Monday

You are the God who sees me (Genesis 16:13).

Todays Bible Reading: Genesis 16:714

Does Anybody Care?

Are there times when nobody seems to be on your side? Even your best
friend turns against you. But you are not alone. God is on your side. He
sees and cares.
God has a special place in his heart for you. God stays on your side
even when everyone else turns away. He notices
what people do to you. He cares when you hurt.
God sees when people pick on you.
Before you say, Nobody cares! remember
When have you felt left out?
that God cares. God sees you and knows what
you are going through. Talk to him when you feel
How does it make you feel to
alone.
know that God always cares

for you?

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3/2/16 2:35 PM

Tuesday

Here is what I am commanding you to do. Be strong and brave. Do not be

afraid. Do not lose hope. I am the Lord your God. I will be with you everywhere
you go (Joshua 1:9).

Todays Bible Reading: Joshua 1:19

Have No FearGod Is Here!

God sent Joshua out to do a big job. He had to lead Gods people into the
promised land. They would have to fight to get their land. It was scary, but
they had to have hope.
God told Joshua to be strong and brave! He
felt weak, but God made him strong. He felt
scared, but God made him brave. Joshua knew
he was doing what God told him to do. So he
knew God would help him.
What might God want you to
When you are doing what God wants, God will
do that feels scary? Will you
help you too. He will give you power. He will help
do what God wants anyway?
you be strong and brave. So dare to do what God
When has God helped you to
wants. Be brave! Feel Gods power in you!

be brave and strong?

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3/2/16 3:51 PM

Wednesday

There has never been a day like it before or since. It was a day when the Lord
listened to a mere human being. Surely the Lord was fighting for Israel!
(Joshua 10:14).

Todays Bible Reading: Joshua 10:114

The Day the Sun Stood Still

Joshua was fighting his enemies. And God was on his side. First, God sent
hail that killed many enemy soldiers. Then God stopped the sun from going
down. And Joshua defeated his enemies.
Sometimes God does wonderful things that everyone can see. He kills
enemies with hailstones. He makes the sun stop in the sky.
But sometimes God does small things that
only you can see. He heals your flu so you can go
on the class trip. He helps you learn to swim. He
fills you with love for your mean brother.
What wonderful things has
Through big things or small things, God works
God done in the Bible? What
in your life. He listens to you. And he answers
your prayers.
wonderful things has God

done for you?

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3/2/16 3:51 PM

Thursday

The Lord came and stood there. He called out, just as he had done the other
times. He said, Samuel! Samuel! Then Samuel replied, Speak. Im listening
(1Samuel 3:10).

Todays Bible Reading: 1Samuel 3:110

Listen Carefully
Do you think you are too young to hear Gods voice? You arent!
Samuel was only 12 years old when God called him. He did not
understand what was happening. He thought Eli the priest was calling him.
But it was God.
Usually God will speak to you through the Bible. Sometimes he will
speak to you through your parents. Or he will speak to you deep in your
heart. He will show you what to do and how to
live.
What should you do when God speaks? Like
Samuel, say, Speak, Lord. Im listening! Then
listen. And obey!
What did God say to Samuel?
You are never too young to hear Gods voice.
What might God be saying
So listen carefully!
to you?
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3/2/16 3:51 PM

Friday

Eliab asked David, Why have you come down here? Who is taking care of those
few sheep in the desert for you? I know how proud you are. I know how evil your
heart is (1Samuel 17:28).

Todays Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 17:2232

Sticks and Stones

Davids big brother Eliab was mean to him. He made fun of David in front
of the soldiers. David wanted to fight Goliath. But Eliab told him to go
home.
David had seven older brothers. He probably fought with his brothers.
Maybe that got him ready to fight Goliath. But the mean things Eliab said
were not true. God knew that. He wanted David to fight Goliath. And God
helped David win.
God knows how brothers and sisters can
bother you. Dont believe the mean things they
say. Remember, God knows what is true about
What mean things do your
you. God doesnt want you to fight with your
brothers or sisters say about
family. Ask God to help you. He helped David.
you? Do you believe what
And he will help you too.

they say? Should you?

