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Family Devotions - Entries written by UnknownSept 5 - God Blesses Israel through Balaam
God Blesses Israel through Balaam
Passage: Numbers 22–24
Principle: God is sovereign and keeps His promises.
Praise: “In My Life, Lord, Be Glorified”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
• Why did Balak want Balaam to curse Israel?
• What did God tell Balaam?
• What did God allow Balaam’s donkey to do?
• What did God allow Balaam to do to Israel?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
• By serving and obeying God in everything he does.
• By checking his motives to be sure they are for God’s glory
• By remembering that God’s blessing is unchangeable.
This Week: As a family, read Numbers 22–24.
Aug 29 - God Offers Israel Healing from Sin
God offers Israel Healing from Sin
Passage: Numbers 21:4–9
Principle: God is merciful and faithful.
Praise: “I Will Sing of the Mercies”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
• Why did Israel complain?
• How did God punish the Israelites?
• Did the people admit they had sinned?
• How did God offer healing from the snakebites?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
• By not complaining about God’s provision.
• By remembering God’s faithfulness in the past.
• By trusting Jesus as Savior.
This Week: As a family, read Numbers 21:4–9.
Next Week: Numbers 22–24
Aug 22 - Israel Rejects God's Prophet & Priest
Israel Rejects God’s Prophet and Priest
Passage: Numbers 16
Principle: We should obey and respect the leadership that God has established.
Praise: “Humble Thyself in the Sight of the Lord”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
• What were the names of the men who did not trust God’s choice of leadership in
Moses?
• How did God punish Korah, Dathan, and Abiram?
• Why did the people complain?
• Who interceded for the sins of the people?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
• By valuing the leadership God has put in his life.
• By not blaming leaders in difficult times.
• By learning from the Lord’s discipline.
This Week: As a family, read Numbers 16.
Next Week: Numbers 21
Aug 15 - Israel Rejects God's Plan
Israel Rejects God’s Plan
Passage: Numbers 13–14
Principle: God’s plans always are best.
Praise: “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
• Why did Moses send spies into Canaan?
• How many spies did he send?
• What kind of report did the spies bring back?
• Which spies trusted the Lord?
• How did God punish the Israelites?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
• By thanking God for His promises.
• By obeying God’s instructions.
• By trusting that God’s plan is best.
This Week: As a family, read Numbers 13–14.
Next Week: Numbers 16
Aug 8 - Sunday Review
This Sunday we will be doing a review of all that we've learned so far
in the books of Leviticus and Numbers. Please review the previous lessons and blog
entries to reinforce these wondrous truths to your children.
We will pick up next Sunday where we left off in Number 13-14.
July 25 - Israel Rejects God's Provision
Israel Rejects God’s Provision
Passage: Numbers 11–12
Principle: God is displeased when we complain.
Praise: “This Is the Day”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
• Why did the Israelites complain about God’s provision?
• How did God punish the people?
• Who interceded for the Israelites?
• Is God pleased when we complain?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
• By thanking God for the blessings in our lives.
• By being an example to others by having a thankful and obedient heart.
This Week: As a family, read Numbers 11–12.
Next Week: Numbers 13–14
July 18 - God Requires Holy Living
God Requires Holy Living
Passage: Leviticus 19
Principle: God is holy and wants believers to live holy lives.
Praise: “O-B-E-D-I-E-N-C-E”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
• Why did God command the Israelites to live holy lives?
• What does it mean to be holy?
• How can one live a holy life?
• Are Christians commanded to live holy lives?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
• By obeying his father and mother.
• By being kind to others.
• By obeying and respecting older people.
This Week: As a family, read Leviticus 19.
July 11 - God Ordains the Day of Atonement
God Ordains the Day of Atonement
Passage: Leviticus 11–16
Principle: Man constantly needs to confess sin.
Praise: “Create in Me a Clean Heart”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
• Who is holy and without sin?
• What was the purpose of the Day of Atonement?
• Why were animals sacrificed?
• What cleanses a Christian from sin?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
• By confessing every sin to God.
• By praising God for eternal forgiveness through Jesus’ death on the cross.
• By trusting Jesus for eternal forgiveness.
