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- Herausgeber: BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC
- Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
- Sprache: Englisch
- Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2016
Scripture encourages adults to take an active role in discipling children, in making them students of Christ. Moms and dads, grandparents, and mentors are on the front line of helping the youngest to understand and trust God's Word. In Point Me to Jesus, author Tara McClary Reeves equips grown-ups with 365 quick lessons to be shared with their children. Each day begins with a key verse from the Bible. Reeves then uses stories and insights to help build a Christian worldview around the topics of who Jesus is, why He came, how He lived, how He wants us to live and share His love with others, and more. Every reading concludes with a question for reflection and discussion. Psalm 127:3 declares that children are a reward from the Lord. Steward these treasures from heaven as you grow together in God's Word and in passionate, obedient love for Jesus
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ENDORSEMENTS
“With depth and humor, Tara uses powerful stories and insights to help families understand God’s Word and grow in their love for Jesus.” Jill Kelly, speaker and New York Times best-selling author of Without a Word and Kelly Tough
“The Gibbs and Reeves families have walked much of life’s road together from the NFL to pediatric cancer and even Pee-Wee football where I had the pleasure of coaching Tara’s son Daniel. She has both the passion and skill to effectively communicate Bible truths in a manner that is accessible and relevant for the whole family. Point Me to Jesus can help all of us in our daily walk with the Lord.” Joe Gibbs, owner, Joe Gibbs Racing
“The world fights hard for the hearts and affections of our children. We hear the statistics of children who turn away from the faith as soon as they leave home. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Raising our children takes courage, strength, love, and intentionality. God shows us the way. Deuteronomy 6:7 says that we should, “Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.” In essence, point them to Jesus constantly and consistently. Let all of life be all about Jesus. Tara’s book is a gift to parents who desire to guide their children into a love of God’s Word and a deeper faith.” Renee Robinson, author of Seeking Christmas: Finding the True Meaning Through Family Traditions
“Tara McClary Reeves points young readers to Jesus and gently teaches how to follow Him to enjoy the life He has planned. I’ve known the author since she was a little girl as she learned these truths from her devoted parents. With passion and creativity she communicates one significant truth: following Jesus is the best decision anyone can make. Many precious young hearts will learn to trust and lean on Jesus.” Dianne Barker, author, conference speaker, and radio host
BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC
Racine, Wisconsin, USA
BroadStreetPublishing.com
POINT ME TO JESUS:Devotions for Parents and Children
Copyright © 2016 Tara McClary Reeves
ISBN-13: 978-1-4245-5094-4 (hardcover)
ISBN-13: 978-1-4245-5095-1 (e-book)
Published in association with the literary agency WTA Services LLC, Franklin, TN
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Unless noted otherwise, Scripture quotations are from the NIV, which are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188, USA. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked ESV are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright © 2000; 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked MSG are from THE MESSAGE. Copyright © by Eugene H. Peterson 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the New American Standard Bible. Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. Scripture marked KJV is taken from the King James Version of the Bible. Scripture quotations marked TLB are taken from The Living Bible, copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NLV are taken from the New Life Version, copyright © 1969 by Christian Literature International. 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 NET are taken NET Bible® copyright ©1996–2006 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked GW are taken from the God’s Word®, copyright © 1995 by God’s Word to the Nations. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked CEV are taken from the Contemporary English Version, copyright © 1995 by the American Bible Society. Used by permission. Scripture quotations marked HCSB are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible, copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, and 2003 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked ICB are taken from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright © 1986, 1988, and 1999 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked ERV are taken from the Holy Bible: Easy-to-Read Version, copyright © 2001 by World Bible Translation Center, Inc. and used by permission. Scripture quotations marked GNT are taken from the Good News Translation in Today’s English Version, second edition, copyright © 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by permission. For Scripture quotations, marks of emphasis in the text (italics) are the author’s and are not in the original text.
Cover design by Chris Garborg at www.garborgdesign.com
Typesetting by Katherine Lloyd at www.theDESKonline.com
Printed in China
Contents
January
January 1:Go Ahead, Make My Day
January 2:A Godly Growth Chart
January 3:Love Does
January 4:Beware of I
January 5:The War Room
January 6:Sniff Test
January 7:The Great Pretender
January 8:The Sign of the Cross
January 9:Semper Fidelis
January 10:Unstoppable Love
January 11:A Modern Day Parable
January 12:Regifting
January 13:WWJD?
January 14:Bubble Wrap
January 15:Respect Authority
January 16:Go Fish
January 17:Remember It’s Not about You
January 18:Hear Ye, Hear Ye
January 19:Picked for a Purpose
January 20:Empathy vs. Sympathy
January 21:Lean on Thee
January 22:Fruit Filled
January 23:Real “Selfie”
January 24:Mission Possible
January 25:Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner
January 26:Face the Book
January 27:Free Build
January 28:The Simple Life
January 29:Dandelion Dilemma
January 30:Me, Myself, and You
January 31:No Other Option
February
February 1:Jesus Loves the Little Children
February 2:Know Pain, Know Gain
February 3:No “I” in Team
February 4:Follow the Yellow Brick Road
February 5:Light for a Dark World
February 6:Cheater in Church?
