The Righteous King: God’s Promise Fulfilled

Wednesday, November 20th: Jeremiah 23:1-6

Bible Verse:

“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land.”

— Jeremiah 23:5 (EHV)

Devotion:

Jeremiah shares a promise from God about a King who will come from David’s family and reign with wisdom and justice. This King is Jesus! God promised His people that He would send someone to save them and be their King forever. And Jesus is that King. He rules over everything with love and justice, and we can trust Him to always do what is right.

It’s amazing to think that God had a plan to send Jesus long before He was born. God always keeps His promises, and we can trust Him to keep the promises He’s made to us, too. Jesus is our King, and He will always lead us in the right way.

Questions to think about:

1. What does it mean for Jesus to be your King?

2. How can you trust Jesus to lead you in the right way?

3. Why is it important to remember that God always keeps His promises?

Prayer:

Dear God, thank You for sending Jesus to be our King. Help me to follow Him and trust in His love and wisdom. Amen.

Activity Idea:

Draw a picture of Jesus as your King, reigning with wisdom and love.

Full Bible Reference:

“‘Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture!’ declares the Lord. Therefore this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to the shepherds who tend my people: ‘Because you have scattered my flock and driven them away and have not bestowed care on them, I will bestow punishment on you for the evil you have done,’ declares the Lord. ‘I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them and will bring them back to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and increase in number. I will place shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or terrified, nor will any be missing,’ declares the Lord. ‘The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior.’”

— Jeremiah 23:1-6 (EHV)

Stand Firm: Trusting Jesus in Hard Times

Tuesday, November 19th: Luke 21:5-19

Bible Verse:

“But not a hair of your head will perish. Stand firm, and you will win life.”

— Luke 21:18-19 (EHV)

Devotion:

In this passage, Jesus is telling His disciples that hard times are coming. He talks about big, scary things like wars and earthquakes, but He also gives them a promise: If they stay strong and trust Him, He will keep them safe. Jesus tells them to stand firm in their faith, and He promises that they will win eternal life.

Life isn’t always easy. Sometimes things happen that scare us or make us feel unsure. But just like Jesus told His disciples, we can trust Him. He is always with us, and when we stand firm in our faith, we know that He will keep us safe. Jesus promises us eternal life with Him, and that’s the best promise of all.

Questions to think about:

1. What does it mean to “stand firm” in your faith?

2. How can you trust Jesus when things seem scary or hard?

3. What is the promise Jesus gives to those who stand firm?

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank You for always being with me. Help me to stand firm in my faith and trust You, no matter what happens. Amen.

Activity Idea:

Draw a picture of you standing firm in your faith, with Jesus by your side.

Full Bible Reference:

“Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, ‘As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.’ ‘Teacher,’ they asked, ‘when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?’ He replied, ‘Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, “I am he,” and, “The time is near.” Do not follow them. When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.’ Then he said to them: ‘Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. And so you will bear testimony to me. But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. Everyone will hate you because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish. Stand firm, and you will win life.’”

— Luke 21:5-19 (EHV)

God’s Righteousness Judgment: Hope for Believers

Monday, November 18th: 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10

Bible Verse:

“He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.”

— 2 Thessalonians 1:8 (EHV)

Devotion:

In this passage, Paul reminds us that God sees everything and will bring justice. For those who choose to turn away from God, there will be consequences. But for those who believe in Jesus, there is hope! Paul writes that God will be glorified through His people, and we will marvel at how wonderful Jesus is when He returns.

Even though this might seem like a serious message, it’s also full of hope. If we believe in Jesus and follow Him, we don’t need to be afraid. Jesus has saved us, and we will be with Him forever. This is a reminder to stay close to Jesus, trust in Him, and live in a way that shows our faith.

Questions to think about:

1. What does it mean to trust and follow Jesus?

2. How can we show others that we believe in Jesus?

3. Why is it important to remember that Jesus will return one day?

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank You for saving me and giving me hope. Help me to follow You and trust in Your love every day. Amen.

Activity Idea:

Draw a picture of Jesus coming back in all His glory.

Full Bible Reference:

“All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you.”

— 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10 (EHV)

The Day of the Lord: Justice and Healing

Sunday, November 17th: Malachi 4:1-6

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Bible Verse:

“Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and that day that is coming will set them on fire,” says the Lord Almighty. “Not a root or a branch will be left to them.”

— Malachi 4:1 (EHV)

Devotion:

Malachi’s message might sound a little scary at first. He’s talking about a day when God will bring justice to the world, and everyone who does evil will face consequences. But if we keep reading, we see that God is also bringing something beautiful: a new beginning for those who trust in Him. While there will be a day of judgment, there is also a promise of joy and healing for God’s people.

