This Book Belongs To:
WRITERS : Chia Poh Fang (CPF), Sophia Huang (SH), Leslie Koh (LK), Emily Lim (EL), Sim Kay Tee (SKT), Ruth Wan-Lau (RW)
EDITORIAL : Asia-Pacific Content Development Team
DESIGNERS : Grace Goh, Joshua Tan
Unless otherwise indicated, all Scriptures quotations are taken from Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc®. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked NIRV are taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL READER’S VERSION®. Copyright © 1996, 1998 Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission of Biblica.
Scripture quotations marked ESV are taken The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Images used under licence from shutterstock.com
© 2019 Our Daily Bread Ministries®. All rights reserved.
These devotions are written specially for children and families. They can be read out loud during family devotional time. Children can also use these devotions for their personal time with the Lord. Through the use of stories and examples, these devotions aim to make the life-changing wisdom of the Bible understandable to children and families, and to challenge them to apply the Word of God to their daily lives.
Here are some tips on how to carry out family devotional time using these devotions:
• Set aside a specific time every day as family devotional time.
• Read the Bible passage out loud.
• Read the devotion out loud.
• Ask the children to summarise the devotion.
• Read the reflection questions out loud. Have a discussion about them.
• Summarise the key learning points for everyone.
• Pray, asking God to help everyone apply His Word to their lives.
As you use this book, we pray that you will enjoy meaningful moments with God and with one another!
The Our Daily Bread team
FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS
Verse of the Day
The instructions of the LORD are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. —Psalm 19:7 NLT
READ Psalm 19:7–13
“Don’t worry, Jon, I’ll help you fix your airplane,” Chloe said.
“W hat’s going on?” Dad asked, as he entered the living room.
“Jon was building an airplane model using plastic blocks. The model came with detailed step-by-step instructions, but he didn’t follow them,” Chloe explained.
Dad glanced at the instructions. “Wow! This airplane model is made up of 1,500 plastic blocks! You’d definitely need to follow the instructions.”
Jon looked woeful. “I didn’t feel like doing that!”
“Instructions are meant to help us. Following them is the best way to build this model,” Chloe said gently.
“Hey, Chloe, this reminds me of what you told me in the car yesterday. About Kyra, remember?” Dad said.
Kyra was the new girl in Chloe’s class. The teacher had asked Chloe to befriend Kyra, but Chloe had told Dad that she didn’t think Kyra would fit in with her group of friends.
“W hat does befriending Kyra have to do with Jon’s airplane model?” Chloe asked.
toLord,helpme followYour commands,even
the ones I don’t feel like obeying.
Dad replied: “Following the instructions is going to help Jon build his airplane, right? Well, God’s Word is our instruction book for life and Jesus said that the second greatest commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:31). Now, how do you think you can apply that instruction to your situation with Kyra?”
It w as Chloe’s turn to look woeful.
Dad explained gently: “I know you don’t feel like befriending Kyra, but let’s not allow our feelings to determine our behavior. Instead, let’s follow the instructions found in God’s Word. We can trust that following God’s commands is the best way to live, even when we don’t feel like it.” —RW
Reflection
Recall a time when you didn’t feel like following God’s instructions. What happened in the end? How will you remind yourself to follow God’s commands this week?
Verse of the Day
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.
—Luke 19:10
THE TRUE SUPERHERO G
Read Luke 19:1–10
By day, Peter Popper was an ordinary person, but by night, he was . . . Garlic Man, savior of all! One evening, Peter was on the train, when he saw a pickpocket stealing a wallet.
FOOD
“Stop, thief!” Peter cried, tearing off his tuxedo to reveal his super suit. But at that moment, his arch-nemesis Lord Vampire burst into the train.
“Muahahaha! Garlic Man! I have a present for you!” declared Lord Vampire. A cloud of poisonous green smoke filled the carriage. Garlic Man defeated Lord Vampire, then ran through the carriages, pulling as many people as he could to safety. When he reached the last carriage, there, coughing in a corner, was the thief.
“D on’t worry, I’ll rescue you. I’m Garlic Man!”
The credits rolled.
“T hat was a great movie, Uncle Ben!” said Dawn. ”I’m glad Garlic
Man saved the thief from the green smoke, even though he didn’t deserve to be saved since he stole someone’s wallet.”
Lord,thankyouthatJesus saves sinners, like me.
“T hat reminds me of the real superhero we know,” said Uncle Ben. “In Luke 19:1–10, Jesus goes to the house of Zacchaeus, a tax collector who forced people to give him extra money that he kept for himself. People wondered why Jesus wanted to mix with bad company, so He explained that He came to seek and save the lost. You know, all of us are like Zacchaeus and the thief in the movie. We are all lost, meaning we are all sinners—we are not right with God because we disobey Him. But Jesus wants to save sinners like us!”
“Hip, hip, hooray for Garlic Man! Oops, I mean, Jesus!” laughed Dawn.
Uncle Ben smiled. “Jesus saves sinners like us. He is our true superhero!” —SH
Reflection
Do you think of yourself as a good person or a bad person whom nobody wants to mix with? Read Romans 3:23. If you haven’t given your life to Jesus, ask Him to save you from sin and give you a new heart.
FRIENDS
Verse of the Day
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.
—Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Read
Ecclesiastes 4:9–12
“Mum! I have bad news,” Esther said. “W hat happened?” Mum asked. She was assembling a small bookshelf from IKEA and it was not going well.
“I broke my glasses. During recess, I took them off to play on the monkey bars, then I accidentally stepped on them. One of the arms broke off,” Esther said. “I’m sorry, Mum. Please don’t be angry.”
Mum looked at the broken glasses, and took a deep breath.
“Tell me what you’ve learnt from this accident,” Mum said solemnly.
Es ther thought for a bit before replying, “I’ve learnt that I shouldn’t put my glasses on the floor where I might step on them.” She continued: “And, I’ve learnt that Yanqing is my friend! After my glasses broke, I cried. Yanqing came over and gave me a hug. She said, ‘Let’s pray together’ and she prayed that everything would be alright.”
Mum couldn’t help but smile. “ Yanqing is a friend indeed! You know, my friend just messaged me some Bible verses—Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 says, ‘Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.’ We need friends to help us with work, and when we are in need. By comforting you and praying for you, Yanqing helped you up when you were down!”
friendLord,helpmetobea to those aroundwhoneedmyhelp.
Es ther nodded. It felt good to be blessed by a friend, and she wondered how she could be a friend to others too. Suddenly, Esther had an idea.
“Mum!” she said cheerfully. “You look like you may need help assembling this bookshelf. Can I be your friend today?”
Mum laughed and nodded her head eagerly. —RW
Reflection
How can you help those around you this week? Ask God to help you be more aware of people around you who need your friendship.