February 7:Rebirth Certificate
February 8:The Box
February 9:The Lamb’s Book of Life
February 10:Blue Light Special
February 11:To Tell the Truth
February 12:Beware of Self-Importance
February 13:Extreme Makeover
February 14:God’s Valentine
February 15:The Sun’s Bully
February 16:Word Power
February 17:The Real Superhero
February 18:Speak Life
February 19:The Hole in My Bucket
February 20:One Out of Ten
February 21:A Little Boy’s Lunch
February 22:The Leftovers
February 23:Life Is Not a Picnic
February 24:Soul Quencher
February 25:Supernatural Response
February 26:Choose Freedom
February 27:A Heart Ablaze
February 28:The Unexamined Life
February 29:The Cure for Stinkin’ Thinkin’
March
March 1:Don’t Run and Hide
March 2:As I Am
March 3:Loving “No”
March 4:The Widow’s Might
March 5:Poor Little Rich Ruler
March 6:Keeping Jesus in First Place
March 7:The Secret of Life
March 8:The Wilderness Way
March 9:What’s in a Name?
March 10:Seeing Jesus
March 11:Overstuffed
March 12:Your Serve
March 13:If the Crown Fits
March 14:Eenie, Meenie, Miney, Mo
March 15:Kai
March 16:F I D O
March 17:My Father’s Eyes
March 18:His Eye Is on the Sparrow
March 19:The Bible Is Not a Fairy Tale
March 20:Trashing God’s Name
March 21:Making Christ at Home
March 22:Making the Cut
March 23:911
March 24:Take Your Medicine
March 25:Dip Protector
March 26:Look and See
March 27:Jesus Never Leaves Me
March 28:Crossroads
March 29:Out of the Saltshaker
March 30:Trading My Wants for His Will
March 31:Remember His Raisin’
April
April 1:He Speaks
April 2:An Eye for Truth
April 3:Love in Action
April 4:Traveling Light
April 5:Prayer Works
April 6:Jesus, Friend of Sinners
April 7:From Rags to Riches
April 8:The Bright Side of Things
April 9:Strength for the Asking
April 10:“Maid” for a Mission
April 11:Buyer Beware
April 12:Habit Forming
April 13:Hearing and Heeding
April 14:Grasshopper Faith
April 15:Rock the Boat
April 16:Fix Your Eyes
April 17:Heavenly Nicknames
April 18:Trust Jesus for Plenty
April 19:The Blessing of “No”
April 20:Swim Buddy
April 21:Let It Go
April 22:Hard Knock Life Lessons
April 23:Freedom to Approach
April 24:Trust the Engineer
April 25:My Thanks for Giving
April 26:The Singer
April 27:Be a Barnabas
April 28:The Deal of a Lifetime
April 29:No Compromise
April 30:Children of the Light
May
May 1:Dress Code
May 2:Truth for the Traitor
May 3:A Recipe for Success
May 4:Use the Brakes
May 5:Include the Life of the Party
May 6:Say No Like Joe
May 7:Put in the Work
May 8:Trust the Facts
May 9:Ark of Rescue
May 10:Heaven
May 11:No Such Thing as Luck
May 12:My Prince Will Come
May 13:Becoming a Party Planner
May 14:Stop the Misery
May 15:He Sees
May 16:Waits Build Muscle
May 17:Train Your Eyes on the Real Deal
May 18:Room for Improvement
May 19:The Power Walk
May 20:I Am Potential
May 21:Guard Against False Advertisement
May 22:War!
May 23:Who’s the Boss?
May 24:Serve Others
May 25:Going Beyond
May 26:God’s Greater Purpose
May 27:Choosing to Forget
May 28:Soul Food
May 29:Thought Control
May 30:The Who
May 31:“At Ease” but Ready
June
June 1:I’ve Got the Power
June 2:Strength
June 3:Be Kind to Your Kin
June 4:Masterpiece in Progress
June 5:Go Pro
June 6:Keep Going
June 7:Honor Roll
June 8:Our White-water Guide
June 9:Blessings in Disguise
June 10:Choosing Fragrant Speech
June 11:No Buts
June 12:Difference Maker
June 13:Be Thankful
June 14:World Record Holder
June 15:Here Is God
June 16:Wolf Ready
June 17:Act with Compassion
June 18:Hot or Not?
June 19:Remember Christ’s Walk
June 20:Be Flexible
June 21:Night Light
June 22:Tin Man Testimony
June 23:A Clean Bill of Health
June 24:Clutter Free
June 25:Runaway Rescue
June 26:He Is Faithful
June 27:Follow Orders
June 28:An Antidote
June 29:Mine for Truth
June 30:Trust His Track Record
July
July 1:Let Actions Prove Faith
July 2:Quit Babbling
July 3:Seeing through the Smoke
July 4:Freedom
July 5:God Loves the Broken Ones
July 6:Garden Life
July 7:Just Say No
July 8:Walking on Sonshine
July 9:Needing Him
July 10:Jesus Saves
July 11:Follow the Leader
July 12:Giving What It Takes
July 13:A Masterpiece
July 14:Rejected
July 15:More Than They Thought
July 16:Install Guardrails
July 17:Multiplied Blessings
July 18:Cowboy Christianity
July 19:Hope in the Storm
July 20:Do Your Part
July 21:Don’t Cheat
July 22:Committed in All Things
July 23:The Bread of Life
July 24:Happy Homecoming
July 25:Focus in the Fog
July 26:Jesus Never Changes
July 27:The Living Lighthouse
July 28:In His Grip
July 29:It’s All Good in God
July 30:Singing in the Pain
July 31:He’s in the Inches
August
August 1:Use Time Wisely
August 2:Sweet-Sounding Harmony
August 3:Never Forget
August 4:The Gift of Joy
August 5:Casting Crowns
August 6:Gathering What He Gives
August 7:See Peace
August 8:My Precious
August 9:A Way Out
August 10:Say Nothing at All
August 11:Beware of Anger Danger
August 12:Chain Breaker
August 13:Stop Whining
August 14:There’s No Out-Giving God
August 15:Live Up to Your Name
August 16:Right-Side Up
August 17:I’m Loved beyond Measure
August 18:Caution: Fake Fruit
August 19:He Catches My Tears
August 20:It’s Okay to Ask
August 21:Clay in the Potter’s Hands
