Devos for 2026

Winterfest 2026

Winterfest 2026 Wednesday Night Pre-Devo

Our theme for 2026 is “Greater Than” from First John 4:4, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” The Message puts it like this, “My dear children, you come from God and belong to God. You have already won a big victory over those false teachers, for the Spirit in you is far stronger than anything in the world.”

As you prepare to come to Winterfest this Friday think about the following:

As you read over 1 John 4:4 you need to see that you are something special in God’s eyes. We are winners (Remember the Winterfest theme from 2022 Shipwrecked: Our verse was John 16:33 where Jesus reminds us that we will have trouble in the world, but to take heart because he has overcome the world.)! He is reminding us of the same thing in 1 John 4:4. He is more powerful than Satan and in fact has defeated him by the resurrection.

First John 4:4 highlights a fundamental truth: believers are "from God," meaning they belong to Him. This identity comes from God's grace and calling. We are baptized into this beautiful thing that Christ died for—the church. Because believers belong to God, they can and must overcome worldly influences. This victory comes from the fact that "greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world". The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to all baptized believers (Ephesians 1:19-20).

What does it mean?

In daily life, there are challenges: temptations, doubts, anxieties, and societal pressures (John 16:33). However, 1 John 4:4 offers encouragement. The Holy Spirit dwells within, and His power is superior to any darkness (Romans 8:11). This truth allows navigating life with confidence, knowing God is present. We as believers are not meant to face life alone or rely solely on our abilities. Instead, the greater power within can guide, protect, and empower us to overcome adversity.

Here's how to live out 1 John 4:4:

Embrace your identity in Christ: Remember you are a child of God, loved by Him.
Cultivate a relationship with the Holy Spirit: Pray, meditate on God's Word, and seek His guidance.
Stand firm in the principles we learn in the Bible. When you face a challenge check out what God has to say about it. You cannot go wrong obeying Scripture.
Don't be discouraged by challenges: See them as opportunities to trust in God's strength.
Live fearlessly and with confidence: God's love casts out fear, enabling boldness.

Remember 1 John 4:4. You are from God, you have overcome, and the One in you is greater. Trust in His power and live a life that reflects victory in Christ.

Prayer: God protect this group as they travel to Winterfest this weekend. Keep the evil one away from their hearts. Thank you for the adults and parents that will be the sponsors of this trip. Bless our weekend together with your people. In Jesus name, AMEN.

Winterfest 2026 Friday Night Devo

The lesson tonight was about “How Great Is Our God.”

Sing this song in your group:

"How Great Is Our God" by Chris Tomlin ‧ 2004

The splendor of a King, clothed in majesty
Let all the Earth rejoice
All the Earth rejoice

He wraps himself in light
And darkness tries to hide
And trembles at His voice
Trembles at His voice

How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God

Age to age He stands
And time is in His hands
Beginning and the end
Beginning and the end

The Godhead Three in One
Father Spirit Son
The Lion and the Lamb
The Lion and the Lamb

How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God

Name above all names (how great is our God, sing with me)
Worthy of our praise (how great is our God, and all will see)
My heart will sing
How great is our God

You're the name above all names (how great is our God, sing with me)
You are worthy of our praise (how great is our God, and all will see)
And my heart will sing
How great is our God

How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God

Songwriters: Chris Tomlin / Ed Cash / Jesse Reeves: How Great Is Our God lyrics © Capitol CMG Publishing, Music Services, Inc, O/B/O DistroKid, Reservoir Media Management, Inc

How Great is Our God!

If it isn’t too cold and you can meet outside, look up in the sky and ask, "How many of you have ever looked up at a starry night sky and been left speechless by its beauty?" The word "great" is often used to describe many things: a great meal, a great movie, or a great sports play. However, when God is described as great, what does this truly mean? What does it mean for God to be great in a way that surpasses everything else considered great?

