Carpooling with Jesus

March 17th: Trusting God Even When Things Don’t Go Your Way | Carpooling with Jesus

Hey friends, welcome back to Carpooling with Jesus! I’m Pastor Justin, and today we’re talking about God’s plan for your life.
Have you ever had a big dream—like being an artist, a scientist, or the fastest runner on your street? Joseph had big dreams too, but things didn’t go the way he expected.
📖 Genesis 37:9 – "Then he had another dream and told it to his brothers..."
Joseph’s dream showed him as a leader, but his brothers got jealous and didn’t believe it. Sometimes, when we share our dreams, not everyone understands. But if God gives you a dream, He will bring it to life at the right time!
If Jesus were sitting with us right now, He’d say: I see your dreams. Even when things don’t go your way, trust me—God’s plan for your life is good.
This reminds me of my friend Brittany. She wanted to be dance team captain but wasn’t picked. She almost quit, but she kept working hard. Later, when the team needed a new leader, the coach chose her! She didn’t get what she wanted right away, but God had a better plan.
So, if something isn’t going your way, don’t give up—God is still working!
🎙 Question to talk about: What’s one big dream you have for your life?
See you next time on Carpooling with Jesus! 🚗✨
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March 14th: "Here Am I, Send Me" – Trusting God’s Big Plans | Carpooling with Jesus

Hey friends! 🚗✨ Welcome to Carpooling with Jesus! Whether you’re in the car, having breakfast, or winding down for bed, I’m so glad you’re here. Today, we’re diving into a powerful story from the book of Isaiah—a story about saying YES to God, even when it feels big and scary.
💡 Today’s Bible Verse:"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’" – Isaiah 6:8
🔥 Episode Highlights:
Isaiah was a prophet chosen by God to share His messages with people.
One day, Isaiah had a vision of God on His throne, surrounded by angels. It was so incredible that Isaiah realized how small and imperfect he was.
But when God asked, “Who will go for us?”, Isaiah didn’t hesitate—he said, “Here am I, send me!”
Isaiah wasn’t the biggest, strongest, or smartest, but he trusted God and followed His call.
Jesus loves when we have a willing heart to say YES to God’s plans!
🙌 Jesus’ Encouragement:If Jesus were sitting next to you, He might say:"I love when you’re willing to say yes to what God asks you to do. You don’t have to be the biggest, strongest, or smartest—just trust in me, and I will help you. When you say, ‘Here am I, send me,’ you are showing great faith, and I will always be right beside you."
📖 Real-Life Connection:Imagine your teacher asks for a volunteer to read aloud in class. Your heart pounds, and you want to raise your hand—but what if you mess up? That’s how I felt as a kid (and sometimes still do!).
One day, I remembered Isaiah’s story. Instead of looking away, I took a deep breath, raised my hand, and read. I stumbled on a few words, but I did it! My teacher was proud, and so was my mom. I learned that saying YES to something scary can lead to something amazing.
💡 What About You?Is there something God is asking you to do? Maybe helping a friend, being kind to someone new, or standing up for what’s right?
🙏 Friday Prayer:"God, thank You for this week. Help us finish strong and bless our weekend with joy and rest. Amen."
💭 Family Discussion Question:What is one thing you can say YES to this week that will honor God?
🎧 Parents: If you love this podcast, share it with other parents or even your kids' pastor at church! We’d love for more families to have faith-filled moments together. See you next week on Carpooling with Jesus! 🚙✨
 
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March 13th: Noah’s Ark – Walking Faithfully with God | Carpooling with Jesus

