Wisdom / Choices

If Jesus Set Me Free, Why Do I Still Have to Follow Rules?

A kid-friendly answer to why freedom in Jesus still comes with rules. Jesus set you free to love God and love others, and the rules are not a cage. They are the water you were made to swim in, showing you how to live the way God designed.

Galatians 5:13

Jesus Set You Free, But Not to Run Wild

What it means that Jesus set us free: not freedom to run wild, but freedom to do the right thing because you're already loved, not to earn it.

Galatians 5:1

Psalm 7:12 | Choosing the Right Path

A calm bedtime look at how choices matter and how God always welcomes us back when we turn toward Him.

Psalm 7:12

Psalm 7:5: A Bedtime Verse for Kids on Integrity and Honest Choices

When kids face a moment where the right choice costs them something, this Psalm anchors them in the truth that integrity brings peace and joy, and God values it deeply.

Psalm 7:5

The Parable of the Rich Fool: People Matter More Than Stuff

Jesus tells the parable of the rich fool. A man who kept building bigger barns to hold more stuff, and missed what actually mattered. The episode names how stuff can sneak up on kids (yelling about stepped-on shoes, comparing to friends, never feeling like enough) and gives three concrete ways to put people first this week.

Luke 12:15

Choose People Over Your Own Comfort

This episode is about choosing to serve people even when you're tired or want to rest. Pastor Justin uses the story from Mark 6 where Jesus was exhausted and needed rest, but when thousands of people showed up, he chose compassion over comfort and cared for them anyway.

Mark 6:34

Pick the Date for Your Kid's Shout-Out

This episode announces a major update to how shout-outs work on the show. Parents can now use Calendly to pick the exact date they want their kid's shout-out to air, whether it's a birthday, first day of camp, or just a regular day when they need encouragement.

Should Christians Follow the Rules?

This episode explores Jesus' brilliant response when religious leaders tried to trap Him with a question about paying taxes to Caesar. Jesus taught that we should respect leaders and follow rules, but our hearts belong to God above all.

Matthew 22:17

The Rich Young Ruler for Kids: Following Jesus Matters Most

A man runs up to Jesus and asks what matters most for eternal life. The one thing for the ride: following Jesus matters more than anything else. With a relatable Tyler-and-the-video-game story and three real-life ways kids can put Jesus first.

Mark 10:17

Samuel, Episode 4: Why Almost Obeying Isn't Obeying

Episode 4 of a 5-part Samuel series. Saul starts strong, then panics during the Philistine battle and takes priestly duties into his own hands. Then he obeys God almost the whole way against the Amalekites, sparing King Agag and the best animals. Samuel delivers the hard truth: to obey is better than sacrifice.

1 Samuel 15:22

Help With a Good Attitude: When the Job Is Boring

A CWJ episode for the kid who helps but stomps and slams plates. Pastor Justin walks them through Philippians 2:14 and lands them in the truth that HOW you help matters just as much as WHAT you do.

Philippians 2:14

What Should I Do If I Don't Know the Difference Between a Want and a Need?

When wants feel like needs, kids and parents both get stuck. Matthew 6 helps untangle it, and three small moves help the family practice it together.

Matthew 6:31-33

Choosing Peace Like Jesus

Dont QUIT

The Unforgiving Servant, Episode 3: The King

Episode 3 of a 5-part series on the Unforgiving Servant. Pastor Justin voices the king and shows kids why the king's later anger wasn't about money. It was about hypocrisy. Mercy was meant to move, not stop.

Matthew 18:33

Be Faithful in Small Things

Choosing Jesus Is Worth It

How to Be a Leader Where You Are

BONUS | Winning Isn’t Everything | Bonus Episode Carpooling with Jesus Kids Devotional

Pastor Justin here, and this is a special subscriber-only bonus episode about winning, character, and choosing what matters most.

Following Jesus Means Letting Go

Giving God Your Best, Not Your Leftovers

Jonah, Episode 4: Eight Words That Changed a Whole City

Episode 4 of a 5-part Jonah series. After a 500-mile walk, Jonah arrives at Nineveh and preaches the shortest sermon in the entire Bible: eight words. The whole violent city, even the king, even the animals, turns back to God. And Jonah is still bitter about it.

Jonah 3:4

Protect Your Heart | Drive Time Bible Study Devotional for Kids Carpooling with Jesus

Today’s Carpooling with Jesus episode for January 6 is based on Matthew 5:8 and reminds kids that what they think about, watch, and listen to shapes their hearts.

Matthew 5:8

Thankful for Discipline: When Correction Is Really Love

Yep, that word that makes everyone cringe a little!

Hebrews 12:6

Ruth, Episode 4: A Night on the Threshing Floor (Ruth's Bold Risk)

Episode 4 of a 5-part Heroes series on Ruth. Pastor Justin walks kids through the threshing floor scene with cultural care. Naomi hatches a plan. Ruth takes a bold midnight step. Boaz responds with honor, restraint, and a promise to do things the right way.

Ruth 3:9

Peter, Episode 3: From the Rock to Get Behind Me, Satan

Episode 3 of a 5-part Peter series. Jesus takes the disciples to a pagan city full of false gods and asks the biggest question in the gospels: who do you say that I am? Peter nails it, gets a name change and a promise about the church. Then minutes later, Peter tries to correct Jesus's plan and gets the harshest rebuke in scripture. A lesson in believing the right thing and still misunderstanding how God works.

Matthew 16:16

Don't Go Back to the Mess: Breaking Bad Cycles

📖 Proverbs 26:11 — “As a dog returns to its vomit, so also a fool repeats his foolishness.” Yep.

