Easter Prayer Guide Week 5

Growing in Faith and Defending Creationism Against Evolution

Easter Prayer Guide Week 4

Easter Prayer Guide Week 3

Family Devotion Plan: A Brand New Start Theme: Jesus Loves Us Enough To Give Us A Brand New Start Scripture Base: John 3 Dates: Monday, March 17, 2025 – Wednesday, March 19, 2025 Monday, March 17, 2025: A Brand New Start Scripture Focus John 3:9–12 "9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? 10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? 11 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. 12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?" Reflection: Nicodemus was super smart, but he didn’t understand when Jesus said we need to be born again. Jesus meant it’s like starting over—like when a baby is born with a clean slate, no mistakes yet. God can make us new inside, even if we don’t get how He does it. It’s like the wind—you can’t see it, but you feel it! Have you ever accepted Jesus as your Savior? When a person is “Born Again” Jesus forgive all of their sins and gives them a brand new start! Story Once there was a kid named Max, about 7 years old, who loved drawing. But one day, he accidentally spilled juice all over his favorite picture—a superhero he’d worked on forever. It was ruined! Max cried, thinking it was gone for good. Then his big sister, Emma, ran over with a new sheet of paper. “Don’t worry,” she said, “you can start over! I’ll even help you draw a new cape.” Max wasn’t sure how a new picture could fix his mess, but he trusted Emma and started drawing. Soon, he had an even cooler superhero! That’s like what God does—Max didn’t know how it’d work, but God gives us a brand new start when we trust Him as our Savior, way better than before! Practical Points: Try something new today, like drawing or building, to feel what starting over is like. Trust God even if you don’t understand everything—He’s got it! Tuesday, March 18, 2025: Jesus Fixes Our Ouchies Scripture Focus (KJV): John 3:13–15 "13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life." Reflection (for Kids): Jesus told Nicodemus He came from heaven to help us. Long ago, people got sick from snake bites because they didn’t listen to God, but God put a shiny snake on a pole—if they looked at it, they got better! Jesus said He’d be lifted up too, on the cross, to fix our sin. When we look to Him and believe, He makes us all better inside, by giving us a brand new start. Story: Lila, a 5-year-old, was playing in her backyard when she stepped on a big thorn—ouch! Her foot hurt so bad, and she hopped to her dad, crying. She tried pulling it out herself, but it just got worse. Her dad scooped her up and said, “Look at me, Lila—I’ve got a bandage and tweezers. Trust me, and I’ll fix it.” Lila was scared, but she looked at her dad’s kind face and nodded. He pulled out the thorn, cleaned it, and put on a fun Band-Aid with stars. Soon, Lila was running again! That’s like Jesus—sin hurts us like a thorn, but when we look to Him on the cross, He fixes us, by giving us the gift of eternal life. Practical Points: Help a friend or sibling with a little ouchie, like a scraped knee, to show Jesus’ love. Remind a friend or family that Jesus loves them! Wednesday, March 19, 2025: God Loves You Tons! Scripture Focus (KJV): John 3:16–18 "16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." Reflection: God loves everyone so much that He sent Jesus to save us—not to be mad at us! If we believe in Jesus for salvation, we get to live with God forever. It’s like getting a giant hug from God, no matter what we’ve done. You don’t have to be perfect—just trust Him, and He’ll love you always. Today, feel how big God’s love is for you! Story: Benny, a 6-year-old, had a rough day. He’d accidentally broken his mom’s favorite flower pot while playing ball inside (oops!). He hid under his bed, thinking, “She’s gonna be so mad—I’m too messy to love.” But then his mom peeked under and said, “Benny, come out! I’m not mad—I love you tons, even when you make mistakes.” She pulled him into a big hug and gave him a cookie. Benny couldn’t believe it—he didn’t have to fix the pot first; she just loved him! That’s how God is—He sent Jesus because He loves us tons, even when we mess up. All Benny had to do was climb out and hug back, and all we have to do is believe in Jesus. Practical Points: Remember that “Jesus loves me” even when you mess up or do wrong! Tell a friend or family member that God loves them tons, no matter what. Tomorrow begins our 30 days of prayer for Easter. You can find those devotions at cbcking.org/easterprayer

Easter Prayer Guide Week 1