August 22:Faithful Travel Companion
August 23:Arsenic and God’s Grace
August 24:I’m Designed by God
August 25:Right Perspective
August 26:A Ready Help
August 27:Game Face
August 28:Pure-Eyed
August 29:Know What’s Praiseworthy
August 30:Loving Proof
August 31:Speak Where You Are
September
September 1:Eye Contact
September 2:Stick to the Sword
September 3:Inspected and Treated
September 4:Be Bold
September 5:Don’t Be a Chameleon
September 6:Be Patient and Kind
September 7:Walk Wisely
September 8:Flourishing
September 9:Flower Power
September 10:Be a Friend Shaper
September 11:Be My Guest
September 12:Stay Out of the Danger Zone
September 13:Heed the Warning Signals
September 14:Choosing Truth, Avoiding Consequences
September 15:The Myth of “Me Do It”
September 16:The Peril of Pride
September 17:His Beloved
September 18:Handing Over Hurts
September 19:Cross Training
September 20:Don’t Hide Your Cape
September 21:Leap of Faith
September 22:Trust the Loving Counselor
September 23:Don’t Be Lazy
September 24:Whispers of Hope
September 25:Spiritual Treasure
September 26:With Eyes of Faith
September 27:A Sinner Freed
September 28:Mark the Miracles
September 29:Be an Ambassador of Christ
September 30:Beware of Comparisons
October
October 1:Court Mediator
October 2:Interpret His Word Correctly
October 3:The Passover Lamb
October 4:Use What God Gives You
October 5:Treasure Is His to Give
October 6:King of Kindness
October 7:Doing What’s Right—Regardless
October 8:A Safe Supper
October 9:The Lion Tamer
October 10:Teach Friends There Is More Beyond
October 11:The Bible Is the Box Top
October 12:Quit the Blame Game
October 13:No Backtracking!
October 14:Search for the Good
October 15:Be Sincerely His
October 16:Care for God’s Creatures
October 17:What Goes Around Comes Around
October 18:It’s Okay to Cry
October 19:Eat in Moderation
October 20:Laughter
October 21:Flee and Pursue
October 22:Own Your Sins
October 23:Just Do It
October 24:All Ears
October 25:Be a Good Neighbor
October 26:Check Your Own Eyes
October 27:We Need to Turn
October 28:Be a Prayer Warrior
October 29:A Trustworthy Source
October 30:Plant Truth
October 31:Sweet Truth
November
November 1:Don’t Sit on a Wall of Pride
November 2:Perfect Power
November 3:Get Well Soon
November 4:Guard Against Loose Lips
November 5:Read the Directions
November 6:Prevent Wildfires
November 7:Don’t Go Stealing God’s Glory
November 8:Sure-Footed
November 9:Work in Partnership
November 10:Don’t Be a People Pleaser : Please God
November 11:Free to Fly
November 12:Be a Home Missionary
November 13:Be Willing to Take Advice
November 14:Rest in Him
November 15:Don’t Be a Fair-Weather Friend
November 16:Be a Young Hero
November 17:Stay in Bounds
November 18:Grow Up!
November 19:Don’t Lose That Lovin’ Feeling
November 20:A Heart Like His
November 21:Shout Your Love through Actions
November 22:Pardon to Paradise
November 23:Be Honest
November 24:Let Your Comfort Be Contagious
November 25:Anger Management
November 26:Glorify God with Your Grades
November 27:Resist Peer Pressure
November 28:Choose Joy
November 29:Gray Matters
November 30:Hope Floats
December
December 1:No Excuses
December 2:Steer Conversation
December 3:Fewer Toys
December 4:Cautious within the Crowd
December 5:Be the Right Kind of Foolish
December 6:Skid Control
December 7:Know What You Sow
December 8:Be a Super Friend
December 9:Have Faith
December 10:A Praying Life
December 11:Keep Knocking
December 12:His Presence among the Group
December 13:A Happy Meal
December 14:All In
December 15:I Must Live Untangled
December 16:Seeing His Will
December 17:Salvation Certainty
December 18:Be a Good Student
December 19:A Tale of Two Innkeepers
December 20:A Baby Changes Everything
December 21:Center Peace
December 22:The Gift
December 23:Rudolph, the Prodigal Reindeer
December 24:Spread Good News
December 25:Give Him Your Treasure
December 26:Amazing Faith
December 27:Listen to Your
December 28:The Purpose of Pruning
December 29:He Sinks Our Sins
December 30:Tomb Raider
December 31:Construction Will Be Completed
Acknowledgments
About the Author
For the three reasons I’ve written this book:
Caroline Fraley Reeves,
Daniel Cleburne Reeves, and
Harrison McClary Reeves.
This is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
—Philippians 1:9–11
JANUARY
JANUARY 1
Go Ahead, Make My Day
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
GENESIS 1:1 NASB
Every creation has a creator. Our twins love to craft. Sometimes they design homemade cards. At other times they sculpt. Whatever it is they use their imaginations to construct, Caroline and Daniel know their ideas won’t just appear and tape themselves to our refrigerator door. They first require work.
But amazingly, just by His word, our awesome Creator brought into existence all the planets, the sky, the stars, the oceans, the galaxies, the seahorse, the platypus, grapes, puppies, kittens, watermelons, the moon, the sun, rainbows, coconuts, hummingbirds, the firefly, moose, hamsters, mountains, roses, starfish, Adam and Eve, and night and day. God made everything in six days, and He did it without a supply box.
