Paul J. Loth

Illustrated by

Daniel J. Hochstatter

Copyright © 1992, 2012 by Educational Publishing Concepts

All rights reserved. Written permission must be secured from the publisher to use or reproduce any part of this book, except for brief quotations in critical reviews or articles.

Table of Contents

An Open Letter to Children

Witnessing

Answering Our Friends

Doing Our Job

Getting Help from God

Getting Help from God in Prayer

A Good Testimony

Helping Jesus, Our Friend

Helping Our Friends Love Jesus

Letting the Bible Speak for Us

Praying for Unsaved Friends

Sharing Our Experiences

Standing Up for God

Telling Our Friends We Love Them

Using Our Opportunities

Prayer

Getting the Point Across

A Picture of a Prayer Warrior

A Picture Perfect Prayer

Pray and Believe

Pray, Do Not Worry

Prayer Works

Praying for Others

Praying with Our Friends

Thanking God in Prayer

Using Prayer to Praise God

Bible Reading

Changing Our Reflections

Keeping God’s Word

Learning About God

Letting the Bible Explain Itself

Telling Us How to Live

Telling Us What to Believe

Church

Being a Giver in the Church

Being a Helper in the Church

Being a Leader in the Church

Being a Teacher

Being an Encourager

The Church Is Family

Giving to God

Listening to God

Worshiping God Through Music

Worshiping Together

Attendance Is Required

God

The Battle Is the Lord’s

Doing Our Best for Jesus

Enjoying God

Following God’s Plan

Following Jesus

Keeping God on Our Minds

Keeping Our Minds on Good Things

Knowing God’s Will

Looking at Jesus

Loving God

Making God Number One

Making Our Goal

Obeying God

Telling God “Thank You”

Telling God We Are Sorry

Waiting for God

Worshiping God Alone

Friends

Encouraging Others

Forgiving and Forgetting

Giving Up Our Rights

Helping Others

Helping Others Live

Looking Out for Others

Loyalty to the End

Picking Friends

Sacrificing for Others

Serving Others

Sharing with Others

Those Who Do Not Like Us Being Kind to Everyone

Praying for Those Who Do Mean Things

Avoiding Bad Situations

Avoiding Bad Situations

Resisting Temptation

Using the Bible to Win

Faith

Believing the Impossible

Trusting God When We Are Scared

An Open Letter to Children

You are special. God chose you to be His child. He wants you to spend time with Him.

Spending time with God is called having devotions. You read the Bible and pray.

This book teaches you what the Bible says about being God’s child. It explains how to make God happy.

Find a quiet time to be alone with God. It helps if this is the same time each day. Find a place where no one will disturb you.

Each devotion in this book has three parts. Each part is important.

Think

This section asks you to think about your life. Then the Bible lesson will be easier to understand.

Learn

Each devotion teaches you a new lesson from the Bible. It shows you how to be a child of God.

Pray

Learning something can be easy. But doing something about it can be hard. Praying helps you be a better Christian.

At the end of each devotion is a special verse from the Bible. You might want to memorize this verse.

I hope this book helps you get to know God in a wonderful way.

Paul J. Loth, Ed.D.

Answering Our Friends

Luke 5:27-39

Think

When was the last time someone asked you to explain your actions?

What did you say?

Learn

The Bible tells us we should act like Jesus. God sent the Holy Spirit to help us.

Jesus did not act like other people. People asked Him why He acted different.

We should act like Jesus. Our friends will ask why we act that way. We can tell them. It is because we love Jesus.

Pray

Make me brave enough to act like Jesus.

Honor Christ and let him be the Lord of your life. Always be ready to give an answer when someone asks you about your hope.

1 PETER 3:15

Doing Our Job

Acts 20:17-38

Think

When was the last time you had a job to do?

Learn

Jesus has a job for us. It is to tell our friends about Him. That is what Jesus wants us to do.

Paul told people about Jesus. Paul did his job. He told many people about Jesus.

Our job is to tell our friends about Jesus. It is up to them to trust in Him.

Pray

Please help me tell my friends about Jesus.

I have told you everything that God wants you to know.

ACTS 20:27

Getting Help from God

John 16:7-15

Think

Have you told your friends why you believe in Jesus?

What did they say?

Learn

Jesus sent us a helper. The helper is the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit helps us. He helps when we talk to our friends. He will help us know what to say. He helps us tell them about Jesus.

We must ask the Holy Spirit for help. We do this by praying. The Holy Spirit will help us.

Pray

May the Holy Spirit help me talk to a friend.

The Spirit will come and show the people of this world the truth.

JOHN 16:8

Getting Help from God in Prayer

Romans 8:26-28

Think

Do you always know the right thing to say?

Learn

Sometimes we don’t know what to pray for. We need help.

God helps us remember what to pray for.

We need to listen to God when we pray. Then we will be sure to pray for the right things.

Pray

Help me to know what to pray for.

In certain ways we are weak, but the Spirit is here to help us.

ROMANS 8:26

A Good Testimony

Acts 26

Think

Have you ever told a friend about Jesus?

What did you say?

Learn

Paul knew about the Bible. He became a Christian. He told people about Jesus.

