Trusting God

When the Day Has No Plan

Mark 6:31

Psalm 9:20 for Kids: You Don't Have to Hold the World

A bedtime reminder from Psalm 9:20 that only God is in charge of everything, so kids can let go of trying to fix it all and rest.

Psalm 9:20

Psalm 9:17 for Kids: God Holds On to You

A bedtime reminder from Psalm 9:17 that even when we forget God, He keeps holding our hand in the dark, so kids can rest close to Him.

Psalm 9:17

The Freedom Jesus Paid For

John 8:36

Psalm 9:10 for Kids: God Never Walks Away From You

A bedtime reminder from Psalm 9:10 that God never walks away from anyone who looks for Him, so kids can fall asleep feeling safe and close to Him.

Psalm 9:10

Refilling Your Faith Tank: How Kids Plug Back Into God When the Tank Is Empty

When a kid runs out of energy, the move is to plug into God instead of pushing harder. Through Isaiah 40:31 and the picture of eagle wings, kids learn a four-word prayer and three real ways to refill when the tank is empty.

Isaiah 40:31

Psalm 9:9 | God Is Your Safe Place

This episode ends the month with a child running to God as their shelter, a warm safe place to snuggle into right now, tonight.

Psalm 9:9

Psalm 9:8 | God Judges The World With Fairness

This episode lets a child put down worry about the whole world, resting in a God who runs everything with perfect fairness.

Psalm 9:8

How Do I Know I'm Really a Christian?

A reassuring, kid-friendly answer to the quiet question a lot of kids carry: how do I know I'm actually saved? Salvation rests on who you trust, not how strong your feelings are on a given day. A few honest questions and the work of the Holy Spirit inside you give a kid real footing.

1 John 5:13

Psalm 9:7 | God Is King Forever

This episode offers a child a steady anchor at bedtime, the unshakable truth that God is King forever and always good.

Psalm 9:7

Homesick at Bedtime: Trusting God in the Lights-Out Cabin Moment

The hardest hour at camp is bedtime, when the cabin goes dark and home pulls hard. Through Psalm 56:3, the verse David wrote when he was scared and hiding, kids learn that homesickness is not a sign something is wrong. It is a doorway to the One who is never far, with three real moves for the lights-out moment.

Psalm 56:3

Psalm 9:4 | God Always Does What Is Fair

This episode meets a child who felt the sting of unfairness today and hands the whole thing to God, the fairest King there is.

Psalm 9:4

Joseph, Episode 2: When You're Far From Home

When Joseph lands in Egypt as a slave and everything around him has changed, the very first thing the Bible tells us is that the Lord was with him.

Genesis 39:2

Joseph, Episode 4: When God Lifts You Up

Joseph waits thirteen years between his dream and his elevation, and learns that God's lifting up is never late, only perfectly on time.

Genesis 41:39-40

How Do I Know God Is Real If I Can't See Him?

A clear, kid-friendly answer to how you can believe in a God you can't see. Some of the most real things in the world are invisible, like the wind. You can't see God with your eyes, but you can see what He does, and the clearest way to see Him is by looking at Jesus.

Hebrews 11:1

Joseph, Episode 3: Faithful in the Hard Place

Joseph stays faithful to God even when doing the right thing lands him in prison, and God stays right there with him.

Genesis 39:21

Psalm 8:9 | How Great Is God's Name

This episode wraps a child in wonder, reminding them that God's greatness is close and warm and keeping them safe tonight.

Psalm 8:9

What About People Who Never Heard About Jesus?

An honest, kid-friendly answer to one of the hardest questions: what happens to people who never heard about Jesus? God is perfectly fair and can be trusted to do what is right, Jesus is still the only way to God, and the part that belongs to your kid is simple, to tell the people close to them.

Genesis 18:25

When You Can't Sleep in a New Bed: God Is the Same in Every Room (Psalm 4:8)

The God who tucks your kid in at home is the same God in every hotel room, cabin, and sleepover bed they'll ever sleep in. Through Psalm 4:8 and David sleeping in peace on hard ground while on the run, kids learn three moves to settle a racing mind in a strange room.

Psalm 4:8

When Plans Change Last Minute: Trusting God With a Day That Goes Sideways

Plans fall apart all summer, and every changed plan is a quiet question: do you trust God with this day, or only the original plan? Through Proverbs 16:9 and King Solomon, kids learn that we plan but God determines, plus three real moves for when the day goes sideways.