This Week: As a family, read Leviticus 11–16.
Next Week: Leviticus 19
July 4 - God Establishes the Priesthood
God Ordains the Sacrificial System
Passage: Leviticus 1–7
Principle: God’s holiness requires a sacrifice for sin.
Praise: “Trust and Obey”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
• What types of offerings did the Israelites give to God?
• Why did the Israelites offer sacrifices?
• How was the worshiper forgiven?
• Who is the perfect sacrifice?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
• By trusting Jesus to take his punishment.
• By living a holy life by obeying parents and leaders.
• By praising God by giving Him the best effort and attitude.
This Week: As a family, read Leviticus 1–7.
Next Week: Leviticus 9:22–10:7
June 27 - God Ordains the Sacrificial System
God Ordains the Sacrificial System
Passage: Leviticus 1–7
Principle: God’s holiness requires a sacrifice for sin.
Praise: “Trust and Obey”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
• What types of offerings did the Israelites give to God?
• Why did the Israelites offer sacrifices?
• How was the worshiper forgiven?
• Who is the perfect sacrifice?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
• By trusting Jesus to take his punishment.
• By living a holy life by obeying parents and leaders.
• By praising God by giving Him the best effort and attitude.
This Week: As a family, read Leviticus 1–7.
Next Week: Leviticus 9:22–10:7
June 20 - God's Presence Fills the Tabernacle
God’s Presence Fills the Tabernacle
Passage: Exodus 33–34, 40
Principle: God is merciful and faithful.
Praise: “I Will Sing the Mercies”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
• What did Moses ask God?
• What did God reveal to Moses?
• What are some of God’s characteristics?
• What filled the tabernacle?
• What did the Israelites do after God revealed His presence?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
• By humbly asking God for mercy and turning from sin.
• By joyfully praising God for sending His Son and Holy Spirit.
This Week: As a family, read Exodus 33–34 and 40.
June 13 - God Punishes Israel's Idolatry
God Punishes Israel’s Idolatry
Passage: Exodus 32
Principle: God is merciful and patient.
Praise: “Seek Ye First”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
• What did Aaron make for the Israelites to worship?
• How was God going to punish Israel’s sin?
• Who prayed for the Israelites?
• How did God show mercy to the Israelites?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
• By asking God for forgiveness of daily sins.
• By thanking God for His specific acts of mercy.
• By praising God for the mercy found in Jesus Christ.
This Week: As a family, read Exodus 32.
Next Week: Exodus 33–34, 40
June 6 - Review SundayThis Sunday we will be doing a review of all that we've learned so far in the Book of Exodus. Please review the previous lessons and blog entries to reinforce these wondrous truths to your children.
We will pick up next Sunday where we left off in Exodus.
May 30 - God Ordains the Tabernacle
God Ordains the Tabernacle
Passage: Exodus 25–31
Principle: God has made a way for us to dwell with Him.
Praise: “There Is a Redeemer”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
• What was the purpose of the tabernacle?
• Who was allowed to go into the tabernacle?
• What items were inside the tabernacle?
• What does the tabernacle tell us about God?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
• By recognizing his sinful condition.
• By worshiping God in an honoring way.
• By praising God that faith in Christ allows God’s Spirit to dwell in men.
This Week: As a family, read Exodus 25–31.
Next Week: Exodus 32
May 23 - God Gives the Ten Commandments
God Gives the Ten Commandments
Passage: Exodus 20:1–21
Principle: God’s standards are perfect.
Praise: “Holy, Holy, Holy”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
• What does holy mean?
• Why did God give laws to the Israelites?
• Which commands show love for God?
• Which commands show love for other people?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
• By loving God more than anything else.
• By turning away from sin.
• By loving other people.
This Week: As a family, read Exodus 20:1–21.
Next Week: Exodus 25–31
May 16 - God Prepares Israel for the Covenant
God Prepares Israel for the Covenant
Passage: Exodus 19
Principle: God is worthy of fear and reverence.
Praise: “Our God Is an Awesome God”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
• What did God promise Israel?
• What did Israel promise God?
• Why were the Israelites not allowed to go on the mountain?
• How did God reveal His presence?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
• By fearing and respecting God because He is holy.
