A Little God Time For Kids E-Book

BroadStreet Publishing Group LLC

• Herausgeber: BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC
• Kategorie: Für Kinder und Jugendliche
• Serie: A Little God Time
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2017

Seitenzahl: 278

Beschreibung

A Little God Time for Kids is a book of devotions for children aged 4-7. It teaches them that God is loving, caring, and good in words that are easy-to-understand. God created each child for a reason. There is no one quite like you, and he is delighted to call you his. Let God's joy come into your heart, mind, and spirit as you spend a little time with him. This is the newest release in the popular A Little God Time series which has sold over 200,000 copies to date. 

Leseprobe

BroadStreet Kids

Savage, Minnesota, USA

BroadStreet Kids is an imprint of BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC.

Broadstreetpublishing.com

A Little God Time for Kids

© 2017 by BroadStreet Publishing®

ISBN 978-1-4245-5516-1 (hard cover)

ISBN 978-1-4245-5517-8 (e-book)

Devotional entries composed by Janelle Breckell.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, niv®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™ Scripture quotations marked (NCV) are taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (TLB) are taken from The Living Bible copyright © 1971. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (ICB) are taken from the International Children’s Bible®. Copyright © 1986, 1988, 1999 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (NIRV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Reader’s Version®, NIrV® Copyright © 1995, 1996, 1998, 2014 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The “NIrV” and “New International Reader’s Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

Design by Chris Garborg | garborgdesign.com

Edited and compiled by Michelle Winger | literallyprecise.com

Printed in China.

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The LORD is merciful

and compassionate,

slow to get angry and

filled with unfailing love.

The LORD is good

to everyone.

He showers compassion

on all his creation.

PSALM 145:8-9 NLT

Contents

Introduction

January

January 1: Shiny and New

January 2: Just Pray

January 3: Beautiful Things

January 4: Good Gifts

January 5: Ask Anything

January 6: Cry Like a Baby

January 7: A Safe Place

January 8: Lots of Questions

January 9: Lifetime Guarantee

January 10: Twirling with Joy

January 11: Truly Awesome

January 12: Only for You

January 13: Be Healed

January 14: All Comfort

January 15: Beyond Sight

January 16: So Thirsty

January 17: Better than Life

January 18: Make My Day

January 19: His Sheep

January 20: Laid Low

January 21: Your Ways

January 22: In a Season of Suffering

January 23: The Gift in the Struggle

January 24: The Path to Peace

January 25: Get Wise

January 26: Rock Solid

January 27: The Me You See

January 28: So Much Love

January 29: Even Better Things

January 30: A Special Gift

January 31: When Things Get Hard

February

February 1: Still My Thoughts

February 2: Trading Worry for Peace

February 3: Small Things

February 4: God Is Real

February 5: Try Not to Fight

February 6: Pray for Others

February 7: More than Gold

February 8: He Cares About It!

February 9: In His Light

February 10: Worth It

February 11: Heart Directions

February 12: Bring You Back

February 13: Free to Rest

February 14: Speaking Truth

February 15: Keep Going

February 16: Go through It!

February 17: Consider His Hand

February 18: In the Morning

February 19: Be with Friends

February 20: A Guarded Heart

February 21: Hesitant

February 22: Bragging

February 23: Gift of Peace

February 24: Growing in God

February 25: Join Together

February 26: Never Alone

February 27: Think Lovely Things

February 28: Our Rock

March

March 1: Mighty God

March 2: No Greater Love

March 3: Courage

March 4: Share the Love

March 5: Stay Away from Evil

March 6: Everlasting Love

March 7: Keep Calm

March 8: Delightful

March 9: Don’t Panic

March 10: Eternal Gift

March 11: Example of Love

March 12: Hope in His Word

March 13: Not a Quitter

March 14: The Thrill of the Hunt

March 15: Rain to Grow

March 16: Rest Easy

March 17: He Fights for You

March 18: Faithful without Fail

March 19: His Love Song

March 20: Intimate Friendship

March 21: Good News

March 22: The Best Outfit

March 23: Growing Stronger

March 24: Ask Confidently

March 25: Wildest Dreams

March 26: Victory over Struggles

March 27: Effortlessly Good

March 28: Stand Your Ground

March 29: You Can Always Pray

March 30: Your Thought Life

March 31: Things You Don’t Know

April

April 1: Made Whole

April 2: Sit Down

April 3: Light of Love

April 4: Superhero

April 5: Stepping Out

April 6: Waiting and Praying

April 7: Follow His Rules

April 8: No Grudges

April 9: Much Stronger

April 10: Working with Joy

April 11: The Rock

April 12: Don’t Get Lost!