Hey friends! 🚗✨ Welcome to Carpooling with Jesus! Whether you're riding your bike to school, having breakfast, or heading to practice, I’m so glad you’re here. Today, we’re diving into one of the most incredible stories in the Bible—one that Jesus himself would have learned as a kid. It’s the story of Noah and the Ark! 🛳️🌧️
💡 Today’s Bible Verse:"Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God." – Genesis 6:9
🦁 Episode Highlights:
Noah lived in a time when people were making bad choices and turning away from God.
Unlike everyone else, Noah chose to follow God and obey Him.
God told Noah to build a giant boat—a huge ark—because a flood was coming.
Even though it had never rained like that before, Noah trusted God and did exactly what He said.
People laughed at Noah, but he remained faithful. When the flood came, he and his family were safe because he obeyed God.
🙌 Jesus’ Encouragement:If Jesus were sitting with us right now, He might say:"Noah trusted God even when others didn’t understand. That’s what I want for you. Sometimes doing the right thing isn’t always popular, but I will always be with you. Walk with me, just like Noah did, and I’ll lead you to amazing things."
📖 Real-Life Connection:Everly, a flag football player, faced a tough choice when she saw a teammate step out of bounds before scoring a touchdown. The referee missed it, and her team was celebrating. Everly knew telling the truth might cost them points, but she chose honesty. Some teammates were upset, but her coach told her, “I’m proud of you for doing the right thing.”
Just like Noah, Everly chose to do what was right, even when it was hard. And just like Noah, God saw her faithfulness.
💭 Family Discussion Question:What’s the number one fear you have about doing the right thing when it’s hard?
🎧 Don’t forget! If you loved today’s episode, parents—share it with a friend so they can have meaningful conversations, too! See you tomorrow on Carpooling with Jesus! 🚙✨
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March 12th: Trusting God – Daniel in the Lion’s Den | Carpooling with Jesus

Hey friends! 🚗✨ Welcome back to Carpooling with Jesus! I’m Pastor Justin, and today, we’re diving into the incredible story of Daniel in the lion’s den! This month, we’re exploring Bible stories that Jesus would have learned as a kid. Have you ever been in a situation where you had to trust God, even when things seemed really scary? That’s what today’s episode is all about!
💡 Today’s Bible Verse:"When the king came to the den and called to Daniel, he was overjoyed. He ordered that Daniel be lifted from the den, and when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him because he had trusted in his God." – Daniel 6:23
🦁 Episode Highlights:
Daniel was a faithful servant of God living in Babylon, trusted by King Darius.
Jealous officials tricked the king into making a law that no one could pray to anyone except him for 30 days.
Daniel continued to pray to God and was caught, leading to his punishment—being thrown into a den of hungry lions!
But God protected Daniel, shutting the lions’ mouths!
The king was overjoyed when he found Daniel unharmed and praised God.
🙌 Jesus’ Encouragement:Jesus wants us to know that trusting God, even in tough situations, is always the right choice. Just like Daniel, we might face scary moments, but God is always with us.
📖 Real-Life Connection:Maverick, a student in a new class, was nervous about standing up for a friend being bullied. But he remembered Daniel’s story and decided to do the right thing. His courage helped change the attitudes of his classmates!
💭 Family Discussion Question:When was a time you had to trust God in a scary situation?
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🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ZQq3iq 
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March 11th: Standing Up for What’s Right | Carpooling with Jesus

Hey friends! 🚗✨ Welcome back to Carpooling with Jesus! Whether you're on your way to school, finishing up breakfast, or taking a break from homeschooling, I’m so glad you’re here. This month, we’re talking about BIG moments from the Bible—stories that Jesus would have learned about when He was a kid. Today, we’re diving into a story about courage: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego standing up for what’s right!
💡 Today’s Bible Verse:"If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it." – Daniel 3:17
🔥 Episode Highlights:
King Nebuchadnezzar built a massive golden statue and demanded that everyone bow to it when the music played.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused because they only worshipped God.
The king was furious and threw them into a fiery furnace!
Instead of burning, they were completely unharmed—and a fourth figure, an angel, appeared with them!
The king was so amazed that he praised God and changed the law.
🙌 Jesus’ Encouragement:Jesus reminds us that standing up for what’s right isn’t always easy. It can feel lonely and even scary—but you are never alone! Just like He was with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, He is with YOU too.
📖 Real-Life Story:Cannon’s school had a no-phones rule, but his friends started sneaking out of class. They pressured him to come along, but Cannon stood his ground and followed the rules. Later, when his friends got caught, one admitted, "I wish I had done what Cannon did." Even though Cannon wasn’t facing a fiery furnace, he faced peer pressure—and God was with him, just like He was with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
💡 Faith in Action:
Have you ever had to stand up for something you believed in?
How did it feel?
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🙏 Closing Prayer:"God, help us to be brave like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Give us the strength to do what’s right, even when it’s hard. Amen."
👨‍👩‍👧 Hey Parents!If you and your kids enjoyed today’s episode, share it with a friend so more families can have faith-filled conversations!

