Author: Nathaniel Colt

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Read: 1 Corinthians 2:10–14

Have you ever listened to someone speaking a foreign language? When you don’t know the language, it can sound strange. Paul tells us that this is how unbelievers can feel when they hear Christians talking about the truth of God’s Word. Some people think differently from God, but we know that God knows best. As Christians, God’s Spirit lives in us and He shows us the truth.

Other people might not understand the truth of God’s Word. They might even think we are wrong to believe it. But we can be confident in the truth because we know the Holy Spirit has revealed or shown it to us.

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Read: Hebrews 4:12–13

Have you ever tried to mix oil with water? No matter how much you stir, they don’t completely mix! When it comes to mixing the truth with lies, it’s almost the opposite. It can be hard to tell them apart. The writer of Hebrews reminds us that it’s the word of God that helps us separate truth about ourself from lies.

God’s Word is true. That’s why it is important that we read our Bible. When we have thoughts or desires, we should always compare them to God’s Word. God’s Word will always help show the lies we are believing about ourself or our situation. When we listen to God’s Word, it leads us to truth.

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Read: Matthew 16:21–24

Have you ever been tempted to play instead of work? It can be hard to choose to obey your parent’s instructions to clean your room instead of watching TV or playing video games. In today’s Bible verses, Jesus was frustrated with Peter. The enemy was using Peter against Jesus. But Jesus knew what He must do and that it would be hard.

We all face temptations to live a relaxing and comfortable life. But Jesus never promised us that life with Him would be easy. Jesus suffered for us on the Cross. His followers must also take up their cross and endure whatever challenges come their way. Following Jesus means we give up our own plans to follow Him. No matter how difficult it gets, we can trust Jesus and remember how much He has done for us.

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Read: Matthew 16:13–20

Have you ever heard a rumor about someone? Maybe it was rumor about a new kid or a teacher. People love to make guesses about other people’s lives. It was the same with Jesus. He healed the sick, did miracles, and taught in ways that were different. Many people had lots of guesses about who Jesus was, but the guesses in today’s verses were all wrong.

When Jesus asked the disciples who they thought He was, Simon Peter didn’t need to make guesses. He knew the truth about who Jesus was because God had shown or revealed it to him. He knew that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God. Just like Simon Peter knew the truth about Jesus, we can also know the truth. When we ask God to help us, He will reveal His truth to us.

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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.