Carpooling with Jesus: Daily Christian Devotions for Kids and Families

April 25th: Samson’s Final Prayer and God’s Grace | Carpooling with Jesus

👋 Welcome to Carpooling with Jesus!
Today wraps up our week with Samson, and it’s a powerful reminder of something we all need to hear: Even when we mess up, God can still use us. 🙌
In this episode of Carpooling with Jesus, Pastor Justin walks through the final chapter of Samson’s story in Judges 16:28, where Samson—broken, blind, and alone—prays one more time:“Lord, remember me. Please, God, strengthen me just once more.”
And guess what? God does.
🎯 Big Takeaways:
Samson gave away his secret and lost everything… but God wasn’t done with him.
Grace means God still loves us, forgives us, and gives second chances—even when we’ve blown it.
One honest prayer can change everything.
Jesus doesn’t cancel people—He restores them.
From Peter to Zacchaeus to Samson, the Bible is full of people who made mistakes but still got used by God—and you can be one of those people too.
💬 Car Question:Can you think of a time you made a mistake, but were given another chance?
🙏 One Thing for the Ride:Even when we mess up, God can still use us.
📣 Parents: If this podcast encouraged you and your kids this week, share it with a friend or post about it. We love seeing new families join the Carpooling with Jesus crew!
🔗 Listen & Subscribe
🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ZQq3iq🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Zt7lvO📺 YouTube: https://bit.ly/YoutubeCPWJ💻 Podbean: https://bit.ly/PodbeanCPWJ📱 Instagram: https://bit.ly/InstagramCPWJ🚗 Facebook Community: https://bit.ly/CPWJFB
 

April 24th: Don’t Get Distracted! Samson, Delilah & Staying Focused on God | Carpooling with Jesus

Hey carpool family 👋Ever been so distracted you totally forgot what you were supposed to be doing? That happened to Samson—and it cost him big time.
🚗 Main Idea for the Ride:When we forget God’s way, we lose our way.
📖 Verse of the Day:Judges 16:17 — “No razor has ever been used on my head… If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me.”
💡 In today’s episode, Pastor Justin helps kids understand:
How Samson let distractions pull him away from God’s plan
Why keeping our focus on Jesus helps us live with purpose
And what to do when the world gets noisy and tempting
🐿️ Bonus story: Ever missed a baseball because you were watching a squirrel? Pastor Justin did—and it’s a perfect picture of what distractions can do in life.
💬 Car Conversation Starter:What kind of distractions do we deal with that might pull us away from what Jesus wants?
🎧 Whether it’s friends, screens, or trying to fit in—this episode gives your kids practical encouragement to stay focused on God’s voice and walk His path with confidence.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parents, if this episode encouraged your family, share it with your church’s kids’ pastor. We love supporting churches across the country with faith-filled content for families!
🔗 Listen & Subscribe
🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ZQq3iq🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Zt7lvO📺 YouTube: https://bit.ly/YoutubeCPWJ💻 Podbean: https://bit.ly/PodbeanCPWJ📱 Instagram: https://bit.ly/InstagramCPWJ🚗 Facebook Community: https://bit.ly/CPWJFB
 

April 23rd: When Anger Takes the Wheel: What Samson Got Wrong and Jesus Gets Right | Carpooling with Jesus

Hey carpool crew 👋Have you ever been so mad you couldn’t think straight? Today, Pastor Justin shares a wild moment from Samson’s story that shows exactly what happens when we let anger take control.
🚗 Main Idea for the Ride:When we act on anger instead of God's plan… things get messy.
📖 Verse of the Day:Judges 15:15 — “Finding a fresh jawbone of a donkey, he grabbed it and struck down a thousand men.” (Yep, it happened!)
🛑 What can kids learn from Samson’s outburst?
Why reacting in anger rarely leads to peace
How Jesus teaches us to respond with kindness instead of revenge
And one simple thing we can do when we’re really mad: pause and pray
💬 Car Conversation Starter:The next time I’m angry, what’s one thing I can do so I don’t make a decision I’ll regret?
🎧 Whether you're heading to school, sitting at breakfast, or cruising on errands, this episode is here to help kids trust God with even the BIG emotions. And parents—if this episode helps your family, share it with another!
 