Proverbs 16:9

Psalm 8:1 | God's Name Fills The Whole World

This episode pairs the wonder of a giant night sky with the comfort that the great God who made it stays close to a child's small room.

Psalm 8:1

Psalm 7:13 | God Sees Everything And Stands By You

A calm reminder that God sees everything, stands against what is harmful, and protects His children through the night.

Psalm 7:13

Psalm 7:11 | God Always Cares About What Is Right

This episode reassures a child that God notices what is right and wrong every day, so they can rest under His caring watch.

Psalm 7:11

Psalm 7:10 | God Is Your Shield

This episode helps a child feel safe at bedtime by picturing God as a strong shield standing guard while they sleep.

Psalm 7:10

God Sees Your Heart: A Bedtime Psalm to Help Kids Rest

A gentle bedtime reflection on Psalm 7:9. God examines our thoughts and emotions, sees what is inside our hearts, and is at work bringing goodness and justice into the world. Kids can rest knowing they are safe, loved, and not forgotten because Jesus is with them.

Psalm 7:9

Psalm 7:7: A Bedtime Verse for Kids on the God Who's Still in Charge

When kids feel like the world is too big and they're too small to handle it, this Psalm reminds them that the God who rules over everything is also watching over their own small life tonight.

Psalm 7:7

Rahab, Episode 3: The Scarlet Cord in the Window

Rahab asks the spies to spare her whole family, and they tell her to tie a scarlet cord in her window. That red cord echoes the blood of the Passover lamb and points all the way forward to the blood of Jesus. God's rescue requires a sign of faith, and anyone who trusts in it is safe.

Joshua 2:12-21

Psalm 7:6: A Bedtime Verse for Kids When You Can't Let Something Go

When kids are going to bed still carrying something unfair from their day, this Psalm walks them through David bringing it to God instead of trying to fix it himself, and lands them in the truth that God is awake, sees what's true, and can be trusted with the hard stuff.

Psalm 7:6

Rahab, Episode 4: When the Walls Came Down

God's battle plan for Jericho is to march, blow trumpets, and shout, and the walls fall flat. While the city burns, Joshua sends men to rescue one person: Rahab. God's promises don't collapse just because life feels shaky. When everything else falls down, he keeps his word.

Joshua 6:20-25

If God Can Do Anything, Why Doesn't He Fix All the Bad Stuff?

A Questions from the Backseat episode for kids carrying one of the heaviest questions: if God can do anything, why doesn't he fix all the bad stuff? Pastor Justin walks them through Revelation 21:4, uses the broken-arm-in-a-cast picture, and lands them in the truth that the fix has already started.

Revelation 21:4

Psalm 6:10: A Bedtime Verse for Kids When Something Feels Unfair

When kids go to bed holding onto something that felt unfair, this Psalm lifts the weight off and anchors them in the trust that God sees and will make it right.

Psalm 6:10

Jesus Calls Matthew: Why "Follow Me" Means Right Now

When Jesus says 'Follow me,' the right answer is right now, not later.

Matthew 9:9

Can We Really Trust Jesus?

This episode explores the moment when Jesus cleared the temple by flipping tables and driving out merchants. Pastor Justin explains that Jesus' bold action shows He cares deeply about what's right and proves we can trust Him because of what He's done for us.

John 2:18

Why Does God Let Flowers Die but Bloom Again?

A Questions from the Backseat episode answering a thoughtful question about nature: why do flowers die and then bloom again? Pastor Justin walks kids through Ecclesiastes 3 and John 12:24, and lands them in the truth that God is always at work bringing new life out of what looks like the end.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

Why Does God Let Flowers Die but Then Bloom Again? (Questions from the Backseat)

A 2-minute kids Q&A on the honest backseat question: why does God let flowers die and then bloom again? Pastor Justin walks through Ecclesiastes 3 and Jesus' own seed image from John 12 to show God's design of bringing new life out of what looks like the end.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

Trusting God’s Will

Jesus teaches us to pray for God’s will to be done, trusting that His plan is good even when we don’t understand it. This reminds us to rely on God’s wisdom over our own and believe He sees the bigger picture.

