Regina Walker | Updates

Family Advent – Day 14

Regina Walker — Sun, 14 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Today’s Reading: Psalm 72:8–11; Matthew 2:1–12; Revelation 7:9–10

Before reading, pray together and ask the Holy Spirit to help your family see Jesus as the righteous King who deserves our worship.

Today’s Big Truth:

Jesus is the righteous King who deserves honor from every nation.

Psalm 72 paints a picture of a perfect King—one who rules with justice, righteousness, and compassion. It says:

“All kings will bow before Him,

and all nations will serve Him.”

— Psalm 72:11 (NLT)

This psalm was originally prayed over Israel’s kings, like Solomon. But no earthly king ever lived up to this description. No human ruler has ever had a kingdom that reached “from the Euphrates River to the ends of the earth” (v.8).

This psalm was pointing forward to Someone far greater—

a King whose reign would stretch across nations, cultures, and generations.

Pointing to Jesus: Kings from Far Away Come to Worship

Hundreds of years after the psalm was written, wise men from distant lands followed a star to find a newborn King. These were not Israelites. They were foreigners—exactly the kind of distant kings Psalm 72 describes.

When they finally reached Jesus:

“They bowed down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”

— Matthew 2:11 (NLT)

Their worship fulfilled the picture in Psalm 72—nations bringing gifts to honor God’s chosen King.

Pointing to Jesus: A King Worshiped by Every Nation

But the vision doesn’t stop with the wise men. The Bible shows us an even greater scene still to come.

In Revelation, John sees people from all over the world gathered before Jesus:

“After this, I saw a vast crowd from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. And they were shouting with a great roar, ‘Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!’”

— Revelation 7:9–10 (NLT)

This is the final and fullest fulfillment of Psalm 72—

every nation honoring Jesus, the righteous King who brings justice, peace, and hope.

This teaches us something beautiful:

Jesus is the promised King David longed for.
People from all over the world are invited to worship Him.
We can offer our lives as gifts to our King.

Truth for Today

Jesus is the righteous King who deserves our worship.
His kingdom will one day include people from every nation.
We honor Him when we give Him our hearts, our obedience, and our gifts.

Family Discussion Questions

What do you think makes Jesus a good and righteous King?
How can we “bring Him gifts” with our lives today?

]]>

Family Advent – Day 13

Regina Walker — Sat, 13 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Today’s Reading: Psalm 22:14–18; John 19:23–24

Before reading, pray together and ask the Holy Spirit to help your family understand the depth of Jesus’ love and the marvel of God’s long-planned rescue.

Today’s Big Truth:

God foretold Jesus’ suffering long before it happened, showing the depth of His love for us.

Psalm 22 is one of the most remarkable and heartbreaking prophecies in the Bible. Written by King David hundreds of years before Jesus was born, it describes a scene of intense suffering:

“My life is poured out like water…

My hands and feet have been pierced.”

— Psalm 22:14, 16 (NLT)

At the time David wrote this, crucifixion didn’t even exist—not as a punishment, not as an idea, not as a method of execution. And yet the details in this psalm match the crucifixion of Jesus with astonishing accuracy.

The psalm goes on to say:

“They divide my garments among themselves

and throw dice for my clothing.”

— Psalm 22:18 (NLT)

It is as though God allowed David to see ahead—to catch a glimpse of the Savior who would suffer for the sins of the world.

Pointing to Jesus: Prophecy Fulfilled at the Cross

When Jesus was crucified, the soldiers cast lots to decide who would get His clothing. John tells us:

“This fulfilled the Scripture that says,

‘They divided my garments among them,

and they cast lots for my clothing.’”

— John 19:24 (NLT)

Jesus’ pierced hands and feet…

His suffering surrounded by enemies…

The soldiers gambling for His garments…

All of it happened exactly as God had spoken long before.

This teaches us something beautiful:

Jesus’ sacrifice was not random—it was God’s plan.
God knew what it would cost to save us, and He sent His Son anyway.
Jesus willingly walked into suffering because His love for us is deep, strong, and unshakable.