It’s important to remember that God is fair. He knows everything we do and say, and He will always do what’s right. For those who love God and follow His ways, this day of judgment isn’t something to fear. Instead, we can look forward to the promise of peace and healing that comes from trusting in Him.

Questions to think about:

1. Why is it important that God is fair and just?

2. How can we trust God, even when things around us seem unfair?

3. What is something you can do to live in a way that pleases God?

Prayer:

Dear God, thank You for being fair and just. Help me to trust You and live in a way that honors You every day. Amen.

Activity Idea:

Draw a picture of what it looks like when God brings peace and healing to the world.

Full Bible Reference:

“‘Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire,’ says the Lord Almighty. ‘Not a root or a branch will be left to them. But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves. Then you will trample on the wicked; they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day when I act,’ says the Lord Almighty. ‘Remember the law of my servant Moses, the decrees and laws I gave him at Horeb for all Israel. See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction.’”

— Malachi 4:1-6 (EHV)

Jesus Glorified: The Hope of His Return

Saturday, November 16th: 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10

Bible Verse:

“On the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed.”

— 2 Thessalonians 1:10 (EHV)

Devotion:

Paul writes about the day when Jesus will return, and everyone who believes in Him will marvel at how glorious He is. We don’t know when Jesus will come back, but we do know that it will be a wonderful day. On that day, we will get to see Jesus in all His glory, and we will live with Him forever.

It’s exciting to think about the day when we will be with Jesus. While we wait for that day, we can live in a way that honors Him, knowing that He could come at any time. When Jesus comes back, it will be a day of joy and celebration for all who believe in Him!

Questions to think about:

1. What do you think it will be like when Jesus comes back?

2. How can you live in a way that honors Jesus while you wait for His return?

3. Why is it important to remember that Jesus will come back one day?

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank You for the promise that You will return one day. Help me to live in a way that honors You, and to look forward to the day when I will see You in all Your glory. Amen.

Activity Idea:

Draw a picture of what you imagine it will look like when Jesus returns.

Full Bible Reference:

“All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you.”

— 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10 (EHV)

God’s Justice Will Prevail

Friday, November 15th: Malachi 4:1-6

Bible Verse:

“The day is coming when you will tread on the wicked as if they were dust under your feet.”

— Malachi 4:3 (EHV)

Devotion:

In this verse, Malachi speaks about a future day when God will set everything right. Those who have caused trouble will no longer be a problem, and those who trust in God will be victorious. This is a picture of God’s justice. He will make sure that everything is fair, and His people will be safe and full of joy.

Sometimes, it feels like people who do bad things get away with it. But Malachi reminds us that God sees everything, and one day, He will make everything right. We can trust that God’s justice will win in the end, and we can look forward to the day when there will be no more trouble or pain.

Questions to think about:

1. How does it feel to know that God will make everything right in the end?

2. Why is it important to trust God’s justice, even when things don’t seem fair?

3. How can you live in a way that shows you trust God to make things right?

Prayer:

Dear God, thank You for being fair and just. Help me to trust You to make everything right, and to live in a way that pleases You. Amen.

Activity Idea:

Draw a picture of what it looks like when everything is made right by God.

Full Bible Reference:

“‘Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire,’ says the Lord Almighty. ‘Not a root or a branch will be left to them. But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves. Then you will trample on the wicked; they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day when I act,’ says the Lord Almighty. ‘Remember the law of my servant Moses, the decrees and laws I gave him at Horeb for all Israel. See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction.’”

— Malachi 4:1-6 (EHV)

Stand Firm: The Promise of Eternal Life

Thursday, November 14th: Luke 21:5-19

Bible Verse:

“Stand firm, and you will win life.”

— Luke 21:19 (EHV)

Devotion:

Jesus told His disciples that they would face hard times and challenges for following Him. But He also told them to stand firm and not give up, because in the end, they would have eternal life. Sometimes following Jesus can be hard, especially when other people don’t understand or make fun of us. But Jesus tells us that it’s worth it to stay strong in our faith.

When we trust Jesus, we know that He will help us through any challenges we face. He promises that if we stand firm and keep following Him, we will win the greatest prize of all—life forever with Him in heaven.

Questions to think about:

1. What does it mean to “stand firm” in your faith?

2. How can Jesus help you stay strong, even when things are tough?

3. What is the reward for standing firm in your faith?

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank You for helping me stand firm in my faith. Help me to trust You and to stay strong, even when things are hard. Amen.

