Jesus Today Devotions for Kids

by Sarah Young

Overview

From the Bestselling Author of Jesus Calling®

Spend Time with Jesus, the Friend Who Is Always with You

Jesus is the Friend who is always with you. Jesus Today®: Devotions for Kids will pour this powerful truth into your children’s hearts as they learn that He knows everything about them and loves them more than they can imagine.

Each devotion is based on Scripture and is written as though Jesus is speaking, assuring that He is in control, that He is good, and that an amazing future awaits all who put their hope in Him.

Adapted from ECPA Gold Medallion–winner Jesus Today®, this devotional has the same themes as the adult version, as well as written-out scriptures. It is a great choice for families to read and discuss during devotional time together.

Spend time with Jesus today . . .

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780718038120
Publisher:	Nelson, Tommy
Publication date:	02/02/2016
Series:	Jesus Today
Sold by:	HarperCollins Publishing
Format:	eBook
Pages:	368
File size:	2 MB
Age Range:	6 - 10 Years

About the Author

Sarah Young, author of the bestselling 365-day devotionals Jesus Calling® and Jesus Listens, was committed to helping people connect with Jesus and the Bible. Her books have sold more than 46 million copies worldwide. Jesus Calling® has appeared on all major bestseller lists. Sarah’s writings include Jesus Calling®, Jesus Listens®, Jesus Always, Jesus Today®, Jesus Lives™, Dear Jesus, Jesus Calling® for Little Ones, Jesus Calling® Bible Storybook, Jesus Calling®: 365 Devotions for Kids, and more, each encouraging readers in their journeys toward intimacy with Christ. Sarah believed praying for her readers was a privilege and God-given responsibility and did so daily even amidst her own health challenges.

Connect with Jesus Calling at:

Facebook.com/JesusCalling

Instagram.com/JesusCalling

Youtube.com/JesusCallingBook

Pinterest.com/Jesus_Calling

Read an Excerpt

Jesus Today

Devotions for Kids

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By Sarah Young, Kris Bearss

Thomas Nelson

Copyright © 2016 Sarah Young
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-0-7180-3812-0

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CHAPTER 1

My Kind of Hope

Put your hope in Me, because I love you ... always.

Hope — My kind of hope — is very different from any other kind. It is more than a wish or a dream. It is expecting Me to keep My promises, because you know that I will. One of My greatest promises is to give you a happy ending to your story.

Yes, your story — because your life is a story. Put your hope in Me by trusting Me as your Savior and following Me. I promise that your adventure will end with a happily-ever-after in heaven with Me. I died on the cross so that you can have a forever like this!

No matter how tough this day may be, you can always have hope ... because in Me, your story has an amazing ending. And knowing that will brighten even your darkest day.

* * *

So our hope is in the Lord. He is our help, our shield to protect us. We rejoice in him. We trust his holy name. Lord, show your love to us as we put our hope in you. —Psalm 33:20-22

That faith and that knowledge come from our hope for life forever. God promised that life to us before time began, and God does not lie. —Titus 1:2

CHAPTER 2

Not One Single Thing

Nothing can separate you from My Love.

Nothing you do or say or think will ever make Me stop loving you. It just isn't possible, because you're My precious one.

My Love is a gift. You don't have to earn it. You don't have to be perfect or even good enough. My Love is simply yours to keep. It secures your connection to Me — your Savior — forever.

So when everything is going well and you are happy, enjoy it. Don't worry about when the good might end or what troubles may come later. Just smile and thank Me! When things are tough, be brave! I will help you, I will never leave you, and I will love you no matter what.

This world will always have troubles. But there's one thing you never have to worry about, one thing you can always count on — My Love for you will never end!

* * *

Nothing above us, nothing below us, or anything else in the whole world will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. — Romans 8:39

"A thief comes to steal and kill and destroy. But I came to give life-life in all its fullness." — John 10:10

"I have told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have trouble. But be brave! I have defeated the world!" — John 16:33

CHAPTER 3

My Plan

I have a perfect plan for your life.

But sometimes My plan might be different from yours. Sometimes it will involve doing something hard or uncomfortable, such as helping someone very different from you or being a friend to someone who is lonely. At other times My plan for you will include troubles and problems. That's not because I've stopped loving you. It's because I want you to learn to trust Me as we face those troubles together. When you're going through tough times, you need Me more than ever.

When My plan for you is different from what you expected, you can choose to be angry with Me. Or you can choose to trust that I want only what is best for you. Hard days won't last forever. Keep believing and hoping. Then, at just the right time, I will lift you up. Until then, give Me all your worries, and trust that My plan for you is good — because I love you.

