Daily Devotion, July 31, 2020

Devotion: Read Genesis 12:1-9.

The history of God’s people being a group on the move goes all the way back to God’s call to Abram to “Go...to the land I will show you.” Abram practiced an inside-out faith. What he believed in his mind and heart he put into practice. He turned trust into travel and experienced God in a unique way.  

God chose Abram and invited him into a life of faith and adventure. It was indeed a LEAP of faith to pack up his entire family and start on a journey with a destination unknown. Abram was promised a land and a legacy. Abram experienced the land, but the legacy of a great nation to bless the world - well Abram took that on faith. His faith journey was filled with highs and lows and above it all Abram continued to trust God. When God said “Go” Abram moved. His faith was demonstrated in his obedience. Personal Worship Option:

Be encouraged by the story of Abram who faithfully obeyed God in difficult situations. Today, ask God to help you be faithful under pressure and to have a willingness to obey without the end in sight.

Daily Devotion, July 30, 2020

Devotion: Read Hebrews 11:8-10.

It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. – Hebrews 11:8 (NLT) Finding your God-given purpose in life is a process. It may take some time to find your purpose and passion. It can keep you on the move. You will probably make some mistakes and take some wrong turns along the way. The key is on the journey to not lose faith. It takes continuous faith to find and follow God’s plan and His leading.

In today’s Bible verse, we see that Abraham followed God’s leading for his life. He left his home and went to another land. He didn’t know what to do each step of the way. Abraham made some mistakes along the way too. However, Abraham kept faith in God. He knew that God would see him through. Abraham followed God in faith, without knowing where he was going. You might feel the same way sometimes. It could feel like you’re unsure of where you’re going or how God is leading you. The truth is God is good. He has your best interests at heart. God is going to lead you on a right path. It’s just up to you to trust Him. Finding your purpose takes faith because it isn’t always easy and doesn’t always make sense. But when you follow God’s plan, you’ll be more fulfilled and find good things along the way. Personal Worship Option: Are your prayers and actions guided consistently by a purposeful faith to fulfill God’s plan for your life?

Daily Devotion, July 29, 2020

Devotion: Read Acts 16:9-15.

Comfort zones. We rarely like to move beyond our comfort zones. But God called Paul through a vision to move beyond his comfort zone. The calling came through a vision of a man of Macedonia pleading with Paul and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us".

God was calling Paul through this vision to go more than 600 miles beyond his comfort zone to present the gospel message of Jesus Christ to people he had never before met. He had to overcome rough geographical terrain and the barriers of the culture so that his message of God’s love through Christ could be received.

A global firm announced recently it is making Chattanooga its U.S. home. Their focus is on teaching international business teams how to navigate the barriers of geography and culture. Even in 2020, we have to be trained to overcome these barriers. Just imagine the cultural and geographical barriers over 2000 years ago! Only with the empowering help of the Holy Spirit was it possible then and now!

Lydia was also moved beyond her comfort zone. The second part of verse 14 says, “The Lord opened her heart to receive all that was said.” 

Dr. Ronald Cole-Turner says, “Lydia is able to see through the events on the surface to the deeper workings of God’s Spirit. She comes to worship because she is hungering for something more in life, something beyond the commercial success she has apparently achieved. She is hungering for more because that restless Spirit, who is surely in us all before we ever know it, has stirred up a holy longing in her soul. Every step of the way, the Spirit prompts and calls and blesses her and, through her, blesses us.”

As this year has been filled with more uncertainty than certainty, it has truly changed all of our “plans”. During Paul’s journeys his plans changed, too! But God was at work hearing the cries of the people to bring grace and salvation through Christ unto all the people of the world! Personal Worship Option:

Dear Lord, help me to be willing to move beyond my “comfort zones” to respond to the cries of the people who are hungry to know of your hope and saving grace. Open the hearts of the people to be receptive to hear your message of good news that Christ gave his life to give life unto us all. Amen.

Daily Devotion, July 28, 2020

Devotion: Read Revelation 21:10-11, 22-26.

Not only do we have a history of being a people on the move as we learned in our reading yesterday, we also have a future promise of where we are headed. We have a destination toward which we are moving. John describes this destination in the book of Revelation, the vision God gave him. This New Jerusalem was so marvelous that he could only describe it regarding brilliant stones. This city will shine and sparkle like a precious stone such as jasper. Jasper is known to have been a favorite gem in the ancient world. It "was most precious," and "like crystal." This stone was so brilliant and transparent that a diamond may more adequately fit the description for the foundation. But in John’s vision there is no Temple. Why? Because Christ IS the Temple. His presence will be everywhere. No Temple needed. There is no sun or moon. Why? Because God’s glory will illuminate the city. Who will be there? All those whose names are written in the Book of Life will be there. Right there with God. We want to make sure we are moving toward this destination by trusting God and obeying him. Personal Worship Option: Remember today this promise of Scripture. When you repent of sin and trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, you are forgiven and receive the gift of eternal salvation. The Holy Spirit takes up residence in your life, teaching and equipping you to be a disciple of Christ, and confirming that you are indeed a child of God and will experience eternal life with him. (John 3: 16-17)

Daily Devotion, July 27, 2020

Devotion: Read Mark 1:16-20.

