The End of the Story

TODAY’S SPECIAL: Revelation 20:7-15

TO CHEW ON: "And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night forever and ever." Revelation 20:10

When you read a book, do you ever skip to the end, to see how it turns out? Today’s reading is the place we’d go to see how the story of the Bible, the story of the fight between God and Satan, ends.

"The Fall" by Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld, Published 1907

Throughout time Satan has tried every trick to win. He started out by lying to Eve and persuading her to disobey God - to sin. Through the centuries he has lied to, stolen from, scared and tricked people. When Jesus came, Satan and his demons worked hard to destroy Him. Jesus was killed. But God used Satan’s plan to backfire on him. For Jesus didn’t stay dead. He rose, won over death and now everyone who trusts in Jesus’ death as payment for their sins wins over death as well.

1. What is Satan’s end (Revelation 20:10)?

"An angel casts beast Satan into the pit" by Caspar Luiken, 1712

2. The trouble is, Satan and his buddies don’t go there alone. Who goes with them (Revelation 20:15)?

3. How does a person get their name written in God’s Book of Life? John 3:16 has the answer. Fill in the missing words: “For God so loved the world (including you!) that he gave his one and only Son (Jesus) that _____________ ______________ ____ ____ shall not _____________ but have ____________ ______________.” If your name isn’t written in God’s Book of Life, it can be. Just believe in Jesus. The minute you trust Jesus, it’s there.

PRAYER: Jesus, I believe Your death paid the penalty for my sins. Thank You my name is written in the Book of Life. Amen.

"The New Jerusalem descending from Heaven"
by Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld, 1851-1860

MORE: Another Ending
What is the end of the story for those whose names ARE in the Book of Life?

Read about it in Revelation 21:1-8. Which things will be in heaven? Which things won’t?

sea                idol worshipers
water of life      tears
death              God
cowardly           pain
God’s people       murderers
liars              unbelieving
crying             New Jerusalem
magicians

"The New Jerusalem" by Darlene Slavujac
Copyright 1993, Used with the artist's permssion

ANSWERS

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

And More and More and More...

TODAY’S SPECIAL: Revelation 6:9 -17

TO CHEW ON: "For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can withstand it?" Revelation 6:17

Have you ever read an exciting book where the closer you came to the end, the more bad things happened? You looked at how few pages were left and wondered, how would the author ever straighten this out! In a way John’s vision in Revelation is like that. John saw more and more bad things as more seals were opened.

In the fifth seal, John heard the voices of people who had been killed for believing in God (martyrs). They asked God, how long until He would punish those who killed them. God answered, it would happen, but even more people would be martyred first.

Then came the sixth seal. It predicted some things that have never happened on earth. Read Revelation 6:12-17 and list five things John saw:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

"The Opening of the Sixth Seal" by John Martin

Every day natural disasters like earthquakes, floods and erupting volcanoes take place somewhere on earth. The size of the disasters John saw here, though, were bigger than any our earth has ever seen. They help us understand how weak and helpless we humans are when we face an all-powerful God.

PRAYER: Dear God, I worship You as the one with power over nature and people. Amen.

MORE: The Seventh Seal

"The Seventh Seal" by Caspar Luiken, 1712

The last of the seven seals is described in Revelation 8 and 9.

1. What happens to the earth (Revelation 8:7)?

2. What happens to the sea (Revelation 8:8)?

3. What happens to the water (Revelation 8:10,11)?

4. What happens to the atmosphere (Revelation 9:1,2)?

5. What happens to people (Revelation 9:3-6, 18)?

6. This causes people to repent of their sins of worshiping idols, murders, practicing magic, sex sins and stealing. (Revelation 9:20-21)
YES?
NO?

ANSWERS

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

What time is it?

TODAY’S SPECIAL: 2 Peter 3:3-13

TO CHEW ON: "But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day." 2 Peter 3:8


How long is it from one Christmas to the next? From this summer holiday to next summer holiday? From your 10th birthday to your 11th? You know it’s only a year, yet it seems like a long time.

So when we read in the Bible that a thousand years is like one day to God, we realize that He’s in a different time zone than we are altogether. The idea of a 1000-year day makes the year which feels long to us only a few minutes to God!

The people in Bible times were a lot like we are. Forty years after Jesus had gone back to heaven and still hadn’t returned, people said, “Where is this ‘coming’ He promised?”

Now it’s 2000 years later and though Jesus has still not returned, we know that He will keep his promise. After all, in the way God looks at time, it hasn’t been that long at all – only two days and a few minutes!

He could return any time. Are you looking for His coming? Are you ready?

"Jesus returns" - Artist unknown

PRAYER: Dear God, help me to look forward to Your return, knowing You will keep Your promise. Amen.



