Table of Contents These devotions can be used while you’re driving in the car (if you read them in advance or if an older child reads them) or waiting anywhere. Of course, you can use them at home, too

Armor of God 4 Evangelism 11 Good Stewardship 18 Belt of Truth 4 Share Your Faith 11 Good Stewardship of All Living Things 18 Breastplate of Righteousness 4 You Can Bless Others 11 Good Stewardship of Our Money and Possessions 18 Feet Fitted With Readiness 4 God Wants to Use You Now 11 Good Stewardship of Our Time 18 Helmet of Salvation 4 God’s Glory Can Shine Through You 11 Good Stewardship of Our Witness for Jesus Christ 18 Shield of Faith 5 The Great Commission Starts at Home 12 Good Stewardship of Our Bodies 19 Sword of the Spirit 5 You Can Work as a Family to Serve Others 12 How God Loves You 19 Body of Christ 5 Faith vs. Works 12 God Cares About You 19 The Church as Christ’s Disciples 5 God’s Masterpiece 12 God Has a Plan For Your Life 19 The Church as the Body of Christ 5 Easy and Hard Commandments 12 God Wants to Direct Your Life 19 The Church as Branches on the Vine of Jesus Christ 6 Love Like Jesus 13 How God Directs Your Life 20 The Church as Sheep of the Good Shepherd 6 Let God Direct Your Life 20 The Church Rescued by Christ 6 Following God 13 Gifts from God for Your Life 20 The Church as the Light of the World 6 Moth, Rust, Thieves 13 Protected By Angels 13 Identity 20 Christ Is Lord 7 Things We Can’t See 13 You Are Made Unique: Spiritual Gifts 20 Christ Is Lord 7 The Company You Keep 14 You Are Made Unique: Personality and Abilities 21 Christ Is Lord of My Actions 7 What’s Inside Shows on the Outside 14 God Planned Us 21 Christ Is Lord of My Resources 7 Working for God 14 In His Image 21 Christ Is Lord of My Thoughts 7 Jesus Gives Us Rest 14 Christ Is Lord of My Words 8 Make Time to Pray 14 Love 21 Christ is Lord of My Relationships 8 Love Always Hopes 21 God’s Word—the Bible 15 Love Is Kind 22 Comfort 8 The Bible Came From God 15 Love Is Not Self-Seeking 22 God Comforts Us by Erasing Sin 8 The Bible Is History 15 Love Is Patient 22 God Comforts Us by Taking Away Guilt 8 The Bible is Our Guide 15 Love Keeps No Record of Wrongs 22 God Comforts Us When We Mourn 9 The Bible Is Truth 15 Love Protects 22 God Helps Us Comfort Others 9 The Bible Teaches Us About the Nature of God 16 God Loves Everyone 23 Not By Bread Alone 16 Bear One Another’s Burdens 23 Creation 9 Remember God’s Word 16 God Created Day and Night 9 Obedience 23 God Created Fish and Birds 9 Good Character 16 Follow Jesus’ Patterns 23 God Created Land Animals 10 Think About Thankfulness 16 Obey God 23 God Created Our World 10 A Good Name 17 Bear Good Fruit 24 God Created Plants 10 Laughter Is Good for You 17 God Created Us 10 Focused on God 17 Living in Unity 17 Peace From Jesus 17

Focus on the Family 2 Table of Contents (continued)

Poor in Spirit 24 Who Is God? 32 Rich Beyond Your Wealth 24 A Father to the Fatherless 32 Recognize Your Helplessness 24 God Answers 32 The Kingdom of Heaven 25 God Is Our Protector 33 Ask for Help 25 God Is Our Provider 33 Nothing Is Impossible for God 33 Salvation 25 God Takes Our Guilt If We Ask Him 25 Wisdom 33 God Wants to Know You 25 Heavenly Wisdom 33 God Gives Us Grace 26 Respect for God 34 Hear and Believe 26 The Source of Wisdom 34 God’s Requirements 26 Wise Decisions 34 Becoming Children of God 26 Decisions, Decisions 34 Eternal Treasures 34 Science & Faith 27 Thinking Good Thoughts 35 Changing Matter 27 It’s a Toss-up 35 God’s Perfect Design 27 God’s Handiwork 27 Worship 35 Invisible Things Give Evidence of God 28 Our Awesome God 35 Crown of Splendor 35 Servant’s Heart 28 Praise God, All the Earth 36 A Servant’s HeartIs Compassionate 28 A Servant’s Heart Is Grateful 28 1 John 1 36 A Servant’s Heart Is Humble 29 A Personal Testimony About Jesus 36 A Servant’s Heart Is Joyful 29 No Beginning, No Ending 36 A Servant Shows Kindness to Others 29 Light or Darkness? 36 A Servant’s Heart Is Trustworthy 29 Cleaning Up 37 Lying About Sin 37 Strength 30 God Gives Me Strength 30 1 John 2 37 Strength in Weakness 30 Don’t Be Deceived 37 Strong on the Inside 30 Be a Copycat 38 Eyes on the Light 38 What Does God Do? 31 Stay Connected to Jesus 38 God Helps the Poor and Needy 31 What Do You Love? 38 God Saves 31 Bridging the Gap 38 God Forgives and Wants Us to Forgive 31 God Comforts 31 God Is Slow to Anger 32 God Guides 32

Focus on the Family 3 on-the-go devotions Belt of Truth Breastplate of Feet Fitted With Helmet of Salvation Play: Play a game of True or Righteousness Readiness Play: Take turns thinking of False by making simple state- Play: Take turns naming crea- Play: See who can tie his or her jobs or activities that require a ArMOR ments and asking your children tures whose bodies help protect shoes the fastest. helmet (firefighting, football, to identify them as true or false. construction, biking) and dis- them from danger (turtles, lob- Talk: Shoelaces help keep our “Jesus died on the Cross, true cuss why a helmet is necessary sters, snails), and tell how their shoes on our feet. We lace our of GOd or false?” “God only loves peo- bodies protect them. for that job or activity. shoes so that we can be ready ple who live in the United States, Talk: Turtles, lobsters and at all times to go where we need Talk: Sometimes we need hel- true or false?” (Be sure to give snails defend themselves from to go and do what we need to mets to protect our heads. A the correct answers to the false their enemies with their hard do. In a similar way, God’s Word helmet can prevent an injury statements.) shells. We don’t have shells, but tells us to be ready to share the during a fall or protect us if Talk: The answers to all these Ephesians 6:14 tells us that God Gospel with others (Ephesians something drops on us. In questions can be found in God’s has offered us an important 6:15). How can we be ready to Ephesians 6:17, the Bible tells Word. The Bible shows us the piece of armor—the breastplate tell friends about Jesus? us that God gives us some- truth. In Ephesians 6:14, the thing that’s like a helmet. The of righteousness. A breastplate Pray: Ask God to help you be apostle Paul said that we should Bible calls it the “helmet of sal- protects a soldier’s heart, and to ready at all times to share the put on God’s truth like a belt. In vation.” Salvation protects the be righteous means to be right Gospel with others. Bible days, soldiers wore a spe- with God through faith in Jesus. most important part of us—our cial belt to keep their weapons If you trust in Jesus, His righ- —Jill Waltz souls. Does knowing that your organized and their loose cloth- teousness will help guard your soul is safe with God make you ing from slowing down their heart so that it will remain good feel more secure? How does that movements. Like a belt, God’s and pleasing to God. What kind security affect how you live? truth can keep us from being of heart is pleasing to God (a Pray: Pray that you will be tripped up by lies and can help generous heart, a forgiving heart, secure in the knowledge of your us stay prepared to do God’s etc.)? salvation. work. How does knowing God’s Pray: Pray that Jesus’ righteous- truth prepare us to do His work? —Crystal Brothers ness would shield your heart. Pray: Ask God to help you recog- —Courtney Black nize the truth. —Naomi Cassata

Focus on the Family 4 on-the-go devotions • Armor of God

Shield of Faith Sword of the Spirit on-the-go devotions The Church as Christ’s The Church as the Play: Each time you say a word Play: See who can name the Disciples Body of Christ that represents something your most methods and weapons Play: Put your arms around your Play: Have family members kids should avoid (lying, stealing, that people might use to defend BOdY of child and say, “You are trapped. extend their arms straight out to hating), have them cross their themselves in a war. The only way to get free is to fol- the sides. Start a timer. See how arms in the air in front of them Talk: Soldiers use many differ- low my instructions.” Let the long everyone can hold this posi- (as if to protect themselves). ent ways to defend themselves ChRiSt child squirm until she is ready tion. When one person’s arms Talk: Before David faced in a battle. The Bible talks about to follow your instructions. Your drop, the timer stops. Repeat to Goliath, he was given a coat of a weapon, the “Sword of the instructions should be some- try and set a family record. As armor to protect himself against Spirit,” that God wants all of thing creative, such as tug on you do this a second or third the giant. But David chose to us to use as we defend truth her earlobes twice, stomp her time, encourage each other as face the giant without physical (Ephesians 6:17) and fight the foot and sing “Jesus Loves Me.” you grow tired of holding up armor—or a shield. Instead, his Enemy (Satan). That weapon Then release the child. your arms, so you can set a new trust was in God. God became is the Bible. To use it as God Talk: When you are stuck, direc- family record. David’s shield that day and intends, we study and memorize tions can help you—but only if Talk: Sometimes encourage- protected him from danger. it. Just like a sword is useful for you follow them. Jesus told His ment from others can help us do Ephesians 6:16 encourages us to defense, so is God’s Word. He followers that they were truly things we couldn’t do alone. As use our faith in God as a shield wants us to use the Sword of the His disciples if they continued followers of Christ and mem- against temptation. How can Spirit (God’s Word) to destroy to obey His instructions (John bers of His body, we are told our faith in God protect us as we lies—the Enemy’s greatest weap- 8:31-32). If they did, they would to encourage one another face temptations? ons—such as “God doesn’t love know the truth, and it would set (Hebrews 10:24-25). This is Pray: Thank God for being your me” or “God can’t forgive me.” them free. Following Jesus and especially important when life shield as you put your trust in How can knowing what the Bible His directions, which are found gets tough. We need to take Him. says help us use the truth to in the Bible, brings freedom. time to encourage our friends defend ourselves? This was true for those who and family by sharing God’s —Naomi Cassata Pray: Thank God for giving us believed in Jesus when He was Word with them. We can remind the Bible to help us defend truth. on earth, and it’s also true for them that whatever happens, us today. We need to obey Jesus Jesus will help them keep going. —Jill Waltz and His instructions. What are Whom can you encourage today? some of the instructions Jesus Pray: Ask God to help you has given us? become more aware of those Pray: Ask God to help you obey who need encouragement. His Word and learn more about —Christine St. Jacques Him every day. —Christine St. Jacques Focus on the Family 5 on-the-go devotions • Body of Christ

The Church as Branches on the Vine The Church as Sheep of The Church Rescued The Church as the of Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd by Christ Light of the World Play: Have each person write or draw as many different types of fruit Play: Have one child face away Play: Ask each family member Play: Have children shout, as he can in one minute. When done, cross off any fruit that is com- from everyone else. Then have to choose a made-up superhero “Light” or “Dark,” to tell you mon (more than one person has it). See who came up with the most everyone else shout, “Baa! Baa!” name and explain what super- which things are usually found fruit that no one else mentioned. Then do the same for the parts of while a parent quietly instructs hero powers he has. Have others in the light or in the darkness. trees and finally for types of vines. the child to do something or to suggest a crisis and let each Use this list of ideas: colors, Talk: God made every part of a tree for a purpose. The trunk brings move to a particular spot. (With superhero demonstrate how his shadows, shapes that look dif- food from the roots to the rest of the tree and supports the branches only one child, have loud music superhero powers can solve the ferent from what they are, socks, and fruit. Without the trunk, branches have no food and they die. replace the baaing.) crisis. homework, fireworks, ice- Grape vines are similar to trunks. In John 15:5, Jesus says that He is Talk: In order to follow the Talk: For thousands of years, cream sundaes and imaginary the Vine and we who believe in Him are the branches. We can’t do any- instructions, the child had to lis- all of humankind was in cri- monsters. thing without Him. Just like branches on trees, when we stay attached ten for the parent’s voice and sis, and we needed a superhero. Talk: Things sometimes look to Jesus, we have what we need to live, grow and bear fruit. This block out the other sounds. We We were trapped by our own different at night than they do doesn’t mean we’ll grow peaches on our arms. It means when we fol- have to do the same thing with sins. Even when we wanted to during the day. Once our eyes low Jesus, our lives develop good attitudes and actions. What kind of Jesus. In the Gospel of John, do good, we often chose to sin get used to the dark, we can fruit have you shown with your words and actions this week? Jesus tells us that His followers instead. We became slaves to see the fuzzy outlines of things, Pray: Ask God to help you stay attached to Jesus, the Vine, and bear are like His sheep. Jesus’ fol- sin. That’s why Jesus came down but not full colors or the same fruit that will last. lowers know Him, and they hear from heaven and rescued His shapes of things we can see His voice (John 10:14,27), even church. He set us free from our during the day. We need light to —Christine St. Jacques when there are a lot of noises sins (John 8:35-36). Those He see things accurately. Believers around trying to get their atten- has saved, His church, are free in Jesus are the light of the world tion. When we hear His voice, to love and serve God and others. (Matthew 5:14-16). The light we are better able to follow Him. What makes Jesus the superhero doesn’t belong to us; but we can How do you listen for Jesus’ over all superheroes? become the light of the world so voice so you can follow Him? Pray: Thank Jesus for giving others can see God’s truth more Pray: Ask God to help you and himself up for you. Ask Him to accurately. Otherwise, all they your family hear His voice daily. cleanse you from sin and set you see is a dim shadow of the truth. free to love and serve Him. How can you shine God’s light —Lindsey Bell before others? —Kristen Joy Wilks Pray: Ask God to help you shine His light today so that others can see His truth clearly. —Christine St. Jacques