This week we will read and reflect on passages of Scripture that show God’s people as a group on the move. Today’s passage is a great place to start! Notice that when Jesus called Simon and Andrew, his invitation was to “come, follow me” and to be prepared to be sent. Perhaps the movement of James and John was even more graphic. These fishermen were not sitting leisurely in bass boats, enjoying weekend hobbies. They were commercial fishermen, and James and John were called to leave their father Zebedee and the employees of the business in which they were engaged and would have otherwise inherited. Jesus called, and these four responded by leaving behind the lives they were familiar with; and their move would be dangerous, radical, and life-giving!

Looking into the mirror held up by this passage, I realize that I may be guilty of inviting Jesus to come and follow me! I want Jesus to be with me, to bless my ministry, and to give me direction. But have I submitted my life in order to go where Jesus goes and where he would send me? The church was never meant to be an institution but rather a movement with Christ. We can join this movement and go, but it will likely be dangerous, radical, and life-giving! Personal Worship Option:

After reading the Scripture for today and reflecting on it, think about what it might mean if Jesus appeared to you today and said, “Come, follow me!” Resist the temptation to respond that you are already following him and see where else Jesus might be asking you to go and do as you follow him. 

Daily Devotion, July 26, 2020

Devotion: Read Exodus 14:10-15.

God knew exactly what was happening there by the Red Sea, and God was about to save the Israelites in such an incredible way that they would pass the story along to the next generation and the next for all of time! But for God to act, they needed to stop crying out and get moving! Sometimes, I think God says, “You’ve prayed, and I’ve heard your prayers. Enough! Now, get moving!”

A few years ago, one of my brothers shared with me how he had started a new evangelism visitation ministry in his church. He was pleased with the number of people who signed up to do the visits, and he got them all together one Sunday afternoon for training. The training went well, and he began pairing them up to make their first visits the next week. He was surprised when they asked if he could give them some more training instead of them making visits just yet. Disappointed, but knowing this was new for them, he scheduled a second training session. When he finished the second session, exactly the same thing happened. “We can’t go out yet, we need more training!” Training is good, planning is great, and praying is essential; but God expects us to get moving so God can use us in incredible ways.

Adult Challenge:

When we pray, remember that God knows our situation long before we speak it in prayer. Knowing this should help us spend more of our prayer time listening to God and letting our prayer be a conversation with God. And when we do that, sometimes God challenges us or changes us in some way. Sometimes God even has something for us to do. God may answer our prayer by sending us out to do the thing we asked God to make happen. 

Youth Challenge:

I think sometimes we ask and pray for things, but don’t always like the path to get there. Change and freedom often takes us through difficult and scary times. It can be easy to not want to face those things and to go back to our old ways. Although they fought him most of the time, Moses was their leader and helped (sometimes forced) them forward. Who do you have in your life like Moses who can help lead you through the tough and scary times?

Children's Challenge:

FOOT FROLIC:

Each person can trace their feet on brown or tan construction paper. Then cut out the feet and glue onto a piece of blue construction paper and write words from today's passage so that everyone can remember to walk where GOD wants them to walk and HE WILL PROTECT them always.

“And when the Israelites saw the mighty hand of the LORD displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and put their trust in him . . . “ Exodus 14:31 (NIV)

Daily Devotion, July 25, 2020

Devotion: Read Luke 6:12-16.

I wonder, when Jesus went out to the mountainside that evening to pray, whether he even went to ask for guidance in selecting the twelve. Perhaps he knew it was time for that, but perhaps he simply went to ask, “What next? You see what I am doing, Father. Is there something I need to do differently, or is there some particular action I need to take now?” It is good for us as believers and disciples to pray that way, and it is important for the church to seek God’s direction in exactly this way. But it can be scary...God responds to those kinds of prayers!

However he came to the decision, Jesus knew it was time to select a few whom he would send out to do his work, whom he would intently teach, and who would carry on his work after he was crucified. How many to select? Whom should he select from all his disciples? I am convinced that Jesus did not sit and speak all night long to his heavenly Father. I believe he spent a good deal of that night listening to Him. This was one of the most important decisions Jesus would make, and he made it through conversation with the Father. And the next morning, he went into action, moving quickly and decisively, as one can move only when we know we are doing God’s work and within God’s will.

Adult Challenge:

Is there a time in your life when you sought God’s direction in a situation that reminds you of this night of prayer? Are you facing an important decision now? Have you had a conversation with God about your choices, asking God for wisdom and insight? Don’t expect God to send a plane overhead, pulling a banner with the answer on it (would be nice sometimes)! But when we listen, really listen, God does speak into our decisions.

Youth Challenge:

What was the hardest decision you ever had to make? What do you think will be one of the big decisions of your life? How big will prayer and listening be in that decision? Do you think the disciples spent a lot of time in prayer before Jesus selected them? Whatever your answer is, why do you think they were so willing to drop everything and follow him?

Children's Challenge:

Don’t let your youth or inexperience keep you from joining God’s team. God isn’t looking for perfection. Jesus spent three years working on Peter, James, John, Andrew, and the others. They still didn’t get it, and none of them did understand fully until they went home to be with Jesus in Heaven. But they were willing to serve, and God used them to do great things.

Are you ready for some adventure? Are you ready to answer God’s call? Wherever you are, whatever you do in a week, God can use you right there to share his love with others.

The invitation has been extended, and Jesus is waiting to hear from you. Are you ready to join the Jesus League?

• Which super hero team would you want to save the world: the Avengers or the Justice League?
• Play some super hero charades. Write down a few super hero names and have the family members draw names that they have to act out.