Family Devotion Plan: Being a Bringer Theme: Caring enough to bring others to Jesus in our daily lives. Scripture Base: Luke 5:17-26 (KJV) Dates: Monday, March 10, 2025 – Saturday, March 15, 2025 Monday, March 10: Seeing the Need Around Us Verse: Luke 5:18 – “And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him.” Thoughts to Consider: Imagine a man who couldn’t walk, stuck on a bed, helpless—his friends saw that and didn’t just stand there. We’re surrounded by people with needs too—not just sore legs or sick tummies, but hearts that feel heavy or lonely. Some folks don’t even know Jesus can help them, just like this paralyzed man didn’t know until his friends stepped in. Think about your school, your street—there’s need everywhere, and the biggest need anyone has is to be forgiven and loved by Jesus. Those friends didn’t wait for the man to crawl to Jesus themselves—they saw he couldn’t and decided to act. What about us? Are we noticing the people around us who need help getting to Him? It’s not about fixing everything ourselves—it’s about caring enough to bring them closer to the One who can. Let’s open our eyes this week to see who needs Jesus, right where we are. Action Questions: Who’s one person—like a friend or neighbor—you’ve seen who might need Jesus’ help? What’s one thing that makes it hard to notice people’s needs, like being too busy or shy? Story: Lily loved recess—she’d race to the swings every day. But one Monday, she noticed her classmate Tim sitting alone by the fence, kicking dirt. He usually played kickball, but today he looked sad. Lily wanted to swing, but something tugged at her—Tim needed a friend. She walked over and said, “Hey, Tim, want to swing with me?” He shrugged but followed. As they swung, he told her his dog ran away, and he felt awful. Lily didn’t know what to say, but she remembered Jesus helps sad hearts. She said, “I bet Jesus knows where your dog is—maybe He can help.” Tim didn’t say much, but he smiled a little. Lily didn’t fix everything, but she saw Tim’s need and brought him a step closer to hope. Ways to Live It Out This Week: Eyes Open: Each morning, ask Jesus to help you notice one person who seems sad or alone—like at school or the park—and say a quiet prayer for them, and possibly even invite them to church. Check Your Day: Before bed, think of one person you saw today who might need Jesus (like a grumpy cashier), and pray for them. Heart Note: Tell a parent about someone you’re worried about—like a quiet kid in class—and talk about how Jesus might help them. Tuesday, March 11: Caring Enough to Act Verse: Luke 5:19 (KJV) – “And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus.” Thoughts to Consider: Those four friends didn’t just feel sorry for the paralyzed man—they did something big! They climbed a roof and broke it open to get him to Jesus. That’s love with legs—caring so much you move, not just talk. We all know people who need Jesus—maybe a friend who’s mad a lot or a neighbor who’s lonely—but it’s easy to stop at saying, “That’s too bad.” These men didn’t. They loved their friend enough to act, even when it was hard with a huge crowd in the way. Jesus is the answer to every need—forgiveness most of all—and He’s counting on us to be bringers. Think about someone you care about—don’t they deserve to know Him too? Caring isn’t just a feeling; it’s doing something real. Let’s choose to act today, not just wish things were better. Action Questions: What’s one way you could help someone—like a sibling or friend—get closer to Jesus today? How does it feel when someone helps you when you’re stuck—does it make you want to help others too? Story: Max had a best friend, Jake, who always got in trouble at school—yelling at teachers, kicking desks. Max felt bad but didn’t know what to do. One day, Jake got sent to the principal again, and Max thought, “He’s so mad—he needs Jesus.” Max wasn’t sure how to help, but he remembered the roof guys didn’t give up. After school, he caught up to Jake and said, “Hey, want to shoot hoops at my house?” Jake grumbled but came. While they played, Max said, “When I’m mad, I remember that I'm not pleasing Jesus. You ever try that?” Jake laughed, “Nah, that’s weird,” but Max could tell he was thinking. Max didn’t preach a big speech—he just cared enough to start somewhere, bringing Jake a little closer to Jesus. Ways to Live It Out This Week: Step Up: Pick one person—like a friend who’s upset—and do one kind thing today (like sharing a snack) while praying for them. Speak Up: When someone’s having a tough day, say something simple like, “Jesus helps me when I’m sad—He can help you too,” then see what happens. Team Up: Ask a parent to help you reach out to someone—like inviting a neighbor over—and show them Jesus’ love together. Wednesday, March 12: Not Giving Up Verse: Luke 5:19 – “And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus.” Thoughts