And we either hurt ourselves or someone else. When we do, give us the courage and compassion to seek forgiveness.”

25 Feb

Posted at 23:59h in Kids — Sundays

Memory Verse

“Do to others as you want them to do to you.” Luke 6:31, NIrV

 

Bible Story

A Roman Commander Has Faith

Remember God is most important.

Matthew 8:5-13

5 When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help.
6 “Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.”
7 Jesus said to him, “Shall I come and heal him?”
8 The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.
9 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
10 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.
11 I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.
12 But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
13 Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that moment.

Daily Devotionals

Read Matthew 8:8-10

The centurion had faith that Jesus could heal his servant without even coming to his home. He recognized Jesus’ power and authority. What was Jesus’ response to the centurion’s faith? Matthew tells us that Jesus was amazed.

Spend some time today showing God respect:

Pray: Name some things you LOVE about God. Write down the things God has done for you. Thank God for all of those!

Praise: Ask an adult to help you play your favorite songs that remind you about God’s goodness. Think about the words as you sing and lift your voice to God in praise.

Read Revelation 4:11

Have you ever hiked to the top of a mountain and looked out over the view? Ever seen the ocean waves crash into the shore? Imagine the power and creativity it took to shape those mountain peaks or fill that ocean with sea creatures.

God did that. And because God made it all, God is worthy to receive all honor, glory and respect.

Grab a piece of paper and, if it’s not too cold, head outside. Draw something beautiful you see that God made. Write today’s verse along the bottom of your masterpiece and hang it up somewhere so your whole family can see it this week.

Read Proverbs 15:33

Sometimes our thinking is backwards, and we believe that all good things happen because of us. A wise person understands that everything you are and everything you have comes from God. When you stop and remember to say, “Thank you, God” for all the good stuff instead of thinking you did it all by yourself, you show your respect for God.


Speaking of backwards, can you identify what’s wrong with the verse below? Write it out the right way in the space below.

33:15: sbrevorP “.deronoh eb ot tnaw uoy fi duorp eb t’nod oS .droL eht rof tcepser evah ot uoy sehcaet modsiW”

Ask God to help you turn your thinking around. Choose to show God respect.

Read Deuteronomy 10:12

When you obey your parents who love you, or listen to a trusted teacher or coach and follow their instructions, how does it make them feel? By obeying, you show that you trust that their way is best and that the rules they have in place are there to protect you. You show your respect when you listen and follow their instructions.

The same is true for showing respect to God. We can learn about God through the Bible. And in the Bible, we can also learn how God wants us to live through the stories of how people experienced God throughout history.

What is God asking you to do today? What is God teaching you? Pray and ask God to help you make the wise choice and show respect.

As your kid starts their day, ask: “What is something you need God’s help with this week?” And when they answer, tell them you’ll be praying for them and that situation.

At a meal, have everyone at the table answer this question: “What do you do to make God the most important in your life?”
While on the go, ask your kid: “What is something you know about God?”
Pray for each other: “God, we want to make You the most important part of our lives. Help us to grow in our relationship with You and to trust You for everything.”

14 Feb

Posted at 11:52h in Kids — Sundays

Memory Verse

“Do to others as you want them to do to you.” Luke 6:31, NIrV

 

Bible Story

Mary and Martha

Take time to show others they are important.

Luke 10:38-42

Jesus at the Home of Martha and Mary

38 Jesus and his disciples went on their way. Jesus came to a village where a woman named Martha lived. She welcomed him into her home.
39 She had a sister named Mary. Mary sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.
40 But Martha was busy with all the things that had to be done. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, my sister has left me to do the work by myself. Don’t you care? Tell her to help me!”
41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered. “You are worried and upset about many things.
42 But only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better. And it will not be taken away from her.”

 

Daily Devotionals

Read Romans 12:10

Respect means that we choose to show others they are important us. Taking time to show someone else how important they are doesn’t necessarily come naturally. That’s why we need to stop and look around us.

One way to love one another is to look for ways to help them. You can take time to stop and see who needs help. From opening a door, to listening to a friend, helping others takes the focus off of you and puts it on others.

Grab a piece of construction paper and write out the words of today’s verse in big block letters. You can even decorate the page if you choose. Then, cut the paper into four or five pieces to create a puzzle. Shuffle the pieces and ask a younger sibling or friend to put the puzzle together. Then read the verse aloud and talk about what this verse means to you.

Read Matthew 5:42

Sharing is hard. Giving to those who ask doesn’t come easily to us.

