Every Day with Jesus: 365 Devotions for Kids

by Charles F. Stanley Narrated by Henry O. Arnold

Overview

Help your children grow closer to the Lord with*Every Day with Jesus,*the first devotional for children from beloved pastor Dr. Charles Stanley.

In his first-ever devotional for children, Dr. Charles Stanley takes young readers his message to spend time each day with Jesus to develop a strong faith.

Every Day with Jesus*is seamlessly coordinated with the devotional for adults,*Every Day in His Presence, so adults and children read the same theme and Scripture each day. It is perfect for families to grow in their faith, individually and together. Every reading includes a devotional message, Scripture, prayer, and daily takeaway to help young believers develop an intimate and rich relationship with Jesus.

The children's devotional is adapted for reading comprehension, vocabulary, and issues relevant to children.

Every Day with Jesus:

• is based on the same themes as those in Dr. Stanley's bestselling devotional for adults,*Every Day in His Presence.
• helps families grow together in their faith with coordinated readings.
• includes in each reading a devotional message, Scripture, prayer, and daily takeaway to help young believers develop an intimate and rich relationship with Jesus.
• is for kids,*ages 6-10.

Dr. Stanley is a respected and trusted Christian teacher, and his beautiful devotional brings his life's message to a whole new generation.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940175046480
Publisher:	Nelson, Tommy
Publication date:	01/24/2023
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	5 - 8 Years

Read an Excerpt

CHAPTER 1

JANUARY

JANUARY 1

A GREAT, BIG LOVE

God created human beings in his image.

GENESIS 1:27

Have you ever thought about how much God loves you? You could spend your whole life thinking about it and still never understand how huge God's love for you is.

For starters, God made you in His own image! Just think about that: God wanted you to look like Him —maybe not on the outside, but in your heart and soul. Then think about how God created every treasure in the universe, but He says you're worth more than any of them. In fact, you're so special to God that He wants to talk to you and to be part of every single moment of your life. He wants to fill you up with His love so full that when other people look at you, they see His love (Matthew 5:16).

So if you ever wonder what you're worth, remember this: God created you, He loves you, and He says you belong to Him (Isaiah 43:1).

Lord, thank You for loving me with such a great, big love, amen.

TODAY WITH JESUS ... THINK ABOUT HOW MUCH GOD LOVES YOU.

JANUARY 2

JUST BECAUSE YOU'RE YOU

God, you are my God. I want to follow you.... Your love is better than life.

PSALM 63:1, 3

Do you ever pretend to be someone you're not and do things you'd rather not do — just so people will like you? Do you ever wish that people knew the real you? That they loved you just because you're ... you?

Of course, lots of people know and love you. But there's only One who will ever perfectly know and love you, and that's God. He knows everything you've ever thought or done or said, and everything you will ever think or do or say. The good stuff and not-so-good stuff. And He still loves you.

When you mess up — when you sin — you might be tempted to think God doesn't love you or want you around anymore. Don't believe that for a second! God created you to be with Him, and He never stops wanting you to be with Him. There's nothing you can do or think or say that will ever make Him stop loving you. Not ever.

Father, thank You for knowing me and loving me, amen.

TODAY WITH JESUS ... REMEMBER GOD LOVES YOU JUST BECAUSE YOU'RE YOU.

JANUARY 3

LET JESUS SET YOU FREE

"If the Son makes you free, then you will be truly free."

JOHN 8: 36

Have you ever seen a donkey carry a heavy load on its back? Have you ever noticed the donkey can't get that load off its back all by itself? It simply can't reach it. A donkey needs someone else to take away its heavy load.

And so do you. "But I'm not carrying any heavy loads on my back," you say. You're right — your load is inside you. It's your bad feelings, like anger, jealousy, sadness, and pain. Those feelings can get buried deep down inside, where you can't reach them. They get heavier and heavier, dragging you down. You need someone to take away your heavy load. You need Jesus. He's the only One who can do it.