to Consider: Those friends hit a wall—a huge crowd blocked the door—but they didn’t quit. They climbed up, tore through a roof, and lowered their friend down because they wouldn’t give up on him. Sometimes bringing people to Jesus feels hard too—maybe they say no, or we’re scared they’ll laugh. But these men kept going, trying every way they could. People around us need Jesus—forgiveness, hope, a new start—and it might take more than one try to help them see that. We don’t give up on someone we care about after one “no”—we keep at it, like those friends did. What if the next time we try is the time it works? Let’s be stubborn about bringing others to Him, not letting obstacles stop us this week. Action Questions: Who’s one person—like a classmate or cousin—you’ve tried to help before but want to try again? What’s one thing—like shyness or a “no”—that makes it tough to keep trying? Story: Sophie wanted her big sister, Ella, to love Jesus like she did. She’d asked Ella to read Bible stories with her, but Ella always said, “Later—I’m busy.” Sophie felt like giving up—Ella had her phone, friends, everything else. But then Sophie thought about those roof guys—they didn’t stop at a crowd. So one afternoon, when Ella was grumpy about a bad test, Sophie tried again. “Ella, can we pray about your test? Jesus might help.” Ella sighed, “Fine, whatever.” They prayed quick—Sophie said, “Jesus, help Ella feel better”—and Ella didn’t say much after. But the next day, Ella asked, “Hey, can we pray again?” Sophie didn’t give up, and it started something small but real. Ways to Live It Out This Week: Try Again: Pick someone who’s said “no” before—like a friend you invited—and ask again this week, like, “Want to come to church with me Sunday?” Keep Praying: Each day, pray for one person who’s hard to reach and ask for their heart to be softened to the gospel. Stay Steady: When you feel like quitting (like after a rejection), tell Jesus, “Help me keep going,” and think of one more way to reach out . Thursday, March 13: Giving Something Up Verse: Luke 5:19 – “And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus.” Thoughts to Consider: Those friends didn’t just climb a roof—they broke it, hauled a bed, and probably fixed it later. That took time, sweat, maybe even money—bringing their friend to Jesus cost them something. Helping others meet Him isn’t always easy for us either—it might mean giving up playtime, being brave when we’re shy, or sharing what we have. Jesus is worth it, and so are the people He loves. Think about it: anything we do for Him costs us a little, but it’s nothing compared to what He gave for us. Those men decided their friend was worth the effort—who’s worth it in our lives? We’re not just here to keep things comfy; we’re here to bring people to Jesus, even if it’s hard. Let’s give something up this week to help someone else find Him. Action Questions: What’s one thing—like time or a toy—you could give up to help someone know Jesus? How does it feel when you give something up for someone you care about—like sharing your snack? Story: Noah loved his Saturday video game time—hours of battling dragons! But his neighbor, Mr. Ben, was old and alone, and Noah kept thinking, “He needs Jesus.” One Saturday, Noah saw Mr. Ben raking leaves slowly. Noah wanted to game, but he grabbed a rake instead. “Need help, Mr. Ben?” he asked. They raked together, and Noah said, “I go to church—it’s cool how Jesus helps people.” Mr. Ben nodded, “Used to go myself.” Noah missed his game, but he kept raking with Mr. Ben the next week too, talking about Jesus a little more each time. It cost Noah his Saturday fun, but he figured Mr. Ben was worth it—and maybe Jesus thought so too. Ways to Live It Out This Week: Time Swap: Give up 10 minutes of something fun—like TV—to help someone (like carrying a bag) and mention Jesus while you do it. Share More: Offer something you like—like a cookie—to a friend or neighbor, and Invite them to church. Effort On: When you’re tired but someone needs you (like a sibling), push through and point them to Jesus. Friday, March 14: Expecting Jesus to Move Verse: Luke 5:20 – “And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.” Thoughts to Consider: Those friends believed if they got the man to Jesus, something big would happen—and it did! Jesus saw their faith and forgave the man’s sins, then healed him. They didn’t just hope—they expected Jesus to do something amazing. We can expect that too—when we bring people to Him, He’s ready to work. Jesus can forgive, heal, change hearts—He’s alive, not stuck in a story! Sometimes we think, “Maybe nothing will happen,” but those friends trusted Jesus could do it all. What if we believed that for our friends, our family? Every