Focus on the Family 6 on-the-go devotions Christ Is Lord Christ Is Lord of Christ Is Lord of Christ Is Lord of Play: Take turns pretending to My Actions My Resources My Thoughts drive a car. The person “driv- Play: Name some things that Play: Name several resources Play: Take turns playing a game CHRist is ing” tells a fantastic story about you can control with a remote (a needed to live (food, cloth- of “20 questions.” One player where he’s driving (through a toy, TV, garage door). Take turns ing, shelter). Ask your children thinks of an object. The other rain forest, to the moon, across pretending that one of you is the to point out various businesses players can ask up to 20 yes- LORD the desert). Who can tell the remote controller and the oth- that supply these resources (gro- or-no questions to try to guess most creative story? ers are being controlled by the cery stores, retail stores, home what it is. Let everyone have a Talk: Whoever is driving the car remote. improvement stores). turn thinking of an object. has control over its speed and Talk: If He wanted to, God Talk: Many resources help us Talk: God doesn’t have to ask us where it goes. Jesus wants to could control our every action, survive, but God tells us not to questions to understand what be the driver in our lives, so He just like someone using a remote. worry about them (Philippians we’re thinking. He knows us waits for us to scoot into the pas- But He doesn’t. He loves us 4:19). He is Lord over our inside and out, from our favorite senger’s seat and let Him take so much that He allows us to resources. This means He is in colors to our greatest fears. That control. We need to ask Him choose to love and obey Him. charge and we can trust Him to means Jesus knows our good to “drive.” Philippians 2:10-11 Colossians 3:17 says, “And what- take care of us. God even looks thoughts and our sinful thoughts, says, “At the name of Jesus every ever you do, whether in word or after small creatures. We often too. If we allow Him to, Jesus knee should bow . . . and every deed, do it all in the name of the see birds, squirrels and insects can help us have good attitudes tongue confess that Jesus Christ Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God collecting food. They each have and think kind thoughts about is Lord.” The word Lord simply the Father through him.” What a place of shelter, which pro- others. Psalm 139:23-24 says, means “ruler” or “boss”—some- is one thing you can choose to tects them from the cold and “Search me, O God, and know one who’s in control. And the do today to show that Jesus is rain. God provides exactly what my heart! Try me and know my great news is that we can trust Lord over your actions? they need. thoughts! And see if there be any Him to know the right direction Pray: Ask God to help you make Sometimes, God blesses us with grievous way in me, and lead me for us to go and how long it will good choices as you follow Him. resources beyond our basic in the way everlasting!” Is there take to get there. What are some needs, and He expects us to something on your mind that you ways we can let Jesus be in con- —Debbie McDaniel use those resources wisely. We need to turn over to Jesus? trol of our lives? should use all the things that Pray: Ask that Jesus would lead Pray: Ask for God’s help to allow God has trusted us with to honor you to think good thoughts. Jesus to be in control of your life. Him. How can we honor God —Courtney Black —Debbie McDaniel with our resources? Pray: Thank God that we don’t have to worry about anything because He supplies all our needs. —Naomi Cassata Focus on the Family 7 on-the-go devotions • Christ is Lord

Christ Is Lord of Christ is Lord of on-the-go devotions God Comforts Us by God Comforts Us by My Words My Relationships Erasing Sin Taking Away Guilt Play: Have a tongue twister con- Play: Take turns creating an out- Play: Take turns making a mean Play: Take turns pretending test. See who can say “She sells rageous scenario about choices, CoMFoRt face at another person. Then you are a monkey trying to pull seashells by the seashore” fast- using “What if” questions: What have the second person “erase” a banana from a jar. A parent’s est without making a mistake. If if elephants chose to live in the the other person’s meanness hands can form the “jar” around that’s too easy, try “The sixth sick ocean? What if all dogs decided to with an imaginary eraser as the your wrist. As long as you keep sheik’s sixth sheep’s sick.” start walking backward? Have fun mean face turns into a smile. your hand in a fist and hang on Talk: Sometimes, we really need answering what might happen Talk: When we hurt a person we to the imaginary banana, you to think about what we’re saying. in each situation. To finish the love, we often wish we hadn’t are captured. If you let go of That’s particularly true of tongue game, ask your kids, “What if done it. We mourn or feel awful the banana, your hand will slide twisters—but also in situations all your friends started wearing about what we did. Then we say right out. when we’re angry or annoyed green shirts with purple stripes? we’re sorry and ask that person’s Talk: Sometimes when we do with someone. Ephesians 4:29 Do you think you’d want to wear forgiveness. When the person something bad, we have a hard says, “Do not let any unwhole- shirts like that, too?” forgives us, it is like he or she time forgiving ourselves, and we some talk come out of your Talk: Most of us like to fit in is “erasing” our mean action. can’t let go of the horrible feel- mouths, but only what is helpful with our friends. When we Just like we sometimes hurt the ing about what we’ve done. That for building others up.” spend time with people, they people we love, we also hurt feeling is called guilt. The Bible Unwholesome talk can be can influence what we do or who God when we sin. But when we tells us that when we confess our unkind, greedy or proud words, we become because we often confess our sins to God, He for- sins to God, He takes away the and it can hurt those around us, start to talk and behave like gives us through Jesus (1 John guilt, too (Psalm 32:5). But just but kind and gentle words can them—whether we want to or 1:9). We mourn our sin and as the monkey has to let go of the encourage others. Jesus wants not. The Bible says, “Do not be then find comfort in Jesus as He banana in the jar to go free, we to help us build others up, so He misled: ‘Bad company corrupts “erases” the sin from His memory have to let go of our guilt to be offers to be Lord of all we say. He good character’ ” (1 Corinthians (Hebrews 8:12). Do you need to free. We have to trust that God doesn’t take over and speak for 15:33). We should choose ask God to forgive you for some- has truly forgiven us. Do you us as if we’re puppets, but He friends who will encourage us thing today? He has a big eraser! remember a time when God took will give us wisdom so we know to become more like Jesus. How Pray: Ask God to help you away your feelings of guilt? the right things to say. How can can we know whether someone remember to seek His forgive- Pray: Ask God to help you trust you encourage someone with is a good or bad influence on us? ness whenever you sin. in His forgiveness when you your words today? Pray: Ask that God would give —Chris Brack mess up. Pray: Ask God to help you use you the wisdom to know how to —Chris Brack your words for the good of others. choose good friends. —Debbie McDaniel —Jill Waltz

Focus on the Family 8 on-the-go devotions • Comfort

God Comforts Us God Helps Us on-the-go devotions God Created God Created Fish When We Mourn Comfort Others Day and Night and Birds Play: Have your children write Play: Say an injury (cut fin- Play: Ask your kids to close their Play: Challenge your children to things they need to remem- ger, etc.) while tapping your cREaTiON eyes really tight, putting their name as many types of sea crea- ber (homework, chores, saying knees twice. The next person hands over their face. Count tures as they can in 30 seconds. thank you, etc.) on sticky notes, says a way to make the injured to 10, then point out how dark Then for round two, have them then stick the notes on each person feel better (get a Band- it is. Now, say, “Light” and ask shout out every kind of bird they other. Ask them each to write Aid) while clapping hands twice. your kids to open their eyes. Talk can think of in 30 seconds. one final reminder:—God cares Then that person begins with a about how bright the light is Talk: God created the birds of about you—and place it over different injury. Keep it up until after the darkness! the sky and the creatures of the their own heart. someone breaks the rhythm. Talk: In the beginning, before sea (Genesis 1:20-23). God’s Talk: Matthew 5:4 tells us that Talk: Everybody gets hurt from God made our world, it was creativity is unmistakable! He God is with us and cares about time to time. When we scrape a very, very dark—just like when has filled the water and the sky how we feel. We mourn when a knee or cut a finger, a bandage you closed your eyes and cov- with all kinds of animals, from person or pet we love dies. We and a hug can help comfort us. ered your face. In Genesis 1:3-5, tiny goldfish to gigantic whales, hurt inside because we would But sometimes it’s our heart that we read that God spoke into the from colorful toucans to soaring like our loved one to be with hurts, not our body. Maybe a darkness and said, “Let there eagles. After creating this assort- us. In our grief, sometimes our friend was unkind or the school be light,” and there was light! ment of creatures, God saw that friends and family can cheer day was rough. When that hap- God called the darkness “night” they were good and blessed us up a bit. But only God can pens, we can talk to God about and the light “day.” God spoke, them. How can we show God fully help us when the sadness our troubles, and He will com- and light was created. What are that we are thankful for the birds refuses to go away. Only He fort us and help our hearts some activities that would be dif- and fish He has created? knows our thoughts and sees our heal. Then when others have ficult to do without light? Pray: Thank God for His creativ- secret tears. When you’re sad, sad times, God helps us com- Pray: Thank God for making the ity in forming all the different how can you remind yourself fort them with the same comfort light and the day so we can play creatures that fill the earth’s sky that God cares about you?” He has given us (2 Corinthians and learn; thank Him for the and water. Pray: Thank God for always 1:3-4). How can you help your dark night so we can rest. friends when their hearts are —Courtney Black being there to comfort you and —Danika Cooley give you hope. hurting? —Alice H. Mayer Pray: Ask God to help you com- fort others when their hearts are hurting in the same way He has comforted you. —Christine St. Jacques

Focus on the Family 9 on the go devotions • Creation

God Created God Created Our World God Created Plants God Created Us Land Animals Play: Describe a number of liv- Play: In the car or on a walk, Play: Using a bottle of bubble Play: Play a game of 20 ques- ing things that God has created, have your kids count how many solution, blow bubbles into the tions. Ask your child to think and ask your child to tell you trees you pass in one minute. air. See who can “catch” a bub- of a land animal. Other fam- whether they belong in the sky, Do it again, and see if you count ble without making it pop. Ask ily members then ask yes-or-no water or land. more or less this time. what is inside the bubbles. Is it questions in order to figure out Talk: The sky, water and land Talk: Plants make oxygen for just air? No, breath. what the animal is. (Does it live are full of living things, but this us to breathe, provide food for Talk: Just as we can fill a bubble in Africa? Is it big?) The game was not always so. Before the us to eat and add beauty to the with our breath, God filled man ends with a correct guess or after earth was ready to support life, world. Trees provide shade and with His breath when He cre- 20 questions have been asked. God had a lot of preparation to lumber to build our homes. God ated us and gave us life (Genesis Repeat so each family member do. This included separating the created trees and many other 2:7). Since it’s easy for a bub- gets a turn to choose an animal. sky, water and land and placing kinds of plants in order to pro- ble to pop or burst, it must be Talk: God created all the ani- them in exactly in the right spots vide for our needs—and the treated with care. In the same mals on earth. Genesis 1:24-25 (Genesis 1:6-10). God wants us needs of other living creatures way, human life is fragile and says God made livestock such to enjoy and respect the beauti- (Genesis 1:11-13; 29-30). Name must be protected because it’s as cows and chickens, creatures ful world He has created. What some of the ways you have used so valuable. Of all He created, that move along the ground like are some ways that we can care plants today. God only shared His breath snakes and lizards, and wild for the earth? Pray: Thank God for creat- with humans, which makes us animals like zebras and lions. Pray: Thank God for creating ing the many different kinds of His most special creation. What When God was done making the the sky, water and land. plants we use every day. other things make humans dif- land animals, He saw that His ferent from animals? —Naomi Cassata —Donna Brennan creation was good. Of all the ani- Pray: Thank God for creating mals God created, which is your you in a special way. favorite? —D’Arcy Maher Pray: Thank God for all of the animals He created. —Juliet K. Kennedy

Focus on the Family 10 Share Your Faith You Can Bless Others God Wants to Use God’s Glory Can Shine M Play: Think of your favorite ani- Play: Using the letters of each You Now Through You mal, food and school subject. person’s name, give compli- Play: Play a game of “I spy” Play: On a sunny day, hand Then, give your children clues ments that begin with each letter. focused on small items that each of your children a piece of so they can guess each favorite For example: Sam could be do big or powerful things. For white paper, folded in half, with thing, one at a time. Repeat until s-weet, a-wesome, m-arvelous. example, in a car someone may a loving message drawn or writ- each person’s favorites have NGE lis Talk: Compliments are one way “spy” keys, the radio knob or a ten on one half inside. Without been revealed. on-the-go devotions to bless others. Ephesians 4:29 power window button. unfolding the paper, have them a Talk: If someone asked you says our words should build Talk: The things you spied are hold it up to the window to allow V the sun to shine through it. Ask E why these things are your favor- up others. When we are mad small, but they cause big things ites, you’d probably be able at someone, we sometimes say to happen. Small things can them to describe the message to give them several reasons. unkind things, but the Bible have a big impact. Jesus was they see. Maybe gym class is your favorite teaches us to bless people—even only 12 years old when He aston- Talk: Just like the sunlight illu- because you love to play games, those who hurt us (Luke 6:28). ished the religious leaders with minates the message, allowing or perhaps pizza is your favor- Just as we thought of kind words His knowledge. David was a it to be seen, God’s love lights ite food because you love all the to describe members of our fam- young man when he defended up our lives and allows others cheese and toppings. The Bible ily, we can find ways to build God’s people and defeated to read a message about His says we should be ready to give others up and bless them. Who Goliath. When we depend on love. God wants others to see reasons for our faith in God would you like to bless through God, neither size nor age mat- the good things we do and rec- (1 Peter 3:15)—just as we can kind words? ters because He is at work in us ognize His influence in our lives explain why we love our favor- Pray: Ask God to help you use (1 Timothy 4:12). What are some (Matthew 5:16). How can we let ite things. Why do you have hope your words to bless others by big things you can do or have others see His love when we’re in Jesus? encouraging them. done by God’s power? at the park, at school, in our neighborhood? Pray: Ask God to help you to —Jeannie Vogel Pray: Thank God for using you share your hope in Christ with to do great things because He is Pray: Ask God to let others see others. powerful. His message of love shining —Crystal Brothers —Naomi Cassata through your words and actions. —Shari Pope Joy