Paul told what Jesus did for him. He said that Jesus helped him each day.

We can tell our friends what Jesus does for us.

Pray

What can I tell my friends that Jesus has done for me? Please show me.

We cannot keep quiet about what we have seen and heard.

ACTS 4:20

Helping Jesus, Our Friend

Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16:14-20

Think

If your friends asked you to help them, what would you do? Why?

Learn

Jesus is our best friend. We like to help our friends.

Jesus asked His friends to help Him. He told them to tell others about Him. They went all over the world. Jesus was pleased.

Jesus wants our help, too. We can tell people about Jesus.

Pray

Show me whom I can tell about Jesus this week.

Go and preach the good news to everyone in the world.

MARK 16:15

Helping Our Friends Love Jesus

1 Corinthians 8

Think

How do you help your friends?

Are your friends better or worse because of your friendship?

Learn

In Paul’s time there was a problem. People had different ideas about right and wrong.

What should they do? Paul taught them a lesson. They were not to do anything that would hurt another person. If they kept this in mind they would know right from wrong.

This is still right.

Pray

Show me how to help a friend walk closer to Jesus.

I am willing to put up with anything. Then God’s special people will be saved.

2 TIMOTHY 2:10

Letting: the Bible Speak for Us

Acts 2:14-39; 13:13-41

Think

How do you decide whom to believe when you and your friends disagree?

Is one of your friends always right?

Learn

Sometimes we do not know how to tell about Jesus. The disciples did. They told what the Bible said. It tells about Jesus.

Paul told people about Jesus. Paul knew verses from the Bible. The verses told about Jesus.

We can tell friends about Jesus. We can tell them what the Bible says. It tells about Jesus.

Pray

Help me learn Bible verses to share with a friend.

My word . . . shall accomplish what I please.

ISAIAH 55:11, NKJV

Praying for Unsaved Friends

John 14—16

Think

When was the last time you had trouble doing something?

Did you ask for help?

Learn

We may need help telling our friends about Jesus. We can tell them what Jesus means to us. But they still do not trust in Jesus. God can help our friends to trust Jesus.

God can help our friends understand about Jesus. We can also help our friends. We can pray for them. It will help.

Pray

Help my friends understand about Jesus.

God is patient, because he wants everyone to turn from sin.

2 PETER 3:9

Sharing Our Experiences

John 9:1-34

Think

When something good happens to you, do you want to tell someone?

Whom do you tell?

Learn

A man could not see. He had always been blind.

One day Jesus helped the man see. He was very happy.

He told the people what Jesus did for him.

We can tell our friends how Jesus helps us, too. This is how we share about Jesus.

Pray

Show me how to share ways You have helped me.

All I know is that I used to be blind, but now I can see!

JOHN 9:25

Standing Up for God

Exodus 32; Acts 4—5

Think

When has a friend stood up for you?

How did you feel?

Learn

Moses stood up for God. He spoke to the people. He said to worship only God.

Peter told about Jesus. Some leaders told him to be quiet. But he was not. He stood up for Jesus.

We can stand up for Jesus, too. We can be like Moses and Peter.

Pray

Help me to be strong and brave for You.

If you tell others that you belong to me, I will tell my father in heaven that you are my followers.

MATTHEW 10:32

Telling Our Friends We Love Them

John 13:3435; Philippians 1:3–8; 1 Thessalonians 2:19–20

Think

When was the last time told you they love you?

How did you feel?

Learn

People can tell we love Jesus. We should be kind to one another. Then people will know that we love Jesus. Paul did more than that. He told his friends he loved them. He showed them he loved them.

We should show our friends that we love the. God likes it when we love each other.

Pray

Help me tell my friends I love them.

If you love each other, everyone will know you are my disciples.

JOHN 13:35

Using Our Opportunities

Acts 8:26-39

Think

Have you ever had a chance to do something you really wanted to do?

How did you feel?

Learn

Philip saw a man reading the Bible. The man did not understand what he was reading. Philip told him. Philip told him about Jesus.

God gave Philip a chance. Philip used his chance. He told about Jesus.

God gives us chances, too. We should be ready. We can tell what Jesus means to us.

Pray

Give me a chance to tell a friend about Jesus.

We are telling you what we have seen and heard, so that you may share in this life with us.

1 JOHN 1:3

Getting the Point Across

Luke 11:5-8

Think

When was the last time you had a hard time getting your point across to your parents?

What did you do?

Learn

God loves us. He wants what is best for us. He will give us what we need.

Jesus told a story: A friend knocks on our door. It is the middle of the night. “Let me borrow some food,” he says. We say, “Go away.” He keeps knocking. Finally, we get the food.

Jesus explained the story. If we would help a friend, God will surely give us what we need.

Pray

Give me the faith to keep praying.

So I tell you to ask and you will receive.

LUKE 11:9

A Picture of a Prayer Warrior

Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 6:12-16; 22:39-46

Think

Whom do you know who prays a lot?

When does that person pray?

Learn

Jesus prayed about many things. He prayed about His friends. He prayed the night before He died.

Jesus asked God what to do. He listened to what God told Him. God helped Him do the right thing.

