Devotions

Jesus Is Selfless - Philippians 2:1-11

Here’s what happens…

In a letter to the church in Philippi, Paul advises them to have a selfless attitude like Jesus. That means thinking of others as better than ourselves and looking out for the interests of others. Jesus was selfless when he came from heaven to earth and died for us.

Through the Week

As a family, pick a category each day this week and find ways to put other people’s interests first in that area.

- getting ready in the morning

- school or work

- playtime

- sports

- electronic devices

- dinner

- bedtime

Talk About This…

- Share about a time someone in your family gave something up for you.

Discuss and Watch “I’m Invisible!”

We’re learning that Jesus is selfless, so we’re selfless.

- What do you think it means to be selfless?

Watch “I’m Invisible!”

- What was wrong with Andy’s idea of what it means to be selfless?

- Cami came right away when Andy needed her help. Tell about a time a friend dropped everything to help you. Share your own story first.

Thankfully, we don’t have to become invisible or shrink down to be selfless. Being selfless just means putting others before ourselves! The stories you just shared about your friends helping you are examples of being selfless. Jesus was selfless when he came to earth and died for us. And we can be selfless when we help other people, like Cami did. Jesus is selfless, so we’re selfless.

Digging Into the Heart of God. Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc. Permission to reproduce granted for local church use.

God’s Armor Gives Us Strength - Ephesians 6:10-18

Here’s what happens…

In a letter to Christians who live in Ephesus, Paul instructs them on how to be strong. He tells them to put on God’s armor, including a helmet of salvation, a shield of faith, and a sword—God’s Word. God gives us everything we need to stand strong!

Through the Week

- Gather the family together and have everyone draw a suit of armor to hang by his or her closet or dresser. (Intimidated by drawing a whole suit of armor? Just draw a shield or a sword instead.)

- Whenever you get dressed this week, your picture will remind you to put on God’s armor, too! Pray that you’ll stand strong in his armor.

- You can also remind each other to put on God’s armor when you’re leaving home…and at home, too!

Talk About This…

- What’s one thing you’re strong enough to do?

Discuss and Watch “Gracie’s Story”

We’re learning that God is strong, and we’re strong in him. Let’s find out how God gave a girl named Gracie strength.

Watch “Gracie’s Story.”

- Why did Gracie need strength from God?

- Gracie felt insecure about her arm. Why do we need God’s strength when we feel sad or insecure?

- How did you see God’s strength in Gracie?

- Gracie said, “I don’t have to be strong all the time; he will be strong for me.” What do you think of that?

Gracie was different than other kids, and she has some limitations. She was a little insecure and embarrassed about being different for a while. But God gave her strength, and she helps pass on God’s strength by teaching children. Gracie knows she can’t always be strong on her own, but that God is strong, and we’re strong in him.

Digging Into the Heart of God. Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc. Permission to reproduce granted for local church use.

God Protects Paul From a Snakebite - Acts 28:1-10

Here’s what happens…

Shipwrecked on an island, Paul is gathering sticks to build a fire when a poisonous snake comes out of the sticks and bites Paul’s hand. Because God is our protector, Paul is unharmed and shakes off the snake.

Bible Point:

God is our protector, so we don’t need to worry about a thing.

Through the Week

- Talk with your family about things you often worry about.

- Are there places associated with those worries? For example, does Mom worry about the kids when they walk out the door to go to the bus stop? Does one of the kids worry about the darkness in bed at night? What about homework worries at a desk?

- Look up Philippians 4:6, and write it out on several slips of paper.

- Hang those papers at the places you most often have worries as a reminder not to worry.

- When you see those papers through the week, replace your worries with prayer for God’s protection.

Talk About This…

- What’s something in our house that protects you?

Discuss and Watch “9-1-1 Emergency”

We’re learning that God is our protector.

- Who are some people that protect others?

There are a lot of people who protect us. One kind of protector is firefighters! Let’s find out more about them.