Jesus will set you free from your heavy load. He'll comfort you and help you forgive and be joyful. All you have to do is ask — and Jesus will set you free.

Lord, thank You for sending Jesus to set me free.

TODAY WITH JESUS ... LET HIM TAKE AWAY YOUR HEAVY LOAD.

JANUARY 4

JOY — NO MATTER WHAT

"I 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

Do you have joy, no matter what's happening in your life? It's possible to have that kind of joy with Jesus.

That doesn't mean that if you follow Jesus you'll never have another problem. But it does mean that Jesus will always stay right by your side. When you're sad, He'll comfort you. When you're afraid, He'll help you be brave. And when you have troubles — and there will always be troubles in this world — Jesus will guide you and help you. He'll even use your troubles to help you trust Him more, and He'll bless you with the joy of simply being with Him.

Jesus will never leave you on your own, not in happy times and especially not in troubled times. So the next time you're going through a tough time, don't give up. Instead, thank Jesus for the help and the joy He's already sending your way (Psalm 126:6).

Lord, I'm so glad You're always right beside me. Thank You for helping me, amen.

TODAY WITH JESUS ... LOOK FOR HIS JOY, NO MATTER WHAT'S HAPPENING.

JANUARY 5

TRUST AND BELIEVE

"Don't worry, because I am with you. Don't be afraid, because I am your God. I will make you strong and will help you. I will support you with my right hand that saves you."

ISAIAH 41:10

Some people say they believe in God and trust Him, but their lives are filled with fear, worry, and doubt. That's not how God wants His people to live.

You can trust God, and you can believe every one of His promises. God wants only the very best for you. When you follow Him and try to obey His Word, He won't let you miss out on all the very best things He has planned for you (Hebrews 11:6). But remember, what God knows is best for you might be different from what you think is best for you. Trust God — He knows what your soul needs.

Is there something you're afraid of? Or worried about? Talk to God. Ask Him to take away those worries and fears. Trust Him to help you. And don't forget: God is always good. So if He doesn't give you what you want, it's because He has something even better planned for you.

Lord, I trust You, and I believe You want only the very best for me, amen.

TODAY WITH JESUS ... BELIEVE GOD IS DOING GOOD THINGS FOR YOU.

JANUARY 6

WHICH WAY SHOULD I GO?

When a man's steps follow the Lord, God is pleased with his ways.

PSALM 37:23

When you've had to make a choice, did you ever wish God would just shout from heaven and tell you what to do or where to go? God promises to guide you and help you, but sometimes it may not feel like He is. Don't worry. God really is working in your life, guiding and helping you, even when it doesn't feel like it.

God hears you when you pray. He knows everything that's happening, He knows when you aren't sure what to do, and He knows just what you need. He won't hide His plans from you (Jeremiah 29:11– 13) — but He probably won't show them all to you at once, either.

God is teaching you to trust Him. While He won't show you the end of this road you're walking, He will show you the next step to take — and He'll always be right there beside you.

Lord, it's hard sometimes, but I trust You to show me the next step to take, amen.

TODAY WITH JESUS ... TRUST HIM TO SHOW YOU WHICH WAY TO GO.

JANUARY 7

WHAT "HAVING FAITH" MEANS

Without faith no one can please God. Anyone who comes to God must believe that he is real and that he rewards those who truly want to find him.

HEBREWS 11:6

What do you really want? Not stuff, like a bike — but bigger things, like your parents to stop fighting or someone you love to stop being sick. Did you tell God about it? Do you believe He'll help?

Believing God — what some people call having faith — doesn't mean you know exactly how things will turn out. Instead, it means knowing who God is: that He's always loving and good. Having faith is believing God means what He says, and He will do what He promises (Isaiah 55:10–11).

"But I've been waiting so long, and God still hasn't fixed my problem," you say. Yes, sometimes God will ask you to wait for His answer (Isaiah 64:4). The important thing is to keep believing while you wait — and trusting that He wants only the best for you. You don't have to beg God to keep His promises, because He always will, in His own perfect way.