Pray

Help me pray every day this week.

Never stop praying.

1 THESSALONIANS 5:17

A Picture Perfect Prayer

Luke 11:2-4

Think

How do you learn something new?

Learn

Jesus showed us how to pray. We can copy Him.

Jesus prayed the Lord’s Prayer. This special prayer teaches us how to pray.

We should praise God. Next, ask Him to forgive our sins. Then we can ask God to help us.

Pray

Help me to learn how to pray.

Morning, noon, and night, you hear my concerns and my complaints.

PSALM 55:17

Pray and Believe

Matthew 21:20-22

Think

Have you ever asked for something that you did not really believe you would get?

Learn

God loves us. He will do what is best for us. When we ask God for things, we can believe this.

God will answer our prayers. Jesus said we must have faith. If we have faith, we can tell a mountain to move. It will move!

When we have faith, we can pray and God will answer us.

Pray

Let me have faith when I pray to You.

If you have faith when you pray, you will be given whatever you ask for.

MATTHEW 21:22

Pray, Do Not Worry

Matthew 6:25-34

Think

Have you ever seen a bird starve to death? Why not?

Who takes care of the birds?

Learn

God takes care of everything. He cares for all the birds. He cares for the flowers.

But God loves people even more. More than flowers. More than birds.

Jesus told us not to worry. God will take care of us. We just have to ask Him. Instead of worrying, we can pray. God knows everything we need. All we need to do is talk to Him.

Pray

Help me to not worry but to trust You for all I need.

Don”t worry about anything, but pray for everything.

PHILIPPIANS 4:6

Prayer Works

Acts 12:1-19

Think

When you really want something, what do you do?

Learn

One day Peter was talking about Jesus. He was put in jail. The Christians loved Peter. They wanted to help him. What could they do?

They could pray. They asked God to help Peter. God heard their prayer. He sent angels. Peter was freed.

They learned a lesson. Prayer works!

Pray

When I am worried, help me remember to pray.

The prayer of an innocent person is powerful.

JAMES 5:16

Praying for Others

Acts 20:17-38; Ephesians 6:18-20; Philippians 1:3-11

Think

Have you ever wanted to help someone but did not know what to do?

What is the best way to help your friends?

Learn

Paul asked people to pray for him. Paul prayed that God would help his friends live for God.

Paul said goodbye to his friends in Ephesus. Paul did something special with these friends. He prayed for them. He asked God to take care of them.

We can do that with our friends, too. The best way we can help our friends is to pray for them.

Pray

I pray for all the friends on my prayer list. Please take care of them.

Never give up praying.

COLOSSIANS 4:2

Praying with Our Friends

Acts 1:9-26

Think

When was the last time you prayed with someone else?

How was it different from praying alone?

Learn

Jesus was gone to heaven. The disciples were together. They were in the upper room. Jesus told them to wait there.

What did they do while they waited? They prayed. Everyone prayed to God. They prayed together.

God wants us to pray together, too. We can pray with our friends. This is a good way for friends to show they care.

Pray

Help me to pray with my friends this week.

I want everyone everywhere to lift innocent hands toward heaven and pray.

1 TIMOTHY 2:8

Thanking God in Prayer

Luke 18:35-42

Think

When someone does something nice for you, what do you say?

Why?

Learn

Jesus healed a man who was blind. What do you think the man said? Right. He said thank You, He praised Jesus. This pleased Jesus.

God wants us to thank Him, too. When we pray, God answers our prayers. He wants us to remember to thank Him.

Pray

I thank You for Your love, and for all You give me.

It is wonderful to be grateful and to sing your praises, LORD most high!

PSALM 92:1

Using Prayer to Praise God

Ephesians 1

Think

Do you listen when someone prays in church?

Why do people pray out loud?

Learn

The Psalms give praise to God. Many of the psalms are prayers to God.

God likes to hear that we love Him. We can tell Him that when we pray.

When we pray in church, we praise God. Church services are good times to praise God together.

Pray

You are good. You are great. Help me to praise You.

I will praise you each day and always honor your name.

PSALM 145:2

Changing Our Reflections

James 1:21-26

Think

What do you see when you look in the mirror?

Learn

We should all read our Bibles. It shows us if we are Obeying God.

Some people read the Bible. But they do not change. That is like looking in a mirror and forgetting what you see.

We should do what the Bible says. Then we are obeying God.

Pray

Let me be changed by reading the Bible.

Obey God’s message! Don’t fool yourselves by just listening to it.

JAMES 1:22

Keeping God’s Word

Psalm 119:11

Think

Do you have trouble remembering important things?

How do you do it?

Learn

We do not always have our Bible with us. How do we know what it says? We can memorize parts of it. Then we can think about it anytime.

David memorized the Bible. He did it so he would not sin.

We can do the same thing. The more we know, the more it will help us.

Pray

Help me learn Your word by heart.

I treasure your word above all else; it keeps me from sinning against you.

PSALM 119:11

Learning About God

Acts 2:42. 17:10-13; Romans 10:1-4

Think

How do you learn about God?

When was the last time you learned something about God?

What was it?

