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

If you're interested in the lesson files, simply click on the appropriate link above to download them 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 second in the topic Joy.

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.

FAIRNESS 3 - Treat everyone as important, not just rich people.

Fairness 3 - English file

Fairness 3 - German file

Devotional Thoughts about James 2:1-9

As I’ve worked with groups of children over the years, I’ve been appalled now and then to see how cruel one can be to another. In their immaturity kids sometimes re­sort to crude methods to secure a place for themselves in the established hierarchy of their peers, and favoritism and exclusion are basic tools.

Although they’re resentful of teacher’s pets and others’ partiality, they scramble to wield the same weapon to jealously guard their own social assets in the precarious drama at school.

Of course adults show partiality, too, but usually with a veneer of sophistication. The truth is: we like some people more than we do others, and it shows. We act upon our preconceptions and sometimes even use them to manipulate others.

That God loves us all and is willing to accept anyone who comes to Him, is hard for us to grasp or truly believe because our sin nature is so grasping and self-centered.

Lord, please keep reminding me of Your “royal law” (James 2:8) and enable me to treat others as just as important as myself for Your glory. 

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 fourth in the topic Fairness.