Matthew 6:10

God’s Power Is Bigger

Elijah’s journey to heaven in a chariot of fire shows God’s incredible power and control over everything. This reminds us that the same powerful God is present in our lives and can be trusted in every situation.

2 Kings 2:11

Answers With Fire

Elijah showed that God responds not to noise or performance, but to genuine trust and faith. This reminds us that we can rely on God’s power and presence even in situations that seem impossible.

1 Kings 18:24

No Ordinary Day

David didn’t plan to face Goliath. He was simply being obedient in a small task, but God used that ordinary moment for something much bigger. This shows that God can turn everyday situations into opportunities for courage and purpose.

1 Samuel 17:17

The Sealed Tomb

Even the guards and sealed tomb helped prove that Jesus truly rose from the dead, showing that the resurrection is real and trustworthy. Because of this, we can have confidence in the truth of who Jesus is and the promises He made.

Matthew 27:66

Trust God When Its NOT Easy

Taking the Next Right Step

In today’s episode, Pastor Justin helps kids navigate days that feel uncertain or full of question marks.

Exodus 13:21

Jonah, Episode 1: When You'd Rather Run Than Obey

Episode 1 of a 5-part Jonah series. A prophet hears God's call to go preach to the violent capital of his nation's worst enemy, and books a ticket for the opposite end of the known world instead. The story drops kids into Jonah's real fear, the Mediterranean storm, and the sailors who end up worshiping God while Jonah sleeps in the bottom of the boat.

Jonah 1:2

BONUS: Episode 1 | Jonah Runs from God

This episode kicks off our five-part Jonah series, and you’re just getting started.

God Keeps His Promises | Advent Devotional for Kids Carpooling with Jesus Kids Devotional

Fridays feel great because the weekend is almost here—but today we’re talking about a joy that’s even stronger than Friday joy: the joy that comes from remembering God’s promises.

Joshua 21:45

Jesus Gives Us Joy That Stays

I’m Pastor Justin, and I’m so glad you’re here as we keep moving through Advent toward Christmas.

John 15:11

Jesus Is Our Joy

Luke 2:10-11

Why the Angels Said Peace on Earth

Luke 2:14 tells us that the angels didn’t bring this message to kings or famous people—they shared it with ordinary shepherds, showing that God’s peace is for everybody.

Luke 2:14

How Jesus Helps You When You Feel Worried

Philippians 4:6–7 reminds us that instead of holding all our worries inside, we can pray and ask God for help.

Philippians 4:6-7

Jesus Says Be Still to the Storm

In Mark 4:39, Jesus stood up in the middle of a huge storm and said, “Peace.

Mark 4:39

Why Jesus Is Called the Prince of Peace

Isaiah 9:6

How to Hold On to Hope When Life Feels Uncertain

Romans 15:13

Jesus Is Our Hope: The Name That Means God Saves

In Matthew 1:21, the angel tells Joseph to name the baby Jesus because “He will save His people from their sins.” The name Jesus literally means “The Lord saves.”

Matthew 1:21

God's Perfect Timing at Christmas

Galatians 4:4–5 reminds us that Jesus was born at the exact right moment in history—every detail prepared by God.

Galatians 4:4-5

Waiting with Hope: Preparing Your Heart for Jesus

🎄 I’m Pastor Justin, and today we’re learning about something that’s not easy — waiting.

Isaiah 40:3

God Always Keeps His Promises: The Promise to Abraham

🌟 I’m Pastor Justin, and today we’re looking at one of God’s earliest promises — the one He made to Abraham.

Genesis 12:1-3

The Promise of Bethlehem: God Uses Small Things

🌟 Yesterday, we talked about how God promised to send a Savior — today, we learn where that Savior would be born.

Micah 5:2

The Promise of Advent: Waiting With Hope for the Light

Isaiah 9:2

Thankful for God's Plan When the Future Feels Uncertain

Sometimes we’re excited about what’s ahead — a game, a trip, or something fun — but other times the future can feel uncertain or even a little scary.

Jeremiah 29:11

Ruth, Episode 5: From Ruth to Royal (God Redeems the Story)

The final episode of the 5-part Heroes series on Ruth. Pastor Justin closes the arc at the city gate, with the sandal handoff, the marriage, the baby Obed, and the line that traces all the way to King David and King Jesus. God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things.