Learn

Church is important. It is one place we learn about God. We learn what Jesus taught.

The first Christians were taught by the apostles. They taught from the Scriptures. They taught what Jesus had said. The Christians wanted to learn more about God.

We learn from the Bible. We learn from teachers. We learn from prayer and songs.

Pray

Help me learn more about Jesus in church.

Make me wise enough to learn what you have commanded.

PSALM 119:73

Letting the Bible Explain Itself

Luke 4:16-21; Acts 2:14-36; Galatians 4:21-31

Think

What do you do if someone says something you do not understand?

Learn

A verse may be hard to understand. We have all had this problem.

Here is something we can do. We can look for other verses on the same subject. Then we read them, too. This will help.

We may want to learn about prayer. So we read many verses. This will make it clearer.

Pray

Give me understanding. Help me to know Your word.

Help me understand your teachings.

PSALM 119:27

Telling Us How to Live

2 Timothy 3:1-17

Think

How do you know what you are to do?

Who tells you the rules to follow?

Learn

Rules help us. They tell us how to live. Our rule book is the Bible.

Paul wanted to help Timothy know how to live. He told him to study the Bible. The Bible would help him know what to do.

The Bible will help us do the right thing, too. Knowing it will help us know how to live for Christ.

Pray

Help me to live as the Bible tells me.

Your word to me, your servant, is like pure gold.

PSALM 119:140

Telling Us What to Believe

2 Timothy 3

Think

If you wanted to find out the truth, what would you do?

How do you know whom to believe?

Learn

Paul told Timothy to expect hard times. The years would be tough. Paul wanted Timothy to be ready.

Timothy had been taught the Bible. Paul wanted him to keep reading the Bible. Then he would know what was right. The Bible would tell him what to believe.

We learn the same way.

Pray

When I am unsure about what to believe, help me find the answer in the Bible.

I will take pleasure in your laws and remember your word.

PSALM 119:16

Being a Giver in the Church

Acts 4:32-37

Think

Tell about a time you gave something to someone.

How did you feel?

Learn

Jesus watched people give. One lady gave two coins. Jesus said, “She gave more than the others. She gave all she had.”

We can give to God. We can give at church.

Some people are good at giving. They help the church. We should be givers, too.

Pray

Help me give to others.

God loves people who love to give.

2 CORINTHIANS 9:7

Being a Helper in the Church

Acts 6:1-7

Think

Whom do you know who always helps others?

Learn

The apostles needed help. They chose some helpers. Now they had more time to tell about Jesus.

Helping is easy for some people. All of us should try to help. Jesus would like that.

Pray

Show me how to help someone at church.

Serve each other with love.

GALATIANS 5:13

Being a Leader in the Church

Romans 12:8; Ephesians 4:11-16

Think

Do your friends always seem to follow what one person wants?

Learn

Leaders in the Bible help others follow God. Jesus was the best leader of all.

God gives the church people to lead it. Leaders help us do the right thing.

Our church has leaders. They help us serve God. We can be leaders, too.

Pray

Show me how I can be a leader right now.

Christ chose some of us to be apostles, prophets, missionaries, pastors, and teachers.

EPHESIANS 4:11-12

Being a Teacher

Romans 12:3-8; James 3:1

Think

Who taught you about God?

What special teachers do you know in the church?

Learn

People in the church teach us about God. We can teach our friends about God, too.

James said teachers should teach right things. They should be careful to teach God’s truth.

God gave teachers to help us. They help us learn about God.

Pray

Thank You for those who teach me about You.

I want you to tell these same things to followers who can be trusted to tell others.

2 TIMOTHY 2:2

Being an Encourager

Acts 4:36-37; 14:21–15:35

Think

Whom do you know who encourages you?

Learn

Barnabas was Paul’s friend. He encouraged Paul.

He made Paul feel better.

Barnabas did a good job. He was an encourager. We can encourage our friends. Our friends will feel better. We will feel good, too.

Pray

Let me be good at making people feel better.

Encourage and help each other.

1 THESSALONIANS 5:11

The Church Is Family

1 Corinthians 12:12-31

Think

How many members do you have in your family?

How does your family take care of each other?

Learn

The church is like our body. Our body has many parts. Each part is different. But each part is important.

The church is God’s family.

Our family is like our body. Each of us has a job to do. We have a job to do in the church, too. We help each other. This is what it means to be in God’s family.

Pray

Help me to serve my church family.

There are many of us, but we each are part of the body of Christ.

ROMANS 12:5

Giving to God

Luke 21:1-4

Think

Do you give an offering at church?

Why?

Learn

God is happy when we give to Him. It shows that we love Him.

Once Jesus watched people give offerings. A poor woman gave two small coins. Jesus was pleased. She gave all she had. Others gave what they did not need. The poor woman loved Jesus.

We can give offerings too. This shows that we love God. This pleases God.

Pray

Show me what offering to give at church next Sunday.

You will be blessed in every way, and you will be able to keep on being generous.

2 CORINTHIANS 9:11

Listening to God

1 Samuel 3:1-10

Think

Have you ever tried talking with someone who doesn’t answer?

Did you have trouble?

