Learn 7.4 Devotionals (for Sunday 5/15) – Wednesday

 

 

Key Ideas

 

Faith Fact

God helps me when I am afraid.

 

Faith Verse

Philippians 4:13 (NLT)

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

 

Question of the Day: How can I be free from my fears?

Read about It

Read: Psalm 34:4–5

Imagine that every fear you have is a chain strapped around you. Maybe you’re afraid of speaking in public, or maybe you’re afraid of something that might happen. Each fear is a chain keeping you bound up. When you allow fear to control your actions, you can sometimes miss out on good things that God has for you. The longer you live in fear, the easier it is to become more bound up in those chains when what God truly desires for you is to be free from fear.

It’s important for us to fill our heart and mind with the truth of God’s Word. Then, when we face difficult situations, the Holy Spirit will bring that truth to mind and help us stand firm and be strong. When we surrender our fears to God and allow the truth of His Word to fill our heart, we will overcome fear. God frees us from all our fears because He is bigger and stronger than anything we may face.

Talk about It

 

Question 1. What can happen when we talk to God about our fears?

Answer 1. He can answer us and free us from all our fears. (Psalm 34:4)

 

Question 2. What can happen when we look to God for help?

Answer 2. He can help us and fill us with joy. (Psalm 34:5)

 

Question 3. How can God’s Word help me fight my fears?

Answer 3. It can fill our heart with truth and help us to stand firm and be strong. Answers may vary.

 

Question 4. What are some fears that I have allowed myself to be bound up in?

Answer 4. Answers may vary.

 

Question 5. How can I be free of those fears?

Answer 5. Surrendering them to God, asking Him for help and filling our heart with the truth of God’s Word. Answers may vary.

 

Pray about It

God, thank You that you are bigger and stronger than anything I face. Help me to surrender every fear to You. Amen.

 

 

Learn 7.4 Devotionals (for Sunday 5/15) – Tuesday

 

Key Ideas

 

Faith Fact

God helps me when I am afraid.

 

Faith Verse

Philippians 4:13 (NLT)

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

 

Question of the Day: What should I do when I’m afraid?

Read about It

Read: Philippians 4:6–7

Have you done something that made you anxious or afraid? Maybe you were nervous about starting a new school year. Or maybe you moved to a new place with new neighbors and new friends. Maybe you were afraid to go to a doctor or dentist. All of us face times when we are anxious about something.

But God tells us that there’s a different way that we can live. God wants us to talk to Him about the things that worry us. When we begin to thank God and remember what He has already done in our life, we can have peace from God that we can’t understand. That peace will guard our heart and mind.

Talk about It

 

Question 1. What does the Bible say we should do instead of being anxious or worrying?

Answer 1. We should pray about everything and tell God what we need. Then we should thank Him for all He has done. (Philippians 4:6)

 

Question 2. What happens when we give our needs and worries to God?

Answer 2. We will experience His peace that exceeds anything we can understand, and that peace will guard our heart and mind. (Philippians 4:6–7)

 

Question 3. When has God been faithful to you?

Answer 3. Answers may vary.

 

Question 4. How can remembering what God has done in the past help us face our current difficult situations?

Answer 4. Answers may vary.

 

Question 5. In what situations do you need peace from God?

Answer 5. Answers may vary.

 

 

Pray about It

God, thank You for being faithful and for always helping me. Today, I choose to give You my fears and anxiety. Help me to allow Your peace to overwhelm me and guard my heart and mind as I follow You. Amen.

 

 

Learn 7.4 Devotionals (for Sunday 5/15) – Monday

 

Key Ideas

 

Faith Fact

God helps me when I am afraid.

 

Faith Verse

Philippians 4:13 (NLT)

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

 

Question of the Day: How does God protect us?

Read about It

Read: Psalm 91:1–5

When a mother bird has a nest filled with eggs or baby birds, she will perch herself on top of that nest to be a covering for her babies. She will cover and protect those babies from the storms or predators looking to attack them.

The Bible uses this illustration to help us understand how God covers and shelters us. He can be trusted and offers protection to us. We don’t have to be afraid of anything we may face because God is a faithful guardian for us to hide in. We can rest in the comfort of knowing that whatever comes our way, He will be our covering, our protection that will never fail.

Talk about It

 

Question 1. Where can we find shelter and refuge from the storms of life?

Answer 1. We can go to God, and He will cover us and shelter us. (Psalm 91:4)

 

Question 2. How do today’s verses describe God’s protection?

Answer 2. He is our refuge, our place of safety, He will rescue us and protect us, He will cover us and shelter us. His promises are armor and protection. (Psalm 91:2–4)

 

Question 3. How can hiding yourself in God help you overcome your fears?

Answer 3. Answers may vary.

 

Question 4. What do you personally know about God that can help you face your fears?

Answer 4. Answers may vary.