March 10th: Standing Strong in Faith | Carpooling with Jesus

Hey there, awesome friends! 🚗✨ Welcome back to Carpooling with Jesus! Whether you're heading to school, finishing up breakfast, or just hanging out at home, I’m so glad you're here. Today, we're diving into a powerful Bible story that Jesus would have learned as a kid—Daniel standing strong in his faith!
💡 Today’s Bible Verse:"But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine." – Daniel 1:8
🔥 Episode Highlights:
Daniel and his friends were taken to Babylon, where everything changed—new names, new clothes, and even new food!
The king’s royal meals didn’t honor God’s commands, so Daniel and his friends made a bold choice to eat only vegetables and water.
After 10 days, they looked healthier and stronger than anyone else. God honored their faithfulness!
Jesus reminds us that standing up for what’s right isn’t always easy, but He is always with us.
🏀 Real-Life Story:Josh, a basketball player, faced a tough choice when his teammates started making fun of someone. Instead of staying quiet, he chose to speak up with kindness—and it made a difference!
🙌 Faith in Action:
What’s one way you can stand strong in your faith this week?
Maybe it’s choosing kind words, saying no to something wrong, or standing up for a friend!
🙏 Closing Prayer:"God, help us to stand strong in our faith, even when it’s hard. Give us courage to do what’s right. Amen."
💬 Talk About It:When was a time you had to make a tough choice to do the right thing?
 
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March 7th: What to Do Before Making a Big Decision | Carpooling with Jesus

📍 Episode Title: What to Do Before Making a Big Decision | David Asks God First
👋 Hey Friends!Welcome to Carpooling with Jesus! I’m Pastor Justin, and today, we’re talking about something super important—what to do before making a big decision. Whether you're choosing a sport, where to sit at lunch, or how to solve a problem, today's Bible story about David teaches us to ask God first!
📖 Bible Verse of the Day:"So David inquired of the Lord, ‘Shall I go and attack the Philistines?’ The Lord answered, ‘Go, for I will surely deliver them into your hands.’" – 2 Samuel 5:19
🌟 Key Takeaways for Kids & Parents:
David didn’t rush into battle—he stopped and asked God first.
God sees the whole picture and guides us when we ask Him for help.
Jesus wants to help you with big and small decisions—just ask!
⚔️ Bible Story: David Seeks God’s Guidance
David had just become king, but the Philistines wanted to fight him.
Instead of rushing into battle, David prayed and asked God for direction.
God answered, and because David followed Him, he won the battle!
Jesus would have learned this story as a kid, and it’s a lesson for us too!
❤️ What Would Jesus Say?"Whenever you have a choice to make, talk to me first. I love helping you! You don’t have to figure everything out alone—ask your parents, teachers, and most of all, ask God!"
🧩 Real-Life Lesson: Beckett’s StoryBeckett had two invitations for the same day—a birthday party and a Lego tournament. He felt stuck, but instead of picking randomly, he prayed and talked to his parents. The next morning, he found out the Lego store had another tournament next month! He was able to go to his best friend’s party and felt at peace. Beckett’s story is just like David’s—he didn’t figure it out alone, he asked God first!
🙏 Friday Prayer:"God, thank you for this week. Help us finish strong today and bless our weekend with joy and rest. Amen."
💬 Family Discussion Question:What’s one decision you can pray about this week?
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parents:If you love Carpooling with Jesus, share this episode with another parent this weekend! Let’s fill car rides with faith-filled conversations.
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March 6th: Jesus, the Forever King | God's Promise to David | Carpooling with Jesus

