FamilyDevotionals

The key to long friendships is a short memory, says humorist Michael Hodgin. It’s easy to be a friend to someone who likes and respects you. Have you ever considered being a friend to someone who can’t give you anything in return? Or, what about the person whose mere presence gives you a headache? Now […]

“I think God can be everywhere because he can look at everybody from the sky,” says Kate. “God has angels everywhere to help him be everywhere,” says Emilee, 8. Friends, I believe you’re trying to confine God to the space of his creation. Instead, imagine dipping a cup in the ocean. Let the water in […]

“They didn’t recognize him because he was probably wearing raggedy clothes, and it didn’t look like Jesus,” says Cory, 9. Maybe his clothes were different. We simply don’t know. It’s possible, but I think there’s a more probable explanation. Of all Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances, the conversation with two disciples on the road to Emmaus has […]

“Jesus is the Word because through him all things are made,” says Jonathan, 8. “What he said became. Through the words of Jesus, the Earth and man were made. So, he is the Word.” When we read, “In the beginning was the Word” in John’s Gospel, we should immediately think of another Bible text that […]

In a poll of several hundred experts, angel food cake was voted the preferred cuisine of heaven. Angel hair pasta came in second. But Angel Food Ice Cream kept showing up as a favorite from kids in Memphis, Tennessee. Is this some new flavor? When I discovered there’s an ice cream brand in Memphis by […]

On Thanksgiving Day, families all over America sit down to dinner at the same time — halftime. “Thanksgiving has two good words,” says Hollie, age 9. “They are ‘thanks’ and ‘giving,’ and that’s what we need to do — thank others and be giving. Those are two things my mom taught me.” Hollie, your mom […]

If everyone kept their word, attorneys might go out of business. A lawyer once told a client: “Let me give you my honest opinion.” The client responded, “No, no. I’m paying for professional advice.” We’re more interested in how we can get out of something than the truth. Is it mere coincidence that immediately after […]

“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet,” according to Shakespeare. But is it really true that names are unimportant? God is in the naming business, and so is the devil. Whoever names, rules. God gave man dominion over the Earth and let the first […]

“I think God will give me ‘Bubba’ as a new name,” says Andrew, age 11. “‘Bubba’ means like a good friend. I think everybody will have a good name in heaven because there is no evil there.” If there’s a southern section of heaven, Bubba should work just fine. It’s “Scooby Doo” for Drew, 7. […]

“God promised he would never flood the Earth again,” says Katie, age 7. “He put a rainbow in the sky. God told Joseph to build an ark. It was hard for Joseph, but he did it.” Katie, you left out the part about Joseph painting the ark many colors. Actually, it was Joseph’s coat that […]

“The Lord has protected me by using my dog,” says Alan, age 10. “Once a dog almost bit me, but my boxer chased him away. God helps me hide from things, and he helps me by letting my dad be a cop.” You’ve got a boxer, and your dad is a cop. Why hide from […]

“I try not to get in fights so I won’t need protection, and God can go and help someone else who really needs protection,” says Taylor, age 9. Avoiding fights will certainly make your life easier, Taylor, but we all need God’s protection for other things. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to be prepared for […]