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Author: Nathaniel Colt

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Learn 10.4 Devotionals (for Sunday 9/4) – Thursday

 

Key Ideas

 

Faith Fact

Jesus rewards His people.

 

Faith Verse

1 Corinthians 2:9 (NLT)

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”

 

Question of the Day: What does mercy mean and when was the last time you showed mercy to someone?

Read about It

Read: James 2:8–13

The word mercy shows up many times in the Bible, so we need to know what it means. Mercy is the kindness we show to others when they do something wrong to us. Mercy means not getting back at people. If someone pushes us down and we don’t push back, we are showing mercy. If someone steals our school supplies and we don’t steal their things, that’s mercy.

Do you know why the Bible talks about mercy so often? It’s because God showed mercy to us—and to everyone on earth! Our Scripture today starts out by telling us one of God’s oldest laws: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (James 2:8; Leviticus 19:18). That means to treat other people as we wanted to be treated. When someone hurts us and we hurt them back, we’re actually breaking God’s law!

Everybody has broken God’s law. But God showed mercy by offering us another chance at life. He knew that our wrongs deserve punishment, but instead of punishing us right then, Jesus came to our world and died for us! That is the most mercy anyone can ever give. When we show mercy, God rewards us by showing us more mercy. So, let’s show mercy today.

Talk about It

 

Question 1. When has someone shown you mercy (not punished you for something wrong you did)? How did that make you feel?

Answer 1. Answers will vary.

 
Question 2. Is it hard for you to show mercy to others?

Answer 2. Answers will vary.

 
Question 3. How have we already received mercy from God?

Answer 3. Jesus died for our sins.

 
Question 4. What does James 2:13 say God will do if we have been merciful to someone else?

Answer 4. “But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.”

 
Question 5. Who can you show mercy to today?

Answer 5. Answers will vary.

 

Pray about It

Dear God, thank You for showing me and the whole world so much mercy. Please help me to show mercy to others. I could never show anyone as much mercy as You have shown me! I pray that more people will accept Your mercy and will love their neighbors as themselves—just like You have told us to do in the Bible. I love You. Amen.

 

 

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Learn 10.4 Devotionals (for Sunday 9/4) – Wednesday

 

 

Key Ideas

 

Faith Fact

Jesus rewards His people.

 

Faith Verse

1 Corinthians 2:9 (NLT)

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”

 

Question of the Day: Do Christians ever make mistakes and sin?

Read about It

Read: Romans 14:7–13

God tells us through these verses that what we do matters to Him—and to other people. Have you ever fought with another Christian? God tells us not to do that because it shows that we’ve forgotten that we’re on the same team: we are both following God. If you’re on a sports team, you shouldn’t fight with your teammates, right? It doesn’t help your team if you do that.

Romans 14:10 asks, “Why do you look down on another believer? Remember, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.” Christians are all teammates with God as our Coach. We can’t be the coach in someone else’s life. We must all listen to and obey God. When we don’t, we’ve made a mistake.

Christians can make mistakes. They’re human! Instead of making the mistake of fighting with another Christian, we can ask God to help us both. Romans 14:13 says: “So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.”

We have choices on how we should live our life. We can live our life bringing pain and hurt to others, or we can live our life so that others can experience God’s love and grow in their walk with Him. How we treat others is important. God rewards our good choices with more peace in our relationships and with eternal life with Him.

 

Talk about It

 

Question 1. Christians don’t live or die for themselves. For whom do they live or die?

Answer 1. The Lord (Romans 14:8)

 
Question 2. Why did Christ die and rise again?

Answer 2. “Christ died and rose again for this very purpose—to be Lord both of the living and of the dead.” (Romans 14:9).

 
Question 3. Instead of condemning and looking down on other believers, how should we live instead?

Answer 3. “Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.” (Romans 14:13)

 
Question 4. How can we trip another Christian and make them stumble and fall?

Answer 4. Answers may vary, including with hurtful words.

 
Question 5. If there’s a Christian you’re fighting with right now, how can you change your behavior?

Answer 5. Answers will vary.

 

Pray about It

Dear God, thank You for reminding me that other believers and I are on the same team—Your team. Please help me not to trip others with my words and actions. Help me instead to encourage them to be more like You! We will all give account of our life to You, and I’m so thankful that Jesus died in my place. Help me to be more like You in the way I treat other people. Amen.