When we look at Psalm 22 and then at the cross, we see a love story written across centuries—a story of rescue that began long before Bethlehem.

Truth for Today

God’s rescue plan was in motion long before Jesus was born.
Jesus fulfilled every prophecy with perfect love.
God’s love reaches us even in our deepest need.

Family Discussion Questions

How does it impact you to know God planned Jesus’ sacrifice long before it happened?
What does this show you about how far God’s love is willing to go?

]]>

Family Advent – Day 12

Regina Walker — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Today’s Reading: Psalm 49:5–15; John 11:25–26

Before reading, pray together and ask the Holy Spirit to help your family understand the hope we have because Jesus rescues us from death and gives us eternal life.

Today’s Big Truth:

Jesus is the Redeemer who frees us from the power of the grave.

Psalm 49 is an honest and sobering song. It reminds us that no person—no matter how strong, wealthy, or important—can rescue themselves from death. Life is a gift from God, and death is a reality every human faces.

The psalmist writes:

“No one can redeem himself from death

by paying a ransom to God.”

— Psalm 49:7 (NLT)

It’s a reminder that we cannot save ourselves. We cannot buy our way into eternal life. We cannot earn it.

But then the psalmist says something hopeful—something that looks forward to God’s greater plan:

“But as for me, God will redeem my life.

He will snatch me from the power of the grave.”

— Psalm 49:15 (NLT)

This is a glimpse of the Redeemer who would one day come—Someone who could do what no human could ever do: conquer death itself.

Pointing to Jesus: The Redeemer Who Gives Life

Hundreds of years later, Jesus stood with Martha outside the tomb of her brother Lazarus. Martha was heartbroken. The grave felt final. But Jesus spoke words that changed everything:

“I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in Me will live, even after dying.”

— John 11:25–26 (NLT)

Jesus wasn’t just offering comfort—He was revealing who He is.

He is the One who brings life out of death.

He is the One who redeems us from the grave.

He is the One who went into the tomb—and then walked out again on the third day.

Because Jesus lives, we can live too.

Because Jesus conquered death, we do not have to fear it.

Because Jesus rescues His people, we have hope that lasts forever.

This teaches us something beautiful:

We cannot save ourselves, but Jesus can.
Jesus is stronger than death.
Eternal life is God’s gift to all who trust in His Son.

Truth for Today

Only God can redeem us from death.
Jesus is the resurrection and the life.
Because Jesus lives, we have hope forever.

Family Discussion Questions

What difference does it make that Jesus rose from the dead?
How does the promise of eternal life encourage you?

]]>

Family Advent – Day 11

Regina Walker — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Today’s Reading: Psalm 2:7–8; Matthew 3:16–17

Before reading, pray together and ask the Holy Spirit to help your family see Jesus as God’s chosen and beloved Son.

Today’s Big Truth:

Jesus is God’s Son, the true King whom all nations will one day honor.

Psalm 2 is a powerful song about God’s promise to place His chosen King on the throne—One who would rule not just over Israel, but over the whole world. In it, God speaks directly:

“You are my son.

Today I have become your Father.”

— Psalm 2:7 (NLT)

And God goes on to say:

“Only ask, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance.”

— Psalm 2:8 (NLT)

This wasn’t describing an ordinary king. No human ruler could reign over every nation forever. This psalm was pointing forward to the Son of God, the One who would come to rule with righteousness, strength, and mercy.

Pointing to Jesus: God’s Beloved Son Revealed

Hundreds of years later, Jesus walked into the Jordan River to be baptized by John. As He came up out of the water, something extraordinary happened:

“The heavens were opened… and a voice from heaven said,

‘This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.’”

— Matthew 3:16–17 (NLT)

God the Father declared openly what Psalm 2 had whispered long before:

Jesus is God’s Son.

Jesus is the promised King.

Jesus is the One who will inherit the nations.

And Jesus didn’t come to rule with fear but with grace. He came to save, to forgive, to rescue people from every tribe and language, inviting them into His kingdom of light.

