Day 1
Faith Fact
Jesus is coming back.
Faith Verse
Philippians 3:14
"I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus is calling us."
Question of the Day:
Will I see my family and friends again after they die?
Read:
1 Thessalonians 4:13–14
Has someone you loved died? Maybe it was a grandparent or even a friend. Take a moment to remember some of the good memories you have with those family members and friends you have lost. Sadly, death is a part of the world we live in. That’s why we can be so thankful that this world is not our forever home.
The good news is that death is not the end for any of us. Your Christian family and friends who have died will rise again when Jesus returns. If they asked Jesus to forgive their sins and come into their lives, they will be able to spend forever with Him. Death is still sad for those of us who are left behind, but we don’t have to “grieve like people who have no hope.” We can know without a doubt that we will see them again! This is the Blessed Hope that the New Testament mentions many times—Jesus will return for His people.
Think about it:
Question 1. What is the Christian’s Blessed Hope?
Answer 1. The return of Jesus [Christ] (Titus 2:13)
Question 2. There are over how many references in the New Testament to the second coming of Christ?
Answer 2. [Over] three hundred
Question 3. After Jesus died, what happened to Him?
Answer 3. He was raised to life again. (1 Thessalonians 4:14)
Question 4. Who will God bring back when Jesus returns?
Answer 4. The believers who have died (1 Thessalonians 4:14)
Talk about it:
•What did today’s devotion make you think about?
•Who is someone you know who has died?
•What is your favorite memory of that person?
•Does it make you feel better to know you will get to see them again?
Pray about it:
God, thank You for comforting me when I am sad because of loss. Help me to be encouraged that I will see my Christian friends and family again after death. Amen.
Jesus is coming back.
Faith Verse
Philippians 3:14
"I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus is calling us."
Question of the Day:
Will I see my family and friends again after they die?
Read:
1 Thessalonians 4:13–14
Has someone you loved died? Maybe it was a grandparent or even a friend. Take a moment to remember some of the good memories you have with those family members and friends you have lost. Sadly, death is a part of the world we live in. That’s why we can be so thankful that this world is not our forever home.
The good news is that death is not the end for any of us. Your Christian family and friends who have died will rise again when Jesus returns. If they asked Jesus to forgive their sins and come into their lives, they will be able to spend forever with Him. Death is still sad for those of us who are left behind, but we don’t have to “grieve like people who have no hope.” We can know without a doubt that we will see them again! This is the Blessed Hope that the New Testament mentions many times—Jesus will return for His people.
Think about it:
Question 1. What is the Christian’s Blessed Hope?
Answer 1. The return of Jesus [Christ] (Titus 2:13)
Question 2. There are over how many references in the New Testament to the second coming of Christ?
Answer 2. [Over] three hundred
Question 3. After Jesus died, what happened to Him?
Answer 3. He was raised to life again. (1 Thessalonians 4:14)
Question 4. Who will God bring back when Jesus returns?
Answer 4. The believers who have died (1 Thessalonians 4:14)
Talk about it:
•What did today’s devotion make you think about?
•Who is someone you know who has died?
•What is your favorite memory of that person?
•Does it make you feel better to know you will get to see them again?
Pray about it:
God, thank You for comforting me when I am sad because of loss. Help me to be encouraged that I will see my Christian friends and family again after death. Amen.
Day 2
Faith Fact
Jesus is coming back.
Faith Verse
Philippians 3:14
"I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus is calling us."
Question of the Day:
Will I see my family and friends again after they die?
Read:
1 Thessalonians 4:15–18
Have you ever slept in or slept through your alarm going off and missed something important? Maybe you have missed the bus and you were late for school. That moment when you realized you overslept is the worst! But it will be impossible for anyone to sleep through or miss Jesus’ return. No one is that hard of a sleeper!
We call that time when Jesus comes back for those Christians who have died and those who are still living the Rapture. How will we know that Jesus has returned? Verse 16 says that Jesus will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of an angel, and with the trumpet call of God. See why Christians won’t be able to sleep through it?
If that wasn’t enough, people will be rising from the graves and all the Christians will basically fly up to meet Jesus. That sounds like something worth waking up for, even if it happens in the middle of the night!
Think about it:
Question 1. When will Christians who have died be resurrected?
Answer 1. At the rapture of the Church (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17)
Question 2. What is the Rapture?
Answer 2. When Jesus [Christ] returns to take His Church—the saints both dead and living—out of this world (1 Thessalonians 4:16)
Question 3. What sounds will Christians hear when Jesus returns?
Answer 3. A commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and the trumpet call of God (1 Thessalonians 4:16)
Question 4. How long will we live with the Lord?