 

 

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Learn 10.4 Devotionals (for Sunday 9/4) – Tuesday

 

Key Ideas

 

Faith Fact

Jesus rewards His people.

 

Faith Verse

1 Corinthians 2:9 (NLT)

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”

 

Question of the Day: What does it mean to judge someone?

Read about It

Read: Matthew 7:1–5

Have you ever judged anyone before? That means that you think they are wrong or have done something bad. Maybe you judged someone who hurt you or is different from you in the way they look or the way they do things. The Bible tells us that if we judge others, we’ll receive that same kind of judgment back on us. Would we like that? Only if we made a good judgment about that person!

The Bible teaches us that we should treat others the same way that we want to be treated. Even if someone does something wrong, we can respond with love and compassion, just like Jesus looks at our actions. Jesus is patient with you when you sin and teaches you about turning away from sin. And that’s the way you should treat other people. The more we listen to this Bible passage, the more we can show His love to others.

Talk about It

 

Question 1. What happens when you judge others?

Answer 1. You will be judged the same way. (Matthew 7:1–2)

 
Question 2. How should you treat others?

Answer 2. The same way you want to be treated (Matthew 7:2)

 
Question 3. When was a time you have judged someone?

Answer 3. Answers will vary.

 
Question 4. Tell about a time when someone judged you.

Answer 4. Answers will vary.

 
Question 5. How can you choose to love others?

Answer 5. Answers may vary.                       

 

 

Pray about It

Dear God, I pray that You help me see people the way that You see them and to love them as they are. I ask for forgiveness of my own sins so that I have understanding and patience when other people sin. Help my life reflect Your love to everyone I meet. Amen.

 

 

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Learn 10.4 Devotionals (for Sunday 9/4) – Monday

 

Key Ideas

 

Faith Fact

Jesus rewards His people.

 

Faith Verse

1 Corinthians 2:9 (NLT)

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”

 

Question of the Day: Do you ever get tired of doing good?

Read about it

Read: Galatians 6:7–10

Have you ever planted seeds for fruit or vegetables? If you have, you know that the seed you plant is the type of food that will grow. You won’t plant apple seeds and get carrots!

These Bible verses tell us the same thing: If you have asked Jesus to forgive your sins and your everyday actions please God, at the end of your life you will receive eternal life with Him and His people. If you haven’t asked Jesus to forgive your sins and your everyday actions are selfish and don’t show love for God and others, you won’t live with God in eternity. It’s impossible.

So, if you ever get tired of doing good, of living for God, remember that you are still planting seeds of good things that will one day grow into eternal life. So don’t give up! Your good choices are never wasted.

Talk about It

 

Question 1. What do you think “you will always harvest what you plant” means in Galatians 6:7?

Answer 1. It means doing good things leads to receiving good things, doing bad things leads to receiving bad things.

 
Question 2. In what ways do you see people living only for themselves?

Answer 2. Answers may vary.

 
Question 3. What will you reap if you don’t give up on doing good?

Answer 3. “A harvest of blessing” (Galatians 6:9)

 
Question 4. How can you “do good to everyone” today?

Answer 4. Answers will vary.

 
Question 5. How can you encourage people who are tired of doing good?

Answer 5. Answers will vary.

 

 

Pray about It

Dear God, thank You for giving us these verses for when we are tired of doing good. Thank You for promising that what we plant, we will harvest—much good and eternal life! Please help me see others the way You see them so that I can share Your love with everyone I meet. Amen.

 

 

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Learn 10.3 Devotionals (for Sunday 8/28) – Thursday

 

Key Ideas

 

Faith Fact

Jesus gives me a choice.

 

Faith Verse

1 Corinthians 2:9 (NLT)

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”

 

Question of the Day: Why do you think God made the world the way He did?

Read about It

Read: Acts 17:24–31

This passage talks about who God is and why He made the world the way He did. The verses tell us that He made everything and everyone. He knew where people would live, which countries would be made, and what their borders would be. Why did He do this?