This teaches us something beautiful:

God keeps His promises about His Son.
Jesus is the true King over all the earth.
We belong to His kingdom when we trust Him.

When we celebrate Advent, we aren’t just celebrating a baby’s birth—we’re celebrating the arrival of God’s Son, our King forever.

Truth for Today

Jesus is God’s Son and our rightful King.
His rule is filled with love and justice.
People from every nation will one day worship Him.

Family Discussion Questions

What does it mean that Jesus is God’s Son?
How does knowing Jesus is King change the way we live and trust Him?

]]>

Family Advent – Day 10

Regina Walker — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Today’s Reading: Job 19:25–27; John 11:25–26

Before you begin, pray together and ask the Holy Spirit to help your family understand the hope we have because Jesus, our Redeemer, lives forever.

Today’s Big Truth:

Jesus is our living Redeemer who brings hope even in the hardest times.

The story of Job is one of the most difficult and beautiful in the Bible. Job lost nearly everything—his family, his health, his comfort, even the support of friends. His heart was full of questions and grief.

Yet in the middle of all that pain, Job spoke words filled with deep faith and bold hope:

“But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives,

and He will stand upon the earth at last.

And after my body has decayed,

yet in my body I will see God!”

— Job 19:25–27 (NLT)

Job believed two things—long before Jesus was born:

His Redeemer was alive.
He would one day see God with his own eyes.

This was more than wishful thinking.

It was a God-given glimpse of the Savior to come.

Pointing to Jesus: The Redeemer Who Lives Forever

A Redeemer is someone who rescues, restores, and makes things right again. That is exactly what Jesus came to do.

Many years after Job lived, Jesus stood at the tomb of His friend Lazarus and spoke words that echo Job’s hope:

“I am the resurrection and the life.

Anyone who believes in Me will live, even after dying.”

— John 11:25–26 (NLT)

Jesus defeated death.

Jesus rose again.

And Jesus promises life—real, forever life—to all who trust Him.

Just like Job declared, our Redeemer lives.

This teaches families something beautiful:

Jesus understands our suffering.
Jesus stands with us when life is hard.
Jesus promises that sorrow and pain will not have the final word.

Because our Redeemer lives, we can hold onto hope—on good days and hard ones. And one day, just like Job, we will see God face-to-face.

Truth for Today

Jesus is our living Redeemer.
He brings hope into every kind of suffering.
One day, He will make all things new.

Family Discussion Questions

What does the word Redeemer mean to you?
How does knowing Jesus lives give you hope when life is hard?

]]>

Family Advent – Day 9

Regina Walker — Tue, 9 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Today’s Reading: 2 Samuel 7:12–13; Luke 1:30–33

Before you begin, pray together and ask the Holy Spirit to help your family understand the greatness of Jesus’ forever kingdom.

Today’s Big Truth:

God promised an eternal King—and Jesus is that King.

King David was one of Israel’s greatest leaders. He loved God, wrote songs that fill our Bibles, and guided God’s people with a humble heart. But even David knew that his own kingship wouldn’t last forever.

One night, God made David a powerful promise—one filled with hope and mystery.

God said:

“I will raise up one of your descendants… and I will secure his royal throne forever.”

— 2 Samuel 7:12–13 (NLT)

At first, people probably thought this meant David’s son Solomon. And Solomon did become king. But Solomon’s kingdom didn’t last forever, just like every earthly kingdom eventually fades.

God was promising something far greater.

He was pointing ahead to a King who would come many years later—a King from David’s family line… who would reign forever.

Pointing to Jesus: The Eternal King Is Born

When the angel Gabriel visited Mary, he said something breathtaking:

“The Lord God will give Him the throne of His ancestor David… and His kingdom will never end.”

— Luke 1:32–33 (NLT)

Jesus—tiny and helpless in Mary’s arms—was the long-awaited King God had promised.