April 13: Great Bonus

April 14: Thirsty for Jesus

April 15: You Can’t Hide!

April 16: Zoom In

April 17: Search and Find

April 18: A Beautiful Sound

April 19: Living Abundantly

April 20: Loved First

April 21: Good not Gross

April 22: Teach Me

April 23: A Big List of Thanks

April 24: Forgive and Forget

April 25: A Peaceful Place

April 26: Quiet Beauty

April 27: Joy Is a Choice

April 28: Lasting Comfort

April 29: Rescue Mission

April 30: Peaceful Thoughts

May

May 1: For Us

May 2: In the Darkness

May 3: Made Right

May 4: White as Snow

May 5: Set Free!

May 6: Better Together

May 7: A Beautiful Day

May 8: The Ripple Effect

May 9: God Is my Guide

May 10: All Promises Kept

May 11: Butterfly

May 12: Joy Always

May 13: Love Definition

May 14: Nothing Wrong

May 15: One Step at a Time

May 16: Sacrifice of Praise

May 17: God Cannot Lie

May 18: Treasure Map

May 19: Go Free!

May 20: Never Thirsty Again

May 21: No Comparison

May 22: Rich Rewards

May 23: The Way to Victory

May 24: Consumed?

May 25: Joyful Waiting

May 26: Inseparable

May 27: Best Treasures

May 28: Right Answers

May 29: Stop for Thanks

May 30: God Sings!

May 31: The Creator

June

June 1: Wiser than You

June 2: Precious and Loved

June 3: Care for Others

June 4: A Special Place

June 5: God Is Creative

June 6: A Kind Face

June 7: Stay Wonderful

June 8: Delayed Obedience

June 9: Betrayed with a Kiss

June 10: The Little Things

June 11: Good Words

June 12: Who are You With?

June 13: Hiding His Word

June 14: Real Life

June 15: Meditation

June 16: Open My Eyes

June 17: My Counselors

June 18: He Remembers

June 19: To the Rescue

June 20: It Is Finished

June 21: Fueled by Love

June 22: Fear Not

June 23: The Story Isn’t Finished

June 24: Together

June 25: Quick Fix

June 26: Time to Rest

June 27: You Can’t Control the Rain

June 28: Be Your Best

June 29: Work Hard

June 30: Don’t Quit

July

July 1: Enjoy Today

July 2: Cheer!

July 3: Peaceful Thoughts

July 4: Free

July 5: Eternal Life

July 6: Powerful Love

July 7: Endless Love

July 8: Rules, Rules, Rules

July 9: Because of Love

July 10: Much Better

July 11: Wisdom with Age

July 12: Get a Glimpse

July 13: Thoughts on Beauty

July 14: A Happy Yes

July 15: Kindness

July 16: You are Rich!

July 17: No Surprises

July 18: Help Me Get Dressed

July 19: Ready to Forgive

July 20: Worth It

July 21: Sparrows Don’t Worry

July 22: Others First

July 23: Our Creator

July 24: Praise the Lord!

July 25: Tug-of-War

July 26: Rescued

July 27: Ask Him

July 28: Signs

July 29: The Do-Over

July 30: Two Are Better

July 31: The Greatest Commandment

August

August 1: God’s Promises

August 2: Dark to Light

August 3: A Broken Heart

August 4: Faith without Seeing

August 5: Blind Trust

August 6: Strength

August 7: Deer Feet

August 8: Fix Your Thoughts

August 9: Forgetting

August 10: Forgiveness

August 11: Temptation

August 12: Chosen by God

August 13: Brag about God

August 14: He Understands

August 15: Hope in God

August 16: In His Image

August 17: My Guide

August 18: Put on Your Belt

August 19: Slipping

August 20: God of All Comfort

August 21: Wait for the Lord

August 22: Looking at the Heart

August 23: Be Brave

August 24: Forgive

August 25: I Need Grace

August 26: Welcome!

August 27: Piggy Bank

August 28: Not Just Mr. Fix It

August 29: Help Others

August 30: Out of the Gates

August 31: Surrounded by Gifts

September

September 1: Big or Small

September 2: Best Relationships

September 3: My Healer

September 4: God Answers

September 5: More Faith

September 6: Hard to Love

September 7: Be Courageous!

