DOING GOD's WORK
Last week’s lesson established the fact that God works in us, through the influence and power of the Holy Spirit. This week’s
lesson leads naturally into actually doing God’s work. Children will be challenged to own today’s Power Point:
This is illustrated in the Old Testament story of the Israelites entering into the Promised Land. God had shown the
Israelites His mighty power in freeing them from the Egyptians. Now, they were poised to capture the land God had promised Moses. God
told Moses to select a leader from each of the 12 tribes and sent them out to spy out theland and the people in the land. They explored
for 40 days and returned. All the leaders gave a glowing report about the land, but only two men, Caleb and Joshua, wanted to take
the land. The ten others got spooked by what they saw—strong, fortified cities and strong, fighting men, all of “great size.” Because
of these ten leaders’ lack of faith, the rest of the people completely lost heart, weeping, wailing and complaining to Moses—even
to the point of inciting mutiny against Moses and wanting to stone Joshua and Caleb to death! As a result of their grumbling,
rebellion against the Lord and lack of faith, God had a mind to turn away from the Israelites right then and there. But Moses prayed
an amazing prayer—calling on God to show mercy on the very people who had rejected him, so gaining the greater glory among the
nations. So God mercifully allowed the Israelites to wander in the desert for 40 years until a new generation would arise who
would inherit the land! Joshua and Caleb are good examples of the type of people God can use to accomplish His purposes in our world.
Think about an area in your life where you may be thinking or acting like one of the ten spies. Ask God to show you how you
can be like Caleb and Joshua'
There are many negative examples kids can be influenced by, even by kids of faith. Use these lessons to help kids see. learn about and be influenced by the positive examples around them - and encourage them to stand up, even if it’s in the minority, and say boldly. "I will do God’s work in the world.”
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lesson leads naturally into actually doing God’s work. Children will be challenged to own today’s Power Point:
This is illustrated in the Old Testament story of the Israelites entering into the Promised Land. God had shown the
Israelites His mighty power in freeing them from the Egyptians. Now, they were poised to capture the land God had promised Moses. God
told Moses to select a leader from each of the 12 tribes and sent them out to spy out theland and the people in the land. They explored
for 40 days and returned. All the leaders gave a glowing report about the land, but only two men, Caleb and Joshua, wanted to take
the land. The ten others got spooked by what they saw—strong, fortified cities and strong, fighting men, all of “great size.” Because
of these ten leaders’ lack of faith, the rest of the people completely lost heart, weeping, wailing and complaining to Moses—even
to the point of inciting mutiny against Moses and wanting to stone Joshua and Caleb to death! As a result of their grumbling,
rebellion against the Lord and lack of faith, God had a mind to turn away from the Israelites right then and there. But Moses prayed
an amazing prayer—calling on God to show mercy on the very people who had rejected him, so gaining the greater glory among the
nations. So God mercifully allowed the Israelites to wander in the desert for 40 years until a new generation would arise who
would inherit the land! Joshua and Caleb are good examples of the type of people God can use to accomplish His purposes in our world.
Think about an area in your life where you may be thinking or acting like one of the ten spies. Ask God to show you how you
can be like Caleb and Joshua'
There are many negative examples kids can be influenced by, even by kids of faith. Use these lessons to help kids see. learn about and be influenced by the positive examples around them - and encourage them to stand up, even if it’s in the minority, and say boldly. "I will do God’s work in the world.”
.
Living for Others
The greatest tragedy in life isn’t death—it’s a life lived without purpose. There is a driving need within every individual to answer the question, “Why am I here?” We already know that God created us—but why? Our main purpose in life is to serve God and fulfill His purpose for our lives.
God wants me to care about others.
Ruth is a perfect example of a person whose life was used by God. Ruth set out to help her mother-in-law and her deep loyalty was rewarded. Instead of remaining a widow, God blessed her in marriage to Boaz and gave them a son, Obed, who would connect them in genealogy to King David and eventually Jesus Christ. Ruth was faithful in one area of service and God blessed her by making
her name known to all generations as part of the line of Jesus. God wants to honor us but first we must make serving Him our number one priority.