time we tell someone about Him, it’s like planting a seed—God promises His Word won’t come back empty. Let’s expect Him to move this week when we bring others to Him, even if we don’t see it right away. Action Questions: What’s one thing—like forgiveness or happiness—you hope Jesus will do for someone you know? How can we trust Jesus to help people even if it takes time—like planting a seed? Story: Ava had a quiet classmate, Jacob, who never smiled. She heard he lived with his grandma and didn’t have much. Ava decided to be a bringer—she gave Jacob her extra pencil one day and said, “Jesus gave me a happy heart—He can give you one too.” Jacob just took the pencil, but Ava kept expecting Jesus to do something. She prayed every night, “Jesus, help Jacob smile.” Weeks passed—nothing big. Then one day, Jacob brought her a drawing of a dog and said, “Thanks for being nice.” Ava grinned—Jesus was moving, slow but sure, because she didn’t stop expecting Him to care for Jacob. Ways to Live It Out This Week: Seed Drop: Share one thing about Jesus—like “He loves you”—with someone, and trust He’ll grow it in their heart, even if you don’t see it. Saturday, March 15: Bringing Together Verses: Luke 5:20, 25 – “And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee… And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God.” Thoughts to Consider: It wasn’t just one friend—it was four, working together, who got that man to Jesus. They carried him, broke the roof, lowered him down—and Jesus changed his life because they teamed up. We’re stronger as a family too—bringing people to Jesus isn’t a solo job. Think about how those friends trusted Jesus together, cared together, didn’t give up together—and the man walked home singing! Jesus wants to forgive and fix hearts today, and He’s looking for us—moms, dads, kids—to be bringers as a team. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about loving people enough to get them to Him, side by side. What if our family worked together this week to help someone meet Jesus? It could start something amazing that lasts forever! Action Questions: What’s one way we can bring someone to Jesus as a family—like inviting them over or praying for them? How did it feel this week when you tried to help someone know Jesus—what happened? Story: The Lee family—Mom, Dad, Ben, and Sarah—noticed their neighbor, Mrs. Kim, always sat alone on her porch. Ben said, “She looks sad—does Jesus know?” Sarah added, “Maybe we should tell her.” They decided to team up. Saturday, they baked cookies (Ben stirred, Sarah measured), and Mom wrote a note: “Jesus loves you—hope you like these!” Dad led them across the street. Mrs. Kim smiled when they handed her the plate and said, “No one’s done this for me in years.” Ben blurted, “Jesus told us to!” They all laughed, and Mrs. Kim asked about their church. The Lees didn’t fix her whole life...yet, but together they worked and show her the love of Jesus—and it felt good. Ways to Live It Out This Week: Family Plan: Pick one person (like a neighbor) and decide together how to reach out—like a visit or card—saying, “We’re bringing them to Jesus.” Team Prayer: Each night, pray as a family for one person—like “Jesus, help our cousin know You”—taking turns picking who. Next Step Promise: Agree on one way to keep being bringers next week—like checking on someone—and start it together with Jesus in mind.

Family Devotion Plan: Doing the Needful Thing Theme: Putting worship of Jesus first in our daily lives. Scripture Base: Luke 10:38-42 Dates: Monday, March 3, 2025 – Saturday, March 8, 2025 Monday, March 3: Noticing Jesus’ Presence Verse: Luke 10:38 – “Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.” Thoughts to Consider: Think about this: Jesus didn’t just wander into Martha’s village by accident—He had a purpose, a divine appointment to meet her and her family. It’s like God has a plan for every step we take, whether we’re heading to school, playing in the yard, or helping at home. He’s right there with us, every day, in every moment—but do we notice? Life gets busy fast—homework piles up, toys scatter, chores call—and it’s easy to rush around like Martha did when she welcomed Jesus in. She opened the door for Him, but then got so caught up in doing stuff that she missed just being with Him. What about us? Are we too busy building our Lego towers or running to the next thing to see that Jesus is knocking, wanting us to look up? Let’s start this week by slowing down a little—not to stop everything, but to spot Him in our real, everyday lives. He’s got a reason for being with us today—let’s not miss it! Action Questions: Can you think of one time today—like at breakfast or recess—when you could stop and say, “Jesus is here with me”? What’s