Just because something isn’t easy doesn’t mean it’s not worth doing. When it comes to respecting others, sharing is a wise choice. Sharing shows generosity and tells the other person, “You are more important to me than this thing I don’t really want to share.” By sharing, you’re showing someone else they matter, that you respect them.

For the next 24 hours, think about someone you can share with. What can you share with them? Make a plan to do it. Pray and ask God to help you share so that you can show others they are important to you.

Read Luke 10:40-42

If Jesus was coming over to hang out, you’d probably clean up, right? You’d make sure you looked your best. You might even put out some snacks.

Once Jesus arrived, what would you do? Would you be like Martha, cooking and cleaning? Or would you stop to listen to Jesus like Mary?

We can show Jesus He is important to us by spending time with Him, by reading the Bible, praying, listening to worship music or just being quiet and enjoying God’s beautiful creation. And we show others they are important by spending time with them too.

Grab some paper and write down three ways you could spend time with your friends or family this week. Pray and ask God to help you follow through with all three by the end of the month.

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

Have you ever heard the saying, “respect your elders?” An elder is someone older than you, like your parents, grandparents, teachers, and coaches.

In this verse, Paul talks about the godly leaders in our lives. People like your Small Group Leader. You show them respect by listening, by participating, and by choosing to be kind and courteous during your time together.

Did you know that your small group leader is a volunteer? Your leaders show up week after week because they want to help you to follow Jesus!

Take some time to write a thank you note to your Small Group Leader. Ask an adult to help you with the wording if you’re stuck. Decorate the note and then take it to church to hand deliver it to your leader.

As your kid starts their day, let them know what an important part of your life they are.

At a meal, have everyone at the table answer this question: “What does it mean to show someone they are important?”

While on the go, ask your kid: “Who are some of your favorite people to spend time with?”

Pray for each other: “Jesus, help us to look for ways to show and tell others just how important they are to us, and also to You.”

09 Feb

Posted at 10:05h in Kids — Sundays

Memory Verse

“Do to others as you want them to do to you.” Luke 6:31, NIrV

 

Bible Story

Love Your Enemies

Show respect even when you don’t get along.

Matthew 5:43-47

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor. (Leviticus 19:18) Hate your enemy.’
44 But here is what I tell you. Love your enemies. Pray for those who hurt you.
45 Then you will be sons of your Father who is in heaven. “He causes his sun to shine on evil people and good people. He sends rain on those who do right and those who don’t.
46 “If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Even the tax collectors do that.
47 If you greet only your own people, what more are you doing than others? Even people who are ungodly do that.

Daily Devotionals

Read Matthew 5:44

Think about that word “enemy.” An enemy is someone who actively opposes someone or something. We might not have enemies like that, but we do know people we don’t really get along with. Jesus tells us not to just find a way to “get along” but to show love to them, to show respect even when you don’t get along.

Can you think of someone you have a hard time getting along with? Write their initial in the space below. Look at the clock and write down the time on the next line.

Initial:                                
Time of day:                                            

For the next four days, challenge yourself to stop and pray for that person at the time you’ve written down. Ask God to help you show love and respect to that person.

Read 1 Peter 3:8

Respect is showing others they are important by what you say and do. In today’s verse, Peter gives us some ideas for how we can do that. Check it out:

Agree with one another: We always see everything the same, but we can look for ways to listen and respect other helpful points of view.

Be understanding: Try to see things from the other person’s perspective and put yourself in their shoes.

Love one another: Show compassion and find ways to help.

Be kind and tender: Be sensitive to the needs of others and be careful with their feelings.

Be humble: Put others first.

Which one of these comes easiest to you? Draw a box around it.
Which one is hardest? Circle it three times.

Stop and pray. Ask God to help you treat others with respect this week – especially if you don’t always get along.

Read Colossians 3:25

When someone hurts you, what’s your first response?

Just for a minute, think about what might happen if you responded that way instead of responding with respect.

What if instead of paying back a wrong with a wrong, you stopped and thought about, “what would a respectful response be?” If respect is showing others they are important to you by what you say and do, what could you say or do to change the outcome?

One thing that helps: remember how much God loves you! God chooses to treat everyone the same. No matter what we say or do, God loves us. God loves and forgives and listens and cares for each one of us. We can do that for others too!

Read 1 Peter 2:17a

According to today’s verse, who deserves proper respect?

V R N Y O E E E

Really? Are you sure we’re supposed to show respect to every single person, even when we don’t get along?

Yep. Everyone. Even someone that’s hard to get along with. Why? Because everyone is made in the image of God, just like you. And because everyone is someone Jesus died for, just like you. We show proper respect to everyone not because they’ve earned it but because Jesus loves them. And when we show proper respect, we’re helping everyone around us feel that love and acceptance too.

