Hey Keystone Families!
Welcome to our week-long family devotional, Vacation with Jesus! Our prayer is that your family would join our church family as we begin this summer with Jesus at the center. Through these five days, you’ll hear from our team personally as we share inspiring truth from God’s word that sets you and your kids up for an incredible summer! We’re traveling through the Bible, finding reminders that God is always with us. There is peace and security that comes from knowing how close Jesus keeps you and me, and our prayer is that you and your family would find that peace at the start of the summer season.
Each day comes with a written devotional, simple questions, and a challenge to do together as a family. Each day also includes a short video from one of our staff members that goes into the specific verse for that day. We have found that one of the greatest things families can do together is open up God’s word and pray together — this devotional is a great opportunity for you to set a rhythm of getting into scripture together as a family. These devotionals are designed to be an easy-to-read reminder and a boost to your family’s God-time each day.
We are so thankful that you’ve begun this journey with us! We are excited to see how God moves in the life of your family this week. Please take time to read, do the challenges, and pray together every day — and if you want, post a picture and tag us at #KeystoneSummer! We would love to see how you and your family start this summer together.
We love you and are praying for you! See you next Sunday!
— The Keystone Kids team
Jesus Is Always With Me
“The Lord himself will go ahead of you. He will be with you. He will never leave you. He’ll never desert you. So don’t be afraid. Don’t lose hope.”
Devo
When Jesus ascended into heaven, he made us a promise. He said that he would always be with us, forever and ever. But he didn’t just say it then, actually God made us that promise way before Jesus was even born into the world! Way back in the Old Testament, hundreds of years before Jesus, God told his people that he would go before them, and that he would be with them always. That promise is for you and me too! God told us from the beginning that we will never ever be alone. If we sink to the bottom of the ocean, travel up to New York City, or even soar to the Moon, Jesus is right there beside us every step of the way.
Jesus is a friend that stays close, He’s a strong tower we can feel safe in. Sometimes we think of home as a place, and when we travel far away we can feel far from home. But with Jesus we have a home for our soul that stays with us wherever we go! Even when we feel far from Him, it’s important to remember that just because we feel something does not mean that it’s true! God’s word is a promise that stands even when we feel far away from him. That is because God’s love for us does not depend on our track record, it is a promise He keeps no matter what. He loves us too much to let us go on our own, and the truth is that Jesus is always a prayer away!
Challenge
Today, practice praying as a family! Write down something you are believing God for, and see together how God meets your prayer throughout the summer!
Questions
- God’s promise to be there for His people is true for…
- Where is a place you’ve been that is far from home?
- When you know Jesus is with you no matter what, how does it make you feel?
When I’m With Family or Friends, Jesus Is With Me
“Where two or three people gather in my name, I am there with them.”
Devo
Jesus is always available to us! In Matthew 18:20, Jesus tells us “For where two or more are gathered together in My name, there I am among them.” This means that when you are having fun with your friends, in the car going to school, or even when you are having a hard conversation with your parents or your teachers — you can do it with Jesus! Jesus desires us to live life to the fullest, and we can only do that when we put our trust in Him. He promises us in Matthew 28:18-20 that He will always be with us.
When we gather together at church, it is so much fun — but fun with Jesus is not limited to church. The church isn’t even a building! The church is the people inside! When Jesus told His disciples to “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations” He knew they couldn’t carry a building with them on their adventures, so He reminded them of the power of God’s Holy Spirit, who is always with us! We don’t need a building to share the love of Jesus, we just need a heart willing to obey the call of “Go”. When we bring Jesus to every corner of our life, the lives around us are changed! We bring Jesus with us everywhere we go because He has saved us! He has made us new! When the world outside sees something different in you, you have an opportunity to tell them about the Savior of the World!
This was Jesus’ heart behind Matthew 18:20 and Matthew 28:18-20. Jesus wants us to go, make disciples, and continue gathering together in His name! We all have unique talents but we all share one call — to glorify Jesus and make His name known. This could be throughout school, playgrounds, sports, and everywhere you are! Christ followers have a truth, hope and a faith that the world around us is continuously seeking — we have the answer to life’s troubles, Jesus, how could we ever not share what He has done?
Challenge
Take a photo or draw a picture with your friends or family and express how excited you would be to stand with Jesus by your side — He is always with us!
Questions
- Why is it important that we acknowledge Jesus’ presence wherever we are?
- How would you tell your friend about Jesus? Practice sharing His story with your parents!
- What is one chore that you don’t enjoy? Invite Jesus into that space and watch how He can change your mindset!
God Delights in Me, So He Is Always With Me
“The Lord your God is with you. He is the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you. In his love he will no longer punish you. Instead, he will sing for joy because of you.”
Devo
Sin is gross! Kind of like slime. It shows up in our lives in 2 ways. First, there is the sin in our own hearts, when we make mistakes, that is like pouring slime on yourself. The second way sin shows up is when we get slime on us by someone else’s sin.
This reminds me of Joseph from the Old Testament. Joseph got slimed by other people’s sin again and again. His brothers sold him into slavery, and later Potiphar’s wife lied about him and got him thrown into jail (Gen. 37–39). That was unfair!