Learn

Samuel was a young boy. He worked in the temple. Samuel heard God speak to him.

Samuel listened. God told Samuel all the plans He had for him.

God will talk to us, too. He calls us inside where only we can hear Him. The next time that happens, we should listen carefully.

Pray

This week, help me listen to what You say.

Listen, my people, while I, the Lord, correct you!

PSALM 81:8

Worshiping God Through Music

Psalm 150

Think

What songs do you like to sing at church?

How do you think God feels when you sing songs about Him?

Learn

King David wrote songs. He wrote about God. People sang these songs in worship. They used them to praise God.

God enjoys it when we sing. Many songs use words from the Bible. The choir sings. Instruments play. Everyone sings to God. God likes that.

We can worship God with music. God will listen.

Pray

Thank You for the joy of singing to You!

Shout praises to the LORD! Sing him a new song of praise when his loyal people meet.

PSALM 149:1

Worshiping Together

Psalms 147—149

Think

Do you like to do things alone or with others?

Why?

Learn

God wants us to worship Him. We do not worship God by ourselves. We do it with other people.

It is good to worship God with our friends. We can help each other. It is good to have friends to help us worship God.

Pray

Make me glad to worship You with others!

When your people meet, you will fill my heart with your praises, LORD.

PSALM 22:25

Attendance Is Required

Acts 2:40-47

Think

Is there something that you have to attend?

Do you like to go?

Learn

It is hard to be a Christian. Jesus knew it would be. That is why Jesus gave us churches.

The first Christians spent a lot of time together. They learned about God. They talked with each other. They prayed. They sang hymns.

We should spend time in church. It is good to be with others who believe as we do. We can help each other learn.

Pray

Thank You for giving me my church.

Some people have gotten out of the habit of meeting for worship, but we must not do that.

HEBREWS 10:25

The Battle Is the Lord’s

2 Chronicles 20

Think

Has anyone else ever taken care of one of your problems?

What happened?

Learn

Israel was fighting a strong enemy. They were scared. They prayed about it. “Go out and fight,” God told them. “I have already won the battle for you.”

So Israel fought. And they won!

God helps us every day, too. When we have a problem, God will help us. He will take care of us. What could be better than having God on our side?

Pray

Help me with my problems. Help me know that You take care of me.

The battle is not yours, but God’s.

2 CHRONICLES 20:15, NKJV

Doing Our Best for Jesus

Matthew 5:16; 1 Corinthians 10:31

Think

What are some jobs you have done in the last week?

Did you do your best?

Learn

Paul always did his best. He studied hard. He worked hard. He told people about Jesus. People knew he loved God.

We do all things to the glory of God.

We should always do our best. Then people will know we love God.

Pray

Help me to do my best on the job.

Make your light shine, so that others will see the good that you do and will praise your Father in heaven.

MATTHEW 5:16

Enjoying God

Genesis 1; Luke 18:15-17

Think

When was the last time you enjoyed spending time with someone?

Learn

God wanted friends. So God made human beings. They enjoyed each other.

Children enjoyed being with Jesus. They had a good time together.

We can have a good time with God, too. We can enjoy God.

Pray

Help me spend more time with You.

So Jesus called the children over to him and said, “Let the children come to me!”

LUKE 18:16

Following God’s Plan

Genesis 12: 21-22

Think

When you play with your friends, who decides what to do?

Learn

God had a plan. He told Abraham and Sarah they would have a child.

God gave them a son. He was named Isaac. They had followed God’s plan. This pleased God.

We need to follow God’s plan, too.

Pray

Do You have a plan for me to follow right now?

But what the LORD has planned will stand forever.

PSALM 33:11

Following Jesus

Matthew 4:18-22; John 13:1-20

Think

Whom do you admire?

Do you try to copy that person?

Learn

Jesus had some helpers. They were His disciples. They followed Him.

Jesus taught them how to act. He taught by example. Jesus served others. He taught them to serve others.

We can follow Jesus, too. We will learn how to act. This will help us be like Jesus. This will please Jesus.

Pray

I want to live the way Jesus lived. I need Your help.

Always live as God’s holy people should.

1 PETER 1:15

Keeping God on Our Minds

Colossians 3:1-4

Think

What do you think about when you’re doing nothing else?

Learn

Paul was in prison. He was still happy. How could that be?

Paul wrote letters while he was in prison. He explained why he was happy. He was thinking about Jesus. This made him happy.

This will work for us, too. We need to keep our minds on Jesus. Our problems won’t seem so bad.

Pray

Help me to keep my mind on Jesus.

Think about what is up there, not about what is here on earth.

COLOSSLANS 3:2

Keeping Our Minds on Good Things

Philippians 4

Think

What do you like to think about?

Does what you think about affect how you act?

Learn

Christians in the early church had problems. People were mad at them. They were put into jail. Some were killed.

These were big problems. They thought about them all the time. It made it hard to do the right things.

Paul told the Christians to think about good things. Their minds would be filled with good things. They would be much happier.

Pray

Help me think about good things this week.

Keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper.

PHILIPPIANS 4:8

Knowing God’s Will

Psalm 119:105

Think

What is the best way to find out what someone is thinking?

