Author: Nathaniel Colt

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Read: 1 Corinthians 13:4–7

Have you ever tried to describe something to someone who has never seen it? It’s pretty hard and means you have to explain what it is like and what it is not like. That’s what Paul is doing in these verses. The church in Corinth seemed to need some teaching about showing love to others. So Paul reminded them what God’s love is and what it’s not. It’s a little like how Jesus reminded the host at the banquet to show kindness to others.

It can be easy to think that we are good at loving others. But sometimes we lose our way, and we end up just loving ourself. It’s important that we know what God says love is and what it isn’t. Then we can stay on track and reflect God’s perfect love to others.

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Read: Philippians 2:1–4

Have you ever seen really little kids play with their toys? Sometimes they don’t share very well or get along. Sometimes grownups have the same problem. Paul wrote a letter to the church in Philippi to encourage them to get along with each other and love one another. He knew that this was something people could agree to do together. It starts with each person having the right attitude.

Paul’s message is like what Jesus told the guests at the party. We should choose to put others first, rather than just think about ourself. Doing this will help us work together as a team with one mind and purpose. We should choose to correct our attitude and put others first because of all that God has done for us.

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Read: Luke 14:12–15

What’s the best party you have ever been to? Were you surrounded by your family and friends at that party? Then it might seem strange what Jesus said about inviting friends or family to a dinner or party.

Jesus wasn’t telling the host that’s its bad to invite his family to dinner. He was just telling the host that there would be no reward from God for this. Jesus’ words remind us that it’s easy to do good things for those who can return the favor. But as Christians, we are also supposed to do good things for those who can’t help us in return. When we treat others with kindness, especially those we know will never repay us, we can trust God will reward us in heaven when Jesus’ followers go to be with Him.

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Read: Luke 14:7–11

Have you ever fought with your brother or sister about who would sit in the front seat? There is so much more room in the front compared to the back seats. But when you’re one of the youngest ones in the car, you usually don’t get your own way.

Jesus was speaking to people who were fighting over the best seats at the dinner table. He was helping them understand that by putting themselves first, they were just setting themselves up for disappointment. He knew that it was far better to put others first because God blesses those who are humble. When we have choices to make, we should set aside what is best for ourself. Instead, put others first like Jesus did.

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Read: Psalm 34:4–7

Have you ever woke up in the middle of the night because you heard a loud noise? Or maybe you’ve been in a car when the person driving had to slam on the breaks to avoid being in an accident. Our bodies are designed with something called a “fight or flight” response to fear. In those times, it can feel like our heart stops for a split second. Our hands might get sweaty, and our body feel like we can’t move. Our immediate reaction is sometimes to flee or run away.

Fear can be paralyzing like when Peter noticed the waves around him and he started to sink. But Jesus can free us from our fears when we go to Him. He can give us the courage to face our difficulties head-on. When we feel desperate and helpless, we can call out to Him just like Peter did. The Bible promises us that He will listen. Go ahead and try it. Trust the Lord to face your fears with you and He will not fail you!

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Read: Psalm 27:1–8

When David wrote this psalm, he called God, “the Lord.” The Lord is all powerful. He is greater than anything or anyone else. He has all authority, and He has the final say about everything. These verses talk about how we can trust God and don’t have to be afraid. When danger comes, He can protect us. When enemies attack, we can be confident of His help.

When the storms of life come and the waves seem high like they did to Peter, we can remain confident in God. We don’t have to be afraid! Because of this, we should desire more than anything else to be close to Him. When we pursue God, we can find peace from our fears. God wants us to come to Him. He is constantly saying to us, “Come and talk with me.” (Psalm 27:8). But it’s up to us if we will choose to respond to Him.

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Read: Matthew 14:28–33

Some people think of Peter as the disciple who took risks. He sometimes charged boldly into things. So it’s not surprising that he said to Jesus, “If it’s really you, tell me to come to you.” He started out strong and brave. But when he took his eyes off Jesus and saw the wind and waves around him, Peter became scared and began to sink. Jesus didn’t let him drown though. In fact, Jesus immediately reached out to help him get out of the water.

Peter was willing to call to Jesus because he knew that Jesus was worth trusting. We can trust Jesus too. He has proven His faithfulness over and over again. But sometimes we have a hard time trusting Him completely. It’s easy for us to take our eyes off Jesus just like Peter did. But if we will call out to Jesus, He will help us walk confidently and courageously through any storm that comes our way.

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Read: Matthew 14:22–27

Imagine you were with the disciples in the boat. A giant storm came up while they were out on the lake. They had been with Jesus and seen the miracles He could do. But they were still afraid. Then when they saw Jesus coming toward them walking on the water, they didn’t even know it was Jesus. They were terrified! They thought He was a ghost.

Like the disciples, we’re going to face difficult times in our life that feel like scary storms. Jesus will be with us just like He was with the disciples. We don’t have to be afraid. Jesus told the disciples not to be afraid because He was there. We can trust that Jesus will be with us, too!