September 8: Full of Peace

September 9: Accepted

September 10: Lost and Lonely

September 11: Help Me!

September 12: God’s Love

September 13: Doing Good

September 14: The Light

September 15: Being Like Jesus

September 16: Broken Bones

September 17: No Conditions

September 18: Joy Is Coming!

September 19: Strong and Sure

September 20: A Beautiful Gift

September 21: On Your Side

September 22: You Will Make It

September 23: Made Clean

September 24: Rest

September 25: Good Friends

September 26: Rewards with Work

September 27: Cuddly Blanket

September 28: Seasons

September 29: Never Leaving

September 30: New Life

October

October 1: The Best Answer

October 2: Patience!

October 3: I Am Enough

October 4: Joyful Music

October 5: Most of All

October 6: Money Monster

October 7: Ask for Help

October 8: Thankfulness

October 9: Carried Close

October 10: Praise Always

October 11: The Lord’s Delight

October 12: Powerful

October 13: Victory over Sin

October 14: Wasted Worry

October 15: What Next?

October 16: Read the Bible

October 17: Getting Tired

October 18: Watching Over You

October 19: Created for a Purpose

October 20: Free to Live

October 21: Say Yes

October 22: Copycat

October 23: The Body

October 24: Weight of Worry

October 25: New Every Morning

October 26: Good and Perfect

October 27: Truly Awesome

October 28: No Darkness

October 29: Fight Evil with Good

October 30: A Long Time Ago

October 31: Sing Praise

November

November 1: Dig Deep

November 2: Every Day

November 3: Satisfied

November 4: Chased by Grace

November 5: Growing Seeds

November 6: So Happy

November 7: Too Good for Words

November 8: Exactly Alike

November 9: Continual Praise

November 10: The Good Father

November 11: Loving Right

November 12: Understand Jesus

November 13: Goodness in Waiting

November 14: Seeing Light

November 15: Best Day Ever

November 16: As I Should Be

November 17: Buried Talents

November 18: Slow Beauty

November 19: Listen

November 20: A Million Plus One

November 21: Found Delightful

November 22: Stronghold

November 23: Love in Creation

November 24: Father Knows Best

November 25: Stored Goodness

November 26: Water of Life

November 27: Hard Love

November 28: 100 Percent

November 29: Leading the Blind

November 30: It’s True!

December

December 1: Rocks Don’t Change

December 2: Fulfilled Purpose

December 3: Just Because

December 4: The Gift

December 5: Tell Your Story

December 6: I Am Found

December 7: Jesus Helps

December 8: Love Others

December 9: He Will Be Back

December 10: Nothing Can Stop It

December 11: Returned Love

December 12: His Riches

December 13: Show Love

December 14: Fighting By Your Side

December 15: Full of Love

December 16: Great Love

December 17: My King

December 18: Talk to Jesus

December 19: Found in a Desert

December 20: Collected Tears

December 21: The Gift of Peace

December 22: The Gift of Joy

December 23: The Gift of Charity

December 24: The Gift of Faithfulness

December 25: Good News!

December 26: Every Detail

December 27: A God Coat

December 28: Showing Kindness

December 29: He Blesses Me

December 30: Standing Strong

December 31: Coming Soon

Introduction

God created you for a reason.

There is no one quite like you,

and he is delighted to call

you his very own. Let joy and

peace come into your heart

as you spend a little time with

God each day.

JANUARY

Blessed are those you choose

and bring near to worship you.

You bring us into the courtyards

of your holy temple.

There in your house we are filled

with all kinds of good things.

PSALM 65:4 NIRV

JANUARY 1

Shiny and New

Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new

person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

2 CORINTHIANS 5:17 NLT

Have you ever seen a very dirty car go through a car wash and come out sparkling clean? When we accept Jesus into our hearts, he forgets all the bad, ugly things we have done, and he makes us shiny and new—like that nice clean car.

We all have bad things we would like to forget, like mean words we’ve said and people we’ve hurt. Every day, we can tell Jesus we are sorry for our sin and he washes that yucky dirt away.

God, I’m so happy that you can take my sin away. Thank you for forgiving me and making me clean.

JANUARY 2

Just Pray

Then that person can pray to God

and be blessed by him.

They will see God’s face and shout for joy.

God will make them well and happy again.

JOB 33:26 NIRV

What do we have to do to be accepted by God? Do we need to be perfect? No, we just need to pray. When we pray to God, it’s like he puts his arms around us and gives us a big hug.

