Family Worship (March 9)

Have you ever tried learning something new, like riding a bike or playing a musical instrument? At first, it might have seemed really hard, and you might have fallen or made mistakes. Maybe you even felt like giving up. But if you kept trying, you probably got better and better. Believe it or not, that's how it often works with our faith too. Sometimes we go through hard times—like people not being kind to us because we follow Jesus, or feeling scared about doing the right thing. But the Bible teaches us that even in those tough moments, God is right there with us, helping us grow stronger. Today, we're going to learn how two friends of Jesus—Stephen and Philip—faced some really difficult moments, but God used their troubles to do amazing things. Let's see how God can do the same in our lives too!

Bible Reading (Acts 8:4–8, NIV):
"Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there. When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said. For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. So there was great joy in that city."

Discussion Questions:

• Can you think of a time when something hard turned into something good?
• Why do you think Philip was able to stay brave and talk about Jesus even though things were hard?
• How can we trust God when we face difficult things in our family or with friends?

Activity: 
Gather as a family and give everyone a piece of paper and some crayons or markers. Draw two pictures: one side showing something hard or scary that you've faced, and the other side showing something good that came from it or something you learned. Take turns sharing your pictures and stories. As you finish, remind each other that God is always working for our good, even when things seem difficult.

Prayer: 
Dear God, thank You that even in hard times, You are always with us. Help us remember that You use tough things to grow our faith and bring joy. Give our family courage to trust You and share Your love with others, even when it’s challenging. Amen.

Memory Work:

New City Catechism
10. What does God require in the fourth and fifth commandments?
Fourth, that on the Sabbath day we spend time in public and private worship of God, rest from routine employment, serve the Lord and others, and so anticipate the eternal Sabbath. Fifth, that we love and honor our father and our mother, submitting to their godly discipline and direction.

Psalms 86:9 (NIV)
All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name.