Learn

We want to obey God. But how can we know what God wants us to do? We learn what to do when we pray and listen to Him. We listen by reading the Bible.

The Bible “is a lamp to my feet and light to my path.” It will show us God’s will.

We should read the Bible and pray to God. This will help us know God’s will.

Pray

Help me read my Bible every day.

Your word is a lamp that gives light wherever I walk.

PSALM 119:105

Looking at Jesus

Matthew 14:22-33

Think

When have you been somewhere very high in the sky?

Were you scared?

Learn

Peter saw Jesus walking on the water.

Jesus called, “Come.” Peter was able to walk on the water, too. He was looking at Jesus. But Peter looked away from Jesus. He started to sink. Jesus saved him.

When Peter stopped looking at Jesus, he sank.

We should look at Jesus, too. Then we can do great things.

Pray

When I am scared, help me think of You.

We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete.

HEBREWS 12:2

Loving God

Mark 12:28-34; John 14:21-24

Think

How do you treat people you love?

How do you know that people love you?

Learn

Loving God is important. We should love Him with all our hearts.

If we love God, we will obey Him. The disciples loved God. They wanted to obey Him.

We love God, too. We want Him to be happy. We make God happy by obeying Him. This shows we love God.

Pray

What have I done to show You that I love You?

If anyone loves me, they will obey me.

JOHN 14:23

Making God Number One

Mark 10:17-22

Think

Who is your favorite friend? What does that mean?

Learn

A rich man asked a question: “What do I need to do to be saved?”

“What does the Bible say?” Jesus asked.

“Love the Lord with all your heart,” the man said. “And love your neighbor as yourself.”

“Right,” Jesus said. “Sell everything you own. Come and follow Me.”

The man was sad. He would not do this. Jesus was sad, too.

Pray

Let Jesus be the most important thing in my life.

But more than anything else, put God’s work first.

MATTHEW 6:33

Making Our Goal

1 Corinthians 9:15-27

Think

Have you ever tried to talk to someone that did not seem to understand you?

Learn

Paul loved Jesus. He told people about Jesus. That was his goal.

Paul talked to everyone. He wanted them to listen. He did not let things get in his way. He had a goal.

We should tell our friends about Jesus. That should be our goal.

Pray

Show me how to reach my friends for Jesus.

I do everything I can to win everyone I possibly can.

1 CORINTHIANS 9:22

Obeying God

Exodus 19—20

Think

Do you like rules?

Why?

Why not?

Why are there rules?

Learn

God told Moses to come to the top of the mountain.

God said to Moses, “I am the Lord your God. I freed you from slavery. You will be My people.”

God gave Moses rules. The people would obey. They knew God wanted what was best for them.

God wants us to obey His rules, too. God will be happy. Then we will be happy, too.

Pray

Let me obey the rules God has given.

Direct me by your command! I love to do what you say.

PSALM 119:35

Telling God “Thank You”

Luke 17:11-19

Think

When someone does something nice for you, what do you do?

Learn

Psalms is filled with songs to God. It was the first hymn book. Many psalms say “thank you” to God.

God likes it when we thank Him. Then He knows that we like what He did.

Jesus helped many people. Most people thanked Him. One time Jesus healed ten sick people. Only one thanked Him. This made Jesus sad.

Pray

Thank You for all You have done for me.

Our God, we thank you for being so near to us! Everyone celebrates your wonderful deeds.

PSALM 75:1

Telling God We Are Sorry

John 18:15-27; 21:15-19

Think

How do you feel when you’ve done something wrong?

What makes you feel better?

Learn

Peter was sad. He had let Jesus down. Peter had lied. He had said he did not know Jesus.

Soon Peter saw Jesus. He said he was sorry. He asked Jesus to forgive Him. Jesus did.

Jesus will forgive us, too. We have to tell Him we are sorry.

Pray

Please forgive me for the wrong things I do.

But if we confess our sins to God, he can always be trusted to forgive us and take our sins away.

1 JOHN 1:9

Waiting for God

Exodus 3,14

Think

How do you feel when you have to wait for something?

Learn

The Israelites were slaves. They asked God to save them. God told them to wait. Then He sent Moses to save them.

Moses led the people out of Egypt. They had to wait, but God saved them.

God has plans for us. We may have to wait to see what they are.

Pray

Help me to trust You even when I have to wait.

Be brave and strong and trust the LORD.

PSALM 27:14

Worshiping God Alone

Exodus 19; John 6:15

Think

When was the last time you wanted to be alone?

What did you do?

Learn

Jesus spent time alone with God. Moses spent time alone with God. This pleased God.

Jesus prayed. And God told Jesus what to do.

Moses listened to God also. Then Moses knew what to tell the people.

We can spend time alone with God, too. We can tell God that we love Him.

Pray

Help me listen when You speak to my heart.

Pray to your Father in private.

MATTHEW 6:6

Encouraging Others

Acts 4:36; 12:25—13:3

Think

How do you make your friends feel when you’re with them?

Learn

Paul had friends to encourage him. This helped Paul. It kept him going.

It is easy to be discouraged. We need friends to encourage us.