* * *

"I know what I have planned for you," says the Lord. "I have good plans for you. I don't plan to hurt you. I plan to give you hope and a good future." — Jeremiah 29:11

The Lord's love surrounds those who trust him. — Psalm 32:10

Be joyful because you have hope. Be patient when trouble comes. Pray at all times. — Romans 12:12

So be humble under God's powerful hand. Then he will lift you up when the right time comes. Give all your worries to him, because he cares for you. — 1 Peter 5:6–7

CHAPTER 4

A Safe Place

A refuge is a safe place, a place to take shelter when storms come your way. I am your Refuge.

Storms aren't just rain, thunder, and lightning. They aren't just wind and hail or snow. They can also be worries and doubts, unkind words, problems at school, or troubles with parents or friends. No matter what storm you're facing, I will be your safe place, your Refuge.

When worries and fears creep into your thoughts, don't turn to the TV, the computer, the cell phone, or your favorite food. Turn to Me. Think about Me and My promises to always be with you and take care of you. When you choose to think about Me instead of your worries, you will find your shelter — in My Presence.

But it won't happen all by itself. You have to choose Me over your worries. When you do, your worries won't seem so worrisome anymore. There is Joy for those who take refuge in Me!

* * *

Control yourselves and be careful! The devil is your enemy. And he goes around like a roaring lion looking for someone to eat. — 1 Peter 5:8

Be merciful to me, God. Be merciful to me because I come to you for protection. I will come to you as a bird comes for protection under its mother's wings until the trouble has passed. — Psalm 57:1

Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! — Psalm 34:8 NLT

CHAPTER 5

Keep Asking

I am with you and within you, doing good things in your life. Even when you're not aware that I am with you, the Light of My Presence keeps shining brightly on you. And this Light has great Power! So dare to ask great things of Me. I can do much, much more than anything you can ask or think of. Nothing is impossible for Me.

Pray boldly, and keep praying in My name. Learn from the widow in the Bible who wouldn't give up. She went to the judge again and again, asking for what she needed. This judge did not care about God or what people thought about him. But because she kept asking, he finally gave her what she needed. If a selfish judge will do that, how much more will I give to My loved ones who cry to Me night and day!

You may have to wait for My answer — a little while or a long while. But don't quit praying! Keep asking, and you will receive. Keep searching, and you will find.

* * *

With God's power working in us, God can do much, much more than anything we can ask or think of. — Ephesians 3:20

"Once there was a judge in a town. He did not care about God ... [or] what people thought about him. In that same town there was a widow who kept coming to this judge. But the judge did not want to help the widow. After a long time, he thought to himself. ... 'This widow is bothering me. I will see that she gets her rights, or she will bother me until I am worn out!'" The Lord said, "Listen to what the bad judge said. God's people cry to him night and day. God will always give them what is right, and he will not be slow to answer them." — Luke 18:2–8

"Yes, if a person continues asking, he will receive. If he continues searching, he will find. And if he continues knocking, the door will open for him." — Luke 11:10

CHAPTER 6

The Prince of Peace

I am the Prince of Peace. When you choose to keep Me in the center of your thoughts, you can live more peacefully. My Peace helps you stay calm in tough and stressful times. We can deal with your problems together — you and I — so there's no need to worry or fear.

I know that the more difficult your troubles are, the more you want to fix them yourself. Your thoughts wander away from Me and to your troubles. When this happens, say My Name. Shout it, whisper it, or just think it. Saying My Name will help you remember that I am with you, I am in control, and I will help.

Don't be worried by how often your mind wanders. Keeping Me in your thoughts is a new habit that will take time and practice. But the rewards are wonderful! The more your thoughts stay with Me, the more Peace and Joy you'll have in your life.

* * *

A child will be born to us. God will give a son to us. He will be responsible for leading the people. His name will be Wonderful Counselor, Powerful God, Father Who Lives Forever, Prince of Peace. — Isaiah 9:6

I can do all things through Christ because he gives me strength. — Philippians 4:13

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. — Proverbs 18:10 NKJV

CHAPTER 7

Listening and Loving

I want you to love Me, listen to Me, and stay close to Me.

When you are close to someone, listening and loving are so very important. To really listen to someone shows that you care about that person. And when someone you love is speaking, you want to understand. So you listen carefully.

To be closer to Me, listen as I sing about you with Joy and Love. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you receive My Love more and more. Then a wonderful thing will happen: You will be able to love Me even more!

This world is full of dangers, so it is wise to stay close by My side. Listen to Me — listen to My Spirit when you pray and to My Word when you read. I will guide you through tough times. Tell Me all your problems, remembering that I am your Protection. I'll help you handle whatever troubles you face. Stay close to Me.

* * *

Love the Lord your God. Obey him. Stay close to him. He is your life. And he will let you live many years in the land. This is the land he promised to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. — Deuteronomy 30:20

The Lord your God is with you. The mighty One will save you. The Lord will be happy with you. You will rest in his love. He will sing and be joyful about you. — Zephaniah 3:17

People, trust God all the time. Tell him all your problems. God is our protection. — Psalm 62:8

CHAPTER 8

Build Wisely

Like a house, your life must be built on a strong and sure foundation. Make Me that foundation. Be like the wise man who built his house on the rock. Build your life on Me. When the winds of life blow, you will not be shaken.

