Day 1
Faith Fact:
I will choose to follow God.
Faith Verse:
"Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."
Isaiah 41:10
Question of the Day:
Will God force me to follow Him?
Read:
1 Samuel 8
Have you ever heard a parent or guardian say, “Because I said so!”? That’s usually not the answer we’re looking for to the question “Why?” but it’s sometimes the best answer. To obey fully, we need to obey immediately. That doesn’t mean there won’t be an explanation at a later time, but we must follow the one in authority. They want the best for us.
And why do we follow them? Because we love them. It’s not enough just to obey with a terrible attitude. We show our love and respect for parents (guardians) by obeying with a happy heart.
In the same way, God won’t force us to obey Him. If we don’t obey Him, there will be consequences that we won’t like. He wants us to obey Him because of our love for Him. We know His ways are best and we love Him! That’s the kind of relationship He desires with everyone—kids and adults.
The people of Israel decided they wanted a king, instead of having God be their king. This wasn’t God’s best plan for them. They didn’t realize it at the time, but it was going to cause pain down the road for them. Yet, God allowed them to have what they wanted. He loves us, but He won’t force us to follow Him.
Think about it:
Question 1. When Samuel grew old, who did he appoint as judges?
Answer 1. His sons, Joel and Abijah (1 Samuel 8:1–2)
Question 2. Did they do a good job? Why or why not?
Answer 2. No, they were greedy, accepted bribes, and perverted justice. (1 Samuel 8:3)
Question 3. What did the Israelites tell Samuel they wanted instead of judges?
Answer 3. A king (1 Samuel 8:4–5)
Question 4. How did Samuel respond to the Israelites’ request for a king?
Answer 4. He was displeased and prayed to God for guidance. (1 Samuel 8:6)
Question 5. What did God tell Samuel to do?
Answer 5. God said for Samuel to “do everything they say to you” and to give the Israelites a king. (1 Samuel 8:7–9)
Talk about It:
•What did today’s devotion make you think about?
•Do you think it’s important to obey God’s instructions?
•Why do you follow your parents or guardians? Should you obey because you have to or because you love them? Both? (Discuss as a family.)
Pray about It:
God, thank You for leading us. We want to follow You, because we love You. Help us to obey and follow in a way that is pleasing to You—right away and with a happy heart. You deserve our obedience, and we give You our lives. Amen.
I will choose to follow God.
Faith Verse:
"Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."
Isaiah 41:10
Question of the Day:
Will God force me to follow Him?
Read:
1 Samuel 8
Have you ever heard a parent or guardian say, “Because I said so!”? That’s usually not the answer we’re looking for to the question “Why?” but it’s sometimes the best answer. To obey fully, we need to obey immediately. That doesn’t mean there won’t be an explanation at a later time, but we must follow the one in authority. They want the best for us.
And why do we follow them? Because we love them. It’s not enough just to obey with a terrible attitude. We show our love and respect for parents (guardians) by obeying with a happy heart.
In the same way, God won’t force us to obey Him. If we don’t obey Him, there will be consequences that we won’t like. He wants us to obey Him because of our love for Him. We know His ways are best and we love Him! That’s the kind of relationship He desires with everyone—kids and adults.
The people of Israel decided they wanted a king, instead of having God be their king. This wasn’t God’s best plan for them. They didn’t realize it at the time, but it was going to cause pain down the road for them. Yet, God allowed them to have what they wanted. He loves us, but He won’t force us to follow Him.
Think about it:
Question 1. When Samuel grew old, who did he appoint as judges?
Answer 1. His sons, Joel and Abijah (1 Samuel 8:1–2)
Question 2. Did they do a good job? Why or why not?
Answer 2. No, they were greedy, accepted bribes, and perverted justice. (1 Samuel 8:3)
Question 3. What did the Israelites tell Samuel they wanted instead of judges?
Answer 3. A king (1 Samuel 8:4–5)
Question 4. How did Samuel respond to the Israelites’ request for a king?
Answer 4. He was displeased and prayed to God for guidance. (1 Samuel 8:6)
Question 5. What did God tell Samuel to do?