MORE: Keeping Time
What are some ways people have measured and kept track of time over the centuries?


Can you think of more?

Choose one way and find out how it works.

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Are You Ready?

TODAY’S SPECIAL: I Thessalonians 4:13-18


TO CHEW ON: For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. I Thessalonians 4:16,17


Your grandma, who lives far away, is coming for a visit! You clean the house and make the guest bed. Your mom stocks the fridge with Grandma’s favorite foods. On the day she’s due to arrive, you drive to the airport and wait impatiently in the arrivals lounge. You can’t keep your eyes off the doorway through which she’ll soon appear

Someone else just as special as grandma will arrive one of these days. Jesus promised over 2000 years ago He would someday return to earth. We don’t know when He will come back and we won’t go to meet Him at an airport, bus depot or train station. But He promised someday He will appear in the sky. It could be any day. It could be today, or eleven months or fifty-three years from now.


Like we prepare for the visit of someone we love, we can also get ready for Jesus’ return. Which statements, below, do you think are made by someone who is living with Jesus’ return in mind:

• The most important thing is to have fun and be happy.
• Jesus died for my sin; He is the boss of my life.
• I’m young. I’ll have lots of time to think about Jesus when I’m old.
• The most important thing is to reach my goals.
• I live each day as if Jesus were watching me.
• Making lots of money is the most important thing in life.
• I live every day as if it could be my last.
  

PRAYER: Dear Jesus, I know You could return at any time. Help me to be ready. Amen.

MORE: Heaven
When Jesus returns He will take us to heaven to live with Him. What will that be like? The Bible talks a lot about heaven. Revelation 7:9-17, Revelation 21:1-8 and Revelation 22:1-5 are three such places. Which statements about heaven, below, are true (check the Bible passages, above, if you’re not sure)?

A. There will be no more death.

B. We will sit around on clouds playing harps all day.

C. There will be no sadness or crying.

D. We’ll spend time sailing on heaven’s seas.

E. People from every nation on earth will be there.

F. No sun, moon or stars are needed; God is heaven’s light.

G. There will be no sickness in heaven.

H. We’ll still get hungry and thirsty in heaven.

I. We’ll see God, Jesus and angels.

ANSWERS

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Surprise - good or bad?

TODAY’S SPECIAL: I Corinthians 15:51-58


TO CHEW ON: "Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed – in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed." I Corinthians 15:51-52

How do you feel about surprises? Most of us like surprises that are good – wrapped parcels at Christmas, a surprise party on our birthday, an unexpected visit from a friend.

Someday there will be a surprise bigger than any Christmas or birthday. Jesus will return! The dead will be raised. We will transform into our new bodies.

"The angels sound their trumpets" - Artist unknown

Did you know this could happen at any time? It could happen today while you’re still alive (“We will not all sleep” means not everyone will die). Or it could happen at a time after you have died. If you have trusted Jesus for eternal life, His coming will be the most wonderful surprise ever.

If you have not trusted Him - you still can (“Today if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts” Psalm 95: 7,8). Then you too can look forward to the surprise of Jesus’ return.

PRAYER: Dear Jesus, You have promised to come back. Please come soon. Amen.


MORE: Signs Jesus Will Come Soon
Though we don’t know when Jesus will come back, He told his disciples some things to watch for. They are things which tell us His coming is near.

Read what He said in Matthew 24:4-14.

Can you list at least six things Jesus told us to watch for?

Are any of these things happening in the world now?

ANSWERS

Decision Day

TODAY’S SPECIAL: Acts 24:22-27

TO CHEW ON: "As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, 'That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.'” Acts 24:25

The soldiers took Paul to the city of Caesarea to appear before the Roman Governor Felix. Paul was glad to get an opportunity to tell Felix about Jesus, or “the Way” to God.

Governor Felix had heard about the Way. And he enjoyed listening to Paul talk more about it.

"Paul's defense before Felix" - Artist unknown

One day Paul was talking to Felix and Drusilla (Felix’s wife) about Jesus. As he described the kind of life that pleases God and God’s judgment, Felix became afraid. Why do you think he felt that way? (Cross out the one statement that is most likely NOT true).

1. He knew that he needed to decide whether to believe in Jesus for himself.
2. He knew that he had done bad things and was afraid of God’s judgment.
3. He was scared that Paul would beat him up.
4. He was afraid of dying.

"Felix and Drusila" - Johann C. Weigel, 1695

Though it seems God was knocking at Felix’s heart, he never made a decision to trust Jesus that day. And though Paul talked to Felix many times after that, we never read that God knocked at his heart in the same way again.

"Paul before Felix" by William Hogarth, 1752-1762

Have you ever felt Jesus knock at the door of your heart? Don’t ignore Him or think that you’ll answer Him another time. Someday He will come to you for the last time.