God, I do have faith. But please help my faith to be stronger when I have to wait, amen.

TODAY WITH JESUS ... CHOOSE TO BELIEVE — CHOOSE TO HAVE FAITH.

JANUARY 8

THE MOST AMAZING GIFT

The Lord has set his throne in heaven. And his kingdom rules over everything.

PSALM 103:19

You have been given the most amazing gift ever. What is it? It's the gift of knowing God. You get to talk to God, the Creator of everything, any time you want. What an amazing gift!

God knows you too. And guess what? He knows you even better than you know yourself! He knows your past, present, and future. He knows everything you think and feel. And no matter what you'll face today, God already knows all about it, and He has the very best plan to get you through it.

With His all-powerful hand, God can do anything. With His unlimited knowledge, He'll guide you. And because of His never-failing love, He'll make sure that everything in your life will be used for your good — even the tough things (Romans 8:28).

There's absolutely nothing better in this whole world —this whole universe — than knowing God and being known by Him!

God, help me know You just a little better each day, amen.

TODAY WITH JESUS ... LEARN SOMETHING ABOUT GOD.

JANUARY 9

THE DEVIL LOVES TO LIE

We capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ.

2 CORINTHIANS 10:5

he Devil is your worst enemy, and he loves to lie to you. He likes to whisper things into your thoughts — things like, "You're a loser; it's hopeless, so just give up; God's not going to answer your prayer"; and "God doesn't even want anything to do with you." The Devil knows exactly what to say to make you feel terrible.

But remember this: the Devil is a liar (John 8:44). Don't listen to him! Those terrible things he whispers aren't true. Believe what God says instead — He never lies to you.

And what does God say? What's His truth for you? When you trust God, you're a winner (Proverbs 16:3). There's always hope because Jesus is on your side (John 16:33). God not only hears your prayers, He answers every one of them (Matthew 7:7–11). And God loves you so much, He'll never let you go (John 10:11, 27–28). Believe God. He always tells the truth.

Lord, help me spot the Devil's lies, and show me Your truth instead, amen.

TODAY WITH JESUS ... TRUST THAT GOD'S WORD IS ALWAYS TRUE.

JANUARY 10

GOD ALREADY KNOWS

"The Spirit of the Lord is in me. This is because God chose me to tell the Good News to the poor. God sent me to tell the prisoners of sin that they are free."

LUKE 4:18

Are there things about yourself that you're ashamed of: bad choices you've made, past mistakes, or something you've done or said that you wish you hadn't? Some of those things may be so painful that you don't want anyone to know about them — especially not God.

But God already knows. He knows all the very best things about you — and the very worst. He knows your deepest hurts, your biggest fears, and your worst mistakes. And He still loves you so much that He sent Jesus to save you (Romans 5:8).

God wants you with Him, no matter what you've done. He wants to talk with you and spend time with you. He wants to set you free from shame — to heal your hurts and wash away your sins and mistakes. Don't be afraid of what God knows. Tell Him everything. And then let God tell you how much you're loved.

God, You know everything I've ever done or said or thought, and You still love me. Thank You, amen.

TODAY WITH JESUS ... REMEMBER HE LOVES YOU, NO MATTER WHAT.

JANUARY 11

GIVE YOUR EVERYTHING TO GOD

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and strength."

DEUTERONOMY 6:5

It's important to give God every part of your life — at home, at school, with friends, in sports — not just at church. If you don't, you'll end up building a wall between you and God.

For example, maybe you keep God out of your friendships, so you can do things God wouldn't like. Or you keep Him out of school, so you can pretend it doesn't matter if you cheat. Or you keep God out of sports, so you can throw a fit after a bad game. You tell yourself God won't notice your sins, if you don't give Him that part of your life.

But God sees every sin, and those bad choices build up a wall that keeps you apart from Him. You can tear down that wall, though, by giving your whole life to Him. You'll still mess up sometimes, but if you tell God about it, He'll always forgive you.