🔗 Listen & Subscribe
🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ZQq3iq🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Zt7lvO📺 YouTube: https://bit.ly/YoutubeCPWJ💻 Podbean: https://bit.ly/PodbeanCPWJ📱 Instagram: https://bit.ly/InstagramCPWJ🚗 Facebook Community: https://bit.ly/CPWJFB

April 22nd: Samson’s Strength and Yours | God Gives Us Power for a Purpose | Carpooling with Jesus

👋 Welcome to Carpooling with Jesus!
Not all strength looks like Samson’s. 💪 Sometimes it's standing up for a friend, choosing kindness, or using your talents to bless someone else.
In today’s Carpooling with Jesus, Pastor Justin shares the wild moment from Judges 14:6 when Samson tears apart a lion with his bare hands—powered not by muscles alone, but by the Spirit of God. 🦁⚡️But here's the big idea: God gives us strength to do what He calls us to do.
From snowstorms in Buffalo to creative birthday gifts from his son, Pastor Justin reminds us that God gives each of us a unique kind of strength—for a reason.
🎯 Takeaways:
Samson’s strength came from God, not just big muscles
Your talents, courage, and kindness are gifts too
Strength is for serving, not showing off
God uses your gifts to bless others and make a difference
🚗 One Thing for the Ride:God gives us strength to do what He calls us to do.
💬 Car Question:What’s one specific way I can use the talents God gave me to bless someone else today?
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📸 Parents: If this episode encouraged your family, snap a pic, post it, and tag us! We'd love to repost and celebrate what God is doing in your home.
🔗 Listen & Subscribe
🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ZQq3iq🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Zt7lvO📺 YouTube: https://bit.ly/YoutubeCPWJ💻 Podbean: https://bit.ly/PodbeanCPWJ📱 Instagram: https://bit.ly/InstagramCPWJ🚗 Facebook Community: https://bit.ly/CPWJFB

April 21st: God Made You for a Purpose | Samson's Story Begins | Carpooling with Jesus

Imagine Jesus riding with you on the way to school—what would He say about your purpose? 🚗💬
This week on Carpooling with Jesus, Pastor Justin kicks off an exciting series on Samson, starting with the incredible moment God tells Samson’s parents about their son's future. 📖 Judges 13:5
In today’s episode, you’ll learn:
Why Samson’s life was filled with purpose from the start
What it means to be chosen by God—even before you're born
How your unique gifts, talents, and personality are part of God's big plan
👂 Big Idea: You were made on purpose for a purpose.🙌 Bottom Line: God gives us strength to do what He calls us to do.
Whether your child is artistic, athletic, helpful, or kind—God wants to use those things for good. Tune in, talk about it as a family, and don’t forget to ask this on the way to school:👉 “What skills, talents, or abilities are you thankful to God for giving you?”
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🔁 Like what you hear? Share this episode with your kids’ ministry leader or a fellow parent. Let’s raise kids who know they’re loved and called by God.
🔗 Listen & Subscribe
🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ZQq3iq🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Zt7lvO📺 YouTube: https://bit.ly/YoutubeCPWJ💻 Podbean: https://bit.ly/PodbeanCPWJ📱 Instagram: https://bit.ly/InstagramCPWJ🚗 Facebook Community: https://bit.ly/CPWJFB

BONUS: Easter Sunday, He Is Risen! | Carpooling with Jesus

🎙️ Happy Easter from Carpooling with Jesus!Hey carpool crew! I’m Pastor Justin, and today we’re celebrating the biggest moment in our faith—Easter Sunday! Whether you're on your way to church in your Easter best, munching on cinnamon rolls, or holding a chocolate bunny in the car, I’m so glad you’re here.
This bonus episode is all about why Easter matters and how it changes everything—forever.
📖 Bible Verse of the Day:
Matthew 28:5-6“The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; He has risen, just as He said.’”
💡 One Thing for the Ride:
Jesus is alive—and that changes everything.
✝️ What Happened on Easter Morning?
At sunrise, some women came to the tomb expecting to see Jesus’ body—but instead, they saw an empty tomb and an angel declaring the best news ever:👉 Jesus isn’t dead. He’s alive—just like He promised!
Their sadness turned into celebration, and that same joy is ours today.
🕊️ What Does Resurrection Mean?
Jesus didn’t just come back to life—He was resurrected. That means He’ll never die again. His body was brand new, never to get sick or hurt. And guess what? One day, He promises we’ll be resurrected too, just like Him. That’s what Easter is all about:🟣 Hope forever🟢 Life forever🟡 Jesus with us—always
🤔 Real Life Story:
When I was a kid, I found my Easter basket with a card taped on it that said, “Nothing is better than candy—except Jesus.”At the time, I laughed. Now? I totally get it. Nothing is better than the joy of knowing that Jesus is alive and loves us forever.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parent Tip:
After church, try asking your kids:👉 “What’s one way we can celebrate that Jesus is alive—not just today, but every day?”Simple faith conversations turn Easter into a lifestyle—not just a holiday.
And if this podcast encouraged you, share it with another family to help them start a faith-filled Easter tradition too.
🥳 Let’s Celebrate:
Say it loud—He is risen!And respond—He is risen indeed!Because that’s more than a church tradition… it’s a truth that brings us hope every day.
🔗 Listen & Subscribe:
🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ZQq3iq🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Zt7lvO📺 YouTube: https://bit.ly/YoutubeCPWJ💻 Podbean: https://bit.ly/PodbeanCPWJ📱 Instagram: https://bit.ly/InstagramCPWJ🚗 Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/CPWJFB