"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock" - Artist unknown

PRAYER: Dear Jesus, help me to recognize Your voice and to follow when You call. Amen.

MORE: Missionary in Disguise
Paul didn’t let the fact that he was in prison stop him from talking about Jesus. He didn’t think of himself as a prisoner, but a missionary in disguise.

Can you think of five more places people could be missionaries in disguise?
(Example: You could be a missionary on your soccer or baseball team by telling other team members about Jesus.)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

ANSWERS

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Not What He Asked For

TODAY’S SPECIAL: Acts 3:1-10


TO CHEW ON: "When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money." Acts 3:3

The man who sat at the temple entrance to beg had always been crippled. As a boy he had never climbed trees, played tag or walked to a friend’s home to play. By now he was used to not being able to walk. He didn’t ask for much any more -- just a few coins to buy food and pay rent.

His life was hard and disappointing. He had few nice surprises. I’m sure he didn’t expect much to change. Probably after he asked Peter for money and heard his answer: “Silver and gold I do not have...” he was already feeling disappointed.

"St. Peter and St. John cure the lame man" - Nicolas Poussin 1655

But in the instant that Peter took the man’s hand and lifted him to his feet, God’s power came into his body. His feet and ankles became strong. He could walk for the first time -- and leap and skip and jump! God gave him, not what he asked for but something far, far better.


Maybe you’ve been waiting for something in your life to change but so far it hasn’t. Don’t give up. Keep asking. For just around the corner may be the answer to your prayer and far more!

PRAYER: Dear Jesus, help me to wait for You to give the best things, those things I haven’t even dared to hope for. Amen.



MORE: Ask For It!
1. On a piece of paper write one thing in your life you wish would change.

2. Tuck your wish into your Bible, your journal or some place where you will see it and remember to pray about it

3. Talk to God about it regularly.

4. Now watch for God’s answer to your prayer. When it comes, write the answer and the date on the paper with the request.

5. Display it in a place where it will remind you how much God loves and cares for you.

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 Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

For God's Glory

TODAY’S SPECIAL: John 11:38-44

TO CHEW ON: "Then Jesus said, 'Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?'” John 11:40

When Lazarus got sick, his sisters Martha and Mary sent for Jesus right away. But He didn’t come. Meanwhile Lazarus got sicker and sicker. Finally he died. They wrapped his body tightly in strips of cloth and placed him in a tomb (most likely a cave).

Finally when Lazarus had been dead for four days, Jesus arrived. “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would never have died,” Martha said to Jesus. She knew that Jesus had power to heal sick people. But she also knew once Lazarus was dead, it was too late for Jesus to do anything.

But Jesus didn’t know that! As He stood before Lazarus’ tomb , He told his sad friends, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?”

"Lazarus rising out of his grave" - Illustrator of 'Figures de la Bible' P. de Hondt (publisher), 1728

Then He called, “Lazarus come out!” What happened next? (John 11: 44) ____________________

"The Raising of Lazarus" by Mattia Preti, 1650s

Why do you think Jesus waited so long to help his friends? Wouldn’t it have been just as easy for him to come right away and save Martha and Mary all that grief?

Probably. But God had a bigger purpose than the happiness of Martha and Mary. By waiting till Lazarus was dead, and then raising him from the dead, Jesus showed that God has power even over death. Many people who saw Jesus raise Lazarus put their faith in Jesus. His miracles showed how powerful God was and He became more famous than ever.

PRAYER: Dear God, help me to want Your glory more than my own happiness. Amen

SUPERSIZE IT: Thinking About Death
Death is something we don’t like to think about. But it happens around us every day.

• Have you ever had a pet that died?

- What was its name?
- How did it die?
- What did you do then?

• Has someone you love died?

- Who?
- What do you remember about that time?
- What comforted you?

• What do you think?

- Can God still raise people from the dead?
-Does God still raise people from the dead?

ANSWERS


Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Adult readers - DAILY DEVOTIONS FOR ADULTS  are available too at Other Food: daily devo's. 

Bad Timing

TODAY’S SPECIAL: Luke 2:1-7

TO CHEW ON: "While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born." Luke 2:6

After the angel’s visit, Mary got pregnant. God, the Holy Spirit, was the baby’s father.

Joseph, the man she was planning to marry, thought she had cheated on him. He was all set to break their engagement. But an angel came to him in a dream. He told Joseph to take Mary as his wife and to be an earthly father to the baby she would have.

Now it was months later. The baby was due to be born any day. That's when Caesar Augustus passed a law about registering for a census. So Joseph and Mary had to take the long trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem where Joseph needed to register. Talk about bad timing!