THE BATTLE IN US
Verse of the Day
So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. —Romans 7:21
Read Romans 7:14–25
“Cookie! Sit!” Joshua said. The family dog sat very still. Joshua held out a treat as a reward, and she licked it up happily.
“Very good, Cookie!” Dad clapped as he entered the kitchen, then his tone became serious: “Joshua, is there something you want to tell me about the family computer?”
“No . . . nothing. I . . . didn’t do anything,” he stammered.
“Did you play a game on the family computer without permission?” Dad asked directly.
“I didn’t!” Joshua insisted. “It wasn’t me!” He stamped his feet so hard that he dropped the packet of treats he was holding. When Cookie saw treats spread out across the floor, she ran towards them.
“Cookie! No! Sit!” Joshua commanded. Cookie looked at Joshua, then at the treats. She sat briefly, then jumped up and gobbled all the treats she could.
“Cookie!” Joshua scolded, lifting her up. “Eating so many treats will make you sick. You should obey my commands.”
Prayer
Lord,Istruggleto overcometemptation meandpleaseYou.Help to trust in Jesus, thiswhowillhelpmewin battle.
“You know, sometimes, we behave like Cookie,” Dad said. “In Romans 7:21, Paul the Apostle said, ‘Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me.’ He’s saying that there’s a battle, inside of us. For instance, we may know we should obey our parents’ rules, but we are tempted to disobey. Thankfully, Paul reminds us that God saves us from this battle through Jesus. When we trust in Jesus, we will be able to do what pleases God, and that includes resisting the temptation to break a rule, and confessing honestly when we’ve done something wrong.”
Dad paused when he saw tears in Joshua’s eyes. He gave him a long hug.
“Now, let’s talk about what you did on the family computer, shall we?” —RW
Reflection
What have you been tempted to do that would displease God and your parents? Why is it hard to confess when we have done something wrong? Ask God for help to resist temptation and remain honest.
PRAISING IN PAIN
Verse of the Day
The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.
—Job 1:21
Read
Job 1:13–22
Have you heard of Christian songwriter Jana Alayra? Her catchy songs for children are a great way to sing—and dance—to Jesus!
It ’s hard to believe that behind Jana’s energetic songs lies a tragic story. Some years ago, Jana was driving to church with her three daughters, Hayley, Brittany, and Lynnie, when she missed a red light. A pickup truck smashed into her van, and poor Lynnie, just four years old, died.
Jana was devastated. “God, why did You have to take Lynnie?” she cried out.
Jana didn’t get an answer to her question. But what she did receive was God’s comfort and assurance that Lynnie was now in heaven with Jesus. “Her little spirit is alive in a beautiful place where there is laughter and singing,” she said. This helped Jana to move on. She began to write songs again—songs of joy and trust in Jesus.
The Bible has similar stories of people who suffered like Jana. Job was a good man, but one day, he lost his entire family and all his wealth. Poor Job! Some people might have blamed God, but Job knew that God was in control of everything. He decided to continue worshipping and trusting Him, saying: “The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised” (Job 1:21).
Prayer
Lord,I knowYou are in full control oflife.whathappensinmy trustingHelpmetokeep You,nomatterwhathappens.
Job’s faith was rewarded later, when God blessed him with even more than he had before.
Sometimes, we may not understand when bad things happen to us. But we can be sure that God is in full control. He loves us, and we can always keep worshipping and trusting Him. —LK
Reflection
Do you feel disappointed, upset, or angry when bad things happen to you? After reading about Jana Alayra and Job, how can you respond in a way that shows you continue to trust God joyfully?
WHERE IS GRANDPA?
Verse of the Day
I am going there to prepare a place for you. —John 14:2
Read John 14:1–6
Jialian was inconsolable. She had said goodbye to Grandpa at the crematorium in the morning. Later that evening, in between sobs, she asked, “Mummy, what has happened to Grandpa? Where did he go?”
Taking her Bible, Mum read to Jialian: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:1-3).
Holding back her tears, Mum explained, “Grandpa is no longer with us. He is now with Jesus in heaven. Jesus says heaven is his ‘Father’s house’.”
“Oh, that’s a very good thing, isn’t it?” Jialian interrupted Mum.
“Grandpa has moved house. He’s gone to live with our Heavenly Father.”
Lord,thankyoufor preparingahomein heaven for those who believe in Jesus.
Mum continued, “I know you miss him a lot, and I do too. But Jesus said He is preparing a place in Heaven for all who believe in Him, so that includes Grandpa, you, and me. Jesus is the way and the truth and the life (John 14:6), so no one goes to heaven except through believing in Him. One day, Jesus will take you to stay in God’s house, and that’ll be our home.”
“So, I’ll get to see Grandpa again in heaven?” Jialian asked with a big smile and tears in his eyes.
“Yes,” replied Mum. “We’ll see Grandpa again, in heaven, and we’ll see Jesus too.” —SKT
Reflection
Jesus said, “Believe in God; believe also in me” (John 14:1). Do you believe in Jesus, God’s Son, who is the only way to heaven? Place your trust in Him today.
HIGH PRAISE
Verse of the Day
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
—Psalm 100:4
Read Psalm 100
“Where are we going for breakfast, Mum?” asked Ethan. It w as Sunday. Mum and Dad always brought Ethan somewhere special to eat before church.
FOOD
“We’re going to Fatties,” Mum replied, “for your favorite fries.”
“YAY! We’re going to Fatties . . . to Fatties! Fa-a-a-ties. We’re going to Fatties!” Ethan sang throughout the car journey.
The moment the car stopped, Ethan unbuckled his seat belt, pushed open the door and sprang towards the fast food restaurant.
“FATTIES!” he cried, as he burst through the entrance.
Mum ordered an extra-large portion.
“Fries, glorious fries! Thank you, God, for fries!” Ethan exclaimed, before shoving a handful into his mouth and gobbling it all down.
“Someone is very hungry today,” said Dad. “Finish your drink, then it’s time for church.”
Ethan’s smile turned into a frown. “Aw, Dad, do we really have to go?”
Lord,fillmyheartwith thanks andpraiseforyou.
Dad thought for a while. “There was a group of people called psalmists. They loved worshipping God, so they wrote many songs for Him, and these songs were recorded in the book of Psalms in the Bible. One of the psalmists wrote a song encouraging worshippers to enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. His song, Psalm 100, reminds us that we are to go to church joyfully, to thank and praise God , just like how you were so joyful running into Fatties.”
“Let’s think,” added Mum. “What is something you can thank and praise God for today?”
“FRIES!” beamed Ethan.
Dad laughed: “Now that your tummy is full, let’s go to church with ‘full’ hearts to worship God!” —SH
Reflection
Do you enter church happy or sad, with a glad or grumbling heart? Think of three ways you can prepare for church, so that you go with a heart that is “full”—full of thankfulness, praise, and joy!
