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Author: Nathaniel Colt

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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.

 

 

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

 

 

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: What is a faithful person?

Read about It

Read: 2 Timothy 4:5–8

In these verses, the apostle Paul says he remained faithful. Do you know what the word faithful means? It means that you stick with something, and you keep doing and believing it. You may have a favorite sports team, and you might be a faithful fan of that team, even when they lose. You may have a favorite breakfast cereal that you faithfully eat every day and never get tired of it.

God wants our faithfulness to Him through all of life, in good times and bad. When you are walking through a hard time, it is important to draw closer to God. You can know that He is right there with you and that you can turn to Him. He is with always with you. He never leaves you and you can always turn to Him. Like 2 Timothy 4:8 says, the crown of righteousness is the prize for everyone who lives faithfully for Jesus. But the prize is also Jesus himself; faithful people eagerly look forward to when He comes back!

Talk about It

 

Question 1. What does it mean when Paul said he had “fought the good fight” and “finished the race”?

Answer 1. His life was almost over and he had been faithful to follow Jesus. (2 Timothy 4:7)

 
Question 2. Who will Jesus give an award for faithfulness?

Answer 2. Paul, and all who eagerly look forward to Jesus’ appearing (2 Timothy 4:8)

 
Question 3. In what ways can you stay faithful in your walk with God?

Answer 3. Answers may vary.

 
Question 4. When was a time you struggled in your walk with God?

Answer 4. Answers will vary.

 
Question 5. Who are Christians you know who have fought the good fight, finished the race, and remained faithful to Jesus?

Answer 5. Answers will vary.

 

Pray about It

Dear God, I pray that in the good times and bad times that I will choose to follow You. I thank You that You are with me always, and I thank You for giving me examples of faithfulness in the lives of Paul and others. Amen.

 

 

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

 

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: What is something you want to do in life?

Read about It

Read: Hebrews 12:1–3

Think of the Christian life like a long race. If you want to win a race, you’ll avoid tripping over things and wearing too heavy clothing, right? But sin tries to make us lose the race: It trips us up and weighs us down. So what do we do? Hebrews 12:1 tells us to strip off the weights and not get tripped up. Another way to say that is we need to say no to sin. How do we do this?

Hebrews 12:1 tells us we’re surrounded by a “huge crowd of witnesses”—people who have lived for God and are now in heaven, cheering us on. We can remember that many people have said no to sin and yes to God, and that can encourage us to keep saying yes to God. God has a plan and a purpose for your life. He wants you to make the choice to be close to Him and to enjoy all the good things He has planned for your life.

One of the things that will help us stay on the path that He has set before us is to make the daily choice to keep our eyes on Jesus. So align yourself with what God is speaking to you in the Bible and in prayer and follow Him. It is one of the best choices that you can make!

Talk about It

 

Question 1. What is one weight that slows us down in our Christian life?

Answer 1. Sin (Hebrews 12:1)
Question 2. How does sin slow us down?

Answer 2. It trips us up. (Hebrews 12:1)

 
Question 3. Who are people in your life who do a good job of saying no to sin?

Answer 3. Answers will vary.

 
Question 4. How do you choose daily to keep your eyes on Jesus?

Answer 4. Answers may vary.

 
Question 5. We won’t become weary and give up when we think of what Jesus endured. What does Hebrews 12:2 say He endured?

Answer 5. He endured the Cross, disregarded its shame, and is now seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. (Hebrews 12:2)

 

 

Pray about It

Dear God, thank You for sending Your Son Jesus to live as my example, die for my sins, and live forever. I know that when I focus on Jesus, I won’t give up. Help me to remember what He did and remember that many people have said yes to You. Then I will be encouraged to keep running my race for You! Amen.

 

 

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

 

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: Did you ever forget to prepare for something important?