"The Journey to Bethlehem" by Unknown Artist

They didn’t have planes, cars or buses for the trip. Instead they had to walk the 46 to 50 kilometers (or 28 to 31 miles) from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Maybe Mary rode on a donkey. Not only was the trip uncomfortable, but when they got to Bethlehem, the inns were full!

"The Arrival at Bethlehem" by Luc-Olivier Merson - 1897

But all this was no surprise to God. In fact, it was important that Jesus be born in Bethlehem. Do you know why?* And God had picked out just the right spot for that.

Unknown Illustrator of Hartwell James's The Boys of the Bible 1905 & 1916

That night, Jesus, the Son of God, was born in a stable. Something that seemed all wrong turned out just right.

PRAYER: Dear God, help me to trust You when things seem to be happening at the wrong time. Amen.


SUPERSIZE IT: The Wrong Time
Has something like this ever happened to you?
- you sprain your ankle the day before the big game.
- a few days before the play, where you have the main part, you get a cold and lose your voice.
- your family plans a trip, and then your dad’s boss asks him to work

Make a list of things that have happened to you at the “wrong time.” How did each turn out?


*Jesus’ birth was the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. He was the Savior or Messiah that God had promised to send. Micah the prophet predicted that this “ruler over Israel” would come out of Bethlehem.

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Adult readers - DAILY DEVOTIONS FOR ADULTS  are available too at Other Food: daily devo's. 

Surprise!

TODAY’S SPECIAL: Luke 1:1-25


TO CHEW ON: "Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him ... When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear." Luke 1:11, 12

What do you want the very most in the world - a pet, a skateboard, a brother or sister, a friend?

Zechariah and Elizabeth wanted a baby - a son. But they were old and no son had been born to them. They had given up hope. But God had other ideas.

God was planning to answer their prayer.
1. What surprise did He send to Zechariah in the temple? (Luke 1:11) _________

"The Vision of Zechariah" by James Tissot 1886-1896

2. What did the angel tell Zechariah? (Luke 1:13) ____________

3. Zechariah found out some surprising things about the baby which would be born. Which statements are NOT true? (Luke 1:14-17)
a. They were to name him John
b. He was to drink only wine and fermented drink.
c. He would be sickly.
d. He would be filled with the Holy Spirit from birth.
f. He would preach but people wouldn’t listen.
g. He would prepare people for the Lord.

But Zechariah doubted the angel’s words. “How do I know this will happen?” he asked.

Because he doubted, the angel gave him a sign. Zechariah became dumb (unable to talk).

In time the baby was born, just as the angel said. Zechariah and Elizabeth were overjoyed. God’s promise had come true!

"The Birth of John the Baptist" Artist Unknown

PRAYER: God, thank You that You know what I want the most and will answer at just the right time. Amen.

"The Naming of John the Baptist" by Rembrandt

SUPERSIZE IT: Names
After the baby was born, Zechariah and Elizabeth’s family and friends wanted to call him Zechariah. But the angel had said he was to be named John. When Elizabeth insisted the baby must be called John, everyone looked to Zechariah. He took a tablet and to everyone’s surprise wrote ______________________________ (Luke 1:63). And then he could talk again! Read the first words he said in Luke 1:67-79.

In Bible times, the meanings of names were important. What does John mean?

What does your name mean?

ANSWERS

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Adult readers - DAILY DEVOTIONS FOR ADULTS  are available too at Other Food: daily devo's. 

Special Favor

TODAY’S SPECIAL: Esther 2:12-18

TO CHEW ON: "Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti." Esther 2:17


Esther gathered the few possessions she was planning to take with her. She said goodbye to Hegai and all her friends in the harem. This was the night she would go to the king. She would never come back to live here again. For after this night, the king would either choose her as his new queen or she would be sent to live in another part of the palace.

Even though this night was the most important night in her life, Esther kept things simple. Though she could have taken anything she wanted from the harem to impress the king, she didn’t do that. Instead she took only what Hegai suggested.

But when Xerxes saw her, he was charmed with her natural beauty. In fact she pleased him more than any other woman. The king liked Esther so much, he named her his new queen.


When we read on in the story, we will find that God had a special reason for Esther to become queen. And because God was with her, she didn’t have to manipulate things to gain the king’s favor. God took care of that.

God has a special place for each one of us to fill. He has a special place for you. When you are in the place that God has planned for you to be, you can trust Him. Don’t give in to the temptation to make things happen on your own. God can make it happen. Just like God gave Esther favor with the king, He will give you favor with the people you need to impress.

PRAYER: Dear God, please help me to trust You to bring me favor when I need it. Amen.

MORE: Persia
Esther became the queen of Persia. The date was 479 BC. Using Bible maps, books and/or the internet find out about Persia.

- Where was it?

- What was the religion of the country?

- What kinds of clothes did the people wear?

- What foods were popular?

- What is the present name of the country that used to be Persia?