God's Unbelievable Greatness

God's greatness is beyond full understanding or explanation. The greatness of God is unsearchable, meaning it's beyond comprehension. You might ask students to think of things that no one can comprehend—the Northern Lights, an F-5 tornado, Tennessee winning a national championship in football before Jesus comes back, the resurrection of Jesus, and what we call the Trinity.

1. Great in Creativity and Power

Consider the vastness of creation—from tiny organisms to immense galaxies—the Bible tells us that Jesus made and sustains all things, visible and invisible (Colossians 1:16-17).
Even the largest things known, like the Sun, are minuscule compared to the grand scale of the universe.
God's power is evident in:
The creation of the universe by His spoken word (Genesis 1-2).
Parting the Red Sea (Exodus 14).
Calming storms (Mark 4:35-41).
Raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11).

2. Great in Nature and Work

The Nature of Jesus: Jesus is fully God and fully man, a concept difficult to grasp but essential for salvation. Only a God-man could bridge the infinite gap between sin and God's perfect holiness.
The Authorship of Scripture: The Bible is simultaneously the Word of God and the words of human authors, a testament to God's incredible ability to work through his people.
The Trinity: One God in three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)—a joyful mystery that reveals the essence of loving relationships.
God's Sovereign Governance: God is in control, yet individuals are responsible for their choices (Acts 4:27-28, Acts 5:30). This is a great paradox that reveals God's unsearchable ways.

3. Great in Abounding Love and Mercy

God's love for sinful and rebellious creatures is beyond human understanding.
He demonstrated this love by sending Jesus to die for sins while people were still His enemies (Romans 5:8).
This is the depth of His goodness and grace (Romans 5:20).

Conclusion

God's greatness is multifaceted and truly unfathomable. It extends to every corner of creation, the depths of His nature and work, and the height of His love and mercy.

Call to action

Choose to walk in humility, reverence, and worship of this great God.
Resolve to continually seek a deeper understanding of Him through His Word, prayer, and fellowship with other believers.
Take God out of any preconceived notions. He is far greater than imagined (you can’t put him in a box!).

Prayer: Have each person say a one-line prayer thanking God for how great ______________ is that he has provided for us. (i.e., Salvation, Jesus, families, the church, food, water, friends, the earth, animals)

Winterfest 2026 Saturday Night Devo

Today’s two keynote sessions were “He Must Be Greater” and “You Will Do Greater Things Than These.”

He Must Be Greater

John 3:30 is a verse about the humility and purpose of John the Baptist. It states, "He must become greater; I must become less". These words offer a lesson on prioritizing Christ in our lives. John the Baptist was a model of humility. He prepared the way for Jesus, gathered followers and baptized them in repentance (John 1:23). When his disciples grew concerned about Jesus attracting a larger following, John's response was not one of jealousy or insecurity, but joy. John understood his role was temporary, like the best man at a wedding, stepping aside. This was a declaration of his deepest conviction about Jesus' rightful place as the Messiah. His calling was to make Jesus greater.

We all should take the “John” challenge: Make every effort to make ourselves less, so Jesus will shine through us? In a world focused on self-promotion, John 3:30 provides a counter-cultural message. True fulfillment and purpose for us will come from exalting Christ in all we do.

So how can we begin to practice and apply John 3:30?

Embrace humility: Everything we have in this world comes from God. Acknowledge to yourself and to others that our talents and successes come from God.
Seek God's will: Prioritize His plan. Put Christ Jesus first in your life—after all, most of you promised to do this when you were baptized.
Support others: Encourage those around us, celebrating their achievements.
Practice Christ-centered spiritual disciplines. Spend time in prayer, Scripture, and fellowship, drawing closer to Him.

By choosing to decrease importance and allowing Jesus to become greater, the joy and purpose that John the Baptist spoke of in John 3:30 can be experienced. It's a journey of humble surrender. It is where we can find true significance in Christ. As we serve (in the background), space is created for God to work and allow His love, grace, and truth to impact the world.

