FAMILY DEVOTIONAL

Life, Love, Pursuing Holiness — January 2025

1 Thessalonians (memorize chapter 1 with us, try to commit to memory vv.1-5 or more this week)

Preparation is often the key to successful outcomes and projects. In this season of discipleship we are focusing on: daily life, our love for God and pursuing holiness as a result of our salvation.

Think about preparing to plant a garden. What do you need and what do you need to do it? What about baking or cooking a meal? What about building a table or a building? List some plans, tools, steps and other resources it takes to do some of these tasks.

Ask each other, how do you prepare for church?

Read 1 Thess. 1:1-10

In v.1, Paul writes to the church in God and the Lord Jesus, the church is more than an organization or a building. Do you plan on talking to God as much as your friends? Do you seek to worship and learn more than just the latest news?

Describe how and why giving thanks, v.2, is so important for life, love and holiness.

Next in verse 3, Paul emphasizes 3 important words in the Christian life; faith, love and hope. Define these and then talk about some actions that demonstrate each one.

Pray for each other and for opportunities to live out these words this week.

Activity idea: Prepare a Treat!

Almost anything we do requires some sort of preparation. Make time to prepare a treat. What steps are involved in preparing a treat?

  1. Find a recipe
  2. Get the ingredients
  3. Prepare the necessary supplies (oven, mixing bowls, utensils, Etc.)
  4. Follow the recipe instructions
  5. Enjoy your treat

In order to have a treat, preparation is involved. Sometimes we go through the preparation steps without even paying attention to them, but they are necessary steps to enjoying a treat. Talk about how preparing a treat can be similar to preparing to worship and spend time with Jesus.

  • What steps are necessary to prepare our hearts for worship and for spending time in God’s presence?
  • Are there steps that we run through without really thinking about them?
  • Would we be better prepared if we paid closer attention to the preparation steps?

Treat Ideas – Find your favorite recipe!

S’mores Snack Mix

Rice Krispy Treats

Cinnamon Rolls

Homemade Doughnuts

Cookies