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.


Adult readers - DAILY DEVOTIONS FOR ADULTS  are available too at Other Food: daily devo's. 

The End of Nineveh

TODAY’S SPECIAL: Nahum 1:1-11

TO CHEW ON: "The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him, but with an overwhelming flood he will make an end of Nineveh; he will pursue his foes into darkness." Nahum 1:7-8

Remember Nineveh, the city where Jonah went to preach? Though the people turned to God after hearing Jonah’s warnings, they were soon back to their idol worshiping, cruel and warring ways. God gave the prophet Nahum a message about Nineveh.

Nahum explained that God was patient and good. But there would come a time when He would act.

God had used Assyria (the country of which Nineveh was the capital) to discipline the people of Israel and Judah. But that didn’t mean God wouldn’t make them pay the consequences of their idol worship and cruelty. Nahum prophesied that the city of Nineveh and the nation of Assyria would be completely destroyed. And this is exactly what happened.

Illustration by Annie Vallotton from the Good News Bible
© American Bible Society 1976, 1992, used with permission.

Today, Nineveh is only a mound called Tell Kuyunjik which means ‘the mound of many sheep.’

God hasn’t changed in His fairness. He still watches individual people and whole nations. There will come a time when He will judge each one of us, our cities and countries and the whole world. Let’s turn to Him now, while we have the chance. Let’s pray that the people in our city and country turn to God too.

PRAYER: Dear God, I pray for my city ________ and my country ________ that they will honor You and obey Your ways. Amen.


MORE: What Can You Do?
As one single person, it’s easy to feel small and powerless to change the ways of your city let alone your country. But even one single young person like you can make a difference. Here are some ways. Can you think of more?

1. Pray for your country’s leader. His/her name is ___________

2. Pray for other leaders.
State Governor or Provincial Premier _________
Mayor_______
School Principal _________
Pastor __________

3. Join the Christian club at your school to find encouragement and multiply your influence.

4. Join with others (family, friends) to work on projects that honor God like visiting the sick and elderly, and helping the poor.

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Adult readers - DAILY DEVOTIONS FOR ADULTS  are available too at Other Food: daily devo's. 

Hands Off!

TODAY’S SPECIAL: 1 Samuel 26:1-12

TO CHEW ON: "But David said to Abishai, 'Don’t destroy him! Who can lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed and be guiltless?'” 1 Samuel 26:9

Messengers came running to Saul. “We’ve seen David,” they said. “We can tell you where he is!” So Saul took three thousand soldiers and went to the place the messengers had said.

David had his own spies. They knew exactly when Saul arrived and where his army was camped. One day David went to the hill overlooking Saul’s camp. As he peered down, he saw Saul asleep in the middle of all the soldiers. Even his bodyguard, Abner, was asleep.

After dark, David and his friend Abishai crept down the hill and into the camp. They tiptoed right past all the sleeping soldier to the place where Saul lay.

“Here’s your chance,” whispered Abishai. “God is giving Saul into your hands. Let me kill him for you.”


“No!” David said. “He’s the king that God chose. It’s up to God whether he lives or dies. I won’t lay a hand on him.” But David took Saul’s spear and the water jug that was close to his head. Then they left the camp as quietly as they had come.

When they were at the top of the hill David shouted, “Abner!”

Abner woke up “Who are you?” he asked.

“Where is the king’s spear and water jug?” said David. “You didn’t guard your king very well!”

Illustration by Annie Vallotton from the Good News Bible
© American Bible Society 1976, 1992, used with permission.

By now Saul was awake. He realized the danger he had been in and how David had spared his life. He felt bad. “I have sinned,” he said. “I won’t try to harm you again.”

PRAYER: Dear God, please help me to respect and honor the people You have called in a special way, like David honored Saul. Amen.
 
MORE Respect for leaders
Saul was doing bad things. God’s blessing was no longer on his life. Still David knew that he had been God’s choice as king over Israel. David was determined to respect God’s choice.

Some people God puts over us are parents, pastors, school and Sunday school teachers, coaches. Most times those people are good. But sometimes they are bad and want to hurt us. Below are some things from this story about how to act toward people over us. Which thing does this story does not teach:

1. We should respect the people in authority over us.
2. Sometimes the people over us are bad or evil.
3. It’s always okay to get a teacher or coach we don’t like in trouble
4. God is able to care for us even when we’re under bad leaders.

Answers

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.


Adult readers - DAILY DEVOTIONS FOR ADULTS  are available too at Other Food: daily devo's. 

