Gotta Have God Boys Devotional Vol 2 -- Ages 10-12

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H. Michael Brewer

This one is for Mom, as promised. And, of course, they're all for Janet.

-HMB GOTTA HAVE GOD

2 FOR AGES 10-12

©2014 by Legacy Press, thirteenth printing ISBN 10: 1-58411-059-7 ISBN 13: 978-1-58411-059-0 Legacy reorder #LP46966 Juvenile Nonfiction / Relig ion / Devotion & Prayer

Legacy Press P.O. Box 261129 San Diego, CA 92196 www.LegacyPressKids.com

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MIX Paper from responsible sources

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Cover Illustrator: Dave Carleson Interior Illustrator: Aline L. Heiser Unless otherwise noted, Scriptures are from the Holy Bible: New ill/ema/iOllal Versioll (North American Ed ition), copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by the International Bible Society. Used by pe rmission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.

Scripture quotations marked NUV arc taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked CFY arc taken from the Contemporary English Version, copyright © The American Bible Society 1995. Published under license from Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Scripture quotations marked

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are taken from the The Messa:.:e. Copyright © Eugene H. Peterson 1993, 1994,

1995. Used by permission of NavPresS Publishing Group.

SCripture quotations marked N IIN are taken from the Holy Bible, New iIl/ema/ional Reader's Version, copyright ©1994, 1996

by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan PUblishing House. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked "RSV arc taken from the New Revised S/alldard Versioll Bible, copyright ©1989 by Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.

Scripture quotations marked NilSB are taken from the New Amaicall Sialldard Bible, copyright ©1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by the Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Scripture quotations marked CNT arc taken from the Good News Tralls /a/io. - Secolld Edi/ion, copyright ©1992 by America n Bible Society. Used by perm ission.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the written permission of Legacy Press.

Printed in South Korea

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TABLE OF COIITEIITS

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Great News .............................. 11

Making Friends ...................... 63

God and Me .... ...................... ............ 12

Getting Along ... ................. ............. ... 64

Fitness Day ....... ....... ...... ............ 12

Bugged ...... .. ............................ ..64

Love That Can't Be Earned ..... .14

Bad Company ........ ........ ....... ..... 66

The Biggest Thing ........... ....... .. 16

The Lightning Bolt ..... .. ............. 68 Better Late Than Never? .. .......... 70

The Ugly Cross .......................... 1S Never, Ever ............. ................... 20

Sharing .... ................. .............. ........... 72

The Family Day Picnic ... .. ......... 22

Jumbo Popcorn ....... ........ ........ ...72

God and My Life .... ... ......... .. ... ...... ... 24

Better Than a Ball Glove .. ........ 74

The Big Plan ...... ......... ... ............ 24 Best Friends ... .. .. ....................... 26

Open Ears ................ .. ...... .......... 76 The Invitation ....... .. .... ..... ... ....... 78

Tough Times .... .. .......... ....... ....... 28

Papers in the Wind ..... .... ........... 80

24/7 .. .......... ......... .. ...... ............ ... 30

Watching My Words .. ... ... ... ............. 82

The Lost Game ... .. .. ................ .. .32 Cleaning House for Jesus .......... 34

Taming the Tongue ..... ............. .. 82 What an Awful World ....... ......... 84

Feeling Good About Me .................................. 37

The Sleepover Secret ................ 86 Good Word s on a Bad Day ........ 88 The Bowling Buddy ........ .......... 90

Respecting Myself ......... .... .... ........... 38

God's Gift ................... ..... .... ..... .38 No Fooling .. ..... .. ......... .... ... .. .... .40 The Pool Date .. .......... ... ............ .42

Making God Smile ................ 93 Fruit of the Spirit .. ... .. ..................... 94

The New CD ... .. .. ............ .......... .44

Nine Ways to Make God Smile ............. ..................... 94

Doing My Best .............. ...... .... ......... .46

Love (Fruit I) ........... .. .. .. ................... 96

The Grass or the Game? .. ....... ...46

Burger Battle .. .. .......... ................ 96

The Free Throw ..... .. ............... ..48 Getting Smart .... .................. .. .... 50 Growing ....... .... .................. ............... 52

More Than Inches ...................... 52 Getting Stronger .. ...................... 54 The Growling Bell y ............. ..... 56 Holy Joe ....... ... ........... ..... .. ........ 58 Last-place Louie ........................ 60

joy (Fruit 2) ............ .... ...................... 98

Pumpkin Pie and Joy ................ 98 Peace (Fruit 3) ............................ .... 100

The Storm Party ...................... 100 Patience (Fruit 4) ..................... ... .. 102

Knot Patient ............................ 102

,.ABLE OF CO.,.E.,.S

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Kindness (Fruit 5) ..........................104

Jesus, the Savior ............................ 144

Wet and Late ............................ l 04

The One and Only .................... 144

Goodness (Fruit 6) ........................ 106

Jesus, the Good Shepherd ........... .146

Treasure in a Trash Bag .......... 106

The Lost Lamb ............. ........... 146

Faithfulness (Fruit 7) .................... 108

Jesus, the Bread of Life ............. ... 148

The Boring Meeting .. .............. 108

A Loaf of Love ............. ... .... .... 148

Gentleness (Fruit 8) ......... ............. 11 0

Jesus, the Door .............................. 150

The Splinter. ............................. 110

An Open and Shut Case ... .. ..... 150

Self-control (Fruit 9) ...................... 112

Jesus, the Light of the World ........ 152

Almost Batty ........ .................... 112

The Darkest Dark .............. .... .. 152

Handling the Hard StuH ... ......................... .. ..115 Hard Stuff with Others .................. 116

Cabbage and Coconut ...... ..... ... 116

Jesus, the Vine ............................... .l54

Keeping Connected ...... ............ 154 Jesus, the Way .... ... ....... .. ....... .. ....... 156

The Long Shortcut ..... .... ....... .. 156

Getting Even ............................ 118 Turning the Tables .................. 120 Pool Rules ............. ............. ...... 122

Jesus the Friend of the Hungry .... 158

Hard Stuff with God ......................124

Touching Lepers ...................... 160

The Second Mistake .... ...... ...... 124

Jesus, the Friend of Kids .............. 162

In God's Strong Hand .... ......... . 126 A House Made of Love .... ....... . 128

Make Room for the Kids .. ..... . 162 Jesus, the First and the Last ........ 164

My Own Hard Stuff ........................ 130

Jesus Has It All .... .................... l64

The Best Batter in the Neighborhood .................... 130 The Comic Book Collection .... 132

Sky-High Love ...................... 167

The Vacant Lot ........ .... ... ... ...... 134 The Excuse ................... .... ...... . 136 More Than Talk ................ ........ 138

Getting to Know Jesus ...... 141 Jesus, the Lord .............................. 142

Learning to Obey ............. ....... 142

Extra Groceries ........................ 158 Jesus, the Friend .of the Sick ........ 160

My Father's World ........................ 168

A Message in the Sky .............. 168 The Big Boss ...... ... ................... 170 Naming the Stars .. .... .......... ...... l72 Rainy Day God ...................... .. 174 What a Mighty God! ...................... 176

Thunder and Lightning ............ 176

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TABLE OF CONTENTS ----_._._-------_._.The World's Biggest Ribbon .. 178 Sunrise, Sunset ............ ..... ....... 180

Spring Cleaning ...................... 214 Partners with God .... ............. ... 216

Stars and Crickets .................... 182 Love from Above ............................184

Holy Stuff ................................ 219

The Simple Answer.. ................ 184

The Bible ........................................ 220

Pictures in the Sky .. .... ............ 186 Look Up, Look Down .... ... ....... 188

The Big Deal Book ............... ... 220 Learning the Rules ............. .... .222

Follow That Star! ................... .190

The Letter ................................ 224 Verses to Go ....... .............. ....... 226