Daily Devotion, July 24, 2020

Devotion: Read Psalm 103:1-12.

In this Psalm, David celebrates God’s great love for us that results in our forgiveness. The first few verses admonish us to “not forget”. Do not forget his love, his faithfulness, his kindness, his mercy and above all else his forgiveness. Verse 12 says that our sins are taken away from us as far as the East is from the West. I always thought this was a curious expression until, in a Social Studies class, I began to understand the ramifications of the phrase. To travel west - you can make laps around the globe and never go east and, if you desire, maintain an easterly course indefinitely. Not so with the other two directions. If you go north or south, you’ll eventually reach the North or South Pole and change direction. But east and west have no turning points.

So it is with God. His forgiveness is irreversible.  When God sees you, he sees his Son, not your sin. He sees His child.

Adult Challenge:

Make a list of all the reasons to praise God. Share your list with others and then praise God for all his generosity to you.

Youth Challenge:

Read over this a couple of times and write down the things that are most important to you. What characteristics are you most thankful for?

Children's Challenge:

Take a few minutes to talk about what truths this Psalm teaches us about God. Who He is, what He does, what He expects of people and how people should respond to Him.

After discussing the passage, distribute paper and markers to each person. Explain that you want them to do three things in response to the Psalm…

• write a verse from the passage that they want to remember
• write a reason to praise God that they see in the Psalm
• draw something from the passage that they think is important

Once everyone has finished, have each person share what they have drawn or written with the rest of the family.

Daily Devotion, July 23, 2020

Devotion: Read James 5:13-16.

Prayer is one of the most written about subjects in books. I have read many on how to pray, what to do when you are praying, the steps of prayer, etc. I love the way James sums up the whole idea of prayer. James fires off two short questions with crisp, short answers. These two questions run the gamut of life’s experiences: “Is anyone among you suffering? Then you must pray. Is anyone cheerful? Then you need to sing praises”.  The two extremes of James show that God does not expect us always to be cheerful and upbeat. James allows that sometimes you will be down because of trials and suffering. His directive is to pray! But when you’re cheerful, sing! John Piper, a renowned author, says that when you’re down, you’ve got to fight for joy. One way that you do that is through prayer. James’ point is that all of life, whether suffering or praising, should be lived with a God dependent focus.

Interceding in prayer for others helps us to keep our focus. We live life in community and should pray for others’ concerns. We can never underestimate the power and importance of praying for one another. It’s necessary, beneficial, and entirely appropriate.

Adult Challenge:

Are you in good spirits and grateful today? Then sing or listen to a song of praise. Think of a hymn that gives God the glory. Here is one of my favorites for joy: Joyful, joyful, we adore thee, God of glory, Lord of love; hearts unfold like flowers before thee, opening to the sun above. Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; drive the dark of doubt away. Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day!

Youth Challenge:

Something I always do when closing a meeting with youth and I'm sure you all are familiar with doing, but i don't know for sure since I still haven't had the chance to meet with you all!! It is to wrap up our time with praises and prayer concerns. It is something I take very seriously and expect full attention and respect for when someone is sharing. This verse is a great reason why. As the church and as a youth group we should be sharing the burden and praying for others when they are going through a tough time and to also celebrate and cheer on the great things! We have a great responsibility to pray for others because we are a community. Your challenge today is to reach out to 3 friends or loved ones and ask them what you can pray for. Then spend some serious time doing just that.

Children's Challenge:

We know someone who will always listen and hear us correctly…GOD! When we pray, God promises He will always listen and hear. We can talk to God anytime, anywhere, and we can listen for Him, too.

Prayer box…this activity can be done as a family and kept in a special place. Decorate an oatmeal can or a small box, using paper, stickers, and other materials to enhance the project. Cut strips of paper, list prayer requests and praises. Put them in the box/can and pull out one or two at a time to think about and pray over regularly. Additionally, you might want to make a special doorknob hanger or a poster to remind yourself of God’s ever-present power.

Daily Devotion, July 22, 2020

Devotion: Read John 17:6-23.

This has always been one of my favorite prayers in the Bible. It is first and foremost a prayer motivated by Jesus’ own unselfish and sacrificial love for God and others.

It is the final scene of Jesus’ farewell meal with his disciples. Dr. Gail R. O’ Day in her commentary on John writes, “It is the prayer of the One on the verge of willingly laying down his life (for the sake of others) and thus completing God’s work.”

In these words of Jesus’ prayer, we see the deep relationship between Jesus and God, the Father. The oneness they share is Jesus’ greatest joy and Jesus prays for this same “oneness” for his disciples.

As you are reading this prayer, don’t overlook the simple and yet powerful phrase “so that.” Jesus acknowledges that the purpose and outcome of each prayer request has a greater mission than the first part of the prayer request. For example, Jesus prays for God to protect his disciples "so that they may be one as Jesus and God the Father are one.” The additional five times Jesus says, “so that” are: “so that they will have joy complete, so that they may be sanctified in truth, so that the world will believe that God has sent Him, so that they will be one as Jesus and God are one, and so that the world will know that God has sent him and has loved them the way that God has loved Jesus.”

My favorite part of this prayer is in verse 20, when Jesus prays, “I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word,” Everything that Jesus’ prayed for his disciples then, Jesus prays for his disciples now! Jesus' prayer for you today includes protection, oneness, joy complete, being in the world and yet protected from the evil one, being sanctified in truth, being a witness and experiencing God’s love! Jesus is praying for us and our witness in the world, too! Let that be a comfort and strength to you!

