Editor's note: One of the great privileges of parenting, grandparenting, and being an auntie or uncle is sharing your faith with little ones. A great way to do that is to read devotions together and pull out the Bible! Devotionals for kids are some of our most popular! Enjoy this one and share with your favorite kids. * |
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I am the Lord your God, who holds your right hand, and I tell you, 'Don't be afraid. I will help you.' — Isaiah 41:13 NCV When you hear the word lion, you might think of a big, fuzzy mane or super-sharp claws. Then, of course, there's that whole "king of the jungle" thing. But chances are, the first thing you'll think of is its roar. A lion's roar is big and loud and really scary. Especially if you happen to be a cute little gazelle trotting across the African plains. Just hearing that sound will send a gazelle running as far away from the roar as possible. Which is the worst thing it could do! Why? Because that roaring lion isn't where the most danger is. The real hunters are the lionesses, hiding in the tall grass behind the gazelle. You see, the lion's job is to creep out in front of the gazelle and ROOAARR! — making it turn around and run right into the middle of all those lionesses. Gulp! As crazy as it sounds, the safest thing for the gazelle is to run toward the roar. That's true for you too. When you run from the things that scare you — like trying something new, standing up for what's right, or telling someone about God — you actually move closer to the danger. That's because you're moving closer to what the devil wants you to do and farther away from what God wants you to do. - Facing your fears is the best thing to do.
And guess what! You're not some cute little gazelle surrounded by lions and lionesses. You're a child of God, and you're always surrounded by Him. He'll help you face your fears. Trust Him. Be brave. And run toward the roar! |
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Is something roaring in your life right now? Something you're afraid to do? Maybe it's trying out for the team, singing a solo, or inviting a friend to church. Or maybe it's standing up to that older kid and telling him to leave the little kids on the bus alone. What's the first step you could take to run toward the roar? Talk to God about it, and then run. Dear God, when fear is roaring at me, please give me the courage to run toward the roar. Amen. * |
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I asked the Lord for help, and He answered me. He saved me from all that I feared. — Psalm 34:4 ICB Some fears are perfectly logical. For example, if you take a step outside and see a giant, growling grizzly bear charging down the street and headed straight for you, it makes sense to be afraid. You might wonder how this huge, hairy beast happened to be on your street, but being afraid of it would be perfectly reasonable. Other fears aren't so logical. Like me and spiders. I hate those guys. In my head, I know I'm like a zillion times bigger than they are. I could squish one with my little toe — covered in a massive steel-toed boot, of course. But when I see a spider, all I can think about are those eight creepy little legs crawling up my arm. I know my fear is crazy, but if I see a spider, I'm outta here. And don't get me started on snakes! Maybe you have a crazy fear too. Maybe it's a fear of numbers — which, by the way, is called arithmophobia. Or maybe it's just the number eight — octophobia. Maybe you're afraid of heights or speaking in front of people. Just because your fear seems crazy doesn't mean you aren't afraid. But don't let fear keep you from experiencing everything God has planned for you. Sure, there may be spiders in that cabin, but I'm not missing that camping trip. Don't you miss out either — on riding the tallest roller-coaster ride, telling people about Jesus, or even visiting the octopus exhibit at the zoo. Give your fears — crazy or not — to God, and He'll help you be brave. |
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Some people aren't just reasonably scared of bears; they are terrified of all kinds of bears. This fear is called arkoudaphobia. I have no idea how to pronounce it, but I do know it means a fear of all kinds of bears — whether they're angry grizzly bears, wandering black bears, or cute and cuddly panda bears. It even describes people who are afraid of teddy bears! Lord, I don't want my fears — real or crazy — to keep me from all You have planned for me. I will trust You to help me be brave. Amen. Excerpted with permission from Roar Like a Lion by Levi Lusko, copyright Levi Lusko. * * * |
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Give your fears to God! He wants you to run to Him with whatever is causing you worry, stress, or anxiety. He's got your back! Share this devotion with a friend! |
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2022 Christian Book Award Winner |
Roar Like a Lion: 90 Devotions to a Courageous Faith |
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Kids are wrestling with tough issues these days—peer pressure, purpose, unexpected change or loss, and wondering where their faith fits in with it all. Roar Like a Lion encourages your kids to "run toward the roar" as they face their fears, knowing that God is with them every step of the way. Pastor and bestselling author Levi Lusko is known for making tough topics accessible while drawing his readers toward a richer spiritual life. In his first children's devotional for ages 6 to 10, Levi tackles real issues our kids face with a lighthearted and approachable tone. Kids are equipped to approach both fun moments and tough times with their hearts set on God's faithfulness with the help of fascinating stories and facts, eye-catching art, Bible verses, prayers, and simple action steps. LEARN MORE ►
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| Through the Eyes of a Lion: Facing Impossible Pain, Finding Incredible Power |
What will you do when the unthinkable happens? Pastor Levi Lusko never expected that five days before Christmas, his five-year-old daughter Lenya would suddenly go to heaven after an asthma attack. Learn the eye-opening truth of the power of hope in a world that is often filled with pain, suffering, and loss. |
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Find a Way - The Way - to deeper intimacy with God |
For anyone who feels lost, far away from God, or has faced broken dreams and disappointment about how life has turned out... I completely understand. ~ Ann Voskamp No matter what season you find yourself in, the WayMaker study will help you navigate the storms of life, and find an internal calm and peace in Christ that is anchored and unwavering. Together, we'll learn to trust the Waymaker is making more than merely a way through. The WayMaker is making a way to you." |
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