 

Question 5. How can trusting God’s promises give you peace when you’re afraid?

Answer 5. Answers may vary.

 

 

 

Pray about It

God, thank You for being a refuge and a shelter for me when I face difficult times. Help me to trust You in every situation and to allow You to settle my fears. Amen.

 

 

Learn 7.3 Devotionals (for Sunday 5/8) – Thursday

 

Key Ideas

 

Faith Fact

God helps me when I feel alone.

 

Faith Verse

Philippians 4:13 (NLT)

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

 

Question of the Day: How can I help others even when I feel alone?

Read about It

Read: Isaiah 41:10

Can you imagine what it might feel like to be lost in the woods at night? Being alone and not knowing where to go or what dangers could be lurking in the shadows might cause you to be very fearful. At a time like that, it would be comforting to have a friend by your side that you could talk to and be with. Simply knowing that you are not alone could calm your fears and give you confidence.

This is what God does for us. He is our ever-present Friend. He reminds us to not be afraid or discouraged. He will strengthen us and uphold us. But He also wants to use us to be a friend to others who may be lonely or hurting. Sometimes, out of the hurt and pain we feel ourself, God can speak through us to help others. Don’t allow yourself to be swallowed up by loneliness, but allow God to strengthen you and to use you to reach out to others who may be hurting too.

Talk about It

 

Question 1. Why does God tell us not to be afraid?

Answer 1. Because He is with us (Isaiah 41:10)

 

Question 2. Why does God tell us not to be discouraged or dismayed?

Answer 2. Because He is our God (Isaiah 41:10)

 

Question 3. How can we be a friend to others the way that God is a friend to us?

Answer 3. Answers may vary.

 

Question 4. Who is someone in your life that may be feeling lonely and hurting?

Answer 4. Answers may vary.

 

Question 5. What kinds of things might make you feel afraid or dismayed?

Answer 5. Answers may vary.

 

 

Pray about It

God, thank You that I never have to be afraid or discouraged because You are with me. Help me be an encouragement to others who may be lonely and hurting. Amen.

 

 

Learn 7.3 Devotionals (for Sunday 5/8) – Wednesday

 

 

Key Ideas

 

Faith Fact

God helps me when I feel alone.

 

Faith Verse

Philippians 4:13 (NLT)

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

 

Question of the Day: How can I find hope in my loneliness?

Read about It

Read: John 16:32–33

In today’s verses, Jesus was talking to His disciples about something that was about to happen. Jesus knew He was going to die. He also knew that, before His death, His friends would abandon Him because they were afraid. Even though Jesus experienced the heartbreak of His earthly friends leaving Him, He knew that God the Father was with Him. Jesus experienced being alone during a hard time. We can feel alone sometimes, too. However, Jesus didn’t end the conversation with being lonely. He told them that, they too, would face trials and heartbreak in this world, but not to worry because He had overcome the world.

Each of us will face times when we are lonely, and we will feel like everyone has forgotten us. We may feel like our friends have left us, or that our family doesn’t understand how we feel. However, Jesus promised that when we go to Him in these times of loneliness, we can find peace in Him. Through our darkest moments, we can turn to Him knowing that He will help us and carry us through. The difficult things we face are only temporary. He has overcome the world.

Talk about It

 

Question 1. How did Jesus experience loneliness?

Answer 1. He knew that His friends were going to scatter and leave Him alone at His death. (John 16:32)

 

Question 2. Who was with Jesus even after others left Him?

Answer 2. God the Father (John 16:32)

 

Question 3. What hope do these verses give us for the times we face loneliness and difficulty?

Answer 3. We can have peace in Jesus and know that the trials and sorrows we have here on earth are only temporary. Jesus has overcome the world. (John 16:33)

 

Question 4. How does knowing that even Jesus had moments when He was left alone make you feel?

Answer 4. Answers may vary.

 

Question 5. How does knowing God is with you change the way you face difficult situations?

Answer 5. Answers may vary.

 

Pray about It

Jesus, thank You for the promise that even in my loneliness, I can find peace in You. May I never forget that You have already overcome all the trials and sorrows in this world. Amen.

 

 

Learn 7.3 Devotionals (for Sunday 5/8) – Tuesday

 

Key Ideas

 

Faith Fact

God helps me when I feel alone.

 

Faith Verse

Philippians 4:13 (NLT)

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

 

Question of the Day: Does God ever leave me alone?

Read about It

Read: Romans 8:31–39

If you were working on an art project, you might take two different paint colors and combine them to make one new color. Or perhaps you might take two different colors of play dough and mash them together until they combine and make one color. When these things are combined, it would be impossible to ever separate them again into what they once were.

This is much like how God is with us. In this life, Christians will face times that are difficult, and we may feel lonely. However, God’s Word promises that, when we go through those times, we can be confident in the love that God has for us. Nothing, except our own desire, can ever separate us from His love. No matter what we face, we can remember that God is for us, and we can trust Him with every part of our life.

