A Beautiful Day Devotional Podcast

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.

Today, Pastor Jeff talks about something incredible - Instead of giving us what we deserved, God gave us grace. That's what magnifies His forgiveness! John 3:17 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.  

Today, Pastor Jeff reminds us that when we believe in Jesus, God forgives our sins and fills our hearts with His Spirit. That's how huge His forgiveness is—it cost Him everything, yet He offers it to us for free. 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.

This is week 4 for our VBS lessons, and it is all about Magnifying God's forgiveness. Join Pastor Jeff as we explore the story of Jesus and Nicodemus this week from John 3. John 3:5-8 5 Jesus answered, “What I'm about to tell you is true. No one can enter God's kingdom unless they are born with water and the Holy Spirit. 6 People give birth to people. But the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised when I say, ‘You must all be born again.' 8 The wind blows where it wants to. You hear the sound it makes. But you can't tell where it comes from or where it is going. It is the same with everyone who is born with the Spirit.”

It is FRI-YAY! And with a special shout-out. Today, Pastor Jeff teaches us that when we live for Jesus, tell others about Him, and show His love in how we act, we help others "see" God more clearly, just like the woman at the well did. John 4:25-26 25 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” 26 Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”

Pastor Jeff shares today that sometimes, God answers prayers in surprising ways, ways we might not understand at first, but they are even better. John 4:11 and 13-14 11 “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 13 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

Today, Pastor Jeff reminds us that Jesus sees our hearts and that each person He created is important to Him. John 4:9-10 9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew. I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” She said this because Jews don't have anything to do with Samaritans. 10 Jesus answered her, “You do not know what God's gift is. And you do not know who is asking you for a drink. If you did, you would have asked him. He would have given you living water.”  

Sometimes, we think we have to say or do something huge to show God's love. But Pastor Jeff reminds us that, just like Jesus, we can start with something small. John 4:6-7 6 Jacob's well was there. Jesus was tired from the journey. So he sat down by the well. It was about noon. 7 A woman from Samaria came to get some water. Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?”

This is week 3 of our VBS lessons, and it is all about Magnifying God's Love. Today, Pastor Jeff shares that Jesus comes right to where you are—at home, school, church, or anywhere else. John 4:4-5 4 Jesus had to go through Samaria. 5 He came to a town in Samaria called Sychar. It was near the piece of land Jacob had given his son Joseph.

This week, Pastor Jeff has been talking about Magnifying God's Care and how we can learn to trust God to take care of us because God cares about each of us. Mark 4:40-41 40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Don't you have any faith at all yet?” 41 They were terrified. They asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

Today, Pastor Jeff reminds us of something very important. When we rest in Jesus, we're saying, “I trust You, God. I know You care for me.” Mark 4:39 39 He got up and ordered the wind to stop. He said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down. And it was completely calm.

Today, Pastor Jeff teaches us that just like the disciples took Jesus in their boat, you can invite Him into your day, heart, and life. No matter where you go, you never go alone. Mark 4:37-38 37 A wild storm came up. Waves crashed over the boat. It was about to sink. 38 Jesus was in the back, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him up. They said, “Teacher! Don't you care if we drown?”

Today, Pastor Jeff reminds us that you don't have to be a grown-up to follow Jesus or talk to Him. You're important to Him right now. Mark 4:36 36 They left the crowd behind. And they took him along in a boat, just as he was. There were also other boats with him.

Happy Monday! This week, we will learn about Magnifying God's Care. Today, Pastor Jeff wants you to know that God takes care of the details in our lives. Mark 4:35 35 When evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let's go over to the other side of the lake.”

It is FRI-YAY! And shout-out day! Today, Pastor Jeff reminds us that every time we see God answering our prayers, showing us His love, or helping us through hard times, we can magnify His faithfulness. Luke 1:46 46 And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord.

Pastor Jeff teaches us today in Psalm 69:30 and tells us we can magnify God — make Him look big and wonderful — by giving Him thanks! Psalm 69:30 30 I will praise the name of God with a song, And will magnify Him with thanksgiving.

Today, Pastor Jeff encourages you to magnify God by smiling, singing, helping someone, or simply saying, "God is so good!" Psalm 40:16 16 Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; Let such as love Your salvation say continually, “The Lord be magnified!”

Today, Pastor Jeff teaches us that when we come to Jesus with excitement, like when we can't wait to open a gift, we magnify Him!  Mark 10:14-15 14 When Jesus saw this, he was angry. He said to his disciples, “Let the little children come to me. Don't keep them away. God's kingdom belongs to people like them. 15 What I'm about to tell you is true. Anyone who will not receive God's kingdom like a little child will never enter it.”