1 FAMILY DEVOTIONAL - Razorplanet

1 FAMILY DEVOTIONAL 

BEFORE YOU BEGIN… spending time together reading the 

bible and praying is one of the most important things that you can do for and with 

your family. We have been given the great responsibility of passing on the gospel 

to the next generation and equipping them to also pass it on. This is not always 

easy and can be an intimidating task. These short devotions will help you take 

intentional steps to make the word of God a foundational and practical part of 

your family. Here are some tips to help you begin this journey together: find the 

best time for your family, meet at the same time and place, start out slowly, keep 

it brief, make it a priority, be flexible, and persevere! 

READ IT TOGETHER 

(tip: read it out loud and take turns reading; if you have young children ask 

them to count the times that God saw that what he made was “good.”) 

Genesis 1: The Account of Creation (NLT) 

1In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2The earth was formless 

and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering 

over the surface of the waters.3Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there 

was light. 4And God saw that the light was good. Then he separated the light from 

the darkness. 5God called the light “day” and the darkness “night." And evening 

passed and morning came, marking the first day.6Then God said, “Let there be a 

space between the waters, to separate the waters of the heavens from the waters of 

the earth.” 7And that is what happened. God made this space to separate the waters 

of the earth from the waters of the heavens. 8God called the space “sky." And evening 

passed and morning came, marking the second day.9Then God said, “Let the 

waters beneath the sky flow together into one place, so dry ground may appear.” 

And that is what happened. 10God called the dry ground “land” and the waters 

“seas.” And God saw that it was good. 11Then God said, “Let the land sprout with 

vegetation—every sort of seed-bearing plant, and trees that grow seed-bearing fruit. 

These seeds will then produce the kinds of plants and trees from which they came.” 

And that is what happened. 12The land produced vegetation—all sorts of seedbearing 

plants, and trees with seed-bearing fruit. Their seeds produced plants and 

trees of the same kind. And God saw that it was good.13And evening passed and 

morning came, marking the third day.14Then God said, “Let lights appear in the sky 

to separate the day from the night. Let them be signs to mark the seasons, days, and 

years.15Let these lights in the sky shine down on the earth.” And that is what happened. 

16God made two great lights—the larger one to govern the day, and the 

smaller one to govern the night. He also made the stars.17God set these lights in the 

sky to light the earth, 18to govern the day and night, and to separate the light from 

the darkness. And God saw that it was good.19And evening passed and morning 

came, marking the fourth day. 

SAY IT IN A SENTENCE 

God created everything from nothing just by speaking and He saw that 

what He had made was good. 

TALK ABOUT IT 

(tip: These questions span multiple age groups. Feel free to choose the 

questions that are most appropriate for your family (and to add your own). 

1. When God made something, He saw that it was good. What are a 

couple of your favorite things that God made? 

2. God created everything from nothing. If you could create something 

right now, what would it be? 

3. All God had to do to create something was to say it. What does that tell 

us about how powerful God is? 

FAMILY MEMORY VERSE 

(tip: print out memory verse cards and place them on your refrigerator, on 

mirrors, or in lunches; review them together during the week.) 

Genesis 1:1—In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 

FAMILY PRAYER 

Ask each person to say one thing that God made that they are thankful 

for. Write them on the lines below: 

_______________ _______________ 

_______________ _______________ 

_______________ _______________ 

Thank God for the things you wrote down using your own prayer or the one below: 

God, 

Thank you for your creation and your power. Our family wants to 

tell you “thank you” for creating… (list the things you wrote down 

above and any others). 

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen. 

riverchurchonline.com


PARENT TIP: MAKE IT A PRIORITY 

There are numerous things that simultaneously compete for 

our undivided attention: work, to-do lists, friends, and yes, even family. But 

busyness does not equal a godly family and is actually one of the greatest 

hindrances to developing one. Commit as a family to set aside a specific 

time on a specific day to meet in a specific place to read together, pray 

together, share together, and just be together. Make it a priority and God 

will bless your efforts and your family. 


Genesis 1 - The Account of Creation (NLT) 

20Then God said, “Let the waters swarm with fish and other life. Let the 

skies be filled with birds of every kind.” 21So God created great sea creatures 

and every living thing that scurries and swarms in the water, and 

every sort of bird—each producing offspring of the same kind. And God 

saw that it was good. 22Then God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and 

multiply. Let the fish fill the seas, and let the birds multiply on the earth.” 

23And evening passed and morning came, marking the fifth day. 24Then 

God said, “Let the earth produce every sort of animal, each producing offspring 

of the same kind—livestock, small animals that scurry along the 

ground, and wild animals.” And that is what happened. 25God made all 

sorts of wild animals, livestock, and small animals, each able to produce 

offspring of the same kind. And God saw that it was good. 26Then God 

said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign 

over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals 

on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.” 

27So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he 

created them; male and female he created them. 28Then God blessed 

them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign 

over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry 

along the ground.” 29Then God said, “Look! I have given you every seedbearing 

plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your 

food. 30And I have given every green plant as food for all the wild animals, 

the birds in the sky, and the small animals that scurry along the ground— 

everything that has life.” And that is what happened. 31Then God looked 

over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good! And evening 

passed and morning came, marking the sixth day. 

Genesis 2 

1So the creation of the heavens and the earth and everything in them was 

completed. 2On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so 

he rested from all his work. 3And God blessed the seventh day and declared 

it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of 

creation. 4This is the account of the creation of the heavens and the earth. 

SUMMARIZE IT 

As we finish the story of how God created everything there are certain 

things that we can learn about God and about us. We see that everything 

God made was good and when He looked at all of it together, He saw that it 

was very good. We see that God created us in a unique way, different from 

how He created everything else. And, when God was finished, He even 

created a special day for us to rest and focus on Him. 

TALK ABOUT IT 

(tip: These questions span multiple age groups. Feel free to choose the questions 

that are most appropriate for your family (and to add your own). 

1. God said that everything He made was very good. But is there anything 

that God made that you don’t really like too much (i.e. spiders, mosquitos, 

peas) or anything that you don’t really understand why He made 

it (i.e. platypus, earlobes, ticklish spots)? 

2. We see in verse 26 that when God created us He gave us certain characteristics 

and abilities that He has, too. For example, God gave us an 

ability to think and be creative. Have you ever created something that 

you thought was very good (i.e. craft, picture you colored, assignment, 

project)? 

3. Are there any other characteristics that you can think of that God has 

that He also gave to us (i.e. love, truth, wisdom, goodness, beauty, 

etc.)? 

