Parents and Kids Daily Devotional "First Things First"Sample

A personal encounter with Christ was the turning point in Saul’s life where he transformed from a person who was persistent in persecuting the Christians, to a person who was persistent in spreading the Gospel. God showed the true purpose of Saul’s life, renewed his identity and he became Paul.

Just like Paul, when we accept Christ as Lord and Savior, we are given a new identity. However, we often return to our bad habits and old sins even though we have tried to do the right things. We worship diligently and are even actively involved in ministries. Then, how do we experience a real transformation?

As we focus our eyes on Christ and develop intimacy with Him, we will get to know His person and character more and more. Only the light of God can transform our old self and conformed us to His image.

So, remember that what we set our eyes on will determine where we go and our final destination.

The final conclusion, the deepest secret, to growing in Christ is this: look to him. (Dane C. Ortlund)

Devotion for Parents
Many things can shift our focus away from Jesus. It could be our problems, other people’s hurtful opinions, or maybe the circumstances around us that are going downhill.

We are reminded again today to look at Christ so that our ways will be straight and our decisions will be right. Regardless of what has happened in the past, God is giving us a second chance. Don’t waste the opportunity. Let’s do it.

Devotion for Kids
How can we look at Christ when we can’t see Him physically? To look at Christ means focusing ourselves on Him and His Words. When problems come, we shouldn’t focus on the problems, but on the promises of God. When you fall into sin, keep believing that God forgives you and continue to hold on to Him. That’s what it means to look at Christ.

Family Devotion Time
Play this game together.

Two people look at each other and refrain from blinking.

Whoever blinks first, loses.

Go for a few rounds and find the winner.

To be able to look at Christ continuously, we need to remove every obstacle that gets in the way.

What do you think the obstacles are?