It doesn’t matter how you feel about yourself, God loves you very much. He sees you, he hears you, and he loves spending time with you.

God, thank you for loving me and accepting me just the way I am.

JANUARY 3

Beautiful Things

The earth and everything in it belong to the Lord.

The world and all its people belong to him.

PSALM 24:1 ICB

Picture this. The sky is gray. Rain is falling, and you trip in a mud puddle. You had friends at your house last night and your mom is mad that they left your room messy. You can’t see anything beautiful around you.

Now close your eyes. Say this name: Jesus. Now open them, and look again. Do you see that little spot of blue sky, that single ray of light sneaking through the clouds? Do you notice the beautiful water drops resting on the bushes? Remember all the fun you had with the friends who made the mess? We can always find something beautiful if we look for it.

Jesus, when I say your name, I see beautiful things all around me. Thank you for making such awesome things.

JANUARY 4

Good Gifts

Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down

to us from God our Father, who created all the lights

in the heavens. He never changes.

JAMES 1:17 NLT

Count your blessings. That might be something you hear a lot, but do you know what it means? Every good thing in our lives is a blessing from God. Think of every good thing you possibly can.

Maybe today is hard. Maybe you feel like there are more bad things than good. It’s okay. Just start counting your blessings anyway. You might be surprised by how many there are!

Heavenly Father, you give everyone wonderful gifts. Thank you that you never change. You send down blessings like rays of light.

JANUARY 5

Ask Anything

Here is what we can be sure of when we come to God

in prayer. If we ask anything in keeping with what he

wants, he hears us. If we know that God hears what

we ask for, we know that we have it.

1 JOHN 5:14-15 NIRV

Can you think of a time when you really wanted something but you were afraid to ask? Why were you afraid? Did you think you hadn’t been good enough to get it? It can be hard to ask for what you want.

When you make God the most important person in your life, you can ask him for anything. You don’t need to be afraid. He likes it when you ask him things. He loves to hear your voice.

God, I want you more than anything in the world. I feel so safe when I ask you for things. You always give me what I need.

JANUARY 6

Cry Like a Baby

As a mother comforts her child,

I will comfort you.

ISAIAH 66:13-14 NIRV

It’s okay to cry like a baby sometimes. There are days when lots of things don’t go your way: someone is unkind to you, or you fall off your bicycle, or you feel afraid.

It’s okay to close your eyes and snuggle deep into God’s arms. He wants you there! Listen to him tell you how much he loves you. Let him gently rock you, and fill you with peace.

God, I need you to hold me and love me and tell me everything’s going to be okay today. Thank you for loving me even when I cry like a baby.

JANUARY 7

A Safe Place

My God is my rock.

I can run to him for safety.

The LORD saves me from those

who want to harm me.

2 SAMUEL 22:3 NCV

Sometimes we feel like we are in the middle of a battle. Just as we find shelter from the arrows, spears start to fly at us. When the Old Testament was written, these battles were real wars: the arrows and spears were real.

Today, the arrows might be more like bullies, hard homework, or fighting parents. But your hiding spot should always be the same. God is your safe place. Whenever you run to him, he is ready to protect you.

God, you are my protector. Thank you for your promise to rescue me. I can find peace in your love.

JANUARY 8

Lots of Questions

You will teach me God’s way to live.

Being with you will fill me with joy.

At your right hand I will find pleasure forever.

PSALM 16:11 ICB

There are some days when we have a lot of questions. There are many things that we don’t understand. Asking parents for help is pretty easy. They usually have good answers.

Did you know that God gave you someone who can answer all of your questions? The Holy Spirit is here to help us. He shows us what to do, and he fills us with joy.

Holy Spirit, thank you that you can answer all my questions. I trust you to show me what I need to know. I want to be filled with your joy.

JANUARY 9

Lifetime Guarantee

I truly believe

I will live to see the LORD’s goodness.

Wait for the LORD’s help.

Be strong and brave

and wait for the LORD’s help.

PSALM 27:13-14 ICB

What do you do when you get really sick? Usually you go to the doctor because you trust that they will help you to get better. We know that good doctors will give us the advice or medicine that we need to help, but sometimes it takes a while to work!

God is like a good doctor that we can trust to help us. We go to him and ask him to help make us strong because we believe that he cares so much for us.

God, thank you that I can trust you to help me any time that I come to you and ask. Help me to have courage because I know that you care for me.

