Author Archives: jasonbyerly

Unknown's avatar

About jasonbyerly

Writer. Children's Pastor. Husband. Dad. All around lucky guy.

True Tale Trail Episode 14: The Wise and Foolish Builders

Posted on by
Reply

Listen now to the new episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon Music.

What do beavers, dams, and a house built on a rock have in common? In this week’s episode of The True Tale Trail, we’re heading out on the trail to discover how one of God’s most talented animal builders points us to an important lesson taught by Jesus.

Kids will learn fun facts about beavers—God’s furry construction workers—and then hear Jesus’ story about the wise and foolish builders from Matthew 7. Along the way, families will be reminded that a life built on Jesus is the only thing that lasts.

This episode helps kids understand what it means to not just hear God’s Word, but to do what it says, building their lives on Jesus, the solid rock who helps us stay strong when hard times come.

Today’s Backpack Bible Verse:
“ Don’t just listen to the word. You fool yourselves if you do that. You must do what it says.” – James 1:22 (NIrV)

Download this week’s Family Discussion Guide to talk more about this episode together at home.

Share this:

True Tale Trail Episode 13: Jesus Show Us How to Serve

Posted on by
Reply

Listen now to the new episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon Music.

Ever wish your family would serve each other more without complaining or being asked to help?

In today’s episode of the True Tale Trail we’ll take a look at a Bible story that can change our hearts about who and how we serve. Today we’re talking about dirty feet, muddy roads, and the grossest job nobody wanted — and the surprising person who volunteered to do it.

Jesus.

In this story from the last week of Jesus’ life, we learn why the King of Kings grabbed a towel and washed His friends’ dirty feet. Even more, we discover what it means to be “great” in God’s eyes, not by being first, loudest, or bossing others around, but by serving others the way Jesus did.

This episode is perfect for:

  • family devotions
  • bedtime listening
  • car rides
  • talking about chores and helping without complaining 😉

Kids will walk away knowing this simple truth:

👉 The most important people in God’s kingdom are the ones who serve.

Listen to “The Dilemma of the Dirty Dogs” and talk together about how your family can jump in and do the jobs nobody else wants to do . . . with joy!

Today’s Backpack Bible Verse:
“ The most important person among you will be your servant.” – Matthew 23:11 (NIrV)

Download this week’s Family Discussion Guide to talk more about this episode together at home.

True Tale Trail Episode 12: Crossing the Jordan

Posted on by
Reply

Listen now to the new episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon Music.

If you want to teach your kids to trust God for their future, the best place to start is by reminding them of how faithful God has been in the past!

In this episode of The True Tale Trail, we’ll hear how God used twelve stones as a spiritual souvenir to remind His people of one of the most amazing ways He provided for them in their journey to the Promised Land.

Today we’ll explore Joshua chapters 3 and 4, where God leads His people across the Jordan River on dry ground and gives them a powerful reminder of His goodness.

This story will teach your family that remembering God’s faithfulness in the past helps us trust Him for the future, and will point them Jesus—the one who made an even greater way for us through the cross.

This is a perfect one for families as we close out the old year and step into a new one, to help us to pause, remember God’s goodness, and learn to trust Him wherever the He leads next.

Today’s Backpack Bible Verse:
“Lord, I will remember what you did. Yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.” – Psalm 77:11 (NIrV)

Download this week’s Family Discussion Guide to talk more about this episode together at home.

Download a bonus New Year’s Eve Family Timeline Activity to help your family look back on the past year to see where God showed up in your family to help you trust Him in the new year.

Sign up here for the True Tale Trail Newsletter to get family discussion guides sent straight to your inbox.