one busy thing you do (like building toys or running outside) that might make it hard to notice Jesus? Story: Sam (age 7) was obsessed with building the tallest Lego tower ever. He had bricks scattered all over the living room, and his tongue was sticking out as he stacked them higher and higher. His mom called, “Sam, dinner’s ready!” but he didn’t hear her—he was too focused. Then his little sister, Ellie (age 4), ran over and tugged his shirt. “Sammy, look! A bird’s at the window!” Sam grumbled, “Not now, Ellie!” But she tugged again, and he finally looked. A bright red bird was hopping on the sill, pecking at the glass. Sam grinned—it was so cool! He realized he’d been too busy to notice anything else, even his mom calling. Later, Mom said, “Jesus is like that bird—He’s right there, waiting for us to look up.” Sam thought about how he’d rushed through his day—school, Legos, arguing with Ellie—and wondered if Jesus had been there too, waiting for him to notice. Ways to Live It Out This Week: Morning Check-In: Before you start your day (like brushing your teeth), take a moment to say, “Jesus, I know You’re here with me today,” and picture Him walking with you to school or play. Pause in the Rush: When you’re feeling hurried—like racing to finish homework—stop for 15 seconds, take a breath, and whisper, “Jesus, I see You’re with me.” Nighttime Look-Back: Before bed, tell a parent one place you think Jesus was with you today—like when you helped a friend or ate lunch—and thank Him in your heart. Tuesday, March 4: Choosing to Sit with Jesus Verse: Luke 10:39 – “And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.” Thoughts to Consider: Picture Mary sitting at Jesus’ feet, listening to Him while Martha hustled around. Mary didn’t grab a broom or start cooking—she chose to just be with Jesus. That’s a big deal! We’re not made to just keep doing things all the time—we’re human beings, not human doings. Life’s full of jobs, like picking up toys or finishing math homework, but Mary shows us there’s something even better: sitting with Jesus. It’s not about ignoring our work—it’s about picking Him first because He’s worth it. Think of your favorite person—don’t you love just hanging out with them, hearing what they say? Jesus is like that, only bigger. Sometimes we get so caught up in what we’re supposed to do that we forget to stop and listen to Him. What if we made a little time today to sit with Him—not out of habit, but because we want to know Him more? That’s what walking with God looks like, and it starts with choosing Him. Action Questions: What’s one way you could sit with Jesus today—like praying, singing, or listening to a Bible story? How does it feel when you stop to listen to someone you love—like a parent or friend? Does it make you want to try it with Jesus? Story: Lila (age 9) lived on a farm, and her morning job was feeding the chickens. She loved watching them cluck and peck, but it was a rush to finish before the school bus came. One morning, she was scooping feed into the bucket when her dad called from the porch, “Lila, come sit with me for a minute!” She groaned—“Dad, the chickens!” But he waved her over, so she dropped the bucket and sat. Dad told her a funny story about when he was a kid and tried to ride a pig—it fell over, and he landed in mud! Lila laughed so hard she forgot about the clock. The chickens still got fed (a little late), but that quiet time with Dad made her day brighter. Later, she thought, “Maybe I could sit with Jesus like that too.” She realized she’d been so busy—chores, school, soccer—that she hadn’t talked to Jesus in days. So she sat on her bed that night, closed her eyes, and said, “Jesus, I’m here—what do You want me to know?” It felt strange at first, but then good, like He was really listening. Ways to Live It Out This Week: Daily Sit-Down: Set aside five minutes—like after school or before dinner—to sit quietly and tell Jesus one thing about your day, then listen for what He might say in your heart. Replace a Rush: Pick one busy moment—like getting ready for bed—and trade one minute of hurrying for one minute of thanking Jesus for something (like your family or a pet). Carry Him Along: When you’re doing something normal (like walking to the bus), talk to Jesus in your head about it—“Jesus, help me with this math quiz today.” Wednesday, March 5: When Work Gets Too Big Verse: Luke 10:40 – “But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.” Thoughts to Consider: Martha was weighed down—“cumbered”—with so much work: cooking, cleaning, serving. She looked at Mary sitting there and got frustrated—sound familiar? It’s like when you’re stuck picking up toys while your sibling plays, or when chores pile up and no one helps. Work’s important—someone’s