JOY 2 - Joy in the Middle of Troubles

Joy 2 - English file

Freude 2 - German file

Devotional Thoughts about Acts 16:16-36

The story opens with an account of human trafficking. A demon-possessed slave girl was exploited by owners who pocketed the income from her fortune-telling. She followed Paul and Silas around in Philippi and unexpectedly yelled that they had come as servants of the Highest God to tell them the way of salvation.

Paul commanded the evil spirit by the power of Jesus Christ to leave her. When it did, shutting down the money-making gig, the affected parties retaliated with mob justice. Paul and Silas were beaten and put into a high-security unit in prison.

There, of all places, they prayed and sang praises to God. The other prisoners heard this, which no doubt left a big impression on them, especially in light of the subsequent earthquake. We know that the jailor’s life was changed through his contact with these men whose behavior was so uncharacteristic for their surroundings.

Lord, please let me recognize Your presence when I find myself in trouble, pain or aggravation, and help me to respond with prayer and praise instead of panic.

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JOY 1 - God is thrilled when you become His child!

Joy 1 - English files

Freude 1 German files

Devotional Thoughts about Luke Chapter 15

The three stories in this chapter are linked by the common theme of God’s joy at a person’s salvation. This triptych among the parables captures in simple narratives a sinner’s self-imposed alienation and eventual repentance, God’s pursuit of him and His welcoming joy at the reunion. It even includes the jaundiced reaction of a third party who happens to be the prodigal's brother.

God has used several stories here to describe the multifaceted phenomenon of salvation from different angles. The first two end by citing the joy in heaven at a person’s conversion and the last portrays the father heart of God, showing that His ultimate cause for celebration is our reconciliation with Him.

Despite all the sin-induced tragedies and problems in the world around us, help me remember, Lord, that the overarching message of Your Word truly is Good News. Please help me convey it to the kids.

Downloading lesson files

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FAIRNESS 5 - God is more than fair—He’s gracious.

 Fairness 5 - English file

Fairness 5 - German file 

Devotional Thoughts about Matthew 19:27-20:16

“What do we get?” Peter’s question at the end of Chapter 19 is understandable. He and the other apostles had left everything to follow Jesus, unlike the rich young ruler who had just left disappointed because he wasn’t willing to do that.

Jesus’ answer was over the top: They’d be just heaped with possessions, relationships and honors plus eternal life. But even Jesus’ followers surely weren’t prepared for some of the differences awaiting them. This parable conveys that God’s idea of reward doesn’t match our subjective perceptions.

We don’t appreciate nearly enough the fact that God’s justice is tempered by grace, for every single one of us needs it. If God gave us what we deserved, none of us would be left (see Psalm 130:3).

Lord, thank you that I can count on your grace. Please help me trust You to do what’s right in me and in the world. 

Downloading lesson files

If you're interested in the lesson file, simply click on the appropriate link above to download it in the desired language. See the Informational Pages in the right column for more about the lesson series. The next post and the next lesson will be the first in the topic Joy. 

FAIRNESS 4 – When someone’s not being treated right, do something about it!

 Fairness 4 - English file

Fairness 4 - German file 

Devotional Thoughts about Acts 6,1-7

Someone who trusted Christ for salvation in the early church period usually came from one of two backgrounds. He or she was either a Jew living in Judea and worshipping in the temple or a Jew who had grown up in one of the surrounding cultures in the Roman Empire. Their common language was Greek.

Then it came out that the widows—the vulnerable people in these distinct groups—were treated differently. As the gospel had quickly spread, transcending races and cultures, it was surely uncomfortable for the Jewish apostles, who were committed to taking care of their own, to expand the concept of “their own” to include those whom they’d been conditioned over the years to shun.

But when the problem was brought to their attention, they called a meeting of the many belie­vers to address it. Acts 4:37 gives the impression that the church’s charitable work had initially been done through the apostles, but by this time with all the growth, it had become way too much for them.

As their own priority was preaching and teaching God’s Word, they instructed the church to choose and dedicate seven men to take care of those needing help. As a result of this, yet more people came to faith in Christ.

Lord, please help me see where people are falling through the cracks and do what I can to help.

Downloading lesson files

If you're interested in the lesson file, simply click on the appropriate link above to download it in the desired language. See the Informational Pages in the right column for more about the lesson series. The next post and the next lesson will be the last in the topic Fairness.