We want to encourage our friends. This helps them want to do the right thing. This pleases God.

Pray

Teach me how to encourage my friends.

Encourage and help each other.

1 THESSALONIANS 5:11

Forgiving and Forgetting

Matthew 18:21-35

Think

When was the last time someone did something wrong to you?

Learn

A man owed a lot of money. The man he owed did not make him pay. He was forgiven. The man who was forgiven was owed a small amount. He made the one who owed him pay.

The first man was not fair. He was treated well. He should treat others well, too.

God forgives us for what we do. We should forgive and forget.

Pray

Help me forgive my friends.

If you forgive others for the wrongs they do to you, your Father in heaven will forgive you.

MATTHEW 6:14

Giving Up Our Rights

Philippians 2:6-11

Think

When was a time someone tried to take advantage of you?

What did you do?

Learn

Jesus always obeyed God. He even gave up His own rights in order to obey.

Jesus was dying on the cross. Some soldiers made fun of Him. What did Jesus do? He did not try to get even. He asked God to forgive them.

We should obey God, too. It may mean giving up our own rights. This is a small price to pay to obey God.

Pray

Show me how to act when people are mean to me.

But I tell you to love your enemies and pray for anyone who mistreats you.

MATTHEW 5:44

Helping Others

Acts 9:1-19

Think

Have you ever helped someone who was not nice to you?

Learn

Before Paul loved Jesus, he was mean.

Jesus asked Paul for help. Then Paul loved Jesus, too. He was not mean.

God told a man to help Paul. The man was scared of Paul. He knew Paul had been mean.

God says we should help everyone. Even someone who has been mean.

Pray

I want to help people this week. Please show me how.

Use your [freedom] as an opportunity to serve each other with love.

GALATIANS 5:13

Helping Others Live

2 Timothy 3:1-17

Think

Have you ever tried to tell someone they are doing something wrong?

Learn

The Bible is God’s Word. God uses it to show people when they are doing wrong things.

Timothy had to tell people they were doing wrong things. He used the Bible to do this.

Paul said the Bible helps people stop doing wrong things. It helps them know the right thing.

The Bible helps us, too. It shows us how to do the right thing.

Pray

How can I help someone do the right thing?

Understanding your word gives light to the minds of ordinary people.

PSALM 119:130

Looking Out for Others

John 6:1-14; Philippians 2:1-4

Think

How do you try to help your friends?

Do you help them even if it is hard for you?

Learn

Jesus cared about others. Many people came to hear Him. Jesus gave them all food. He showed He cared.

We should care, too. Jesus wants us all to get along. We should not just think of ourselves. We should be like Jesus.

What would happen if we all did that? The world would be better. Right?

Pray

Help me think of others before I think of myself.

Care about them as much as you care about yourselves.

PHILIPPIANS 2:4

Loyalty to the End

Genesis 1; Exodus 4; 1 Samuel 20; John 15:13-15; Acts 4—6

Think

Who are some of your closest friends?

Would they be loyal to you no matter what?

Learn

God wants us to have friends. God is happy when we are good friends to others.

The Bible tells us about many good friends. They helped each other. This made God happy.

The best friend of all is Jesus. He gave His life for us. He will do anything for us. We should try to be that kind of friend, too.

Pray

Make me a better friend to someone today.

A true friend is closer than your own family.

PROVERBS 18:24

Picking Friends

Genesis 37

Think

How did you choose your friends?

When did any of your friends make you do something for which you were sorry?

Learn

We read about many friends in the Bible. These friends helped each other. They helped each other do the right thing.

Bad friends get us in trouble. Joseph’s brothers were not good friends. The brothers were mean to Joseph. They helped each other do the wrong thing.

We must choose good friends. Good friends help us do the right thing.

Pray

Give me good friends who help me obey You.

Wise friends make you wise.

PROVERBS 13:20

Sacrificing for Others

Luke 10:25-37

Think

When was the last time you gave up something to help a friend?

Learn

Jesus gave us two laws. First, love the Lord. Second, love your neighbor.

Giving up your life is real love. Jesus did that. He gave up His life for us.

Jesus told about a good man. He saw a hurt man by the road. He helped the man.

This is called sacrifice. Sacrifice is giving to help others. Sacrifice is part of love. It makes Jesus happy.

Pray

Show me what I can sacrifice to help someone.

Children, you show love for others by truly helping them.

1 JOHN 3:18

Serving Others

John 13:1-20

Think

When was the last time you helped someone?

What did you do?

What is the best way you can help others?

Learn

Many people do not like to serve others. But Jesus taught us to serve. Jesus washed dirty feet. He served others. He taught us to serve.

We all have “gifts.” These are things we are good at. We are to use our “gifts.” We use them to serve others.

Pray

Help me to use my gifts to serve others.

If you want to be great, you must be the servant of all the others.

MATTHEW 20:26

Sharing with Others

Acts 2:40-47

Think

How do you feel when one of your friends is sad?

What do you do?

Learn

The early Christians liked to be together. They shared with each other. They gave things to each other. They shared the good times. They also shared the bad times.

Peter and John were in jail. This was a bad time. All the people were sad. Soon they were set free. Then people were happy.