got to do it! But Martha got so busy she started complaining instead of enjoying Jesus being there. It’s easy to feel that way, right? We rush around, get grumpy, and forget what really matters. Here’s the thing: Jesus didn’t tell her to stop working—He listened to her. When life feels too big—homework, helping at home, whatever—it’s okay to tell Him about it. Work’s not bad, but it’s not everything. The real question is: are we letting it bury us, or are we taking it to Jesus? Let’s not just tattle to each other—let’s talk to Him when the load gets heavy. Action Questions: What’s one job—like cleaning your room or homework—that makes you feel too busy, like Martha? Could you tell Jesus about it today and ask Him to help you not feel so grumpy? Story: Ben (age 6) and his brother, Max (age 8), were playing with blocks all afternoon. When Mom said, “Time to clean up!” Max ran off to watch TV, leaving Ben with a giant pile. “It’s not fair!” Ben shouted, kicking a block across the room. His mom came over and said, “Ben, you sound like Martha—let’s talk to Jesus about it.” Ben crossed his arms but finally mumbled, “Jesus, I’m mad—Max didn’t help, and I don’t want to do this alone!” Mom hugged him and said, “Let’s do it together.” They cleaned up fast, and Ben felt better—not because Max came back, but because Jesus heard him. Later that day, when he had to carry laundry upstairs, he grumbled again but stopped and said, “Jesus, this is heavy—help me!” He still carried it, but his heart didn’t feel as mad. Ben learned he could tell Jesus anything, even when work felt too big. Ways to Live It Out This Week: Unload to Jesus: When a task feels overwhelming—like too much homework—stop and tell Jesus exactly how it feels (“I’m tired of this!”), then ask Him for strength to keep going. Shift the Focus: If you’re upset about doing something alone (like setting the table), tell Jesus first instead of yelling, then do it knowing He’s with you. Rest in Him: After a hard job, sit for a moment and say, “Jesus, I did it—thank You for helping me,” to shift from work to worship. Thursday, March 6: Jesus Sees Our Hearts Verse: Luke 10:41 – “And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:” Thoughts to Consider: When Martha was stressed out, Jesus didn’t snap at her—He said her name twice, soft and kind: “Martha, Martha.” He saw she was worried and troubled, juggling everything to make it perfect. We get that way too—maybe you’re nervous about a test, mad at a friend, or tired from helping out. Jesus doesn’t miss it—He sees every worry in our hearts, even the little ones. It’s not wrong to care about what we do, but when it takes over, we can end up like Martha—frazzled and missing the point. What’s the point? Being with Him. Walking with God isn’t just about doing stuff right—it’s about letting Him into what’s going on inside us. So when you’re feeling careful or troubled, don’t hide it—tell Him. He’s not upset with us for being busy; He just wants us to trust Him with it. Let’s open our hearts to Him today. Action Questions: What’s one thing—like a hard spelling word or a messy desk—that makes you worried or tired? Can you tell Jesus about it today and ask Him to help you feel better inside? Story: Emma (age 10) had a huge spelling test coming up—20 words! She kept muttering “c-a-t” and “d-o-g” under her breath, skipping breakfast to practice. Her hands were shaky, and she snapped at her little brother for humming. Dad noticed and said, “Emma, you’re troubled like Martha—Jesus sees that. Let’s talk to Him.” Emma rolled her eyes but sat with Dad. She said, “Jesus, I’m scared I’ll fail this test—it’s too much!” Dad added, “And help her feel Your peace.” Emma took a big breath, ate some toast, and studied more. She still had to take the test (and missed one word), but she wasn’t shaky anymore—Jesus saw her heart and helped her calm down. That night, when she fought with her brother over the remote, she caught herself and whispered, “Jesus, I’m mad again—help me!” She didn’t yell, and it felt like Jesus was right there, understanding her. Ways to Live It Out This Week: Heart Share: Each day, tell Jesus one thing bothering you—like “I’m nervous about tomorrow”—and trust He’s listening, even if it’s quiet. Worry Hand-Off: When you feel stressed (like about a friend), imagine giving it to Jesus like a heavy backpack, then keep going with Him beside you. Peace Pause: After a tough moment (like a bad grade), sit still for 30 seconds and say, “Jesus, You see me—I’m okay with You,” to feel His care. Friday, March 7: The Needful Thing Verse: Luke 10:42 – “But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Thoughts to Consider: Jesus looked at Martha’s busyness and said, “One thing is needful”—and Mary had it