Faith is being sure of what we hope for. It is being certain of what we do not see.

SCRIPTURE VERSE FOR THIS WEEK
Faith is being sure of what we hope for. It is being certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1 (NIRV)

A Prayer for the Week:
Lord Jesus, you are our true treasure. Help us to put you first in our hearts this week. Amen.
(Luke 12:34)

Mealtime Prayer:
Food on our table. Grace in our lives. Praise in our hearts. Thank you, God! Amen.

A Blessing to Give:
May you have faith in God’s promises. May God’s faithful love rest on you and give you hope. Amen. (Hebrews 11:1; Psalm 33:22)

CARING
CONVERSATION
Discuss in your household or small group:
• Share about a time when you had to wait for something.
• Jesus tells us to be always ready for him to return (Luke 12:35-40). What
can we do to be ready for him?
• How do you feel about Jesus’ returning? Do you think you are ready?

DEVOTIONS
In Genesis 15:1-6, we hear that God made a special covenant with Abraham, promising him as many descendants as there were stars in the sky! In your home devotion times this week, make up a list of the different promises that God has made to the people. For example, “God has promised to save us,” “God has promised us eternal life,” “God has promised to answer our prayers.” Write each one on a piece of yellow paper cut into a star shape. Place these on your walls or ceiling as a reminder of God’s love and grace.

SERVICE
Hebrews 11 lists people from the Bible who showed faith in God. Who have been examples of faith to you and your family? Write letters to these people, thanking them for their example.
One of the greatest gifts we can give to our children is deep and meaningful connections with other witnesses to the faith. Ask grandparents, aunts and uncles to share their own faith stories with your children. Read your children stories about historical figures of Christian faith, such as Martin Luther, Francis of Assisi and David Livingstone.

RITUALS AND TRADITIONS
Jesus told his followers to wait for him like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding party. Gather a candle for each member of your household. When you sit down for meals this week, light the candles and say these words (from Luke 12:35):
Leader: Be dressed and ready for service and keep your lamps burning.
Response: For Jesus, our master, is coming.

DAILY BIBLE READINGS
These readings are related to the Lectionary readings for this Sunday.
We invite you to take time each day to read the assigned Bible passages.
Sunday Luke 12:32-40 Seek treasures in heaven
Monday Luke 12:41-48 Parable of the servants
Tuesday Matthew 6:19-24 Store up heavenly treasures
Wednesday Matthew 19:16-26 The rich young man
Thursday Matthew 13:44-46 A parable about treasure
Friday Ecclesiastes 9:7-12 Wisdom for living
Saturday Proverbs 2:1-11 The treasure of wisdom
Sunday Luke 12:49-56 Jesus the cause of division