A Beautiful Day Devotional Podcast

Today marks the launch of our very first Family Encouragement Podcast! We're diving into how being part of a travel sports team can impact your faith and family—and exploring what it means to honor God through it all. Pastor Jeff sits down with Will Melton to hear about his family's real-life experience.

Pastor Jeff shares today from Deuteronomy 6:4-6 and talks about a prayer called the Shema and how families should pray together. Deuteronomy 6:4-6 4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.

Today, Pastor Jeff shares that when we read the Bible, pray, and talk about God as a family, we grow closer to Him and to each other. Deuteronomy 6:3 3 Hear, Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, promised you.

This week, we continue our series about families, and Pastor Jeff will share about how Families should learn about God together. Deuteronomy 6:1-2 6 These are the commands, decrees and laws the Lord your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, 2 so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the Lord your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life.

It is FRI-YAY! And shout-out day! This week, Pastor Jeff has been sharing that Families should help one another, and we have been learning from the story of Aaron holding up Moses' arms from Genesis 17. Hebrews 10:23-25 23 Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

Today, Pastor Jeff shares that sometimes, we forget the amazing things God does for us. But families should celebrate and remember together! Exodus 17:14-16 14 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write this on a scroll as something to be remembered and make sure that Joshua hears it, because I will completely blot out the name of Amalek from under heaven.” 15 Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is my Banner. 16 He said, “Because hands were lifted up against[a] the throne of the Lord,[b] the Lord will be at war against the Amalekites from generation to generation.”

Pastor Jeff reminds us today that families are teams, teams share the good times, not just the tough ones. When someone in your family wins, you all win! Exodus 17:13 13 So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.

Today, Pastor Jeff shares that sometimes, helping someone in our family means giving something up. Aaron and Hur gave up their comfort, time, and energy. Exodus 17:11-12 11 As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. 12 When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset.

This week, Pastor Jeff shares that Families should help one another. Sometimes, one person needs help, and the others step in to assist. Our families can be like Moses, Aaron, and Hur - from the Bible story we will learn together.  Exodus 17:10 10 So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill.  

Today is FRI-YAY! And Pastor Jeff needs new names to shout out. Send your name to creekkids@sugarcreek.net and keep on listening! Today, he talks about how families protect one another and reminds us that sometimes things in life seem confusing or hard. But just like with Moses, God is always working behind the scenes—even when we don't understand. Romans 8:28 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Today, Pastor Jeff shares that in families, we sometimes face tough choices. But loving our family means we look out for what's best, not just for ourselves. And here's the good news: God sees the big picture. Exodus 2:10 10 When the child grew older, she took him to Pharaoh's daughter and he became her son. She named him Moses,[a] saying, “I drew him out of the water.”

Have you ever had to be brave to help someone else? Maybe you spoke up when someone was unkind or helped a friend when no one else would. Today, Pastor Jeff shares about Moses's sister Miriam, who stepped up at the right moment.  Exodus 2:7 7 Then his sister asked Pharaoh's daughter, “Shall I go and get one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby for you?”

This week, we are learning from Pastor Jeff that families should protect one another, and we will examine the story of baby Moses. In our families, God also wants us to look out for each other! Exodus 2:4 4 His sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him.

We will learn this week with Pastor Jeff that Families should protect one another and learn from the story of baby Moses. Exodus 2:3 3 But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket[a] for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile.

Today is FRI-YAY! Pastor Jeff shares that when we love our family, we don't just say it—we show it! We might give up our turn, share something special, or forgive even when it's hard. Hebrews 13:16 16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

We learn with Pastor Jeff today that Joseph saw something bigger for his life. He saw that God had a plan, even in the middle of all the hard things. Genesis 45:3-5 3 Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still living?” But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence. 4 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! 5 And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.

Pastor Jeff reminds us today that sometimes in our families, someone might do something wrong—maybe they break your toy, hurt your feelings, or don't tell the truth. But even then, God calls us to love and help one another. Genesis 42:25-26 25 Joseph gave orders to fill their bags with grain, to put each man's silver back in his sack, and to give them provisions for their journey. After this was done for them, 26 they loaded their grain on their donkeys and left.

Pastor Jeff continues to share that Families should love one another by looking at the story of Joseph. Peace doesn't always happen all at once, but it grows when we choose love over anger,  again and again. Genesis 42:21 21 They said to one another, “Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw how distressed he was when he pleaded with us for his life, but we would not listen; that's why this distress has come on us.”

