Today’s Reading:
Read Romans 1:1-22; 2:1-24; 3:4-18; Romans 4; Acts 20:1-3
Let’s talk about presents today! It’s always fun to receive a special gift, isn’t it? Share with each other a favorite gift you have received in the past. Is there a gift you are hoping to receive this year? Opening gifts is always exciting! It’s so much fun to be surprised by what’s inside.
In his letter to the church in Rome, Paul wanted all of the believers to know that the gift of salvation was for everyone! Paul reminded the Romans that Jesus came for both the Jew and the Gentile. Jesus’ life, death and resurrection gave all who believe the gift of salvation. Paul reminded the church that everything Jesus had done while He was on the earth was done in order to fulfill the prophecy that had been given to the Jewish people. The good news Paul shared was this- that gift was not limited to just the Jewish people.
Paul explained that we have all sinned and we have all fallen short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) Remember we learned how when Adam and Eve sinned in the garden, it created a separation between us and God. The good news then (and now) was that God had a plan! He sent Jesus and Jesus provided redemption and forgiveness of sin by his death on the cross.
Paul reminded the Romans that Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness. Abraham believed before Jesus even came to fulfill the promise. He encouraged the believers to have that same faith.
Application/Prayer:
What a gift we have been given in the salvation that is offered to us by Jesus. He loves us so much! The gift of salvation is one that is available to anyone who will receive it. If you haven’t received that gift, spend some time talking to your parents about what that means. Thank Jesus for what He did for you when He died on the cross for your sin. It was a pretty special gift that he offered, wasn’t it?
December Memory Verse:
I have treasured your word in my heart so that I may not sin against you.
Using the daily reading prompts from George H. Guthrie’s Read the Bible for Life, here’s how to use this devotional:
- Bring your Bible! Your kids need to see that everything you are reading to them or learning about comes from an actual Bible!
- Each day starts with a reading prompt. Read the selection as a family. If your kids are readers, encourage them to read along with you.
- After you’ve read the passage, read the short devotional thought that goes along with each passage.
- Prayer and application are important any time we read God’s word! After each devotional, there is a challenge to help apply what your family has read that day.
- There is a reading for six days of the week. The last reading of the week is a Gospel Conversation Prompt to help you connect the reading from the week with God’s plan for salvation.
Other Resources:
December memory verse coloring sheet