right by sitting at His feet. Work’s good—someone’s got to cook, clean, or finish that school project—but it’s not the most important thing. Mary picked the best part: being with Jesus. It’s like choosing water over candy—you need it to live! We can get so caught up doing stuff that we forget to stop and worship Him. What’s worship? It’s giving Jesus our time, our hearts—not just on Sunday, but every day. When was the last time you really talked to Him, not just because you’re supposed to? Mary’s choice lasted forever—it wasn’t taken away—because it was about loving Jesus, not just checking a box. Life’s full of to-dos, but the needful thing keeps us strong. Let’s choose that today, not just rush through our list. Action Questions: What’s one way you can choose Jesus today—like talking to Him, reading a verse, or thanking Him? How can we help each other remember the needful thing this week—like a family reminder? Story: Jake (age 8) loved soccer—he could kick a ball farther than anyone in his class! But one Friday, practice got rained out, and he was stuck inside, kicking a pillow instead. He grumbled until his sister, Zoe (age 6), bounced in and said, “Jake, let’s read about Jesus!” Jake shrugged but grabbed Dad’s Bible. Zoe pointed to a story about Jesus calming a storm, and Jake read it aloud—how the waves stopped when Jesus spoke. He thought about how he’d been stormy inside all week—mad about a lost game, annoyed at chores—and hadn’t talked to Jesus once. So he tried it: “Jesus, I’m grumpy—can You calm me like that storm?” He didn’t hear a voice, but he felt quieter inside. The next day, when Mom asked him to take out the trash, he almost complained but said, “Jesus, I’ll do it with You,” instead. It wasn’t fun, but it felt different—better. Ways to Live It Out This Week: First Thing Focus: Start your day by telling Jesus, “You’re the needful thing—I’m with You today,” before you jump into tasks. Worship Over Work: When you’re about to do something big (like a project), stop first and say, “Jesus, I’m Yours—guide me,” then start with Him in mind. Nightly Choice: Before sleep, pick one moment you could’ve chosen Jesus (like not arguing), and decide how to do it tomorrow. Saturday, March 8: Worshiping Together Verses: Luke 10:39, 42 – “And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word… But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Thoughts to Consider: Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, soaking in His words, while Martha worked hard—and Jesus said Mary’s choice was the needful thing. Imagine if our whole family did that together—not just at church, but right here at home. It’s not about fancy stuff; it’s about making Jesus the center of us. Work’s part of life—someone’s got to set the table or sweep the floor—but worship ties us to Him and each other. Think about it: we can get so busy doing our jobs that we forget to stop and bow our hearts to Jesus as a family. What if we walked with Him together every day? Mary’s “good part” wasn’t taken away because it was real, lasting love for Jesus. Celebration’s great, but it starts with worship—not just rushing to the next thing. Let’s end this week choosing that together, not as a one-time thing, but as a way to live. Action Questions: What’s one way we can worship Jesus as a family today—like talking about Him or reading together? How did it feel to try the needful thing this week—what did you notice? Story: The Carter family—Mom, Dad, Mia (age 5), and Noah (age 11)—had a busy week. Noah had science fair prep, Mia had preschool crafts, and Mom and Dad were juggling work. By Friday, they were all cranky—Mia spilled juice, Noah forgot his poster, and Dad snapped about the mess. Saturday morning, Dad said, “Enough—we’re sitting with Jesus today.” They turned off the TV and sat in the living room. Noah read Luke 10:39 aloud (stumbling on “cumbered”), Mia asked, “Did Mary have toys?” and Mom said, “She had Jesus—that’s better!” They talked about how busy they’d been—rushing, arguing—and how they’d forgotten Jesus. Dad said, “Let’s tell Him one thing each.” Mia whispered, “Jesus, I miss You,” and Noah said, “Help me not be mad.” They kept it up all day—when Mia helped set the table, she said, “This is for Jesus!” It wasn’t fancy, but worshiping together made them feel like a team again. Ways to Live It Out This Week: Family Check-In: Once a day (like at dinner), have each person say one way they saw Jesus today, making worship a family habit. Together Time: Pick one task (like cleaning up) and do it as a family, saying, “We’re with Jesus in this,” to blend work and worship. Week’s End Promise: As a family, agree on one way to keep worshiping next week—like a morning “Jesus moment” before school—and start it together.

