Celebrating the joy that turned the world upside down. A middle school devotional designed to point students toward the joy that comes from Jesus this Christmas. In this devotional, you’ll find encouragement to recognize the joy that Jesus brought to the world at Christmas and to experience that joy in your own life no matter what your holiday season brings. 

Shake It Up

Everyone loves a story! Maybe that’s why Jesus used stories so often when he was telling people about God. This three-day reading plan introduces children to three of Jesus’ much-loved “parables”: stories of being lost – and being found again. Along the way, they will find out more about our loving and ever-searching God. The plan complements the free children’s game app Guardians of Ancora. 

Guardians Of Ancora Bible Plan: Ancora Kids Are Lost!

The blessings we receive from God are many. This reading plan focuses on the blessings we receive through Baptism, Lord’s Supper, God’s Word, and heaven.

Thankful

Are you happy? In this guide from Rick Warren, you will be challenged to live a life that is full of joy. When we learn to relax in God’s grace and practice habits of happiness, we begin to understand the secret of true happiness that comes only through Jesus.

Prayers Of Habits For Happiness

Waiting for test results from the doctor. Hearing your company is about to downsize. Getting a call from your child’s school. What makes the difference in how we respond to uncertain or challenging circumstances? I believe that finding peace is more than “thinking positively” that everything will work out. True peace and contentment comes from focusing our thoughts on the fact that no matter what, God is with us—and his truth never changes.

How Joyful People Think

Life is simply too short to keep the good news of Jesus to ourselves.  Every day there is evidence of how much God loves you and every day there are people who need to hear how much he loves them too.  Straight from God’s Word, this 7-day devotion series shared by The Lutheran Home Association’s chaplains, will help you live out God’s love wherever your day takes you.

Make Every Day Count

In the God Is Pretty Good at Second Chances Plan, author Raquel Copeland empowers readers to be hopeful for a brighter tomorrow through God despite their current negative circumstances.

God Is Pretty Good at Second Chances

How do you show love to others?  The theme of these guided biblical meditations is a reflection on the love of God and choosing to show His love to the world.  Choosing to love is difficult with so much evil in the world, but I pray these meditations will help you decide to love God and pay His love forward. Embrace Jesus’ example of humility and show it to others.

Choosing to Love

Is your life characterized by joy? If you’re not sure exactly what that means or would look like, spend the next four days learning from theologian Eugene H. Peterson. Peterson, an author, biblical scholar, and pastor, uncovers the essential nature of joy to the Christian experience. His example, in life as well as in death, was characterized by joy. Find yourself renewed, springing forth no matter the circumstances.

Joy