Focus on the Family 11 on the go devotions • Evangelism

The Great Commission You Can Work as a on-the-go devotions God’s Masterpiece Easy and Hard Starts at Home Family to Serve Others Play: Take turns pretending to Commandments Play: Play a game of telephone: Play: In one minute, name as be an artist creating a master- Play: Each person names three Whisper a sentence about Jesus, many parts of a car, and what FAITh Vs. piece. Paint or draw a picture activities: one easy, one hard and and let the last person proclaim they do, as you can (headlights either on paper or in the air. one impossible (e.g., smile, read it loudly. Play the game a few give light so we can see where Have others try to guess what the a story while hopping, touch the times using different messages we’re going, wheels hold up the WORkS “artist” is painting. moon). and taking turns “proclaiming” car and help it move forward, Talk: Every picture you draw is Talk: God asks us to do easy the Good News. etc.). unique—there is not another things, such as reading the Talk: The message of Jesus’ love Talk: The Bible says that the one like it. An artist’s best paint- Scriptures, praying and help- and forgiveness is the most body of Christ—the people who ings are sometimes called ing others. He also commands important message of all. Jesus serve God—is made of many “masterpieces.” Masterpieces hard things, such as forgiving wants the whole world to know parts (1 Corinthians 12). Each may be put on display in muse- and praying for those who hurt it. In Matthew 28:19, He told part is designed by God with ums for others to see. The Bible us (Matthew 5:44). When we His disciples to share the Good a particular purpose. Just like says we are God’s masterpieces obey even the hard commands, News with everyone. That’s different parts of our car work (Ephesians 2:10). He created us we show our faith in God. God called the Great Commission. together to help it run, we can to do good works that He already asked Abraham to sacrifice his How can we share God’s mes- combine our unique talents and planned for us. When people son Isaac, and Abraham proved sage of love and forgiveness abilities to serve others as a fam- watch us obey God and do good his faith in God when he obeyed with others? ily. In 1 Peter 4:10, the Bible says, things for others, they can see (James 2:21-23). God knew He God’s creative work—His mas- Pray: Ask God to help you pro- “Each one should use whatever would provide another sacrifice terpiece—and learn of His love. claim boldly what He has taught gift he has received to serve oth- to save Isaac’s life, but He was What good works does God have you in His Word. ers.” How can our family work testing Abraham. God tests us, together to serve others in our for you to do today? too. What hard things does God —Naomi Cassata church and community? Pray: Ask God to help you do the ask you to do? Pray: Ask God to help you good works He planned for you, Pray: Ask God to give you the see the needs around you and and thank Him for making you faith to obey Him even in the respond as a family who serves His masterpiece! hardest things. others well. —Christine St. Jacques —Jennifer Garrett —Christi Lynn

Focus on the Family 12 on the go devotions • Faith vs. Works

Love Like Jesus on-the-go devotions Moth, Rust, Thieves Protected By Angels Things We Can’t See Play: Have one of your kids eat Play: Play Moth, Rust, Thieves: Play: Ask your child to point Play: Before you get in the car to something while the others say, One child names something she out things around her that are go somewhere, tell your kids to “I’m hungry.” The child with the FOLloWIng sees, and the others classify as to there for her safety. In the car list familiar landmarks (grocery food taps each speaker on the whether moths, rust or thieves this might be seat belts, brakes store, park, school) that you’ll head, saying, “Bless you,” and could destroy or steal it. If the and stop signs. At home she see as you drive. Then, as you’re then keeps eating. GOd child names something that can’t may spot locks on doors or a fire driving, ask them to point out Talk: Saying “Bless you” to peo- be stolen or ruined (like a smile, extinguisher. each thing when they see it. Who ple who are hungry doesn’t really kindness, love or family), give Talk: We pointed out a number sees each landmark first? help them. In the Bible, Jesus her a coin to demonstrate she of things that protect us from Talk: It’s easy to believe some- fed hungry people. If our faith in has chosen a valuable treasure. danger, but these aren’t the only thing is there when we see it. God is real, we will do as Jesus Talk: Matthew 6:19-21 talks things that keep us safe each Some things we can’t see, but did. When we see or hear about about treasures that God wants day. In Psalm 91:11, we read that they’re just as real. Jesus talked people who do not have enough us to value. While shiny and God commands His angels to about things we can’t see now, food or clothes, we will show our pretty new things may seem valu- guard us carefully. Even though such as heaven and God. The faith and love for God by help- able, God says those things can we can’t see them, His angels Bible says that faith is being sure ing them (James 2:14-16). How wither away or lose their shine. are watching over us. God cares that something exists even when can you help someone who is in When we behave in ways that for His children and wants us to we can’t see it (Hebrews 11:1). need today? honor God, we learn what real stay protected. Tell me about a How can we help our faith grow? Pray: Ask God to help you pay treasure is. We can’t put a price time when you were scared and Pray: Ask God for more faith attention when people are in on true treasure, and it can’t be it would have been comforting even though you can’t always see need and to show you how to destroyed or stolen. What are to know that God’s angels were what He’s promised. help them. some ways you can find true with you. treasures? —Naomi Cassata —Christine St. Jacques Pray: Thank God for sending Pray: Pray for God to help you His angels to watch over you. recognize true treasures that —Naomi Cassata can’t be stolen or destroyed. —Shari Popejoy

Focus on the Family 13 on the go devotions • Following God

The Company You Keep What’s Inside Shows Working for God Jesus Gives Us Rest Make Time to Pray Play: Take turns creating an out- on the Outside Play: When you’re on the go, Play: Have two people lie down, Play: Take turns looking around rageous scenario about choices, Play: As you pass various busi- look for people who are working. then ask your kids which one and turning something you using “What if” questions: What nesses, guess the goods or Maybe you’ll spot a mail carrier, looks more restful. After they see into a one-sentence prayer if elephants chose to live in the services they offer custom- a construction worker, a gar- choose, explain that maybe one or praise. Trees? Thank God ocean? What if all dogs decided ers, based solely on the outside dener, a trash collector. Who can was relaxing and the other was for His creation. Ambulance? to start walking backward? Have structure. Point out the types spot the most people working? thinking through all the things Pray for the patient’s healing. fun answering what might hap- of businesses that younger chil- Talk: Colossians 3:23-24 says she had to do—which isn’t really Puddles of rain? Thank God for pen in each situation. To finish dren would recognize. that we should do our work as resting. watering the earth. A school? the game, ask your kids, “What Pray for teachers and students. Talk: Figuring out what kinds if we’re working for God. So Talk: Rest is not just about get- if all your friends started wear- of things each store sells can whether we’re doing chores, ting enough sleep or relaxation Talk: The Bible tells us ing green shirts with purple be easy from the outside. homework or a paid job, we for our bodies. We also need to “pray without ceasing” (1 stripes? Do you think you’d want Restaurant windows may have should work at it with all our rest for our minds and our souls. Thessalonians 5:17). This to wear shirts like that, too?” posters showing the food they hearts. Our pastors and chil- When we are worried or feel bad doesn’t mean we must talk to Talk: Most of us like to fit in serve; clothing stores probably dren’s ministry leaders all serve about doing something wrong, God nonstop. But we should with our friends. When we display clothes in the windows; God with their work, and they we can feel worn out. Jesus said, keep in mind our need for spend time with people, they sometimes you can even see peo- give us a good example to follow. “Come to me, all you who are Him and talk to Him often. We can influence what we do or who ple with their pets walking into How can we show our apprecia- weary and burdened, and I will can use things around us as we become because we often pet stores. Humans are sort of tion for their hard work? give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). reminders to thank God for our start to talk and behave like like that. What’s inside of us will Pray: Pray that you would By asking Him to take care of blessings and tell Him our needs. them—whether we want to or eventually show on the outside. remember to do your work for our worries and forgive our sins, What other things might you see not. The Bible says, “Do not be Luke 6:43-45 says that what we God. we can have peace knowing that today that could remind you to misled: ‘Bad company corrupts have stored in our hearts shows He loves us and will help us. pray? —Sarah Rowe Hostetter good character’ ” (1 Corinthians in our words and actions. What What are some things you could Pray: Ask God to show you 15:33). We should choose kinds of thoughts and beliefs do talk to Jesus about so you can blessings to be thankful for and friends who will encourage us you think God wants us to store rest in Him? people who need prayer. to become more like Jesus. How in our hearts? Pray: Pray for the worries or can we know whether someone —Julie Lavender Pray: Pray that God will help you sins that you just mentioned. is a good or bad influence on us? to store “good things” in your —Tahisha Richards Pray: Ask that God would give heart. you the wisdom to know how to —Naomi Cassata choose good friends. —Jill Waltz

Focus on the Family 14 The Bible Came The Bible Is History From God Play: Take turns thinking of Play: Ask where three or four of Bible characters whose names your possessions originally came begin with each letter in the Bib LE from. Track them in a series of alphabet. (You might need to steps. For example, “Where did skip some letters.) Tell one thing your shoes come from?” (From you remember about each per- son you name.

on-the-go devotions Mom, the shoe store, a factory.) Where did the milk for your Talk: The Bible tells the stories cereal come from?” (From the of each character you named E d—th fridge, grocery store, a farm, a and many more. The Scriptures The Bible is Our Guide The Bible Is Truth cow.) Who can name the longest are about real events that hap- Play: Challenge your children to Play: Tell your kids one of their series? pened long ago, including God’s spot as many street signs as they favorite fictional stories, but Talk: Even though you might creation of the earth and the can in one minute. Then ask if leave out key parts or muddle have received your Bible as a gift life of Jesus. Proverbs 30:5 says, they can explain the meaning of several pieces. Let your children the signs. correct you along the way. s Wo R or bought it at a store, the Bible “Every word of God is flawless.” ’ comes from God. He told people Who is your favorite character Talk: When we travel, we can Talk: Some parts of the story d what to write, and He is the orig- in the Bible, and why do you like use a map and look for signs were mixed up or left out, but that person?

O inal source of the words. The that point us in the right direc- the Bible is different. Everything people wrote the Scriptures as Pray: Ask God to show you what tion. Thankfully, God has also written in the Bible is truth, and G God inspired them. The Bible He wants you to learn from the given us a guide for our jour- there are no mistakes. The Bible says, “Men spoke from God real stories in the Bible. ney through life—His Word. In is God’s way of communicat- as they were carried along by Psalm 32:8, God says, “I will ing and teaching us to do right —Juliet K. Kennedy the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21). instruct you and teach you in the (2 Timothy 3:16-17). With His Since the Bible comes from God, way you should go; I will coun- Word, we can better understand how should we respond to what sel you and watch over you.” The all the wonderful things He has it says? Bible provides us the instruction done for us and what He expects Pray: Thank God for speaking to we need to deal with problems in from us. How does knowing the us through the Bible. life. What sort of problems are Bible is true help us follow what you facing right now? it says? —Donna Brennan Pray: Thank God for providing Pray: Ask God to help you obey all the direction you need. His Word. —Courtney Black —Naomi Cassata

Focus on the Family 15 on the go devotions • God’s Word—the Bible

The Bible Teaches Us About the Nature of God Remember God’s Word Think About Play: Ask your kids to pretend that you’re handing them a ball. As you Play: Say, “I’m going to the Thankfulness describe the ball, they should imagine how it looks and what it might store to buy apples.” The next Play: Tell your kids to sing, clap feel like, and then guess what kind of ball it is. For example, what kind person says the same but adds CTER their hands or draw pictures in of ball is small, fuzzy and bounces well? something that starts with the a the air with their hands to show