In the New Testament, we are reminded that Jesus, who is God, was right there calling time and matter into being in creation week. John 1:1 tells us, “In the beginning was the Word [Jesus], and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Without Jesus, the Bible says, nothing was made that has been made (v. 3). That includes you, who He fashioned in His own image.
Jesus literally made your day when He first selected your birth date and then laid out the days of the week. By putting your trust in Him, you will, in a sense, make His day too.
Why do you think Jesus made you and wants to be your Savior?
JANUARY 2
A Godly Growth Chart
Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature,
and in favor with God and men.
LUKE 2:52 NASB
We have a giraffe in our house. No, not a real giraffe, but a painting of the tallest animal in the jungle hanging upstairs. What makes this mammal so special to me are the little marks and dates I’ve made up his long neck. It’s a growth chart, tracking my children’s height over the years.
At one time, Jesus was a child like you. His growth chart of sorts is found in Luke 2:52, which tells us He grew taller and wiser, loving both God and other people well. He grew mentally by studying and memorizing Bible verses and praying. Physically, He became tall and strong. Perhaps He did that by eating the healthy foods prepared, instead of chips and cookies. Spiritually, He made wise choices in what He watched, listened to, in what He did, and where He walked. Socially, He was friendly with everyone, but was careful about who He called His friend.
God’s Word says, “Jesus kept increasing” in all these things. That means He never got tired of listening and learning. He had a teachable spirit. When He was twelve, we’re told that one day, Mary and Joseph found Jesus “sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions” (Luke 2:46). That’s where He chose to be. Make a commitment to monitor your “growth” by seeking to follow the example of Jesus.
What is something you can do to grow more like Jesus?
JANUARY 3
Love Does
“To obey is better than sacrifice.”
1 SAMUEL 15:22
I asked my children, Caroline and Daniel, to clean the playroom. It was a big job. LEGO® sets, dollies, and trains were scattered everywhere. But they said, “Yes, ma’am.” Upon my return, I got quite a surprise. Sitting in their little chairs around the wooden craft table, still surrounded by all the toys I’d requested they tidy up, my twins were beaming, each holding up beautiful artwork. “Look what we made for you, Mommy!” Not wanting to break their spirits, I sat next to them and let them explain each detail of their masterpiece. However, I knew I had to address their disobedience. “Mommy loves your drawings,” I replied, “but my heart is sad.” I explained that their pictures would have meant so much more to me had they first obeyed what I had asked them to do and cleaned the room.
Many times, we justify our decisions based on the same reasoning my children used to postpone their obedience. We know what the Lord has instructed us to do. But we translate His instructions into: This feels more comfortable. Maybe He will like this better. Jesus honored His Father through His obedience (John 6:38). Our goal should be the same. Anything else is just a disobedient heart drawn on pretty paper.
Discuss a time in your life when God clearly instructed you to do one thing, but you chose another. What happened as a result of your choice?
JANUARY 4
Beware of I
“If you love me, obey my commandments.”
JOHN 14:15 NLT
In Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Veruca Salt is a spoiled brat who thinks of no one but herself. She is disrespectful to her parents, even shoving and hitting her father. Veruca’s final scene in the movie takes place in the Golden Egg Room, where she wants her father to buy her a goose that lays golden eggs. “I want it now, Daddy!” she demands. With his checkbook in hand, Veruca’s father ignores Willy Wonka’s claim that none of the geese are for sale. When Veruca doesn’t get what she wants, she goes wild, tearing up the room and ruining the Oompa-Loompas’ work. Her tantrum ends with her disappearance down a chute into the furnace holding room.
Veruca’s actions show us what sin can look like. Sin is a little word with a big I in the middle, and its side effects are serious. When we are unkind and disrespectful to our parents and others, God is never pleased. When we sin, we are being disrespectful to God as well.
Obedience is one of the surest ways to show God that we love Him. When He says, “Be kind to one another” (Ephesians 4:32 ESV), He means that we should love those around us and not demand our own way. Doing what God says reveals how much we love Him.
Recall a time you made a choice to show God how much you loved Him by doing what He said.
JANUARY 5
The War Room
“But you, when you pray, go into your room.”
MATTHEW 6:6 NKJV
Upon his election as prime minister of Great Britain, Winston Churchill entered the Cabinet Room and declared, “This is the room from which I will direct the war.” The Cabinet Room eventually expanded into other rooms in the basement of Whitehall and became the brain center of operations during World War II. These rooms were in use twenty-four hours a day. Leading government officials, top military experts, and Prime Minister Churchill met here in what became known as Churchill’s “war rooms.” For six years a light shone in the room, which housed the maps. Because of the highly sensitive nature of the business addressed in these rooms, they were off limits to the public.
In Matthew 6:6, Jesus teaches us the importance of establishing our own “war room.” Though He was not talking about a room from which we direct a war, He encouraged us to find a special, quiet place where we can talk to God so He can direct us. When we come humbly before Him, wanting to follow God’s plan, instead of our own, victory is certain.
Where is your war room, and what concerns do you want to bring to God right now?
JANUARY 6
Sniff Test
We are the aroma of Christ.
2 CORINTHIANS 2:15 ESV
Just south of the Balkan Mountains is a valley famous for growing roses. During May and June, the scent is incredibly sweet and strong. Even if you’re only in the garden for a brief period of time, for the rest of the day everyone will know where you’ve been. You carry the fragrance of the garden along with you.