Adult Challenge:

Jesus deepest motivation for this prayer is love. Reflect again on Jesus’ prayer for you.  Let us renew our commitment for unselfish love to also be the motivation for our prayer life. Pray for others today for whom it might be difficult to pray being fully confident of God’s understanding and care.

Youth Challenge:

Even right before his arrest, Jesus is thinking about the disciples and us. He came to serve and not to be served. He prays for our protection and that we will not be consumed by the things of this world, but to unify and lean on God. Take a moment to pray for your family, your friends, and that person you don’t like very much.

Children's Challenge:

• In the lesson, Jesus mentions how Christians are in the world, but in a way we are separate from it, too. That is, we don’t do everything that others might do. To illustrate how we can be this way, watch what happens when you pour oil on top of water. They are in the same glass, but they aren’t completely blended together. We can be in the same area as others, but we don’t have to adopt all the same behaviors.

• “Evidence”: look at some things that prove who we are (birth certificates, driver’s licenses, passports, etc.). How will people know we are Christians? We prove that we love Jesus when we show His love to others. Discuss how that happens.

Daily Devotion, July 21, 2020

Devotion: Read Luke 11:1-4.

After watching Jesus pray, one of his disciples asks him to teach them how to pray. Jesus offers a model prayer that we call the “Lord’s Prayer.” Because some religious leaders were hypocrites pretending to be humble in prayer, Jesus gives an example for the apostle to follow. He says to pray privately and don’t just recite the same prayer over and over and then he says, “Pray along these lines, “

 ‘Our Father in heaven, we honor your holy name. We ask that your kingdom will come now. May your will be done here on earth, just as it is in heaven. Give us our food again today, as usual, and forgive us our sins, just as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us. Don’t bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the Evil One. Amen.’ (Matthew 6:9-15 The Living Bible version)

We don’t have to use these words exactly when we pray. This model prayer teaches us a number of things to include in our own prayers: the value of humility, confession, and asking for our basic needs.

Adult Challenge:

Use this list as a reminder to pray as Jesus did:

• Pray regularly.
• Pray privately.
• Pray sincerely.
• Pray specifically.

Youth Challenge:

Prayer can be an intimidating thing for people. I think we tend to put a lot of pressure on it. I have been learning a lot about prayer from my 4 year old. Her prayers are not wordy, fancy, or over complicated. Instead they are simple, sincere, and full of wonder! I want you to write out the Lord’s Prayer and then write it again in your own words. I think prayer is one of the most important gifts we have as believers and I think certain occasions call for certain prayers, but we do not need to over complicate them. We just need to pray! This is how we learn God’s voice in our lives. You know your parents voice and personality and you often know what your best friend is thinking without even saying a word. This is because you have spent a lot of time communicating and getting to know them. The same practice applies with God and prayer is how we do that.

Children's Challenge:

There are many times, places, ways, and reasons to pray. In today’s Bible passage, we’ll see how Jesus’ disciples wanted to learn how to pray. – How do you pray? Take the PRAYER POLL below. Remember, there are no wrong answers! Mark all that apply.

 

1.    What do you call God when you begin your prayers?

___Dear Jesus

___Father

___Dear God

___Father God

___Other

 

2.    At what times or places do you regularly pray?

___Mealtimes at home

___Mealtimes elsewhere

___Bedtime

___Before tests

___Other

 

3.    How did you learn to pray?

___Watching others

___Parents

___Church lesson

___Just talked to God

___Other

 

4. What kinds of things do you ask for when you pray?

___ Health

___Help with school

___For others’ needs

___Toys or things

___Forgiveness

___Other

Share responses with each other. Spend time in prayer together.

Daily Devotion, July 20, 2020

Devotion:

Read 1 Kings 3:1-15.

  Wow, what an offer from God! “Ask for whatever you want me to give to you.” It brings to mind all the old jokes about a genie in a bottle granting three wishes. But this is God and you get to make just one request. What would you ask for? Money? Fame? Long life?

  With the request that Solomon makes, he shows that he already has some of what he is asking for. He shows wisdom in asking for wisdom. At a young age, he has learned what we all realize at some point in life: the more we learn, the more we understand we don’t know. Solomon also realizes the daunting task before him. He was going to have to make tough decisions every day that would affect the lives of a lot of people. So he prayed for wisdom that would match that challenge. God grants him that request and the writer gives us the example of that wisdom for which he is most known in the verses following our reading today.

  This passage is a great example of what prayer is: a conversation with God. Both God and Samuel speak and listen to each other. So often we think of prayer as only speaking to God. We say what we have to say, then say “Amen” and move on with the rest of our day. But listening is an equally important part of prayer.

  As I listen for God to speak to me, I have never heard an audible voice. However, many times I have heard clear messages from God. Sometimes they came to my mind as I waited in silence. Sometimes they came through another person speaking to me, and I knew immediately it was a message from God. Other messages came from songs, books, sermons, helping someone else or another activity in which I was involved.  

  Solomon already knew the most important wisdom any of us can possess: stay in touch with God.

Adult Challenge:

Pray more.