Talk about It

 

Question 1. What does God’s gift of His Son say about other things He might give to us?

Answer 1. He is very generous and will give us other good gifts.

 

Question 2. What are some things that can be separated from each other?

Answer 2. Answers may vary.

 

Question 3. What can separate us from God’s love?

Answer 3. Nothing! Nothing in all creation can separate us from God’s love! (Romans 8:38–39)

 

Question 4. How does knowing that God is for you and loves you help you face difficult situations?

Answer 4. Answers may vary.

 

Question 5. How do you think sharing the truths found in today’s Bible verses could help others?

Answer 5. Answers may vary.

 

 

Pray about It

God, thank You that nothing can ever separate me from Your love for me. Help me to remember this promise whenever I’m feeling alone. Amen.

 

 

Learn 7.3 Devotionals (for Sunday 5/8) – Monday

 

Key Ideas

 

Faith Fact

God helps me when I feel alone.

 

Faith Verse

Philippians 4:13 (NLT)

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

 

Question of the Day: Where can I find God’s presence?

Read about It

Read: Psalm 139:1–10

Take in a long, deep breath. Think about the air that you breathe every day. As you inhale, air fills your lungs. Oxygen from the air is absorbed into your blood and moves through it to every part of your body. Did you know we can’t survive without oxygen? We can’t last long if we aren’t close to a supply of oxygen. Thankfully, we don’t usually have to travel far to find oxygen because the air around us is full of it. We simply have to breathe it in.

In the same way, God is always close to us. We can never escape from His Spirit. When we turn away from God and sin, the Holy Spirit brings conviction to turn us back to God. Wherever we go, whatever we’re doing, God is always there. We can always call on Him. There are times in our life when we may feel lonely, like everyone has left us or let us down. In those times, we can talk to God about how we’re feeling and know that He is just as close as our next breath is. Our Heavenly Father cares for us and loves us more than we can ever imagine.

Talk about It

 

Question 1. What does God know about you?

Answer 1. Everything (Psalm 139:1)

 

Question 2. If God knows everything about me, why should I talk to Him about how I feel?

Answer 2. Because God cares for you, He wants you to share everything with Him, including the way you’re feeling.

 

Question 3. Where can I find God?

Answer 3. God is everywhere; no matter where you go, He is always there! (Psalm 139:7–10)

 

Question 4. How does knowing that God is always there for you make you feel?

Answer 4. Answers may vary.

 

Question 5. What do you need to talk about with God?

Answer 5. Answers may vary.

 

 

Pray about It

God, thank You for knowing me and loving me the way that You do. Thank You that Your presence surrounds me wherever I go, and that I can always talk to You about what I’m thinking and feeling. Amen.

 

 

Learn 7.2 Devotionals (for Sunday 5/1) – Thursday

 

Key Ideas

 

Faith Fact

God helps me make good choices.

 

Faith Verse

Philippians 4:13 (NLT)

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

 

Question of the Day: What can I do if I give in to temptation?

Read about It

Read: Hebrews 4:14–16

In the Old Testament, the main role of the high priest was go to God on behalf of the people to offer sacrifices for the wrong choices they had made. Jesus came and died for our sins and then rose again. He is our high priest. When we give in to temptation, we can go to God, confess our sins, and receive forgiveness and cleansing (1 John 1:9). Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross makes this possible.

The Bible says that we can approach God’s throne of grace boldly, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Jesus understands our weaknesses because He was tempted, and yet He never sinned. We are human and there will be times we don’t make the right choice. We’ll have to face the consequences of those choices. Even when we make the right choice, there may be challenges that we have to face. God wants us to honor Him by making the right choice, even if the right choice brings challenges (1 Samuel 15:22). But, we can always look to God for His mercy and His grace, and He will always be there to help us.

Talk about It

 

Question 1. How does Jesus know what it’s like for me to be tempted?

Answer 1. Jesus faced the same testing we do, yet He did not sin. (Hebrews 4:15)

 

Question 2. How does God help us when we have sinned?

Answer 2. When we go to God, we will receive His mercy. We will find grace to help us when we need it most and we will be forgiven and cleansed. (Hebrews 4:16; 1 John 1:9)

 

Question 3. How is Jesus like the high priest in the Old Testament?

Answer 3. Both the high priest and Jesus offered sacrifices to God on behalf of the people.

 

 

Question 4. Why do potential challenges sometimes make it difficult to make the right choice?

Answer 4. Answers may vary.

 

Question 5. Why should you make the right choice even when there may be challenges?

Answer 5. God wants us to honor Him with the right choices.

 

 

Pray about It

Jesus, thank You for being our High Priest and for making it possible for me to go to God. May I always come boldly to the throne of God to receive mercy and grace to help me when I need it most. Amen.