In the fourth chapter of Acts, Peter and John stand before an extremely powerful, educated group of men called the Sanhedrin. (They were kind of like our modern-day Supreme Court.) Peter and John had spent three years in Jesus’ presence and those observing them that day noticed hints of Jesus’ teachings and ways evident in the two men who stood trial. Peter and John had experienced the forgiveness of their sins through Jesus’ death on the cross. They’d witnessed His empty tomb and been challenged by Jesus in person after He’d risen from the dead. This made Peter and John unstoppable in their desire to make the living Christ known. Though Peter had denied knowing Jesus three times the night before Jesus died on the cross, there was no denying Him now.
God’s Holy Spirit, who lived inside these friends of Jesus, helped them boldly witness in front of this very intimidating audience. And “when [the Sanhedrin] saw the courage of Peter and John and realized they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13).
What is the fragrance others encounter after you are with them?
JANUARY 7
The Great Pretender
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’
will enter the kingdom of heaven.”
MATTHEW 7:21
Tony Evans shares a story about a bodybuilder visiting a tribe in Africa.1 Blown away by his guest’s muscular body, the tribe’s chief asked, “What do you do with all those muscles?” The man replied, “Well, it’s probably easier to show you than explain.” Immediately, the bodybuilder went into different poses, showcasing his triceps, biceps, obliques, quadriceps, and back. Afterwards, the tribal chief exclaimed, “Wow! Impressive. But what else do you do with all those muscles?” The bodybuilder admitted, “Well, that’s pretty much it. I work out to pose.” Shaking his head in dismay, the chieftain said, “What a waste.”
How many of us are like this bodybuilder? We attend church, try to keep the Ten Commandments, go to Sunday school or Bible study, pray, and may even have been baptized. We work out spiritually to look good in the eyes of others. Yet, we’re just posers. Life isn’t about who’s looking at us, but who we’re looking to for strength and guidance. When we have a real relationship with Jesus, it creates a longing to stay close to Him, to believe what He says in the Bible, and to trust in His power to change us. We won’t be content to just look good on the outside. We will want to be the real deal inside and out, not posers.
Share a time when you chose to please others instead of choosing to please God.
1 Tony Evans. Tony Evans’ Book of Illustrations (Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2009).
JANUARY 8
The Sign of the Cross
Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets,
he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures
the things concerning himself.
LUKE 24:27 ESV
My parents wisely taught me the dangers of reading horoscopes, playing with Ouija boards, and visiting fortune tellers. I’ll never forget being asked in middle school, “What’s your sign?” Because my parents had been so careful to guard my sister and me against negative spiritual influences, I had no idea what my friends at the lunch table were talking about. On the way home, I asked my mom. She told me about the zodiac symbols and how the only focus of our faith should be the Lord Jesus Christ. She replied, “You tell them tomorrow that your sign is the cross!”
Jesus never used any teaching other than the Word of God, the Bible, when He talked about faith. We shouldn’t either. The Bible is our source of truth for all situations.
I’ve always been amazed how close the horoscopes are placed near the comics in a newspaper. My parents taught me to fold the paper so I couldn’t see them, so I wouldn’t even be tempted to read anything that didn’t line up with God’s truth. The enemy is persistent and we are powerless to fight him in our own strength. First Corinthians 15:57 reminds us we don’t have to: “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Name a specific way you can be more careful today to avoid doing something that goes against God’s truth.
JANUARY 9
Semper Fidelis
“I glorified You on the earth, having accomplished
the work which You have given Me to do.”
JOHN 17:4 NASB
As you grow up, at times you may feel stressed out because it seems you don’t have enough time to do what you feel you were put on this earth to do. It helps to remember just how much we can accomplish when we make the most of the hours God gives us. Jesus was thirty when He began His ministry on earth and thirty-three when He went to the cross. For three years He was completely faithful to the mission His Father gave Him. He accomplished everything His Father asked.
My father is a marine. “Semper Fidelis” is the Marine Corps’ motto. It’s Latin for “always faithful.” The wedding ring I placed on my husband’s finger is engraved with those same words. “Semper Fidelis” reminds me that no matter what gets in my way, tempts me, distracts me, or threatens disaster, nothing should take my eyes off the mission God’s given me—to live for Jesus. Time is short. I need to live with focus.
If you get married when you grow up, being faithful means not flirting with anyone other than your spouse. At home, it means honoring your parents’ authority and responding to them with respect. At school, it means obeying the rules and completing your assignments. With your friends, it means making good and loving choices in your relationships. A life “always faithful” to the Lord has enough time to accomplish His purposes.
What does it mean for you to be Semper Fidelis, always faithful, to God?
JANUARY 10
Unstoppable Love
Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me
all the days of my life.
PSALM 23:6 HCSB
Jennifer Wilbanks went missing four days before her wedding, leaving her engagement ring behind. Three days later, Jennifer called her fiancé, John Mason, and said she’d been kidnapped, but was safe. Police soon learned Jennifer’s story was a lie to avoid her wedding. After Jennifer’s return, John knelt down and slipped the same ring onto her finger for the second time. The depth of this guy’s love for his fiancée may seem crazy considering what she did, but it reminds me of Jesus’ radical love for us.
Though John was willing to forgive his runaway fiancée, Jennifer rejected his love. “I don’t want to give myself to John until I feel like I’m the right person for him,” Jennifer said in an interview, “and right now, I don’t.” She felt she didn’t deserve his love.
Many people hear about Jesus’ wide-open arms of acceptance and sincere invitation to accept His love, but they think they’ve done too many bad things. So they reject His proposal. They’ve missed the point. Jesus chases after us in spite of ourselves. He knows the only way we can be forgiven and enjoy the loving-kindness of God is through Him. Salvation’s not about what we’ve done for Jesus. It’s about accepting what He’s done for us: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
What is one way God shows his love for you?