Youth Challenge:

What are some things you’ve been praying for? Do you ever think about that? Asking God’s help to strengthen personality traits. Like asking God for more patience, a less judgmental heart, compassion, or a discerning heart like Solomon? There is an old joke that says,” be careful if you ask God for something like more patience because you will then find yourself in situations where your patience is really tested.” I spent much of the winter and spring of this year focusing on simply loving people more. Both strangers and people I already knew. It seems like everywhere i went people were driving me CRAZY! It is challenging, but so is learning to play an instrument or master the elastico in soccer...it takes practice. You cannot practice something without getting out there and testing it. It also reminds me that God is listening. I encourage you to spend some time praying about something like this. Then keep a journal of the opportunities you experience to work on them.

Children's Challenge:

How would you answer God’s question (vs 5) “Ask for anything you want me to give you.”

Read Solomon’s answer in vs. 9.

Who is the wisest person you know? Why? What makes you think this person is wise?

Daily Devotion, July 19, 2020

Devotion: Read Matthew 13:10-16.

  The parables are told to help you understand God, but only if you want to. The parables are told to help you get better, but only if you want to.

  That may sound strange, but so does Jesus’ answer to the question “Why do you speak to them in parables?” It sounds like Jesus is trying to hide the kingdom of God from some people. It sounds like information about the kingdom is a secret, only to be revealed to a certain group of people. But Jesus is not trying to keep the kingdom from anybody. He just knows that not everybody wants to be part of it. Not everybody really wants to change their ways. Not everybody wants to repent of their sins. “Make it easy for me; make it simple and plain and maybe I’ll consider it” is the deep-down desire of too many of us. In one of the parables here in Matthew, Jesus said the kingdom is “like treasure hidden in a field.” Well if it’s hidden, you have to look for it and not everybody wants to do that.

  Jesus is reminded of when God called Isaiah to go and preach to the people. God knew that not everybody would listen to what Isaiah had to say. God knew that Isaiah’s message would have the effect of stopping up their ears, because they didn’t want to hear. It would close up their minds, because they didn’t want to open them.

  Sometimes Jesus would ask people “What do you want me to do for you?” You see, not everybody wants to change. Not everybody wants to get better. There are some who are satisfied with the way they are. How about you?

Adult Challenge:

Which of Jesus’ parables most troubles or challenges you? Discuss with another person or small group.

Youth Challenge:

I love the parables. It gives you plenty to chew on and I think each time you read them they will connect to your life in a new way. Or simply be a reminder and a kick in the pants. I encourage you to read them and study them well. The tricky part will be letting go of the things the world has taught you and read them with open eyes, ears, and heart. Pray for these things and dive in!

Children's Challenge:

Jesus explains to the disciples why he used Parables (stories) to teach God’s truth. What do you think it means to be able to hear, see, and have an understanding heart toward God?  Are you listening to God?

Daily Devotion, July 18, 2020

Devotion: Read Luke 15.

  Some call this the “Lost and Found Chapter” because it has three stories Jesus told about something that was lost, but then was found: a sheep, a coin, a son. Each one is of much value to a shepherd, a woman and a father and they each do something extraordinary to find or connect with what they lost.

  In each story, we can see ourselves as one or more of the characters. They are real-life, everyday situations to which we can relate. They draw us in. That is the genius of Jesus’ parables.

  Parables can have various levels of nuance and therefore be very personal. What you get from it, how it speaks to you, may be very different from others. Still, there are often some key messages within each one that are there for everybody. I would suggest that this group of three parables Luke gives us here have at least one shared message: you are valuable to God and God will go to great lengths to find you when you are lost and reconnect with you when you leave.

Adult Challenge:

Think about those times in your life when you felt lost or disconnected from God. Who or what did God use to find you?

Youth Challenge:

It is hard (especially as a teenager) to understand and appreciate your own worth. In these three stories we learn how important we are and that God will fight for us. We see the story of someone with one hundred sheep. After discovering one is missing, he leaves the ninety-nine (sounds like a song) to go find the one. Or when the woman has ten coins and then stops everything to find the missing one. You are worthy and God is not bothered with what you have done. He loves you and wants you.

Children's Challenge:

• Make a line with masking tape on the floor and have family members stand on it.
• Read a scenario from the list below.
• If people think the situation is fair, they jump in front of the line. If they think it is unfair, they jump behind the line.
• As you go through the scenarios, ask why they thought the situation was fair or unfair.
• After each scenario is discussed, ask: “Is forgiveness about fairness?” One of the goals of this activity is to emphasize that while situations may be unfair, forgiveness is not about being fair; forgiveness is deciding someone who has wronged you doesn’t have to pay.
• For each scenario, give an opportunity to share an example of what they might miss out by not forgiving.

Scenarios:

• A friend is talking to you during class. You aren’t talking back and you are trying to do your work. The teacher hears your friend and both of you get in trouble for disrupting the class. Fair or unfair? You are right; it is so unfair you got in trouble. Is forgiveness about fairness? (Wait for kids to answer.) Your friend says he is sorry for getting you into trouble. What can you miss out on if you decide not to forgive him?

• You are assigned a group project at school. You and your partner played video games instead of working on the project and you both got a bad grade on it. Fair or unfair? Yes, it is fair; you didn’t put in the work so you didn’t get a good grade. But let’s say you worked really hard on the project and you did most of the work but you and your partner both get an A even though you did most of the work. Fair or unfair? Sure, it isn’t fair you do the work and your partner gets an A. Is forgiveness about fairness? (Wait for kids to answer.) You are so angry with your teacher for not noticing that you did most of the work and you’re angry that you were paired with someone who didn’t help. What can you miss out on if you don’t forgive your teacher? What about your partner? Should you forgive him? Why or why not?