JANUARY 10

Twirling with Joy

You changed my sorrow into dancing.

You took away my clothes of sadness,

and clothed me in happiness.

I will sing to you and not be silent.

LORD, my God, I will praise you forever.

PSALM 30:11-12 NCV

Was there ever a time when you lost something and were really sad, and then you found it and became really happy? The Bible says that God can help us to turn our sadness into happiness!

Sometimes we like to sing or shout when we are happy, sometimes we like to dance. When God turns your sadness into happiness, you won’t be able to be quiet, you will want to praise him!

Lord, thank you that you can fill my heart with joy. I will sing, dance, and praise you because you are good to me.

JANUARY 11

Truly Awesome

The heavens were made

when the LORD commanded it to happen.

All the stars were created by the breath of his mouth.

He gathers together the waters of the sea.

He puts the oceans in their places.

PSALM 33:6-7 NIRV

Have you ever tried to make something happen just by wishing it, or maybe even whispering it? Maybe you have said, “Sun, please come out,” or, “Ball, get into the goal!” Well, God did this when he made the universe—he just spoke the words, and it happened!

God is powerful and awesome! He can hold an ocean in his hand, and also know every hair on your little head. He is a God who can do big things, and a God that loves little things… especially you!

Lord God, when I think about how your words created the universe, and how the huge oceans are like little jars in your storehouse, I am so amazed! You are awesome!

JANUARY 12

Only for You

No king is saved by his great army.

No warrior escapes by his great strength.

Horses can’t bring victory.

They can’t save by their strength.

But the Lord looks after those who fear him.

He watches over those who put their hope in his love.

PSALM 33:16-18 ICB

Not everyone who can sing well will become famous. The fastest runner at your school might not make it to the Olympics. Sometimes we think that to be the best means that the whole world will notice us. But God didn’t give us gifts so that we could be famous; he gave us gifts so that we can show the world his love.

What things are you really good at? God wants you to do your best with the skills that he has given you, but most of all, he wants you to do it with a good heart.

God, I thank you for the gifts you have given me, and I will do my best, trusting you will show me how to use them for your good.

JANUARY 13

Be Healed

With you is the fountain of life;

in your light we see light.

PSALM 36:9 NRSV

When you’re thirsty, do you run to the desert or the fountain? If you are stumbling around in the dark, do you look for the light switch, or squeeze your eyes shut? When we need help, we are pretty good at knowing where to go!

God is like a lamp, lighting up the way we should go. He is like a water fountain, giving us new strength when we need it. All we have to do is come to him, because he can’t help us if we don’t let him.

Heavenly Father, sometimes I forget to ask you for help when I need it the most. Remind me to come to you when I need strength, because I trust that you will help me.

JANUARY 14

All Comfort

God is our merciful Father and the source of all

comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we

can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be

able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-5 NLT

There are many ways that we can make ourselves feel better when we are sad. Sometimes food, a bath, a game, or fun music can help. God has given us a lot of good things in life, but the very best comfort we get is when we talk to him.

Did you know that God understands all of your troubles? Remember that he created you and sees you, every single day. The next time you are feeling sad, tell God about it. He will make a way for you to feel stronger and happier.

Heavenly Father, thank you that I can always talk to you when I feel upset. Thank you that you care so much about me and that you are always with me.

JANUARY 15

Beyond Sight

Wherever I am, though far away at the ends of the

earth, I will cry to you for help. When my heart is faint

and overwhelmed, lead me to the mighty, towering

Rock of safety.

PSALM 61:2 TLB

Have you ever tried to get through a paper maze? You might have even been in a real maze. Sometimes you get stuck. You hit a dead end, or go around in circles. Life can feel a little bit like that—you can feel lost or stuck.

The amazing thing about God is that he always knows where you are! You just need to call out to him and ask for help. He can tell you the way by letting you know the right direction.

Lord, how cool it is to know that when I am lost, I can call out to you. Your voice will be my help and your hands will pick me up.

JANUARY 16

So Thirsty

O God, you are my God; I seek you,

my soul thirsts for you;

my flesh faints for you,

as in a dry and weary land

where there is no water.

PSALM 63:1 NRSV

Have you ever been playing for so long that all the sudden you feel like you would fall over if you didn’t have any water? When you are that thirsty, all you can think about is getting a drink!

This Bible verse compares wanting God to being that thirsty. We might not feel like that right now, but the more we get to know God, the more we realize we need him—just like that drink of water!