Impatient Saul

TODAY’S SPECIAL: 1 Samuel 13:7-14

TO CHEW ON: "He waited seven days, the time set by Samuel; but Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and Saul’s men began to scatter. So he said, 'Bring me the burnt offering and the fellowship offerings.' And Saul offered up the burnt offering." 1 Samuel 13:8,9

One day after Saul had been king for a while, Saul’s son Jonathan attacked a Philistine outpost. This was like poking a stick into a wasp’s nest. Immediately the Philistines gathered their army and came against the Israelites to fight.

Saul’s army was only two thousand men. In a panic he sent trumpeters through the land to call back the rest of the army and anyone else able to fight. Then he and his men waited. They waited for more soldiers to come. They also waited for Samuel, the prophet and priest, to offer a sacrifice and ask for God’s help. Saul knew that it would be useless to go to war without that.

Meanwhile every day the Philistine army grew larger. It swelled to three thousand chariots, six thousand charioteers and thousands upon thousands of soldiers.

The men in Saul’s army watched and grew more terrified by the hour. Soon they lost all courage and began to run away and hide in caves, among trees, behind rocks and in cisterns.

Saul too felt afraid and desperate. Where was Samuel? He said he’d come in a week. The week was over and he still hadn’t arrived. If they didn’t get going soon, his army would be down to nothing. Even though he wasn’t a priest, Saul decided to make the offering himself.

He was just finishing when Samuel arrived.

“What have you done?” Samuel asked. When Saul told him, Samuel said, “You have acted foolishly.” Then he told Saul that God was displeased with him and there would be consequences of his impatience and disobedience.

PRAYER: Dear God, please guard me from the impatience that would cause me to do things my way instead of Your way. Amen.

MORE: Waiting. . . waiting . . . waiting. . .
Do you like to wait? What things make you impatient?

It’s easy to get impatient with things, people – even God, especially when He doesn’t seem to hear and answer our prayers.

Here is a verse that reminds us God is always on time. You might want to memorize it.

"In that day they will say, 'Surely this is our God; we trusted in him and he saved us. This is the Lord, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.'” Isaiah 25:9

Next time you’re tempted to impatiently do things your way instead of waiting for God’s help in His time, remember the story of impatient Saul, review this verse and wait for God's timing.

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Adult readers - DAILY DEVOTIONS FOR ADULTS  are available too at Other Food: daily devo's. 

Lost but Found

TODAY’S SPECIAL: 1 Samuel 9:15-20

TO CHEW ON: "Now the day before Saul came, the Lord had revealed this to Samuel: 'About this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin. Anoint him leader over my people Israel...'” 1 Samuel 9:15,16

When Samuel told the people to go home after they had asked for a king, he didn’t know who that king would be. But God did.

Some time after that some donkeys got lost. Their owner Kish, from tribe of Benjamin, sent his son Saul and a servant to look for them. They walked for miles and miles but they couldn't find the donkeys. Finally Saul was ready to give up. “We’d better go home,” he said, “or Dad will start worrying about us.”

“Let’s try just one more thing,” the servant suggested. “A prophet lives nearby. Let’s ask him if he knows where the donkeys are.”

Meanwhile Samuel, the prophet, had heard from God. God had told him, “Tomorrow I will send a man to you from the tribe of Benjamin. He will be the new king.”

The next day Samuel was walking outside his house when along came a tall, handsome stranger. “Do you know where the prophet’s house is?” the stranger asked.


Even as Samuel was replying, “I am the prophet,” God was speaking to him. ‘This is the man.’

Samuel told Saul that the donkeys had been found. Then he invited Saul to his house for a meal. They had a long talk and Saul spent the night.

How interesting that God used an ordinary, even annoying thing – losing something and having to look for it – to bring Saul to Samuel. Can He still work in everyday situations like this? Does He?



PRAYER: Dear God, thank You for being in every place and happening in my life. Amen.




MORE: Donkeys
Donkeys were more common in the Bible than horses. Find out about donkeys:
1. How are they different from horses?
2. What do they eat?
3. How would you care for them?
4. How are they useful to people?
5. Read some more donkey stories from the Bible
- A donkey speaks: Numbers 22:21-31
- A donkey carries Jesus: Matthew 21:1-11

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.


Adult readers - DAILY DEVOTIONS FOR ADULTS  are available too at Other Food: daily devo's. 

Take That Step

TODAY’S SPECIAL: Joshua 3:1-17

TO CHEW ON: “Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap .... So the people crossed over opposite Jericho.” Joshua 3:15,16

Excitement filled the air. Today was the day! After living in the desert and in tents for forty years, walking miles in the heat, sleeping in the cold, eating only manna for as long as they could remember, the Israelites would enter Canaan, their new home.

People made manna sandwiches and filled up water skins. They packed their clothes and tools, rolled up their tents and got in line. The priests who carried the ark led the way.

But there was one HUGE – problem. In order to enter Canaan, they had to cross the Jordan River which was wide and fast-flowing. How would they do it?

