Devotion for the week of May 28

Bible Point: God gives us the Holy Spirit to help us.

Key Verse: "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you" (John 14:26).

Read this quote and talk it over with your family.
"All along [Jesus] had planned to depart in order to carry on his work in other bodies. Their bodies. Our bodies. The new body of Christ... As Augustine put it, 'You ascended from before our eyes, and we turned back to grieving, only to find you in our hearts.'" - Philip Yancey, The Jesus I Never Knew

• How is Jesus able to finish his work through us?
• What important part does the Holy Spirit play in that job?
• How does the presence of God inside of you change how you act?

Devotion for the week of May 21

Bible Point: Christians should encourage each other in faith.

Key Verse: "But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness" (Hebrews 3:13)

Read this quote and talk about it with your family.
"As I have come to know, reaching out to others in the name of God can be one of the most deeply rewarding experiences any person can enjoy."
- Former US President Jimmy Carter, Living Faith

• When have you reached out to help another Christian? Was it a rewarding experience? Why or why not?
• Which is easier for you: having close relationships with other Christians or keeping your faith to yourself? Why?
• Read Hebrews 3:13. Why is it important to encourage others, even when it's challenging?
• What should be our motivation when we try to encourage others in faith?

Devotion for the week of May 14

Bible Point: God wants us to tell everyone about Jesus.

Key Verse: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:19-20)

Read this quote and talk it over with your family.
"Trying to destroy Christianity by killing Christ was like trying to destroy a dandelion seed head by blowing on it." - Walter Wink, Engaging the Powers

• Dandelions grow when the seeds of one blow away. How do new Christians "grow"? How do people become Christians?
• How does the good news of Jesus spread from one culture to another?
• How can you spread the good news?

Devotion for the week of May 7

Bible Point: Follow where God leads.

Key Verse: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Read this quote with your family and talk about it.
"I will have to discern between an authentic call from God and what might simply be a foolish impulse on my part. Courage alone is not enough; it must be accompanied by wisdom and discernment." - John Ortberg, If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat

• How can you distinguish between a call from God and a foolish impulse?
• Have you ever gotten the two mixed up? What happened?
• How can you gain the wisdom needed to hear God's call?

(Anne's note: This is something I've always struggled with... is this God's will or my will? It doesn't necessarily mean it's "foolish" if it's my will, but it is important to distinguish between the two. I heard a woman in her 80s say that she still struggled with this question. I don't think it's something we'll ever have completely figured out...)