MEPHIBOSHETH
Verse of the Day
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. —1 Peter 3:9
Read 1 Peter 3:9–16
“How was school?” Mum asked as Alyssa entered the car.
Alyssa put her school bag down and shrugged.
“Did something happen?” Mum sensed something wrong. “Did Talia do something again?”
At the mention of her classmate Talia, Alyssa’s face turned red. Talia kicked Alyssa’s school bag every time she walked past Alyssa’s desk.
“Today, Talia hid my water bottle, and I spent thirty minutes looking for it, before I found it!” Alyssa exploded. “I’m going to take her pencil box tomorrow and throw it away!”
Silence rang out in the car as Mum thought about how to respond.
“Mephibosheth,” she finally said. When Alyssa looked at her with curiosity, she continued: “That’s the name of King Saul’s grandson.
Saul was jealous of David and wanted to kill him. Saul threw a spear at David and David had to run for his life. But, when he had the opportunity to strike back at Saul, he didn’t. After Saul died, David had another opportunity to exact revenge, by killing Saul’s grandson, Mephibosheth.”
Lord,help me to bless those who are unkind to me.
“David must have felt like taking revenge,” Alyssa muttered.
“Yet, David chose not to. Instead, he welcomed Mephibosheth with kindness, inviting him to eat at his table,” Mum emphasized. “David’s behavior reminds me of 1 Peter 3:9, which tells us not to repay evil for evil, but to repay evil with blessing.”
Mum continued: “Alyssa, I’m glad you’re talking to me about what’s going on in school. And, talking to your teacher may also help. But more importantly, let’s talk about how God’s Word is encouraging us to respond. How can you bless Talia in your heart and in what you decide to do?” —RW
Reflection
Read 1 Samuel 24:1–18. When people are mean to you, how do you respond? What can you do differently in light of 1 Peter 3:9?
SENDING GOD AN S.O.S.
Verse of the Day
Turn to me and help me. I am lonely and hurting. Take away the troubles of my heart. Set me free from my great pain. —Psalm 25:16-17 NIRV
Read
Psalm 25:14–22
Sammy sat alone in the dark, huddled in a corner of the room. This was not the first time he was home alone, but he had never gotten used to it. His dad worked the night shift as a taxi driver and his mum was a cleaner at a coffee shop.
The sound of mahjong tiles knocking against each other drifted in from a neighbor’s house. Downstairs, some passers-by were quarrelling loudly. Sammy clamped his hands over his ears. He wished for the weekend to come quickly. Every Saturday and Sunday he joined in the activities at a nearby church. He had many friends there.
His mind flashed back to a recent church activity based on Psalm 25. Everyone had to navigate through obstacles in a room while blindfolded. Initially, Sammy had been afraid. But when he shouted for help, he heard a gentle voice beside him, guiding him patiently. When his foot hit a chair and he almost fell, a warm hand
held him steady. During reflection time afterwards, the Sunday School teacher had pointed out that, similarly, they could cry out to God for help and He would always be there to guide them.
Prayer
Lord,thankYou for guidealwaysbeingthereto methroughlife. trustYouaremyrefugeandI in You.
Sammy reached for his Bible and turned to Psalm 25:16–17. He did what he had been taught in church—he prayed using Scripture: “Dear Lord, turn to me and help me. I am lonely and hurting. Take away the troubles of my heart. Set me free from my great pain.”
Sammy felt better after praying. As he lay down in bed, he drifted off to sleep while noise continued to swirl around him. —CPF
Reflection
What problems are you facing at home or at school, with family or friends? Cry out to God today and He will guide you.
THROUGH A WAR
Verse of the Day
We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard. —Acts 4:20
Read Acts 4:13–20
Would you travel through a war zone to tell others about Jesus? Most of us wouldn’t, but an Englishwoman named Gladys Aylward did just that!
Inspired by an evangelistic talk when she was young, Gladys was all set to go to China and share the gospel with people who had never heard of Jesus. In the 1930s, passenger planes did not fly long distances, and tickets were very expensive. The cheapest way for Gladys to get to China from London was by train, which would go through Siberia in Russia. The problem was, war had broken out along the route!
Gl adys was warned not to go, but she just said: “I couldn’t really care about a silly old war.”
Many days later, the train had to stop at Siberia and Gladys was forced to get off. She was ordered to head back, but she refused to
listen. Instead, she walked for a day to the next town through the freezing winter countryside, and eventually got onto a boat to China.
Prayer
Lord,givemethesharingcouragetokeepthegoodnews of Jesus Christ with others.
What made Gladys so persistent? Perhaps it was the same passion that drove the apostles Peter and John to keep talking about Jesus even though they had been arrested and warned not to continue. “We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard,” they said (Acts 4:20).
Spend some time today thinking about what might stop you from telling others about Jesus. Then, ask God to give you the courage to keep going! —LK
Reflection
What challenges have you faced in sharing Jesus with others? Be inspired by the bravery and persistence of missionaries like Gladys Aylward. 1
1 Read more about brave missionaries like Gladys in Defining Moments: Ordinary Men and Women on Extraordinary Missions by Leslie Koh (Singapore: Our Daily Bread Ministries, 2018), http://cdn.rbcintl.org/cdn/pdf/sg_DefiningMoments.pdf.
THE SONGWRITER
Verse of the Day
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. —Psalm 139:13–14
Read Psalm 139:13–18
“How was your playdate with Rebecca?” Dad asked as Phoebe entered the kitchen, belting out her favorite song.
“It was great! We made up dance moves, and Rebecca’s mum showed us some short videos on her smartphone,” Phoebe replied.
“Oh, Dad,” she continued, “one of the videos said that humans evolved by chance from single-cell organisms, and this happened over many years.”
Dad raised an eyebrow. “And what do you think of that?”
Phoebe shrugged. “I don’t know,” she said.
Dad decided to pursue the issue. “Phoebe, you must know all the words to your favorite song, right? Well, if we wrote each word of the song on a separate piece of paper, then threw all the pieces of paper up in the air, do you think the lyrics would land on the ground in the right order?”
Phoebe laughed. “Of course not!”
Dad continued: “What if we kept trying? A hundred times? A million? A billion?”
Phoebe answered: “It’s really unlikely that you’d ever get the song lyrics in the right order.”
forLord,thankyoucreatingus.Wearefearfullyand wonderfullymade.
“T hat’s right,” Dad answered. “Your favorite song could not have been created without a songwriter who arranged the words and made them flow together with music. Similarly, God is the songwriter of the world and everything in it, including humans. Psalm 139 says God knit us together in our mother’s womb. We’re more than a collection of cells that happened to come together over time. We’re fearfully and wonderfully made. From the beginning, we were made human according to our divine Creator’s design. And, that’s something worth singing about!”
