CTK Family Devotions Week #124

Main Topic: Doctrine Is Defended By Teaching and Love (16/17) — (True Christianity Book 1, Chapter 39)

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 (1/26/2026)

Claiming authority that we do not have is wrong, so we are to speak simply and entrust ourselves to God’s care.

Matthew 5:33–37 (ESV) — 33 “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.’ 34 But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36 And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.

1) Have you ever sworn to someone that you would do something? (“I promise” / “On God”) Did you follow through?

2) Why does Jesus talk about oaths as a bad thing? (Read the text carefully: it’s about authority! We are not in charge)

3) Since we don’t control tomorrow, where instead should we place our trust and focus? (God Himself)

4) If we don’t have authority to make perfect guarantees, who does? What good promises has He made to you?

Tuesday (1/27/2026)

Knowing the ultimate outcome of evil and the sure hope that is in Christ gives us a steady outlook on life.

Psalm 112:6–8 (ESV) — 6 For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever. 7 He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD. 8 His heart is steady; he will not be afraid, until he looks in triumph on his adversaries.

1) What is something that you memorized for a test that is still in your brain today? (Bonus if it’s been many years)

2) What’s easier to remember: a day you got good news, or a day you got bad news. Why? Share from experience.

3) What would having a “steady heart” look like in your life? Who alone could provide such confidence?

4) Ask God to set your eyes on Him and His eternal promises so that you are ready to face both good & bad news.

Wednesday (1/28/2026)

God chose to not leave us in our sin and shame, but to instead redeem us by the shedding of His only Son’s blood.

1 Peter 1:17–21 (ESV) — 17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, 18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you 21 who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

1) Have you ever been kicked out of class or sent to your room? How is that an exile? How is this life an exile?

2) Why did our ransom payment have to be blood, not gold? (Perfection of Jesus needed, blood for sin, etc.)

3) Knowing that we are awaiting a return from exile/sojourn, think practically what your life should include as you “conduct yourself with fear” as a child of God. What things should be avoided? What habits added or removed?

Have requests for food or activities for this week’s youth-only study at CTK? Let Pastor Joe know!

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

Thursday (1/29/2026)

A righteous man will have a good reputation in the eyes of the community & an unashamedly public faith.

Ruth 2:1–7 (ESV) — 1 Now Naomi had a relative of her husband’s, a worthy man of the clan of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz. 2 And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the field and glean among the ears of grain after him in whose sight I shall find favor.” And she said to her, “Go, my daughter.” 3 So she set out and went and gleaned in the field after the reapers, and she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the clan of Elimelech. 4 And behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem. And he said to the reapers, “The LORD be with you!” And they answered, “The LORD bless you.” 5 Then Boaz said to his young man who was in charge of the reapers, “Whose young woman is this?” 6 And the servant who was in charge of the reapers answered, “She is the young Moabite woman, who came back with Naomi from the country of Moab. 7 She said, ‘Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves after the reapers.’ So she came, and she has continued from early morning until now, except for a short rest.”

1) Who are important people in your community? Think of leaders, teachers, entrepreneurs, etc.

2) Who are the people you think of as particularly righteous in your community? (Servants, pastors, etc.)

3) Was there any overlap in your list? Should there be? Are the most faithful often recognized for their faithfulness?

4) Ask for a humble heart & a steady righteousness that is a testimony to your Savior & King, no matter your role.

Friday (1/30/2026)

In restoring His people, the Lord provided the perfect conditions for the Messiah so that the Gospel could spread.

Obadiah 19–20 (ESV) — 19 Those of the Negeb shall possess Mount Esau, and those of the Shephelah shall possess the land of the Philistines; they shall possess the land of Ephraim and the land of Samaria, and Benjamin shall possess Gilead. 20 The exiles of this host of the people of Israel shall possess the land of the Canaanites as far as Zarephath, and the exiles of Jerusalem who are in Sepharad shall possess the cities of the Negeb.

1) Take some time and look up these locations. Do you notice any patterns about the reversal of fortunes?

2) Even though the Lord judged His people & sent them into exile, why did He choose to preserve & return them?

3) Knowing so many factors went into the timing of Jesus’ birth, was there ever any doubt God planned to save us?

Saturday (1/31/2026)

The Lord’s blessings extend even into the courts of foreign nations that He puts to work as part of His plans.

Nehemiah 2:7–9 (ESV) — 7 And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, let letters be given me to the governors of the province Beyond the River, that they may let me pass through until I come to Judah, 8 and a letter to Asaph, the keeper of the king’s forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the fortress of the temple, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall occupy.” And the king granted me what I asked, for the good hand of my God was upon me. 9 Then I came to the governors of the province Beyond the River and gave them the king’s letters. Now the king had sent with me officers of the army and horsemen.

1) Have you ever worked for someone that surprised you with how understanding they were of your faith? Share.

2) Knowing God’s power, should we be surprised when He uses nations to accomplish His plans? Why are we sometimes?

3) Lift up a prayer for all nations, that they would know Christ as Savior and serve the One True God in justice.

Sunday (2/1/2026) – Prayer and Praise Requests

1) Praise God for His endless mercy that is new every morning. Pray also for Lent preparations!

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

3) Ask God to give us wisdom in promoting connections between generations within our congregation.

4) Pray for Tanner, Kynslee, Jordan, and Kenley as they move into full-on membership at CTK post-confirmation.

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

Tonight will be a youth-only study at Christ the King. Students entering 7th grade through college are welcome. Arrive anytime 4:30pm onwards. Main activities start at 5pm and run until 6:30pm.

Food, fellowship, games, and a lesson time in God’s Word. Invite a friend or two to join in on the fun.