Answer 4. Forever (1 Thessalonians 4:17)"
Talk about it:
•What did today’s devotion make you think about?
•Do you think you could sleep through Jesus’ return?
•What would wake you up?
Pray about It
God, thank You for giving us some details about Jesus’ return. We look forward to the day when He returns and takes us to be with You forever. Amen.
Jesus is coming back.
Faith Verse
Philippians 3:14
"I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus is calling us."
Question of the Day:
Will I see my family and friends again after they die?
Read:
1 Thessalonians 4:15–18
Have you ever slept in or slept through your alarm going off and missed something important? Maybe you have missed the bus and you were late for school. That moment when you realized you overslept is the worst! But it will be impossible for anyone to sleep through or miss Jesus’ return. No one is that hard of a sleeper!
We call that time when Jesus comes back for those Christians who have died and those who are still living the Rapture. How will we know that Jesus has returned? Verse 16 says that Jesus will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of an angel, and with the trumpet call of God. See why Christians won’t be able to sleep through it?
If that wasn’t enough, people will be rising from the graves and all the Christians will basically fly up to meet Jesus. That sounds like something worth waking up for, even if it happens in the middle of the night!
Think about it:
Question 1. When will Christians who have died be resurrected?
Answer 1. At the rapture of the Church (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17)
Question 2. What is the Rapture?
Answer 2. When Jesus [Christ] returns to take His Church—the saints both dead and living—out of this world (1 Thessalonians 4:16)
Question 3. What sounds will Christians hear when Jesus returns?
Answer 3. A commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and the trumpet call of God (1 Thessalonians 4:16)
Question 4. How long will we live with the Lord?
Answer 4. Forever (1 Thessalonians 4:17)"
Talk about it:
•What did today’s devotion make you think about?
•Do you think you could sleep through Jesus’ return?
•What would wake you up?
Pray about It
God, thank You for giving us some details about Jesus’ return. We look forward to the day when He returns and takes us to be with You forever. Amen.
Day 3
Faith Fact
Jesus is coming back.
Faith Verse
Philippians 3:14
"I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus is calling us."
Question of the Day:
Will I see my family and friends again after they die?
Read:
1 Thessalonians 5:1–5
Have you ever been really surprised by something or someone? Has someone ever given you a surprise party? The idea of surprises makes some people excited and other people nervous or uncomfortable. Some people are more open to surprises.
But all Christians will have to get used to the idea of one surprise. There is no way of knowing when Jesus will return. The Bible tells us that only God the Father knows when Jesus will return. What we do know is that it will be an unexpected surprise for many people. For those who are Christians and know what God’s Word says, we won’t be completely caught off guard by Jesus’ return. What God’s Word says about the Rapture keeps us from being in the dark!
It’s like when you are surprised by a surprise party because it isn’t on your actual birthday, but you know when your birthday is. The Rapture will be like the best surprise party we could possibly attend when Jesus returns.
Think about it:
Question 1. Who knows when the Rapture will occur?
Answer 1. Only God the Father (Matthew 24:36)
Question 2. Why should the coming of Jesus not surprise the Christians?
Answer 2. Because Christians do not live in the darkness (1 Thessalonians 5:4)
Question 3. What will the Lord’s return be like?
Answer 3. He will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. (1 Thessalonians 5:12)
Question 4. What will people be saying when Jesus returns?
Answer 4. “Everything is peaceful and secure.” (1 Thessalonians 5:3)
Question 5. What does the Bible say Christians are children of?
Answer 5. The light and the day (1 Thessalonians 5:5)
Talk about it:
•What did today’s devotion make you think about?
•Do you like surprises? Why or why not?
•What is your favorite surprise that you can remember?
•We can’t know, but when do you think Jesus will return?
•Are you excited for Jesus’ return? Why?
Pray about It
God, thank You for not keeping us in the dark about Jesus’ return. We may not know the exact day of His return, but we know He is coming and that’s all that matters. Amen.
Jesus is coming back.
Faith Verse
Philippians 3:14
"I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus is calling us."
Question of the Day:
Will I see my family and friends again after they die?
Read:
1 Thessalonians 5:1–5
Have you ever been really surprised by something or someone? Has someone ever given you a surprise party? The idea of surprises makes some people excited and other people nervous or uncomfortable. Some people are more open to surprises.
But all Christians will have to get used to the idea of one surprise. There is no way of knowing when Jesus will return. The Bible tells us that only God the Father knows when Jesus will return. What we do know is that it will be an unexpected surprise for many people. For those who are Christians and know what God’s Word says, we won’t be completely caught off guard by Jesus’ return. What God’s Word says about the Rapture keeps us from being in the dark!
