A Beautiful Day Devotional Podcast

It's FRI-YAY with a special shout-out, and Pastor Jeff is wrapping up Faith Question #12 by remembering God's call to tell the truth and live with contentment instead of envy. Today we'll learn how Jesus understands our emotions and helps us handle feelings like jealousy in a way that honors God and keeps us from sin. James 3:16 "For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there is disorder and every evil practice."

In this episode, Pastor Jeff continues exploring Faith Question 12, focusing on the Tenth Commandment and God's call to live with contentment rather than envy. We'll learn how comparing ourselves to others can steal our joy and how thankfulness helps us remember the good gifts God has already given us. Galatians 5:26 "Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another."

In today's episode Pastor Jeff explores what deceit really is—lying with our words or our actions by making something false seem true. We'll learn why deceit breaks trust, hurts others, and even harms our own hearts, keeping us from close and healthy relationships. Psalm 101:7 "No one who acts deceitfully will live in my palace; the one who tells lies will not be retained here to guide me."

This week, we explore what God requires in the Ninth and Tenth Commandments—calling us to tell the truth without deception and to live with contentment instead of envy. Today, Pastor Jeff talks about why God takes lying so seriously and how even small lies can poison our hearts, break trust, and hurt our relationships with others. Proverbs 12:22: "Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but faithful people are his delight."

This week, Pastor Jeff explores Faith Question #12 - God calls us to speak truth without deception and to live with contentment instead of envy. As we look at the Ten Commandments, we see that they all point to the royal law of love—loving God and loving others—because God is love and we are created to reflect Him. James 2:8 "Indeed, if you fulfill the royal law prescribed in the Scripture, 'Love your neighbor as yourself,' you are doing well."

Today is Fri-YAY! And shoutout day! Pastor Jeff wraps up our week on the 6th, 7th, and 8th Commandments, reminding us that God's commands teach us how to love Him and love others. Jesus showed us that every command matters, and when we choose to obey God and help others follow His ways, we honor Him. Matthew 5:19: "Whoever does and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven."

Today, Pastor Jeff zooms in on the Eighth Commandment, reminding us that taking anything that isn't ours is wrong. God cares about our character and calls us to be honest in both big and small choices. Ephesians 4:28 "Let the thief no longer steal. Instead, he is to do honest work with his own hands, so that he has something to share with anyone in need."

This week, Pastor Jeff is exploring Faith Question #11 and what God asks of us in the Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Commandments. Today, we focus on living purely and faithfully by filling our hearts and minds with God's Word. Psalm 119:9 "How can a young person keep their way pure? By keeping your word."

Today, Pastor Jeff talks about how what's in our hearts shapes how we treat others. Loving others like ourselves means remembering we don't know the whole story and choosing grace in our words and actions. Proverbs 14:21: "The one who despises his neighbor sins, but whoever shows kindness to the poor will be happy."

Today, Pastor Jeff continues our series with Faith Question #11: What does God require in the Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Commandments? We learn that God calls us to love our neighbor as ourselves. Romans 13:9: "The commandments, 'Do not commit adultery; do not murder; do not steal; do not covet,' and any other commandment, are summed up by this commandment: Love your neighbor as yourself."

It is FRI-YAY! And shout out day! Today, Pastor Jeff wraps up Faith Question #10 by remembering that God calls us to worship Him on the Sabbath and to love and honor our parents. Through Jesus, we learn that when we believe in Him, we become part of God's family and God becomes our Heavenly Father. John 1:12: "But to all who did receive him, he gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in his name."

Today, we're learning with Pastor Jeff that obeying our parents isn't always easy, but it's one way we honor God and show Him love. God gave us parents to guide and protect us, and their rules and corrections are meant to help us grow wisely and safely. Colossians 3:20: "Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord."

Today, Pastor Jeff teaches that the Sabbath is a special time to slow down and joyfully focus our hearts on God, because worship is what we were created for. Psalm 95:6  "Come, let's worship and bow down; let's kneel before the LORD our Maker."    