Ruth 4:13

Ruth, Episode 2: Back to Bethlehem (Ruth Gathers in the Fields)

Episode 2 of a 5-part Heroes series on Ruth. Pastor Justin walks kids into the barley fields with Ruth and introduces gleaning, hesed, and the moment a kind landowner named Boaz steps into the story. God's provision usually comes through ordinary work and ordinary kindness.

Ruth 2:2

BONUS: Goodnight Psalms Launches November 1st. I Will Not Be Shaken | Psalm 16:8 | Goodnight Psalms Kids Devotional Carpooling with Jesus

In tonight’s Goodnight Psalms, we rest in the promise from Psalm 16:8 — “I always let the Lord guide me.

Psalm 16:8

Scared of the Future? What Jesus Would Say

Part of the October What Would Jesus Say series. For kids who don't want to grow up, are scared of life changing, or feel anxious about what's coming. Pastor Justin walks them through Matthew 6:34 from the Sermon on the Mount, and lands them in the truth that Jesus invites kids to live fully in today and trust him with tomorrow.

Matthew 6:34

Scared to Move or Start a New School? What Jesus Would Say

Part of the October What Would Jesus Say series. For kids facing a move, a new school, or a new team. Pastor Justin walks them through Isaiah 43:19 and the story of Israel's exile, and lands them in the truth that God creates something new in the middle of change. Includes the story of a kid named Mateo whose move turned into a new friendship by week's end.

Isaiah 43:19

Scared of Getting Lost? What Jesus Would Say

Part of the October What Would Jesus Say series. For kids scared of getting physically lost in a store, on a hike, or anywhere, or spiritually lost in their faith and questions. Pastor Justin walks them through Luke 19:10 and the Zacchaeus story, and lands them in the truth that Jesus is a finder. He seeks, he saves, and he leads us back.

Luke 19:10

Trusting God's Word That Never Fails

Whether this is your first ride with us or you’ve been buckled in all month, today we’re wrapping up Proverbs for Your School Life with a powerful truth about God’s Word that every kid—and parent—needs to hear.

Proverbs 30:5

Build a Strong Faith While You're Young

🎒 Whether you’re sitting in the car wondering why school matters so much or thinking about everything you’ve been learning lately, I’m Pastor Justin—and I’m so glad you’re here!

Proverbs 22:6

Where to Run When Life Feels Overwhelming

🚗 Whether you’re nervous about a quiz or just hoping today goes better than yesterday, I’m Pastor Justin—and I’m so glad you’re here.

Proverbs 18:10

Trusting God Instead of Yourself With Every Decision

🚗 Whether you’re already thinking about lunch on the ride to school or enjoying a chocolate chip muffin at the kitchen table — I’m Pastor Justin, and I’m so glad you’re here.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Joy That Doesn't Melt Like Ice Cream

🚗 Whether you’re picking out shoes, riding shotgun with your water bottle, or packing for a field trip—I’m Pastor Justin, and I’m so glad you’re here.

John 15:11

You Can't Do Life Without Jesus

🚗 Whether you’re buckled into the backseat with your lunchbox, helping a sibling with their hoodie, or heading out the door with a sleepy smile — I’m Pastor Justin, and I’m so glad you’re here.

John 15:5

Real Fruit, Not Fake Smiles: Growing From the Inside Out

🚗 Whether you’re walking out the door with a juice box, buckling in with your backpack, or brushing your teeth before school — I’m Pastor Justin, and I’m so glad you’re here.

John 15:5

Stay Connected to Jesus Like a Power Source

🚗 Whether you’re riding to school, crunching cereal at the kitchen table, or hanging out in the backseat — I’m Pastor Justin, and I’m so glad you’re here.

John 15:4

God's Way of Helping You Grow Through Pruning

🚗 Whether you’re zipping up your backpack, hopping into the carpool van, or munching on cereal at the table — I’m Pastor Justin, and I’m so glad you’re here.

John 15:2

Is Jesus Really With Me, Even at School and the Beach?

Whether you’re zipping off to school or starting homeschool in your pajamas—I’m Pastor Justin, and I’m so glad you’re here.

Matthew 28:20

God Watches Over You Everywhere You Go

Whether you’re off on a big adventure or just pulling into the driveway with groceries, today’s episode is about one powerful truth: God is with you—wherever you go.

Psalm 121:8

The Joy of the Lord Is Your Strength

What’s better than your favorite drink, your strongest muscles, or even a protein bar?