 

• Tommy's parents let him go to PG-13 movies, but your parents say you have to wait until you’re actually 13. Fair or unfair? Is forgiveness about fairness? What can you miss out on by pouting and not forgiving your parents for having different rules than your friend’s parents?

• You called dibs on the last piece of chocolate cake and your sister ate it before you got home from soccer practice. Fair or unfair? Is forgiveness about fairness? What can you miss out on by not forgiving your sister and refusing to talk to her?

• Your dad is late AGAIN picking you up after tutoring. He promised he would be on time today and he wasn’t! Fair or unfair? Is forgiveness about fairness? What can you miss out on by not forgiving your dad?

• Your friend promised she would save you a seat at the lunch table and when you got to lunch there was nowhere for you to sit. Your friend forgot to save you a seat! Fair or unfair? Is forgiveness about fairness? What can you miss out on by not forgiving your friend?

• There is a kid at your school who always says mean things to you and your friends. Fair or unfair? Is forgiveness about fairness? You and your friends tell the teacher how he treats you and he gets in trouble but what can you miss out on by not forgiving him?

What You Say:

“In some of those situations, it would be really hard to show forgiveness. If someone was mean to me, it would hurt my feelings and I would be really mad too. It would be difficult to show forgiveness to someone who didn’t treat me the way they wanted to be treated. But I know, though God doesn’t promise things will always be fair, God does promise to forgive me. Forgiveness isn’t about being fair. It’s about remembering that God has forgiven YOU and remembering when you don’t forgive, you miss out. And because of your love for God and through God’s power, you can forgive others. It’s not easy, but it’s always worth it.”

Daily Devotion, July 17, 2020

Devotion: Read Luke 12:13-21.

Jesus tells the story of a rich man who wanted to keep everything he had for himself, rather than share with others. Jesus uses this story to illustrate the consequences of the mentality of “live for today” and “the one with the most toys, wins”. Not only was that a prevailing attitude during this time but continues to this day. There isn’t anything inherently wrong with saving: either money or material possessions. However, to keep everything for yourself when those around you are in need does not represent God’s character. God’s emphasis is always on our relationship with Him and with others. Relationships are always more important than wealth.

Adult Challenge:

Evaluate your heart attitudes. Are you a generous person? Look for ways to give to others today. It may be something small or big - listen to God’s promptings.

Youth Challenge:

I am so glad the term YOLO is dying off in our culture. For me it was this idea of do all you can and get all you can because you only live once. I think this parable speaks directly into that. Our culture teaches us to obtain things and that we are not important unless we have lots of things. However, God’s Kingdom is quite the opposite and if we want to be a part of that we need to take the things we have been given, whether actual physical things or skills and gifts we have to help others

Children's Challenge:

DON’T BE GREEDY – HELP THE NEEDY!

Inventory your stuff. Are there things you can share with others? Start a “give-away” stack. The best defense against greed is generosity! Look for ways to share each day.

Daily Devotion, July 16, 2020

Devotion: Read Luke 10:25-37.

Jesus the Teacher told many stories in the form of parables to get his lessons taught. Today’s parable is perhaps the most moving parable in scripture. You might ask why. It is because it cuts right to the chase of the world’s prejudices and selfishness and asks who is our neighbor. When Jesus is asked the question, ‘who is my neighbor?’ he does not answer with a definition but instead answers by telling a story. This beautiful passage from the Gospel shows how the answer must come from the heart, not the head. No matter what religion or non-religion someone is, they can readily find the truth in this story for today. In Jesus’ time, the Jews and the Samaritans despised each other. The Samaritans were ethnic religious outsiders. Jews did not want to associate with the Samaritans and would go out of their way to avoid them. The priest and the Levite fail the test because they would not help and did not want to then be considered unclean.

Today the Samaritans only number about 850, with half living in Holton (South of Tel Aviv) and the other half on Mount Gerizim which is on the West Bank. They are one of the world’s oldest and smallest religious groups with their existence among the most ancient in the world. Some of us got to see their settlement on the Holy Land trip in February. It was very moving to think back to this story.

Adult Challenge:

How does this story touch you? Spend some time reflecting on this parable as if it were addressed personally to you. You may love the Lord with all your heart and all your soul, but who in your life is your neighbor? To whom are you a good neighbor? Think about who might be a stretch for you to consider a neighbor. Are you willing to get involved in messy people’s lives?

Youth Challenge:

This is one that I think we are familiar with the most. It doesn’t matter how many times I read it I find myself being so judgemental of everyone who passed him by. Likewise, everytime I read it I see myself in the ones who passed him by. More times than not I do not love my neighbor as much as myself and can be so consumed in my own world that I pass by and overlook people who need love. Does this parable connect with you? How can we use this lesson to rethink and reevaluate how we feel about the things going on in our world today?

Children's Challenge:

Distribute 2-3 bandaids to each family member. Using a pen, write the name of a person who needs healing, encouragement, or help (in any way). Pray for each person, Place these bandaids in a place where they can be seen to continue to pray for each person. Choose one or two people that your family can assist. It may be a written communication, or financial gift, or food, etc. Decide as a family and meet this need as a family.

Daily Devotion, July 15, 2020

Devotion: Read Matthew 13:31-32, 44-46.

The verses, I Samuel 8:4-5, tell us, “the Elders of Israel had gathered together and said to Samuel, …’now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have.’" Samuel then tells the people what an earthly king and kingdom would be like. So the people learn to live under the rule of earthly kings for generations.

