Have you ever tried to play with a toy that didn’t have batteries? You pushed the buttons…You flipped the switch…You tried everything, but nothing happened because it didn’t have the power it needed.
Sometimes we try to live the Christian life the same way. We tell ourselves, “I’ll just try harder to be kind.” “I’ll try harder not to get angry.” “I’ll try harder to be brave enough to tell my friends about Jesus.” Trying harder isn’t bad, but God never expected us to do it alone.
Before Jesus returned to heaven, He gave His followers an incredible promise. He said they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came. That promise wasn’t just for adults. Every person who believes in Jesus receives the gift of the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit is our Helper.
When you’re nervous about the first day of school, the Holy Spirit reminds you that God is with you. When someone is being unkind, the Holy Spirit helps you respond with kindness instead of anger. When you’re afraid to pray with a friend or invite someone to church, the Holy Spirit gives you courage. When you don’t know what to say, He reminds you of God’s truth.
The Holy Spirit also grows something beautiful inside us called the Fruit of the Spirit. Love. Joy. Peace. Patience. Kindness. Goodness. Faithfulness. Gentle-ness. Self-control. Notice that it’s called the fruit of the Spirit—not the fruit of trying harder. As we spend time with Jesus through prayer, worship, and reading His Word, the Holy Spirit changes us from the inside out. Little by little, we begin to look more like Jesus.
This school year, you’ll face moments when you’ll need courage. Maybe you’ll need to stand up for someone being picked on. Maybe you’ll need to tell the truth even when it’s hard. Maybe you’ll have the opportunity to tell someone why Jesus is important to you. You don’t have to do it alone. The same Holy Spirit who empowered Jesus’ disciples lives in you, and through His power, you can help build God’s Kingdom every single day.
Parents, One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is helping them recognize the work of the Holy Spirit in their daily lives. Too often, we unintentionally teach our children that following Jesus is simply about behaving better or trying harder. While obedience matters, true transformation comes through the power of the Holy Spirit working within us.
As your child begins this school year, remind them that they are never walking into the classroom alone. God’s Spirit goes before them, walks beside them, and lives within them. Pray daily for opportunities where the Holy Spirit can use your child to encourage a classmate, show compassion to someone in need, or boldly share the hope they have in Jesus.
Also pray that your child learns to recognize the Spirit’s gentle voice—the quiet nudges to apologize, to forgive, to include someone, to pray, or to speak truth in love. The goal isn’t raising “good kids” – It’s raising young disciples who learn to depend on the Holy Spirit every day.
Kingdom Builder Challenge – Choose one Fruit of the Spirit to practice intentionally this week. Each morning before school, pray: ” Holy Spirit, help me show _______________ today.” At dinner, share how you saw God live it out loud!
Family Discussion
What do you think the Holy Spirit helps us do?
Which Fruit of the Spirit would you like God to grow more in your life this school year?
When have you needed courage to do the right thing?
How can we remember that we’re never alone?
What is one way the Holy Spirit could use you at school this week?
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for giving us the incredible gift of the Holy Spirit. Thank You that we never have to build Your Kingdom in our own strength.
Holy Spirit, fill us with Your power. Help us be brave when we feel afraid, kind when others are unkind, patient when we’re frustrated, and loving toward everyone we meet. Grow Your fruit in our hearts so that our words and actions look more like Jesus every day. Open our eyes to see the people who need encouragement, friendship, and the hope of Jesus.
For our parents, give them wisdom as they teach us to listen for Your voice and follow Your leading.
May our whole family depend on You—not just in the big moments, but in the ordinary moments of every day. We want our lives to point others to Jesus.
In His powerful name we pray,
Amen.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses….”
Acts 1:8a
Tomorrow we’ll finish our journey by discovering our greatest mission: to Go and Make Disciples. We’ll see that every classroom, cafeteria, playground, sports field, and neighborhood is a place where we can shine the light of Jesus. As Kingdom Builders, we aren’t just going back to school—we’re being sent by God to help others know and follow Him.
Love you,
Ms. Kim – Family Minister