(A tennis ball) letter b. Each person repeats the R God how much they love Him. Talk: You can recognize different types of balls because you’ve seen entire list, adding one more item When you say “freeze,” have in alphabetical order. them before, know how they feel and what they do. We can learn what on-the-go devotions your kids to stop all motion and God is like by reading about things He has done. For example we read Talk: Remembering things can talking. To start motion again, in the Bible that Hannah (1 Samuel 1:1-19) and King Hezekiah (2 be difficult. One way the game say “thaw.” Kings 19:9-20) both cried out to God, and He heard them. Those sto- helped us remember the added d Cha Talk: Colossians 3:17 tells us ries teach us that God hears us when we pray. And when the Israelites items was that each person that in everything we say and doubted God after they left Egypt, God forgave them (Numbers 14:1- repeated the list. When we say do, we should thank God. Of 20). This story teaches us that God is forgiving. What other Bible things lots of times, that helps course we should be thankful for stories can you think of that show us about God’s nature? us remember. Joshua 1:8 tells us Go O food, homes and families, but Pray: As you read the Bible, ask God to help you see what He is like. God wants us to remember His we should also thank God that Word, too. Thinking about the we can move our arms, talk, sing, —Carole Jensen Bible, talking about what it says see and walk. We can do these and singing about the Scriptures things because God blesses us Not By Bread Alone help us to remember. What is with those abilities. What are your favorite Bible verse? What Play: Take turns thinking up the yummiest bread and the craziest some other things for which we does it say about God or how to fixings for a super sandwich. Consider interesting sandwich combina- often forgot to thank God? live our lives? tions such as banana bread, whipped cream and chocolate chips. Pray: Tell God about all the Pray: Thank God for His Word, Talk: We all like eating special foods to keep our bodies healthy. But things you’re thankful for. and ask Him to help you remem- that alone won’t help us grow and become the people God wants us —Amanda B. Smith ber what He has said. to be. Matthew 4:4 says that we also need the spiritual food of God’s Word, the Bible. It nourishes and strengthens our spirits, helping us to —Carol Hatcherer become mature followers of Christ. What has the Bible taught you that has helped you understand God better? Pray: Ask God to help you search His Word often and rely on it for your daily growth. —Jan May

Focus on the Family 16 on the go devotions • Good Character

A Good Name Laughter Is Good Focused on God Living in Unity Peace From Jesus Play: Ask, “Who in our family for You Play: Ask your kids to use facial Play: Take a moment to have Play: Encourage your child to is the most patient?” The most Play: Have one person try to expressions and hand gestures everyone think of a song. On play photographer by pretending patient person receives a few keep a straight face while the to show you what “stressed out” the count of three, sing your to snap pictures of the passing coins. Continue guessing char- other family members each looks like. Have them take turns songs at the same time. Next, scenery. Tell him to choose to acter qualities and people until spend 30 seconds trying to make acting out a few other emotions choose a song for everyone to take “photos” of peaceful scen- you have distributed several the person laugh by telling jokes, as others guess what is being sing together. Which sounds bet- ery or things that make him think coins. making funny faces or singing acted out. Then ask them to ter—singing different songs or of peace. Talk: Proverbs 22:1 says, “A silly songs. Play several rounds, show you “perfect peace.” singing the same song? Talk: God gave us many earthly good name is more desir- taking turns as the “straight- Talk: There are many things Talk: Living in peace with each things to see and enjoy that are able than great riches; to be faced person.” that can cause us to worry, but other is more enjoyable than not peaceful, like falling snowflakes, esteemed is better than silver or Talk: Laughter is good for your God doesn’t want us to be anx- getting along. Psalm 133:1 says, soaring birds and colorful sun- gold.” A good name isn’t just a well-being. It relieves stress ious about anything! Isaiah “Behold, how good and pleas- sets. But sometimes we hear the nice-sounding name, like John and anxiety and can even make 26:3 says that when we keep our ant it is when brothers dwell in siren of a police car or an ambu- or Kaley; it comes when people your body healthier. Proverbs minds focused on God, we can unity!” Just as singing different lance or hear a story of fighting associate your name with good 17:22 says that a cheerful heart have perfect peace no matter songs at the same time sounds on the news, and it reminds us things about you. Esteemed is “good medicine.” And you what else may be going on. What chaotic, fighting with each other that our world isn’t always a means that people think highly can share this medicine with the events are going on in your life creates disunity. God desires for peaceful place. If we have Jesus of you because of your charac- people around you. Since God that would be less stressful if us to live together in harmony. It in our lives, though, we can be ter. What God thinks about you wants us to spread joy to others, you placed your focus on God? blesses Him, encourages oth- filled with the peace that only He is what matters most, however. who can we cheer up today with Pray: Thank God for the peace ers and shows the world that we can give (John 14:27). We can And He gives you the best name a smile, a visit or a card? He provides even in the most dif- have His love within us. How experience His peace, no mat- of all—“child of God.” Based on can you live in unity with your ter what’s happening around us. Pray: Ask God for a cheerful ficult times. Ask Him to help you this name, what do you suppose family today? In what situations do you need attitude that brings joy to others. keep your mind focused on Him. God thinks about you? Pray: Ask God to forgive you for more of His peace? —Sandra Hendricks —Courtney Roberts Pray: Pray together that your any quarreling words or actions. Pray: Pray for the peace that can family would desire a good name Pray for His help to live together only come from God so that you and godly character more than in unity. will not be troubled or afraid money or things. —Debbie McDaniel when bad things happen. —Marcy Lytle —Amy Cobb

Focus on the Family 17 Good Stewardship of Good Stewardship Good Stewardship Good Stewardship IP All Living Things of Our Money and of Our Time of Our Witness for h Play: Have each person choose Possessions Play: Consider an event or holi- Jesus Christ S

d an unusual pet (lion, koala, Play: Ask family members to day, such as a birthday, vacation, Play: Choose one leader. Have giraffe, flamingo, whale, etc.) list or draw 10 items they would Easter or Christmas. Work the leader do different actions and draw it. Then tell a story want if they were going to be together to calculate the num- and expressions. Whoever the about caring for it. Where will it stranded with a handful of peo- ber of days until that date arrives. leader looks at should try to

on-the-go devotions sleep? What will it eat? How will ple on a deserted island. Five of Repeat with another event or imitate the leader as quickly as you give it a bath? the items must be shared with holiday, but let kids compete to possible, as if the person was see who can come up with the TEWAR Talk: After God created every- the other castaways. Compare the leader’s mirror image. The thing, He made Adam and Eve and discuss your lists. number first. leader can look back and forth stewards over His creation. That Talk: A person’s basic phys- Talk: We often look forward to between family members so the means they needed to take care ical needs are food, clothing special occasions and holidays. mirror image constantly changes. od S of all the living things that God and shelter. Often God gives Celebrating with friends and Take turns being the leader.

O created (Genesis 1:28). Today, us more than we need. Yet no family and going to new places Talk: When we follow a leader, God still wants us to be respon- matter how much or how little are fun things to do. Sometimes those around us can see that we G sible for the plants and animals we have, we should remember we get so excited about events are imitating that leader. When that are in our care. If we have that everything belongs to God in the future that we forget the we follow Jesus, our actions a pet, we are to take care of its (Colossians 1:16). He entrusts importance of today. But Psalm reflect Him and help others see needs. If we raise animals for us with money and possessions 90:12 says we should consider what He is like. Colossians 4:5-6 food, we are not to squander to use in ways that honor Him. each day important, know- says that we need to be careful what we’ve been given. If we For example, we can share our ing that we only have a limited how we speak and act around garden or farm, we are to do toys with those who come to our number of days on this earth. nonbelievers and that we should our best to grow specific plants. house to play or give money to Each day is a gift from God, so take every opportunity to be gra- How do you care for other living places that take care of the poor. we need to cherish it and use cious to them. In this way, we tell things? How can you bless God through it wisely. What are some good others about Jesus through our Pray: Ask the Creator to help at least one of your possessions? ways you can use your time words, actions and expressions. today? you take good care of His Pray: Thank God for meeting all What can you do today to show creation. your needs. Pray: Ask God to show you how others that Jesus loves them? He wants you to spend your time. —Christine St. Jacques —Sandra Hendricks Pray: Pray that God will help —Sandra Hendricks you to faithfully show His love through your words and actions. —Christine St. Jacques

Focus on the Family 18 on the go devotions • Good Stewardship

Good Stewardship on-the-go devotions God Cares About You God Has a Plan For God Wants to Direct of Our Bodies Play: Play Simon Says, with a Your Life Your Life Play: Have each person play twist—use sounds instead of Play: Count the number of left Play: Count the number of a round of “If I were king” by HOw God actions. For example: “Simon turns and right turns from one mirrors on and inside your describing what his or her cas- says, ‘Bark like a dog.’ “ place to another. Each person car—even the ones that may be tle or mansion would look Talk: It’s important to listen to can choose to count left turns or hidden from view. (Hint: visors.) like. After everyone has had a LovES YOu God and follow His instructions right turns. Talk: Car mirrors have a turn, vote on whose castle or for our lives. God loves us and Talk: Did you turn left or right purpose, giving the driver infor- mansion seems to be the most knows what’s best for us, so we more often? If you gave some- mation to help him drive safely. extravagant, the most fun or the can trust what He tells us to do one directions and changed Just as the mirrors are designed prettiest. (John 10:27-28). But we need to the numbers around, would he to help guide the driver as she Talk: The Bible tells us that listen carefully to make sure that end up in the right place? God operates the car, the Bible Jesus is the King of Kings. He it is truly God’s voice that we are has a purpose and plan for your guides our lives by showing us deserves the best castle or man- hearing. How can we listen to life. When you follow where how to live. But, if we listen to sion we could imagine. But His God’s voice? God leads, you arrive where He the Word and don’t obey it, it’s Holy Spirit chooses to live in us Pray: Ask God to help you wants you to go. The Bible tells like looking in a mirror and when we believe in Jesus. That’s hear His voice and follow His us to stay on the right path, not ignoring what we see (James why Romans 12:1-2 tells us to instructions. veering to “the right or the left” 1:23-24). What would happen if offer our bodies as living sacri- (Proverbs 4:27). God’s plan the driver ignored what he saw —Titus O’Bryant fices to God. We offer ourselves offers direction for our lives. So, in one of the mirrors? What may completely to Him and keep our what should we do if we lose our happen in your life if you ignore bodies holy so that He can use way or go down the wrong path? God’s Word? His “castles” for His good pur- Pray: Ask for God’s guidance as Pray: Ask God for the strength pose. How can you honor God you try to choose the right path. to obey His direction for your with your body? —Shari Pope Joy life. Pray: Thank God for His Holy —Marcy Lytle Spirit, who lives inside you. —Crystal Brothers

Focus on the Family 19 on the go devotions • How God Loves You

How God Directs Let God Direct Your Life Gifts from God for on-the-go devotions You Are Made Unique: Your Life Play: As you’re driving, ask your Your Life Spiritual Gifts Play: Encourage your kids to kids to identify which side of Play: Play “Who Am I?” Give Play: Giving only one-word keep their eyes open for stop the road you’re on (left or right). clues about a family member’s IdENTITy clues, take turns describing signs or stoplights. When it’s When you turn, does it change? talents and skills while others your best-ever birthday gifts. As time to slow down, they can pull Imagine what could happen if guess who you’re describing. each clue is given, guess the gift. you drove on the opposite side back on imaginary reins and say, Talk: God wants people to rec- “Soft,” “furry,” and “animal” of the road. “Whoa!” When it’s time to move ognize us as Christ followers. might be clues for a favorite again, they can say, “Go!” Talk: Just like there’s only one We each possess unique quali- teddy bear. Talk: Ask your kids, “When play- way to drive on each side of ties. When the Holy Spirit works, Talk: Birthday presents can ing the game, what was your the street, Jesus is the one and He produces nine characteris- remind us of spiritual gifts. job? Did you worry about which only way to eternal life. In John tics in our lives: love, joy, peace, Discuss what those gifts might way to turn or where to go?” 10:10, Jesus says, “I have come patience, kindness, goodness, be, such as hospitality or teach- Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us we can that they may have life, and have faithfulness, gentleness and ing. God gives people a variety trust God completely to lead us it to the full.” When you accept self-control (Galatians 5:22- of special gifts. We each have on the right path. We don’t have Jesus Christ as your Lord and 23). By them, God identifies us different gifts (Romans 12:6). to worry about being in control. Savior, He directs your life and as part of His family. Discuss God intends us to use our spir- As passengers trust their driver, leads you into a relationship characteristics you see of God itual gifts to help others. Which we can trust God—and He never with the heavenly Father. Why working in your life. Talk about spiritual gifts has God given gets lost! In what ways can you is it important to let God direct examples of how someone can you? Talk about possible ways of trust God more? How may put- your life? be identified as a Christ follower. using gifts to help other people. ting your trust in Him help you Pray: Thank God for sending Pray: Ask God to develop one Pray: Thank God for His special stay on the right path? Jesus to forgive our sins so we characteristic of the fruit of the gifts to us. can have life forever with Him. Pray: Ask God to help us trust Spirit in you. —Marti Pieper Him with all our heart, rely- —Christi Lynn —Angie Reedy ing on Him instead of our own understanding. —Stephanie Shott