Watch “9-1-1 Emergency.”

- What did you learn about how firefighters protect people?

- How do you think the gear and tools firefighters use would protect them?

- What question would you want to ask a firefighter?

Firefighters are very brave protectors. They risk their lives for us! But even strong firefighters have limitations. God doesn’t, though! God is our protector, so we don’t need to worry about a thing.

Digging Into the Heart of God. Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc. Permission to reproduce granted for local church use.

Paul Encourages Others During a Shipwreck - Acts 27

Here’s what happens…

Paul is a prisoner on a ship when a violent storm threatens to sink the ship. But God encourages Paul, letting him know that no one on the ship will die. Paul passes on that encouragement, and everyone gets safely to shore.

Bible Point:

God is encouraging, so we encourage others.

Through the Week

- Look for ways to encourage your family members!

- Each person will try to say one encouraging thing per day to every family member.

- At the end of the week, talk about the difference it made to receive encouragement every day!

Talk About This…

- What’s something someone in your family has done that encouraged you?

Discuss and Watch “Hamster Theater”

Today’s Bible story was scary! What a crazy storm! I sure wouldn’t have wanted to be on that boat!

- Tell about a time you were afraid you were going to die. Share your own story first.

Let’s watch today’s Bible story…acted out by a different kind of actor. Watch “Hamster Theater.”

- What did you think of having gerbils retell the Bible story?

- Paul McFluff encouraged the others with the angel’s message that God would save them. What’s something encouraging someone has said to you when you were scared?

God is encouraging, so we encourage others. When we’re scared or worried, we can turn to God for encouragement. And we can be part of God’s encouragement to others, too!

Digging Into the Heart of God. Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc. Permission to reproduce granted for local church use.

Paul Brings Eutychus Back to Life - Acts 20:7-12

Here’s what happens…

Paul is preaching late at night. A young man named Eutychus is seated in a window. Eutychus falls asleep and falls out the window to his death! But Paul, through God’s power, brings him back to life. What a miracle!

Bible Point:

God is miraculous, and he works through us.

Through the Week

- Hang up a reminder to watch for times God wants to work through you. You might hang an exclamation point or a drawing of Eutychus on a window near your door or in your car.

- Whenever you go anywhere, look at the reminder and ask God to help you listen to his direction.

- When you feel like God wants to do something through you, do it! Remember, it doesn’t have to be bringing a dead man back to life; it might be a simple wave or an encouraging word that changes someone’s day.

- Each day at dinner, talk with your family about how God worked through you that day.

Talk About This…

- If you could do one BIG miracle, what would you want to do?

Discuss and Watch “Caution: Open Window”

In today’s Bible story, Paul was preaching to a group of people really late. And then a guy named Eutychus fell out the window and died! Thankfully, God is miraculous, and he works through us. He worked through Paul to bring Eutychus back to life.

- What would you say to Eutychus about this story? to Paul?

Let’s see what a girl about your age has to say about Eutychus’ fall. Watch “Caution: Open Window.”

- Have you ever seen a miracle? Tell about it. If you have a story of your own, share it first.

- Why do you think God chooses to work through people to do miracles?

- What amazing things do you think God might have in store for you?

God is miraculous, and he works through us. As the narrator said, “God can do some amazing things through some very ordinary people.” He might just have some incredible miracles planned to do through you!

Digging Into the Heart of God. Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc. Permission to reproduce granted for local church use.

People Think Paul and Barnabas Are Gods - Acts 14

Here’s what happens…

Paul and Barnabas travel around, preaching and healing people. When they heal a crippled man in Lystra, the people think Paul and Barnabas are gods! Paul and Barnabas quickly point people to the only true God.

Through the Week

• Watch for God Sightings during the week—things God does in your lives or as he works through you.

• Record your God Sightings on a piece of paper. Try to have each person write one thing every day this week!

• Hang the paper near a family calendar if you have one as a reminder to look for God in your lives and then point him out to other people.