JANUARY 11
A Modern Day Parable
While a large crowd was gathering and people
were coming to Jesus from town after town,
he told this parable.
LUKE 8:4
The Good Samaritan. The Prodigal Son. The Good Shepherd. Jesus often taught in parables, which are earthly stories with a heavenly lesson. Many times my mom would encourage us with her own parables of truth. One was about our dog, Fancy.
My mother and father love animals—especially dogs. For seventeen years, they had a little mutt named Fancy who knew to sit on command. One day, after my father spoke at a church, my dad walked across the road with the pastor. Fancy followed behind. Once across, Fancy looked back and saw my mom on the other side of the road, talking to some ladies. Mom could tell Fancy was thinking about dashing toward her and she feared she’d get hit by a passing car. “Sit, Fancy!” she yelled across the street. Fancy sat. Fancy’s disciplined response saved that adorable dog’s life.
Each of us is a little like Fancy, running through life, unaware of the dangers around us. Often it takes an automatic, disciplined response to God’s Word to avoid trouble. Just as Fancy knew to sit because she was familiar with the command, we can know what is right, and obey it faithfully, the more familiar we are with God’s Word. Whatever God asks of us in Scripture, we can be sure it is for our good.
What Bible truths have you learned that can help keep you out of trouble?
JANUARY 12
Regifting
He said to them, “Go into all the world
and preach the gospel to all creation.”
MARK 16:15
Regifting is passing a gift we’ve been given on to someone else. Seldom do people regift a treasured item of great value. Yet, our Lord commands us to be “regifters” by telling others that forgiveness cannot be earned. It’s free, thanks to Jesus. What’s more, no matter how many times we give this gift away, we never have any less to keep for ourselves.
The Bible tells us that Saul (whose Greek name was Paul) became a chronic regifter after his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. He stopped killing those associated with Christ and began preaching to the public that life is only found in a relationship with Him. Paul’s desire for others to know Jesus was unstoppable, because he’d experienced firsthand God’s radical love for him. He knew he’d been spared a life of eternal separation from a living and loving God. Paul was willing to walk, run, and sail thousands of miles because of his conviction about the life-changing message of the good news of Jesus Christ. He confidently proclaimed, “The gospel … is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16 ESV).
Jesus paid the ultimate price for us to have the greatest gift of all. Salvation’s too big for any box, but telling others how the power of Christ’s love can change their life, and eternity, is the only present truly worthy of regifting.
Who are you willing to share the greatest gift with today?
JANUARY 13
WWJD?
“When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites,
for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and
on the street corners to be seen by others.”
MATTHEW 6:5
As the vain queen in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs calls out to the mirror to see who is the fairest of them all, she expects to see her own image, because she thinks of herself as the most important, beautiful person in the kingdom. Sadly, our culture often encourages us to view the face we see in the mirror as the center of everything too. But it’s the Lord who should be the center of our attention—even when it comes to prayer.
Prayer isn’t about placing attention on ourselves, listing our wants, and talking about our desires. It’s about focusing on the character of God. The disciples themselves witnessed the difference between the showy prayer lives of the religious leaders of their day (who loved nothing more than keeping attention focused on themselves) and how Jesus prayed. So the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray as He did. Jesus responded by shining the spotlight on the holiness of God: “When you pray, say this: Father, let your name be kept holy” (Luke 11:2 GW).
God is holy and hates sin, including our selfishness. So let’s challenge ourselves to see if we can stamp “Holy be Your name” on everything we do, from choosing TV shows and music to being careful about the way we treat His name.
Without praying to get it over with, to impress Mom, or to submit your list of wants, pick out something you love about God, and then thank Him for who He is.
JANUARY 14
Bubble Wrap
“On that day you will realize that I am in my Father,
and you are in me, and I am in you.”
JOHN 14:20
When my son decided to play football, I purchased every imaginable piece of safety equipment. I bought so much that when the cashier at Dick’s Sporting Goods looked at my overflowing buggy, she stated matter-of-factly, “Honey, you’re in the wrong store. I think you meant to visit Lowe’s. We don’t sell Bubble Wrap® here!”
She called me out. I just wanted to make sure my son was safe from all possible injury.
Safety and security seem incredibly important as we seek to live the best lives possible, but ultimately, our well-being rests in the hands of the Lord. To help us remember that truth, Bible teacher Denise Glenn suggests illustrating John 14:20 by drawing four circles, one inside the other.2 Label the largest circle God, the second circle Jesus, the third circle me, and the fourth circle Jesus. As you look at your drawing, you can rest assured knowing that when you become God’s child by inviting Jesus into your heart, you are protected on all sides. He’s on the inside of us and on the outside of us. No matter what life throws at us, we are safe within the “Bubble Wrap” of His love.
How do you feel, knowing that God is protecting you inside and out?
2 Denise Glenn, Wisdom for Mothers (Houston, TX: Kardo International Ministries, 2004), 60.
JANUARY 15
Respect Authority
“Honor your father and mother…
that it may go well with you.”
EPHESIANS 6:2–3 ESV
With long hair, big muscles, and a name meaning “sun child,”3 Samson was a star from the moment of his miraculous birth announcement. For years, though, Samson got so caught up in his looks and abilities that he failed to make wise choices. The brightness of the future God planned for Samson was dimmed by selfishness and foolishness. His sad downfall began with his decision to dishonor his parents.