Focus on the Family 20 on the go devotions • Identity

You Are Made Unique: God Planned Us In His Image on-the-go devotions Love Always Hopes Personality and Play: Take turns thinking of dif- Play: Ask each of your kids to Play: Teach your children a new Abilities ferent machines—such as a look in a mirror and tell you trick such as whistling, snapping Play: Observe the color and type computer or a hair dryer. Then what they see: eye and hair color, LOvE their fingers, blowing a bubble of your vehicle (blue SUV, red give firstperson clues about the freckles, glasses, a missing with gum or saying a difficult van, yellow car). When you see object while others guess what tooth—everything! tongue twister. similar vehicles on the road, call it is: “I help you do homework. I Talk: When we look in a mirror, Talk: Learning something new out “eureka!” (“I found it!”) sit on your lap or a desk.” we see our own images. God cre- can be hard. You may even feel Talk: Talk about the differences Talk: Computers, hair driers ated us in His image (Genesis like giving up; but if you believe (age, wear, dents) among vehi- and other machines are com- 1:27), but that doesn’t mean that you will learn and keep trying, cles. Each has characteristics plex and require careful design we all look alike or look like God. eventually you’ll get it! When that make it unique. Like vehi- and construction. Your body is It means that we are like God in someone doesn’t treat us nicely, cles, no two people are exactly also complex and full of systems some ways. We don’t just have we may feel like giving up on that alike. Psalm 139:14 says we are with interconnecting parts. Your bodies and minds; we have spir- relationship and or no longer lov- “fearfully and wonderfully made.” body shows God’s careful plan- its and emotions, just as God ing that person. But 1 Corinthians Discuss some of the differences ning. The Bible says that before does. He created many wonder- 13:7 teaches us that loving some- between people, emphasizing you were born, God formed ful things, such as oceans, trees one means never losing hope that God’s unique design. Identify your inward parts and knit you and animals, but only people are things will change for the bet- two unique personality traits or together (Psalm 139:13). What created in God’s image. In what ter. God loves us this way. Even abilities for each family member. are some of the amazing ways ways are we like God, and in when we do wrong, He loves us that different parts of a body what ways are we different from and never gives up on us. What Pray: Thank God for the ways work together? Him? are some ways that you can show He has made your family mem- hopeful love to others? bers unique. Pray: Praise God for His mirac- Pray: Thank God for loving us ulous work that’s shown in each and for creating us in His image. Pray: Thank God for always hav- —Marti Pieper person. —Amy Cobb ing hope in you, and ask Him to —Terri Foster help you hope for the best for others. —Naomi Cassata

Focus on the Family 21 on the go devotions • Love

Love Is Kind Love Is Not Love Is Patient Love Keeps No Record Love Protects Play: Ask your kids to bring their Self-Seeking Play: Play “the quiet game” and of Wrongs Play: Show your children some- favorite toy to the sofa or along Play: Divide a snack into enough see who can go the longest with- Play: Take turns pretending thing fragile, like a porcelain in the car. Instruct the children portions for you and each of out speaking or making a sound. to score points in a ballgame: teacup or glass knickknack, and to share their toy with another your children, but vary the size Talk: It takes a lot of patience throw a touchdown pass, kick a ask them how they could pro- family member, allowing him or of the portions. Ask who wants to sit quietly and wait when you field goal, hit a home run, make tect the item from getting broken her to hold it and play with it for the largest share, and don’t hand really want to talk or play. In 1 a lay-up. (don’t play near it, don’t pick it five minutes. Ask if sharing their up and throw it, and so on). out the snack until everyone Corinthians 13:4, the Bible tells Talk: There are many situations favorite toy was hard or easy. agrees on who gets which por- us that real love, godly love, is where we keep score. In sports, Talk: Just as glass or porce- Talk: Sometimes it’s hard for us tion. Then, give your share to the patient. Sometimes that might we keep score to see who will lain can be easily damaged, our to share what we own. However, child who accepts the smallest mean that we give others the be the winner. In school, we feelings can be easily hurt, too. God was so kind that He shared portion. benefit of the doubt if they hurt record grades to track students’ A friend’s careless words or His only Son with us. It was as Talk: When dividing a treat or us. Other times it might mean progress. Sometimes, it can actions can make us sad or angry. if He said to us, “Jesus is more doing something fun with a that we keep quiet instead of be tempting to “keep score” in Other people’s feelings are just precious to Me than anything friend or sibling, we often want arguing when we disagree with relationships, as well. We want as fragile as our own, and in in all the world—but I’m giv- to give ourselves the biggest por- someone. How else can you to remember the times when a 1 Corinthians 13:7, we learn that ing Him to you!” That’s true tion or be the first to play in a show patient love to others? friend or sibling hurt us. But to love others, we should try to kindness. When we are kind to game. Putting others first can Pray: Pray that God will help you 1 Corinthians 13:5 tells us that protect their feelings. What are others, we are showing them be hard. God asks us to love to love others patiently. godly love keeps no record of some ways that you can protect godly love (1 Corinthians 13:4). the people in our lives. We do wrongs—no score. When we the feelings of others? —Crystal Brothers What other ways have you seen this best when we stop to think truly love someone, we don’t Pray: Ask God to help you pro- the kindness of God in your life? about their needs instead of only keep score but instead forgive. tect the feelings of those around Pray: Give thanks for God’s our own. As 1 Corinthians 13:5 How can you wipe out the score you. tells us, love is not self-seeking for someone in your life? kindness to you, and ask Him to —Marcy Lytle increase your kindness toward because it seeks to meet other Pray: Pray that God will help others. people’s needs, too. What things you forgive others who hurt you, can you do to put a friend or —Marcy Lytle rather than keeping a record of family member’s needs before wrongs. your own? —Crystal Brothers Pray: Ask God to help you not think only about yourself but about others, too. —Naomi Cassata

Focus on the Family 22 on the go devotions • Love

God Loves Everyone Bear One Another’s on-the-go devotions Follow Jesus’ Patterns Obey God Play: Take turns with your kids Burdens Play: Look around and find as Play: Instruct your kids to shut thinking of an animal that begins Play: Let’s pretend we’re going many patterns as you can. At their eyes. Then ask them to with each letter of the alpha- on a hiking trip. What would oBEDIENcE home you may see patterns on open their mouths to taste some- bet. As you name each creature, you pack in your backpack? Go your floors or sofa cushions. thing you will give them. Notice also identify if it’s “snuggly” or through the alphabet, with each While driving or walking, you whether your children readily “scary.” person adding a new hiking- or may spot patterns on buildings follow your instructions or ask Talk: Some animals seem safe camping-related item to the or roads. questions first. and cuddly. Others seem dan- pack. Play continues until all let- Talk: Patterns are not found only Talk: Sometimes it can be hard gerous, and we are careful not to ters of the alphabet have been in things we see. Our behavior to follow commands, but the get too close to them. Our rela- used. can also reflect patterns. When Bible says those who live by faith tionships with people are sort Talk: If we really packed every- we often repeat a behavior, don’t shrink back (Hebrews of like that. It’s easy to love the thing mentioned in the game, whether good or bad, it becomes 10:38-39). That means when people who love us, but loving that would be a very heavy pack! a pattern. If we refuse to for- God asks us to do something, we people who are unkind to us can Sometimes in life, we have heavy give those who mistreat us, for should listen to what He is ask- be scary or difficult. With God, things to carry. The Bible calls example, then we are forming a ing us to do and try our best to however, it’s different: He loves them burdens. Sometimes our bad pattern. The Bible teaches obey. What could you do when each of us with all His heart, burdens are physical, and some- us not to follow the bad patterns you find it hard to obey? even when we do things that hurt times they are emotional, such of this world (Romans 12:2). Pray: Ask God to give you a Him. Romans 5:8 says that God as sadness and anger. God wants Instead we should try to fol- faithful, obedient heart. showed us His love by sending us to help one another bear our low Jesus’ pattern. He taught us —Marcy Lytle His Son to die for us. Since God burdens. By doing so, we fulfill how to act so that others would loves us so much, what could we the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2). see that we’re trying to love like do to show His love to others? What are some ways we can help Jesus. What behaviors help oth- Pray: Pray that you would love carry someone else’s burdens? ers see Jesus in you? others like God loves you. Pray: Pray that God will give you Pray: Ask God to help you —Jaime Schreiner compassion for those carrying change bad patterns in your burdens and provide a way for behavior to be more like Jesus. you to share their load. —Naomi Cassata —Crystal Brothers

Focus on the Family 23 on the go devotions • Obedience

Bear Good Fruit on-the-go devotions Rich Beyond Your Recognize Your Helplessness Play: Play “I’m Thinking of a Wealth Play: Hide a dollar or new toy somewhere in your house or your car. Fruit Tree.” Describe differ- Play: Describe what your day Ask your children to cross their arms, sit cross-legged, close their eyes ent kinds of fruit trees based on PoOR in would be like as a famous per- (and remain in their seatbelts, if in the car). Tell them that if they spot the type of fruit they produce. son, such as a movie star, athlete the treasure without saying a word or changing their position, they can For example, “I’m thinking of or political figure. Let each child keep it. a tree that grows sour, yellow SPIRiT take a turn and talk about how Talk: You probably felt frustrated. You were given a task, but you fruit,” or “I’m thinking of a tree money, fame and power might couldn’t use your arms, legs or voice. You were helpless to complete that grows round, red fruit that change how she lived. it. Realizing your helplessness might make you feel sad. But helpless- is crunchy and sweet.” Have Talk: We sometimes think that ness can be a good thing if it means you’re admitting to Jesus that you your kids guess what tree you’re blessed people are those with are unable to reach God on your own. Our sin separates us from God, describing. a lot of material possessions. and we’re helpless to remove our sin. That’s why Jesus, who lived a Talk: Many trees look similar, In 1 Timothy 6:17, the wealthy life without sin, died on the Cross to make us pure (Romans 5:6). His but the type of fruit they pro- are told not to put their faith in sacrifice washes away our sin and allows us to be drawn near to God. duce sets them apart. Just as what they own, but in God, who Once we realize that we are spiritually helpless, we can stop trying fruit trees can be recognized by gives us what we need. In the to reach God on our own and ask Jesus to help us. How do our sins the fruit that grows on them, our Sermon on the Mount, Jesus remind us of our need for Jesus? lives produce a kind of “fruit” went as far as saying that peo- Pray: Ask God to remind you of your spiritual helplessness so you will that allows others to recognize ple who are “poor in spirit” are always know your need for Jesus. us as followers of Jesus. These blessed. So regardless of their —Amy Simon fruit aren’t foods, but actions— circumstances—money, fame or love, joy, peace, patience, power—if they treat others bet- kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ter than themselves and live in gentleness and self-control— humility before God, they are called the “fruit of the Spirit” considered wealthy or blessed (Galatians 5:22-23). What are in the kingdom of heaven. How some ways the fruit of the Spirit might a humble attitude make can be seen in your life? you a blessed person? Pray: Ask God to help you show Pray: Ask God for humility and love, joy, peace, patience, kind- the ability to know how great ness, goodness, faithfulness and He is. self-control to those around you. —Cortney Whiting —Nicole Brouwer

Focus on the Family 24 on the go devotions • Poor in Spirit

The Kingdom of Heaven Ask for Help on-the-go devotions God Takes Our Guilt God Wants to Play: Have one family member Play: Make pairs. One person If We Ask Him Know You describe the perfect bedroom. in the pair can use his voice, but Play: Recite this poem together Play: Play a game of “I spy” When done, have each person can’t move. The other can move, SalvATiOn while family members sit cross- focused on small items that finish this sentence: “If I were but only if asked, and can’t say legged with their arms under do big or powerful things. For helping make your bedroom per- anything. Ask each pair to com- their legs up to their elbows. example, in a car someone may fect, I would . . .” Ask each person plete a task, such as having one They can straighten out on the “spy” keys, the radio knob or a to consider what the other fam- person raise a hand and recite third line. power window button. ily member has said and imagine a Bible verse. (The person with My body’s like a pretzel; I know Talk: The things you spied are putting something in the bed- the voice will have to ask the it sounds odd, small, but they cause big things room that the sibling or parent other person to move his own to happen. Small things can would like. Once enough special hand in the air and hold it while But that’s how my heart feels have a big impact. Jesus was things are added, move on to the he recites the verse.) Other until I talk to God. only 12 years old when He aston- next person’s perfect bedroom tasks might be to laugh and clap I’m now relaxed and happy, and ished the religious leaders with description. Continue until every- or sing and stand on one leg. feeling good again. His knowledge. David was a one has had a turn. Talk: Whenever you have to do I admitted I was wrong, and God young man when he defended Talk: When Jesus talked about something you can’t do yourself, forgave my sin. God’s people and defeated heaven, He said, “In my Father’s you should ask for help. Telling Talk: When we do some- Goliath. When we depend on house are many rooms. If it were God you need His help is part thing wrong, we often feel bad, God, neither size nor age mat- not so, would I have told you that of being “poor in spirit.” He twisted inside like a pretzel. ters because He is at work in us I go to prepare a place for you?” wants us to tell Him our needs Psalm 32:3-5 reminds us that if (1 Timothy 4:12). What are some (John 14:2). He is preparing a (Matthew 6:11). The Bible says we don’t admit our sin to God, big things you can do or have home, which we call “heaven,” we will be blessed if we dis- our guilt can make us physically done by God’s power? for those who trust in Him. This play a spirit that humbly looks sick. If we talk to God and ask Pray: Thank God for using you new home will be located on a to God for answers (Matthew Him to forgive us, we can relax to do great things because He is new earth (2 Peter 3:13), and 5:3). Being poor in spirit makes and feel good again. Only God powerful. if Jesus is preparing this place us rich in God’s eyes. What are can make our hearts pure, cheer- for us, it is going to be amazing. some ways that you can ask God —Naomi Cassata ful and healthy. Have you ever What might Jesus include in your for help each day—not just when felt better after talking to Him? heavenly home to help you under- you are in trouble? If so, what happened? stand how much He loves you? Pray: Talk to God about what Pray: Ask God to help you con- Pray: Ask God to give you an you need right now, and ask Him fess your sins to Him so you excitement for the place He is to help you trust Him. won’t have to carry the heavy preparing for you. —Julie Campbell burden of guilt. —Chris Brack —Kelly J. Stigliano Focus on the Family 25 on the go devotions • Salvation