BONUS: Why Do We Say "He Is Risen"? | The Easter Cheer Every Kid Should Know | Carpooling with Jesus

🎙️ Welcome to Carpooling with Jesus!Hey carpool crew, Happy Easter weekend! I’m Pastor Justin, and today’s episode is all about one of the most powerful Easter traditions ever: the Resurrection Cheer—“He is risen!” and the joyful response, “He is risen indeed!”
But have you ever wondered… what does that actually mean? Why do we say it? And why does it matter? Today we’re breaking it down in a fun, faith-filled way that will help every kid understand the celebration behind those words.
📖 Bible Connection:
After Jesus rose from the dead, His friends couldn’t stop talking about it. They saw Him. They ate with Him. They KNEW He was alive. And early Christians began greeting each other with a cheer of faith that still echoes today:✨ He is risen!✨ He is risen indeed!
💡 One Thing for the Ride:
When we say, “He is risen indeed,” we’re saying:👉 “I believe the best news ever—Jesus is alive!”
🙌 Try It Together:
Let’s practice!🗣️ You say: “He is risen!”💬 Your family replies: “He is risen indeed!”
It’s like shouting “WE WON!” after your team scores—except this time, it’s a victory over sin and death… and it’s for everyone!
🎉 Real Life Story:
At church one Easter, a little kid yelled back “TOTALLY!” when the pastor said, “He is risen.” Everyone laughed—but you know what? That’s exactly what “He is risen indeed” means: TOTALLY true. Absolutely. No doubt about it.
👨‍👩‍👧 Parent Tip:
Want to help this Easter message stick? Greet each other throughout the weekend with the resurrection cheer! It’s simple, joyful, and deeply meaningful.And hey—if this episode encouraged you, text it to a few other parent friends so they can join the celebration too.
❓ Conversation Starter:
Instead of a question today, practice together:🗣️ One person says, “He is risen!”💬 Everyone replies, “He is risen indeed!”Then ask: Who’s the first person you want to say it to at church?
🔗 Listen & Subscribe:
🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ZQq3iq🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Zt7lvO📺 YouTube: https://bit.ly/YoutubeCPWJ💻 Podbean: https://bit.ly/PodbeanCPWJ📱 Instagram: https://bit.ly/InstagramCPWJ🚗 Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/CPWJFB

April 18: Good Friday Is For Everyone — Jesus Lives Forever | Carpooling with Jesus

🎙️ Welcome to Carpooling with Jesus!Hey carpool crew, it’s Good Friday—and today, we’re talking about something huge. This is the day we remember what Jesus did for us on the cross. It's serious... but it's also full of hope. Because guess what? The tomb didn’t stay full—it’s still empty.
In this episode, Pastor Justin unpacks what the Bible says about resurrection, and why it’s way bigger than just “coming back to life.” When Jesus rose from the grave, He defeated death forever. That’s what makes Good Friday powerful—and Easter life-changing.
📖 Bible Verse of the Day:
Romans 6:9“Because we know that Christ, having been raised from the dead, will not die again. Death no longer rules over him.”
💡 What You'll Learn in This Episode:
What resurrection really means—and why it matters
How Jesus’ victory over death brings us hope forever
Why we can go to God in everything—the good and the hard
How to live like people who know Jesus is alive today
❤️ One Thing for the Ride:
Jesus didn’t just come back—He came back forever. And that changes everything.
✨ What Would Jesus Say?
"Because I live forever, My love, power, and promises to you will never end."
🎲 Fun Family Moment:
One dad got knocked out early during family board game night—until his daughter said, “You’re not out… you’re resurrected!” They laughed, but it reminded them: only Jesus can truly do that. And He did!
🙏 Friday Prayer:
"God, thank You for this week. Help us finish strong today and bless our weekend with joy and rest. Amen."
❓ Question of the Day:
How can we live like people who know Jesus is alive today?
📣 Special Easter Weekend Announcement:
Don’t miss it—we’re releasing special Saturday and Sunday episodes of Carpooling with Jesus to help your family get the most out of Easter. Make sure you're subscribed so you don’t miss a moment!
🔗 Listen & Subscribe:
🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ZQq3iq🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Zt7lvO📺 YouTube: https://bit.ly/YoutubeCPWJ💻 Podbean: https://bit.ly/PodbeanCPWJ📱 Instagram: https://bit.ly/InstagramCPWJ🚗 Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/CPWJFB

