Friday, May 1, 2015

Community of Righteousness - Better Together Devotion by Stacy A. Davis



Family Fun Icebreaker: What is something that you like doing as a family?

Topic Question: How are we Better Together?

Today’s Big Idea: Community of Righteousness
God wants His community to make a stand for the lifestyle that He says is right, and His desire is for this group to guide others to Jesus. When you tell others outside God’s community about Jesus and are mocked for it, you are suffering for what is right. Should you stop telling others about Jesus because of the suffering? No, God tells you that you are blessed and to keep doing the right thing. Your devotion shows that you must really believe in Jesus to continue sharing His message while enduring persecution. Don’t be surprised if you have difficulty when you make a stand for right values; others outside of God’s community will not agree with you. However, God has a big community of followers. You can tell who the other members are because, like you, they will also stand for God’s way and their words and actions will agree with scripture. The unity of the group standing together for Jesus speaks volumes to those who are watching.

Talk with God: Read the scriptures aloud.
But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.
1 Peter 3:14 (NIV)
When people do what is right, it shows that they are righteous,
even as Christ is righteous. John 3:7 (NLT)

Walk with God: Read aloud and discuss.
You are part of a big team; God’s community will make a difference in our world. This group will help the world be a better place! Keep telling the truth in love and continue speaking about moral values. If others get mad at you for trusting all of God’s Word, stand firm and continue believing all of scripture. Keep telling others about the hope of Jesus, sharing the truth that God is God alone. God tells you to expect some suffering. You are doing the right thing. God promises to strengthen you and He will be a shield for you, if you will take refuge in Him (Psalm 18:30). Know that you are not alone; God’s community is agreeing with and supporting you.

Discuss with your family: Peer pressure can be a form of suffering. What has helped you overcome peer pressure and make a stand for God’s right values? How can making a stand for God while enduring suffering encourage others to trust in Jesus?

Prayer suggestion: Pray for God’s strength to help you stand for His right way.


No comments:

Post a Comment