4. Read Genesis 2:7—Then the LORD God formed the man from the dust 

of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man's nostrils, 

and the man became a living person. How was God’s creation of man 

different from how He created everything else? (answer: formed, not 

spoken God-breathed into existence). What does that tell us about the 

relationship we have with God? 


tip: create cards and place on refrigerators, mirrors, etc. and review them during 

the week 

Genesis 2:7— Then the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the 

ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man's nostrils, and the man 

became a living person. 


Thank God together for the unique way He created us and the special 

relationship that we have with Him.


PARENT TIP: START SLOWLY 

Spending time reading the bible and praying together as a 

family may be something new for you. Even if it’s not new it still may be intimidating. 

Don’t expect too much too soon. If you are faithful in reading just a 

small portion of Scripture and praying a short prayer, God will bless your efforts 

and your family will grow together. 


Genesis 3:1-13 - The Fall of Man 

1The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the LORD God had made. 

One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from 

any of the trees in the garden?” 2“Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the 

garden,” the woman replied. 3“It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the 

garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch 

it; if you do, you will die.’” 4“You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. 

5“God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be 

like God, knowing both good and evil.” 6The woman was convinced. She saw that 

the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it 

would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her 

husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. 7At that moment their eyes were 

opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig 

leaves together to cover themselves. 8When the cool evening breezes were blowing, 

the man and his wife heard the LORD God walking about in the garden. So they 

hid from the LORD God among the trees. 9Then the LORD God called to the man, 

“Where are you?” 10He replied, “I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was 

afraid because I was naked.” 11“Who told you that you were naked?” the LORD 

God asked. “Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to 

eat?” 12The man replied, “It was the woman you gave me who gave me the fruit, 

and I ate it.” 13Then the LORD God asked the woman, “What have you done?” “The 

serpent deceived me,” she replied. “That’s why I ate it.” 

Genesis 3:20-24 - God’s Judgment 

20Then the man—Adam—named his wife Eve, because she would be the mother 

of all who live. 21And the LORD God made clothing from animal skins for Adam and 

his wife. 22Then the LORD God said, “Look, the human beings have become like 

us, knowing both good and evil. What if they reach out, take fruit from the tree of 

life, and eat it? Then they will live forever!” 23So the LORD God banished them from 

the Garden of Eden, and he sent Adam out to cultivate the ground from which he 

had been made. 24After sending them out, the LORD God stationed mighty cherubim 

to the east of the Garden of Eden. And he placed a flaming sword that flashed 

back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life. 

SUMMARIZE IT 

Last time we read about how God completed His creation and how He said it was “very 

good.” But unfortunately, it did not stay that way. Adam and Eve had a perfect relationship 

with God, their Creator, but chose to disobey Him. They gave into temptation and ate the 

fruit from the tree that God had commanded them not to. Because of their disobedience 

God gave them a punishment that we still feel today. But God also gave them a promise 

that we can also still experience today. 

TALK ABOUT IT 

1. All of us are tempted to disobey God just like Adam and Eve were. But the best way to 

not disobey Him is to know what He has said. Read the verses below and identify the difference 

between what God actually said and what Eve remembered God saying: 

Genesis 2:16-17 But the LORD God warned him, “You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in 

the garden— except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are 

sure to die.” 

Genesis 3:3 “It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed 

to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die. 

(Tip: explain how reading the bible is the best way we can know and obey what God has 

said) 

2. If you could have one thing this Christmas... anything you wanted... what would it be? It’s 

okay to want things... especially at Christmas! But it becomes a problem when we won’t be 

happy unless we get what we want. Just like Adam and Eve, sometimes it’s hard for us to 

be happy and satisfied with just the things that God has given us. Adam and Eve disobeyed 

God because they wanted something more. Why do you think it is hard for us to be satisfied 

with just the things God has given us? 

3. God punished Adam and Eve because they disobeyed Him. But He didn’t only give them 

a punishment, He also gave them a promise. God said in Genesis 3:15,“he will strike your 

head, and you will strike his heel.” This was God making a promise that even though the 

serpent made Adam and Eve sin by disobeying God, God would one day send Jesus who 

would ultimately crush the head of the serpent, the devil. Adam and Eve had done wrong, 

but God was going to take care of it through Jesus. What does that teach us about how God 

cares for His children? 

(tip: explain how God forgives us and how He even uses our “mess ups” for His plans) 


tip: create cards and place on refrigerators, mirrors, etc. and review them during the week 

If there is a verse that stands out to you, choose to memorize it as a family. If not, use this 

time to review or catch up on the previous memory verses. 


Ask if there are any ways that your family can pray for each other. Pray for the requests 

given and thank God for His forgiveness and care for us. 

* For further reading you can read how God cursed the serpent, Eve, and Adam in verses 14-19.

4 


FAMILY DEVOTIONAL 

REFRESH IT 

In the last set of readings we saw that God created everything very good but 

that it did not stay that way. When Adam and Eve sinned in the garden by disobeying God, their 

perfect relationship with Him was broken and, because of sin, things started to become how God 

did not design them to be. But God made a promise that one day He would send a Rescuer to 

restore what was broken. And that's just what He did when He sent Jesus. In this reading we will 

rewind back to the story of Noah. Things had continued to go wrong since Adam and Eve’s disobedience 

and because people continued to disobey and turn away from God, He had to punish 

them. But just as with Adam and Eve, God didn't just give a punishment, He also gave Noah and 

his family a promise. 

(The following verses are excerpts taken from 4 chapters that tell the story of Noah. If you have 

questions or would like to fill in the gaps, feel free to go back and read the entire story) 

Genesis 6 

11 Now God saw that the earth had become corrupt and was filled with violence. 

So God said to Noah, “I have decided to destroy all living creatures, for they have filled the earth 

with violence. Yes, I will wipe them all out along with the earth! 14 “Build a large boat from cypress 

wood and waterproof it with tar, inside and out. 

17 “Look! I am about to cover the earth with a flood that will destroy every living thing that 

breathes. Everything on earth will die. 18 But I will confirm my covenant with you. So enter the 

boat—you and your wife and your sons and their wives. 19 Bring a pair of every kind of animal— 

a male and a female—into the boat with you to keep them alive during the flood.22 So Noah did 

everything exactly as God had commanded him. 

Genesis 7 

17 For forty days the floodwaters grew deeper, covering the ground and lifting the boat high 

above the earth. 18 As the waters rose higher and higher above the ground, the boat floated 

safely on the surface. 19 Finally, the water covered even the highest mountains on the earth, 20 

rising more than twenty-two feet above the highest peaks. 21 All the living things on earth died— 

birds, domestic animals, wild animals, small animals that scurry along the ground, and all the 

people. The only people who survived were Noah and those with him in the boat. 24 And the 

floodwaters covered the earth for 150 days. 