But Jesus, the Son of God and Savior for all the people, teaches through parables or stories, what the “Kingdom of God” is like. Jesus’ parables are a call to faithful discipleship and a complete reliance upon God.

Eugene Peterson In The Message translates “mustard seed” into “pine nut”---and continues to say, “It grows into a huge pine tree, and eagles can build nests in it.” Having lived in south Georgia, I can relate to this!

Jesus calls us to see all the possibilities in the smallest of God’s gifts to this earth. It is also a call to complete reliance on the work God is doing through us. Even though we may think of our gifts and talents as being small, God can do great things through us all. This simple parable doesn’t end with the words of how great the tree is, but that it can provide shelter for the many birds. We are given gifts on this earth not for our sakes only but to help others along the way. The “kingdom of God” calls us to trust completely in God’s abundant grace.

Jesus' parables in verses 44-46, call us to look deep within our souls to realize what holds the deepest value. Vs. 44 describes one who finds treasure hidden in a field. Before there were banks, farmers might bury their treasures in the field. If they died unexpectedly, the treasure may remain hidden for years. But the one who discovers the treasure realizes it is worth their all to buy the field. The story of the pearl parallels this….finding the pearl of great value is worth their all.

Adult Challenge:

Jesus’ own sacrifice, teaches us that God’s love is worth our all. These simple parables call us to a complete reliance upon God, to re-evaluate our values, to trust in God’s care and provisions for us, and out of God’s abundant grace, we can share what we have with others! That’s life in God’s kingdom!

Youth Challenge:

In Matthew 13:31-32 we get a glimpse into the Kingdom of Heaven. We are told that the Kingdom of Heaven is like a small seed, but when it grows it is the largest of garden plants. Many of the parables Jesus teaches are about how we should truly live and treat others and when we do that, we are giving the world and the people around us a taste of heaven. The more we infiltrate our world with these little seeds of heaven the more we achieve Heaven on Earth.

Children's Challenge:

Divide family members into two teams. Use a ring, or another piece of jewelry to represent the pearl. A member of Team A leaves the room. A member of Team B hides the pearl in the room. When the person comes back, he searches for the pearl. His team can coach him by saying “You’re cold,” when he is far from the treasure and “You’re hot,” when he is close. However, the opposing team can give wrong commands, so the seeker will need to remember who is on his Team. When he finds the treasure, a member of Team B leave the room, and a different member of Team A hides the pearl. Game continues until all have had a turn hiding and finding. 

Talk about what is most important in our lives. Does it reflect our relationship with God?

Daily Devotion, July 14, 2020

Devotion: Read Ezekiel 37:1-14.

Our Summer Bible Challenge this week focuses on parables of the Bible. We don’t always think of parables in the Old Testament, but they are there. Parables are stories with spiritual meaning that are told in the everyday language of the listeners. As a devout priest and prophet, Ezekiel preached to the Israelites to turn from their wicked ways. His message fell on deaf hears as he preached to a “dead” nation. Israel had been divided for so long that its unification and restoration seemed impossible. We read in our parable today that God gives Ezekiel a vision as a sign of hope. God transports Ezekiel—probably not literally, but in a vision—to a valley full of dry bones and asks, “Can these bones become living people?” As Ezekiel looks out and sees bones lying everywhere, he probably wants to say what you and I are thinking, “Are you kidding?!” How can something dried up live again? Maybe you would describe some area of your life as being a valley of dry bones and have sneered at the idea that these bones could live again. Maybe it’s your finances, your marriage, your health, your attitude, your purpose, your family relationships, or your spiritual journey.

God uses Ezekiel to breathe life into the bones and they stand up on their feet like a great army. He then promises to bring the exiles back to the land of Israel. He promises to breathe spiritual life into his people so that their hearts and attitudes will be right with him. Just as God promised to restore his nation of Israel, he can also restore us, no matter how dry or dead we may feel God wants us to depend on his power and not our circumstances. Instead of giving up, pray for God to renew you and restore you to life. Live in the hope that nothing is impossible with God.

Adult Challenge:

Think about the “dry bones” in your life. As you begin a new year, ask God to breathe new life into those areas. Then make a plan to do the necessary hard work that will help you move forward in a healthy and positive way.

Youth Challenge:

Have you ever felt like all hope was gone or just in a dried up place? I personally am in a place right now where I feel like new breath has been breathed into me and those dry bones have new life. We are at a great time right now where we actually have some time to stop and evaluate our spiritual life. Do you need a new breath?

Children's Challenge:

DRY BONES GAME:

Family members are encouraged to run or move around a designated area until the leader says, FREEZE DRY BONES! And immediately everyone will stop and freeze until the leader tells the DRY BONES to come alive. Family members will continue to move around and continue to FREEZE, as time allows.

Daily Devotion, July 13, 2020

Devotion:

Read Genesis 37:1-11; 40:1 - 41:41.

Wow, that was a lot of Scripture for today! From these passages, we can see that dreams played a huge role in Joseph’s life! His father’s favorite at seventeen years of age, prancing about in the fancy robe his father had given him, and telling his older brothers about his dream in which they bowed down to him did little to endear them to him. Joseph’s sharing his next dream of heavenly bodies bowing to him angered even his doting father. Those dreams would make a lot more sense in the distant future when Joseph was the respected leader of Egypt, and the family would look back on those times.