“Tell the priests to keep walking toward the river,” God told Joshua.

When the priests were nearly at the water’s edge, God gave the next instruction. “Tell the priests to step in the river and stand there.”


So even though the river was wide and swift, and there was no bridge, boat or raft in sight, the priests carrying the ark did as Joshua said. And an incredible thing happened. As soon as the priests stepped into the water, it stopped flowing! By the time the first people got to where the priests were, there was a path. Everyone walked through the river on dry ground.

Walking through on dry land - Artist unknown

Joshua didn’t know how God’s instructions would turn out. But he said what God told him to say anyway. The priests didn’t know that when they stepped into the river that it would stop flowing. But they stepped in anyway. By doing what God told them to do even though they didn’t know what would happen next, they showed their faith in God.

Are you praying for something that seems as impossible as crossing a river without a bridge or boat? Remember, God can make that impossible thing happen. And if God has told you to do something to answer that prayer, show your faith in Him by doing what He says.

PRAYER: Dear God, please give me the faith obey You, even when it means stepping into the unknown. Amen.

MORE: Remember the manna
All the time they were in the desert, God had fed the Israelites with manna. Then one day shortly after the Israelites entered Cannan, there wasn’t any! (Joshua 5:11,12) Why? Because now there was lots of other food to eat – like grain, fruit and honey. The need for manna was past.

I’m sure, though, that sometimes during those years in the desert, the people thought they’d be stuck eating manna forever. They were wrong of course. God brought them to a time and place where they didn't need manna any more.

Are there things in your life that seem to be going on forever? List them. Now when you are tempted to worry that they’ll never end, remember how God ended the manna for the Israelites. He can make things end in your life too.

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.



Adult readers - DAILY DEVOTIONS FOR ADULTS  are available too at Other Food: daily devo's. 

Amazing Escape

TODAY’S SPECIAL: Exodus 14:15-31

TO CHEW ON: "And when the Israelites saw the mighty hand of the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant." Exodus 14:31

Even after God spoke to him, Moses kept crying to God for help. Finally God interrupted Moses’ frantic prayer. “Stop praying,” God said. “Get busy. Here’s my plan.”

The waters are divided by James Tissot

Read the story in Exodus 14:15-31, then cross out the three things, below, that did not happen:

1. Moses stretched out his staff toward the sea.
2. The cloud came between the Israelites and the Egyptian army.
3. The Egyptians bothered the Israelites all night.
4. An east wind turned the sea into dry land.
5. The Israelites waded through the sea in waist-deep water.
6. The Israelites walked across the sea on dry ground.
7. The Egyptian army followed the Israelites into the sea.
8. The Egyptian army became confused.
9. When Moses gave the signal, the sea rushed back into place.
10. Some of the Egyptians got across in canoes.
11. The whole Egyptian army drowned in the sea that day.

The Egyptians are destroyed by James Tissot

What an amazing escape! And with it, God did more than one thing. He not only freed the Israelites from slavery to the Egyptians. He also showed them He was a God to fear, respect, and trust.

PRAYER: You are a God who does miracles. Help me to trust You with my problems. Amen.

MORE: Tight spots "Who Am I?"
Many other Bible characters found themselves in tight spots. Put the correct person’s name in the blank. (Need help? Names and Bible story references are below).

1. An Angel helped me get out of prison. I am ______________

2. I prayed for rain after God sent me to tell the king three years of drought were over. I am ____________

3. I got very sick and the prophet told me I would die. Then I prayed and God gave me 15 more years to live. I am ______________

4. When the host ran out of wine at the wedding, people came to me for help. I am __________

5. When we were in jail God sent an earthquake, that loosened our chains. We are ___________

Jesus - John 2:1-10
Paul and Silas - Acts 16:22-28
Elijah - I Kings 18:1-2, 41-45
Hezekiah - 2 Kings 20:1-6
Peter - Acts 12:5-10

Answers

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Brick Brouhaha

TODAY’S SPECIAL: Exodus 5:1-23

TO CHEW ON: "Moses returned to the Lord and said, 'Why, Lord, have you brought trouble on this people? Is this why you sent me? Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has brought trouble on this people, and you have not rescued your people at all.'" Genesis 5:22,23

Moses hurried back to Egypt after God talked to him from the burning bush. Sure enough, on his way he met Aaron, just as God had said. When they got back to Egypt, they called a meeting of the Israelite leaders. Moses told them what God wanted him to do and showed them the signs God had given him. The leaders were overjoyed and worshiped God. Now they would no longer be slaves.

NOT!

For when Moses and Aaron talked to Pharaoh, he laughed at them. “Who is the Lord that I should obey him and let Israel go?” he scoffed.

The Israelites were working for Pharaoh as slaves. They worked on his building projects. One of the things they had to do was make bricks for the Egyptian palaces, temples and pyramids.