Don't try to build on popularity, the things you own, or even your own talents. These things won't last forever. Making them the foundation for your life would be like the foolish man building his house on sand. When the winds blow hard, a life built on unstable, temporary things will fall with a great crash.

Trying to live without Me is "Useless! Useless!" Remember — I never change or leave you. Yes, there will still be wind and storms, but I'll help you stand strong. The key is to keep Me before you always. Keep talking to Me. Step by step, I'll guide you. I'll show you the right way to live.

* * *

"Everyone who hears these things I say and obeys them is like a wise man. The wise man built his house on rock. It rained hard and the water rose. The winds blew and hit that house. But the house did not fall, because the house was built on rock." — Matthew 7:24–27

The Teacher says, "Useless! Useless! Completely useless! All things are useless." — Ecclesiastes 1:2

He lifted me out of the pit of destruction, out of the sticky mud. He stood me on a rock. He made my feet steady. — Psalm 40:2

I keep the Lord before me always. Because he is close by my side I will not be hurt. — Psalm 16:8

CHAPTER 9

Look the Right Way

You get to choose which direction you look and what you focus on. So look the right way!

In the world around you, there are beautiful things and ugly things. I created you to enjoy beauty and goodness; they are My gifts to you. When you look the right way — toward what is true and right and beautiful — you'll be encouraged and made stronger in your faith.

As you go through your day, you'll also encounter things that are wrong or ugly. You may have to deal with them, but you don't have to keep thinking about them. Choose to think about what is good instead — kind words, people who help others, God's beautiful creation. You can enjoy even the beauty of a tiny flower in the crack of a sidewalk. These blessings will help you remember that I am with you in your day. Listen to Me. Hear Me saying, "Look the right way."

* * *

Continue to think about the things that are good and worthy of praise. Think about the things that are true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected. — Philippians 4:8

"My sheep listen to my voice. I know them, and they follow me." — John 10:27

"May the Lord show you his kindness. May he have mercy on you." — Numbers 6:25

You will teach me God's way to live. Being with you will fill me with joy. At your right hand I will find pleasure forever. — Psalm 16:11

CHAPTER 10

The Adventure

You are in training — like a great explorer preparing for the biggest adventure of your life. Trust Me to be your Guide.

I designed this adventure you're living. It is different from everyone else's. You didn't choose it, but it's the way I planned for you. You won't always understand the things I'm doing. That's why I say, "Trust Me!"

The struggles of this world can be like a jungle, thick and dark. You can't see what's around you or what's waiting for you in the shadows. So hold on to My hand as I guide you through the darkness. Follow Me.I will show you the safe path. Although you cannot see Me, you can trust that I am with you, taking care of you.

Don't focus on the problems in your life. Focus on Me. Put your hope in My Presence with you and My promises to help you. Then just wait and see all that I will do for you!

* * *

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. — Proverbs 3:5 ESV

Who among you fears the Lord and obeys his servant? That person may walk in the dark and have no light. Then let him trust in the Lord. Let him depend on his God. — Isaiah 50:10

Why am I so sad? Why am I so upset? I should put my hope in God. I should keep praising him. — Psalm 42:5

I will look to the Lord for help. I will wait for God to save me. My God will hear me. — Micah 7:7

CHAPTER 11

The Power of a Prayer

Everyone has worries and troubles. They're no fun, but you can use them for good. Use them to grow closer to Me.

Whenever a worry starts to worm its way into your mind, toss it out by talking to Me. Create your own collection of quick prayers, such as: Help me, Jesus. I need Your Peace. Show me what to do. These prayers are like vitamins for your soul — the more you say them, the stronger you will be.

When you use your troubles to grow closer to Me, you can actually be happy in spite of them. Of course, it takes practice to remember to pray instead of worry. That's why it's so important to have those quick prayers ready to use.

When you face problems of any kind, pray boldly. Your prayers are like poison to the devil. Pray, and he'll run away — but I'll stay right by your side.

* * *

Lord, teach me your ways. Guide me to do what is right because I have enemies. — Psalm 27:11

You will have many kinds of troubles. But when these things happen, you should be very happy. — James 1:2

So give yourselves to God. Stand against the devil, and the devil will run away from you. Come near to God, and God will come near to you. You are sinners. So clean sin out of your lives. You are trying to follow God and the world at the same time. Make your thinking pure. — James 4:7–8

Lord, hear my prayer. Listen to my cry for mercy. Come to help me because you are loyal and good. — Psalm 143:1

(Continues...)

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Excerpted from Jesus Today by Sarah Young, Kris Bearss. Copyright © 2016 Sarah Young. Excerpted by permission of Thomas Nelson.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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