Chapter 8 

But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and livestock with him in the boat. He sent a 

wind to blow across the earth, and the floodwaters began to recede. 

Noah opened the window he had made in the boat 7 and released a raven. The bird flew back 

and forth until the floodwaters on the earth had dried up. 8 He also released a dove to see if the 

water had receded and it could find dry ground. 9 But the dove could find no place to land because 

the water still covered the ground. So it returned to the boat, and Noah held out his hand 

and drew the dove back inside. 10 After waiting another seven days, Noah released the dove 

again. 11 This time the dove returned to him in the evening with a fresh olive leaf in its beak. 

Then Noah knew that the floodwaters were almost gone. 12 He waited another seven days and 

then released the dove again. This time it did not come back. 15 Then God said to Noah, 16 

“Leave the boat, all of you—you and your wife, and your sons and their wives. 

Genesis 9 

12 Then God said, “I am giving you a sign of my covenant with you and with all living creatures, 

for all generations to come. 13 I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant 

with you and with all the earth. 14 When I send clouds over the earth, the rainbow will appear 

in the clouds, 15 and I will remember my covenant with you and with all living creatures. 

Never again will the floodwaters destroy all life. 16 When I see the rainbow in the clouds, I will 

remember the eternal covenant between God and every living creature on earth.” 17 Then God 

said to Noah, “Yes, this rainbow is the sign of the covenant I am confirming with all the creatures 

on earth.” 

TALK ABOUT IT 

(tip: These questions span multiple age groups. Feel free to choose the questions that are most appropriate 

for your family (and add your own). 

1. What do you think it would have been like being stuck on a boat for so long with so many 

animals? 

(tip: Remember the scary storm going on outside. Did they ever think the boat might not 

make it? Did they play games or sing songs to pass the time? Did all those animals make 

the boat smell bad?) 

2. The rain that God sent lasted for 40 days and 40 nights. But Noah, his family, and the animals 

were on the boat a much longer time. They had to stay inside for about a whole year! 

That's a long time to be stuck anywhere, even if you do love the people that you're with. If 

you had been in the boat, what do you think would have been the first thing you would have 

done when you got off (i.e. run around and play, kiss the dry ground, get as far away from 

the animals as possible)? 

When Noah and his family got off the boat the very first thing they did was give an offering to 

God. They wanted to show him how thankful they were that He had remembered them and kept 

them safe. Though they had been through a rough time, they still remembered and praised God. 

SUMMARIZE IT 

God sent a flood of punishment that caused many people and other living things to lose their 

lives. This was not the end of God’s creation though. This was God’s re-creation. New life would 

spring forth from the earth: new people, new plants, new animals. And as a sign that God would 

never destroy the earth with water again, He hung His bow in the sky, just like a warrior hangs his 

bow after a battle. God’s battle against sin was over for now. Through His punishment He had 

brought peace. Things would still go wrong again though. People would continue to turn away 

from God. They would continue to disobey Him. But God’s plan wasn’t done yet. The one who 

would battle sin and death once and for all; the one who would bring peace; the Prince of Peace 

himself would be here soon: Jesus, our promised Rescuer. 


Genesis 9:16 When I see the rainbow in the clouds, I will remember the eternal covenant between 

God and every living creature on earth. 


Thank God that we can always trust Him to keep His promises. Ask Him to help your family to 

remember this covenant (agreement) and to always obey and walk with God.

5 


PARENT TIP 

In these two passages of Scripture, we’ll meet a man called 

Abram who is better known as Abraham. God changed Abram’s name to Abraham 

in later in his life to reflect his role as the Father of Many Nations. Today 

we will read how God called Abram to something that would take great faith. 

Abram was going to have a great place in God’s great plan. 


Genesis 12 

The Call of Abram 

1The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and 

your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you.2I will make you into 

a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing 

to others. 3I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you 

with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” 4So 

Abram departed as the LORD had instructed, and Lot went with him. Abram was 

seventy-five years old when he left Haran. 5He took his wife, Sarai, his nephew 

Lot, and all his wealth—his livestock and all the people he had taken into his 

household at Haran—and headed for the land of Canaan. When they arrived in 

Canaan, 6Abram traveled through the land as far as Shechem. There he set up 

camp beside the oak of Moreh. At that time, the area was inhabited by Canaanites. 

7Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, “I will give this land to your 

descendants.” And Abram built an altar there and dedicated it to the LORD, who 

had appeared to him. 

Genesis 15 

The LORD’s Covenant Promise to Abram 

1Some time later, the LORD spoke to Abram in a vision and said to him, “Do not 

be afraid, Abram, for I will protect you, and your reward will be great.” 2But 

Abram replied, “O Sovereign LORD, what good are all your blessings when I 

don’t even have a son? Since you’ve given me no children, Eliezer of Damascus, 

a servant in my household, will inherit all my wealth. 3You have given me 

no descendants of my own, so one of my servants will be my heir.” 4Then the 

LORD said to him, “No, your servant will not be your heir, for you will have a son 

of your own who will be your heir.” 5Then the LORD took Abram outside and 

said to him, “Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That’s how 

many descendants you will have!” 6And Abram believed the LORD, and the 

LORD counted him as righteous because of his faith. 

SUMMARIZE IT 

God called Abram to leave everything he had ever known and to go to an unknown 

place. God promised him that he would prosper and be blessed. Abram 

was obedient and continued to show his faith in God. But he really wanted to 

have a son with whom could share in these blessings. Because of Abram’s 

obedience, God made a promise to him that he would have a son and more 

descendants than he could count! 

TALK ABOUT IT 



1. There were 4 main promises that God gave to Abram. Look in the verses 

you read to discover what they were (hint: they’re underlined). 

2. The promises can be summed up in: People, nation, land, and blessing. 

God’s promise that all the nations would be blessed through Abram is a particularly 

important one because it was fulfilled in Jesus. Read the verses below. 

How was this promise fulfilled through Jesus? 

Galatians 3:6-8 7The real children of Abraham, then, are those who put their 

faith in God. 8What’s more, the Scriptures looked forward to this time when 

God would declare the Gentiles [anyone who is not a Jew] to be righteous because 

of their faith. God proclaimed this good news to Abraham long ago when 

he said, “All nations will be blessed through you.” 9So all who put their faith in 

Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his faith.” 

Jesus was one of the descendants of Abraham that God promised would be as 

numerous as the stars. The promised blessing from God to Abraham that was 

fulfilled in Jesus was that salvation is now for all the families on earth! It doesn’t 

matter if you’re a Jew or a Gentile. Everyone who puts their faith in Jesus will 

be a righteous child of God. 