But Jesus’ kingdom looks different from the kingdoms we see on maps. He doesn’t rule with armies or castles. His throne is a throne of grace. His kingdom spreads not through force but through love, forgiveness, and the transforming power of God’s Spirit.

And His kingdom truly never ends.

This teaches families something beautiful:

Jesus is the true King God promised long ago.
Jesus rules with love, justice, and mercy.
Everyone who trusts Him becomes part of His forever kingdom.

Even today, Jesus is gathering hearts from every nation, drawing people close, and inviting us to live with Him as our good and perfect King.

Truth for Today

Jesus is the King who will reign forever.
His kingdom is full of peace, joy, and righteousness.
We belong to Him—and He cares for us as His people.

Family Discussion Questions

How is Jesus’ kingdom different from kingdoms or countries on earth?
What does it mean to belong to Jesus’ forever kingdom?

]]>

Family Advent – Day 8

Regina Walker — Mon, 8 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 18:15–19; John 1:1–14

Before you begin, pray together and ask the Holy Spirit to help your family hear God’s voice and recognize Jesus as the One who speaks God’s truth perfectly.

Today’s Big Truth:

Jesus is the promised Prophet who shows us God’s heart.

Long before Jesus was born, God made a promise through Moses—one that gave hope to His people for generations.

Moses told Israel:

“The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me… You must listen to him.”

— Deuteronomy 18:15 (NLT)

A prophet is someone who speaks God’s words clearly—someone who helps people know what God is like and what God wants. Moses did that. But Moses wasn’t perfect. He struggled, got tired, and made mistakes. And God’s people needed Someone even greater.

God promised that one day a perfect prophet would come—One who wouldn’t just bring God’s words but would be God’s Word.

Pointing to Jesus: The Perfect Prophet Arrives

Hundreds of years later, Jesus was born in Bethlehem. He didn’t look powerful at first—just a tiny baby wrapped in cloth.

But He grew, taught, healed, and loved in a way no one ever had.

Jesus didn’t just speak about God.

He showed us exactly what God is like.

John 1:14 says:

“So the Word became human and made His home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen His glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.”

Every word Jesus spoke showed God’s compassion.

Every action Jesus took displayed God’s character.

Every story He told revealed God’s kingdom.

When we listen to Jesus, we are listening to God Himself.

This teaches us something beautiful:

God keeps His promises, even ones made long ago.
God wants us to know Him—not just a little, but deeply.
Jesus is the clearest picture of who God is.

And today, through Scripture and the Holy Spirit, Jesus still speaks to our hearts.

Truth for Today

Jesus shows us what God is like.
We can trust everything He says.
When we listen to Jesus, we draw closer to God.

Family Discussion Questions

What are some things Jesus said or did that help you understand God’s heart?
What are ways we can listen to Jesus together as a family?

]]>

Family Advent – Day 7

Regina Walker — Sun, 7 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Today’s Reading: Hosea 11:1; Matthew 2:13–15

Before you begin, pray together and ask the Holy Spirit to help your family understand how God cares for His people and keeps His promises.

Today’s Big Truth:

God protects His Son—and He protects us too.

In the Old Testament, the prophet Hosea wrote a short but powerful line:

“I called my son out of Egypt.” — Hosea 11:1 (NLT)

When Hosea first wrote this, he was talking about how God brought Israel—the whole nation—out of Egypt during the time of Moses. Israel was sometimes called “God’s son” because God loved and cared for them like a Father.

But God was also doing something bigger. This verse was a prophecy, a clue pointing forward to Jesus.

Pointing to Jesus: God’s Son Protected

Hundreds of years later, Jesus was born in Bethlehem. He was tiny, helpless, and completely dependent on the care of Mary and Joseph—just like all babies.

But God knew danger was coming.

In Matthew 2:13: The angel warned Joseph:

“Get up! Flee to Egypt… Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”

So Mary and Joseph took Jesus and escaped to Egypt. They stayed there until Herod died.

Matthew 2:15 says that this happened “to fulfill what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: ‘I called my son out of Egypt.’”