Lord, help me to understand how much I need you. I want to have more of your help, your goodness, and your strength in my life.

JANUARY 17

Better than Life

Your unfailing love is better than life itself;

how I praise you!

PSALM 63:3 NLT

What are your favorite things in life? Is it your bike, or perhaps it’s ice-cream, a roller-coaster, playing sports, or just being with friends. It might be all of those things! Did you know that God created those? He wanted us to enjoy life because he loves us. That’s kind of what this verse is saying—that his love is better than life, because his love created all the great things in life.

The next time you are really enjoying something that you love, remember that God created it for you. And then remember to thank him for it.

Lord, nothing compares to your love. Help me to thank you for all the things in life that I enjoy, because I know they come from you.

JANUARY 18

Make My Day

Fill us with your love every morning.

Then we will sing and rejoice all our lives.

PSALM 90:14 NCV

Why is it important to have breakfast in the morning? Your parents will probably tell you that you need to eat a good breakfast because it will give you energy for the rest of the day.

It’s a good thing to start your day with Jesus too. Just reading a little bit from the Bible, or praying that he will help you today, is a really good start to your day. It will give you the strength that you need to get through your day!

Jesus, I invite you to make my day. When I am frustrated or unhappy, give me patience and joy. Fill me with your love so I can love other people around me.

JANUARY 19

His Sheep

Know that the Lord is God.

He made us, and we belong to him.

We are his people, the sheep he tends

PSALM 100:3 ICB

Do you own a pet, or know some friends who do? Pets are neat! You can play with them, give them commands, and sit next to them when you are lonely. In Bible times, people had sheep to take care of—not like big farms that we see today—often just a few sheep at a time. They must have come to love their sheep like pets.

This Bible verse says that we are like God’s sheep. He cares about us the same way that you might care for a pet. He wants to be with us and take care of us every day.

Father God, I know that you really care about me, and that you want to enjoy me, and be with me. Help me to remember that I am yours.

JANUARY 20

Laid Low

Give me life, as you have promised.

PSALM 119:25 ICB

Even people in the Bible felt upset sometimes. It’s okay to feel upset, and it’s okay to say that you are upset. Maybe a friend has been mean to you, or your parents yelled at you, or you were left out of a game. Maybe you didn’t play well at your sports game this week.

Don’t give up! God knows when you are upset and he cares when you feel bad. When you are discouraged, it’s time to ask God to speak to you. Do you know what he will say? He will say that he loves you, and that he is there for you.

Dear Lord, in those times when I am most upset, help me to ask you for your words of truth. Thank you that you will encourage me with your love.

JANUARY 21

Your Ways

Keep me from looking at worthless things.

Let me live by your word.

PSALM 119:37 NCV

Have you ever bought a really cheap toy, only to have it break a few hours later? Sometimes things can look good in the store but they are not high quality. When you eat a lot of junk food that looks good, you soon realize that you don’t feel very good.

There are actually a lot of things in life that aren’t worth having. That’s why it’s important to find out what God says is important, because he is the one that loves you and knows what is best for you.

Jesus, help me to figure out what things in life are worthless, and what things are truly good for me. Help me to find these things in the Bible.

JANUARY 22

In a Season of Suffering

When I suffer, this comforts me:

Your promise gives me life.

PSALM 119:50 ICB

Sometimes life is not fair. Like when someone blames you when it wasn’t your fault. Or someone has made fun of you for the way you look. You might have embarrassed yourself playing sports. Perhaps your parents are fighting and it makes you afraid. There are a lot of things that can upset you.

Guess what? Jesus has made a promise to always be with you. He sent the Holy Spirit, our helper, to whisper to us when things go wrong and remind us that we are loved by him.

Lord, when I feel really upset, let me hear the Holy Spirit reminding me of your promises. Thank you that you watch over my life.

JANUARY 23

The Gift in the Struggle

My suffering was good for me,

for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.

PSALM 119:71 NLT

It’s no fun being sent to your room for doing something wrong. It doesn’t feel great spending time by yourself. After a while, you calm down and maybe you even forget why you were angry.

It’s important to learn that discipline is good for us. It’s good for us to take some time out and think about our feelings. God can always speak to us when we are quiet and listening.

Lord God, help me to understand that sometimes it is better to be disciplined than to keep on doing the wrong thing. Help me to pay attention to you!

JANUARY 24

The Path to Peace

Those who love your teachings will find true peace.

Nothing will defeat them.

PSALM 119:165 ICB