3. Abram showed great faith and trust in God when He called him to leave his 

home without telling him where he was going. What are some ways you can 

show your faith and trust in God? (Hint: telling others about God’s love, obeying 

even when it’s hard, praying for things that seem way too big for you) 


Genesis 15:6 And Abram believed the LORD, and the LORD counted him as 

righteous because of his faith. 


Thank God for showing His love for us through His promises. Ask Him to help 

you live a life of faith just like Abram.

7 


CONNECT IT 

God made a promise to Adam and Eve when they sinned that 

He would one day fix what they had broken. He made a promise to Abraham 

that all the nations of the earth would be blessed through him. That promise 

began with his son Isaac. We will read today how this promise is confirmed and 

continued in Jacob (Isaac’s son and Abraham’s grandson). God’s plan was 

beginning to unfold. God’s promise to restore and rescue was underway. What 

had been promised to Abraham, started in Isaac, and confirmed in Jacob, 

would one day be fulfilled in Jesus. 


Genesis 28:10–22 

Jacob’s Dream at Bethel 

10 Meanwhile, Jacob left Beersheba and traveled toward Haran. 11 At sundown 

he arrived at a good place to set up camp and stopped there for the night. 

Jacob found a stone to rest his head against and lay down to sleep. 12 As he 

slept, he dreamed of a stairway that reached from the earth up to heaven. And 

he saw the angels of God going up and down the stairway.13 At the top of the 

stairway stood the LORD, and he said, “I am the LORD, the God of your grandfather 

Abraham, and the God of your father, Isaac. The ground you are lying on 

belongs to you. I am giving it to you and your descendants. 14 Your descendants 

will be as numerous as the dust of the earth! They will spread out in all 

directions—to the west and the east, to the north and the south. And all the 

families of the earth will be blessed through you and your descendants. 15 

What’s more, I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. One day I 

will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have finished giving 

you everything I have promised you.” 16 Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and 

said, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I wasn’t even aware of it!” 17 But he 

was also afraid and said, “What an awesome place this is! It is none other than 

the house of God, the very gateway to heaven!” 18 The next morning Jacob got 

up very early. He took the stone he had rested his head against, and he set it 

upright as a memorial pillar. Then he poured olive oil over it. 19 He named that 

place Bethel (which means “house of God”), although it was previously called 

Luz. 20 Then Jacob made this vow: “If God will indeed be with me and protect 

me on this journey, and if he will provide me with food and clothing, 21 and if I 

return safely to my father’s home, then the LORD will certainly be my God. 22 

And this memorial pillar I have set up will become a place for worshiping God, 

and I will present to God a tenth of everything he gives me.” 

TALK ABOUT IT 



1. Jacob had tricked his father, Isaac, and his brother, Esau. He was on the 

run, going to his uncle’s house where he would be safe (read Gen. 27 for background 

info). On his journey he sets up camp so he can sleep but doesn’t have 

a pillow! So, for some reason, he chooses a rock to use instead. Choose 1 of 

the following questions to answer: What do you think if would have been like to 

sleep on a rock? Is there something you absolutely have to have to get a good 

night’s sleep? Where is the most uncomfortable place you’ve ever slept? Have 

you ever had a “less than perfect” camping experience? 

2. As Jacob slept, he had a very strange dream. It was one that he would never 

forget. What is a dream that you have had that has been strange or one that 

you remember? 

3. God used Jacob’s dream to tell him that the promises that were given to his 

grandfather, Abraham, was being continued in him. Read verses 13-15 again. 

What are the promises that God gives to Jacob (land, descendants, blessing, 

God’s presence and protection)? 

4. When Jacob awoke from his dream, he knew that something special had 

happened. So, he created a memorial to God so that he and others would always 

remember God’s faithfulness and worship Him there. Take a minute to 

think about something special that God has done for you or your family? What 

was it? 

5. Jacob created a memorial to remember what God had done for him. What 

can your family do to remember what God did for you? (ideas: create a picture 

and hang it up (an actual photo, an artistic word, etc.), find an item that reminds 

you of it and place it on a bookcase or fireplace mantle, etc.) 



the week 

20 Then Jacob made this vow: “If God will indeed be with me and protect me 

on this journey, and if he will provide me with food and clothing, 21 and if I return 

safely to my father’s home, then the LORD will certainly be my God. 


Thank God for His promises and faithfulness to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, 

and to us. Ask Him to help your family to always be able to say, like Jacob, that 

“the Lord will certainly be our God.”

8 


PARENT TIP 

The story of Joseph starts with a dream and ends with that dream coming 

true. Today’s reading only covers the beginning and end of his story so we would encourage you 

and your family to take some time this week to read the rest of Joseph’s story in the chapters in 

between. It’s pretty amazing to see how God works to bring about HIs plans through the good 

and the bad that Joseph encounters. 


Genesis 37:1-4 

Joseph’s Dreams 

1So Jacob settled again in the land of Canaan, where his father had lived as a foreigner. 2This is 

the account of Jacob and his family. When Joseph was seventeen years old, he often tended his 

father’s flocks. He worked for his half brothers, the sons of his father’s wives Bilhah and Zilpah. 

But Joseph reported to his father some of the bad things his brothers were doing. 3Jacob loved 

Joseph more than any of his other children because Joseph had been born to him in his old age. 

So one day Jacob had a special gift made for Joseph—a beautiful robe. 4But his brothers hated 

Joseph because their father loved him more than the rest of them. They couldn’t say a kind word 

to him. 

TALK ABOUT IT 

1. Joseph received a special gift from his father, Isaac, because of how much he loved him. What 

is one of your favorite things that you received as a present from someone (maybe from this 

Christmas)? 



Joseph Sold into Slavery 

18When Joseph’s brothers saw him coming, they recognized him in the distance. As he approached, 

they made plans to kill him. 19“Here comes the dreamer!” they said. 20“Come on, let’s 

kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns. We can tell our father, ‘A wild animal has eaten 

him.’ Then we’ll see what becomes of his dreams!” 21But when Reuben heard of their scheme, 

he came to Joseph’s rescue. “Let’s not kill him,” he said. 22“Why should we shed any blood? 

Let’s just throw him into this empty cistern here in the wilderness. Then he’ll die without our laying 

a hand on him.” Reuben was secretly planning to rescue Joseph and return him to his father. 