Answer 5. God said for Samuel to “do everything they say to you” and to give the Israelites a king. (1 Samuel 8:7–9)
Talk about It:
•What did today’s devotion make you think about?
•Do you think it’s important to obey God’s instructions?
•Why do you follow your parents or guardians? Should you obey because you have to or because you love them? Both? (Discuss as a family.)
Pray about It:
God, thank You for leading us. We want to follow You, because we love You. Help us to obey and follow in a way that is pleasing to You—right away and with a happy heart. You deserve our obedience, and we give You our lives. Amen.
Day 2
Faith Fact:
I will choose to follow God.
Faith Verse:
"Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."
Isaiah 41:10
Question of the Day:
Will God's plans always make sense to us?
Read:
1 Samuel 9
Have you ever been asked to do something by a parent, teacher, or coach and thought, “Are you crazy!? I can’t do that!” That might have been what Saul was thinking when Samuel told him that his family was the hope of the entire nation of Israel. He might have felt afraid, confused, or maybe just asked “How can that be?”
Just like Saul, God sometimes tells us to do things we might not think make any sense. It’s okay to have those feelings. We can take them to God and be honest with Him. He’s the one who gives us strength and makes a way for us to do what He’s telling us to do. He leads the way and we follow!
Think about it:
Question 1. What did Saul go looking for with his servant?
Answer 1. His father’s donkeys (1 Samuel 9:3)
Question 2. Who did Saul and his servant go see to ask about the donkeys?
Answer 2. A man of God, who was Samuel (1 Samuel 9:6, 18–19)
Question 3. What did Samuel tell Saul?
Answer 3. Samuel said he wanted to eat with Saul, and that Saul shouldn’t worry about the donkeys. He also said that Saul’s family was the focus of all Israel’s hopes. (1 Samuel 9:19–20)
Question 4. How did Saul respond to what Samuel said?
Answer 4. Saul said he was from the smallest tribe in Israel. “Why are you talking to me like this?” (1 Samuel 9:21)
Question 5. Samuel and Saul then ate a meal together. What was special about it for Saul?
Answer 5. He was seated at the head of the table and given the finest cuts of meat. (1 Samuel 9:22–23)
Talk about It:
•What did today’s devotion make you think about?
•Has God ever asked you to do something you didn’t think made a lot of sense? How did you respond?
•How can we as a family be obedient to what God is asking us to do together?
Pray about It:
God, even when what You ask us to do doesn’t make sense to us, we will obey. We know You’re setting up something amazing, and we get to be part of it! Thank You for choosing us. We love You! Amen.
I will choose to follow God.
Faith Verse:
"Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."
Isaiah 41:10
Question of the Day:
Will God's plans always make sense to us?
Read:
1 Samuel 9
Have you ever been asked to do something by a parent, teacher, or coach and thought, “Are you crazy!? I can’t do that!” That might have been what Saul was thinking when Samuel told him that his family was the hope of the entire nation of Israel. He might have felt afraid, confused, or maybe just asked “How can that be?”
Just like Saul, God sometimes tells us to do things we might not think make any sense. It’s okay to have those feelings. We can take them to God and be honest with Him. He’s the one who gives us strength and makes a way for us to do what He’s telling us to do. He leads the way and we follow!
Think about it:
Question 1. What did Saul go looking for with his servant?
Answer 1. His father’s donkeys (1 Samuel 9:3)
Question 2. Who did Saul and his servant go see to ask about the donkeys?
Answer 2. A man of God, who was Samuel (1 Samuel 9:6, 18–19)
Question 3. What did Samuel tell Saul?
Answer 3. Samuel said he wanted to eat with Saul, and that Saul shouldn’t worry about the donkeys. He also said that Saul’s family was the focus of all Israel’s hopes. (1 Samuel 9:19–20)
Question 4. How did Saul respond to what Samuel said?
Answer 4. Saul said he was from the smallest tribe in Israel. “Why are you talking to me like this?” (1 Samuel 9:21)
Question 5. Samuel and Saul then ate a meal together. What was special about it for Saul?
Answer 5. He was seated at the head of the table and given the finest cuts of meat. (1 Samuel 9:22–23)
Talk about It:
•What did today’s devotion make you think about?