Read about it

Read: Matthew 25:1–13

God wants us to do things to prepare for when Jesus comes back. It may seem like Jesus is taking a long time to return, just like the bridegroom took a long time to show up in today’s Bible story. Half of the bridesmaids were prepared, and half were not. The ones who weren’t prepared couldn’t go to the feast because they were still getting ready.

Jesus told us this story so we would not be like that. Even when it feels like we’re waiting a long time for Jesus to come back, we can still be ready. We can be ready by having a relationship with God and growing closer to Him. We do that by reading our Bible, talking to and listening to God, and going to church. And we do all that to know God and tell others about Him so they can know Him too! That way they will be ready when Jesus comes back to take us to be with Him forever.

Talk about It

 

Question 1. Why were the five bridesmaids foolish?

Answer 1. They didn’t take enough oil for their lamps. (Matthew 25:3)

 
Question 2. What happened when the foolish bridesmaids left to buy more oil?

Answer 2. The bridegroom came, and they missed him.

 
Question 3. Are you ready for when Jesus returns?

Answer 3. Answers may vary.

 
Question 4. What does Jesus say about the day or hour of His return?

Answer 4. No one knows when it will happen. (Matthew 25:13)

 
Question 5. What can you do to prepare for Jesus’ return?

Answer 5. Answers may vary but could include spend time with other Christians, read the Bible, and pray.

 

 

Pray about It

Dear God, I pray that in this time of waiting, You will prepare my heart and help those around me come to know You more and more. I thank You for the promise that Jesus is coming again. Amen.

 

 

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Learn 10.1 Devotionals (for Sunday 8/14) – Thursday

 

Key Ideas

 

Faith Fact

Jesus is coming back.

 

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 told someone that Jesus died for them?

Read about It

Read: 1 Corinthians 15:50–58

Did you know that nothing you do for Jesus is ever useless? These verses explain why: Jesus is still alive! He defeated death so that we can live with Him forever. Death can seem like a loss, but it will not be a loss for people who know Jesus. It will be a victory, because then we get to live with Him forever in new bodies that don’t die. We can have faith that this will happen because we know that Jesus has already defeated death. So we can be strong because victory is on the way. We can tell other people what Jesus did for them. Then they can know true victory, too!

Talk about It

 

Question 1. What does 1 Corinthians 15 say will happen to our bodies?

Answer 1. They will be changed into ones that can live forever. (1 Corinthians 15:51–53)

 
Question 2. How can we have victory over both sin and death?

Answer 2. By accepting Jesus’ death for our sins and His victory over the grave (1 Corinthians 15:57)

 
Question 3. What challenge for us is found in 1 Corinthians 15:58?

Answer 3. To be strong and immovable and to always work enthusiastically for the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58)

 
Question 4. Why is nothing we do for the Lord useless?

Answer 4. Answers may vary.

 
Question 5. How can the Lord use you?

Answer 5. Answers will vary.

.

 

Pray about It

Dear God, thank You for giving us ultimate victory in Jesus and in what He did on the Cross. I pray that You will use my life so that others will come to know who You are. Amen.

 

 

Posted on

Learn 10.1 Devotionals (for Sunday 8/14) – Wednesday

 

 

Key Ideas

 

Faith Fact

Jesus is coming back.

 

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 do you think heaven is like?

Read about It

Read: 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18

 

These verses are filled with hope. They tell us how to think about other Christians who have died: We’ll see them again when Jesus comes back! Because Jesus died and was raised back to life, He defeated death. This means we can trust God for life with Him after death. People who put their faith in Jesus get to spend eternity with Him after they die. This is why we can have hope that we will see them again. These verses tell people to encourage each other with these words—and there is much to be encouraged about today.

Talk about It

 

Question 1. When believers die and we are sad, we can still have hope. Why?

Answer 1. Because we will see them again (1 Thessalonians 4:13–14)

 
Question 2. What will happen to believers who have died?

Answer 2. They will be with Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 4:14)

 
Question 3. What are some things that 1 Thessalonians 4:16 says will happen when the Lord returns?