We can share with others, too. We can share with people in our church.

Pray

Let me share something important with a friend.

When others are happy, be happy with them, and when they are sad, be sad.

ROMANS 12:15

Being Kind to Everyone

Matthew 5:38-42; Romans 12:9-21

Think

What do you do when people are mean to you?

Learn

We should be kind to everyone. Some people are not kind to us. We should even be kind to them.

Some people are not this way. They try to pay others back. Jesus does not like this. He does not want us to act this way. He wants us to obey Him.

If we obey, we are acting like Jesus. This makes Jesus happy.

Pray

Help me be kind to those who are mean to me.

If your enemies are hungry, give them something to eat.

PROVERBS 25:21-22

Praying for Those Who Do Mean Things

Matthew 5:43-48

Think

Have you ever helped someone who was mean to you?

What did you do? Why?

Learn

Life was hard for the first Christians. Some people hated Jesus. They were mean.

Jesus told the Christians what to do. He said, “Be kind to your enemies. Pray for those who are mean to you.”

It worked. They prayed for their enemies. Then they did not act so mean. God helped the Christians to be nicer, too. We should do this, too.

Pray

When people are mean, help me to pray for them.

Pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.

MATTHEW 5:44

Avoiding Bad Situations

Genesis 39

Think

When have you had trouble doing the right thing?

Why was it hard?

Learn

Sometimes it is hard to do the right thing. Joseph loved God. One day it was hard for him to obey God. What could Joseph do?

Joseph ran away. Then he could obey God.

Sometimes it is hard for us to obey God. But we can do what Joseph did. Run away!

Pray

Keep me from places where I might do wrong.

Respect the LORD and stay away from evil.

PROVERBS 3:7

Resisting Temptation

Genesis 39; Psalm 139-144; Matthew 4

Think

When was the last time you thought about doing something wrong?

Did you do it? Why? Why not?

Learn

How can we keep from doing the wrong thing?

When Joseph was tempted, he ran away. Sometimes that is best. We can play with other friends.

David was tempted to do wrong. He prayed.

When Jesus was tempted to do wrong, He quoted from the Bible.

God wants us to obey Him. We may need help to do the right thing. God will help if we ask Him.

Pray

Help me when I am tempted to do wrong.

God will show you how to escape from your temptations.

1 CORINTHIANS 10:13

Using the Bible to Win

Luke 4:1-11

Think

How do you know the right thing to do?

Is it easy to always know what is right?

Learn

Jesus was in the desert. He was tempted to do wrong. He used God’s Word. It helped Him do the right thing.

The Bible is God’s Word. The Bible will help us do the right thing. It can help us obey God.

Everyone is tempted to do wrong. We can use the Bible to win.

Pray

Let the Bible guide me to obey You.

By your teachings, Lord, I am warned; by obeying them, I am greatly rewarded.

PSALM 19:11

Believing the Impossible

Exodus 5—14; Mark 9:1-29

Think

What can you think of that would never happen?

Learn

God does many things. Some do not seem possible. Once His people were trapped. They had to cross a sea. God split the water. His people were saved. It was a miracle.

Jesus did miracles, too. He healed the sick. He walked on water. God helped Jesus.

God can help us, too. There is nothing God cannot do.

Pray

I am thankful You can do miracles.

God can do anything.

MARK 10:27

Trusting God When We are Scared

Luke 8:22-25; Acts 16:16-34

Think

When was the last time you were scared?

What did you do?

Learn

The disciples were scared during a storm. They asked Jesus for help. Jesus stopped the storm.

Paul and Silas were in jail. They were scared. They sang songs to God. They had learned to trust in God.

Jesus’ friends learned to trust Him. He would take care of them. God will take care of us, too.

Pray

When I am scared, remind me to pray to You.

God is our mighty fortress, always ready to help in times of trouble.

Psalm 46:1

Table of Contents

An Open Letter to Children

Answering Our Friends

Doing Our Job

Getting Help from God

Getting Help from God in Prayer

A Good Testimony

Helping Our Friends Love Jesus

Letting the Bible Speak for Us

Praying for Unsaved Friends

Sharing Our Experiences

Standing Up for God

Telling Our Friends We Love Them

Using Our Opportunities

Getting the Point Across

A Picture of a Prayer Warrior

A Picture Perfect Prayer

Pray and Believe

Pray, Do Not Worry

Prayer Works

Praying for Others

Praying with Our Friends

Thanking God in Prayer

Using Prayer to Praise God

Changing Our Reflections

Keeping God’s Word

Learning About God

Letting the Bible Explain Itself

Telling Us How to Live

Telling Us What to Believe

Being a Giver in the Church

Being a Helper in the Church

Being a Leader in the Church

Being a Teacher

Being an Encourager

The Church Is Family

Giving to God

Listening to God

Worshiping God Through Music

Worshiping Together

Attendance Is Required

The Battle Is the Lord’s

Doing Our Best for Jesus

Enjoying God

Following God’s Plan

Following Jesus

Keeping God on Our Minds

Keeping Our Minds on Good Things

Knowing God’s Will

Looking at Jesus