•Has God ever asked you to do something you didn’t think made a lot of sense? How did you respond?
•How can we as a family be obedient to what God is asking us to do together?
Pray about It:
God, even when what You ask us to do doesn’t make sense to us, we will obey. We know You’re setting up something amazing, and we get to be part of it! Thank You for choosing us. We love You! Amen.
Day 3
Faith Fact:
I will choose to follow God.
Faith Verse:
"Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."
Isaiah 41:10
Question of the Day:
Can God change my life?
Read:
1 Samuel 10:1–16
Can you imagine getting a jar of oil poured over your head? It would take forever to wash that out of your hair! That’s what happened to Saul when Samuel anointed him as king of Israel. After that, Samuel gave Saul instructions about what to do next. Saul followed Samuel’s instructions and God did some cool things in Saul’s life. God was changing Saul and preparing him for something special.
You’re being prepared for something special as well. Each day, God speaks to you and chooses you to do His good work. When you listen to Him and do what He tells you to do, He changes your heart to become more like Him. Even your desires become more like His. God gave Saul a new heart—how cool is that!
Think about it:
Question 1. Why did Samuel anoint Saul with oil?
Answer 1. God had appointed Saul to be the ruler over Israel. (1 Samuel 10:1)
Question 2. What were the men beside Rachel’s tomb going to tell Saul?
Answer 2. They would tell him that his donkeys had been found and that his dad was worried about him. (1 Samuel 10:2)
Question 3. What did Samuel tell Saul would happen when he met the band of prophets?
Answer 3. The Lord would come powerfully upon Saul and he would prophesy. (1 Samuel 10:5–6)
Question 4. What did God do for Saul when he turned to leave Samuel?
Answer 4. God gave him a new heart. (1 Samuel 10:9)
Question 5. When Saul’s uncle asked Saul where he’d been, what did Saul say? What did he not share?
Answer 5. Saul said that they had been looking for the donkeys. He didn’t tell his uncle about the kingdom. (1 Samuel 10:13–16)
Talk about It:
•What did today’s devotion make you think about?
•Has God changed your life? In what ways?
•What do you think He’s preparing you for?
•What kind of dreams do you have about your future?
Pray about It:
God, thank You for changing our hearts and lives. We want to become more like You. Help us to follow Your plans as You make a way for us to do Your will. You chose us, and we choose You! Amen.
I will choose to follow God.
Faith Verse:
"Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."
Isaiah 41:10
Question of the Day:
Can God change my life?
Read:
1 Samuel 10:1–16
Can you imagine getting a jar of oil poured over your head? It would take forever to wash that out of your hair! That’s what happened to Saul when Samuel anointed him as king of Israel. After that, Samuel gave Saul instructions about what to do next. Saul followed Samuel’s instructions and God did some cool things in Saul’s life. God was changing Saul and preparing him for something special.
You’re being prepared for something special as well. Each day, God speaks to you and chooses you to do His good work. When you listen to Him and do what He tells you to do, He changes your heart to become more like Him. Even your desires become more like His. God gave Saul a new heart—how cool is that!
Think about it:
Question 1. Why did Samuel anoint Saul with oil?
Answer 1. God had appointed Saul to be the ruler over Israel. (1 Samuel 10:1)
Question 2. What were the men beside Rachel’s tomb going to tell Saul?
Answer 2. They would tell him that his donkeys had been found and that his dad was worried about him. (1 Samuel 10:2)
Question 3. What did Samuel tell Saul would happen when he met the band of prophets?
Answer 3. The Lord would come powerfully upon Saul and he would prophesy. (1 Samuel 10:5–6)
Question 4. What did God do for Saul when he turned to leave Samuel?
Answer 4. God gave him a new heart. (1 Samuel 10:9)
Question 5. When Saul’s uncle asked Saul where he’d been, what did Saul say? What did he not share?
Answer 5. Saul said that they had been looking for the donkeys. He didn’t tell his uncle about the kingdom. (1 Samuel 10:13–16)
Talk about It:
•What did today’s devotion make you think about?
•Has God changed your life? In what ways?
•What do you think He’s preparing you for?