Answer 3. “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16)

 
Question 4. How long will the believers be with the Lord?

Answer 4. Forever (1 Thessalonians 4:17)

 
Question 5. What do you think that day will be like when Jesus returns?

Answer 5. Answers may vary.

 

Pray about It

Dear God, thank You for the promise that we will see our loved ones who are believers again. I thank You that Jesus overcame death. God, I thank You for the hope we find in You alone. Amen.

 

 

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Learn 10.1 Devotionals (for Sunday 8/14) – Tuesday

 

Key Ideas

 

Faith Fact

Jesus is coming back.

 

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 is something you do when you wait for something?

Read about It

Read: 2 Peter 3:8–13

Only God the Father knows what day and time Jesus will come back, but we have the promise that Jesus will come back someday. Some people say that Jesus won’t ever come back. But we know that God’s Word is true, and it gives us the promise of His return. While we wait for His return, we have the job of telling others about Jesus. Second Peter 3:9 says God is patient because He wants all people to hear about Jesus and have the opportunity to accept Him as their Lord and Savior..

Talk about It

 

Question 1. If someone says that Jesus is too slow in returning, what can you tell them?

Answer 1. “The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.” (2 Peter 3:9)

 
Question 2. What can you answer when someone says that Jesus is not going to return at all?

Answer 2. Answers may vary. You can tell them about your relationship with Him that is built on trust and on what He has done in your life.

 
Question 3. What can you do while we wait for Jesus to return?

Answer 3. Tell others about Jesus!

 
Question 4. What are Christians looking forward to, according to 2 Peter 3:13?

Answer 4. “The new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness” (2 Peter 3:13)

 
Question 5. Who is someone you can tell about Jesus this week?

Answer 5. Answers will vary.

 

 

Pray about It

Dear God, thank You for the promise of Your Son Jesus’ return. God, there are so many people who don’t know about You. I pray that while we wait for Jesus to come back, that we will do our part in telling others about You. May more and more people hear about You and choose to follow You. Amen.

 

 

Posted on

Learn 10.1 Devotionals (for Sunday 8/14) – Monday

 

Key Ideas

 

Faith Fact

Jesus is coming back.

 

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 do you feel when something happens that you don’t expect?

Read about It

Read: Matthew 24:35–44

If you knew the day or time that something was going to happen, like a birthday party or even something bad, like a weather disaster, you would be prepared and ready for it. As believers in Jesus, one of the biggest things we are waiting for is Jesus coming back. We should be so excited about this! We know that Jesus has promised that He will come back someday, but no one but His Father knows the day or time.

Because we don’t know the day or time, what should we do while we wait for that day? We should make sure we are doing everything we can to tell other people—our friends, family, and neighbors—about Jesus and His gift of salvation. We need to be ready for Jesus to come back. We should make the most of our time until then, growing closer in our relationship with Him.

Talk about It

Question 1. Why should you be ready for Jesus to return at any time?

Answer 1. Because He may come when you’re not expecting it, and you need to be ready (Matthew 24:44)

 
Question 2. According to the Scripture we read, how will the day that Jesus returns be like “Noah’s day”?

Answer 2. In Noah’s time, people didn’t realize what was coming. Then when the Flood came, it was too late because they weren’t ready. (Matthew 24:37–39)

 
Question 3. What would a homeowner do if he knew exactly when a burglar was coming?

Answer 3. He would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. (Matthew 24:43)

 
Question 4. What can we learn from the homeowner example?

Answer 4. We also must be ready all the time for Jesus to return. (Matthew 24:44)

 
Question 5. What are things we should do daily as we wait for Jesus to come back?

Answer 5. Answers will vary.

 

 

Pray about It

Dear God, thank You for the promise that someday Your Son Jesus will come back to earth. While I’m waiting for His return, I pray that I will grow in my walk with You. God, I pray that I will be wise and not like the people of Noah’s day. Help me to become the person You have called me to be. Amen.