Phoebe smiled. “Why do I feel this sudden urge to sing? Come on, Dad, why don’t you sing my favorite song with me?” —RW
Reflection Prayer
We are all created by God. How does this change the way you look at yourself and others around you?
JUST SLEEPING
Verse of the Day
Jesus said to her, “I
am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even if they die.”
—John 11:25 NLT
Read John 11:1–25
Happy, a Shih Tzu dog, had been Karissa’s playmate all her life. But now Happy was very sick. Preparing Karissa for the separation, the vet said, “We have to put Happy to sleep.”
FOOD
Karissa burst into tears: “I don’t want to say goodbye to Happy.”
Sleep is a euphemism for physical death. A euphemism is a nicer way to say things that are unpleasant to hear. So, instead of saying, “We have to end Happy’s life,” the vet said, “We have to put Happy to sleep.”
When His good friend died, Jesus said, “Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up” (John 11:11). When told that Lazarus was asleep, the disciples thought it was a good thing. To sleep is natural and normal, which is why no one calls an ambulance when you take a nap. The whole point of sleeping is that you wake up refreshed. Jesus is telling us that death for the believer is like
lying down to take a good, long nap. You may sleep a long time, but you’ll wake up eventually.
Lord,I trust thateveryonewho believes in Jesus will never die.
Jesus promised the grieving Martha, Lazarus’ sister, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die” (vv.25–26 NLT). We don’t like death because it takes away the people we love. But because we believe in Jesus, we will go to sleep instead. And Jesus will wake us up again. —SKT
Reflection
Spend some time thanking God for the eternal life He offers us through Jesus.
TELL HIM EVERYTHING
Verse of the Day
Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
—Psalm 62:8
Read
Psalm 62:1–8
“Grandma!” Junhong shouted as he got off the school bus. As usual, Junhong couldn’t wait to tell his grandmother all about his day.
“Hello, my dear,” Grandma hugged Junhong and brought him into the house. “How was school today? I’m all ears!”
Junhong talked from the time he put down his school bag to the time Grandma finished heating up lunch. He continued talking in between mouthfuls of chicken macaroni and kept on going as Grandma washed the dishes.
Junhong told Grandma about his mathematics test, about how his best friend lent him the latest title in a book series that he really loved, and about how he finally tried the extra-large Japanese curry rice sold in the canteen.
That night, Junhong stayed over at Grandma’s place as both
his parents were overseas on business trips.
“T ime to pray, Junhong, then you have to get some sleep,” Grandma said.
Prayer
myLord,Iwanttopour Thankheartouttoyou.youforlistening to me.
“But I don’t know how to pray. Mum and Dad never taught me how,” Junhong replied.
“Oh, praying is a bit like talking to Grandma. When we pray, we can start by telling God all about our day. We can pour our hearts out to him,” Grandma said.
“That sounds easy enough for me,” Junhong winked. “What else can we do when we pray?”
“Well, we can praise God for who He is, say ‘sorry’ for the ways we’ve displeased Him, and ask Him to help us in whatever we’re facing. Do you want to try praying together?” Grandma asked.
Junhong nodded eagerly. “I’ll listen to how you pray, then I’ll say a prayer of my own, like yours, okay?” —RW
Reflection
God wants us to talk to Him all the time (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Make a list of what you can say to God in prayer. Then pray—everywhere and all the time!
HE HEARS
Verse of the Day
I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.
—Psalm 17:6
Read
Psalm 17:1–9
April was building sandcastles at the beach. She dug with her spade and filled up her bucket. Then she dug again and lifted the sand high up, watching the grains fall to the ground. Suddenly, there was a gust of wind. Specks of sand flew into her eyes.
“O w! Help! Help! I can’t see!” she shouted.
Mum and Dad were busy and couldn’t hear her. April waved her arms frantically. She couldn’t see where to go to get help.
Then she heard a familiar voice behind her. “Grandpa is here. Don’t worry,” he said. “Open your eyes.” Grandpa blew out the sand and dusted her face.
April was surprised. “Grandpa, how did you manage to hear me?” Grandpa had to wear hearing aids.
“You are the apple of Grandpa’s eye. If you call out for help, I will
definitely hear you and come to your rescue,” he replied.
“Huh, what apple? I am not a fruit, Grandpa,” said April.
Prayer
Lord,thankYou forcallhearingmewhenI onYouforhelp.
Gr andpa laughed: “The apple of my eye is the dark part in the center. If something is hurting it, it will be very painful for me.”
“Oh! Just like when the sand fell into my eyes!” cried April.
“Yes. When you’re in pain, I’m in pain too,” said Grandpa. “If you call for Grandpa, I will come. It is also like that with God. He says in Psalm 17 that He answers us when we call on Him. He hears our prayers because we are the apple of His eye. You are precious to God, and you are precious to me.”
“I love you, Grandpa,” said April, giving him a hug. —SH
Reflection
What do you do when you face a problem? Do you pray about it and call on God to help you? Remember: He hears us when we call!
FOOD
A LOPSIDED SHIRT
Verse of the Day
After desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
—James 1:15
Read James 1:13–15
Have you ever buttoned your shirt wrongly? Sometimes, I put the first button into the wrong button hole and keep going. It’s only when I reach the final button that I realize something is amiss. I look in the mirror and that’s when it hits me: “Oh, no! My shirt looks lopsided!”
This reminds me of James 1:15: “After desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”
James is saying that one sin may lead to another, and another—sin grows. And sin escalates: it may seem harmless at first, but as it progresses, it may become much more harmful.
Le t’s say a boy wants to buy a fancy pen. His mother will not give him the money to do so, because there are many pens at home he can use. Still, the boy wants the fancy pen and thinks about it all the time. One day, he sees coins lying around the house. After a while, he takes them. Then, he wonders where else he can find
money. When his mother is busy, he looks in her purse and takes some dollar notes from there. He buys the fancy pen with all he has taken, but it doesn’t stop there. Soon, he is regularly stealing from his mother’s purse.
Prayer
Lord,I understandandhowsincangrow escalate.Help metodomybest,with yourhelp,tosay“no”to temptationfromthestart.
Do you see how sin can grow and escalate? The next time you are tempted to do something displeasing to God, stop! Giving in to one temptation may lead to more sin. And remember my lopsided shirt? Let’s always check that we are putting each button into the right button hole; let’s not allow sin to grow and escalate in our lives! —RW
Reflection
What does God say about stealing? Read Exodus 20:15. What are some common temptations you face? Talk to your parents about them and pray together, asking God to help you resist temptation.
RESCUE ME
Verse of the Day
He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.