Have you ever felt like Joseph? Maybe someone lied about you or was unkind to you for no reason. Romans 3:23 says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” We all get slimed by sin, even grown ups.
God’s plan was never for sin to stick on us forever. Instead God promised to forgive us from our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness when we repent. To repent means to turn away from sin and follow God. The prophet Zephaniah wrote our verse today about God’s reaction to us when we truly say sorry and turn from our sin. He doesn’t look at us in disgust, He is always there, He is always patient, and when we repent, the Lord delights in us!
There will always be days when you get slimed by sin. But God does not stop loving you. Through Jesus, God forgives sin, and stays with His children. He doesn’t just stay close, he takes all the slime of sin right off! He delights in us with singing! How cool is it to know that God sings joyful songs over us! We know this because the Bible is true!
God was Joseph’s Mighty Warrior, too. God took all the yucky things that happened to Joseph and worked them for good. Joseph was freed from jail and given a job with more responsibility and honor than anyone else under Pharaoh. When we trust God’s ways, it always works for our good.
Challenge
Something to do/think through together as a family.
Find a grown-up who knows and loves God. This can be a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, neighbor, or even a teacher. Ask them to tell you about a time when they went through something really hard, but God showed up for them as a “Mighty Warrior.” This could have been a time when they were getting slimed by their own sin, and God helped them repent. Or, it could be a time when they were getting slimed by someone else’s sin, and God helped make things right.
Questions
- What comes to your mind when you think of sin?
- What does the Bible say about that sin? Hint: In the back of your Bible is a “glossary of terms.” That is a good place to find scripture about a particular topic.
- Do you trust God will show up for you like a “Mighty Warrior”?
I Can Be Brave Because Jesus Is With Me
“Here is what I am commanding you to do. Be strong and brave. Do not be afraid. Do not lose hope. I am the Lord your God. I will be with you everywhere you go.”
Devo
Hey family! Can we just take a second to breathe in the goodness of God? You know, sometimes life feels like a giant, crashing wave, and if we’re being honest, it can feel a little bit intimidating. Maybe it’s a new school year, a hard conversation, or just a moment where you feel a little “small” in a very big world. But here is the beautiful truth we get to anchor our souls in today: You are never, ever walking alone.
In Joshua 1:9, God isn’t just giving us a suggestion; He’s giving us a command wrapped in a promise. He says, “Be strong and courageous.” Why? Not because we’ve got it all figured out or because we’re the strongest people in the room, but because He is with us. Bravery isn’t the absence of fear; it’s the presence of Jesus! When we realize that the Creator of the universe is stepping into every room, every playground, and every “scary” moment with us, our perspective shifts. We can stand tall, not in our own strength, but in His. So today, let’s choose to kick fear to the curb and embrace the wild, wonderful peace that comes from knowing Jesus is right by our side. He’s got you, He loves you, and He is leading you into your best days!
Challenge
The “Brave Steps” Walk
Grab your shoes, fam! We’re going on a short walk around the block or even just through the house. For every ten steps you take, stop and name one thing that feels a little scary or uncertain right now. But here’s the catch: after you name the “scary thing,” the rest of the family has to shout together: “BUT JESUS IS WITH YOU!”
Example: “I’m nervous about my test…” “BUT JESUS IS WITH YOU!” It’s a physical reminder that His presence surrounds every worry.
Questions
- When is a time you felt really brave? What helped you feel that way?
- Joshua was leading a whole nation into a new land — what is a “new land” or new situation you are facing right now?
- How does it change your day to know Jesus is literally everywhere you go?
Jesus Is With Me Because the Holy Spirit Lives in Me
“The Spirit of the God who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you.”
Devo
We have learned all week long about Jesus and how he’s always there with us. We’ve walked through just how much he loves us, and how we can have fun this summer by following God’s plans for our lives. God’s plans are always best!
Day 5 reminds us of something amazing: If you ask Jesus to be the leader of your life, you are never alone! God has given you the Holy Spirit to live inside you!
Read this Bible verse, on your own or with your family: Romans 8:11.
This verse tells us the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you right when you follow Jesus! That means Jesus is always with you to help, guide, comfort, and strengthen you.
Think about that for a moment. When you feel nervous about trying something new, lonely because you’re in a new place, or unsure what to do, you can remember: the Holy Spirit is with you.
You may not see the Holy Spirit with your eyes, but you can see His work in your life. He helps you be kind when it’s hard, brave when you feel afraid, and loving even when others are unkind. He reminds you that you belong to Jesus.
Sometimes kids think they have to handle everything by themselves. But God never asked you to do life alone. The Holy Spirit is God’s gift to every believer. He is always near because He lives in you!
Today, when you wake up, play with friends, or get ready for bed, remember this truth:
Jesus is with me because the Holy Spirit lives in me.
Questions
- When do you sometimes feel alone or afraid?
- How does it make you feel knowing the Holy Spirit is always with you?
- What is one way the Holy Spirit helps us every day?
Parent Point
“We can’t see the Holy Spirit with our eyes, but He is always with us — just like the light inside the jar. The Holy Spirit helps us shine Jesus’ love wherever we go.”
Pray It Out: “Jesus, thank You for giving us the Holy Spirit. Help us remember that we are never alone because You are always with us. Amen.”