You Will Do Greater Things Than These (Saturday Night)

In John 14 Jesus is talking with the disciples. He tells Thomas that he is the way, the truth, and the life—no one gets to God unless they come through Him—Jesus (John14:6). He reminds Philip of the great things that he has done as the Messiah. Then, he tells Philip anyone that has faith in Him (Jesus) will do even great things than what He has done (John 14:12).

This verse, spoken during Jesus' last discourse with His disciples before His crucifixion, is meant to encourage and comfort as He prepares them for His departure. What did Jesus mean by "greater works?" How can believers today do greater works than Jesus Himself? The term "works" in this context refers to Jesus' mission, including teachings, compassion, and telling people about the Kingdom of God. Think about some of the "greater works" that happened after Jesus left the earth:

Several times in the book of Acts, we see the phrase “and the Word of God spread.” The good news

of Jesus and his church begin to spread worldwide, reaching more people than Jesus did during His lifetime. This growth of the church and the many people that were brought to faith can be seen as "greater works".

Perhaps the greatest “greater works” is the spiritual transformation in each of us. Jesus told his disciples in in Acts 1:4-8 to wait for the gift that God was sending them. Having the Holy Spirit live in each of us is a great work of God. This is a work that continues through the Holy Spirit empowered by the completed work of Christ.

So how can we practice and apply these two lessons? Think of the following examples of Christians doing greater works:

Global Evangelization: The early apostles, empowered by the Holy Spirit, spearheaded a movement that continues to bring the gospel to every corner of the world (Acts 1:8).

Discuss how each of you can start in your “Jerusalem” and extend to the ends of the earth today.

Impact on Society: Christianity has significantly influenced the development of hospitals, schools, orphanages, and movements for social justice, like the abolition of slavery. These collective acts of love and compassion demonstrate a widespread and lasting impact far exceeding Jesus' three years of ministry.

Discuss careers that each of you could choose to be a part of that naturally contributes to the spreading of the message of Jesus throughout the world.

Lives Transformed: Every individual who experiences new birth in Christ and lives a life of love and service, bears witness to the power and truth of Jesus and glorifies God.

The challenge as you go back home from Winterfest this year is to share “greater works” with your friends that have not come to believe in Jesus. Other ways you can be a part of these greater works today:

Embrace the Power of the Holy Spirit: The promise of greater works is linked to the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit in believers. Rely on the Spirit's guidance and strength. You were (or can be) baptized into Christ. You receive the gift of the Holy Spirit in your life. This promise should offer comfort and empower you to continue the work Christ began.
Be a Witness: In words and actions, be a living testimony of the trustworthiness and power of Jesus. Through sharing your faith, acts of service, and being like Christ, you can point others toward Jesus. The things you do in your life, should lead people to believe in Jesus. People should be asking you why you live your life so different from the world (1 Peter 3:15).
Pray in Jesus' Name: Jesus links the greater works to the promise of answered prayer. Pray according to God's will and for His glory, with faith in Jesus, and expect God to work powerfully. (When ending your prayers, stop saying “in his name” or “in your son’s name” at the end of your prayers. Say “in Jesus’ name” or “in the name of Jesus.” Don’t be ashamed of saying “Jesus.”
Live in Love: Jesus emphasizes the importance of love as a mark of His disciples. Loving others, especially those who are hurting, is a powerful way to demonstrate the truth and transformative power of the gospel. The apostle Paul would say, “Love is the greater” (1 Corinthians 13:13). Jesus said loving God and loving your neighbor are the greatest commands—everything else in the world hangs on these two things (Matthew 22:37-40).

The promise of doing "greater works" is an invitation. It's a reminder that even after Jesus ascended to the Father, His work continues through believers like us. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit. Trust in Him, rely on His Spirit, pray in His name, and live in love, to participate in the ongoing mission of God, continuing the great things that He has done.

Sing this song again in your group: