God Takes Care of Me (First Steps Devotions) by Paul J. Loth Read Free Book Online Page A

Baptist and Jesus were cousins. John the Baptist
told people about Jesus. He even baptized Jesus. One day John the Baptist saw
Jesus coming. “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” he
told everyone.
    But now John the Baptist was in prison. He had a lot of time
to think. He had a lot of questions, too. So he sent two of his disciples to
see Jesus. “Are you the one we should be looking for? Or must we wait for
someone else?” they asked Jesus.
    “Go and tell John what you have heard and seen,” Jesus said
to them. “The blind are now able to see, and the lame can walk. People with
leprosy are being healed, and the deaf can hear. The dead are raised to life,
and the poor are hearing the good news.”
    John the Baptist understood. He knew Jesus was the Messiah.
Jesus helped him feel better.
The Talking Step
    Who was the last person to encourage you?
    What did he or she do?
    Does God ever encourage you? How?
The Praying Step
    Dear God, sometimes I get discouraged. Thank You for
encouraging me. I want to let You encourage me more. Next time I want to turn
to You for help first.
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.
Ecclesiastes 4:9
Jesus Healed the Man Who Could Not Speak
or See
Matthew 12:22-50; Luke 11:14-25

The Thinking Step
    Who is the strongest person you know?
    Could you defeat this person? Could you defeat this person
if you had some help?
    Who could help you defeat this strong person?
The Listening Step
    Jesus loved everyone. He wanted to help people. One day some
people brought a man to see Jesus. They wanted Jesus to help him. The man could
not see or speak.
    Jesus knew why the man could not see or speak. But Jesus is
stronger than sickness, and He could help the man. Jesus healed him. The man
could see. He could speak, too.
    Everyone was shocked: “Could Jesus be the Son of David?”
    The Pharisees were not convinced. “He forces out demons by
the power of the ruler of the demons,” they said.
    Jesus explained that Satan would not defeat himself. Jesus
took care of people even when Satan was hurting them.
The Talking Step
    Can anyone defeat God? Why not?
    What do you do when you are having problems? Why?
    What should you do?
The Praying Step
    Dear God, sometimes I have problems I cannot solve. You are
the only One who can help me. Please help me solve my problems.
You, LORD, are the light that keeps me safe. I am not afraid of anyone. You
protect me, and I have no fears.
Psalm 27:1
Jesus Saved the Disciples
Matthew 8:23-27; Mark 4:36-41; Luke 8:22-25

The Thinking Step
    When was the first time you were really scared? Why?
    Was there someone who could help you? Who?
    Why did you think that person could help you?
The Listening Step
    Jesus was very tired. He had been teaching people all day.
    When it was night, Jesus said to the disciples, “Let’s cross
the lake.”
    They got in the boat, and Jesus found a pillow. Soon He was
sound asleep. Then a storm came. The waves went higher and higher. The boat
started filling up with water. The disciples got scared. They looked for Jesus,
He was asleep in the back of the boat.
    “Don’t you care that we’re about to drown?” they asked Him.
Jesus got up. He shouted to the wind and waves to be still. The wind slowed
down. The waves stopped. The disciples were amazed. They said, “Who is this?
Even the winds and the waves obey Him!”
    The disciples were scared, but Jesus took care of them. All
they had to do was ask.
The Talking Step
    Name someone you trust.
    Why do you trust that person? Do you trust God? Why?
    How does that make you feel when you are scared?
The Praying Step
    Dear God, I trust You. I know You will take care of me. Help
me to put more faith in You. Help me to trust You more.
Your way is perfect, LORD, and your word is correct. You are a shield for
those who run to you for help.
Psalm 18:30:
Jesus Responded to the Touch of the Sick
Woman
Matthew 9:18-22; Mark 5:25-34; Luke 8:43-48

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