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3/2/16 3:51 PM

the

weekend

In the name of the Lord weve promised to be friends (1Samuel 20:42).

Saturday: 1Samuel 18:1; 20:4142

Sunday: Proverbs 27:910

Some

riends bring joy to your life. Theyre special

gifts from God. David and Jonathan valued
their friendship. They promised to be friends
forever. Jonathan saved Davids life more than
once. And, years later, King David remembered
his friend. He found Jonathans son and treated
him royally. What a great friendship!
Friends love each other. Friends help each
other. Friends cry with each other. Friends
laugh with each other.
Good friends can remind you of God. You
understand a bit of Gods love through them.
You feel a bit of Gods help through them. You
enjoy a bit of Gods comfort through them.
The friends you have now could be forever
friends. Have fun with them. Love them. And
thank God for them.

things

think about

to

Who are your friends? Why?

What do you do for your
friends? How do they help you?

ccc

Some

things
to

do

Thank God for your friends. Tell

your friends how much they
mean to you.

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3/2/16 3:51 PM

Monday

After the earthquake a fire came. But the Lord wasnt in the fire. And after the
fire there was only a gentle whisper (1Kings 19:12).

Todays Bible Reading: 1Kings 19:918

A Whisper
When you think of God, you might think of big things. The mountains.
The ocean. The sky. Or you might think of powerful things. Big winds.
Earthquakes. Fires.
Yes, God is big and powerful. But sometimes he comes to you in small
thingslike a whisper.
When Elijah was sad and lonely, God whispered to him. He did not show
Elijah how big and powerful he was. Instead, he talked to Elijah. He listened
to Elijahs words. God took the time to comfort Elijah.
God listens to you too. He knows when you
feel sad and lonely. And he will comfort you with
something small. Maybe a smile. Maybe a hug.
And maybe a whisper.

Why was Elijah sad? How did

God comfort Elijah?

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Tuesday

But will God really live on earth with human beings? After all, the heavens cant
hold you. In fact, even the highest heavens cant hold you. So this temple Ive
built certainly cant hold you! (2Chronicles 6:18).

Todays Bible Reading: 2Chronicles 6:1221

Where Does God Live?

What if someone important wanted to live in your bedroom? What would
you say? Why do you want to live here? My bedroom is too small!
God wanted to live in Jerusalem. So Solomon built him a temple. But he
asked God, Do you really want to live here? Isnt it too small for you?
Yes, God does want to live here. He proved it.
First he lived in the temple. Then through Jesus
he came to earth and lived as a man. And now he
lives in the hearts of believers.
Why did Solomon build the
Will God really live with you? Yes! So open the
temple? Where does God
doors of your heart. Let him in!

live now?

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3/2/16 3:52 PM

Wednesday

Then they sat down on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights.
No one said a word to him. Thats because they saw how much he was suffering
(Job 2:13).

Todays Bible Reading: Job 2:1113

Just Being There Helps

Have you ever felt so sad that you couldnt even talk about it? At times like
that, you need help. Friends and family can help. Sometimes they dont
even have to say anything. It helps just to have someone with you when
you feel very sad. They let you know they love you just by being with you.
Their love makes you feel better.
When you see someone who is sad, look for
ways to help. Offer to stay with them. Go to
them and give them a hug. Go, even if you dont
feel comfortable. You dont have to know what to
Do you know someone who is
say. Being there shows them you care. Your love
very sad? How can you show
will help comfort them.
them you care?
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3/2/16 3:23 PM

Thursday

God, I call out to you because you will answer me. Listen to me. Hear my prayer
(Psalm 17:6).

Todays Bible Reading: Psalm 17:69

God Is Listening
Does your mom always listen when you talk to her? What about your
friends? How about your grandparents? Is there anyone who listens every
time you talk to them?
Yes! There is someone who will always listen. That someone is God.
He is waiting for you to talk to him. You can talk
to him about things that are bothering you. You
can talk to him about troubles youre having at
school. You can tell him about the good things in
your life too.
What things can you talk
God is waiting for you to pray to him. The
to God about? Do you think
writer of this psalm knew God would listen and
he really cares what you
answer when he prayed. God will do the same for
have to say? How might God
you. He promised!

answer your prayers?