Nehemiah 8:10

Jesus and the 153 Fish: Try Again His Way

Today on Carpooling with Jesus, we’re diving into one of the most surprising post-resurrection miracles Jesus ever did — and yes, it involves fishing!

John 21:11

God's Rainbow: How Noah Learned God Keeps His Word

Key Verse: Genesis 9:13 – “I have placed my bow in the clouds, and it will be a sign of the covenant between Me and the earth.” Hey, Carpool Crew!

Genesis 9:13

Noah and the Animals: Being Faithful With What God Gives

In today’s Carpooling with Jesus, Pastor Justin takes us into one of the most unforgettable moments from Noah’s story—when the animals came two by two into the ark (Genesis 7:9).

Genesis 7:9

Build the Boat: Obeying God Like Noah

🌧️ Today on Carpooling with Jesus, we’re going way back to the story of Noah and the ark — when one man followed God, even though everyone thought he was crazy.

Genesis 6:22

God Brings Dry Bones to Life in the Valley of Ezekiel 37

☀️ Whether you’re on break already, counting down the days, or just rolling into June—this summer, we’re calling it Road Tripping with Jesus.

Ezekiel 37:4

Jesus Asked, Who Touched Me? How Faith Stands Out

🎧 Carpooling with Jesus – A short daily devotional podcast for kids and families In today’s episode, Pastor Justin dives into one of the most powerful moments in Jesus’ ministry—when He stopped in a crowd and asked a surprising question: “Who touched me?” (Luke 8:45)

Luke 8:46

Why We Can Always Trust Jesus: Yesterday, Today, and Forever

Today we’re looking at a bold moment when Jesus said something HUGE: “Before Abraham was born, I AM.” He wasn’t just talking about age—He was declaring that He is God.

John the Baptist and Jesus: What to Do When We Have Doubts

Whether you’re heading to school, chilling at home, or running errands with your family, Pastor Justin is here with another big question someone asked Jesus—this time, from someone really important: John the Baptist.

Matthew 11:3

Following Jesus from the Heart, Not Just Going Through the Motions

Today on Carpooling with Jesus, Pastor Justin explores a tough question someone asked Jesus in Luke 13:23: “Are only a few people going to be saved?” Instead of giving a number, Jesus flips the question and makes it personal—Are YOU following me?

Luke 13:23

Mud, Miracles, and Trust When Jesus Helps in Surprising Ways

Whether you’re riding to school, finishing breakfast, or just hanging at home, we’re so glad you’re here.

John 9:6-7

The Day the Walls Fell Down at Jericho and God Did the Impossible

Welcome to Carpooling with Jesus — the 5-minute devotional podcast for kids and families that turns every ride into a faith moment.

Joshua 6:20

God Is Still with You: Joseph's Story Continues

Whether you’re in the car, finishing breakfast, or heading to practice, I’m so glad you’re here.

Genesis 39:2-3

Trusting God Even When Things Don't Go Your Way

Hey friends, welcome back to Carpooling with Jesus!

Genesis 37:9

Here Am I, Send Me: Trusting God's Big Plans

Whether you’re in the car, having breakfast, or winding down for bed, I’m so glad you’re here.

Isaiah 6:8

Noah's Ark: Walking Faithfully with God

Whether you’re riding your bike to school, having breakfast, or heading to practice, I’m so glad you’re here.

Genesis 6:9

Trusting God: Daniel in the Lion's Den

I’m Pastor Justin, and today, we’re diving into the incredible story of Daniel in the lion’s den!

Daniel 6:23

Standing Strong in Faith: Daniel and His Friends

Whether you’re heading to school, finishing up breakfast, or just hanging out at home, I’m so glad you’re here.

Daniel 1:8

David and Goliath: God Is Bigger Than Any Giant

Today on Carpooling with Jesus, we’re talking about one of my favorite Bible stories—the story of David and Goliath!

1 Samuel 17:45

Growing Your Faith: How a Tiny Seed Moves Mountains

In this episode of Carpooling with Jesus, Pastor Justin reveals the power of faith, as taught by Jesus in Matthew 17:20.

Matthew 17:20

Don't Worry About Tomorrow: Trusting God With Today

Today we’re talking about worrying—something we all feel sometimes.

Matthew 6:34