Samson hid things from his mom and dad (Judges 14:6). When he did speak to them, his tone was rude, demanding, manipulative, and disrespectful (Judges 14:2). The way Samson responded to their authority reflected what he thought about God’s authority. Both Samson’s ministry and life were cut short, because he didn’t want to answer to anyone.
God placed people in authority over you to help you learn how to make wise decisions and avoid bad ones. Since Jesus instructs you to honor your parents, you must choose not to pout when disciplined or resist directions from them. Never plug your ears with your fingers and stomp off when they give you an answer you don’t like. Instead, remember God gave you parents to help guide and protect you. By honoring them, you honor Jesus.
What specific things can you do to honor your parents and please Jesus?
3 SHEKNOWS BabyHold, http://babynames.allparenting.com/list/Hebrew_Baby_Names/Samson/details/.
JANUARY 16
Go Fish
He said to them, “Follow me,
and I will make you fishers of men.”
MATTHEW 4:19 ESV
The twins and I went fishing the other day. With every fish we reeled in, Daniel kept asking me to remove it from the hook for him. “Daniel,” I stated, “one day you may be somebody’s daddy. You’ll be responsible for showing him how to do this. What are you going to do?”
“We just won’t go fishing,” Daniel replied.
Unlike my son, the first four men Jesus called into ministry with Him were career fishermen. Matthew 4:20 reports their response to His call: “At once they left their nets and followed Him.” I think it’s interesting that the Bible points out how quickly they were ready to obey. It also mentions what they left behind—their nets.
“Nets” like worry, fear of failure, or fear of what others will think are all examples of obstacles to following Christ. But Jesus desires our willingness to leave our “nets,” trusting that our futures and the catch are up to the Holy Spirit. He wants us to step away from our concerns in order to become fishers of men. That means we’re ready to share with anyone we meet that God loves them so much that He sent Jesus to take their place on the cross. The punishment our sins deserve was placed on Him. Once we have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior, refusing to fish is not an option.
Talk about any “nets” that keep you from sharing about Jesus with others.
JANUARY 17
Remember It’s Not about You
We don’t tell people about ourselves.
But we tell people that Jesus Christ is Lord.
2 CORINTHIANS 4:5 ERV
While Paul was teaching daily about the cross of Christ, false teachers were spreading their own theories about how to get to know God. They enjoyed having the attention of the crowd—whether there was any truth to what they said about spiritual matters or not.
Their tendency to favor being the center of attention, over knowing and proclaiming truth, was not a problem confined to their time. In the 1800s, a gentleman visiting London heard some great teaching from the most gifted preachers of the day. When he got home, he told his wife about the two services he attended. On Sunday morning, he’d heard Dr. Lewis. That evening he’d listened to Charles Spurgeon. “Darling,” he recounted, “I was impressed with them both. Dr. Lewis is a great preacher, but Mr. Spurgeon has a great Savior.”4 The man recognized that only one preacher had focused his message on Jesus. The other had done little more than draw attention to his own public speaking abilities.
Our culture encourages us to spend lots of time discussing empty topics that don’t lead anyone closer to Christ. But one purpose God has for you is to share with others how great God is, to tell people the gospel truth about Jesus. Life really isn’t all about you.
What have you taught others about Jesus?
4 Ron Hutchcraft, “The Only Impression that Matters,” Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, https://hutchcraft.com/a-word-with-you/your-hindrances/the-only-impression-that-matters-5982.
JANUARY 18
Hear Ye, Hear Ye
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them,
and they follow Me.”
JOHN 10:27 NASB
The story is told of a Native American man who walked alongside a stock broker in New York City. He stopped abruptly and said to the broker, “Listen, I hear a cricket.” The city dweller laughed and said, “In the middle of this busy city and afternoon traffic? You have got to be kidding.” The Native American man bent down and turned over a clump of debris next to a building. Sure enough, there was a cricket. Then he stood up, took a handful of coins from his pocket, and dropped them on the ground. People in both directions stopped and started looking for the money. The wise man said, “See, it all depends on what you are trained to hear.”
We too are faced with the daily question: To what will we tune our ears? Will we listen for tips on how to be popular? Follow advice on getting wealthy? Or will we zero in on the beautiful sound of God’s voice as He calls us to live for Him? Jesus tells us we can know His voice through His written love letter to us, the Bible. If you read God’s Word and obey what He says, you pass the hearing test. You are tuned into the right thing.
Pay attention to what you listen to today. Then, before bedtime, share what voices you heard most clearly.
JANUARY 19
Picked for a Purpose
Christian brothers,
we know God loves you and
that He has chosen you.
1 THESSALONIANS 1:4 NLV
Caroline ran toward me after tennis camp, beaming ear to ear. I hugged her and asked, “What was the kindest thing anybody said to you today?” “Mommy, one of the other players pointed to me and said, ‘I want her on my side.’” As we drove the short distance between the tennis club and home, I thought about the joy we give the Lord when we delight in “being on His side.”
Colossians 3:12 declares, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Like this verse says, Jesus has chosen us to be on His squad and He’s given us a uniform!
We show others we are on God’s team by the kind words we say to them, the thoughtful things we do for them, the caring hug we provide at just the right time, and the forgiveness we offer, even when it’s not deserved. Remember, no matter how difficult the challenges are in life or how lonely we may feel, Jesus is with us and has placed us on His winning team.
What does it mean to you to know the Lord has chosen you to be on His side?
JANUARY 20
Empathy vs. Sympathy
Since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered,
He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.
HEBREWS 2:18 NASB
As I waited for the nurse to call my son Daniel’s name, the exit door was held open for a mom pushing her son in his wheelchair. His skin was extremely pale. It seemed like it took all the energy he had just to draw his breath. His mother looked as if she needed the wheelchair as much as her son did. I felt an emotional bond with her that came as a result of sharing familiar, sad experiences. I smiled at another momma with a child battling cancer. I didn’t have sympathy, a feeling of sorrow for her; I had empathy. I truly shared her grief, because I walked a similar path.
A vast difference stretches between sympathy and empathy. Both are based on compassion and imply genuine concern for another. But with empathy, you feel the weight of what the other person is enduring, because you’ve been through it, or something like it, yourself.
Daily, we face pressures in life. Many are in the form of desires that go against God’s will. Giving into those urges is sin. Jesus was tempted, yet He never sinned. On the other hand, because the Lord knows firsthand what it’s like to be tempted to lie, to cheat, and to disobey, He can empathize with us in our struggles. And since He resisted temptation and chose to do the right thing, we can too.
How can you empathize with someone who doesn’t know Jesus?
JANUARY 21
Lean on Thee
“The eternal God is your refuge,
and his everlasting arms are under you.”
DEUTERONOMY 33:27 NLT
When my children were close to walking on their own, they leaned heavily on me for balance. They’d hold onto my arm for stability, and I would lead them. Eventually, Caroline, Daniel, and Harrison each built up confidence enough to balance themselves and walk confidently across the room. But when it comes to their spiritual lives, I pray they’ll never stop leaning on the Lord and the biblical truths their dad and I have taught.
In his book on the life of King David, Chuck Swindoll explains that every person is “built to be a leaner.”5 But he warns about the danger of leaning on other people, other things, or even ourselves, rather than the Lord. In Proverbs 3:5–6, God’s Word reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (NKJV). When we are small, we naturally and rightly lean on our parents. As we grow, however, we must learn to lean on the Lord Jesus Christ. He’s the only Friend who will never fail us or let us fall.
What is one way you can “lean” on the Lord?
5 Charles R. Swindoll, A Man of Passion & Destiny: David (Nashville, TN: W Publishing Group, 1997), 70.
JANUARY 22
Fruit Filled
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
GALATIANS 5:22–23 ESV
Have you ever noticed how several days of bad weather or hearing negative stories on the news can make people cranky? Have you watched a friend’s attitude sour when she feels like she’s having a bad hair day? It’s easy to let minor things push us toward feeling anxious or blue. That’s a big problem, because life is full of opportunities that hold the potential to bring out our worst.
Sometimes, life hurts and everything seems to be falling apart. Psalm 75:3 says, “When the earth quakes and its people live in turmoil, I am the one who keeps its foundations firm” (NLT). God doesn’t say if the earthquakes come or if people will go through days of confusion. He says when they do. Why? Because of Adam’s sin we live in a broken world. But Jesus is our hope: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
In Ephesians 5:18, Paul reminds Christians to “be filled with the Spirit.” That means instead of focusing on the negative, we should ask Jesus to fill us with the good things that come from His Spirit. As Christians, we can pray that the Holy Spirit will flow through us even when we are shaken by the annoyances of this world, allowing His love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control to characterize us.
Would you rather be surrounded by people living by the Spirit or living in anxiety? Why?
JANUARY 23
Real “Selfie”
Then Jesus declared, “I,
the one speaking to you—I am he.”
JOHN 4:26
Recently, Oxford Dictionary’s word of the year was selfie, defined as “a photograph that one has taken of oneself, typically with a smartphone or webcam and uploaded to a social media website.” It’s part of God’s plan that Jesus walked the earth before cell phones. Can you imagine the chaos of all those people wanting to pose for a “selfie” with Jesus?
I’ve been to events where celebrities were present. Often, few people really want to talk to them; they’d rather have a picture taken with them so they can publicize their encounter. What would have happened if the woman at the well had a camera? She might have missed Jesus’ message—God in the flesh—as He looked into her soul. Thankfully, because she focused on Him, she left that face-to-face encounter a transformed woman, a child of God.
When I choose to let my self-centeredness, self-pity, self-promotion, or self-reliance distract me from focusing on the One who loves me most and has the best in store for my life, I am being selfish. That “selfie” attitude inevitably leads to restlessness, frustration, fear, insecurity, and discouragement—giving ugly snapshots of what’s going on in my heart. However, when I make time to really talk to Jesus and to read His Word, my focus changes. I stop caring so much about me, and I start honoring Him for who He is. Now, that’s a picture worth posting.
What is one thing you can do to help you focus on Jesus this week?
JANUARY 24
Mission Possible
“All things are possible with God.”
MARK 10:27
When Nehemiah received word that the walls surrounding his homeland were in ruins and that his people were in trouble, he was surely tempted to think that trying to do anything about it would prove an impossible mission. But Nehemiah fasted and prayed. He knew Israel’s only hope was in the Lord’s help, and in his own willingness to follow God’s orders as His faithful servant.
A few days later, Nehemiah was in the presence of the Persian king. Nehemiah served as his cupbearer, someone who tasted the king’s food and drink before he ate to make certain one of his enemies hadn’t tried to poison him. When the king noticed Nehemiah’s sadness, he wanted to know what was wrong. So Nehemiah explained his concerns and said he wanted to help. “Then, go,” the king commanded, sending Nehemiah to Judea with royal requests for protection and building supplies.
Nehemiah journeyed to Jerusalem and—incredibly—he led the inhabitants there to rebuild the wall in only fifty-two days! The mission was accomplished so well, in fact, that Nehemiah’s enemies, who’d bullied workers during their rebuilding project, were “frightened and humiliated” when they saw what the Lord had done through His people (Nehemiah 6:16 NLT).