In prison, Joseph demonstrated considerably more maturity as he gave credit to God for his ability to interpret dreams, including those of fellow prisoners. One of those prisoners later told Pharaoh of Joseph’s gift for interpretation. Again Joseph credited God with his gift, interpreted Pharaoh’s dream, and outlined a wise plan for Egypt to prepare for and survive the coming famine. Joseph’s ability to receive and share God’s message in Pharaoh’s dream, coupled with Joseph’s leadership, saved Egypt and even his own family from starvation. Joseph was happy to give God the credit!

Adult Challenge:

Have you ever received insight in a dream about a decision or a challenge facing you? One of the best tools I have used when facing a huge challenge is to develop a vision of what the successful outcome might look, sound, and feel like. I am amazed sometimes at how developing that vision helps me to identify the steps I need to take in order to realize it. And the best thing to do -- pray for God’s guidance and insight and always give God the credit for success!

Youth Challenge:

One of the things that I admire about Joseph is his confidence and faith in God. In this scripture we see his brothers and even his father, who adores him, get irritated with him. Joseph continued to lean on and trust God even as his story gets crazier and crazier. Sure, he matures in how he shares his dreams, but he stays true to himself and what his dreams told him.

 

Can you think of a time where you were persecuted or made fun of for something you believed or shared with someone?

 

In the full story we learn how his brothers were so jealous of him they went as far as selling him into slavery. Joseph continued to rely on God and God continued to provide for and use him. Later Joseph has a great opportunity to “get even” with his brothers, but instead decides to forgive them and look after them.

 

Who do you need to forgive today? Why can revenge be “so sweet,” but forgiveness so difficult?

Children's Challenge:

• Have you ever been jealous of someone? How did it make you feel? 
• Have you ever been punished for something you did not do? 
• When you are in a bad situation, can you find the good things that are in your life? 
• Make a list of at least 15 things to be grateful for today.

Daily Devotion, July 12, 2020

Devotion: Read Psalm 139:7-12.

  This is a deeply personal Psalm. The writer explores the fact that God knows each of us better than we even know ourselves. Realizing this is both scary and comforting!

  The verses we read today focus on place. The Psalmist acknowledges that there is no place in God’s creation that you or I can go that God is not already there. Again, scary and comforting!

  You have probably found yourself in situations where you felt all alone. You were isolated in some way. You sensed that there was no support around you or you simply felt lost. Maybe you were separated from your family for a while or had moved away from friends and familiar territory. However, you can also experience those feelings when circumstances around you change, even though you are in the same place. No matter what, this Psalm is a good place to turn in those times, a reminder that whatever the circumstances you face or place you are, God is with you and will see you through.

Adult Challenge:

Name those places or circumstances in your life where you felt all alone. Offer a prayer of thanksgiving that God brought you through those times.

Youth Challenge:

Along with summer comes family vacations and big adventures. It can be easy to see and experience God when we go to the beach and see magnificent sunsets. Or being out in the wilderness and witnessing the mountains or standing next to waterfalls. I always find a renewed connection with God in these moments. But it can be a little harder when the everyday stress enters our lives or when you're fighting with a friend or loved one. What about the times when you know you’ve screwed up really badly and feel filled with regret? This is such a powerful verse! God is with us in the highs and lows of life, in the pretty and the ugly, and in those days where everything makes sense. God longs to connect with us each and every day. We just neglect to look and listen. Today I encourage you to pray and thank God for His presence in our lives and ask for the eyes to see and the ears to hear.

Children's Challenge:

Have a rousing family game of Hide-n-Seek!!

Read the scripture and talk about how God is everywhere!! No where can we “hide” that God doesn’t know where we are.

Daily Devotion, July 11, 2020

Devotion: Read 1 Corinthians 1:1-25.

  We read this as an example of the writings to those churches established after the time of Jesus. Those early Christians had to grapple with what it meant to be the people of Christ as they dealt with the issues of their time and place, just as we do today.

  Corinth was a major commercial center in Greece. The Apostle Paul visited about 51-52 CE and founded the Church there. After moving on to other places, he wrote them several times, mostly in response to questions and issues that had arisen. A similar scenario developed in other places he and others worked to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ. In every village and city, those first followers of Christ had to discern God’s guidance for the situations they faced.

  It is fascinating to consider the many specific places mentioned throughout the Bible story and how God related to that place. God continues to seek to relate to people of all places today, including where you are: where you live, where you go to school, where you work. The place where you are is important to God.

Adult Challenge:

Name the places that have special meaning in your life. Give thanks to God for each one.

Youth Challenge:

Have you ever gotten in a fight with a friend over something really small? Or stopped being friends because of a disagreement? Oftentimes we let our differences rip us apart or prevent us from even connecting in the first place. Being on a church staff I have heard and seen many stories of families leaving the church due to some really interesting things. I once had a very connected family in my youth program leave because I added a Star Wars video game to the collection. In this scripture Paul is addressing some bigger issues and disagreements among the church in Corinth. But the message is still the same and a very important message in our world and culture today. It is vital that as Christians we are united in Christ and do not let our differences divide us.

Children's Challenge:

How many different churches can you name?

The early Christians gathered in different groups just like we do. They didn’t agree on everything. They even disagreed about which group was better/or right. That is still happening today. You can be proud of your church, but don’t speak or act as if it is the only one. Churches should work together, like different parts of your body.

• Talk about all the things you like about your church. What do you do to be part of the church?