23So when Joseph arrived, his brothers ripped off the beautiful robe he was wearing. 24Then 

they grabbed him and threw him into the cistern. Now the cistern was empty; there was no water 

in it. 25Then, just as they were sitting down to eat, they looked up and saw a caravan of camels 

in the distance coming toward them. It was a group of Ishmaelite traders taking a load of gum, 

balm, and aromatic resin from Gilead down to Egypt. 26Judah said to his brothers, “What will we 

gain by killing our brother? We’d have to cover up the crime. 27Instead of hurting him, let’s sell 

him to those Ishmaelite traders. After all, he is our brother—our own flesh and blood!” And his 

brothers agreed. 28So when the Ishmaelites, who were Midianite traders, came by, Joseph’s 

brothers pulled him out of the cistern and sold him to them for twenty pieces of silver. And the 

traders took him to Egypt. 

29Some time later, Reuben returned to get Joseph out of the cistern. When he discovered that 

Joseph was missing, he tore his clothes in grief. 30Then he went back to his brothers and lamented, 

“The boy is gone! What will I do now?” 31Then the brothers killed a young goat and 

dipped Joseph’s robe in its blood. 32They sent the beautiful robe to their father with this message: 

“Look at what we found. Doesn’t this robe belong to your son?” 33Their father recognized it 

immediately. “Yes,” he said, “it is my son’s robe. A wild animal must have eaten him. Joseph has 

clearly been torn to pieces!” 34Then Jacob tore his clothes and dressed himself in burlap. He 

mourned deeply for his son for a long time. 35His family all tried to comfort him, but he refused to 

be comforted. “I will go to my grave mourning for my son,” he would say, and then he would 

weep. 36Meanwhile, the Midianite traders arrived in Egypt, where they sold Joseph to Potiphar, 

an officer of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. Potiphar was captain of the palace guard. 

TALK ABOUT IT 

1. Joseph did a good thing when he told his dad that his brothers were doing wrong. But just 

because he did what was right, that didn’t mean that his brothers wouldn’t be mad at him, and 

even worse. Have you ever done something that you knew was right, only to have something 

bad happen to you because of it? 



Joseph Reassures His Brothers 

15But now that their father was dead, Joseph’s brothers became fearful. “Now Joseph will show 

his anger and pay us back for all the wrong we did to him,” they said. 16So they sent this message 

to Joseph: “Before your father died, he instructed us 17to say to you: ‘Please forgive your 

brothers for the great wrong they did to you—for their sin in treating you so cruelly.’ So we, the 

servants of the God of your father, beg you to forgive our sin.” When Joseph received the message, 

he broke down and wept. 18Then his brothers came and threw themselves down before 

Joseph. “Look, we are your slaves!” they said. 19But Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid of me. Am I 

God, that I can punish you? 20You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He 

brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. 21No, don’t be afraid. I will 

continue to take care of you and your children.” So he reassured them by speaking kindly to 

them. 

TALK ABOUT IT 

1. Throughout the entire story of Joseph, God is continually taking what other people intended for 

evil, and using it for good. Joseph didn’t know how his story would end but he did know that God 

was working, He was in control, and He was faithful. What can we learn from Joseph’s story that 

can help us when we face difficult times? 

FAMILY KEY VERSE 


the week 

Genesis 50:20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. 


Father, help to see that you are always in control even when we don’t see it. Help us to trust you 

with every area of our lives. Amen.

9 


INTRODUCE TIP 

Today we will read the birth and calling of Moses. The Egyptians had 

enslaved the Israelites and were forcing them to do a lot of ruthless things. The Pharaoh 

became concerned because the Israelites were growing in numbers and he was afraid that 

they would rise up against them. So the Pharaoh ordered that all the male babies born to 

Hebrew women were to be killed. But God had great plans for Moses and was going to use 

him to do extraordinary things. Throughout Moses’ story we can clearly see God protecting 

him and continuing to use difficult situations to bring about His perfect plan. 


Exodus 2:1-10 

The Birth of Moses 

About this time, a man and woman from the tribe of Levi got married. 2 The woman became 

pregnant and gave birth to a son. She saw that he was a special baby and kept him hidden 

for three months. 3 But when she could no longer hide him, she got a basket made of papyrus 

reeds and waterproofed it with tar and pitch. She put the baby in the basket and laid it 

among the reeds along the bank of the Nile River. 4 The baby’s sister then stood at a distance, 

watching to see what would happen to him. 5 Soon Pharaoh’s daughter came down to 

bathe in the river, and her attendants walked along the riverbank. When the princess saw 

the basket among the reeds, she sent her maid to get it for her. 6 When the princess opened 

it, she saw the baby. The little boy was crying, and she felt sorry for him. “This must be one 

of the Hebrew children,” she said. 7 Then the baby’s sister approached the princess. “Should 

I go and find one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby for you?” she asked. 8 “Yes, do!” 

the princess replied. So the girl went and called the baby’s mother. 9 “Take this baby and 

nurse him for me,” the princess told the baby’s mother. “I will pay you for your help.” So the 

woman took her baby home and nursed him. 10 Later, when the boy was older, his mother 

brought him back to Pharaoh’s daughter, who adopted him as her own son. The princess 

named him Moses, * for she explained, “I lifted him out of the water.” 

TALK ABOUT IT 

1. The command from Pharaoh was that all Hebrew male babies were to be killed. This 

included Moses. But God had other plans. Looking back at the story, what specific things 

did God do to keep Moses safe? (hint: Pharaoh's daughter found him, she didn’t kill him, 

she allowed Moses’ sister to go get his own mother who took care of him until he was older; 

Moses’ own mother gave him up to keep him safe; God kept him safe by giving him back to 

his mother). 


Exodus 3:1–10 : The Burning Bush 

Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, and he 

led his flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 

And the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. 

He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed. 

3 And Moses said, “I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.” 4 

When the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, 

Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” 5 Then he said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off 

your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” 6 And he said, “I am the 

God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And 

Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God. 7 Then the LORD said, “I have surely 

seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their 

taskmasters. I know their sufferings, 8 and I have come down to deliver them out of the 

hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land 

flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the 

Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. 9 And now, behold, the cry of the people of Israel 

has come to me, and I have also seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress 

them. 10 Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of 

Israel, out of Egypt.” 

TALK ABOUT IT 

1. Just like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Moses had a special relationship with God. God 

appeared to Moses in a burning bush and had a real conversation with him. Why do you 

think that Moses was afraid when he talked to God? (hint: use this time to explain that God 

is perfect, holy, without sin, all powerful... and we are not. It was not the burning bush that 

scared Moses but being in the presence of almighty God) 

2. Knowing how powerful God is and how imperfect we are, how do you think you would 

have felt or what would you have done if God appeared and spoke to you like that? 

3. God called Moses to do something that was pretty intimidating: to go to the most powerful 

person in Egypt and tell him what to do! Moses really didn’t want to go and it took some 

convincing to get him to accept this big job. But when he remembered that God, the one 

who was calling him to go, was far more powerful than Pharaoh, he knew that the best thing 

he could do was obey. When was a time that you had to do something really big and important 

but were afraid to do it and not quite sure if you could really pull it off? 



the week 

Genesis 50:20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. 