• By obeying God’s Word wholeheartedly.
• By thanking God for making people His treasure.
This Week: As a family, read Exodus 19.
Next Week: Exodus 20:1–21
May 9 - God Preserves Israel
God Preserves Israel
Passage: Exodus 15:22–17:7
Principle: God is merciful and good.
Praise: “Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
• Why did God test Israel?
• Why did the Israelites grumble and complain?
• What food did God provide for the Israelites?
• What happened when some of the Israelites broke God’s command concerning the
manna?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
• By confessing grumbling and complaining attitudes.
• By trusting that God will provide.
• By trusting that God’s Word is good.
This Week: As a family, read Exodus 15:22–17:7.
Next Week: Exodus 19
May 2 - God Parts the Red Sea
God Parts the Red Sea
Passage: Exodus 14–15
Principle: God wants us to trust and praise His power.
Praise: “I Sing the Mighty Power of God”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions.
• Who led Israel to the Red Sea?
• Why did God lead the Israelites to the Red Sea?
• How did the Israelites escape the Egyptian army?
• What did God do to the Egyptian army?
• Did the Israelites worship God for delivering them?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
• By submitting to the awesome power of God.
• By praising God for His mighty deeds.
• By trusting in God’s love for His people.
This Week: As a family, read Exodus 14–15.
Next Week: Exodus 15:22–17:7 Apr 25 - God Ordains the Passover
God Ordains the Passover
Passage: Exodus 12–13
Principle: God is merciful and sovereign.
Praise: “There Is a Redeemer”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
• What was God’s final judgment on Egypt?
• Did Pharaoh let the Israelites go?
• What do Jews remember when they celebrate Passover?
• Who is the Passover lamb for Christians?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
• By praising God for His awesome power and mercy.
• By trusting Christ as the final Passover lamb.
• By telling others about Christ’s death for sin.
This Week: As a family, read Exodus 12–13.
Next Week: Exodus 14–15
Apr 18 - God Sends Plagues on Egypt
God Sends Plagues on Egypt
Passage: Exodus 7–10
Principle: God is awesome and powerful.
Praise: “I Sing the Mighty Power of God”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
• What were Moses and Aaron to tell Pharaoh?
• How did God punish Egypt?
• Why did God harden Pharaoh’s heart?
• Why did God send the plagues?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
• By submitting to God’s great power.
• By trusting God’s awesome plans.
• By telling other people about God’s greatness.
This Week: As a family, read portions of Exodus 7–10.
Next Week: Exodus 12–13
Apr 11 - Review Week
We will be reviewing the lessons covered from the book of Exodus that we taught prior to Easter. Please take this opportunity to review these lessons as well from the previous entries of the Family Devotional Blog. We hope to resume our study of the book of Exodus next week.
Blessings!
Apr 4 - Jesus Rises from the Dead
Jesus Rises from the Dead
Passage: Matthew 28
Principle: Jesus has power over sin and death.
Praise: “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions.
• Who appeared to Mary and Mary when they arrived at Jesus’ tomb?
• Whom did Jesus appear to after His resurrection?
• What did Jesus tell His disciples?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following
ways:
• By obeying Jesus as Savior and Lord.
• By singing praise to the risen Savior.
• By telling others about Jesus’ death and resurrection.
This Week: As a family, read Matthew 28
Apr 2 - Jesus Endures the Cross
Jesus Endures the Cross
Passage: Matthew 27
Principle: Jesus died for sin, giving access to God.
Praise: “Jesus Paid It All”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
• Who mocked Jesus?
• What did the soldiers do to Jesus?
• How did Jesus die?
• What happened when Jesus died?
• Why did Jesus die?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the
following ways:
• By praising Jesus for suffering and dying for sin.
• By trusting Jesus for forgiveness of sin.
• By thanking Jesus for allowing us to come to God.
This Friday: As a family, read Matthew 27.
This Sunday: Matthew 28
Mar 28 - Judas Betrays Jesus
Judas Betrays Jesus
Passage: Matthew 26:1–19, 36–50
Principle: People deny or betray Jesus with sinful attitudes and actions.
Praise: “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
• Who did and did not reject Jesus?