Egyptian ruins showing brick construction

Now Pharaoh made a new rule. Instead of giving the workers straw to make bricks, the Israelite slaves would have to find their own straw and still make as many bricks as before.

“No fair!” said their Israelite bosses. But when the workers could no longer make their daily quota of bricks, the Egyptian slave masters beat the bosses.

How do you think Moses felt then?

Often we think we know when and how God will answer our prayers. When He doesn’t answer as quickly and in the way we expect, we get discouraged and think we didn’t hear from God after all. But we shouldn’t give up so easily. We need to keep trusting God no matter what.

PRAYER: Dear God, help me to trust You and Your promises no matter how things look. Amen.

Brick wall

MORE: Recipe for Bricks

What you need: Mud from the Nile River
Water
Straw, chopped in small pieces
Wood boxes - 15 inches x 7 inches x 4½ inches
Stamp of the Pharaoh or Pharaohess
Hot sun


What you do:
Moisten the mud with water.
Mix in the straw using a hoe to mix.
Place the mud-straw mixture in the boxes (which are brick molds)
Sign each brick by pressing Pharaoh’s stamp in the top.
Let the bricks sit in the hot sun until they are dry and hard.

On the Run

TODAY’S SPECIAL: Exodus 2:11-15

TO CHEW ON: "The man said, 'Who made you ruler and judge over us? Are you thinking of killing me as you killed the Egyptian?' Then Moses was afraid and thought, What I did must have become known." Exodus 2:14

Fast forward 40 years. Moses was all grown up. Though he was raised in the palace as a prince, deep inside he loved the Hebrew people – his people.

One day he saw an Egyptian slave master beating a fellow Hebrew. He looked around to make sure no one was watching.

Moses kills the Egyptian - Artist unknown

Then he drew his sword, killed the Egyptian and buried him in the sand.

The next day he happened to be walking by when he saw two Hebrew men fighting. He tried to break up the fight. But one of them said to him, “Who made you our boss? Are you going to kill me like you killed the Egyptian yesterday?”

Now Moses knew the news of the murder was out! The palace was no longer a safe place for him. He ran for his life. And sure enough when Pharaoh heard of the killing, he ordered Moses killed.

Moses probably lived most of his life with the feeling that God had kept him alive as a baby for a reason. Though he grew up living like an Egyptian prince, he loved the Israelite people and wanted to do something for them. But instead of waiting for God to tell him what to do and when to do it, he tried to help in his own way. That was a big mistake.

PRAYER: Dear God, help me to wait for Your time and do things in Your way. Amen.

MORE: Bible Fugitives

Many other Bible characters also found themselves on the run. Which statements about these Bible runaways are true? Which are false?

1. Jacob ran away because his brother Esau wanted to kill him after he stole Esau’s blessing. (Genesis 27:41-45)

2. Jonah ran away because a whale was chasing him. (Jonah 1:1-3)

3. David ran away because King Saul was jealous of him and had vowed to kill him. (1 Samuel 20:30-34)

4. Joseph and Mary ran away because King Herod wanted to kill baby Jesus. (Matt 2:13-15)

5. The early Christians ran away because they were trying to escape persecution (Acts 8:1)

Answers

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Made Good by God

TODAY’S SPECIAL: Genesis 45:1-15

TO CHEW ON: “And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.” Genesis 45:5

After hearing Judah’s offer to take Benjamin’s place, Joseph knew his brothers were changed. Suddenly all the feelings he had been holding inside – the sadness at being hated and sold by his brothers, the fear, the homesickness, the years of being away from his family, the mixed-up feelings he got when he saw his brothers again – needed to come out.

Joseph dismissed his servants, and began to cry. “I am Joseph,” he told his brothers between sobs. “Is my father still living?”

Joseph greeting his brothers - Artist unknown

His brothers were scared of him. Now Joseph was the powerful one. He could do anything he wanted with them. Would he want revenge?

But he told them, “Don’t worry. God was in everything that happened. You meant to do a bad thing to me, but God made something good out of it. Because I am here in Egypt, our whole family can be saved from the famine.”

We too may have experienced things we don’t understand. People may have hurt us, or left us or treated us badly. We may have gone through loneliness and confusion. We may have wondered, why is this happening? But like Joseph, we too can trust God to make good things out of bad in our lives.

PRAYER: Dear God, help me to trust you with every part of my life, like Joseph did. Amen.

MORE: Puzzling the puzzle

Some things that happen to us may feel like puzzle pieces that don’t fit.

1. What things have happened to you that you don’t understand?

2. What things have happened to you that you didn’t understand once, but now you’re beginning to see how they make sense?

3. What do you think—do we need to understand why things happen to us? Why or why not.

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.