Proverbs 26:11

The Power of the Right Words at the Right Time

📖 Proverbs 25:11 — “A word spoken at the right time is like gold apples in silver settings.” Have you ever said something and instantly wished you could take it back?

Proverbs 25:11

Wise Choices Make Hearts Happy

📖 Proverbs 23:15 — “My son, if your heart is wise, my heart will indeed rejoice.” Even a small wise choice can bring big joy to the people who love you most.

Proverbs 23:15

How to Get Wiser Every Day by Listening Well

🚗 Whether you’re wondering if you remembered your homework or still thinking about yesterday’s conversation, I’m Pastor Justin—and I’m so glad you’re here.

Proverbs 19:20

How to Stay Humble When You're Winning

🚗 Whether you’re hyped for a big day or still waking up after a long night, I’m Pastor Justin—and I’m so glad you’re here.

Proverbs 16:18

Don't Believe Everything You Hear or See Online

🚗 Whether you’re just waking up in the backseat or eating your breakfast before heading into school, I’m Pastor Justin—and I’m so glad you’re here.

Proverbs 14:15

Why Humility Makes You More Likable Than Pride

🚗 Whether you’re walking to school in your favorite hoodie or hoping that science quiz gets delayed, I’m Pastor Justin—and I’m so glad you’re here.

Proverbs 11:2

Knowing When to Stay Quiet and Choosing Your Words

🚗 Whether you’re cracking jokes in the backseat or still waking up slowly at the kitchen table, I’m Pastor Justin—and I’m so glad you’re here.

Proverbs 10:19

Choosing Wisdom When Others Make Fun of It

🚗 Whether you’re staring out the car window or sitting at the kitchen table with crumbs on your hoodie, I’m Pastor Justin—and I’m so glad you’re here.

Proverbs 9:12

Why Wisdom Is Better Than Stuff

🚗 Whether you’re dreaming about that new pair of shoes or finishing up a breakfast sandwich before class, I’m Pastor Justin—and I’m so glad you’re here.

Proverbs 8:11

How to Protect God's Wisdom Like Your Eyes

Whether you’re headed to church or fixing your hair before walking out the door, I’m Pastor Justin—and I’m so glad you’re here.

Proverbs 7:2

Why Discipline Matters Even When It's Hard

🚗 Whether you’re rushing out the door with your hair half-brushed or quietly watching the sunrise from the backseat, I’m Pastor Justin—and I’m so glad you’re here.

Proverbs 5:23

Chase Wisdom, Not Just Popularity, at School

🚗 Whether you’re walking out the door with your water bottle or still wishing it was Saturday, I’m Pastor Justin—and I’m so glad you’re here.

Proverbs 4:7

Let's Be Wise Like Jesus: Wisdom Starts With God

🚗 Whether you’re cramming in that last bit of homework or trying to wake up in the backseat, I’m Pastor Justin—and I’m so glad you’re here.

Proverbs 1:7

Ask God First

19—right after David became king and had to decide whether to go to battle.

2 Samuel 5:19

What Ants Can Teach Us About Wisdom and Hard Work

Yep, those tiny little bugs crawling around your sidewalk.

Proverbs 6:6

Don't Fall Out the Window: Staying Focused on God

Today on Carpooling with Jesus, we’re talking about a true story from the Bible that’s both surprising and unforgettable — a boy named Eutychus literally fell asleep during a late-night sermon… and fell out of a third-story window.

Acts 20:9

Donkey Talks: How God Gets Our Attention

Today on Carpooling with Jesus, we’re diving into one of the strangest and funniest stories in the whole Bible — and yes, it involves a real talking donkey (no Shrek here).

Numbers 22:28

Mary, Martha, and the One Thing That Matters Most

Jesus was visiting Mary and Martha’s home when Martha got frustrated.

Luke 10:42

What Does It Mean to Be Great? Jesus Teaches James and John

In today’s Carpooling with Jesus, James and John ask Jesus a bold question: 👉 “Can we sit at your right and left in your kingdom?” (Mark 10:37 CSB) They wanted to be important—but Jesus gave them (and us!) a better picture of greatness.

Mark 10:43

Don't Get Distracted: Samson, Delilah, and Staying Focused

🚗 Main Idea for the Ride: When we forget God’s way, we lose our way.

Judges 16:17

James Teaches Us Patience While We Wait on God

Whether you’re in the car, having breakfast, or heading off to practice, I’m so glad you’re here!

James 5:7-8

What to Do Before Making a Big Decision

I’m Pastor Justin, and today, we’re talking about something super important—what to do before making a big decision.

2 Samuel 5:19

Humility Means Shining the Spotlight on Others

Today on Carpooling with Jesus, we’re diving into the Bible to learn about humility—what it really means and why God loves it when we lift others up instead of seeking attention for ourselves.

James 4:10

Walking Humbly with God Every Single Day

🚗 What if Jesus was riding with you on your way to school?

Micah 6:8

The Rewards of Humility: Wealth, Honor, and Life

🚗 What if Jesus was riding with you on your way to school?

Proverbs 22:4

How God Lifts Up the Humble: Blessings in His Timing

🚗 What if Jesus was riding with you on your way to school?

1 Peter 5:6

Jonah and Why Your Choices Matter for Everyone

What happens when we try to escape from God’s plan?

Jonah 1:4-6

The Power of Listening: Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak

🚗✨ Today, Pastor Justin dives into the power of listening—a simple yet transformative way to strengthen your friendships, connect with family, and even shine God’s love to others.

James 1:19

Mistakes Are Stepping Stones: Learning and Growing With God

In this episode of ’Carpooling with Jesus’, Pastor Justin explores the idea of imagining Jesus riding along with you and offering guidance.

Proverbs 24:16