CTK Family Devotions Week #125

Main Topic: Doctrine Is Defended By Teaching and Love (17/17) — (True Christianity Book 1, Chapter 39)

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 (2/2/2026)

Having been provided everything that we need, we don’t have to fear loss, since the Lord provides for us.

Matthew 5:38–42 (ESV) — 38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.

1) Have you ever been in a situation like the ones Jesus describes above? Share about what happened & your response.

2) Why do we not have to assert ourselves in these situations? Where does it demonstrate our hope is in?

3) Who has been appointed to carry out vengeance, if we aren’t supposed to? (Authorities) Does this include the family?

4) Look carefully for opportunities this week to demonstrate a confidence in God’s provision even when harassed.

Tuesday (2/3/2026)

Even when others throw tantrums, we press on in following Christ and carrying out His justice and mercy.

Psalm 112:9–10 (ESV) — 9 He has distributed freely; he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn is exalted in honor. 10 The wicked man sees it and is angry; he gnashes his teeth and melts away; the desire of the wicked will perish!

1) Have you ever seen people upset (in person or online) when something good happened to a believer (or they didn’t get their way)?

2) Why might the success of others bother unbelievers? Do you ever get upset by others’ success? Why?

3) Ask for forgiveness for times you have been jealous & angry. Then, thank God that He lifts up & delivers eternally.

Wednesday (2/4/2026)

We take refuge under the Lord’s wings even though we neither deserve it nor could we ever earn His perfect favor.

1) Pick out one person to be Boaz and another to be Ruth, then act out this text together!

Ruth 2:8–13 (ESV) — 8 Then Boaz said to Ruth, “Now, listen, my daughter, do not go to glean in another field or leave this one, but keep close to my young women. 9 Let your eyes be on the field that they are reaping, and go after them. Have I not charged the young men not to touch you? And when you are thirsty, go to the vessels and drink what the young men have drawn.”

10 Then she fell on her face, bowing to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?”

11 But Boaz answered her, “All that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband has been fully told to me, and how you left your father and mother and your native land and came to a people that you did not know before. 12 The LORD repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!”

13 Then she said, “I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, for you have comforted me and spoken kindly to your servant, though I am not one of your servants.”

2) What is Boaz trying to do for Ruth? (Protect her & provide for her) How does Boaz reflect Christ in doing this?

3) How does Ruth rightfully respond? What parts of our Christian life are similar? (Confessing sin, expressing need/thanks)

Have requests for food or activities for this week’s family study? Let Pastor Joe know!

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

Thursday (2/5/2026)

In the One True Savior Jesus we are given a message to proclaim to the ends of the earth: Christ is Lord!

Obadiah 21 (ESV) — 21 Saviors shall go up to Mount Zion to rule Mount Esau, and the kingdom shall be the LORD’s.

1) Already, we have finished the book of Obadiah. What New Testament books are shorter than Obadiah?

2) At the end of judgments against Edom, the Lord provides hope. Who delivers this hope through authority?

3) Just like we are little Christ & little priests, when we proclaim Jesus, we are little Saviors sent to apply God’s grace. How does that reality of our evangelistic obligation as Christians turn this last verse into one of hope?

4) Ask God that all mankind, especially Esau’s descendants, would hear the Gospel and so repent & be saved.

Friday (2/6/2026)

There has always been (and will always be until judgment day) opposition to God’s people.

Nehemiah 2:9–10 (ESV) — 9 Then I came to the governors of the province Beyond the River and gave them the king’s letters. Now the king had sent with me officers of the army and horsemen. 10 But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite servant heard this, it displeased them greatly that someone had come to seek the welfare of the people of Israel.

1) Do you have people who dislike you for no apparent reason? How about people who hate that you’re a Christian?

2) Is there a difference between God’s people & the modern nation of Israel? What is it? (Faith in Christ, not ethnicity)

3) Is it possible for people bearing the name Israel (or Abraham’s blood) to oppose true Israel (the Church)? How so?

Saturday (2/7/2026)

It is important to see Scripture as real accounts about real people who serve a real God, lest we diminish its value.

1) Some of these names can be tricky to pronounce. Try taking turns & then rating people on how convincing their pronunciation is!

Nehemiah 12:1–7 (ESV) — 1 These are the priests and the Levites who came up with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra, 2 Amariah, Malluch, Hattush, 3 Shecaniah, Rehum, Meremoth, 4 Iddo, Ginnethoi, Abijah, 5 Mijamin, Maadiah, Bilgah, 6 Shemaiah, Joiarib, Jedaiah, 7 Sallu, Amok, Hilkiah, Jedaiah. These were the chiefs of the priests and of their brothers in the days of Jeshua.

2) Are there any familiar names here? (Jeshua/Joshua/Jesus, the high priest & Ezra) What role did these men play/signify?

3) How can these lists of names help us in our walk with Christ today? (Show the struggles & faithfulness of real people)

4) As you prepare for worship tomorrow, take time to thank God that He fulfilled His promises to these people!

Sunday (2/8/2026) – Prayer and Praise Requests

1) Praise God for His endless mercy that is new every morning. Pray also for Lent preparations!

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

3) Ask God to give us wisdom in promoting connections between generations within our congregation.

4) Pray for Tanner, Kynslee, Jordan, and Kenley as they move into full-on membership at CTK post-confirmation.

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

Tonight will be a family study at CTK. All ages are welcome. Arrive anytime 4:30pm onwards. Main activities start at 5pm and run until 6:30pm. Food, fellowship, games, and a lesson time in God’s Word. Invite a friend or two to join in on the fun!