• How did Judas betray Jesus?
• What did the disciples do in the Garden of Gethsemane?
• What had Jesus asked them to do?
• Why was Jesus sad in the Garden of Gethsemane?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
• By showing that he loves Jesus by obeying Him.
• By remembering that sin is a rejection of Jesus.
• By thanking Jesus for being faithful even when people reject Him.
This Week: As a family, read Matthew 26:1–19, 36–50.
Next Week: Matthew 27
Mar 21 - Jesus Enters Jerusalem as King
Jesus Enters Jerusalem as King
Passage: Matthew 21–23; Zechariah 9:9
Principle: Jesus is the promised Messiah.
Praise: “King of Kings”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
• What did Jesus ride into Jerusalem?
• How did the crowds treat Jesus as the promised King?
• What did Jesus do in the temple?
• Why was Jesus angry with the temple priests?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
• By obeying Jesus as King.
• By worshiping Jesus as Lord.
• By telling others about the Messiah.
This Week: As a family, read Matthew 21–23; Zechariah 9:9.
Next Week: Matthew 26:1–19, 36–50
Mar 14 - God Raises Moses to Lead Israel
God Raises Moses to Lead Israel
Passage: Exodus 3
Principle: God’s plans cannot be stopped.
Praise: “Holy, Holy, Holy”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
• How did God reveal Himself to Moses?
• What did God call Moses to do?
• Did God have a plan to deliver Israel?
• What characteristics of God do we learn about in this account?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
• By fearing and obeying God because He is holy.
• By trusting God because His plans are perfect.
This Week: As a family, read Exodus 3.
Next Week: Exodus 7–10
Mar 7 - God Prepares Israel for Deliverance
God Prepares Israel for Deliverance
Passage: Exodus 1–2
Principle: God has compassion for His people.
Praise: “There Is a Redeemer”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
• Did God make Jacob’s family into a great people?
• Why did Pharaoh decide to kill all of the Israelites’ baby boys?
• Whom did God protect?
• Did God hear Israel’s cries?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
• By trusting God during times of trouble. He does not forget His people.
• By crying out to God for help in times of trouble.
This Week: As a family, read Exodus 1–2.
Next Week: Exodus 3
Feb 21 - God Delivers Joseph
God Delivers Joseph
Passage: Genesis 39-50
Principle: God is in control of every circumstance
Praise: “Great is Thy Faithfulness”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
• Hod did God help Joseph while he was in Egypt?
• Whose dreams did Joseph interpret?
• What position did Pharaoh give Joseph?
• Who came to Egypt to buy food?
• Did Joseph forgive his brothers?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
• By trusting God even when people do evil things
• By being faithful and obedient to God during difficult times
• By forgiving others
This Week: As a family, read Genesis 39-50
Feb 14 - God Preserves Joseph
God Preserves Joseph
Passage: Genesis 37
Principle: God cares for His people
Praise: “Rejoice in the Lord Always”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
• Which of his sons did Jacob love the most?
• What dream did Joseph have?
• Why were Joseph's brothers jealous and angry?
• What did Joseph's brothers do to him?
• How did God preserve Joseph?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
• By confessing anger and jealousy
• By trusting and honouring God even when he has problems with others
This Week: As a family, read Genesis 37
Feb 7 - Jacob Wrestles with God
Jacob Wrestles with God
Passage: Genesis 32
Principle: God hears the prayers of those who believe in Him
Praise: “Our God is an Awesome God”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
• What did Jacob pray to God?
• Why did Jacob pray?
• How did God answer Jacob's prayer?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
• By trusting God instead of fearing man
• By confessing his need for God
• By relying on God's promises in prayer
This Week: As a family, read Genesis 32
Jan 31 - God Chooses Jacob over Esau
God Chooses Jacob over Esau
Passage: Genesis 25:21-26; 27:1-29
Principle: God sovereignly chooses whomever He wants to accomplishes His purposes
Praise: “God Will Take Care of You”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
• What were the names of the twins born to Isaac and Rebekah?
• Which brother did God choose to receive the birthright?
• How did Jacob steal the inheritance?
