Charles F. Stanley - Every Day with Jesus: 365 Devotions for Kids

2018 by Charles F. Stanley

Adapted by Tama Fortner from Every Day in His Presence 2014 by Charles F. Stanley

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Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are taken from the International Childrens Bible. Copyright 1986, 1988, 1999 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.

Scripture quotations marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version. 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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ISBN-13: 978-0-7180-9854-4

Epub Edition November 2017 ISBN 9781400314157

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God created human beings in his image.

GENESIS 1:27

H ave you ever thought about how much God loves you? You could spend your whole life thinking about it and still never understand how huge Gods love for you is.

For starters, God made you in His own image! Just think about that: God wanted you to look like Himmaybe not on the outside, but in your heart and soul. Then think about how God created every treasure in the universe, but He says youre worth more than any of them. In fact, youre so special to God that He wants to talk to you and to be part of every single moment of your life. He wants to fill you up with His love so full that when other people look at you, they see His love (Matthew 5:16).

So if you ever wonder what youre worth, remember this: God created you, He loves you, and He says you belong to Him (Isaiah 43:1).

Lord, thank You for loving me with such a great, big love, amen.

TODAY WITH JESUS... THINK ABOUT HOW MUCH GOD LOVES YOU.

God, you are my God. I want to follow you.... Your love is better than life.

PSALM 63:1, 3

D o you ever pretend to be someone youre not and do things youd rather not dojust so people will like you? Do you ever wish that people knew the real you? That they loved you just because youre... you?

Of course, lots of people know and love you. But theres only One who will ever perfectly know and love you, and thats God. He knows everything youve ever thought or done or said, and everything you will ever think or do or say. The good stuff and not-so-good stuff. And He still loves you.

When you mess upwhen you sinyou might be tempted to think God doesnt love you or want you around anymore. Dont believe that for a second! God created you to be with Him, and He never stops wanting you to be with Him. Theres nothing you can do or think or say that will ever make Him stop loving you. Not ever.

Father, thank You for knowing me and loving me, amen.

TODAY WITH JESUS... REMEMBER GOD LOVES YOU JUST BECAUSE YOURE YOU.

If the Son makes you free, then you will be truly free.

JOHN 8:36

H ave you ever seen a donkey carry a heavy load on its back? Have you ever noticed the donkey cant get that load off its back all by itself? It simply cant reach it. A donkey needs someone else to take away its heavy load.

And so do you. But Im not carrying any heavy loads on my back, you say. Youre rightyour load is inside you. Its your bad feelings, like anger, jealousy, sadness, and pain. Those feelings can get buried deep down inside, where you cant reach them. They get heavier and heavier, dragging you down. You need someone to take away your heavy load. You need Jesus. Hes the only One who can do it.

Jesus will set you free from your heavy load. Hell comfort you and help you forgive and be joyful. All you have to do is askand Jesus will set you free.

Lord, thank You for sending Jesus to set me free.

TODAY WITH JESUS... LET HIM TAKE AWAY YOUR HEAVY LOAD.

I told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have trouble. But be brave! I have defeated the world!

JOHN 16:33

D o you have joy, no matter whats happening in your life? Its possible to have that kind of joy with Jesus.

That doesnt mean that if you follow Jesus youll never have another problem. But it does mean that Jesus will always stay right by your side. When youre sad, Hell comfort you. When youre afraid, Hell help you be brave. And when you have troublesand there will always be troubles in this worldJesus will guide you and help you. Hell even use your troubles to help you trust Him more, and Hell bless you with the joy of simply being with Him.

Jesus will never leave you on your own, not in happy times and especially not in troubled times. So the next time youre going through a tough time, dont give up. Instead, thank Jesus for the help and the joy Hes already sending your way (Psalm 126:6).

Lord, Im so glad Youre always right beside me. Thank You for helping me, amen.

TODAY WITH JESUS... LOOK FOR HIS JOY, NO MATTER WHATS HAPPENING.

Dont worry, because I am with you. Dont be afraid, because I am your God. I will make you strong and will help you. I will support you with my right hand that saves you.

ISAIAH 41:10

S ome people say they believe in God and trust Him, but their lives are filled with fear, worry, and doubt. Thats not how God wants His people to live.

You can trust God, and you can believe every one of His promises. God wants only the very best for you. When you follow Him and try to obey His Word, He wont let you miss out on all the very best things He has planned for you (Hebrews 11:6). But remember, what God knows is best for you might be different from what you think is best for you. Trust GodHe knows what your soul needs.

Is there something youre afraid of? Or worried about? Talk to God. Ask Him to take away those worries and fears. Trust Him to help you. And dont forget: God is always good. So if He doesnt give you what you want, its because He has something even better planned for you.

Lord, I trust You, and I believe You want only the very best for me, amen.

TODAY WITH JESUS... BELIEVE GOD IS DOING GOOD THINGS FOR YOU.

When a mans steps follow the Lord, God is pleased with his ways.

PSALM 37:23

W hen youve had to make a choice, did you ever wish God would just shout from heaven and tell you what to do or where to go? God promises to guide you and help you, but sometimes it may not