—Colossians 1:13 ESV
Read Colossians 1:13–14
Imagine being stuck in a dark cave. You are hungry, thirsty, and cold. There’s no escape as heavy rains have flooded the entrance, trapping you inside.
Twelve members of a junior football team and their coach found themselves in this disastrous situation in June 2018. They were stuck in the Tham Luang cave complex in northern Thailand for nine days before two British rescue divers located them. It took another eight days before they were successfully rescued.
In all, the rescue effort involved about 10,000 people from more than 20 countries. Over 1 billion liters of water was pumped out of the cave. That’s enough water to fill 400 Olympic-sized swimming pools!
Just think of the effort and courage involved. Multiply that by a billion and you will start to appreciate what God did for us when He rescued us from sin. Each of us is trapped in the darkness of
sin—we are separated from God and have no way of escaping by our own effort. Left to ourselves, we would face certain death. But God has come to rescue us! He has sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to save us by dying on the cross and rising again, so that we could be delivered “from the domain of darkness” (Colossians 1:13 ESV) to God’s kingdom.
Lord,I want to be rescued from sin and death.I trust in Jesus, Your Son,to save me from sin and bring me intoYour kingdom.
Everyone rejoiced when the football team and coach were rescued. But there is a much deeper sense of joy when we think about how God rescues us from sin. Have you told God that you want to be rescued by Him? Have you thanked Him for rescuing you from sin and death? —RW
Reflection
What can you do to show your joy at being saved by Jesus? How will this joy help you through the difficulties you face at home and in school?
THE INFINITE PI
Verse of the Day
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever. —Psalm 136:1
Read Psalm 136:1–9
“Yay! It’s pie night!” Max exclaimed, rushing to the dinner table. Mum’s shepherd’s pie was the best. “Did you know,” he said as Dad began to slice the pie up, “that there’s a pie that goes on forever?”
FOOD
Dad looked mystified. “How can a pie go on forever?”
Max giggled. “It’s pi. We learnt about it in school today. Pi (π) is the mathematical symbol representing the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter. It’s 3.14159265 . . . an infinite decimal because the digits keep going on and on. So this pi goes on forever!” Max laughed at his own joke.
Dad laughed too. “I didn’t know that,” he admitted. “But I know of something else that goes on forever.”
It w as Max’s turn to look mystified. “What’s that?”
“G od’s love,” replied Dad. “Psalm 136 tells us again and again that His love endures forever. From the time He created the universe,
to the time He sent His Son Jesus to die for us, and through eternity. We can see God’s love when we look at nature, when we reflect on our past, and when we consider His promises to us in His Word. Every time we see an example of God’s love, we can be assured that there’s more of His love to see. It just keeps coming and coming.”
Lord,thankYou that Your love enduresforever,and because of that,I can trustYou always.
“A h! I get it,” Max said. “We’ll never run out of God’s love. And, since His love goes on forever, we can keep trusting Him too.”
“T hat’s right!” Dad nodded, and returned to his task. “Now, I better start eating this pie. After all, this pie won’t last forever. Not with you around!” —LK
Reflection
List three ways you can see God’s love in nature, in the past week, and in His Word. Thank Him for the endless ways He shows His love to us.
SPITTING IMAGE
Verse of the Day
Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
—1 John 4:11
Read 1 John 4:7–12
“That was a lovely party!” Mum said.
“Yes,” Tracey exclaimed. “The food was so good!”
“I ’m glad you got to meet my colleagues,” Dad said. “Thanks for attending my office party, everyone.”
“Many of your colleagues said Tracey is the spitting image of me,” Mum said.
“Spitting image? What’s that? Does that mean we spit the same way?” Tracey laughed, pretending to spit.
“No,” Mum smiled. “The term ‘spitting image’ means you look like an exact copy of me, as if someone photocopied me and that photocopy is you!”
“A ren’t I lucky to have two beautiful ladies to live with?” Dad said cheekily. As the family sat down at the dining table, Dad took out his Bible to start family devotions. They had been reading through the New Testament for the past few months.
Dad continued: “You know, we expect to see strong family likeness between parent and child. You are Mummy’s child, so of course you’d look like her. This reminds me of what we read yesterday. 1 John 4:7–12 says that God is love. Since we are His children—we have been born of Him and know Him—John reminds us to show family likeness by loving others.”
Lord,I want to showfamilylikenessby Youlovingotherstheway love me.
Tr acey nodded thoughtfully. “I am Mummy’s child, so I look like her. I am God’s child, so I love others, just as He does!”
Dad smiled. “That’s right. Let’s read more of the Bible now, then discuss how we can show family likeness by showing God’s love to others!” —RW
Reflection
Read John 13:34–35. God is love and we are commanded to love others with His love. What does it mean to show God’s love to your siblings, parents, teachers, and friends? Name one thing you’ll do more of to show God’s love to them.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Verse of the Day
She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.
—Matthew 1:21
Read Matthew 1:18–25
The room was decorated with brightly colored balloons. In front of Dylan was a beautiful cake with candles on it.
“Let’s sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to the birthday boy, shall we?” Mum said.
Suddenly, a girl stepped forward and yelled, “I’m not singing! I just want to eat the yummy food!”
Then, a boy stepped forward and shouted, “I’m not singing either! I just want a present for myself!”
One by one, the children turned to each other, saying: “I want a present too!” “Let’s just eat and go!”
“But . . . ” Dylan stammered. “It’s my birthday!” He let out a wail . . . . . . and woke up. Dylan got out of bed and ran into his parents’ room.
“Mum, I had a bad dream! It was my birthday but everybody at the party just wanted food and presents for themselves. They didn’t
even wish me happy birthday!” Dylan whimpered.
“Oh, Dylan, it was just a dream,” Mum comforted him. “None of your friends have ever been like that in real life, right?”
Prayer
thatLord,thankyou Jesus was born to save
us
from our sin.This Christmas,I want to care less aboutmorepresentsandfood,and about Jesus.
Dylan nodded. Mum continued: “But, come to think of it, we may behave like that sometimes. You see, Christmas is round the corner and it’s when we celebrate the birth of Jesus. But, sometimes, all we focus on is what presents we’re going to get and what yummy food we’ll be eating. How do you think Jesus might feel about this?”
“He might feel upset, like I felt in my dream,” Dylan admitted. Mum said: “Christmas is the one time in the year when special effort is made to remember Jesus, our Lord and Savior, being born to save us from our sin. So, let’s make the effort to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas this year, shall we?” —RW
Reflection
What can you do to celebrate Jesus’ birth? Write a birthday card to Jesus and express your thanks to Him for being born to save us from our sin.
A CHRISTMAS LETTER
FOOD
Verse of the Day
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father. —John 1:14
Read
John 1:1–14
Every Christmas, a friend of mine writes a long letter to his wife, reviewing the events of the year, dreaming about the future, and telling her how much he loves her, and why. He also writes a letter to each of his daughters. His words of love make an unforgettable Christmas present.