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Making a Better World ...... 193

Prayer ..............................................228

Being a Friend .. .............................. 194

The Secret Prayer Word .......... 228

The Big Brother .. .. .................. 194 The Bus Buddy ........................ 196

The Second Secret Prayer Word .... ........................ 230

The Time Machine .................. 198 The Four-legged Visitor .......... 200

Helping Michael ... .. ............. .... 232 Prayer with a Beat... ..... ............ 234

Welcoming Others ..........................202

Church ............................................ 236

The New Kid ......................... ... 202

Making the Team ... ........... ...... 236

The Outsider ....... ......... .. .......... 204

Delivery Boy ............................ 238

Helping Others ........... .. ............ ....... 206

Visiting Yard Sales ..... ............. 206

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The Awful Sunday .................... 242

The Youth Group Project ........ 208

Puzzle Answers .................. 245

The Thirsty Dog ........ ..... ......... 21 0

Favorite Bible Verses .... .. 253

Caring for God's World .................. 212

Prayer Reminders .............. 255

Going to the Mall ......... .. ......... 212

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The Budget .............................. 240

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I.TRODUCTIOII _._._---_._-_._.Nothing is more fun than getting together with a good friend! That's what this book is for, to remind you to spend time with

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your best friend, Jesus. Do you really need a book to talk to Jesus?

Nahhh! But the stuff in this book will give you and Jesus some things to talk about.

So what's in here? There are stories and readings from the Bible to help you get to know Jesus better. There are questions here to think about. (Don't worry! It's not like homework.) And every story has a totally cool puzzle or code or game to give your brain a workout. We put a few easy ones in, but some of these are going to make smoke come out of your ears! Of course, there are answers in the back if you really, really, REALLY need them.

If you're going to use this book, you'd better get the rules straight.

The rules are . .. uh, let 's see, there must be some rules. Okay, I've got a couple:

1. Never use a hamster for a bookmark.

2. Do not take this book into the pool. This is not an approved flotation device!

I can't think of any other rules right now, so I guess the rest is up to you. You can read one chapter a day. Or more. Or less. You can memorize the Bible verses. Or not. Or just the ones you like. On the activities and questions, you can use a pencil or a pen or a paintbrush.

You can start at the front of the book or the back or in the middle. You can read this book alone with Jesus, or you can get somebody else to share it with you. You're getting the picture, right? Do your own thing.

Wait a minute. I just thought of one more rule. This is the last one, and then I'm out of here.

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3. Have fun! After all, you'll be hanging with Jesus, the best friend anybody ever had!

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GOD A.D ME

------------I am wonderful because God made me.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful.

Fitness Day

- Psalm 139:14

Corey waited for the whistle, then ran the 50-yard dash as fast as he could.

"Not bad," said his physical education teacher, Mr. Grayson. He wrote Corey's time on a card.

"All right, everybody," called Mr. Grayson. "Pair off and do sit-ups. See how many you can do in 60 seconds."

Corey paired up with his friend Manuel. He held Manuel 's feet firmly.

When the whistle blew, Manuel did sit-ups as fast as he could for one minute.

Then they traded places and Corey took his tum. When he finished, they rested and waited for Mr. Grayson to come around and record their scores.

"Ha!" said Manuel. "I did three more sit-ups than you."

"Yeah, but 1 did two more chin-ups," Corey said. "This is fun."

Manuel said, "Yeah, I like fitness testing day, except for the rope climb.

Ugggh ! I burned my hands coming down."

"J ust look at all this stuff we're doing," Corey said. "Isn't it amazing?"

"What do you mean?"

"Think about everything your body can do," Corey said. "We jump and run and throw and swim and climb."

"Yeah," said Manuel with a grin. "When God made me, God made the best.

But when God made you, God made the second best."

"Okay," called Mr. Grayson. "Keep your same partners and keep count for each other for the push-up test."

"Push-ups?" Manuel groaned.

