Faith Talk: Fearfully and Wonderfully Made!

Devotional ideas for busy households

Week 1: “You are my child!”
Readings: Mark 1:9-11; Romans 6:1-7
• At our baptism, God claims us as his own child, just like Jesus! Say out loud, “I am God’s child.”
• Take time this week to remember each person’s baptism. Share pictures, stories, and memories (or read Signs, Seals, and Celebrations from Nurture March/April 2009 for more ideas).
• What does your baptism mean to you now?

Week 2: “You are my wonderful child!”
Reading: Psalm 139:13-18
• God formed every part of you! Imagine and talk about what God might have been thinking as he made you.
• God made you unique! In what ways are you similar to other people in your family? In what ways are you different? Why do you think God made people with so many differences instead of making us all the same?
• Take turns sharing what you think is wonderful about each person in your family.

Week 3: Naturally gifted
Reading: Mark 10:17-27
• Jesus loved the rich young ruler. What do you think he loved about him? What was this young man good at?
• What are you good at? Things you are good at are called talents. Take turns letting everyone answer that question for each family member.

Week 4: After God’s own heart
Readings: 1 Samuel 13:11-14; Esther 4:1-14
• God has also given us the gift of our will to make good choices. What are some of David’s and Esther’s good choices?
• Today, what can you choose to do or say that makes God smile?

Week 5: Supernaturally gifted
Readings: John 3:1-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11
• God has given you special gifts! In your baptism, God promised his Spirit to be at work in your life, so that those gifts would serve him and his people, the church.
• Your gifts make you helpful to others. Try helping someone today—listen to their story, encourage them with a compliment, paint them a picture, or do what you think would help them feel loved. How does it make you feel to share God’s love with others?
• Take a spiritual gift inventory (online at the ECLA website or using Faith Alive’s spiritual gifts resources).

Week 6: Surprising Gifts
Reading: Acts 9:32-35
• Because spiritual gifts come from the Holy Spirit, they can surprise us with special powers or abilities, like Peter healing Aeneas. Name some things that are usually impossible for people. Is anything impossible with God?
• God gives us gifts to make his kingdom come—that means that we get to help make life here on earth a little more like heaven, where God is always obeyed and adored.
• How can you help make God’s kingdom come?
• Draw a picture of King Jesus and his kingdom.

Week 7: Gifted for a Reason
Readings: Luke 10:25-37; Romans 12:9-21
• Each day, God has something for you to do: share your talents and gifts. Try to be a friend to everyone you meet. Who is your best friend? How does Jesus show us he’s our best friend?

Week 8: Giving the gift of prayer
Readings: Jeremiah 29:4-14; Luke 11:1-12
• Pray for the city you live in and for your neighbors. Google your city, and find out how many people live in your city. Then search for challenges, and add those items to your prayer list.
• Draw a picture of your city, with you praying and God answering. What does it look like?

Beth Guikema-Bode is the pastor at Fuller Avenue Church and mother of four great kids.