It’s like when you are surprised by a surprise party because it isn’t on your actual birthday, but you know when your birthday is. The Rapture will be like the best surprise party we could possibly attend when Jesus returns.
Think about it:
Question 1. Who knows when the Rapture will occur?
Answer 1. Only God the Father (Matthew 24:36)
Question 2. Why should the coming of Jesus not surprise the Christians?
Answer 2. Because Christians do not live in the darkness (1 Thessalonians 5:4)
Question 3. What will the Lord’s return be like?
Answer 3. He will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. (1 Thessalonians 5:12)
Question 4. What will people be saying when Jesus returns?
Answer 4. “Everything is peaceful and secure.” (1 Thessalonians 5:3)
Question 5. What does the Bible say Christians are children of?
Answer 5. The light and the day (1 Thessalonians 5:5)
Talk about it:
•What did today’s devotion make you think about?
•Do you like surprises? Why or why not?
•What is your favorite surprise that you can remember?
•We can’t know, but when do you think Jesus will return?
•Are you excited for Jesus’ return? Why?
Pray about It
God, thank You for not keeping us in the dark about Jesus’ return. We may not know the exact day of His return, but we know He is coming and that’s all that matters. Amen.
Day 4
Faith Fact
Jesus is coming back.
Faith Verse
Philippians 3:14
"I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus is calling us."
Question of the Day:
Will I see my family and friends again after they die?
Read:
1 Thessalonians 5:6–11
Does the thought of Jesus’ return excite you or scare you? If you feel a little scared, you don’t have to. We can be prepared for Jesus’ return and we don’t have to be scared. Verse 8 tells us what we need to do be prepared and on our guard for when Jesus returns. It says, “But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation.”
We can be completely ready and prepared for His return if we keep our faith in Him and be confident in our own salvation. That means that we believe in Jesus and know that we are saved. That’s it! You don’t need to pack an emergency bag or take a class to learn any special skills.
God wants us to be saved. That’s why He sent Jesus the first time to die for us. God wants us to come and live with Him forever. If you already believe in Jesus and have asked Him to forgive you for the wrong things you’ve done, get out there and help others believe in Him too. The best thing we can do to prepare for Jesus’ return is to tell others about Him so they can be ready too.
Think about it:
Question 1. What armor will protect us and prepare us for Jesus’ return?
Answer 1. The armor of faith and love and the helmet of salvation (1 Thessalonians 5:8)
Question 2. What does God not want to pour out on us?
Answer 2. His anger (1 Thessalonians 5:9)
Question 3. What should we do for other followers of Jesus?
Answer 3. Encourage one another and build them up (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Talk about it:
•What did today’s devotion make you think about?
•What do you usually do to prepare for a trip?
•What do you need to do to prepare for Jesus’ return? Are you ready?
•Do you know anyone you can help become prepared for Jesus’ return?
Pray about It
God, thank You for preparing us for Jesus’ return. Please help me to share what I know about You and help as many people as possible get prepared for His return. Amen.
Jesus is coming back.
Faith Verse
Philippians 3:14
"I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus is calling us."
Question of the Day:
Will I see my family and friends again after they die?
Read:
1 Thessalonians 5:6–11
Does the thought of Jesus’ return excite you or scare you? If you feel a little scared, you don’t have to. We can be prepared for Jesus’ return and we don’t have to be scared. Verse 8 tells us what we need to do be prepared and on our guard for when Jesus returns. It says, “But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation.”
We can be completely ready and prepared for His return if we keep our faith in Him and be confident in our own salvation. That means that we believe in Jesus and know that we are saved. That’s it! You don’t need to pack an emergency bag or take a class to learn any special skills.
God wants us to be saved. That’s why He sent Jesus the first time to die for us. God wants us to come and live with Him forever. If you already believe in Jesus and have asked Him to forgive you for the wrong things you’ve done, get out there and help others believe in Him too. The best thing we can do to prepare for Jesus’ return is to tell others about Him so they can be ready too.
Think about it:
Question 1. What armor will protect us and prepare us for Jesus’ return?
Answer 1. The armor of faith and love and the helmet of salvation (1 Thessalonians 5:8)
Question 2. What does God not want to pour out on us?
Answer 2. His anger (1 Thessalonians 5:9)
Question 3. What should we do for other followers of Jesus?
Answer 3. Encourage one another and build them up (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Talk about it:
•What did today’s devotion make you think about?
•What do you usually do to prepare for a trip?
•What do you need to do to prepare for Jesus’ return? Are you ready?
•Do you know anyone you can help become prepared for Jesus’ return?
Pray about It
God, thank You for preparing us for Jesus’ return. Please help me to share what I know about You and help as many people as possible get prepared for His return. Amen.