We could say that Jesus was the original Christmas love letter. After all, love letters are made of words and John 1:14 says Jesus was the Word made flesh. John explains the Word is a person: Jesus, the Son of God who was “with God in the beginning” (v. 2). This Word, Jesus, is the Father God’s “one and only Son,” who “became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (v. 14). Through Jesus the Word, God reveals Himself perfectly. That’s why Jesus is the original Christmas love letter—He reveals God’s heart of love to us!
Do you want to find out more about Jesus, the original Christmas love letter? Read all about Jesus in the Gospel of Mark. You’ll find
Prayer
that God demonstrated His love to us by sending Jesus to take the punishment of death on our behalf for our sin—that’s our disobedience towards God. If we say “sorry” to God for our sin, and trust in Jesus, God forgives our sin and we can enter God’s kingdom and enjoy eternal life. This is God’s love letter to us, found in Jesus. Now, that’s better than any present waiting for you under the Christmas tree, don’t you think?
Lord,thankYou for YourJesusandrevealinglovethroughHim.putIamsorryformysin.I mytrustinJesus.
“A Christmas Letter” is excerpted and adapted from Our Daily Bread 19 December 2018 article, by Amy Boucher Pye.
Reflection
What do you look forward to during the Christmas season? Jesus is God’s original love letter to us. This Christmas, what can you do to get to know Jesus better?
I ’VE SEEN IT MYSELF!
Verse of the Day
When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child. —Luke 2:17
Read Luke 2:8–20
“Mum! Dad! We have to go to Japan!” Mum and Dad looked at each other, eyebrows raised. When they had suggested a Christmas holiday in Japan, Shamini had seemed hesitant. Now she couldn’t wait to go!
“W hy the change?” Mum asked.
“My friend, Jo, went skiing in Japan, and had a great time,” Shamini explained. “Japan is beautiful and fun and cool and exciting!”
“A nd, how do you know all this?” Dad asked.
“Jo told me, so it must be true!” Shamini said.
Dad laughed. “I’m not doubting you, but you weren’t interested in Japan when we told you it was a nice place. So, why do you believe Jo?”
“Because Jo saw it for herself,” Shamini reasoned. “Therefore, I believe her more than I believe you.” Shamini winked mischievously.
Mum chuckled. “Fair enough.
T here’s nothing more convincing than a personal testimony, right? That reminds me of the devotion I read this morning from Luke 2:17–18.
Prayer
Lord,I want to tell myfriendshowIhave myexperiencedJesusin life.
The shepherds who saw baby Jesus told others about Him, and their personal testimony impacted many people who were amazed.”
Dad added: “Just think what would happen if we talked about Jesus like the shepherds did. If we told our friends how we have experienced Jesus in our lives, our personal testimony could get them excited about Jesus , just like how Jo shared with you about Japan and got you excited about experiencing it yourself.”
“A nd then more people would believe in the true miracle of Christmas—Jesus Christ!” Shamini exclaimed.
Mum smiled. “Why don’t we list down a few people we can share Jesus with soon? We can pray for them and talk to them together.”
—LK
Reflection
Who can you share Jesus with? List some ways you can pray for and talk to them. What could you share personally from your life about Jesus?
DON ’T BE AFRAID!
Verse of the Day
The kingdom of God has come near.
—Mark 1:15
Read Luke 2:42–52
Nearly every time an angel appears in the Bible, the first words he says are “Don’t be afraid!” Little wonder. When the supernatural makes contact with planet Earth, it usually leaves human observers flat on their faces in fear. But Luke tells of God making an appearance in a form that doesn’t frighten. In Jesus, born with the animals and laid in a feeding trough, God takes an approach that we need not fear. What could be less scary than a newborn baby?
FOOD
On Earth, Jesus is both God and man. As God, He can work miracles, forgive sins, conquer death, and predict the future. But for Jews accustomed to images of God as a bright cloud or pillar of fire, Jesus also causes much confusion. How could a baby in Bethlehem, a carpenter’s son, a man from Nazareth, be the Messiah from God? Why does God take on human form? The scene of 12-year-old
Jesus talking with Jewish teachers of the law in the temple gives one clue. “Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers,” Luke tells us (2:47). For the first time, ordinary people could hold a conversation with God in visible form.
Lord,thankYou for Jesus,who tookon human form and drew near to us.
Jesus can talk to anyone—His parents, a Jewish teacher, a poor widow—without first having to announce, “Don’t be afraid!” In Jesus, God draws near.
“Don’t Be Afraid” is excerpted and adapted from Our Daily Bread 21 December 2018 article, by Philip Yancey.
Reflection
Jesus reveals God’s character to us. Name three things Jesus did when He was on earth. What do these things reveal about God’s character?
THE PERFECT GIFT
Verse of the Day
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given. —Isaiah 9:6
Read Isaiah 9:6–7
Growing up in a non-Christian family, we didn’t celebrate Christmas. But when I was young, my siblings and I, together with a few neighborhood kids, decided to have a Christmas gift exchange. I don’t know where we got the idea from—maybe it was all the TV shows we’d been watching. We put our names into a bag, and each of us picked the name of someone to buy a present for. Some of us were happy with the gifts we received, some of us less so; but we were all glad to have received presents.
We didn’t realize the perfect gift had been promised to us many years ago when the prophet Isaiah foretold, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given” (Isaiah 9:6). And on the first Christmas day, God fulfilled His promise! God gave His Son, Jesus Christ, to meet our deepest need—to save us from our sins. When I was a teenager, I heard about this gift and accepted Jesus as my Savior.
I remember celebrating my first Christmas as a believer in Christ. Christmas became special because I finally understood its meaning—it’s a celebration of God’s perfect gift, Jesus Christ. I realized that God is not a mystical force out there; He is a personal God who loves all people—big or small, young and old. And this personal God expressed His love for me by sending Jesus to take the punishment for sin on my behalf, dying on the cross for me. Have you accepted the gift of Jesus Christ? He is the one who gave Christmas its name and true meaning. Don’t miss this gift! —CPF
Lord,thankYou forsendingYourSonJesus Christ to save meonfrommysinsbydying the cross for me.
Reflection
Why is Jesus Christ the perfect gift? How can you treasure Him more?
PRESENTS FOR JESUS
Verse of the Day
They bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. —Matthew 2:11
Read Matthew 2:1–12
It was Christmas morning. Melissa was excited about opening her Christmas presents. Grabbing the largest one, she tore open the paper wrappings. Mum and Dad had given her a farm set, complete with a barn, hay, and animals.
Mum asked, “Melissa, today is Jesus’ birthday. What presents will you give to Him?”