Father, thank you that you are all powerful and can do anything, including 

speaking through a burning bush. Thank you for the example of Moses who 

obeyed You even though it was difficult. Help our family to hear your calling 

and to respond like Moses. In Jesus Name, Amen.


BACKGROUND TIP 

This week we will see how God used Moses to continue to work out His plan. God had 

miraculously saved Moses as a baby, called Him through a burning bush to free the Israelites from slavery in 

Egypt, and, as we pick up the story, God had sent Moses to Pharaoh to tell Him to let the Israelites go 

free. But Pharaoh did not listen. So God sent 9 warnings (or plagues) to get Pharaoh to obey but he still did 

not listen. Finally, Moses warned Pharaoh that if he did not obey, God would have to send the worst plague 

of all: the oldest boy in each family would die. But God told the Israelites that if they would kill a spotless 

lamb and put some of the blood on their door, God would see that the lamb died instead, and their son 

would be spared. 


Exodus 12:28-33 

28So the people of Israel did just as the LORD had commanded through Moses and Aaron. 29And that night 

at midnight, the LORD struck down all the firstborn sons in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn son of Pharaoh, 

who sat on his throne, to the firstborn son of the prisoner in the dungeon. Even the firstborn of their 

livestock were killed.30Pharaoh and all his officials and all the people of Egypt woke up during the night, and 

loud wailing was heard throughout the land of Egypt. There was not a single house where someone had not 

died. 31Pharaoh sent for Moses and Aaron during the night. “Get out!” he ordered. “Leave my people—and 

take the rest of the Israelites with you! Go and worship the LORD as you have requested. 32Take your flocks 

and herds, as you said, and be gone. Go, but bless me as you leave.”33All the Egyptians urged the people 

of Israel to get out of the land as quickly as possible, for they thought, “We will all die!” 

TALK ABOUT IT 

1. Read the following verses. What similarities do you see in the story in Exodus and the verses below? 

(hint: there’s a lamb in both, the lamb is spotless, blood is used to save people, just as the firstborn sons of 

the Israelites were saved by the blood of a spotless lamb, so we today are saved from our sins by the blood 

of the sinless, spotless lamb: Jesus) 

18 For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. 

And the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver. 19 It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, 

spotless Lamb of God. (1 Peter 1:18-19) 


Exodus 13:17-18 

17 When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through 

Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land. God said, “If the people 

are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” 18 So God led them in a roundabout 

way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea. Thus the Israelites left Egypt like an army ready for 

battle. 

Exodus 13:21-22 

21 The Lord went ahead of them. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and he provided light 

at night with a pillar of fire. This allowed them to travel by day or by night. 22 And the Lord did not remove 

the pillar of cloud or pillar of fire from its place in front of the people. 

Exodus 14:4-8 

[The Lord said to Moses] 4 And once again I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will chase after you.* I 

have planned this in order to display my glory through Pharaoh and his whole army. After this the Egyptians 

will know that I am the LORD!” So the Israelites camped there as they were told. 5 When word reached the 

king of Egypt that the Israelites had fled, Pharaoh and his officials changed their minds. “What have we 

done, letting all those Israelite slaves get away?” they asked. 6 So Pharaoh harnessed his chariot and called 

up his troops. 7 He took with him 600 of Egypt’s best chariots, along with the rest of the chariots of Egypt, 

each with its commander. 8 The LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, so he chased after 

the people of Israel, who had left with fists raised in defiance. 

Exodus 14:13-14 

13 But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the LORD rescue you today. The 

Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. 14 The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm. 

Exodus 14:21-28, 31 

21 Then Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the LORD opened up a path through the water with a 

strong east wind. The wind blew all that night, turning the seabed into dry land. 22 So the people of Israel 

walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on each side! 23 Then the Egyptians—all 

of Pharaoh’s horses, chariots, and charioteers—chased them into the middle of the sea. 24 But 

just before dawn the LORD looked down on the Egyptian army from the pillar of fire and cloud, and he threw 

their forces into total confusion. 25 He twisted their chariot wheels, making their chariots difficult to drive. 

“Let’s get out of here—away from these Israelites!” the Egyptians shouted. “The LORD is fighting for them 

against Egypt!” 26 When all the Israelites had reached the other side, the LORD said to Moses, “Raise your 

hand over the sea again. Then the waters will rush back and cover the Egyptians and their chariots and 

charioteers.” 27 So as the sun began to rise, Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the water rushed 

back into its usual place. The Egyptians tried to escape, but the LORD swept them into the sea. 28 Then the 

waters returned and covered all the chariots and charioteers—the entire army of Pharaoh. Of all the Egyptians 

who had chased the Israelites into the sea, not a single one survived. 

31 When the people of Israel saw the mighty power that the Lord had unleashed against the Egyptians, they 

were filled with awe before him. They put their faith in the Lord and in his servant Moses. 

TALK ABOUT IT 

1. When the Jews saw Pharaoh’s army coming, they were overcome with fear and did the only thing they 

could think of to do: panic! What is a situation that you are facing now that has caused you to be fearful 

because you don’t know how it’s going to turn out? 

Just as God delivered His people from slavery in Egypt and from Pharaoh’s mighty army, He wants to deliver 

us from our fears. Through uncertain times we can trust that the God who parts the waters cares for us 

and is still working out His perfect plan. 


tip: create cards and place on refrigerators, mirrors, etc. and review them during the week 

Exodus 14:13 But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you 

today. 


Lord, thank you that we do not have to walk in fear but can always trust in you, our Great Deliver.

11 




God had freed the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and miraculously parted the 

Red Sea to deliver them from Pharaoh. He gave them laws like the 10 commandments 

so that a holy and perfect God could dwell among a sinful, imperfect 

people. But because of their continued disobedience, God’s people were 

forced to wander in the wilderness for 40 years before God allowed them to go 

into the land He had promised them. Moses led them for those 40 years and 

God was with them and continued to take care of them. Today we will read 

how the torch was passed from Moses to Joshua as God called him to lead the 

people of Israel into the Promised Land. 

Joshua 1:1–11 

The LORD’s Charge to Joshua 

After the death of Moses the LORD’s servant, the LORD spoke to Joshua son of 

Nun, Moses’ assistant. He said, 2 “Moses my servant is dead. Therefore, the 

time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan 

River into the land I am giving them. 3 I promise you what I promised Moses: 

‘Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you—4 from the Negev 

wilderness in the south to the Lebanon mountains in the north, from the Euphrates 

River in the east to the Mediterranean Sea* in the west, including all 

the land of the Hittites.’ 5 No one will be able to stand against you as long as 

you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon 

you. 6 “Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people 

to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. 7 Be 

strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave 

you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you 

will be successful in everything you do. 8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. 

Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written 

in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. 9 This is my command—be 

strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the 

LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” 

Joshua’s Charge to the Israelites 

10 Joshua then commanded the officers of Israel, 11 “Go through the camp and 

tell the people to get their provisions ready. In three days you will cross the 

Jordan River and take possession of the land the LORD your God is giving you.” 

TALK ABOUT IT 

1. Moses had led God’s people for a long time and God had done some amazing 

miracles through Moses. How do you think Joshua would have felt knowing 

that he was taking over for someone who had done such great things for the 

people of Israel? 

2. Read verses 7-8. What would Joshua have to do in order to be successful in 

what God called him to? 

3. Throughout Joshua’s life, God told him to be strong and courageous. What 

can we do to be strong and courageous in the Lord and not be afraid and discouraged 

when we face difficulties? 

When God calls us to something, He always equips us for it. We may not think 

that we can do it, and we may not be able to in our own strength, but we can be 

strong and courageous by trusting God, obeying Him, and using the resources 

that He gives us (like the Bible). 


tip: create cards and place on refrigerators, mirrors, etc. and review them 

during the week 

Joshua 1:9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid 

or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” 


Father, thank you for being our source of strength and courage. We have no 

reason to be afraid when we are following You because you equip us to do 

Your work. Help us to always trust in You and to rely on Your word. Amen

12 


JUDGES 2:11-23 



God had called and equipped Moses to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. 

Moses did so and led the people in the wilderness for 40 years. When Moses died, 

Joshua took over leadership and led the people into the land that God had promised 

them. But even with all the miraculous signs that they saw God do through 

Moses and now being able to live in the Promised Land, the Israelites still struggled 

with their faith in God. Today we will see how even though the Israelites were unfaithful 

to their faithful God, He was still their Rescuer. 

11 The Israelites did evil in the LORD’s sight and served the images of Baal. 12 

They abandoned the LORD, the God of their ancestors, who had brought them out 

of Egypt. They went after other gods, worshiping the gods of the people around 

them. And they angered the LORD.13 They abandoned the LORD to serve Baal and 

the images of Ashtoreth. 14 This made the LORD burn with anger against Israel, so 

he handed them over to raiders who stole their possessions. He turned them over 

to their enemies all around, and they were no longer able to resist them. 15 Every 

time Israel went out to battle, the LORD fought against them, causing them to be 

defeated, just as he had warned. And the people were in great distress. 

The LORD Rescues His People 

16 Then the LORD raised up judges to rescue the Israelites from their attackers. 17 

Yet Israel did not listen to the judges but [gave themselves and their worship to] 

other gods. How quickly they turned away from the path of their ancestors, who 

had walked in obedience to the LORD’s commands.18 Whenever the LORD raised 

up a judge over Israel, he was with that judge and rescued the people from their 

enemies throughout the judge’s lifetime. For the LORD took pity on his people, who 

were burdened by oppression and suffering. 19 But when the judge died, the people 

returned to their corrupt ways, behaving worse than those who had lived before 

them. They went after other gods, serving and worshiping them. And they refused 

to give up their evil practices and stubborn ways. 20 So the LORD burned with anger 

against Israel. He said, “Because these people have violated my covenant, 

which I made with their ancestors, and have ignored my commands, 21 I will no 

longer drive out the nations that Joshua left unconquered when he died. 22 I did 

this to test Israel—to see whether or not they would follow the ways of the LORD as 

their ancestors did.” 23 That is why the LORD left those nations in place. He did not 

quickly drive them out or allow Joshua to conquer them all. 

Talk About It 

1. Have you ever been betrayed by someone? When was a time when someone 

did something wrong or hurtful to you? How did this make you feel? 

Just like we have been betrayed and hurt by people, God was betrayed by the Israelites. 

HE was their God and they were HIS people. But they chose that instead of 

worshipping their own true God they wanted to worship the false gods of the people 

around them. 

2. God was angry (and rightfully so) and because of the sin of His people, He punished 

them. But He did not stop loving them and He did not stop being their 

God. He wanted them to return to Him. Read verse 18. How did God show His 

love for His people? What did He do so that they would return to Him? 

3. Because of God’s mercy toward His people, they did return to Him. But, unfortunately 

they would once again turn away from Him. Throughout the book of Judges 

there is a cycle of sin that happens: the people of Israel would serve God, then they 

would turn away from Him, they would become enslaved, they would cry out to God 

for help, God would raise up a judge to rescue them, and they would be delivered 

and serve God once again. This happened over and over. Sometimes we act 

similarly. When we do things that are wrong, we turn away from God and need to 

cry out to Him for forgiveness so we can enjoy our relationship with Him once 

again. What are some things that we can do to make sure that we don’t get caught 

up in a cycle of repeated sin like the Israelites did? (hint: stay connected with God 

through reading the bible and prayer, stay connected with other people who can 

help us, etc.) 

Just as God sent judges to rescue the Israelites, He would one day, just as He had 

promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, send the greatest Rescuer of all. God’s 

children would finally and ultimately be delivered. We, now, don’t need a judge to 

come and deliver us. Jesus, our Savior, has rescued us by taking our punishment 

for turning away from God and restoring our relationship with Him. 

Remember It 


the week 

18 Whenever the LORD raised up a judge over Israel, he was with that judge and 

rescued the people from their enemies throughout the judge’s lifetime. For the 

LORD took pity on his people, who were burdened by oppression and suffering. 

Family Prayer 

Thank God for sending Jesus, our Rescuer, who saved us from the punishment for 

our sins. Ask God to help your family to always serve and love Him and to help 

you take steps to bring Him glory in all the areas of your life.

13 


REFRESH IT 

Last time we read how God gave the people of Israel judges to help and rescue 

them. Unfortunately, though, the people continued to turn away from God in their 

cycle of sin and kept having to be saved from their enemies. Today we will read 

about Samuel, God’s prophet. Hannah, Samuel’s mother, was unable to have children 

but she prayed that God would give her a son. God heard her prayers and 

gave her Samuel. She was so thankful that she gave him back to God to serve with 

Eli, the priest, in the tabernacle (the place where the presence of God was). Eli had 

allowed his sons to do wicked things in the tabernacle and, as we will see today, 

God was raising up Samuel to bring goodness back to the tabernacle and give 

glory back to God’s name. 