April 17th: Jesus in the Garden (And What to Do When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed) | Carpooling with Jesus

🎙️ Welcome to Carpooling with Jesus!Hey there, carpool crew! It’s the week leading up to Easter, and today we’re stepping into one of the most emotional and powerful moments in Jesus’ life—the night He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, afraid, or unsure about what’s coming next—this episode is for you. Jesus knows exactly what that feels like, and He shows us what to do when life feels big and scary: talk to God and trust His plan.
📖 Bible Verse of the Day:
Matthew 26:39“Going a little farther, He fell with His face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.’”
💡 What You'll Learn in This Episode:
Why Jesus’ prayer in the garden matters so much
How Jesus responded when He felt overwhelmed
What it means to trust God’s plan even when it’s hard
How YOU can pray honestly when you’re feeling scared or unsure
❤️ One Thing for the Ride:
When you're feeling overwhelmed, talk to God and trust His plan—just like Jesus did.
✨ What Would Jesus Say?
"You don’t have to be tough all the time. Talk to Me. I’m here, and I understand."
🛑 Pause and Reflect:
Imagine it’s quiet. You’re sitting in a garden. You’re scared. You know something difficult is ahead. What do you do?Jesus didn’t hide—He prayed. And you can too.
🧠 Real Life Moment:
Before a big test, game, or performance, when the “what ifs” fill your head—pause and pray:"God, I’m overwhelmed. Help me do my best."It’s that simple—and God always listens.
❓ Question of the Day:
What’s one thing you can pray about today to ask God for help or guidance?
📣 Parent Tip:
Want to spark more faith-filled conversations like this? Share this podcast with a friend and turn everyday drives into powerful moments with Jesus.
🔗 Listen & Subscribe:
🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ZQq3iq🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Zt7lvO📺 YouTube: https://bit.ly/YoutubeCPWJ💻 Podbean: https://bit.ly/PodbeanCPWJ📱 Instagram: https://bit.ly/InstagramCPWJ🚗 Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/CPWJFB

April 16th: Jesus Washed Feet?! What Real Love Looks Like | Carpooling with Jesus

🎙️ Welcome to Carpooling with Jesus!Hey carpool crew! Imagine Jesus riding along with you and, before you hop out of the car, He kneels down to help you tie your shoes. That’s the kind of love He showed at the Last Supper when He washed His friends’ feet. Today, we’re diving into one of the most surprising and powerful lessons Jesus ever gave—real love serves others.
📖 Bible Verse of the Day:
John 13:14-15“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
💡 What You'll Learn in This Episode:
Why Jesus washed His disciples’ feet—and what that meant
What real love looks like in action
Simple ways you can serve others today
How small choices to help others reflect the heart of Jesus
❤️ One Thing for the Ride:
Jesus showed us real love by serving others—and we can do the same.
✨ What Would Jesus Say?
"If I can serve by washing feet, you can serve by loving others in the small things."
🧼 Quick Recap:
Jesus, the King of Kings, washed dusty, stinky feet to show His disciples what serving love really looks like. And He told them—and us—to go and do the same. It might be picking up trash, helping a classmate, or letting someone else go first. Serving doesn’t have to be big to be meaningful. It just has to be real.
❓ Question of the Day:
What’s one way you can serve someone today like Jesus did?
📣 Parent Tip:
Know another family who’d love this podcast? Text them the link and turn everyday car rides into faith-filled conversations with their kids too.
🔗 Listen & Subscribe:
🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ZQq3iq🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Zt7lvO📺 YouTube: https://bit.ly/YoutubeCPWJ💻 Podbean: https://bit.ly/PodbeanCPWJ📱 Instagram: https://bit.ly/InstagramCPWJ🚗 Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/CPWJFB