• How was God gracious to Jacob?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
• By patiently waiting for God's timing
• By not committing one sin to make up for another sin
This Week: As a family, read Genesis 25:21-26; 27:1-29
Jan 24 - God Tests Abraham
God Tests Abraham
Passage: Genesis 22:1-19; Hebrews 11:17-19
Principle: God calls Christians to trust Him completely and above all else
Praise: “Trust and Obey”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
• How did God test Abraham's faith?
• Did Abraham trust God to provide the sacrifice?
• Did Abraham love God more than he loved Isaac?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
• By obeying God’s Word, no matter what the cost
• By trusting God to help him obey
• By praying for God's help in times of testing
This Week: As a family, read Genesis 22:1-19; Hebrews 11:17-19
God Sends Baby Isaac
God Sends Baby Isaac
Passage: Genesis 21:1-14
Principle: God always keeps His promises
Praise: “Praise Him, Praise Him”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
• Why was the special baby promised to Abraham?
• Why was Isaac's birth a miracle?
• How did Ishmael treat Isaac?
• Where were Ishmael and Hagar sent?
• In what ways can you trust God?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
• By trusting God to keep His promises
• By patiently waiting for God to fulfill His promises
• By keeping the promises He has made
This Week: As a family, read Genesis 21:1-14
Nov. 29 - God Judges Sodom & Gomorrah
God Judges Sodom and Gomorrah
Passage: Genesis 18:16–19:29
Principle: God hates and judges sin.
Praise: “Trust and Obey”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
• Why was God going to punish the people of Sodom and Gomorrah?
• Why did Abraham ask God to save the good people in Sodom?
• Who warned Lot to leave the city?
• How did God punish Sodom and Gomorrah? Genesis Parent Resources
• Whom did God save from judgment?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
• By obeying God’s Word and listening to His warnings.
• By turning from sin.
This Week: As a family, read Genesis 18:16–19:29.
Nov. 22 - Abraham & Sarah Doubt God
Abraham and Sarah Doubt God
Passage: Genesis 16:1–6; 17:15–21; 18:1–15
Principle: Nothing can stop God’s plans.
Praise: “Father Abraham”*
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
• What did God promise Abraham and Sarah?
• How old were Abraham and Sarah?
• Did they believe God’s promise?
• Did God fulfill His promise through Sarah or through Hagar?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
• By trusting God’s promises, even if they seem impossible.
• By being patient for God to fulfill His promises.
This Week: As a family, read Genesis 16:1–6; 17:15–21; 18:1–15.
Nov. 15 - God Makes a Promise to Abram
God Makes a Promise to Abram
Passage: Genesis 11:27–12:9
Principle: God keeps His promises.
Praise: “Trust and Obey”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
• What did Abram worship before God called him?
• Did Abram follow the Lord?
• What did God promise Abram?
• What blessing did God promise Abram?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
• By turning from sin.
• By turning from pride.
• By being humble and obeying the Lord.
This Week: As a family, read Genesis 11:27–12:9.
Nov. 8 - God Judges the Nations at Babel
God Judges the Nations at Babel
Passage: Genesis 11:1–9
Principle: God will judge those who do not obey His commands.
Praise: “In My Life, Lord, Be Glorified”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
• What did God command the people to do?
• Why did the people build the tower?
• Why did God confuse the languages?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
• By turning from pride.
• By being humble and obeying the Lord.
This Week: As a family, read Genesis 11:1–9.
Nov. 1 - God Preserves Noah Week Six
Passage: Genesis 8:1–9:17
Principle: God is loving and keeps His promises.
Praise: “What a Mighty God We Serve”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
• How did Noah respond to God’s grace?
• What covenant did God make with mankind?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
• By submitting to God as Ruler.
• By trusting that God will always do what He says.
This Week: As a family, read Genesis 8:1–9:17.
October 4 - Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-24
Man Rebels Against God
Passage: Genesis 2:15–17; 3:1–24
Principle: God will punish those who do not obey Him.
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
• What did God command Adam and Eve to do?
• How did Adam and Eve sin against God?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
• By obeying God in everything that he does.
• By trusting God in all things.
This Week: As a family, read Genesis 2:15–17; 3:1–24.
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