Color the Verse

Start at the beginning and color in every other letter to reveal today’s verse.

As your kid starts their day, acknowledge a time when your kid showed respect when you asked them to do something and they did it, even if it wasn’t something they wanted to do.

At a meal, have everyone at the table answer this question: “Who is someone you disagree with? How can you show them respect even though they act or think differently than you?”

While on the go, ask your kid: “Who is someone in your life that you respect a lot?”

Pray for each other: “Jesus, help us to follow your example of loving people who think or live differently than we do. May we always show everyone just how valuable they are to You by how we treat them.”

03 Feb

Posted at 10:58h in Kids — Sundays

ROAD RULES - Feb 2023


THE CONNECTION BETWEEN RESPECT AND GOD’S CHARACTER, AS SHOWN THROUGH GOD’S BIG STORY

We often think about respect in terms of vertical relationships with have with others—respect for parents, teachers, and people in authority. Those are important, but equally important are the more horizontal relationships we have with people, like siblings, friends, and even people we may not get along with. This idea of valuing others and having mutual respect is seen all throughout Scripture and is a necessary way to communicate with others and demonstrate God’s love with them.

We see throughout Scripture that all people have value because they were created in God’s image. God values us and wants a forever relationship with us. God sent Jesus to make that possible. We follow God’s example when we show others that they have value too.

Memory Verse

“Do to others as you want them to do to you.” Luke 6:31, NIrV

Daily Devotionals

Read Luke 6:31

This month is all about respect: showing others they are important by what you say and do.

When we use kind words, include others, listen or let others go first, we show them respect. When it comes to showing respect, Jesus told us how to do that: treat others like you want to be treated.

………………………………………………..

Take a moment to put yourself in someone else’s shoes. How would you want to be treated? Write down your thoughts in the space below. Ask God to help you to show
respect this week.

It’s time for recess. You want to play Tag, but all your friends want to play kickball.

………………………………………………..

You and your brother are fighting over the remote.

………………………………………………..

Your Mom is carrying in a bunch of stuff into the kitchen. You’re sitting at the table playing a game.

………………………………………………..

Your sister is telling a story and it reminded you of something that happened at school. You really want to interrupt her to tell your story!

Read Philippians 2:4

Think back over this past week. When did you feel respected? What happened?

It’s easy to think about ourselves and how we feel. But in today’s verse, Paul shares that people who show others respect do the opposite! Instead of looking out for themselves, people who show respect look out for others.

Grab a card and write out the words of today’s verse in big block letters. Decorate the card any way you choose but make it colorful, so it stands out. Now tape that card on a mirror. Every time you look at yourself in that mirror, stop, read the verse aloud, and ask God to help you put others first as you show them respect with your words and actions.

Read James 2:1

We all have a big sense of fairness. We want to take turns. To share. To divide things equally. However, sometimes it’s impossible to make things fair for everyone.

But it’s possible to treat everyone the same. It’s possible to show respect to everyone. The key is found at the beginning of this verse. What does James say? “You are in…………our glorious Lord Jesus Christ.” What’s the missing word? Yes! When you put faith or trust in Jesus, He will help you treat everyone the same. He doesn’t expect you to do it by yourself!

Every day, before you head out the door for school, stop and pray this prayer: “Jesus, help me treat everyone the same, today.”

Read Luke 5:30-32

Back in New Testament times, Jewish families were required to go to a tax collector to pay the taxes they owed to the Roman government. But tax collectors could be dishonest, charging their fellow Jews far more than what was owed so they could keep the extra for themselves. People didn’t like them too much.

Most Jewish people would never hang out with tax collectors. But Jesus did. Jesus paid attention to those who were left out or overlooked. He loved people who others didn’t.

Jesus loves us too. Even when we mess up or fail. He invited even the tax collectors to follow Him, and Jesus invites you to follow Him too.

When you’re with your family, take a moment to read Luke 5:30-32 and discuss the following questions:

Who were the Pharisees? Why did they complain about Jesus?

What was so important about Jesus’ answer?

How can you show respect to others like Jesus?

As your kid starts their day, let them know how glad you are that they are part of your family, and what an important place they have within it.

At a meal, have everyone at the table answer this question: “Tell us about a time when you included someone who was being left out OR a time when you were being left out and someone included you.”

While on the go, ask your kid: “When has someone been kind to you lately? And when were you kind to someone lately?”

Pray for each other: “Jesus, open our eyes to help us see those around us who are being left out. Help us to show Your love to them by being kind and including them. And when we feel left out, help us remember that You NEVER leave us out.”