•What kind of dreams do you have about your future?
Pray about It:
God, thank You for changing our hearts and lives. We want to become more like You. Help us to follow Your plans as You make a way for us to do Your will. You chose us, and we choose You! Amen.
Day 4
Faith Fact:
I will choose to follow God.
Faith Verse:
"Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."
Isaiah 41:10
Question of the Day:
Is it okay to have doubts?
Read:
1 Samuel 10:17–27
God had really shown up in Saul’s life. Saul had been anointed as the king of Israel. He had been given a new heart and even prophesied. Even after all that, Saul had some doubts that he would actually be able to lead the people of Israel.
When Samuel called the people together and introduced Saul as king, they couldn’t find him! Where do you think he was hiding? Well, you’ve read it already, so you know; he was in the baggage! Why was he there? Saul may have been unsure about this job. Even when we know that God is telling us to do something, it’s easy to have doubts and be insecure. It can happen to anyone. That’s not a sin by itself, but what you do with that doubt and insecurity is important. If you take it to God and let Him give you courage, you’ll be amazed by what He’ll do in and through you!
Think about it:
Question 1. What tribe of Israel was Saul from?
Answer 1. Benjamin (1 Samuel 10:21)
Question 2. Where was Saul when he was announced as king?
Answer 2. Hiding with the bags (1 Samuel 10:21–23)
Question 3. What does verse 23 say about Saul’s appearance?
Answer 3. He stood head and shoulders above everyone else. (1 Samuel 10:23)
Question 4. What did the people shout when Saul was brought out before them and declared king?
Answer 4. “Long live the king!” (1 Samuel 10:24)
Question 5. What’s your favorite part of the story about God choosing Saul as the first king of Israel?
Answer 5. Answers will vary.
Talk about It:
•What did today’s devotion make you think about?
•What has God chosen you to do? Do you have any doubts that you can do it?
•How can our family help to remind you of God’s call on your life?
Pray about It:
God, we are not good enough on our own, but with You, we can do whatever You tell us to. If we ever have doubts about something You’re telling us to do, help us to remember that You are mighty and perfectly strong. There is nothing too big for You, and You never leave us alone to do something. You choose us and then You help us! We love You. Amen.
I will choose to follow God.
Faith Verse:
"Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."
Isaiah 41:10
Question of the Day:
Is it okay to have doubts?
Read:
1 Samuel 10:17–27
God had really shown up in Saul’s life. Saul had been anointed as the king of Israel. He had been given a new heart and even prophesied. Even after all that, Saul had some doubts that he would actually be able to lead the people of Israel.
When Samuel called the people together and introduced Saul as king, they couldn’t find him! Where do you think he was hiding? Well, you’ve read it already, so you know; he was in the baggage! Why was he there? Saul may have been unsure about this job. Even when we know that God is telling us to do something, it’s easy to have doubts and be insecure. It can happen to anyone. That’s not a sin by itself, but what you do with that doubt and insecurity is important. If you take it to God and let Him give you courage, you’ll be amazed by what He’ll do in and through you!
Think about it:
Question 1. What tribe of Israel was Saul from?
Answer 1. Benjamin (1 Samuel 10:21)
Question 2. Where was Saul when he was announced as king?
Answer 2. Hiding with the bags (1 Samuel 10:21–23)
Question 3. What does verse 23 say about Saul’s appearance?
Answer 3. He stood head and shoulders above everyone else. (1 Samuel 10:23)
Question 4. What did the people shout when Saul was brought out before them and declared king?
Answer 4. “Long live the king!” (1 Samuel 10:24)
Question 5. What’s your favorite part of the story about God choosing Saul as the first king of Israel?
Answer 5. Answers will vary.
Talk about It:
•What did today’s devotion make you think about?
•What has God chosen you to do? Do you have any doubts that you can do it?
•How can our family help to remind you of God’s call on your life?
Pray about It:
God, we are not good enough on our own, but with You, we can do whatever You tell us to. If we ever have doubts about something You’re telling us to do, help us to remember that You are mighty and perfectly strong. There is nothing too big for You, and You never leave us alone to do something. You choose us and then You help us! We love You. Amen.