Verse 27 gives us the answer: “His purpose was for the nations to seek after God.” Did people do this? Not often. Verse 30 explains how it is now: “Now he commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to him.” The choice is still ours. We can come to God or say no to following and obeying Him. He always gives us that choice. How can we know that Jesus is the right choice? Because He died for our sins and rose from the dead. He is alive and promises to live with us forever.

Talk about It

 

Question 1. Is God far away from any one of us?

Answer 1. No, He is not far from any of us. (Acts 17:27)

 
Question 2. What does God tell us to do, according to Acts 17:30?

Answer 2. To repent of our sins and turn to Him

 
Question 3. Have you asked Jesus to forgive your sins?

Answer 3. Answers will vary.

 
Question 4. Acts 17:31 says God will have Someone who has risen from the dead judge the world. Who is that?

Answer 4. Jesus

 
 

Question 5. God created everything and everyone so that they would seek Him. Who can you tell about Jesus?

Answer 5. Answers will vary.

 

Pray about It

ar God, thank You for creating everything and everyone so that we would seek You. Thank You that Jesus made a way for us to find You! Thank You for sending Jesus to die for our sins. We ask You to forgive our sins and live with us now and in eternity. Amen.

 

 

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Learn 10.3 Devotionals (for Sunday 8/28) – Wednesday

 

 

Key Ideas

 

Faith Fact

Jesus gives me a choice.

 

Faith Verse

1 Corinthians 2:9 (NLT)

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”

 

Question of the Day: Have you made the choice to follow Jesus?

Read about It

Read: Revelation 21:22–27

In the New Testament, Jesus is often called the Lamb of God because He took away the sins of the world by dying for us. When we believe in and follow Jesus, our name is written in His Book—called the Lamb’s Book of Life. If we choose not to believe in and follow Jesus, our name is not in the Book of Life. People whose names are not written in it will not spend eternity with God. This Scripture shows us how truly important that decision is. If your name is in this Book, you will live with God in a city He has made just for His people! Can you imagine living in God’s city? These verses tell us it will be amazing. Choose to follow Jesus!

Talk about It

 

Question 1. When Revelation 21 describes God’s city (the place where God will live with humans in eternity), why is there no temple—a place for people to meet God?

Answer 1. Because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple (Revelation 21:22)

 
Question 2. Why does God’s city not need the sun or moon?

Answer 2. Because the glory of God illuminates or shines light in the city, and the Lamb is its light (Revelation 21:23)

 
Question 3. Who will not be allowed to enter this city?

Answer 3. People who practice shameful idolatry and dishonesty—people who practice evil whose names are not written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (Revelation 21:27)

 
Question 4. Is your name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life?

Answer 4. Answers will vary.

 
Question 5. Who can you tell about Jesus and the Lamb’s Book of Life?

Answer 5. Answers will vary.

 

Pray about It

Dear God, thank You for creating a city where You will live with us! We can’t wait to live with You forever. When we struggle with doubt or fear, please remind us that our name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. And please give us courage to tell others so they can choose to believe in Jesus and have their name in the Book of Life, too. Your promises are too good to miss out on. We love You. Amen.

 

 

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Learn 10.3 Devotionals (for Sunday 8/28) – Tuesday

 

Key Ideas

 

Faith Fact

Jesus gives me a choice.

 

Faith Verse

1 Corinthians 2:9 (NLT)

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”

 

Question of the Day: Why do you think God sent His Son into the world?

Read about It

Read: John 3:16–21

Have you ever played Hide and Seek in the dark? It’s tough to find people who are hiding, but in the dark it’s even more of a challenge. When you find someone, they have to come into the light. They’re not supposed to stay in the dark forever.

Jesus is like a seeker. He finds people all over the world who are hidden in the darkness of sin. Our Bible reading today is about Jesus coming into our world to bring light from God. The world was dark without Him. People who live without Jesus spend their life in the darkness of sin. And when they die, they will not live forever with Jesus. That is real darkness!

Today’s Scripture shows that we have a choice in what we do with the light of Jesus. Some people hate His light because they are afraid that the bad things they do will be found out. Other people love His light and are doing what God wants. What’s your choice? We have all done bad things, but when we ask Jesus to forgive our sins, His light comes into our life. Remember that God sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to save people. Let His light in today!

