Psalm 112
The righteous man is not afraid of bad news, not because there is no bad news, but because he fears the LORD and delights in his commandments.
Job 20.1-23,29
For younger children read at least Psalm 112.1 and repeat it so that it might be written on the heart. You might also talk about how much more important the fear of the LORD is than wealth, fame, fun, etc.
For older children you could discuss this note – “Zophar elaborates his list of calamities for the wicked. In doing this, however, he assumes that the truly righteous are somehow exempt form external miseries and must enjoy prosperity now…Such misunderstanding tempts us to lose our proper motivation for clinging to the Lord. Our goal is not this earth, which is fading, but ‘the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus’ (Phil 3.14).” The Lutheran Study Bible
John 8.21-38
For younger children read at least John 8.36 and repeat it so that it might be written on the heart. You might also talk about how Jesus sets us free from sin, death, and devil.
For older children you could discuss this – “Jews with a weak faith in Jesus balk when He says that true freedom comes through Him and His teaching. Humans are self-centered from birth and in bondage to sin, unable to please God (Rom 8.8). Through Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection, He provides liberation from sin, death, and the devil to all who believe and are baptized into His name.” The Lutheran Study Bible
Write it on the heart verses – Psalm 112.1 and John 8.36
Small Catechism for the week: The Third Petition Thy will be done on earth as in heaven. What does this mean? God’s good and gracious will certainly is done without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may be done among us also. How is God’s will done? God’s will is done when he breaks and defeats every evil plan and purpose of the devil, the world, and our sinful flesh, which try to prevent us from keeping God’s name holy and letting his kingdom come. And God’s will is done when he strengthens and keeps us firm in his Word and in the faith as long as we live. This is his good and gracious will.
Small Catechism question for the day: Whose plans are opposed to the will of God? Romans 7.18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.