"Now we'll see who's second best," Corey said.

Your Turn If part of your body didn't work well, would you still be wonderful? Why?

Prayer God, I love all the stuff I can do. Thanks for making me who I am! Amen.

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GOTTA HAVE GOD 2

GOD'S WOIIDERFUL WORK God has made you special, and there is no one else exactly like you. Think of some of the wonderful things about you. On another sheet of paper, write a story about yourself using the words listed below, then share that story with someone who loves you.

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Strong

Safe

Challenge

Adventure

Unique

Talent

Excellent

Marvelous

Special

Courage

Good

Learning

GOTTA HAVE GOD 2

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GOD AMD ME _._._._---_._.God loves me no matter what.

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! -1 John 3:1

Love That Can't Be Earned Troy's dad was driving him to soccer practice. The radio played music from a Christian music station. Between songs, an announcer talked about God's love.

Troy sighed with boredom.

Mr. Parker glanced at his son and said, "God does love you. That's not just something to talk about in church. It's real, you know."

Troy thought about it for a moment.

"DOes God love me because I'm captain of the soccer team?" he asked.

"No," said Mr. Parker. "God would love you even if you were lousy at soccer."

"Does God love me because I got an A in Spanish?"

"No. God would love you if you flunked every subject," Mr. Parker said. "Of course, you wouldn't get any allowance for a year. But God would still love you."

"Does God love me because I always do my chores and you never have to ask me twice?"

Mr. Parker raised his eyebrows and looked at Troy.

"Okay, sometimes you have to ask me more than once," Troy laughed.

"God loves you whether you do your chores or not," Mr. Parker said.

"I'm running out of reasons," Troy said. "So why does God love me?"

"Just because you're you and God is God," Mr. Parker said. "God is pleased when you do good things, but those good things aren't the reason God loves you. And doing bad things may disappoint God, but that won't stop God from loving you. God's love is a gift and you can never earn it. God loves you because God wants to."

"Wow!" Troy said.

"Amen!" said the radio announcer.

Your Turn When you think about God's love for you, how do you feel about God?

Prayer God, thanks for all the love. That's the best gift I could ever imagine. Amen.

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IF GOD LOVES ME, I MUS., BE OKAY! Cinquain is a kind of poem. It does not have to rhyme. The first line of a cinquain is the title and all the other lines of the poem are about the title. Put your name on the first line and follow the directions to write a cinquain poem about yourself.

Line Line Line Line Line

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1: 2: 3: 4: 5:

Write your name.

Write two words that describe you.

Write three action words that apply to you.

Write four feeling words about yourself.

Rename the title by thinking of a different word for you.

GOTTA HAVE GOD 2

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GOD AMD ME ---.----_._._.God proved His love by sending Jesus.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

- John 3:16

The Biggest Thing On the drive home after the soccer game, Troy said, "I've been thinking about God loving me. I believe it, I guess, but I'm wondering how we know for sure."

Mr. Parker thought for a moment.

"There are lots of ways to answer that question, but let me ask you a question first, " he said. "How do you know that your mom and I love you?"

"I know you love me because of all the stuff you do for me," Troy said.

"You give me a home and food to eat. You buy clothes for me. When I'm sick you take care of me. You drive me all over the place."

"So doing those things for you is one way of proving our love for you , right?" Mr. Parker said. "What about God? What has God done for you?"

Now it was Troy's tum to think.

"God made a beautiful world for me to live in," Troy said. "He has given me a strong body and good health. He gave me a great family and super parents."

"So, all that proves God's love for you," Mr. Parker asked. "But there 's even more. God also sent Jesus to show His love."

They drove in silence for a few minutes.

"I can hardly imagine so much love," Mr. Parker said. "I can't think of anything in the world that could make me give up my son, but God loved us so much that he gave up His only Son for us. " "Sending Jesus was the biggest thing God could do for us, wasn't it, Dad?" Mr. Parker said, "I can't think of anything bigger."

"Neither can I," Troy said.