Melissa looked at Mum. Reluctantly, she said, “I can share the farm set with Jesus.”
Mum decided to tell Melissa about the birthday presents Jesus received. “After Jesus was born, wise men came to visit Him. These wise men were powerful people who were advisers to the king of another country. Travelling thousands of miles, they were led to Jesus by a star. Very happy to see Him, they bowed down and worshipped Him. Do you know what presents the wise men gave Jesus?”
Melissa shook her head, so Mum continued: “The wise men gave Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”
“W hat strange gifts!” Melissa exclaimed.
Lord,Iwanttogivecommityoumyheart.Itofollowing
You as Savior and Lord.
Mum said, “Gold is the precious metal that is normally given to kings. Frankincense is used in the worship of God. And myrrh is used to prepare the dead for the funeral. With these gifts, the wise men were telling us that Jesus is King, Jesus is God, and Jesus is Savior who will die to save us from our sins.”
“Wow! In that case, my farm set won’t be a good present for Jesus. I’d need to give him something more valuable, just like the wise men did!” Melissa mused.
Mum smiled. “Why don’t we give Jesus the most valuable thing we have? Our hearts—our commitment to follow Him as Savior and Lord.” —SKT
Reflection
What does it mean to follow Jesus as Savior and Lord? Name three things you’d do differently because you follow Him.
CRADLE, CROSS AND CROWN
Verse of the Day
You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus . . . The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David. —Luke 1:31–32
Read Luke 1:26–35
It was time for Show and Tell. Mrs. Pereira had asked the children in her Sunday School class to bring items that would show what Christmas meant to them. One boy brought a pot-bellied Santa Claus figurine. Another brought a mini Christmas tree. Still others brought pictures of nicely wrapped presents.
Af ter everybody had a chance to talk about their items, it was Mrs. Pereira’s turn.
First, she brought out a cradle. Mrs. Pereira explained: “The angel Gabriel told Mary she would give birth to a son. This human baby was also the divine and holy Son of God—Jesus Christ!”
Next, Mrs. Pereira showed the children a cross. “The angel told Mary to name the baby Jesus, which means ‘the Lord saves’ or simply ‘Savior’. Thirty-three years later, Jesus became our Savior when He died on a cross to save us from our sins.”
The third item Mrs. Pereira showed the class was a crown. She
Prayer
said: “Jesus is the King of the Jews. Luke 1:32–33 says that God will give Him the throne of David. Jesus will reign forever; His kingdom will never end!”
Mr s. Pereira added: “You see, children, we will see many Santa Clauses, Christmas trees, and gift-wrapped presents during the Christmas period. But they do not represent Christmas. It is the cradle, cross, and crown that symbolize Christmas. Let us bow before the Son of God in the cradle, the Savior on the cross, and the King on the throne.” —SKT
Lord,thankYou for Jesus who is the Son of God in the cradle, the Savior on the cross,throne.andtheKingonthe
Reflection
Think of other items that might represent the true meaning of Christmas. Draw them out, then share them with your friends or family members who might not know what Christmas is really about.
BURNING CHARCOAL
Verse of the Day
Not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. —Hebrews 10:25
Read Hebrews 10:23–25
“Marc, want to help me barbecue my famous honeymarinated chicken wings?” Uncle Winston called out. He was the family’s expert BBQ chef. “Your mum said the children should eat dinner before the adults, so that you can go to bed early. There’s church tomorrow.”
Marc groaned. “Do I have to go to church? I want to stay up late and eat all your chicken wings. Besides, I can pray, read the Bible, and sing songs to God on my own at home, right?”
Just then, Marc noticed a flaming piece of charcoal that had fallen to the side of the barbecue pit. “Hey, aren’t you going to put that charcoal piece in with the others that are burning?”
“Well, I was going to,” Uncle Winston replied. “But maybe I’ll just leave it where it is. I’m sure it can keep burning on its own.”
“W hat?” Marc looked at his uncle in disbelief. “How is that piece going to keep burning when it’s all by itself? I’m pretty sure that if
you don’t put it with the rest, it’ll stop burning after a while.”
Prayer
Lord,thankYou for church,where we canpeople.betogetherwithYour
Uncle Winston smiled. “You’re right. Burning charcoal pieces need to be together. That’s how they stay hot and become glowing embers. In the same way, we need to be together with God’s people. Hebrews 10:25 says that we are not to give up meeting together, but to encourage one another in our faith when we meet. So you see, going to church can keep us ‘burning’ for God!”
Marc thought for a while.
“I guess I should go to church. But, can I eat at least ten of your chicken wings tonight?” Marc said.
Uncle Winston laughed. “Sure! Let’s grill them together!” —RW
Reflection
How can you be an encouragement to your Sunday School teachers and friends in church? The next time you go to church, pray that God would use you to encourage them to keep believing in Him.
KEEP GOING
Verse of the Day And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. —Hebrews 12:1–2
Read Hebrews 12:1–3
“Follow me!” Coach Jenny shouted at Nathan in the pool.
“Put your legs straight!” she said. Nathan straightened his legs.
FOOD
“Kick like a frog!” she demonstrated the breaststroke. Nathan followed exactly.
“Keep going and don’t stop!” she commanded.
Nathan clutched the kickboard. He trailed Coach Jenny, his legs growing heavy. When he reached the middle of the pool, he felt weak. He stopped and floated to the side, while his coach reached the end.
“W hy did you give up, Nathan?” asked Coach Jenny.
“Swimming long distances isn’t easy,” he whined.
“If you want to do well in the upcoming race, you cannot give up halfway!” grinned Coach Jenny.
Lord,helpmeto Jesuspersevereinfollowing everyday.
She continued: “You know, it’s just like being a Christian. Hebrews 12 likens the Christian life to a race, saying we must throw off anything that hinders us, including any sin that traps us, and journey as a Christian with perseverance, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Likewise, swimming isn’t always easy, but look straight ahead, keep your eyes on me, keep going, and you can do it! Keep swimming after me, just as you keep ‘swimming’ after Jesus!”
“Coach, what do you mean by ‘swim’ after Jesus?” asked Nathan. “I mean follow Jesus closely, just like you’re to follow me closely when we swim together. Obey Him, follow His ways, and do not drift away, like how you drifted to the side of the pool.”
Nathan nodded. “I want to persevere in swimming and following Jesus!”
“T hat’s the spirit, Nathan!” said Coach Jenny. “I will be here to help you, and Jesus will be too!” —SH
Reflection
What things stop us from following Jesus and need to be thrown off? How can you fix your eyes on Jesus and follow Him more closely this week?
DON ’T BE JELLY!
Verse of the Day
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
—Romans 12:2
Read Romans 12:1–2
“Jelly!” Julian cheered as he entered the kitchen. Mum was carefully spooning konnyaku jelly liquid into plastic molds.