Activity Idea:

Draw a picture of you standing strong, with Jesus by your side.

Full Bible Reference:

“Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, ‘As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.’ ‘Teacher,’ they asked, ‘when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?’ He replied, ‘Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, “I am he,” and, “The time is near.” Do not follow them. When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.’ Then he said to them: ‘Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. And so you will bear testimony to me. But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. Everyone will hate you because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish. Stand firm, and you will win life.’”

— Luke 21:5-19 (EHV)

God’s Justice: Relief for the Troubled

Wednesday, November 13th: 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10

Bible Verse:

“He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well.”

— 2 Thessalonians 1:6-7 (EHV)

Devotion:

Paul writes to the people in Thessalonica, letting them know that even though they are going through hard times, God sees their struggles. He promises that God will take care of them and bring relief. God knows everything we go through, and He will help us. He also reminds us that those who cause trouble will have to answer to God.

It’s comforting to know that God is always in control, even when things are difficult. When we face trouble, we can trust that God sees us and will take care of us. He loves us and promises to bring us relief in His perfect time.

Questions to think about:

1. How does it feel to know that God sees you when you’re going through hard times?

2. How can you trust God when things are difficult?

3. What can you do to remember that God will bring you relief?

Prayer:

Dear God, thank You for taking care of me when things are hard. Help me to trust You and to remember that You will bring relief when I need it. Amen.

Activity Idea:

Draw a picture of God helping you when you’re going through something hard.

Full Bible Reference:

“All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you.”

— 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10 (EHV)

The Sun of Righteousness: Healing and Joy

Tuesday, November 12th: Malachi 4:1-6

Bible Verse:

“But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves.”

— Malachi 4:2 (EHV)

Devotion:

In this verse, God promises that those who respect and honor Him will be filled with joy and healing. Malachi uses the image of the sun rising, bringing light and warmth. He also says we will be like happy calves playing in a field. Can you imagine that? It’s a picture of how much joy we will feel when God brings His love and healing into our lives.

Even when things are tough, we can hold on to God’s promises. He will bring healing and joy into our lives, just like the sun rises every morning and fills the world with light. When we trust in Him, we can be confident that His love will shine on us, and we will be full of joy.

Questions to think about:

1. How does it feel to think about God bringing healing and joy into your life?

2. Why do you think Malachi used the picture of the sun rising to describe God’s love?

3. How can you share God’s love and joy with others?

Prayer:

Dear God, thank You for filling my life with Your light and love. Help me to trust in You, and to feel the joy that comes from knowing You. Amen.

Activity Idea:

Draw a picture of the sun rising, bringing light and joy to the world.

Full Bible Reference:

“‘Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire,’ says the Lord Almighty. ‘Not a root or a branch will be left to them. But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves. Then you will trample on the wicked; they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day when I act,’ says the Lord Almighty. ‘Remember the law of my servant Moses, the decrees and laws I gave him at Horeb for all Israel. See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction.’”

— Malachi 4:1-6 (EHV)

God of the Living: Life Forever with Jesus

Monday, November 11th: Luke 20:27-38

Bible Verse:

“He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.”

— Luke 20:38 (EHV)

Devotion:

In this Bible story, some people asked Jesus tricky questions about life after death, but Jesus answered them by saying something amazing. He told them that God isn’t the God of the dead, but the God of the living! This means that even though people die, God is still their God, and they live with Him forever.

When we believe in Jesus, we don’t have to be afraid of death because we know that we will live with God forever in heaven. It’s comforting to know that God is always with us and that we will be with Him in His heavenly home one day. Jesus gives us life that lasts forever, and that’s something we can celebrate!

Questions to think about:

1. What did Jesus mean when He said God is the God of the living?

2. How does it make you feel to know that you will live with God forever?

3. How can you thank Jesus for giving you eternal life?

Prayer:

Dear God, thank You for giving us life forever with You. Help me to remember that You are always with me and that I will live with You forever in heaven. Amen.

Activity Idea:

Draw a picture of what it means to live forever with God in heaven.

Full Bible Reference:

“Some of the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus with a question. ‘Teacher,’ they said, ‘Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man must marry the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. Now there were seven brothers. The first one married a woman and died childless. The second and then the third married her, and in the same way the seven died, leaving no children. Finally, the woman died too. Now then, at the resurrection whose wife will she be, since the seven were married to her?’ Jesus replied, ‘The people of this age marry and are given in marriage. But those who are considered worthy of taking part in the age to come and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God’s children, since they are children of the resurrection. But in the account of the burning bush, even Moses showed that the dead rise, for he calls the Lord “the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.’”

— Luke 20:27-38 (EHV)