God Gives Us Grace Hear and Believe God’s Requirements Becoming Children Play: Play a few rounds of Simon Play: Give each of your kids an Play: Try to remember the good of God Says. After a couple of rounds, unexpected small gift, such as a deeds that people you know have Play: On a routine trip to school allow one of the eliminated coin, treat or new crayons. done in the last week. Take turns or church, have the kids close players to remain in the game. Talk: Jesus gives gifts, but not listing as many of these good their eyes after they buckle up. Say, “Though you deserve to be the same kind that parents or deeds as you can in one minute. With their eyes still closed, ask out because you didn’t follow friends give us. In John 5:24, Talk: God gives us the power to them to guess where they are on Simon’s commands, I’m going He said that He would give do good things. In Micah 6:8, the route. After they guess, tell to pretend it never happened.” an extra-special gift to those God says that He wants us to them the correct answer and Play again, allowing that person who listen to what He says and act justly, love mercy and walk have them open their eyes. to continue in the game. believe in God. The special gift humbly with Him. To “act justly” Talk: Did your kids believe your Talk: Each time we sin against Jesus promised us is forgiveness means to treat others in ways answer? Specifically ask if they God, we are not deserving of and life with Him. Because Jesus that follow God’s rules—telling believed you, in part, because His forgiveness, yet He freely gives us the gift of forgiveness, the truth, not cheating or steal- you are their parent. God wants gives it to us. That’s called grace. how can we share that gift with ing. To “love mercy” means to us to believe Him, too. He wants Ephesians 6:24 tells us that others? show others kindness and grace. us to believe that He brought God’s grace is available to all Pray: Thank God for the won- And to “walk humbly with your Jesus back to life, that Jesus is who love Him. Because of God’s derful gift of life forever with God” is to follow God obediently, God and that we can completely grace, we receive forgiveness Him. allowing Him to be in control. trust Him. John 1:12 says that and many other blessings. What What are some good things we when we believe God, we are —Marti Pieper are some ways that God has could do today, and which cate- His children. What are some shown His grace to you? gory does each fit into? ways we show that we believe Pray: Thank God that He freely Pray: Thank God for giving you what God says? gives grace to you. Pray that you the power to do what His Word Pray: Thank God for accepting would be able to share His grace says is good. you into His family. with others. —Marti Pieper —Kim Banta —Rev. Jill Waltz

Focus on the Family 26 on-the-go devotions Changing Matter God’s Perfect Design God’s Handiwork Play: Partially fill a clear glass jar with very hot or boiling water. Play: Observe a bird in flight and Play: Go for a walk. Find the dif- Place a bowl or plate over the top of the jar. After a few seconds, discuss what makes it able to fly ferences between the tree trunks SciENce & fill the bowl or plate with ice. Watch for several minutes to see so well. The wings. The feathers. you pass. If the trees have leaves what happens inside the jar. The bird’s shape. Make paper air- on them, collect several. Make Talk: Trees, rivers and the air we breathe are all made out of mat- planes of different shapes to see leaf or trunk rubbings by plac- FaITH ter. Matter is the stuff all around us. It appears in three forms: which ones fly best. ing a blank sheet of paper on the solid, liquid and gas. Some of these forms can change into other Talk: God perfectly designed trunk or the vein side of the leaf. forms. In our experiment, we saw water in all three states. Steam birds for flight. We can see God’s Rub the side of a crayon over the (gas) formed from the hot water (liquid). Then the ice (solid) flawless design in other parts of paper. above it cooled the steam and caused it to rain (liquid) inside the His creation, too. God has placed Talk: God intricately designed jar. In nature, water turns to gas that forms clouds, and then the the Earth at just the right distance large and small things, such as clouds water the earth. The Bible tells us that God puts the clouds from the sun so humans can live. tree trunks and leaves. Psalm in the sky and sends the rain, snow and frost (Psalm 147:8,16). If our planet shifted too close to 104 lists many of the wonder- Without this process, plants would not get the water they need to the sun, we would burn up, and if ful things He made—clouds, live. It demonstrates not only God’s loving provision, but also His it shifted away from the sun, we mountains and valleys. He purposeful design. How does God lovingly provide for you? Where would freeze. God created our provided rivers and waters so do you see His purposeful design around you? moon the perfect size and dis- animals can drink. He formed Pray: Thank God for sending rain and caring for His creation. tance from our planet. If the moon trees where birds can build were smaller, it would not pull on nests. He filled seas with magnif- —R.J. Griffith the oceans and cause the tides. If icent creatures from the smallest the moon were larger, it would plankton to the largest whale. bring such enormous tides that When we see the workings of no one could live near any ocean. His amazing creation around us, Colossians 1:17 says that in God we realize that God cares about all things hold together. What has His handiwork. In what ways God created in your world that does God’s creation show Him has worked perfectly? as an artist? How does it show Pray: Thank God for holding Him as an engineer? everything together and planning Pray: Thank God for His cre- a world that was just right for our ation and ask Him to help you existence. see the beauty and design of —Jolene Ceravalo and what He has made. Kristen Joy Wilks —Julie Reece-DeMarco

Focus on the Family 27 on the go devotions • Science & Faith

Invisible Things Give Evidence of God on-the-go devotions A Servant’s Heart A Servant’s Heart Play: God can use things we can’t see to change things we can see. Is Compassionate Is Grateful Demonstrate this concept with this experiment: Play: Take turns showing an Play: Have a gratitude contest. 1. Fill a clear plastic bottle with one inch of warm water. SeRvANT’s emotion on your face. Let other Take turns sharing about a nice family members mimic the thing that someone has done for 2. Add a packet of yeast to the water and swirl it. facial expression and guess the you. Continue taking turns until 3. Add a teaspoon of sugar and swirl it. HEArT emotion. someone can’t think of anything 4. Blow up a balloon to stretch it out, and then place the deflated bal- Talk: Understanding how peo- to say. loon over the neck of the bottle. ple feel helps us recognize what Talk: When someone does 5. Let the bottle sit in a warm place for about 20 minutes. they need and helps us respond something nice and unexpected, to their needs with compas- it makes us feel grateful. We Talk: How did the balloon fill up with air? God created tiny living sion. That’s what Jesus did. He appreciate what that person did organisms called yeast. As the water dissolved the yeast, it became responded to the needs of those because we know it took time, active. When yeast ate the sugar, it released carbon dioxide, a gas. This around Him by showing com- energy and resources. After peo- gas inflated the balloon. Even though we couldn’t see all that was tak- passion. He healed the sick and ple do something nice for us, ing place, God designed the yeast, sugar and water to work in this way. fed the hungry. God wants us sometimes we want to do some- Colossians 1:16 states that Christ created all things, even things that to do the same—to look at the thing nice for them. The Bible are invisible. What has God done for you that you couldn’t see until people around us, see what says that we love because God later? they need and then serve them. first loved us (1 John 4:19). This Pray: Thank God for creating all things, even the things we can’t see. When we see the needs of oth- means that because we experi- —Cortney Whiting ers (empathy) and then help enced God’s love first, we can them (compassion), we are love God and show His love to serving God (Matthew 25:35- others. We do this out of grati- 36). What is a need that one of tude for what He’s done for us. our friends or relatives has, and What is one thing God has done what can we do to show him or for you that makes you want to her compassion? do something nice for others? Pray: Ask God for His love for Pray: Ask God to help you be others so you are able to show grateful for what He’s done for them His compassion. you so you can serve others in —Rev. Jill Waltz the same way. —Cortney Whiting

Focus on the Family 28 on the go devotions • Servant’s Heart

A Servant’s Heart Is Humble A Servant’s Heart A Servant Shows A Servant’s Heart Play: Stand in a line, one behind the other. Decide on where to go, Is Joyful Kindness to Others Is Trustworthy such as to a specific tree or location in your house. The first person in Play: Play the “ha” game. The Play: Ask your children to pick Play: At the beginning of the day, line moves to the end of the line, so her back is facing in the direction first person starts out saying one person and write a coupon give your children something of of the destination. Then the next “leader” does the same, so you are “ha.” The next person says “ha for that person. The coupon little value, such as a full sheet one person closer to the goal. Those moving to the end steer the line’s ha.” Play continues with each should help your kids show kind- of paper or an egg, to take care direction. In this way, the line slowly moves in the opposite direction person adding one more “ha” ness to someone that week. For of for the day. During your devo- that you are facing, toward your goal, one person at a time. than the last. (The game often example, a coupon might say, tional time, ask your children Talk: Everyone wants to be first, but in God’s kingdom, the first will ends with laughter.) “This coupon is good for one use how they cared for it. Let them be last. Sometimes that idea is confusing. It doesn’t mean that we Talk: Saying ha isn’t laugh- to help you clean your room this show its condition. shouldn’t try to win at games or do well at school; rather, it means that ter, but saying ha enough times week.” Talk: Sometimes we are asked God works through those who are humble and who serve others (Mark often leads to the real thing. In Talk: It feels good when some- to do things that don’t seem 9:35). We need a humble heart that puts others first. And it starts by the same way, serving others one says or does something important to us. However, com- our finding out what others need and not just giving people our left- isn’t naturally fun, but when kind for us. Ephesians 4:32 pleting the tasks we’re given is overs. How do you put others first when you do what they need vs. done with the right attitude, it says, “Be kind to one another.” important to God. We should what you think they need? is often rewarding and leads to God shows kindness to us, and not look at how big, fun or pop- Pray: Thank God for showing us, through Jesus, how to live humbly. real joy. Whether we are help- He wants us to be kind to oth- ular a task is. Instead, we should ing someone who needs help ers. When we are kind to other think about how each thing we —Naomi Cassata or doing chores at home, we people, we show them God’s do, no matter how small, is a can do these things with a ser- kindness and love, too. What is chance to serve God. When we vant’s heart, modeling how Jesus one way that you can be kind to wholeheartedly do what God has served us (Philippians 2:4-7). someone? asked us to do, such as be kind What is the difference between Pray: Thank God for His kind- to and help others, He is pleased serving with a good attitude and ness to you, and ask Him to with our faithfulness (Matthew a bad attitude? help you show kindness to other 25:23). What are some little ways Pray: Ask God to help you serve people. that you can serve God today? others with a glad heart. —Alice Zvacek Pray: Thank God for giving you —Naomi Cassata & Crystal Brothers opportunities to work for Him. —Cortney Whiting

Focus on the Family 29 God Gives Me Strength Strength in Weakness Strong on the Inside Play: Start a rhyming game of Play: Choose a partner and Play: Look for things that are

gth true statements beginning with I thumb wrestle to see who is the strong, like buildings, bridges or can . . . “I can tie my shoe.” The strongest. bulldozers. Don’t forget people! next person might say, “I can Talk: God gives us strength and Take turns flexing your muscles. sing louder than you.” Have wants us to recognize that it Talk: When we trust God, He REN each person offer a statement comes from Him. He also wants makes us strong, kind of like a using a new rhyming word. on-the-go devotions us to know that when we’re tall skyscraper or a big truck. He St Talk: Philippians 4:13 says, “I weak, we can ask for His help doesn’t always make us physi- can do everything through him (2 Corinthians 12:9). When we cally strong, but He does give us who gives me strength.” God admit to God that we need Him, strong minds and strong hearts. gives us the ability to tie our He will help us in our weak- When something bad or scary shoes, sing and ride bikes. He nesses. God wants us to rely on happens, we have the strength to even helps us do harder things, Him in everything we do, and face it because we trust God to such as forgiving someone who’s our weaknesses can be a good be there with us (Isaiah 40:31). hurt us or admitting when we’re reminder of our need for Him. When have you felt God’s pres- wrong. God gives us a helper What weaknesses can God help ence and strength in a difficult who strengthens us to do these you with? situation? things—the Holy Spirit. What Pray: Pray that you would learn Pray: Ask God to help you are some things you need help to rely on God every day, and remember that He gives us with now? give thanks for your weaknesses strong bodies, minds and hearts. Pray: Pray Philippians 4:13, sub- because they allow you to experi- —Amy Cobb stituting each family member’s ence His strength. name in place of the I. “Carol —Susie Klein can do everything through him who gives her strength . . . “ —Carol Hatcher

Focus on the Family 30 on-the-go devotions God Helps the Poor God Saves God Forgives and God Comforts and Needy Play: Have children take turns Wants Us to Forgive Play: Make a verbal acrostic for Play: Take off your shoes and throwing an object either at a Play: Have your children the word comfort. Use one or WhaT DoES walk on a variety of surfaces. target or into a container. Make straighten their arms and hold more words beginning with each Have every family member sure they are too far away or at something relatively heavy (rock, letter, c-o-m-f-o-r-t, to explain describe how each surface feels. the wrong angle to succeed. You brick, backpack, purse, large what the word means. For exam- GOd dO? should be between them and the book) until their arms grow ple: For “c,” you could use Talk: Have you ever won- target or container. After they Christ or caring; for “o,” offer dered what life would be like weak. have failed, have them hand the help. without shoes? Hot pavement Talk: God forgives us, and He object to you. Then you can hit would burn your feet. Icy sur- commands us to forgive oth- Talk: In (2 Corinthians 1:3), the the target perfectly. faces would numb them. Sharp ers, too (Ephesians 4:32). Did Bible calls God “the God of all things would cut and scrape Talk: In our game, it was impos- your arms feel weak holding that comfort.” His comfort brings us them. It would be hard to walk sible for you to reach the target. object? When it comes to for- joy instead of sadness, courage in a lot of places without shoes. But when you depended on me, I giving someone who has hurt us, instead of fear and hope instead Did you know that not every- reached it for you. In life, we fall we’re all weak. In fact, we prob- of hopelessness. It helps us to one has a pair of shoes? Many short of the life God wants for us. ably can’t truly forgive without trust Him no matter what hap- people need shoes and other We are all guilty of sin (Romans God’s help. If we ask Him, He pens. Through the comfort God things, such as food, clean 3:23), and sin keeps us from God. will give us His strength to for- gives, He wants us to comfort water and warm clothing. God Only Jesus, God the Son, can give others. Then we’ll feel free, others. How can you bring com- says in Psalm 72:13 that He is make it possible for us to reach just as you probably felt when fort to someone this week? concerned for the needy. He God. That is why Jesus died and you let go of what you had in Pray: Thank God for the com- takes care of even their small- rose again. He paid for our sins your arms. Is there someone you fort He gives you. Ask Him to est needs—ones we can and to free us from guilt and give us need to forgive today? help you comfort others. new life. This gift is called sal- can’t see. When we notice some- Pray: Ask God to help you vation. It is God’s gift to all who —Donna K. Stearns one who is in need, we can join understand the power of His believe that Jesus’ death paid with God in helping that person. forgiveness and the importance for their sin. This is great news We can show His love by giving of forgiving others. a hug, some food, clothes or a everyone should hear! How can pair of shoes. How can you help God use you to help others learn —Amy Lanham someone in need today? the truth? Pray: Pray that God will help you Pray: Ask God to help you tell notice people in need and do others about His gift of salvation. what you can to help them. —Donna K. Stearns —Christine St. Jacques

Focus on the Family 31 on the go devotions • What Does God Do?