Today we're learning with Pastor Jeff about the Fourth Commandment and the Sabbath—a special time God set apart for rest and worship. When we pause to rest and focus on God, we're saying with our hearts, "God, I trust You." Genesis 2:3: "God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, for on it he rested from all his work of creation."

Pastor Jeff teaches today that God's commands aren't meant to stop our fun—they're meant to help us live the best life He designed for us. The Fourth Commandment reminds us to worship God, and the Fifth teaches us to love and honor our parents. Leviticus 19:3 "Each of you is to respect his mother and father. You are to keep my Sabbaths; I am the LORD your God."

Today is our first FRI-YAY of 2026! If you want Pastor Jeff to give you a shout-out in a future Fri-Yay episode, send us your name, age, and where you're from to creekkids@sugarcreek.net with the subject line Podcast Shout Out. Today is also the last day we explore our Faith Question: What does God require in the First, Second, and Third Commandments? Our Truth Bomb sums it up: That we know and trust God as the only true God. That we avoid all idolatry—never worship anything but Him. That we treat God's name with fear and reverence. Pastor Jeff shares how Jesus perfectly fulfilled each of these commandments. John 15:10 "If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commands and remain in His love."

For our Faith Question this week, we're learning that names are powerful. Today, Pastor Jeff reminds us that God's name is a strong tower—a place of safety, strength, and hope. We can trust Him completely. Proverbs 18:10  The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are protected.

Today, Pastor Jeff reminds us that God's name reveals who He is—holy, powerful, loving, and perfect—and deserves our honor. Psalm 99:3  "Let them praise your great and awesome name—He is holy."

This week, Pastor Jeff reminds us through our Faith Question and Truth Bomb that we were created to worship God. Romans 1:25  "They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen."

Happy 2026! We're kicking off the new year with a fresh Faith Question and Truth Bomb: Faith Question: What does God require in the First, Second, and Third Commandments? Truth Bomb: Know and trust God as the only true God. Avoid all idolatry. Treat God's name with fear and reverence. Deuteronomy 6:13–14,  "Fear the Lord your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name. Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you."

It's Christmas Eve! In our final episode of 2025, Pastor Jeff shares about some special visitors—the shepherds—and how they shared the good news of the birth of the King of Kings, our Messiah. Luke 2: 17-18 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.  We'll resume our podcast on January 5, 2026.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  

This Christmas week, Pastor Jeff continues sharing from Luke 2, highlighting the most important moment in history: the birth of Jesus. Luke 2:6-7 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

This Christmas week, Pastor Jeff shares from Luke 2—the story of Jesus' birth, our Messiah, and the true gift we celebrate this season. Luke 2:1-3 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.

It's Fri-YAY and shout-out day with Pastor Jeff! Today, in our Christmas series, he shares from John 3:16—the shining "star" of the Christmas story that reminds us of God's amazing love. John 3:16 16 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.

Today, Pastor Jeff talks about Christmas and bread—reminding us that every time we see bread this season, we can remember Jesus, the One who satisfies our spiritual hunger and gives us everlasting life. John 6:35 35 Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

Today, Pastor Jeff talks about the Christmas color green and reminds us that Jesus, our Good Shepherd, leads us into green pastures. Psalm 23:2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,

Today, Pastor Jeff shares about the color white as he continues to share about the Christmas colors. Isaiah 1:18 18 "Come now, let us settle the matter,"     says the Lord. "Though your sins are like scarlet,     they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson,     they shall be like wool.

Today in our Christmas series, Pastor Jeff shares about the color red—found in ornaments, candy canes, and everywhere in between—and how it reminds us of Jesus, the true reason for the season! Matthew 26:28 28 This is my blood of the[a] covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

Today is FRI-YAY! and shout-out day. Pastor Jeff shares about roads and how Jesus is the only way to God the Father. John 14:6 6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Pastor Jeff shares today about having crosses on a Christmas tree and why the cross is so essential for each of us. Philippians 2:8 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!

Today, Pastor Jeff shares about stars and how God orchestrated a special star to guide the wise men to meet Jesus, the King of kings. Matthew 2:2 2 and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him."

