CTK Family Devotions Week #131

Topic: Rule for Holy Living #6: Endure Hard Times With Gratitude! — (Book 1, Chapter 40)

Reminder: These devotions are only a tool to use to help you run family devotions in a way that your family needs. Whether you do it daily, tie it to a prayer or sharing time, or have everyone read these verses on their own time is up to you. My aim is to equip you all to be in the Word as a family by giving you Scripture and questions to consider. Each day you will find a main idea to consider, a Scripture passage to read, and some questions to ask to help discuss the reading and tie it to the main idea. Reminder: These devotions are on CTK’s website too!

Monday (3/16/2026)

Knowing that the sufferings of this present age are temporary, we set our hope on Christ’s eternal life.

Ecclesiastes 7:1–4 (ESV) — 1 A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of birth. 2 It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart. 3 Sorrow is better than laughter, for by sadness of face the heart is made glad. 4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.

1) Is this passage glorifying death? Chew on it for a while & discuss why these comments are generally true.

2) How does considering our impending death help establish our priorities? (What we leave behind; where we go after death)

3) Quietly reflect on the reality of death. Then, sing a song of praise to the Savior who defeated death’s sting!

Tuesday (3/17/2026)

Rather than lamenting his imprisonment, Paul rejoiced for the work of God in others (and sought to spur it on).

Philemon 1–6 (ESV) — 1 Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved fellow worker 2 and Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier, and the church in your house: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, 6 and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ.

1) Do you know anyone who has been in jail? If so, ask them about what they spent their time thinking about.

2) While Paul was imprisoned multiple times unjustly, did he ever do anything actually worthy of imprisonment?

3) Paul is going to share a tough request later on in this letter. How does this opening help show his heart, encourage those reading it, and set the framework for what Paul will later ask (tied to freedom in Christ)?

Wednesday (3/18/2026)

While doing good usually leads to good, those who trust in Christ can endure even when unjustly punished.

1 Peter 3:10–14 (ESV) — 10 For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; 11 let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” 13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,

1) When was the last time you were rewarded for doing something good? How about punished for something good?

2) What’s your first reaction when you are punished (or not praised enough) after you do good? Is that healthy?

3) Ask the Lord for a mouth that remains shut when complaints might rise up (and a heart that produces praise, not whining)

Prayer or praise requests that you want featured for next week? Text or call Pastor Joe any time!

Thursday (3/19/2026)

Like Christ, the true Redeemer, Boaz was willing to endure the “cost” of taking on Ruth out of his great love.

Ruth 4:1–6 (ESV) — 1 Now Boaz had gone up to the gate and sat down there. And behold, the redeemer, of whom Boaz had spoken, came by. So Boaz said, “Turn aside, friend; sit down here.” And he turned aside and sat down. 2 And he took ten men of the elders of the city and said, “Sit down here.” So they sat down. 3 Then he said to the redeemer, “Naomi, who has come back from the country of Moab, is selling the parcel of land that belonged to our relative Elimelech. 4 So I thought I would tell you of it and say, ‘Buy it in the presence of those sitting here and in the presence of the elders of my people.’ If you will redeem it, redeem it. But if you will not, tell me, that I may know, for there is no one besides you to redeem it, and I come after you.” And he said, “I will redeem it.” 5 Then Boaz said, “The day you buy the field from the hand of Naomi, you also acquire Ruth the Moabite, the widow of the dead, in order to perpetuate the name of the dead in his inheritance.” 6 Then the redeemer said, “I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I impair my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption yourself, for I cannot redeem it.”

1) The other redeemer seems very interested in the property, but then loses interest because…? (Have to marry Ruth)

2) What reason did the other man give for not wanting Ruth? What other reasons might there be? (Moabite, family, etc.)

3) What sort of obligations did Boaz have in redeeming Ruth? What has Christ promised us as our Redeemer?

4) Take time in prayer to thank your Redeemer-King for His steadfast love and faithfulness towards you!

Friday (3/20/2026)

Especially in hard times, the Lord shapes the desire of His people to be in line with His gracious will.

