--- title: "01 - The Man And His Message 2024 Pastor Jeff Wickwire" url: "https://books.hardwired.org/13/elijah/128/01-the-man-and-his-message-2024-pastor-jeff-wickwire" --- Family Devotion 1: Elijah's Mysterious Arrival Theme: God uses unexpected people for His purposes. Activity Suggestion: During dinner time. Scripture Reference: 1 Kings 17:1 Devotion: Introduction: Share with your family that Elijah was a prophet who seemed to come out of nowhere. Ask the kids if they have ever felt like they were in the background or unnoticed. Discussion: Explain that God often uses people who seem ordinary or unexpected to do amazing things. Ask, "Can you think of someone in the Bible or in your life who was used by God in a surprising way?" Activity: Have each family member share one thing they think God might want them to do, no matter how small it seems. Encourage them that God can use anyone, just like He used Elijah. Prayer: Pray together, asking God to help each family member be open to His plans and to use them for His glory. Parenting Tip: Encourage your kids by affirming their unique gifts and remind them that God has a special plan for each of them. Family Devotion 2: The Power of Prayer Theme: Prayer can change things. Activity Suggestion: Before bedtime. Scripture Reference: James 5:17-18 Devotion: Introduction: Talk about how Elijah prayed and God stopped the rain for three and a half years. Ask, "What is something big or small you would like to pray about?" Discussion: Explain that prayer is powerful and God listens to us just like He listened to Elijah. Ask, "Have you ever seen a prayer answered?" Activity: Create a "Prayer Jar." Have each family member write down a prayer request on a piece of paper and place it in the jar. Over time, revisit the jar to see how God has answered those prayers. Prayer: Pray together, lifting up the requests in the jar and asking God to help you trust Him with your prayers. Parenting Tip: Encourage your children to pray regularly and remind them that God cares about their concerns, no matter how big or small. Family Devotion 3: Standing Up for God Theme: Being brave for God. Activity Suggestion: During a car ride. Scripture Reference: 1 Kings 18:17-19 Devotion: Introduction: Share how Elijah stood up to King Ahab and the prophets of Baal. Ask, "Have you ever had to stand up for what is right?" Discussion: Talk about how it can be hard to stand up for God, but He gives us strength. Ask, "What are some ways we can be brave for God in our everyday lives?" Activity: Role-play different scenarios where someone might need to stand up for what is right. Discuss how to handle each situation with courage and faith. Prayer: Pray for courage to stand up for God and to do what is right, even when it's difficult. Parenting Tip: Encourage your kids to share their experiences of standing up for what is right and celebrate their bravery. Family Devotion 4: Trusting God's Timing Theme: God's timing is perfect. Activity Suggestion: During breakfast. Scripture Reference: 1 Kings 17:2-6 Devotion: Introduction: Talk about how God provided for Elijah by sending ravens to bring him food. Ask, "Have you ever had to wait for something you really wanted?" Discussion: Explain that sometimes we have to wait for God's timing, but He always provides what we need. Ask, "Why do you think it's important to trust God's timing?" Activity: Have each family member share something they are waiting for and discuss how they can trust God during the waiting period. Prayer: Pray for patience and trust in God's perfect timing for each family member's needs and desires. Parenting Tip: Share a personal story of a time you had to wait on God and how He provided, to encourage your children in their own waiting. Family Devotion 5: God Uses Ordinary People Theme: God can use anyone. Activity Suggestion: While doing a household chore together. Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 Devotion: Introduction: Talk about how Elijah was an ordinary man, but God used him in extraordinary ways. Ask, "What is something ordinary you do every day?" Discussion: Explain that God can use our everyday actions to make a difference. Ask, "How can we serve God in our daily lives?" Activity: As you do the chore together, discuss how even small tasks can be done for God's glory and how He can use them to bless others. Prayer: Pray for God to use your family in everyday ways to show His love to others. Parenting Tip: Encourage your children to see the value in everyday tasks and remind them that God can use their efforts for His purposes.