Devotion for the week of March 26

Bible Point: God wants us to give cheerfully.

Key Verse: "You must give according to what you have inwardly decided — not sadly, not reluctantly, for God loves a giver who gives cheerfully." (2 Cor. 7, Inclusive Bible)

Read Mark 12:41-44 again. Then read this quote and discuss with your family.
"The cash value of her gift compared to the gifts of the wealthy was hardly enough to notice, but the devotion behind it was another matter. That devotion, beginning there and spreading through the world, has built hospitals and helped the needy, fed the hungry and encouraged the imprisoned." -Edith Deen, All of the Women of the Bible

• What of your time, talents, and resources are you giving to God?
• What more could you give, and why would you give it God?
• What motivates you to give?

Devotion for the week of March 12

Bible Point: God wants sincere worship.

Key Verse: "Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker" (Psalm 95:6)

Read this quote with your family and then talk it over.
"It is only when [people] begin to worship that they begin to grow."
- Calvin Coolidge, Speech, July 6, 1992

• What happens when we fail to sincerely worship God?
• Why does God want us to worship God with sincerity?
• In what ways do you think we begin to "grow" when we worship God out of sincere hearts?

A few time this week, take some time to just be silent in the presence of God. 

Devotion for the week of March 5

Bible Point: Following Jesus takes commitment.

Key verse: I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes; first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. (Romans 1:16)

Try This!
In many cultures, history is passed along orally. That is, there isn't a written history, just a series of stories that captures events from the past. Have each family member place one item that reminds him or her of a family story in a shoe box or other container. Maybe it's a baby shoe that's long been outgrown and is a reminder of someone learning to take a first step. Or it might be a check piece from an old game that used to be the family pastime. Whatever the item, ask the person who picks it to tell the story. Keep the box where you can add items now and then to create an "oral history" starter for your family.