The very same words Hosea wrote—long before Jesus was born—came true exactly as God planned.

This teaches kids something beautiful:

God watches over His children.
God fulfills His promises.
God knows what’s ahead and guides His people.

Just like God protected Israel and Jesus, He protects us today.

No matter what is happening around us, God sees us, knows us, and stays with us.

Truth for Today:

God keeps His promises.

God protects His people.

We can trust God!

Family Discussion Questions

How did God protect Jesus when He was a baby?
How does God protect us today?
(Talk about ways God guides, guards, comforts, warns, and watches over our hearts.)

]]>

Family Advent – Day 6

Regina Walker — Sat, 6 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Today’s Reading: Exodus 33:14

Before reading together tonight, pray and invite the Holy Spirit to help your family understand how God stays close to His people.

Today’s Big Truth:

God is always with His people—and Jesus is the perfect fulfillment of that promise.

In today’s passage, Moses is meeting with God while the Israelites are in the wilderness. Moses knows that leading God’s people is impossible without God’s help. So he asks God to stay with them.

And God answers with a beautiful promise:

“My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” — Exodus 33:14

This means:

God wasn’t sending Moses out alone,
God wouldn’t leave His people,
God Himself would be their rest, comfort, and strength.

This was incredibly reassuring for Israel—but it was also pointing forward to an even greater promise.

Pointing to Jesus: God With Us

Hundreds of years later, God fulfilled His promise in the most personal way possible—by sending Jesus.

The angel tells Joseph:

“Look! The virgin will conceive a child! … They will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”

— Matthew 1:23 (NLT)

Jesus didn’t just visit His people.

He lived with them.

Walked with them.

Loved them.

Taught them.

Healed them.

And after He rose from the dead, He promised to stay with His followers forever.

“And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

— Matthew 28:20 (NLT)

Just like God told Moses, Jesus tells us:

My presence goes with you.
I will give you rest.
You are never alone.

This is part of the Christmas miracle—God came close, not far away.

Truth for Today:

Jesus is Immanuel—God with us.

We can rest because He never leaves us.

Family Discussion Questions

When do you most need to remember that God is with you?
How can we remind each other of God’s presence this week?

]]>

Family Advent – Day 5

Regina Walker — Fri, 5 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Today’s Reading: Exodus 12:1–13

Before you begin, pray together and ask the Holy Spirit to help your family see Jesus in today’s story.

Today’s Big Truth:

God rescued His people through the blood of a lamb—just like He rescues us through Jesus.

In today’s reading, God is preparing His people to leave Egypt after many years of slavery. On this special night, called Passover, the Israelites were told to take a perfect lamb, sacrifice it, and put its blood on the doorposts of their homes.

God promised that when He saw the lamb’s blood, He would pass over their homes and keep them safe from judgment.

This was a powerful rescue moment…

But it was also a picture of something even greater God would do one day.

Pointing to Jesus

In the New Testament, we learn that this was not just a story about ancient Israel—it was a preview of God’s rescue plan for the whole world.

Jesus is called our Passover Lamb.

The apostle Paul says:

“Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed for us.” — 1 Corinthians 5:7 (NLT)

Just like the lamb’s blood saved the Israelites from death, Jesus’ blood saves us from sin and separation from God.

And John the Baptist announced Jesus by saying:

“Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” — John 1:29 (NLT)

Who did the Lamb of God come for? “Me!”

The lamb had to be:

perfect,
without blemish,
and innocent.

Jesus is our perfect and innocent Savior who willingly gave His life for us.

The Passover lamb looked forward to the day Jesus would come and free us forever.

Truth for Today:

God rescues us through Jesus.

We can trust Him with our whole hearts.

Family Discussion Questions

Why do you think God used a lamb as a picture of Jesus?
How does it make you feel to know Jesus gave His life for you?

]]>

Family Advent Day 4

Regina Walker — Thu, 4 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Family Advent – Day 4

Today’s Reading:

Genesis 49:8–12

2 Samuel 7:12–16

Luke 1:26–38

Revelation 5:4–5

John 1:10–13

Before you begin, pray together and ask the Holy Spirit to help your family understand God’s Word and see Jesus clearly.