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3/2/16 3:23 PM

Friday

It is better to eat a dry crust of bread in peace and quiet than to eat a big
dinner in a house full of fighting (Proverbs 17:1).

Todays Bible Reading: Proverbs 17:14

Mmm . . . Moldy Bread?

Think of your favorite meal. Do you enjoy a big turkey? Do you like mashed
potatoes and gravy? Or would you rather eat a big, juicy hamburger and
fries? Think of a meal made of all the foods you hate. What is the worst
meal you could imagine? Would it be all vegetables? Would it be liver and a
piece of moldy bread?
Now decide which would be better. Would you want to eat your favorite
meal when everyone is fighting? Or would you
want to eat your worst meal while everyone is
having a good time with each other?
God says peace between people is most
important. You dont have to eat a gross meal.
Do you fight at the dinner
You can have peace and eat good things. God just
table? How can you help
wants you to be nice to others in your home.
bring peace to your home?
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3/2/16 3:23 PM

the

weekend

None of those animals will harm or destroy anything or anyone (Isaiah11:9).

Saturday: Isaiah 11:67

Sunday: Isaiah 11:89

Some

ould you play with a lion? Can you

laugh with a leopard? Should you pet a
poisonous snake?
Of course not! You could get hurt.
Lions attack live animals. They dont play
with people. Leopards growl. They dont laugh.
Snakes bite. They dont purr when you pet
them.
Wolves sometimes kill little lambs. Lions eat
calves for breakfast. Cows are scared of bears.
Thats the way it is.
But it wont always be that way. It will change
when God rules in everyones heart.
Then lambs will live safely with wolves. Lions
and calves will eat breakfast together. Cows
and bears will watch over their babies in the
same field. And youll be able to pet poisonous
snakes.
All creatures will live in peace and safety.
Thats the way it will be. God has said so.

things

think about

to

Why are some animals so wild?

When will all creatures live
inpeace?

ccc

Some

things
to

do

Ask God to rule in your heart.

List three sets of animals that
could not live together today.
Visit a zoo or an animal farm.

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3/2/16 3:50 PM

Monday

I can do with you just as this potter does, announces the Lord. The clay is in
the potters hand. And you are in my hand, people of Israel (Jeremiah 18:6).

Todays Bible Reading: Jeremiah 18:36

Did You Say Clay?

A potter is someone who makes things out of clay. To make a pot he puts
a lump of clay on a table that turns. He pushes and pulls the wet clay into
shape. The clay becomes whatever shape the potter decides. The clay
doesnt argue with the potter. The clay does whatever the potter wants it
to do. The clay becomes something beautiful and useful.
You are like clay in Gods hands. He wants to
shape your thoughts. He wants to shape the way
you behave. But you are different from clay in
one important way. Youre not just a lump! You
have a mind of your own. You can let God shape
What do you think God is
your life. Or you can fight with him.
trying to make you become?
Decide to do what God wants. Let him shape
your life into something beautiful and useful.
Will you let him shape your

life?

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3/2/16 3:50 PM

Tuesday

The glow around him looked like a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day. Thats
what the glory of the Lord looked like. When I saw it, I fell with my face toward
the ground. Then I heard the voice of someone speaking (Ezekiel 1:28).

Todays Bible Reading: Ezekiel 1:2528

The Glory of God

Have you ever seen something so amazing that you couldnt speak? And
when you tried to describe it later, you didnt know what to say?
That is what happened to Ezekiel when he saw the glory of God. He fell
down on his face. He was speechless. And later, when he wrote it down, he
compared the glory of God to a fire or a rainbow.
God doesnt always show you his power
and his glory. But when he does, you probably
wont be able to speak. God is so wonderful
that you can only fall down and worship him.
Sometimes words cant describe God.
What happens when you
Sometimes you must worship him in silence.
see Gods glory? How did
And wonder.
Ezekiel describe Gods glory?
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Wednesday

What had been said about King Nebuchadnezzar came true at once. He was
driven away from people. He ate grass just as an ox does. His body became wet
with the dew of heaven (Daniel 4:33).