Talk about It

 

Question 1. Who brought the light of God into the world?

Answer 1. Jesus

 
Question 2. John 3:17 says that God didn’t send His Son into the world to judge it but to do what?

Answer 2. “God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:17)

 
Question 3. Why do you think some people don’t want the light of Jesus?

Answer 3. Answers may vary.

 
Question 4. Have you told Jesus that you want His light to guide your life?

Answer 4. Answers will vary.

 
Question 5. Who can you tell about the light and love of Jesus this week?

Answer 5. Answers may vary.

 

 

Pray about It

Dear God, I thank You for sending Your Son Jesus to bring Your light to the world. Jesus, thank You for showing how much You love everyone by dying for our sins. I choose to live in Your light today so that I can live with You now and forever. Help me to share Your light with people around me who are in darkness. Amen.

 

 

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Learn 10.3 Devotionals (for Sunday 8/28) – Monday

 

Key Ideas

 

Faith Fact

Jesus gives me a choice.

 

Faith Verse

1 Corinthians 2:9 (NLT)

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”

 

Question of the Day: If Jesus asked if you believe in Him, what would you say?

Read about it

Read: John 5:24–30

The most important decision you will ever make is choosing to follow Jesus and asking Him to forgive your sins. That’s because everyone will stand before Jesus someday. Bible verses like John 5:28–29 tell us this. Jesus will ask each person if they believed in and followed Him. That means He will ask you, too! What’s your answer?

Jesus said that those who believe in God will live eternally with Him. They will live doing good things because they know and love God. When they die, they will live with Him forever in heaven. God loves us so much that He has given us the choice to accept His gift of salvation. What will you choose? No one can choose for you. Your parents can’t, your pastor can’t, only you can. God can help you make the right choice. Just ask Him!

Talk about It

 

Question 1. What will happen to those who listen to and obey what Jesus says and believe in God?

Answer 1. They will have eternal life. (John 5:24)

 
Question 2. Who is the Son of God mentioned in these verses?

Answer 2. Jesus

 
Question 3. Who will hear the voice of the Son of God?

Answer 3. Everyone, including people who have died (John 5:28)

 
Question 4. What authority has God given to Jesus?

Answer 4. The authority to be the judge of everyone (John 5:27)

 
Question 5. Why is our choice to follow God important?

Answer 5. Where we will spend eternity is determined by our choice.

 

 

Pray about It

Dear God, thank You Lord for the gift of salvation. Thank You for loving me so much that You sent Jesus to die for me so that my sins can be forgiven, and I can have eternal life through Him alone. God, I pray that my life will reflect Your love for me to others so they can know You. Amen.

 

 

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Learn 10.2 Devotionals (for Sunday 8/21) – Thursday

 

Key Ideas

 

Faith Fact

Jesus wants me to be ready.

 

Faith Verse

1 Corinthians 2:9 (NLT)

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”

 

Question of the Day: How important is it to you to know Jesus?

Read about It

Read: Philippians 3:10–14

Paul, the author of these verses, had a life with many adventures and did many things, good and bad. But here he wrote that everything in his life was worthless compared to knowing Christ Jesus, his Lord. Paul didn’t let his past hold him down. He knew his future with Jesus was so much better! God’s greatest gift is the gift of salvation. Not only will we get to know God in the future in heaven, but we can know Him now!

Paul said that knowing Jesus was the most important thing in his life. We can know Jesus today by talking to Him, reading His Word, and listening to what He says to us so we can share it with others. Even if we have a life of adventure like Paul, we know that no adventure is better than knowing God!

Talk about It

 

Question 1. How can focusing on our past keep us from knowing God in the future?

Answer 1. Answers will vary.

 
Question 2. What does it mean when Paul said he was “looking forward to what lies ahead”?

Answer 2. He knew where his future would take him—to be with Jesus eternally.

 
Question 3. What “race” are believers in?

Answer 3. Life

 
Question 4. What do you think “heavenly prize” is referring to?

Answer 4. Eternity with God

 
Question 5. In what ways does God want you to know Him more?

Answer 5. Answers will vary.

 

Pray about It

Dear God, thank You that nothing and no one is better than You. Thank You that I can leave my past behind and follow You every day. I pray that I will know You more and more. Amen.