Psalm 145:18–21 (ESV) — 18 The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. 19 He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them. 20 The LORD preserves all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. 21 My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD, and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.

1) What’s something that you used to desire greatly, but now don’t? (Give a silly example and a “spiritual” one)

2) By what means does the Lord change your desires? (His Spirit through His Word, other believers, etc.)

3) Make a list of things that you want to have happen this next year. Then, re-order it according to God’s priorities.

Saturday (3/21/2026)

Just because you’re suffering doesn’t mean that there may be duties you have to do to help alleviate that suffering.

Nehemiah 4:6–9 (ESV) — 6 So we built the wall. And all the wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work. 7 But when Sanballat and Tobiah and the Arabs and the Ammonites and the Ashdodites heard that the repairing of the walls of Jerusalem was going forward and that the breaches were beginning to be closed, they were very angry. 8 And they all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and to cause confusion in it. 9 And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night.

1) Have you ever been stuck in a rough situation and wasted time pouting (instead of fixing the problem)?

2) Re-read v9. Does lifting up our needs to God in prayer mean that we don’t actively work to solve issues? Why not?

3) Lift up some of your needs the Lord in prayer, but then make a list of action items that you can do as you have been called to address those needs. (For example, if asking for wisdom, spend time in His Word. Peace => less social media, etc.)

Sunday (3/22/2026) – Prayer and Praise Requests

1) Praise God for the season of Lent. Look for opportunities to focus your eyes on the savior who died for you.

2) Ask for discernment in how best to serve others around you using the gifts God has given you.

3) Pray for all those recovering from illness, surgery, and even grief. Ask for God to comfort them.

4) Lift up the Church across the world, especially our brothers and sisters who are being persecuted for their faith.

5) Keep our students and teachers in your prayers as the school year marches on. Encourage them if you see them!

LENT EVENING SERVICE PLAN

430pm: Family games > 5: soup supper > 530: youth time/skit practice > 6: worship. (Questions? Call/text Joe)

CTK Family Devotions Week #132

Rule for Holy Living #7: Offer Everything to Your Redeemer! — (True Christianity Book 1, Chapter 40)

Reminder: These devotions are only a tool to use to help you run family devotions in a way that your family needs. Whether you do it daily, tie it to a prayer or sharing time, or have everyone read these verses on their own time is up to you. My aim is to equip you all to be in the Word as a family by giving you Scripture and questions to consider. Each day you will find a main idea to consider, a Scripture passage to read, and some questions to ask to help discuss the reading and tie it to the main idea. Reminder: These devotions are on CTK’s website too!

Monday (3/23/2026)

All of the good that we have comes from God’s gracious hand moved by His saving will in Christ.

Ephesians 1:1–6 (ESV) — 1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.

1) Look up how long the adoption process usually takes. Knowing this, why do people still choose to adopt?

2) How much money do you think it takes to raise a child from birth to 18? (Google if needed) Why do parents do it?

3) What did it cost God to adopt us? (Suffering & death of the Son) Why did He still choose to do it? (His love)

Tuesday (3/24/2026)

Knowing that our hope is in Christ, we can endure trials while still guiding others with gentleness & grace.

Philemon 7–9 (ESV) — 7 For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you. 8 Accordingly, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required, 9 yet for love’s sake I prefer to appeal to you—I, Paul, an old man and now a prisoner also for Christ Jesus—

1) Has anyone ever owed you a debt or favor? How did you go about collecting it back? (Yelling, asking nicely, etc.)

2) Does going through a hard time or a bad day make you grouchy? Think about how rough Paul’s life as a Christian had been. How can Paul still be so gentle in his letter and ask nicely after all of his past (& ongoing) trials?

3) Ask for the same fruit of peace given by the Holy Spirit through God’s Word to stabilize you in the tough days ahead.

Wednesday (3/25/2026)

Since we are Christ’s witnesses to the world, we can present a Spirit-given endurance & holiness that honors Him.