Todays Bible Reading: Daniel 4:2834

God Rules!
The king of Babylon was a great king. He built a grand city. He ruled the
greatest kingdom on earth. He thought everyone should worship him. But
the king forgot about God. Thats not a good idea!
God warned the king. He told him the people should only worship the
true God. Not the king. But the king forgot. So God punished him. For
seven years the king acted like an animal! He crawled around in the fields.
He ate grass for every meal. After the seven
years were up, God let him be king again.
The king of Babylon finally learned his lesson.
He never forgot that only God rules! People only
rule other people because God lets them. People
Do you brag about how great
should only brag about how great God is, not
you are? Who made you
about how great they are.
great? How do you show God

that you know he rules?

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3/2/16 3:51 PM

Thursday
In those days I will pour out my Spirit on those who serve me (Joel 2:29).

Todays Bible Reading: Joel 2:2832

Youre Old Enough

Has someone ever told you, Youre too young! Did you think you were
too young? God doesnt think so.
God promised to send a special gift. He promised to pour out his Spirit
on his people. Gods Spirit would make his people powerful. But Gods
Spirit isnt just for grown-ups. God made that very clear. He said sons and
daughters would have his power. He said young
people would see visions.
God doesnt leave you out just because youre
young. His gift of the Holy Spirit is for you! His
Did you know there is no age
power is for you! Ask God to give you all his gifts.
limit to receive Gods power?
Ask God to pour out his Spirit on you. Then use
Gods power to tell others about God. Youre old
Will you ask God to pour his
enough!
Spirit on you while youre

still young?

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Friday

Every pot in Jerusalem and Judah will be set apart to the Lord. All those
who come to offer sacrifices will get some of the pots and cook in them
(Zechariah14:21).

Todays Bible Reading: Zechariah 14:2021

Set Apart Cooking Pots

How do you set apart a cooking pot? Do you baptize it? Do you take it to
church? Do you pray for it?
Of course not. That is silly. But God can set apart a cooking pot. When
you use it to serve him, he sets it apart.
God works through you when you love him.
He touches what you use for him and sets it
apart. He makes a toy set apart when you share
it with your little sister. He makes your pencil set
What does it mean to set
apart when you write a thank-you note to your
something apart? How does
grandma. He makes your baseball set apart when
God make something set
you lend it to your friend.
Serve God. And set apart something today!
apart? How can God use you

today?

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the

weekend

Test me this way, says the Lord (Malachi 3:10).

Saturday: Malachi 3:1012

Sunday: Psalm 144:1315

Some

ive freely to the Lord. And do you know

what will happen? Hell flood you with
blessings!
Forget about gentle showers. Get ready for a
roaring flood of good things.
Hell pour them over your head. Hell dump
them at your feet. Hell flood you with his love.
Hell sweep you away with wonderful surprises.
You wont know what to do with so many
blessings. Share them. God will give you more.
Give more to God. Hell flood you with still
more. God will pour out so many blessings, you
wont have enough room to hold them.
Blessings will flow over your home. Blessings
will flow over your life. Blessings will flow over
your heart.
Test the Lord on this. Give to him freely. Get
ready for a flood.

things

think about

to

What can you give to the Lord?

What will you do with so many
blessings?

ccc

Some

things
to

do

Write down ways you can give

to God. Test the Lord. Give
to him. Really do it. Take a
shower. Imagine that the water
is Gods blessings!

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Monday

The virgin is going to have a baby. She will give birth to a son. And he will be
called Immanuel. The name Immanuel means God with us (Matthew 1:23).

Todays Bible Reading: Matthew 1:2023

Thats His Name

Do you have a nickname? You know, a name that describes you. A tall
person might have the nickname Stretch. A short person might have the
nickname Tiny. Usually a nickname tells you something about the person.
Jesus had a nickname too. His nickname was
Immanuel. That means, God with us. When
Jesus was born, God came from heaven to earth.
He came to live with you. So God told people
to call Jesus God with us. Jesus is still God
with us. He is with you wherever you are! So
How might your life be
whenever you feel far from God, remember his
different if God was not with
nickname.
you? Does knowing God is

with you help you? How?