Dear God, help me give every part of my life to You, amen.

TODAY WITH JESUS ... INVITE HIM INTO EVERYTHING YOU DO.

JANUARY 12

DECISIONS, DECISIONS

Remember the Lord in everything you do. And he will give you success.

PROVERBS 3:6

When you have a decision to make, how do you decide what to do? Do you make a quick choice, or just do whatever your friends do? Or do you take time to carefully think about which choice would be best?

How you make decisions actually says a lot about you. Do you go with what would be the most fun or the easiest or the safest? Are you willing to risk messing up, failing, or just looking silly? Do you do whatever it takes to protect yourself from any kind of pain or sadness?

No matter how you choose to make your decisions, there's one thing you must always include — a talk with God. Ask Him about all your decisions. Only He knows the perfect choices for you. Ask God to guide you with His perfect wisdom, because He'll never lead you to a wrong decision.

Lord, in everything, please show me what You want me to do, amen.

TODAY WITH JESUS ... TRUST GOD TO HELP YOU MAKE GOOD DECISIONS.

JANUARY 13

GOD CREATES GOODNESS

We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

ROMANS 8:28 NLT

Is there some problem in your life that just won't go away? Maybe it's huge, or maybe it's small, but it's always there. You've prayed and prayed about it, and you just can't figure out why God won't take it away. It's okay to wonder why, and it's okay if you don't understand. The important thing is to keeping trusting God — He has a plan for you and your problem. You just don't see it yet.

God is ruler over everything — yes, even your struggles (Psalm 103:19). And He promises that He'll use everything in your life for your good, because you love Him. Everything. Even that pesky problem.

So the next time that problem pops up, talk to God about it. Then trust Him not only to take care of it — in His own perfect way and time — but also to somehow bless you through it.

Father, I'm not sure what good will come from this problem, but I trust You to take care of it, amen.

TODAY WITH JESUS ... LOOK FOR THE GOODNESS GOD BRINGS OUT OF YOUR TROUBLES.

JANUARY 14

LIVING CLOSE TO GOD

At one time all these things were important to me. But now I think those things are worth nothing because of Christ.

PHILIPPIANS 3:7

Jesus came to earth and died on a cross to give you the most beautiful gift — the forgiveness of your sins. He took all the punishment for your sins, so you can look forward to living forever with Him in heaven (Ephesians 2:8–9). Because of Jesus, you can talk to God and He will listen.

God wants to spend time with you, listen to you, and help you. He wants you to grow closer and closer to Him, so you can love Him more and more. But there are things that can keep you from getting closer to God, such as: selfishness, jealousy, anger, and hate. To get closer to God, you have to give up those things.

God wants you to be forgiving, kind, and loving to others (Ephesians 4:32). But most of all, He wants you to be like Him. So when you do as God asks — loving Him and loving others — you'll live closer and closer to Him.

Lord, help me to love You and love others, so that I can get closer to You, amen.

TODAY WITH JESUS ... PUT OTHERS BEFORE YOURSELF.

JANUARY 15

WHAT'S BEST FOR YOU

Anyone who trusts in him will never be disappointed.

1 PETER 2:6

Have you ever heard someone say, "Not my will, God, but Your will be done"? Do you understand what that means? It means that you believe God will always do what's best for you. And even though you may want Him to answer your prayer in one way, you understand that if He answers it a different way, then His way is much, much better. When you trust God, you'll never be disappointed.

So when you face a problem, and you know how you want it to turn out, you have a choice to make. Will you trust God and obey Him, even if you don't like His answer? Or will you try to fix it your own way? Remember: when you trust God, He'll never let you down. He will always do what's best for you — and it will be greater than any- thing you could ever even ask or imagine!

Lord, I trust You to do what's best for me. I know You'll never let me down, amen.

TODAY WITH JESUS ... PRAY THAT GOD'S WILL BE DONE.

(Continues…)

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Excerpted from "Every Day With Jesus"
by .
Copyright © 2018 Charles F. Stanley.
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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