1 Peter 3:14–17 (ESV) — 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.

1) Have you ever seen someone punished for doing the right thing? (Or been punished yourself). Explain/share.

2) How have Christians been punished over the years for following Christ? Have you been punished for your faith?

3) Re-read verse 15. Then, make a plan for how you can do each of those things: honoring Christ as holy, having a defense of the Gospel prepared, and knowing how to share the hope of Christ with gentleness and respect).

Prayer or praise requests that you want featured for next week? Text or call Pastor Joe any time!

Thursday (3/26/2026)

Understanding traditions shown in Scripture gives us an appreciation for God’s mercy to His people in every era

Ruth 4:7–12 (ESV) — 7 Now this was the custom in former times in Israel concerning redeeming and exchanging: to confirm a transaction, the one drew off his sandal and gave it to the other, and this was the manner of attesting in Israel. 8 So when the redeemer said to Boaz, “Buy it for yourself,” he drew off his sandal. 9 Then Boaz said to the elders and all the people, “You are witnesses this day that I have bought from the hand of Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech and all that belonged to Chilion and to Mahlon. 10 Also Ruth the Moabite, the widow of Mahlon, I have bought to be my wife, to perpetuate the name of the dead in his inheritance, that the name of the dead may not be cut off from among his brothers and from the gate of his native place. You are witnesses this day.” 11 Then all the people who were at the gate and the elders said, “We are witnesses. May the LORD make the woman, who is coming into your house, like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel. May you act worthily in Ephrathah and be renowned in Bethlehem, 12 and may your house be like the house of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah, because of the offspring that the LORD will give you by this young woman.”

1) Have you ever been very confused by an action/comment in Scripture? Do you appreciate the explanation in v.7?

2) What’s a tradition/custom recorded in Scripture we still keep today? Are there any we should bring back?

3) Pray for wisdom in navigating cultural customs. Also, praise Christ, who is your perfect Redeemer & Bridegroom!

Friday (3/27/2026)

We do not have to fear dying for others, since Christ has already given Himself for us & our salvation.

Nehemiah 4:10–14 (ESV) — 10 In Judah it was said, “The strength of those who bear the burdens is failing. There is too much rubble. By ourselves we will not be able to rebuild the wall.” 11 And our enemies said, “They will not know or see till we come among them and kill them and stop the work.” 12 At that time the Jews who lived near them came from all directions and said to us ten times, “You must return to us.” 13 So in the lowest parts of the space behind the wall, in open places, I stationed the people by their clans, with their swords, their spears, and their bows. 14 And I looked and arose and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.”

1) What’s your favorite battle scene from a book, movie, game, or even history? What made it important to the story?

2) What makes the defense of Jerusalem during its post-exile rebuild so important? (Hint: think both people & Jesus)

3) What sort of battles (spiritual & physical) might you fight for your family & your God? Share about how God strengthens you for all kinds of battles, how He often turns enemies into fellow children, & how you can prepare.

Saturday (3/28/2026)

All Bible teaching should direct our eyes towards Jesus, the King and Redeemer, not our own efforts or insights.

1 Timothy 1:8–11 (ESV) — 8 Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 9 understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, 10 the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, 11 in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted.

1) Do you know any Christian friends or pastors who come off as very nitpicky or judgey? Explain (but be charitable!)

2) Are we as believers freed from the Law? How? Does the Law still serve as a guide for our love? How?

3) Listen closely at church tomorrow for how the Law directs your eyes back to Jesus always (either for forgiveness or for strength)

Sunday (3/29/2026) – Prayer and Praise Requests

1) Praise God for the season of Lent. Look for opportunities to focus your eyes on the savior who died for you.

2) Ask for discernment in how best to serve others around you using the gifts God has given you.

3) Pray for all those recovering from illness, surgery, and even grief. Ask for God to comfort them.

4) Lift up the Church across the world, especially our brothers and sisters who are being persecuted for their faith.

5) Keep our students and teachers in your prayers as the school year marches on. Encourage them if you see them!

NO CTK activities tonight (Palm Sunday)