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3/2/16 3:49 PM

Tuesday

Is it easier to say to this man, Your sins are forgiven? Or to say, Get up, take
your mat and walk? (Mark 2:9).

Todays Bible Reading: Mark 2:112

Inside and Out

Maybe you cant walk. Your family has to carry you. You ride in a
wheelchair. Maybe your legs hurt all the time. Jesus knows how you feel.
He cares about how you feel. Maybe you hurt on the inside. In your heart.
You might be lonely or afraid. Maybe you feel ashamed. Jesus knows about
how you feel inside too.
What does Jesus care about most? Your
insides or your outsides? He cares about both!
In this story, Jesus forgave the mans sins,
then he healed him, inside and out. He cared
about the mans hurt legs. But the mans broken
What did Jesus do to the
heart was just as important as his legs. Jesus is
man who could not walk?
powerful. And he cares about you, inside and out!
How does Jesus heal you?
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Wednesday
Anyone who does what God wants is my brother or sister or mother (Mark 3:35).

Todays Bible Reading: Mark 3:3135

Just Like Family

Kings have great power. Suppose you were a member of the kings family.
You could talk to the king. You could ask him for anything you needed.
That would be great!
The Bible says Jesus is a king. He is the king of Gods kingdom. When
Jesus lived on earth, people saw the great things he did. They crowded
around Jesus. They wanted to be near him. They asked him for what they
needed. They wanted to know Jesus better.
Jesus told them how they could be part of his
family. He said anyone who does what God wants
is part of his family.
How can you know what God
You can be that close to Jesus too. Just do
wants you to do? Do you
what God wants you to do. Then you will be part
of the family of God.
want to be close to Jesus?

Will you do what God wants?

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3/2/16 3:49 PM

Thursday

What God says always comes true (Luke 1:37).

Todays Bible Reading: Luke 1:2638

Mission Possible
Old women dont have babies. Dead people dont get up from the grave
and live again. Blind people cant see again. Those things are impossible!
But with God, everything is possible! Elizabeth had her baby when she
was old. Jesus raised a little girl from the dead. And Jesus made blind
people see.
Whats impossible to fix in your life? Are you sick? Are your parents
getting a divorce? Do you have a hard time in school?
Pray to Jesus. Tell him about it. He might be
waiting to do something wonderfuljust for you.
Because he loves you.
The wonderful thing may be healing for you.
Or for your parents. Or maybe Jesus might help
What is impossible? What
you through the hard times in your life. With
impossible things did Jesus
Jesus, nothing is impossible!
do?
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Friday

Then he went back to Nazareth with them, and he obeyed them (Luke 2:51).

Todays Bible Reading: Luke 2:4151

When Parents Dont Understand

Jesus father is God. Joseph was his stepfather. When Jesus turned 12, he
wanted to do Gods work. When Mary and Joseph left Jerusalem, Jesus
stayed behind. He stayed at Gods temple. This made sense to Jesus. But
Mary and Joseph didnt understand. They told Jesus to come home with
them.
Jesus had good reasons for what he did. But he didnt argue with his
parents. The Bible says children must obey their
parents. When Jesus obeyed his parents he
obeyed God too. Jesus never disobeyed God!
You should obey your parents too. Even when
your parents say No to something you want.
When do you feel like your
You obey God when you obey your parents. God
parents dont understand
can guide your life when you obey. Even if your
you? Why should you obey
parents dont understand.

your parents anyway?

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3/2/16 3:49 PM

the

weekend

All things were made through him (John 1:3).