Today’s Big Truth:

God promised a King—and Jesus is that King!

1. Jacob’s Blessing (Genesis 49:8–12)

Jacob (also called Israel) spoke blessings over his sons. Sometimes these blessings were also prophecies, which means God was speaking through him about things that would happen in the future.

When Jacob spoke over his son Judah, he said someone would come from Judah’s family line who would rule forever and whom all nations would honor.

You can ask your kids:

Who does all authority belong to? → Jesus!

Who will all nations one day honor? → Jesus!

This helps kids see that God was talking about Jesus all the way back in Genesis.

2. God’s Promise to David (2 Samuel 7:12–16)

God also made a promise to King David, who was part of Judah’s family.

He said that someone from David’s family would have a throne and a kingdom that lasts forever.

Part of this promise was for David’s son Solomon…

But part of it was for Jesus, the forever King.

Talk as a family about which parts sound like Solomon and which parts point to Jesus.

3. Mary’s Yes to God (Luke 1:26–38)

Gabriel tells Mary that she will be the mother of Jesus. Mary and Joseph come from the house of David, exactly like God promised.

Mary shows beautiful faith when she says,

“I am the Lord’s servant.”

Talk about how we can say “yes” to God with the same kind of trust today.

4. Jesus, the Lion of Judah (Revelation 5:4–5)

We get another picture of Jesus as the Lion of Judah—strong, powerful, and worthy to open the scroll.

This reminds us again that Jesus is the promised King from Judah’s family.

5. Becoming Children of God (John 1:10–13)

This passage reminds us that we don’t have to be born into a special family to belong to God.

Anyone who believes in Jesus becomes a child of God.

That means:

God’s family is open to everyone.
We don’t earn our way in—Jesus invites us in.
We are part of God’s big rescue plan, too.

You can ask your children the same heart question you ask each night:

“Who did God send Jesus for?”

Encourage them to answer, “For me.”

Help them feel the personal love behind God’s big rescue plan.

Truth for Today:

We can trust God to fulfill His promises.

We can trust God always.

Family Discussion Questions

What do you think it means that Jesus is the “true King”?
How can we honor Jesus as King in our home this week?

]]>

Family Advent Reading Day 3

Regina Walker — Thu, 4 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Today’s Reading: Genesis 22:1–18

Today we move forward in Abraham’s story. By this point God has changed his name, blessed him with a son through his wife Sarah (whose name was also changed), and continued to lead him step by step.

In this passage, Abraham hears God speak and responds with trust. God asks him to take Isaac—the very son God had promised, the child through whom God said He would bless the whole world—and offer him as a sacrifice on the mountain. This was a moment that tested Abraham’s faith in a deep and serious way.

As you read together, help your children notice two important truths:

1. Abraham was willing to obey because he trusted God completely.

Isaac was a gift from God, and Abraham showed his faith by being willing to give everything back to God.

2. God is our Provider.

Just when the story feels impossible, God intervenes. He stops Abraham and provides a ram in Isaac’s place. This shows us that while God wants our whole hearts and full devotion, He is not distant—He is close, caring, and faithful.

God provided for Adam and Eve.

God provided for Abraham.

And one day, God would provide for the whole world by sending His Son, Jesus.

You can ask your children the same heart question you ask each night:

“Who did God send Jesus for?”

Encourage them to answer, “For me.”

Help them feel the personal love behind God’s big rescue plan.

Jesus in this story:

Abraham was willing to offer his son, but God provided a ram instead. This points forward to Jesus—the perfect sacrifice God provided for all of us.

We can trust God to provide.

We can always trust God.

Family Discussion Questions

What does this story show us about trusting God, even when His plans are hard to understand?
How is Jesus like the ram God provided on the mountain?
(You can look together at John 1:29 and John 1:36, where Jesus is called the “Lamb of God.”)