Family Devotion: Lessons From The Life Of Jacob Monday, February 24 - Fear and Trust Verse: Genesis 32:7 "Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed: and he divided the people that was with him, and the flocks, and herds, and the camels, into two bands;" Background: Jacob was returning home after many years, and he heard that his brother Esau was coming to meet him with 400 men. Jacob was scared because he and Esau had not been on good terms in the past, as highlighted in the sermon about his crisis moment. Thoughts to Consider: Just like Jacob, we all get afraid sometimes. It could be fear of the dark, fear of new things, or fear of someone or something. But God wants us to trust Him even when we're afraid. He is always with us and can help us, as the sermon emphasizes trusting God in crisis. Action Question: What are some things that make you afraid? How can you trust God in those situations? Story: Once, there was a little girl named Emma who was afraid of thunderstorms. Whenever it rained and there was lightning, she would hide under her bed. One day, her mom told her that God is in control of the weather and that He can keep her safe. So, the next time there was a storm, Emma said a prayer asking God to help her not be afraid. She still felt a little scared, but she knew God was with her, and that made her feel better. Tuesday, February 25 - Prayer Verse: Genesis 32:9 "And Jacob said, O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, the Lord which saidst unto me, Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee:" Background: Jacob was worried about meeting Esau, so he talked to God and asked for His help. He reminded God of His promise to take care of him, as noted in the sermon about Jacob's prayer being a last resort after scheming. Thoughts to Consider: When we're worried or need something, we can talk to God through prayer. God wants us to tell Him about our problems and ask for His help. He listens to us and can give us the strength we need, aligning with the sermon's call to make God our first resource. Action Question: When do you like to pray? What do you usually pray about? Story: There was a boy named Alex who had a big test at school. He was nervous because he wanted to do well. His mom told him to pray to God for help. So, Alex closed his eyes and said, "God, please help me remember what I've learned and do my best on this test." He felt calmer after that. When he took the test, he did really well, and he knew that God had helped him. Wednesday, February 26 - Self-Relaince Vs. God Reliance Verse: Genesis 32:20 "And say ye moreover, Behold, thy servant Jacob is behind us. For he said, I will appease him with the present that goeth before me, and afterward I will see his face; peradventure he will accept of me." Background: Jacob tried to make peace with Esau by sending him gifts. He thought that if he gave Esau presents, Esau might not be angry with him anymore. But sometimes, we try to solve problems on our own without asking God for help, as the sermon critiques Jacob's scheming before praying. Thoughts to Consider: It's good to take action, but we should always remember to trust God and ask for His guidance. Sometimes, our own plans might not work out, but God's plans are always best, reflecting the sermon's emphasis on God-reliance over self-reliance. Action Question: Have you ever tried to solve a problem by yourself without asking for help? What happened? Did you learn anything from that experience? Story: There was a boy named Tim who lost his favorite toy car. He looked everywhere for it but couldn't find it. He was sad and decided to look again without telling anyone. After a while, he still couldn't find it. Then, he remembered to pray to God to help him find it. He asked his mom and dad for help, and together they searched and found the car under the couch. Tim learned that it's okay to ask for help and that God can guide us through others. Thursday, February 27 - God's Plan Verse: Genesis 32:25 "And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him." Background: During the wrestling match, God touched Jacob's hip, and Jacob was injured. This was God's way of showing Jacob that he couldn't win by his own strength and that he needed to rely on God, aligning with the sermon's point about God breaking Jacob to bless him. Thoughts to Consider: Sometimes, God allows us to face challenges or get hurt to teach us important lessons. It might be hard, but it helps us grow closer to Him, as the sermon illustrates with Jacob's limp as a reminder of submission. Action Question: Have you ever had a time when you were facing a difficulty, and you saw that it was helping you grow in your faith? Story: There was a girl named Anna who was very competitive in swimming. She trained hard and was the best in her team. But one day, she got a bad cold and couldn't participate in a big competition. She was sad and angry at first, but then she realized that her teammates did well without her, and she learned to be a better team player. She saw that sometimes, not getting what we want can teach us valuable lessons. Friday, February 28 - Changing For The Better Verse: Genesis 32:28 - "And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed." Background: After wrestling with God, Jacob's name was changed to Israel, which means "he struggles with God." This showed that Jacob had changed and was now someone who trusted God more, as the sermon highlights his transformation. Thoughts to Consider: When we let God help us and guide us, He can make us better people. We might not be perfect, but we can grow and improve with God's help, reflecting the sermon's call for continual change. Action Question: How do you think God wants to help you be better? What areas in your life do you think need improvement? Story: There was a boy named Jake who was always in a hurry and never patient. He would interrupt people and get frustrated easily. One day, his teacher talked to him about being more patient. Jake thought about it and decided to try to be more patient. He started waiting his turn to speak and listened to others. His friends noticed and said he was nicer to be around. Jake was happy that he had changed for the better. Saturday, March 1 - Special With God Verse: Genesis 32:30 "And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved." Background: After his encounter with God, Jacob named the place Peniel, which means "face of God," because he had seen God face to face. This experience gave him a new understanding of who he was in relation to God, as the sermon notes his new identity. Thoughts to Consider: When we have special moments with God, like when we pray or read the Bible, it helps us know who we are as His children. We are loved and cared for by God, and that gives us confidence, aligning with the sermon's emphasis on God's love. Action Question: How does knowing God loves you make you feel? Can you think of a time when you felt God's love? Story: There was a girl named Lily who was shy and didn't like to talk to new people. But when she started going to Sunday school, she made friends and learned about God's love. She became more confident and started sharing her thoughts in class. Her teacher and parents noticed that she was different—happier and more outgoing. Lily knew that being a child of God gave her the courage to be herself.