God Is Slow to Anger God Guides on-the-go devotions A Father to the God Answers Play: Ask your children if 30 Play: Give and follow each oth- Fatherless Play: Try to create different bird seconds is fast or slow. Have er’s instructions, such as “Count Play: Challenge your kids to list sounds. Can you sound like a everyone stand on one leg for 30 by 2’s up to 10,” or “Show Who Is as many baby needs as they can songbird? A duck? A crow? A seconds. See how high you can me three fingers, then blink in 30 seconds. Then see if your parrot? count or how many letters you twice” or “Tell me your favorite kids can beat their “score” by Talk: Birds often use their can say in 30 seconds. Watch vegetable.” GOd? listing even more needs that songs to call out to one another a clock’s second hand tick for Talk: In order to follow instruc- older kids have. or warn others of danger. 30 seconds. Try many different tions, we have to listen carefully. Talk: Children of all ages need Sometimes, if you sound enough activities in the same time frame. The most important instruc- lots of things to have healthy like their “friends,” birds will Talk: When things don’t go your tions are in the Bible, God’s lives. Some children, however, call back to you! When we’re way, do you get angry? Anger message to us. Since He made do not have families to help meet in need, we can call out to God. usually happens fast, but Psalm us, He knows better than any- their needs. That’s why Psalm And His response to us is so 86:15 reminds us that God is full one what is best for us. If we 68:5 says that God is a Father to much more than just bird chat- of love and slow to anger. We listen carefully and follow God’s the fatherless and will defend ter; He knows our need and need to be more like Him. If instructions, He will show us and protect them. Sometimes answers us. That’s what Psalm you feel yourself getting angry, how to live each day. Psalm children are adopted by loving 17:6 says. While God doesn’t wait for 30 seconds. Stop and 73:24 tells us that God guides us families who are able to provide always answer our prayers the think about what is happening. in life, and that we may one day for them. How can our family way we want, His purposes are Repeat Psalm 86:15. By waiting enjoy His glory in heaven. What help those in need? greater than ours. What are 30 seconds, we can slow down can you do today to follow God’s some ways God can answer Pray: Thank God that you can our anger. Then we will be bet- instructions? prayers? come to Him in prayer. Ask God ter able to follow Ephesians 4:26, Pray: Ask God to help you pay to help you remember those who Pray: Thank God that when you which warns us not to let our attention and obey His instruc- have no one to care for them. call out to Him, He will always anger lead to sin. How has your tions in the Bible, knowing that hear and answer. anger led to sin? How could you —Courtney Roberts He wants to share more of him- —Tori R. Haverkamp have shown God’s love instead? self with you. Pray: Ask God to help you to —Amy Fritsche slow down when you are angry and remember to love others instead of responding in anger. —Amy Fritsche and Sarah Kohrs

Focus on the Family 32 on the go devotions • Who Is God?

God Is Our Protector God Is Our Provider Nothing Is Impossible on-the-go devotions Heavenly Wisdom Play: Test your child’s knowl- Play: Start telling a story and for God Play: Ask your kids questions edge. Name a full-grown animal invite everyone to contrib- Play: Have your children sit. Ask that test their wisdom: If you and have your child tell you the ute. Begin with “Once upon a them to touch things that are WISdOM had three cookies and could baby name for it (e.g., cat/kitten, time…” and let imaginations out of reach, without getting share them with a friend or eat dog/puppy, chicken/chick). take it away. Each person directs up. Next, whisper a question them all yourself without anyone Talk: A baby chick will hide the story to lead the main char- to them so they can barely hear knowing, what would you do? If under its mother’s wings, where acter to a problem. Just when the it. Repeat these activities a few you receive $10 as a gift, would it feels safe. Kittens and pup- problem seems impossible, the times. you save it, spend it, give it away next person provides a way out. or combine these options? Who pies stay close to their parents Talk: In our game, it was diffi- can name a godly choice and a for protection. Proverbs 30:5 Talk: The Bible says that God cult to touch beyond our reach worldly choice in each scenario? says that God is our protec- will meet all of our needs or clearly hear the whispered tion. When we are afraid or through Jesus (Philippians messages. Our abilities are lim- Talk: Throughout our lives, we worried, we can come to Him. 4:19). We might not see a solu- ited. But there is someone who need to make decisions. We have But even while God protects us, tion to our problems, but God can do anything. Isaiah 59:1 says, the choice to follow two kinds of He doesn’t always prevent bad is always able to provide exactly “Surely the arm of the Lord is wisdom. When we put our own things from happening. Do you what we need. Sometimes what not too short to save, nor his needs and desires before the think there’s a reason He wants He provides is the strength to ear too dull to hear.” Nothing is needs of others, we are choosing us to experience those difficult endure our problems. Although impossible for God, and we can earthly wisdom (James 3:14- times? we don’t know exactly what will pray when we need help. What 15). This kind of wisdom is not Pray: Thank the Lord that He help us get through a tough kinds of things could you ask from God. When we are lov- offers protection and safety to situation, God knows and gener- God to help you with? ing toward others and obedient ously gives us what He knows we to God’s Word, we are choos- those who seek refuge in Him. Pray: Ask God to help you need. What are some ways we ing heavenly wisdom (James remember that He is bigger than —Naomi Cassata have seen God provide? 3:17). When we choose heavenly any problem you may face. Pray: Pray that your family wisdom, it shows in the way we —Naomi Cassata would trust God’s promise to behave. What are some choices provide all your needs. you’ve seen other people make that show heavenly wisdom? —Angie Reedy Pray: Ask God to help you choose the wisdom that comes from heaven. —Naomi Cassata

Focus on the Family 33 on the go devotions • Wisdom

Respect for God The Source of Wisdom Wise Decisions Decisions, Decisions Eternal Treasures Play: Have your children name a Play: Have your children tell you Play: See who can answer Play: As you drive or walk, Play: Look for gold or silver fictional character they consider as many “wise” sayings as they the most questions correctly: determine where you want to alphabet letters on storefront wise (Gandalf from The Hobbit, can think of in two minutes. One What’s two plus eight? What two go, but flip a coin to make deci- signs. The first person to find his Owl from Winnie-the-Pooh). Who example might be, “An apple a colors are mixed to create pur- sions about how you’re going initials is the winner. (If you’re can think of the longest list of day keeps the doctor away.” ple? Who built the ark? Where is to get there. “Heads, we turn in a rural area, see who can be characteristics that make this Talk: Not all of these sayings are our nation’s capital? How many right. Tails, we turn left.” At the first to spot a shiny silver character wise? true or really wise. The way we sides does an octagon have? each intersection, flip the coin roof.) Talk: Wisdom is not sim- measure what is wise is by decid- Talk: Answering those ques- to choose a direction. After four Talk: Shiny, glittery things ply being smart and knowing ing if it agrees with what is in tions didn’t take wisdom. Those or five turns, evaluate how close attract our attention and some- things. And it’s not “being old.” the Bible. The Bible is the ulti- answers are things you learned you are to your destination, then times remind us of riches. According to Job 28:28, wis- mate source of wisdom (Psalm or memorized. Wisdom is differ- finish your walk or drive without Proverbs 16:16 says that wisdom dom is the fear of the Lord. This 119:105). By studying Scripture, ent from knowledge. Knowledge the coin. (knowing how God wants us to means that someone who is we grow in wisdom. What wis- requires studying, but true wis- Talk: Flipping a coin to decide act) is better than riches. Gold wise respects God and His com- dom have you learned from your dom is knowing the right thing how to get where we’re going and silver are not the treasures mands. A wise person looks to favorite Bible story or verse? to do in a difficult situation. The doesn’t make sense and might that make life good. How is wis- God as the boss and makes deci- Pray: Thank God for the wisdom Bible tells us that wisdom comes even take us farther away from dom better than money, fancy sions based on whether that the Bible gives you, and ask Him from heaven. God is happy to our destination. Fortunately, cars or diamonds? choice will please God. On a to help you apply what you learn. grant us wisdom. James 1:5 says there’s a better way to make Pray: Pray for wisdom to do scale of one to 10, with 10 being we only have to ask, and God decisions. The Bible says that what’s right. the wisest, how wise are you? —Cortney Whiting will give us the wisdom we need. God gives us wisdom through —Kathleen Grimm Welty Pray: Thank God for giving us What decisions can you ask God Jesus (Colossians 1:9-10). the ability to be wise. to help you make today? When we need to make an important decision, we can rely —Cortney Whiting Pray: Pray about any decisions you need to make. on Jesus to guide us in the right direction. How do you know —Candice W. Allison whether you’ve made a good decision? Pray: Ask God to help you make wise choices. —Lisa Bartelt

Focus on the Family 34 on the go devotions • Wisdom

Thinking Good It’s a Toss-up on-the-go devotions Our Awesome God Thoughts Play: As you drive or walk, deter- Play: Look up at the night sky and take in its wonder. Then guess how Play: Have kids close their eyes mine where you want to go, but many stars are shining. Point out the North Star or any groups of and imagine various destina- flip a coin to make decisions WORShiP stars or constellations you know, such as the Big Dipper, Orion or the tions that you call out, such as about how you’re going to get Northern Cross. See if you find new patterns or designs. a beach, a snow-covered hill, there. “Heads, we turn right. Talk: Without a telescope, people can see up to a few hundred stars a campfire beneath the stars. Tails, we turn left.” At each in a city and around 5,000 in a rural or nature-only area. With a tele- Have them describe what’s in intersection, flip the coin to scope, we can see millions of stars, but not even astronomers can their minds—what they smell, choose a direction. After four count all the stars in the universe. These lights in the night sky, though, feel, taste, hear. Join the imag- or five turns, evaluate how close are a constant reminder of God’s greatness. In Isaiah 40:26, we learn inary mental journey by adding you are to your destination, then that God created the stars and calls each one by name. Just think, God additional sensory details. finish your walk or drive without is powerful enough to have created the heavens but tender enough the coin. Talk: Directing our thoughts to to know the stars individually. In the same way, God is not only our what’s pleasant can positively Talk: Flipping a coin to decide Creator but also our Father, and He knows each one of us by name, affect our feelings and actions. how to get where we’re going too. What other things in creation help you understand God’s power? How we think about something doesn’t make sense and might What things show His tenderness? often affects what we say or do. even take us farther away from Pray: Thank God for His ability to create more stars than we can see, That’s why our thoughts are so our destination. Fortunately, while still knowing about each one. important—they can cause us to there’s a better way to make —Nicole Brouwer make either good or bad choices. choices. The Bible says that The Bible tells us to focus on God gives us wisdom through ideas and images that are true, Jesus (Colossians 1:9-10). When Crown of Splendor we need to make an important pure and lovely (Philippians Play: Try to spot gray or silver cars. See who can find the most. 4:8). What are some thoughts decision, we can rely on Jesus that would help us make God- to guide us in the right direc- Talk: The Bible talks about the color gray. Proverbs 16:31 says that pleasing choices? tion. How do you know whether “gray hair is the crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life.” you’ve made a good choice? This verse reminds us that we should respect our elders because they Pray: Ask God to help you think have lived a long time and learned what it means to be holy. What are Pray: Ask God to help you make good thoughts that lead to posi- ways you can show respect to the elderly people you know? tive action. wise choices. Pray: Spend a few moments praying for grandparents and elderly —Lisa Bartelt —Terri Foster friends and neighbors. —Lindsey Bell