Chapter 3 The LORD Speaks to Samuel 

Meanwhile, the boy Samuel served the LORD by assisting Eli. Now in those days 

messages from the LORD were very rare, and visions were quite uncommon. 2 One 

night Eli, who was almost blind by now, had gone to bed. 3 The lamp of God had 

not yet gone out, and Samuel was sleeping in the Tabernacle* near the Ark of God. 

4 Suddenly the LORD called out, “Samuel!” “Yes?” Samuel replied. “What is it?” 5 

He got up and ran to Eli. “Here I am. Did you call me?” “I didn’t call you,” Eli replied. 

“Go back to bed.” So he did. 6 Then the LORD called out again, “Samuel!” Again 

Samuel got up and went to Eli. “Here I am. Did you call me?” “I didn’t call you, my 

son,” Eli said. “Go back to bed.” 7 Samuel did not yet know the LORD because he 

had never had a message from the LORD before. 8 So the LORD called a third time, 

and once more Samuel got up and went to Eli. “Here I am. Did you call me?” Then 

Eli realized it was the LORD who was calling the boy. 9 So he said to Samuel, “Go 

and lie down again, and if someone calls again, say, ‘Speak, LORD, your servant is 

listening.’ ” So Samuel went back to bed. 10 And the LORD came and called as 

before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel replied, “Speak, your servant is listening.” 

11 Then the LORD said to Samuel, “I am about to do a shocking thing in Israel. 12 I 

am going to carry out all my threats against Eli and his family, from beginning to 

end. 13 I have warned him that judgment is coming upon his family forever, because 

his sons are blaspheming God* and he hasn’t disciplined them. 14 So I have 

vowed that the sins of Eli and his sons will never be forgiven by sacrifices or offerings.” 

Samuel Speaks for the LORD 

15 Samuel stayed in bed until morning, then got up and opened the doors of the 

Tabernacle* as usual. He was afraid to tell Eli what the LORD had said to him. 16 

But Eli called out to him, “Samuel, my son.” “Here I am,” Samuel replied. 

17 “What did the LORD say to you? Tell me everything. And may God strike you 

and even kill you if you hide anything from me!” 18 So Samuel told Eli everything; 

he didn’t hold anything back. “It is the LORD’s will,” Eli replied. “Let him do what he 

thinks best.” 19 As Samuel grew up, the LORD was with him, and everything Samuel 

said proved to be reliable. 20 And all Israel, from Dan in the north to Beersheba 

in the south, knew that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the LORD. 21 The 

LORD continued to appear at Shiloh and gave messages to Samuel there at the 

Tabernacle. 4:1 And Samuel’s words went out to all the people of Israel. 

Talk About It 

1. God did not speak to His people very much at this time so it is understandable 

that Samuel did not recognize who was calling him. How do you think you would 

feel if you thought God was calling you? What would you do? How would you 

respond? 

2. What are some ways that God talks to His children today? (hint: through the Holy 

Spirit, through the Bible, through other people sharing God’s truths.) 

3. What are some things that we can do to make sure that we are hearing from 

God on a regular basis? (hint: take time to read His word and then listen, pray to 

God and then take a moment to be quiet before Him, listen to people who tell you 

what God has said in the bible... and then check it!) 

Remember It 


the week 

10 And the LORD came and called as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” 

And Samuel replied, “Speak, your servant is listening.” 

Family Prayer 

God, thank you for speaking to us today. Please help our family to make ourselves 

available to hear from you and committed to obey what you tell us. In Jesus’ name, 

Amen.

15 


REFRESH IT 

When Saul became king he reigned for 42 years. He started off as a good king. He 

was victorious in many battles and did a lot of great things. But soon he became 

proud and stopped listening to and loving God. He began disobeying the Lord and 

because he rejected God’s commands, God rejected him as king of Israel. God 

wanted a King that would love and obey Him more than anything else. He was looking 

for a King who would have a heart like His. 


Chapter 16 

Samuel Anoints David as King 

Now the LORD said to Samuel, “You have mourned long enough for Saul. I have 

rejected him as king of Israel, so fill your flask with olive oil and go to Bethlehem. 

Find a man named Jesse who lives there, for I have selected one of his sons to be 

my king.” 2 But Samuel asked, “How can I do that? If Saul hears about it, he will kill 

me.” “Take a heifer with you,” the LORD replied, “and say that you have come to 

make a sacrifice to the LORD. 3 Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you 

which of his sons to anoint for me.” 4 So Samuel did as the LORD instructed. When 

he arrived at Bethlehem, the elders of the town came trembling to meet him. 

“What’s wrong?” they asked. “Do you come in peace?” 5 “Yes,” Samuel replied. “I 

have come to sacrifice to the LORD. Purify yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.” 

Then Samuel performed the purification rite for Jesse and his sons and invited 

them to the sacrifice, too. 6 When they arrived, Samuel took one look at Eliab 

and thought, “Surely this is the LORD’s anointed!” 7 But the LORD said to Samuel, 

“Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn’t 

see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the 

LORD looks at the heart.” 8 Then Jesse told his son Abinadab to step forward and 

walk in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, “This is not the one the LORD has chosen.” 

9 Next Jesse summoned Shimea, * but Samuel said, “Neither is this the one the 

LORD has chosen.” 10 In the same way all seven of Jesse’s sons were presented to 

Samuel. But Samuel said to Jesse, “The LORD has not chosen any of these.” 11 

Then Samuel asked, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” 

Jesse replied. “But he’s out in the fields watching the sheep and goats.” “Send for 

him at once,” Samuel said. “We will not sit down to eat until he arrives.” 12 So Jesse 

sent for him. He was dark and handsome, with beautiful eyes. And the LORD said, 

“This is the one; anoint him.” 

13 So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the flask of olive oil he 

had brought and anointed David with the oil. And the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully 

upon David from that day on. 

TALK ABOUT IT 

1. If you were choosing a new king, what kind of things would you look for (i.e. 

what would he look like, what kind of personality would he have, what talents or 

abilities would he possess)? 

2. Read verse 7 again. What was most important to God when Samuel was 

choosing the next king? 

3. What would it look like if people were less focused on the outward appearance 

of others and more on their hearts? How can we begin to do that? 

God chose David as the next King of Israel so that His people would be ready 

for the greatest King who was going to come many years later. He, too, would 

come from Bethlehem and rescue the world in a way that no king had ever 

done before. 

REMEMBER IT 

tip: create cards and place on refrigerators, mirrors, etc. and review them during the 

week 

1 Samuel 16:7 - ...People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at 

the heart.” 


Thank God that he doesn’t choose people simply because they are the strongest, 

best looking, or talented but that He uses people who love Him and are 

dependant on Him. Ask God to help your family to grow more and more in your 

trust and love of Him.

1 FAMILY DEVOTIONAL - Razorplanet

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