This week, Pastor Jeff talks about how Families should love one another, and we continue to learn from he story of Joseph. We can choose to forgive, be kind, and trust that God is in control—not just in the good times, but always. Genesis 42:6-8 6 Now Joseph was the governor of the land, the person who sold grain to all its people. So when Joseph's brothers arrived, they bowed down to him with their faces to the ground. 7 As soon as Joseph saw his brothers, he recognized them, but he pretended to be a stranger and spoke harshly to them. “Where do you come from?” he asked. “From the land of Canaan,” they replied, “to buy food.” 8 Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they did not recognize him.

It is a very special FRI-YAY! It is Pastor Jeff's birthday! Happy birthday, Pastor Jeff. We appreciate you! Today we learn that Jesus didn't come to be served—He came to serve. And He asks us to treat our families that same way: with love, humility, and respect. Philippians 2:3-5 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.  

Pastor Jeff reminds us today that respect means treating someone like they matter, even when you're frustrated or don't agree with them.  Genesis 37:26-27 26 Judah said to his brothers, “What will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood? 27 Come, let's sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on him; after all, he is our brother, our own flesh and blood.” His brothers agreed.

Join Pastor Jeff today as he continues to share from Joseph's story and reminds us that when we're upset with our family, it's easy to let our actions get out of control. But God wants us to stop and think before we act. Genesis 37:21-24 21 But when Reuben heard of their scheme, he came to Joseph's rescue. “Let's not kill him,” he said. 22 “Why should we shed any blood? Let's just throw him into this empty cistern here in the wilderness. Then he'll die without our laying a hand on him.” Reuben was secretly planning to rescue Joseph and return him to his father. 23 So when Joseph arrived, his brothers ripped off the beautiful robe he was wearing. 24 Then they grabbed him and threw him into the cistern. Now the cistern was empty; there was no water in it.

Join Pastor Jeff today as he shares that we all get mad sometimes in families. It's okay to feel upset, but it's not okay to be mean. Genesis 37:18-19 18 But they saw him a long way off. Before he reached them, they made plans to kill him. 19 “Here comes that dreamer!” they said to one another.

In our Summer series, we will learn with Pastor Jeff this week that families should respect one another. Sometimes, we feel big emotions in our families, and it's okay to feel emotions, but we have to choose what we do with them.  Genesis 37:10-11 10 This time he told the dream to his father as well as to his brothers, but his father scolded him. “What kind of dream is that?” he asked. “Will your mother and I and your brothers actually come and bow to the ground before you?” 11 But while his brothers were jealous of Joseph, his father wondered what the dreams meant.

It is FRI-YAY! Today, we celebrate Independence Day here in the United States of America! Pastor Jeff shares that we all need forgiveness. Every single one of us has sinned. That means we've all done things that go against God. But Jesus came to meet us in our mess. 1 John 1:9 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Join Pastor Jeff today as he continues to share that families should forgive one another. When we sin, God grieves over it. It breaks our relationship with Him. But because of Jesus, we can be forgiven. Genesis 33:4 4 Then Esau ran to meet him and embraced him, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. And they both wept.

Today, Pastor Jeff shares that we sometimes hurt each other's feelings in families. But instead of staying mad or trying to win an argument, we can choose to be humble, just like Jacob.  Genesis 33:3 3 Then Jacob went on ahead. As he approached his brother, he bowed to the ground seven times before him.

Today, Pastor Jeff shares that God doesn't give up on us even when we mess up. God helped Jacob make peace with his brother, and He can help us, too. Genesis 32:5 5 and now I own cattle, donkeys, flocks of sheep and goats, and many servants, both men and women. I have sent these messengers to inform my lord of my coming, hoping that you will be friendly to me.

Happy Monday! In our Summer Series this week, Pastor Jeff will share that families should forgive one another and take a closer look at the story of Jacob and Esau. Genesis 27:22 22 Jacob went close to his father Isaac, who touched him and said, “The voice is the voice of Jacob, but the hands are the hands of Esau.

It is FRI-YAY! And shoutout day all the way to Florida! As Pastor Jeff teaches that families should believe in God's promises, he reminds us that the most unbelievable promise is that Jesus died for our sins and rose again! 2 Corinthians 1:20 20 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.