👋 Hey Friends!Whether you’re heading to school, finishing up breakfast, or hanging out at home, I’m so glad you’re here! I’m Pastor Justin, and today we’re talking about King David, God’s amazing promise, and how it leads us to Jesus.
📖 Bible Verse of the Day:"Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever." – 2 Samuel 7:16
🌟 Key Takeaways for Kids & Parents:
God made a big promise to King David—his kingdom would last forever.
Jesus is the forever King from David’s family, and His love never ends.
You don’t have to be a king to be part of God’s family—Jesus loves and knows you personally!
👑 Bible Story: God’s Promise to David
David was a warrior, a king, and a man after God’s heart.
God told David that his throne would be established forever.
But David isn’t king today—so what did God mean?
He was pointing to Jesus! Jesus, from David’s family, is the forever King!
❤️ What Would Jesus Say?"You don’t have to be a king or queen to be part of my family. When you follow me, you’re part of something bigger because my love never ends. Just like God cared about David’s heart, I care about your heart too!"
🎵 Real-Life Lesson: Mia’s Story About WorshipMia loved to sing—not for attention, but to praise God. Before a big concert, her friend Emma got nervous. Mia encouraged her, saying, “Just sing for God, not for anyone else.” Emma later said that helped her feel brave. Mia’s love for God inspired others, just like David’s faith did!
💬 Family Discussion Question:What’s one way you can show God’s love to others today?
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parents:If you enjoy Carpooling with Jesus, share this episode with another family who wants to bring faith-filled conversations into their child’s daily life!
🔗 Listen & Subscribe: 
🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ZQq3iq 
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March 5th: Messing Up and Making Things Right | Carpooling with Jesus

👋 Welcome, Friends!Whether you're in the car, having breakfast, or getting ready for homeschool, I’m so glad you’re here! I’m Pastor Justin, and today we’re talking about something we ALL experience—messing up.
📖 Bible Verse of the Day:"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." – Psalm 51:10
🌟 Big Idea:Even the greatest heroes of the Bible made big mistakes. But the best part? God is always ready to forgive us when we turn back to Him.
💡 Story Recap:
King David, the same shepherd boy who defeated Goliath, made a big mistake.
He sinned, tried to cover it up, and felt terrible about what he had done.
Instead of running away from God, he prayed and asked for forgiveness and a clean heart.
God forgave him and helped him make things right—just like He does for us!
❤️ What Would Jesus Say?If Jesus were sitting with us, He’d say:"Friend, everyone makes mistakes, even really big ones. But don’t ever think your mistake means I love you any less. When you mess up, don’t hide—come to me, ask for forgiveness, and I will wash your heart clean."
🏈 A Quick Story:Ethan was playing football at recess. He was so upset about losing that he lied about a touchdown. At first, he thought it was no big deal, but later, he realized he had hurt his friend’s feelings. Ethan prayed, asked God for forgiveness, and then made things right by telling the truth. His friend forgave him, and he felt so much better!
🎙 Family Discussion Time:Before you go, here’s something to talk about together: Can you think of a time when you messed up, but then made things right?
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parents:If you’re enjoying Carpooling with Jesus, share it with another parent who might love these faith-filled moments with their kids!
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March 4th: True Friendship – The Story of David & Jonathan | Carpooling with Jesus

👋 Welcome, friends! Whether you're at the table, in the car, or just hanging out at home, I’m so glad you’re here! This month, we’re diving into Bible stories that Jesus would have learned as a kid. Today, we’re talking about friendship—what it means to be a true friend.
📖 Bible Verse of the Day:"Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself." – 1 Samuel 18:3
🌟 Big Idea:Jonathan and David’s friendship shows us what it means to be a loyal friend—one who encourages, sacrifices, and stands by others no matter what.
💡 Story Recap:
After David defeated Goliath, he became well-known, but King Saul was jealous.
Jonathan, Saul’s son, chose friendship over jealousy and made a promise (covenant) to always be there for David.
He even gave David his robe, sword, and shield as a sign of loyalty.
When Saul tried to hurt David, Jonathan protected him, proving that true friendship is about love, not what we can get in return.
❤️ How This Applies to Us:If Jesus were sitting with us, He’d remind us that real friends stand by each other in good times and hard times.Friendship isn’t just about fun—it’s about encouragement, kindness, and love.
⚽ A Quick Story:Dylan and his best friend were on the same soccer team. When the coach picked his friend as team captain instead of him, Dylan felt disappointed. But instead of being jealous, Dylan supported and cheered on his friend—just like Jonathan did for David!
🎙 Family Discussion Time:Before you go, talk about this together: What’s one way you can be a loyal friend this week?
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parents:If you’re enjoying Carpooling with Jesus, share it with another parent friend who would love faith-filled moments with their kids!
🔗 Listen & Subscribe: 
🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ZQq3iq 
🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Zt7lvO 
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