Focus on the Family 35 on the go devotions • Worship

Praise God, All on-the-go devotions A Personal Testimony No Beginning, Light or Darkness? the Earth About Jesus No Ending Play: Have one person name Play: Form a creation band! Play: Have your children “tes- Play: Take turns making up various actions, such as baking What would a creek sound 1 JOhn 1 tify” about another family short stories. Before each per- a cake for a friend or stealing like praising God? How about member. Ask them to list as son’s turn, have family members lunch money. The others should an ocean? Wind? Frogs? many facts as they can about the name a person, place or thing to shout, “In the light,” meaning Elephants? Choose a part of cre- family member in two minutes. be included in the story. When it’s OK for others to see what ation to “sing” praises to the At the end, ask them to explain a person has included that ele- they’re doing, or “In the dark,” Lord, making nature sounds to why they know so much about ment, the person may touch meaning people prefer to not the tune of your favorite wor- that person. someone else’s hand to tag out. have others see their actions. ship song. Talk: We are able to describe Then the tagged person must Talk: When your family did this Talk: Singing praise to God is people we know because we end the story before the next activity, you were able to con- a fun way to worship Him. We have spent time with them. Jesus’ person can start a new story. nect sinful activities, things you can sing songs we know or make disciples actually saw Him per- Talk: The stories you created didn’t want others to see, to up our own tunes. We can play form miracles, heard Him teach have a beginning and an end- darkness and other activities, musical instruments or shout and touched Him after He rose ing, just as our life on earth has things that were OK for oth- for joy to show God that we love from the grave (1 John 1:1-2). In a beginning and ending. The ers to see, to the light. The Bible Him and we’re grateful for His fact, they lived alongside Jesus Bible tells us that everything tells us in 1 John 1:5 that God is blessings. In Psalm 148, we read for about three years, which was created through Jesus, the light and there is no darkness in that all of creation joins us in made them the perfect people Word (John 1:1-4). He is life Him at all. The darkness men- praising God. What are some of to spread the Good News about and the giver of life (1 John 1:1- tioned here is a picture of sin. your favorite ways to worship Him. Because of these men’s 4). Although we had a beginning, When we follow God, we choose the Lord? testimonies, we have a record Jesus did not. He was born as a to act in godly ways that keep us in His light. When we ignore Pray: Praise God and tell Him of who Jesus was and what He human, but He has always been God’s way, we choose darkness how much you love Him. did when He was on earth. What and always will be God. When are some things the disciples He died on the Cross, death instead of God’s light. Can you —Jan May learned about Jesus by being could not hold Him (Acts 2:24). name some actions that show able to see, hear and touch him? He was too powerful. How does God’s light and some that show the world’s darkness? Pray: Thank God for giving us knowing that Jesus has no end the Gospels to show us a clear make you feel safer? Pray: Ask God to help you con- picture of who Jesus is. Pray: Ask God to help you tinue to walk in His light and not in the darkness of the world. —Cortney Whiting understand that Jesus is God. He was, is and always will be. —Heather Greer and Alice Zvacek —Donna K. Stearns

Focus on the Family 36 on the go devotions • 1 John 1

Cleaning Up Lying About Sin on-the-go devotions Don’t Be Deceived Play: Ask your kids what each Play: Play a game of “Totuto’s Excuses.” Have one person tell about Play: Think of a family memory. As would do to see who could get something bad that Totuto might do, such as cheating on a test. Then the family retells the story together, his or her clothes the dirtiest. have everyone make up an excuse as if to justify the behavior. Silly, 1 JohN 2 add a few things that aren’t true. See Rate the ideas as: most origi- ridiculous excuses make the activity more fun, such as the reason if anyone stops and corrects you. nal, dirtiest, slimiest, most fun, why Totuto cheated on the test was because the invisible, man-eating Talk: People usually retell stories in hardest to clean, etc. lion next to him in the classroom wanted the right answer to question a way that makes them sound even Talk: When we really know Jesus, seven, and Totuto knew he didn’t have it. Once the excuses are done, better than what really happened. we realize that He is perfect and have the first person tell what Totuto should do to make up for the bad Sometimes they include things we are a mess. It is like compar- behavior, regardless of whether he was caught. that aren’t true, either because of a ing a perfectly clean, white shirt Talk: Even though silly excuses can make us laugh, they do not justify faulty memory or a desire to make a with one smeared with pizza, wrong behavior. Most excuses are an attempt to justify actions. Many story sound better. When it comes chocolate and sticky mud. Our are lies. We invent excuses to make ourselves look good, but the real- to telling people about God, some sin makes our hearts disgust- ity is that our wrong behaviors make us sinners. God says all of us are may try to deceive us on purpose, ingly dirty. The Bible promises sinners (Romans 3:23). If we say we never sin, we are actually lying and others who are confused about that God will cleanse our hearts to ourselves (1 John 1:8). God wants us to admit our wrong behavior, the truth may try to get us to believe through the blood of Jesus if we instead of trying to make excuses. Once we admit we’re sinners, we as they do. They might want to con- admit our sin and ask His for- will know we need a Savior. How do you know you are a sinner? vince us that Jesus was only a man giveness (1 John 1:7,9). Why is Pray: Thank God that we can come to Him for forgiveness when we sin. and not God. When this happens, it so hard to admit that we aren’t we need to reject what they say and perfect? —Jolene Ceravalo believe what God’s Word says. The Pray: Ask God to help you rec- Bible says that whoever denies Jesus ognize and admit your sin so that as the Son of God doesn’t have the He can cleanse your heart. Father, but whoever believes in Jesus has the Father also (1 John —Jeanne Dennis and Christine St. 2:23). This means that Jesus and Jacques the Father are one (John 10:30). Without Jesus, we can’t know God. What are some ways that we can keep from being deceived about who Jesus is? Pray: Pray that the Lord will reveal His truth to you and help you stay firm in your belief in Jesus. —Crystal Brothers Focus on the Family 37 on the go devotions • 1 John 2

Be a Copycat Eyes on the Light Stay Connected What Do You Love? Bridging the Gap Play: Make a list of people, Play: Choose one person to hold to Jesus Play: Take turns being the Play: Have two family members such as relatives, celebrities or a flashlight. In a darkened room, Play: Have your children take announcer of a commercial stand apart and figure out how to other individuals, that every- have other family members turns grabbing hold of your for a product or service, trying form a bridge between them for a one in your family would know. close their eyes. The flashlight waist from behind. Tell them, to convince other family mem- stuffed animal to cross, using only Have the whole family imitate holder should point the flash- “Keep holding onto me. If you bers to buy it. Then talk about their bodies. (They can try extend- one person on the list. Decide light toward one person and stay connected to me, you’ll how each commercial made ing arms or legs, bending at the who did the best impersonation. then another, slowly. With eyes get a reward.” Do various you desire the item, appealed waist, etc.) Then have them back up Continue in this way for each closed, everyone should turn movements—some easy, some to your senses, made you feel one step and make the bridge again. person on your list. toward the light and try to keep challenging. If they get discon- good or bad about yourself, Continue taking steps back and mak- Talk: We often recognize peo- their faces in the direction of the nected from you, let them try or convinced you that others ing bridges until they are too far ple by their mannerisms and the light as it moves. again. After your children have would think better of you. apart to reach. Have another fam- way they act because what they Talk: The Bible tells us that followed for a few minutes, give Talk: Sometimes we think we ily member step in to help form the say and do are familiar to us. To anyone who hates others is in them each a reward. need something just because it bridge. Continue in this way until the whole family is part of the bridge and become more familiar with what darkness, but those who love Talk: Even when we don’t do looks, feels or tastes good, or it covers the longest area possible. Jesus said and did while on earth, are in the light (1 John 2:9-11). things right every time, life is makes us feel good about our- we can read the Bible and go to Jesus commanded us to love better when we stay connected selves. The Bible teaches that Talk: Bridges reach across an church. But if we really want to one another, so we disobey Him to Jesus. We stay connected, we should love the Father more expanse to connect things. They help know Jesus, we must also spend when we hate others. Hate is like or “abide,” by praying, read- than the things of this world. us get from one place to another. time with Him in prayer so that a blindfold that makes it hard for ing His Word daily and trying According to 1 John 2:15-17, Jesus, God’s Son, is the bridge we understand His heart. In us to follow God’s light and do to live the way He lived. When worldly things that look, feel between us and God, our go-be- 1 John 2:3-6, the Bible tells us His will. If we take off the blind- we do this, we will get to know and taste good will not last tween or “advocate,” as the apostle that if we really know Jesus, we fold by choosing to love others, Jesus better. He will mean more forever. Even our accomplish- John puts it (1 John 2:1-2). Sin sepa- will obey His commands and live no matter what they have done, to us than anything or anyone ments will not satisfy us for rated us from God (Isaiah 59:2), but our lives as He did. What are then we can see clearly how to else, and we will obey Him out long. God deserves to be first Jesus made a way for us to reconnect some ways that you can imitate obey God and serve others. How of (2 Corinthians 1:3) love. Then in our lives and hearts. He with God. If we cross the bridge by Jesus? would the relationships around when He comes back for us, we wants us to love Him more believing in Jesus, He removes our Pray: Pray that you would know you change if you asked God to will be excited to see Him and than earthly things. Only He sin and makes peace between God Jesus more, follow His example remove your hate and put on His have confidence in His love for can give us joy that lasts forever. and us. Give an example of when and obey Him. love? us (1 John 2:28). How can you What are three ways you can someone has helped make peace stay connected to God? show your love for God? between you and another person. —Sandra Hendricks Pray: Ask God to help you love everyone and follow His light. Pray: Pray that God will help you Pray: Ask God to help you love Pray: Thank God for sending Jesus —Naomi Bivins know, love and obey Him more Him more than the things of to bridge the gap between Him and every day. this world. us. —Christine St. Jacques —Rhett H. Wilson, Sr., Ph.D. —Donna Stearns Focus on the Family 38 faith • parenting • marriage

Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Text Edition: 2011. All rights reserved. advice, tips and On-the-Go Devotions compilation copyright © 2017 by Focus on the Family. All rights reserved. activities from a biblically based The following devotions are © 2012 by Focus History; The Bible is Our Guide; The Bible Keeps No Record of Wrongs; Love Like Jesus; on the Family: Is Truth; The Bible Teaches Us About the Love Protects; Make Time to Pray; Nothing Is perspective Nature of God; Breastplate of Righteousness; Impossible for God; Obey God; Praise God, All Becoming Children of God; Crown of Christ Is Lord; Christ Is Lord of My Actions; the Earth; Protected By Angels; Recognize Your Splendor; Eternal Treasures; A Father to the Christ Is Lord of My Relationships; Christ Helplessness; Respect for God; Rich Beyond Fatherless; Focused on God; Gifts From God Is Lord of My Resources; Christ Is Lord of Your Wealth; A Servant Shows Kindness to For Your Life; God Answers; God Cares About My Thoughts; Christ Is Lord of My Words; Others; A Servant’s Heart Is Compassionate; You; God Gives Me Strength; God Has a Plan The Church as Branches on the Vine of Jesus A Servant’s Heart Is Grateful; A Servant’s For Your Life; God Is Our Protector; God Christ; The Church as Christ’s Disciples; The Heart Is Humble; A Servant’s Heart Is Joyful; Is Our Provider; God Loves Everyone; God Church as Sheep of the Good Shepherd; The A Servant’s Heart Is Trustworthy; Share Your Planned Us; God Wants to Direct Your Life; Church as the Body of Christ; The Church as Faith; Shield of Faith; The Source of Wisdom; God Wants to Know You; God Wants to Use the Light of the World; The Church Rescued Sword of the Spirit; Wise Decisions You Now; God’s Glory Can Shine Through You; by Christ; The Company You Keep; Decisions, A Good Name; The Great Commission Starts at Decisions; Easy and Hard Commandments; The following articles are © 2014 by Focus on Home; How God Directs Your Life; Laughter Is Feet Fitted With Readiness; Follow Jesus’ the Family: Good for You; Let God Direct Your Life; Moth, Patterns; God Comforts Us by Erasing Sin; Rust, Thieves; Not By Bread Alone; Peace God Comforts Us by Taking Away Guilt; Be a Copycat; Bridging the Gap; Changing From Jesus; Remember God’s Word; Strength God Comforts Us When We Mourn; God Matter; Cleaning Up; Don’t Be Deceived; Eyes in Weakness; Strong on the Inside; Things Created Day and Night; God Created Fish on the Light; God Comforts; God Forgives and We Can’t See; Think About Thankfulness; and Birds; God Created Land Animals; God Wants Us to Forgive; God Guides; God Helps Thinking Good Thoughts; We All Fall Short; Created Our World; God Created Plants; the Poor and Needy; God Is Slow to Anger; What’s Inside Shows on the Outside; Working God Created Us; God Gives Us Grace; God God Saves; God Takes Our Guilt If We Ask for God; You Are Made Unique: Personality Helps Us Comfort Others; God’s Masterpiece; Him; God’s Handiwork; God’s Perfect Design; and Abilities; You Are Made Unique: Spiritual God’s Requirements; Good Stewardship of Invisible Things Give Evidence of God; Light Gifts; You Can Bless Others; You Can Work as All Living Things; Good Stewardship of Our or Darkness?; Lying About Sin; No Beginning, a Family to Serve Others Bodies; Good Stewardship of Our Money and No Ending; Our Awesome God; A Personal Possessions; Good Stewardship of Our Time; Testimony About Jesus; Stay Connected to The following devotions are © 2013 by Focus Good Stewardship of Our Witness for Jesus Jesus; What Do You Love? on the Family: Christ; Hear and Believe; Heavenly Wisdom; Helmet of Salvation; In His Image; Jesus Gives All the Earth; Ask for Help; Bear Good Fruit; Us Rest; The Kingdom of Heaven; Living in Subscribe today Bear One Another’s Burdens; Belt of Truth; Unity; Love Always Hopes; Love Is Kind; Love FocusOnTheFamily.com/magazine The Bible Came From God; The Bible Is Is Not Self-Seeking; Love Is Patient; Love

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