Saturday: John 1:15, 14

Sunday: Colossians 1:1517

Some

hos the Word? Who became a human

being? Who lived on earth?
Jesus! He is God. His human name is Jesus.
His God name is Christ, or Word. Change the
Word to Jesus when you read these verses.
You can see how great Jesus is.
All things were created through Jesus. He
made the sun, moon, and stars. He made the
earth. He made everything in the earth. He
created you!
Everything was created for Jesus. The
sun, moon, and stars are his. The earth is his.
Everything in it is his. You are his!
Jesus holds everything together. The world
lives because Jesus lives. The world stays
together because Jesus lives. You live because
Jesus lives!
Some of this is a mystery, isnt it? But all of it
is a comfort. Imagine how great Jesus is. Think
about how much he loves you!

things

think about

to

Do all creatures belong to

Jesus? Does he care about
them? Who does he care
formost?

ccc

Some

things
to

do

Ask Jesus to help you care for

his world. Sing a song of praise
to Jesus. Tell your friends that
the world belongs to Jesus.

I have read this devotion.

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Monday

All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked right at Stephen. They saw that his
face was like the face of an angel (Acts 6:15).

Todays Bible Reading: Acts 6:815

Angel Face
How can you make yourself look like an angel?
Should you scrub your face really hard so your cheeks glow? Should
you put on a white robe? Should you make a halo out of a coat hanger and
paint it gold?
No. That would only be a costume. To be like an angel, be like Stephen.
He was full of Gods grace and power. He was
wise. He argued with his enemies with power
and love.
When you are filled with the Spirit, your face
will shine. You will look peaceful and loving. And
What was Stephen like? How
then you will look like an angel.
can you look like an angel?
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Tuesday

The Berean Jews were very glad to receive Pauls message. They studied the
Scriptures carefully every day. They wanted to see if what Paul said was true
(Acts 17:11).

Todays Bible Reading: Acts 17:1012

Check It Out
Paul taught a Bible class in Berea. The people who lived in Berea listened
carefully to Paul. But they didnt just accept what he said. They studied Pauls
teaching. They checked it out with Gods Word.
They wanted to make sure Pauls words agreed
with the Bible. And Paul praised them for this.
You can check things out with Gods Word
too. Some people think they have the truth when
How would you know if
they dont. But the Bible is always true. Get to
something is true or not?
know what the Bible teaches. Then you can tell if
Who can answer your
something is true or not.

questions about the Bible?

I have read this devotion.

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Wednesday

But here is how God has shown his love for us. While we were still sinners,
Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).

Todays Bible Reading: Romans 5:611

Are You Bad?

Think about someone who is really bad. Someone who lies, cheats, or
steals. Did Jesus die for that person?
Yes. Jesus came to save sinners. He died to save bad people.
Jesus did not come to earth because people are so good. He didnt
come to pat people on the head and say, Good
job. You get a gold star! No, he came because
people are so bad. And he came because people
need him so badly! Without Jesus, people hurt
and cheat and steal. Only Jesus can change
Who did Jesus come to save?
hearts and turn badness into goodness.

Why did Jesus die for you?

I have read this devotion.

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Thursday

We know that the earthly tent we live in will be destroyed. But we have a
building made by God. It is a house in heaven that lasts forever. Human hands
did not build it (2Corinthians 5:1).

Todays Bible Reading: 2Corinthians 5:110

Campout
Do you like to camp? Good! Because you are on a campout every day.
Your body is your tent. On good days, you stay warm and dry. But winds
of trouble can blow you down. People can rip you open and hurt you. Sad,
rainy days can make you feel damp and tired.
But you have a wonderful house to go home to! When you die, you will
receive a new home in heaven that lasts forever. God made it, so the wind
wont blow it away. People wont be able to rip
it. And it will never rain there, because God will
wipe away all tears!
So dont settle for a campground here on
earth. You have a house in heaven!
How is your body like a tent?

What is your true home like?

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Friday

He is able to save them completely and for all time. Jesus lives forever
(Hebrews 7:25).

Todays Bible Reading: Hebrews 7:2327

Jesus Saves You Completely!

Before Jesus came, people had to pay for their own sins. They had to offer
an animal to God. A priest took the animals blood to Gods altar. Then the
priest asked God to forgive the peoples sins. That covered their sins for
one year. They had to come back every year with a new sacrifice.
Now, Jesus is your priest. He brings a blood sacrifice to God. But he
doesnt bring the blood of animals. Jesus brings
his own. He paid for your sins with his own
blood. And the blood of Jesus paid for all of
your sins.
You dont have to kill an animal to cover your
Are you glad you dont have
sin. Jesus erases it! He saves you completely.
to pay for your sins with the
And his forgiveness lasts forever. Every time you
blood of animals? How does
confess a sin, Jesus goes to God for you. And
every sin you confess is gone forever.
it help you to know Jesus is

your priest?