Your Turn How do you think God felt about sending Jesus into the world?

Prayer God, Your love is higher than the sky and deeper than the oceans and bigger than the world. I'm going to hang on to Your love forever. Amen.

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GOD AMD ME

------------Jesus loved me enough to die on the cross for me.

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.

-1 John 3:16

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The Ugly Cross Hasin sat beside Alan in the pew. Hasin was Alan's friend from school. His family had moved from India, and Hasin had never been in a Christian church.

Hasin whispered to Alan, "There on the wall. That's a cross, right?"

"That's right," Alan said. "Most churches have a cross on the wall or on top of the steeple or somewhere."

"Don't be angry," Hasin said, "but isn't that a strange thing to decorate your church with? The Romans used crosses to kill people. A cross is a painful thing."

"We worship Jesus," Alan said, "and Jesus died on a cross. The cross reminds us of that."

Hasin nodded.

"I know that," he said, "but why do you want to remember such a sad story?"

Alan thought about that for a minute.

"Jesus died on the cross because He loves us," Alan said. "He died to take away our sins. He died so we would understand how much God loves us. To us the cross is beautiful because it reminds us of God 's love. " "It still seems sad to me," Hasin said, shaking his head.

"It was sad when Jesus died," Alan agreed. "But He's not dead now. He came out of the grave after three days and now He 's alive forever."

"Do you believe that?" Hasin asked in surprise.

"Yes," Alan said. "I believe Jesus died and rose again for me."

"Then the story has a happy ending," Hasin said.

"The happiest ending of all," Alan said. He looked at the cross and felt God's love all around him.

Your Turn Is there a cross anywhere in your church? What do you think of when you see it?

Prayer Jesus, I can hardly believe how much You love me. You died for me. Help me live for You. Amen.

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EASWER EXCIWEltEIIW Jesus died on the cross, but He rose again. This is great news and you should want to share it with others! Check out the references below and read these Bible stories that tell how people found out about Jesus ' resurrection on the first Easter morning. Write the person's name in the blank space that describes him or her.

Thomas

Cleopas

Mary Magdalene

Simon Peter

Disciples

1. Read John 20:1-2 When I got to the place where Jesus was buried, I saw the stone had been rolled away from the opening. I ran to tell the disciples that something had happened to Jesus' body.

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Who am I? - - - - - - 2. Read John 20:3 Mary told me Jesus' body had been taken from the tomb where He was buried. I ran to the tomb to see what had happened.

Who am I? - - - - - - 3. Read Luke 24:12-16

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I was walking from Jerusalem toward the town of Emmaus with another of Jesus' followers. We were talking about all that had happened to Jesus when we were suddenly joined by another traveler. We did not know who he was. We told him all about Jesus and invited the stranger to eat with us. As we began to eat, we realized we had been walking with the risen Jesus.

Who am I? - - - - - - 4. Read John 20:19-20

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It was three days since Jesus had been killed. We did not know who had taken His body. We were scared. We were hiding in a locked house when Jesus came and stood in the room with us. Jesus showed us His hands and side. We were so amazed!

Whoaml? - - - - - - 5. Read John 20:24-28 I did not believe my friends when they told me Jesus was alive. A few days later, Jesus came to visit us again, and I got to see Him for myself. He showed me His nail-scarred hands and the cut in His side. Then I believed. Jesus is alive!

Who am I? - - - - - - -

(The solution is on page 245.)

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Have God 2 0 Coo, Pevot;OfJS (or Guys

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Your favorite is back with more!

OU loved our best -selling Gotta ffave God

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devotional series just for guys. Now it 's back with even more devotions and activities to help you grow closer to God and learn about His special plan for your life. In

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Gotta flave God 2, you will read, pray, write and create. And you will make God your best friend forever! Get started today!

A lso available for boys ages 2-5 and 6-9

GOTTA HAVE GOD

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LP46966 ISBN 10 : 1-58411-059-7 ISBN 13 : 978-1-58411-059-0

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