Julian couldn’t resist. He dipped one of his fingers into the liquid and tasted it.
“Oh my God!” he bellowed. “Yummy!”
“Julian Lim Tse En!” Mum bellowed in return.
Julian looked startled, then he realized what had made Mum so angry. Just yesterday, she had scolded him for saying “Oh my God”. Mum had shown him Exodus 20:7 and they had talked about not misusing the Lord’s name.
“Sorry, Mum,” Julian said. Then, he tried justifying himself: “Actually, a lot of my friends say that phrase. Even their parents, even my teachers! I hear it everywhere.”
Mum slowly lowered her spoon of liquid jelly, managing not to spill any.
“You know,” she said calmly, “it’s f un to make jelly in different shapes, like those of flowers, animals, or even your favorite cartoon characters. Jelly takes the shape of any mold it’s put in. However, we Christians are not to be like jelly.”
Lord,givemethe determination to followYou,and not actions,theworld,inmyspeech, andthoughts.
“W hat do you mean, Mum?” Julian asked.
Mum answered: “Jelly conforms to the shape of its container. But the Bible tells us not to conform to the pattern of this world. We may live in this world, but we are not to copy everything from it. Instead, Romans 12:2 encourages us to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. This means we are to change how we speak, act, and think, with God’s help, so that we can follow His ways instead of the world’s ways.”
Mum looked at Julian, who was gazing at the jelly molds. “It may be difficult to be different from others, but you have to make up your mind: do you want to be a jelly Christian or a genuine Christian?” —RW
Reflection
Do you misuse the Lord’s name, or have friends who do?
The Lord’s name is to be respected and used with care. In what ways do you copy words or actions from those around you? Reflect on whether this pleases God.
GRANDMA IS IN HEAVEN
Verse of the Day
Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.” —John 11:25 NLT
Read
John 11:23–27
Shortly before my mum passed away, I told my eight-year-old son Caleb that his grandmother would soon . . .
“Don’t say that word,” Caleb interrupted. “Say that she’s going to sleep and will be with Jesus.”
“Yes, you are right,” I said.
A week later, Caleb’s grandmother passed away following a battle with cancer. We brought her body home from the hospital and arranged to have the funeral services in our home over three days.
I stood at my mum’s casket to talk to her.
“Mum, what are you doing?” Caleb asked.
“I ’m talking to Grandma,” I said.
“But, Grandma is not there,” Caleb said as he looked my way. “Grandma is up there.” He pointed upwards.
“Yes, okay. But I want to look at her face when I speak to her,” I said.
“Mum . . .” Caleb said in a tone of voice like a parent explaining a simple truth to a child. “That’s an empty body. Grandma has already gone to heaven.”
Prayer
Lord,thankYou
foronpayingtheprice the cross and conqueringdeathforus so that we can have eternal life.
In John 11:25, Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying” (NLT). My young child had a simple confidence that Christ had conquered death on the cross for us. And he reminded me of this truth.
First Thessalonians 4:14 says, “For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.”
Losing a loved one is painful, but we can rest in the assurance that Jesus’ death on the cross has paid the price for our sins. He has secured victory over death so that we can have eternal life with Him.
—EL
Reflection
How can we thank Jesus for what He has done on the cross for us? Let’s take time to write down a few things that we are thankful for.
GOOD RIDDANCE DAY
Verse of the Day
As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
—Psalm 103:12
Read
Psalm 103:1–12
Since 2006 a group of people have celebrated an unusual event around the New Year. It’s called Good Riddance Day. Based on a Latin American tradition, individuals write down unpleasant, embarrassing memories and bad issues from the past year and throw them into an industrial-strength shredder. Some even take a sledgehammer to their good riddance item.
The writer of Psalm 103 went beyond suggesting that people say good riddance to unpleasant memories. He reminded us that God bids good riddance to our sins. In his attempt to express God’s vast love for His people, the psalmist used word pictures. He compared the vastness of God’s love to the distance between the heavens and the earth (v.11). Then the psalmist talked about God’s forgiveness in spatial terms. As far as the east is from the west, so the Lord has removed His people’s sins from them (v.12). The psalmist wanted God’s people to know that His love and forgiveness is infinite and
complete. God frees His people from the power of their transgressions by fully pardoning them.
Lord,thankYou forlovingmeand removingmysinfrom me.
Good news! We don’t have to wait until the New Year to experience Good Riddance Day. Through our faith in Jesus, when we confess and turn from our sins, He bids good riddance to them and casts them into the depths of the sea. Today can be a Good Riddance Day!
“Good Riddance Day” is excerpted and adapted from Our Daily Bread 28 December 2018 article, by Marvin Williams.
Reflection
Name three sins that you don’t want to repeat. Ask God to help you walk away from these sins and say goodbye to them.
EMPOWERED
Verse of the Day
The Spirit of truth . . . will guide you into all the truth.
—John 16:13
Read John 14:15–17, 26, 16:8-11, 13
Twins Tommy and Timmy were thrilled with the birthday gifts Dad had bought for them—toy replicas of Han Solo’s blaster pistol and Luke Skywalker’s light saber. Pretending to be Star Wars heroes and with their toy weapons raised, they asked Jedi Master Dad for power to complete their mission. “May the Force be with you,” Dad said to them solemnly.
Be fore Jesus died on the cross, He said something similar to His disciples, “[The Father] will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth” (John 14:16–17). The Holy Spirit gives believers in Jesus the power to live holy lives (Galatians 5:16). But unlike the Force in the Star Wars movies, the Holy Spirit is not an impersonal cosmic force, but a Person. The Holy Spirit is God (Romans 8:14).
Jesus says that the Holy Spirit is our advocate. The original Greek word here is parakletos, which means “one called alongside to help”.
He is also known as our helper, comforter, and counsellor.
How does the Holy Spirit help us in our life? First, the Holy Spirit tells us when we have done wrong. He also helps us know what is right and what is wrong. He shows us how we are sinners who need Jesus to save us (John 16:8).
Prayer
Lord,thankYou forgivingustheHoly andSpirittohelp,comfort, counsel
us.
The Holy Spirit is also our teacher, who will help us understand the Bible (John 14:26). He will teach us about Jesus, and help us know Him better. The Holy Spirit helps us to obey Jesus. He comforts us when we are sad. Because we are children of God, we have the Holy Spirit to help us follow Jesus through the ups and downs of life. —SKT
Reflection
When do we need the Holy Spirit’s help, comfort, and counsel? Listen carefully to Him speaking as you read God’s Word or pray this week.
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With devotions that children can connect with and questions to get them thinking and talking, this 31-day devotional will encourage families and their young ones to spend time in God’s Word and draw closer to Him.