]]>

Family Advent Day 2

Regina Walker — Tue, 2 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Family Advent Reading Guide – Day 2

It’s time for the next nightly reading as we look forward to the coming of our Messiah. As you read with your children, invite them to notice how each passage shows us who God is and how the whole story of Scripture points toward Jesus.

A great question to ask each night is:

“Who did Jesus come for?”

The answer is “everyone,” of course—but encourage your children to take it one step further:

“Jesus came for me.”

Help them see that God’s rescue plan is big enough for the whole world, yet personal enough to reach each individual heart.

Tonight’s Reading:

Genesis 12:1–8, Genesis 11:30, Matthew 1:1–17

Family Devotional Thought:

In these passages, God promises Abram that through his family, He will bless every family on earth. Jesus is the fulfillment of that promise—the blessing who brings God’s love to the whole world.

Abram was a real, complicated human being, just like all of us. As you read, take time to talk with your kids about the obedience it took for Abram to leave everything familiar and trust a promise that didn’t make sense at the time. At 75 years old, he had no children (Read Gen. 11:30), yet God told him his descendants would become a great nation.

Help your kids see that Abram likely learned obedience in small steps long before this moment. Those everyday moments of listening to God trained his heart for bigger acts of faith. You can remind your children that our big steps of obedience usually grow out of smaller, everyday choices to trust God.

Also, talk about the honest truth: Abram didn’t always trust God perfectly. Sometimes he tried to find his own way instead of waiting for God’s. Yet even knowing Abram’s weaknesses, God still kept His promise.

This helps kids understand:

God is faithful even when we struggle.
God keeps His promises.
God’s rescue plan was never fragile—it was always secure in His hands.
Jesus was always the plan.

Looking Ahead to Matthew 1:1–17

As you finish tonight’s reading, take a moment to look ahead with your children to Matthew 1:1–17. Matthew wrote his Gospel to show the Jewish people that Jesus truly is the promised Messiah. One way he does this is by giving Jesus’ genealogy—His family line.

Help your kids notice that this list represents 42 generations of waiting. God’s promise to Abram didn’t come true immediately, but it did come true exactly the way God said it would.

Talk about how God told Abram He would make his name great. Today, we know him as Abraham, the name God gave him—and he is still known around the world thousands of years later. This shows our children that when God makes a promise, He keeps it in ways far bigger and better than we could imagine.

End with this reminder for your family:

We can trust every promise God makes.

We can trust God.

Family Discussion Questions

Why do you think God sometimes takes a long time to fulfill His promises? What can we learn while we wait?
How does seeing Jesus’ genealogy help you trust that God keeps His word, even across many generations?
Abram was told he would be a blessing to others. How can our family be a blessing to others this season?

]]>

Family Advent Day 1

Regina Walker — Mon, 1 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Tonight's reading: Genesis Chapter 3:1-21, Genesis 1:1 and John 1:1-5

I encourage you to always ask the Holy Spirit to teach you when you open the Word, and to ask Him to help you do the Word, live it, and be transformed by it. He wants to impart spiritual wisdom to us if we seek Him.

We read Genesis 3:1-21 first and discussed sin and how God had a plan and revealed the coming Savior in His first encounter with Adam and Eve after the fall. And, as a loving Father, while there were consequences for sin, He provided a physical covering (vs 21) that was practical and provisional and symbolic of the spiritual covering that would come.

Questions: Was Jesus there at the beginning? (We explored this in Gen 1:1 and John 1:1-5!)

How does it feel to know God had a plan to send Jesus as soon as sin entered the world?

What does this teach you about God’s love and patience?

If you're doing this with your kids, take the time to remind them that this isn't a pop quiz or a right/wrong series of questions. This is to discuss, explore, and build our relationship with God and each other. Try to remind them that scripture proves that we can trust our God. His goodness is revealed in His Word.

You are the most equipped person to lead your kids to Jesus, and studying with them, opening the Word with them, and helping them grow in their faith is the most important thing you can do. If there is anything I can do to help you along the way, please reach out.

]]>