Talk About This…

• Share something you did that you’re proud of.

• How could you point others to God when you talk about that?

Discuss and Watch “Animal Crackers”

• Do you ever like to play with your food? What do you do with it?

Let’s see some food act out today’s Bible story.

Watch “Animal Crackers.”

• Which gift from the animal crackers seemed like the best gift for a god?

In our Bible story today, people thought Paul and Barnabas were gods because they healed people.

• What could someone do today that would cause others to think that person might be a god?

• Why is it important to know that there’s only one real God?

God is the only God, so we point people to him. When people thought Paul and Barnabas were gods, Paul and Barnabas wouldn’t accept any kinds of gifts or praise. They just told people about the one true God! When people are impressed by you, that’s a great chance to point them to God, even if it means giving up a great gift like a stinky-cheese wheel.

Digging Into the Heart of God. Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc. Permission to reproduce granted for local church use.

Peter Escapes Prison - Acts 12:6-17

Here’s what happens…

Peter is in prison when God surprises him by sending an angel to lead him out of jail. Peter is so surprised at first, he thinks he’s dreaming! Peter goes to a house where people are praying for him—what a surprise!

Through the Week

- Surprise each other! Hide encouraging notes or pictures around the house.

- Watch for God’s surprises and the fun surprises your family left!

- At the end of the week, gather together to share about the surprises you found as well as other ways God has surprised you this week.

Talk About This…

- Tell about a time you were surprised.

Discuss and Watch “An Angel Frees Peter”

We’re learning that God is surprising, so we watch for his surprises. And boy, did he have a lot of surprises for Peter! Let’s watch what happened to Peter.

Watch “An Angel Frees Peter.”

- What was the most surprising part of this Bible story?

- Why do you think the people praying were surprised when God answered their prayers?

- What’s something you’d be surprised to see God do in your life?

God is surprising, so we watch for his surprises. We can pray like the church prayed for Peter and wait to see how he answers our prayers. And he might even surprise us like he surprised Peter and do something we never would’ve expected!

Digging Into the Heart of God. Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc. Permission to reproduce granted for local church use.

27th October – The Parable of the Talents – Matthew 25:14-30

Here’s what happens…….

Jesus tells the parable of a man who, leaving on a journey, entrusted his servants with talents – to one he gave five talents; to another he gave two and to another he gave one talent – each according to his ability. Two servants doubled what they had been given but, the third, afraid of the consequences of loss, buried his and then returned it to his master. Jesus was not impressed with the third servant and took from him the one talent he had “saved”.

Talk about…………….

· Who was one of the most talented people you knew at school? What happened to that person?

· Do you think it was fair of the master to distribute the talents unevenly? Why?

· What happened to the two servants who doubled their investment?

· What was Jesus saying to the two servants who doubled their investment?

· Why was the master so hard on the servant who hid his talent?

· What “talents” do you have to offer to Emmanuel?

· As we think about Stewardship, what can we learn from this story?

A Call to Build the House of the Lord - Haggai 1

Here’s what happens…….

The temple of the Lord sat unfinished for 16 years. Meanwhile, God’s people moved on to building their own homes. The prophet Haggai stepped onto the scene and rebuked the people for their misplaced priorities. Haggai had one task… carried out in a three-and-a-half-month mission… to encourage God’s people to work at rebuilding God’s Temple. He urged them to Put God First in their lives, in repairing the building where they worshipped, to the glory of God.

Read Haggai 1

Talk about…

· When have you helped build something? What was the experience like?

· What got in the way of God’s people and stopped them rebuilding the Temple?

· What gets in the way of putting God first in your lives?

· What would it look like for you to put God first in your life this week?

· What would it look like to put God first with your money?

Through the week…

· Spend time each day thinking about and thanking God for the special blessings he gives you each day.

· As a family start to talk and think about how you can participate in the “rebuilding” of Emmanuel, and what this might mean for you as a family.