Family Devotion 1: Recognizing Jesus' Power Theme: Jesus has power over everything, including evil. Activity/Time: Dinner time discussion. Scripture: Mark 5:1-20 (The story of the Gadarene demoniac) Devotion:
Read the Story: Briefly summarize the story of the Gadarene demoniac. Explain how Jesus met a man who was very troubled and how Jesus helped him.
Discussion Questions:
What do you think it means that Jesus has power over everything? How do you think the man felt after Jesus helped him? Can you think of a time when you needed help and someone helped you?
Prayer: Thank Jesus for His power and ask Him to help us when we are scared or troubled.
Parenting Tip: Encourage your kids to share their thoughts freely. Affirm their responses and guide them gently to understand Jesus' power and love.
Family Devotion 2: Running to Jesus Theme: We should run to Jesus when we need help. Activity/Time: Bedtime reflection. Scripture: Mark 5:6 (The man ran to Jesus) Devotion:
Story Connection: Remind the kids how the man ran to Jesus when he saw Him.
Discussion Questions:
Why do you think the man ran to Jesus? What are some things you can do when you feel scared or need help? How can we run to Jesus today?
Prayer: Ask Jesus to help us remember to come to Him first when we need help.
Parenting Tip: Use this time to reassure your children that Jesus is always there for them, just like you are.
Family Devotion 3: The Power of Truth Theme: Being honest with Jesus. Activity/Time: During a car ride. Scripture: Mark 5:9 (Jesus asked the man his name) Devotion:
Story Connection: Talk about how Jesus asked the man his name and how important it was for the man to be honest.
Discussion Questions:
Why is it important to be honest with Jesus? How does it feel when you tell the truth? Can you think of a time when you were honest and it helped you?
Prayer: Pray for courage to always be honest with Jesus and others.
Parenting Tip: Encourage your children to share openly and remind them that honesty is always the best choice.
Family Devotion 4: Jesus Brings Peace Theme: Jesus gives us peace. Activity/Time: After-school snack time. Scripture: Mark 5:15 (The man was in his right mind) Devotion:
Story Connection: Explain how the man was calm and peaceful after Jesus helped him.
Discussion Questions:
What does peace feel like to you? How can Jesus help us feel peaceful? What are some things that make you feel peaceful?
Prayer: Thank Jesus for the peace He gives us and ask Him to help us feel His peace every day.
Parenting Tip: Use this time to create a peaceful environment, perhaps with calming music or a quiet moment.
Family Devotion 5: Sharing Jesus' Love Theme: Telling others about Jesus. Activity/Time: Family walk or outdoor playtime. Scripture: Mark 5:19-20 (The man told others about Jesus) Devotion:
Story Connection: Talk about how the man went home and told everyone what Jesus had done for him.
Discussion Questions:
Why do you think the man wanted to tell others about Jesus? How can we share Jesus' love with our friends and family? What is one thing you can do this week to show Jesus' love?
Prayer: Ask Jesus to help us be brave and share His love with others.
Parenting Tip: Encourage your children to think of simple ways to show kindness and love, reinforcing that these actions reflect Jesus' love.