Today, Pastor Jeff is talking about Christmas traditions, and he shares that hiding God's Word in our hearts is a treasure for our lives. Psalm 119:11 11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

In today's episode, Pastor Jeff continues our Christmas series by reminding us that Jesus was born as a real baby who experienced life just like we do. Luke 2:7 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

It's FRI-YAY and shout-out day!  Today, Pastor Jeff reminds us that we wander like sheep—but praise God, He sent us Jesus, our Good Shepherd, to rescue us and lead us safely back to Him. Isaiah 53:6 6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray,     each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him     the iniquity of us all.

Do you like candy canes during Christmas time?  Today, Pastor Jeff shares how the candy cane tells us so much about the Christmas story. From its shape to its colors, this sweet treat points us back to Jesus and why we celebrate! Proverbs 16:24 24 Gracious words are a honeycomb,     sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

Today, Pastor Jeff shares about the shepherds in the nativity scene and reminds us that Jesus is our Good Shepherd. John 10:11 11 "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

In our Christmas series today, Pastor Jeff shares about Christmas lights and how they remind us of the true Light of the world—Jesus. John 8:12 12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

Today, we kick off our Christmas series on the podcast!

It's FRI-YAY—and shout-out day! Today, Pastor Jeff shares that Jesus took the commandments a step further. He taught that God's laws aren't just rules we follow on the outside—they're about what's happening in our hearts, thoughts, and attitudes. Matthew 5:21-22 Jesus said: "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment."

Happy Thanksgiving Day! We are so grateful for YOU! Join Pastor Jeff as he shares from Psalm 40:8 and reminds us that obeying God isn't just about rules—it's about loving Him, trusting Him, and letting Him guide our hearts. Psalm 40:8 "I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart."

Pastor Jeff shared today that God gave the Ten Commandments to help His people know how to love Him and love others. But He didn't stop there—He also promised blessings for those who follow Him. Deuteronomy 30:16 16 For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.

Pastor Jeff shares our Faith Question/Truth Bomb for this week and teaches us that when we learn more about who God is—how He is loving, just, and merciful—we begin to want to obey Him truly. 1 John 2:3 3 We know that we have come to know Him if we keep His commands.

Happy Thanksgiving week! Our Faith Question #8 is: What is the law of God stated in the Ten Commandments? Truth Bomb: You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol. You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God. Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Honor your father and your mother. You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not give false testimony. You shall not covet. Exodus 20:3 "You shall have no other gods before me."  

It's FRI-YAY! And it's shout-out day with Pastor Jeff! Today, we wrap up our Faith Question #7: What does the law of God require? Truth Bomb: That we love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength—and love our neighbor as ourselves. We see this perfectly in the example of Jesus! Mark 12:30-31 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' 31 The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'There is no commandment greater than these."

Today Pastor Jeff asks this question - Who is my neighbor? Leviticus 19:18 "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD."

Today, Pastor Jeff shares from the prophet Ezekiel. Ezekiel tells us that God can give us a new heart and a new Spirit—changing our hearts from "stone" to "flesh" and giving us His Spirit to guide us. Ezekiel 36:26-27 "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws."

Join Pastor Jeff today for our Faith Question and Truth Bomb of the week! He will remind you that God loved you first, and our love for Him is our joyful response to His amazing gift. 1 John 4:19 "We love because he first loved us."

This week's Faith Question asks: What does the law of God require? And here's the Truth Bomb: That we love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength; and love our neighbor as ourselves. Matthew 22:37-40 "And Jesus said to him, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets.'"

Today is FRI-YAY! And it's shout-out day! Pastor Jeff shares that we were made to love and obey God—and that's how we glorify Him. John 14:31  " … that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me."

Pastor Jeff shares today that obedience isn't the hard path — it's the path you were created for! 1 John 5:3 "In fact, this is love for God: to keep His commands. And His commands are not burdensome."

Pastor Jeff will share today what the word worthy means and how God is worthy of everything. Revelation 4:11 "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being."