I have read this devotion.

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1542

James 3

getting a head? Then your life will be a

mess. You will be doing all k
inds of evil
things.
17But the wis
dom that comes from
heaven is pure. T
hats the most impor
tant thing a bout it. And thats not all. It
also loves peace. It t hinks about others.
It obeys. It is full of mercy and good
fruit. It is fair. It doesnt pretend to be
eace
what it is not. 18Those who make p
plant it like a seed. They will harvest a
crop of right living.

Obey God
Why do you fight and argue a mong
yourselves? Isnt it because of your
sinful desires? They fight within you.
2 You want some
thing, but you dont
have it. So you kill. You want what oth
ers have, but you c ant get what you
want. So you argue and fight. You dont
have what you want, because you dont
ask God. 3When you do ask for some
thing, you d
ont receive it. T
hats be
cause you ask for the wrong reason.
You want to s pend your money on your
sinful pleasures.
4You are not faith
ful to God. D
ont
you know that to be a f riend of the w
orld
is to hate God? So anyone who chooses
to be the worlds friend becomes Gods
enemy. 5Dont you know what Scripture
says? God wants the spirit in us to be
long only to him. God caused this spirit
to live in us. D
ont you think Scripture
has a reason for saying this? 6But God
continues to give us more grace. Thats
why Scripture says,
God opposes those who are proud.
But he gives grace to those who
are humble. (Proverbs3:34)
7So obey God. S
tand up to the devil.
He will run away from you. 8Come near
to God, and he will come near to you.
Wash your hands, you sinners. Make
your hearts pure, you who cant make
up your minds. 9Be full of sorrow. Cry
and weep. C
hange your laughter to
mourning. Change your joy to sadness.
10Be humble in front of the Lord. And
he will lift you up.
11 My broth
e rs and sis
t ers,
d ont
speak against one another. Anyone who
speaks a gainst a brother or sister speaks
against the law. And anyone who judges

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another believer judges the law. When

you judge the law, you are not keeping
it. Instead, you are acting as if you were
its judge. 12There is only one Lawgiver
and Judge. He is the God who is able to
save life or destroy it. But who are you
to judge your neighbor?

Bragging About Tomorrow

13 Now lis
ten, you who say, Today
or tomorrow we will go to this or that
city. We will spend a year there. We will
buy and sell and make money. 14You
dont even know what will happen to
morrow. What is your life? It is a mist
that appears for a little while. Then it
disappears. 15Instead, you s hould say,
If it pleases the Lord, we will live and
do this or that. 16As it is, you brag. You
brag a bout the evil p
lans your p
ride
produces. This kind of bragging is evil.
17So suppose someone knows the good
deeds they should do. But suppose they
dont do them. By not doing these good
deeds, they sin.
A Warning to Rich People
You rich people, listen to me. Cry and
weep, because you will soon be suf
fering. 2Your riches have rotted. Moths
have eaten your clothes. 3Your gold and
silver have lost their brightness. T
heir
dullness will be a witness against you.
Your wanting more and more will eat
your body like fire. You have stored
up riches in these last days. 4You have
even failed to pay the workers who
mowed your fields. Their pay is crying
out against you. The cries of those who
gathered the harvest have r eached the
ears of the Lord. He r ules over all. 5You
have lived an easy life on e arth. You
have given yourselves everything you
wanted. You have made yourselves fat
like cattle that will soon be butchered.
6You have judged and murdered people
who arent guilty. And they werent even
opposing you.

Be Patient When You Suffer

7Brothers and sisters, be patient un
til the Lord comes. See how the farmer
waits for the land to produce its rich
crop. See how patient the farmer is for
the fall and s pring rains. 8You too must
be patient. You must remain strong. The

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