Join Pastor Jeff today as he shares that families can believe in God's promises. When things seem too hard or too big, we can remember that nothing is impossible for God. Genesis 21:5 5 Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him.

Today, Pastor Jeff shares that sometimes, families have to wait on God's promises, too—like peace, provision, healing, guidance, or help. But we can trust that God always keeps His word, even if it takes time. Genesis 21:1-2 21 The Lord came to Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised. 2 Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the appointed time God had told him.

Pastor Jeff shares today that families can believe God's promises. He promises to love us, forgive us, and never leave us. Genesis 15:6 6 Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.

Join Pastor Jeff this week, as we continue our Summer series and explore how Families should believe God's promises. Genesis 15:5 5 He took him outside and said, “Look at the sky and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” Then he said to him, “Your offspring will be that numerous.

Today is FRI-YAY with a special shout-out! Pastor Jeff will share that when families put their hope in Jesus, they are holding on to God's biggest, best promise—a promise that lasts forever! Hebrews 7:22 22 Because God gave his word, Jesus makes certain the promise of a better covenant.

Join Pastor Jeff today as he shares that families who follow Jesus can have hope daily because God's love and promises never change. Genesis 9:13 13 I have put my rainbow in the clouds. It will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.

In the story of Noah and his family, Pastor Jeff reminds us that families who trust in God can have hope and not live in fear. Genesis 9:11 11 Here is my covenant I am making with you. The waters of a flood will never again destroy all life. A flood will never again destroy the earth.”

Today, Pastor Jeff shares that being in a family that hopes and trusts in God is an amazing blessing. It sets you on the right path. Genesis 9:9 9 “I am now making my covenant with you and with all your children who will be born after you.

This week, Pastor Jeff will share that Families should obey God. When families choose to obey and trust God, just like Noah's family did, they can have hope. Genesis 9:8 8 Then God spoke to Noah and to his sons who were with him

Today is FRI-YAY! And shout-out day! Today, Pastor Jeff teaches us that Adam and Eve's story shows us how sin began, but Jesus came to fix what sin broke. Romans 5:8 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Pastor Jeff reminds us today that there is peace and joy when families obey God. But when we sin and try to hide it, we end up with hard feelings and hard times. 1 John 1:8 8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.

Pastor Jeff teaches us today that God's rules aren't to spoil our fun—they're there to help us make good choices that lead to peace, joy, and safety. Genesis 3:23 23 So the Lord God drove the man out of the Garden of Eden. He sent the man to farm the ground he had been made from.

Today, Pastor Jeff shares that God wants families to obey Him, not just because it's the right thing to do, but because His rules are there to keep us safe. Genesis 3:22 22 And the Lord God said, “The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever.”

Today, we start our Summer series about families! This week, we will focus on why Families Should Obey God and learn from the story of Adam and Eve. Genesis 3:21 21 The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them.  

Today is FRI-YAY! And shout-out day! Today, Pastor Jeff asks - Have you ever wished you had a time machine to zoom into the future and see what would happen? Matthew 6:34 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Have you ever wondered how you take your next breath or how the sun rises every morning? Join Pastor Jeff as we explore Jesus' teaching from Matthew 6 together and find the answers to these questions. Matthew 6:31-33 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?' or ‘What shall we drink?' or ‘What shall we wear?' 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  

Today, Pastor Jeff teaches us that God's "best" may not always be the fanciest or flashiest—but it's precisely what we need. Matthew 6:28-29 28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.

Pastor Jeff reminds us today that when we stop worrying and start trusting, we see how faithful God really is. Matthew 6:26-27 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

Happy Monday! This is our last week for our VBS lessons, and we will talk about God's faithfulness and what Jesus taught in Matthew 6:25-34.  Matthew 6:25 25 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?  

Today is FRI-YAY! And a shout-out day for a birthday girl! Today, Pastor Jeff teaches us that the scriptures teach that Jesus came to bring a different kind of kingdom—one where forgiveness, love, and new life are the most powerful things. 1 Corinthians 15:3-5 3 I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. 4 He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. 5 He was seen by Peter[a] and then by the Twelve.  

Join Pastor Jeff today as he teaches us that when Jesus forgives us, He also gives us a brand-new purpose. John 3:21 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.