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.

Devotion for the week of February 27

Bible Point: Jesus meets our needs.

Key Verse: "He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit." Titus 3:5

Try This!
As a family, go through your photo albums. As you look at the pictures, look for ways Jesus has shown your family he cares about you. Remember needs your family has had and talk about the ways Jesus met those needs. Then give thanks in prayer!

Devotion for the week of February 20

Bible Point: Jesus forgives us.

Key Verse: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sons and purify us from all unrighteousness." -1 John 1:9

Read this quote and talk it over with your family:
"To err is human, to forgive, divine." -Alexander Pope

• Can you describe a time you needed forgiveness?
• What makes it hard to forgive? to ask for forgiveness?
• What are some steps you can take to receive forgiveness?

Daily Challenge:

• Confess your sins to Jesus, and ask for his forgiveness. 
• Think of a person who you've hurt and ask for that person's forgiveness. 
• Tell a friend how great it feels to be forgiven. 

Devotion for the week of February 13

Bible Point: We should turn to Jesus when we're afraid.

Key Verse: "Cast all your anxiety on him for he cares for you."
1 Peter 5:7

Read this quote and talk it over as a family.
"Fear has nothing to do with cowardice. A person is only yellow when she lets her fear make her quit." - Jerome Cady (editor's note: I changed the gender in the quote)

• Why do some people think that being fearful and being a coward might be the same thing?
• Why do you think Jerome Cady said that people are cowards only when their fear makes them quit?
• How do we conquer fear?

Daily Challenge:

• Pray to Jesus telling him what you fear most.
• Face one of your fears this week asking God for support. 
• Praise God for being bigger than your fears. 

Devotion for the week of February 6

Bible Point: Jesus cares for us.

Key Verse: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28).

Read this quote and talk it over with your family.
"In our efforts to avoid the necessary pains of discipline we miss the easy yoke and light burden." - Dallas Willard, The Spirit of the Disciplines

• What in the world does this quote mean?
• What are some areas in your life i which you are being tempted to go the "easy" (undisciplined) way because all your friends seem to be going that "easy" way?
• In reality, is it way or hard to avoid the "necessary pains of discipline"? Explain.