Regardless of our circumstances, no matter how our lives change, one thing remains constant—our purpose is to serve to God, and we serve God through serving others. Our children can identify with Ruth and begin to realize God's purpose in their lives now—not someday. He created them because He has a purpose for them now.
Let’s train them in their identification with Christ, knowing God as their Creator and moving ahead in their purpose—now!
Time is often the hardest thing to share. There’s never enough of it. Caring for people means caring enough for others to give them time, in our
day. When we give time to children in ministry, we are giving something with eternal results. Who can you spend time with today?
God wants me to care about others.
Ruth is a perfect example of a person whose life was used by God. Ruth set out to help her mother-in-law and her deep loyalty was rewarded. Instead of remaining a widow, God blessed her in marriage to Boaz and gave them a son, Obed, who would connect them in genealogy to King David and eventually Jesus Christ. Ruth was faithful in one area of service and God blessed her by making
her name known to all generations as part of the line of Jesus. God wants to honor us but first we must make serving Him our number one priority.
Regardless of our circumstances, no matter how our lives change, one thing remains constant—our purpose is to serve to God, and we serve God through serving others. Our children can identify with Ruth and begin to realize God's purpose in their lives now—not someday. He created them because He has a purpose for them now.
Let’s train them in their identification with Christ, knowing God as their Creator and moving ahead in their purpose—now!
Time is often the hardest thing to share. There’s never enough of it. Caring for people means caring enough for others to give them time, in our
day. When we give time to children in ministry, we are giving something with eternal results. Who can you spend time with today?
God Can Work Through Me
The prospect of God working “through me” can be exciting and worrisome at the same time. Can I really do
“the same things” Jesus was doing? Is that realistic? And if so, how canI get on board with that? Do I have to become all weird and
otherworldly? All these kinds of questions must not divert us from the truths that we’re called by God the Father to have a
relationship with him. We’ve been given authority by God the Son to go out in the authority of Jesus’ name and do great things, and we’ve
been filled by God the Holy Spirit with the same power that raised Christ from the dead. The pump is primed; we just need to start
cooperating with God. Do we believe or don’t we? Sure, everybody doubts at one time or another. But look: if you pray for a miracle for somebody, and it happens, did you do it? Of course not! God did. He gets the glory. You were the facilitator, that’s all. Faith is simply being confident that God can do what God wants to do. It’s not that complicated. So, if you’re struggling in the faith department, take a “time out” with God. Ask Him to help
you with your unbelief. Then, try to be attentive to how the Holy Spirit wants to work through you—to bring a little kindness
into somebody’s life; to pray for somebody who’s sick; whatever. God is always working. Don’t forget that!
Numerous people are in need of a miracle right now. As a human being, you’ll be faced many times with just such needs. Those
are God times! Our responsibilities are to stir up the spiritual gifts God has endowed us with, to try to pay close attention to what God
wants to do in particular situations by listening to his Holy Spirit, and to pray for people—it’s God’s job to do miracles small and large,
inner and outer, to work behind the scenes and to bring the results that He wants. Let’s not let our pride stand in the way of stepping out
boldly for God. Take your kids to the next level by teaching them to expect God to flow through them in mighty and beautiful ways.
Living For God - devotional thoughts for Jan 20-27
Sharing is never easy. Whether it’s a parent’s time divvied up by siblings or chips out of a bag, the concept of sharing is one all children
can relate to. Sharing also is an expectation. Parents "make" their children share with their siblings and other friends and teachers expect children in
class to share supplies. Sometimes it is that expected behavior that makes sharing even harder. After all, if children don’t have a say in sharing, is it
really sharing at all? These are all areas you can address in today’s Bible Lesson.
The boy who gives his lunch to Jesus did not have to do so. It was his lunch, after all.
Should he really give it to Jesus? How would his little lunch of loaves and fish really help? We don’t know if those questions entered the boy’s mind but we do know that he willingly gave his lunch to Jesus. The end result was a miracle like no other. Not only were the over 5,000 fed, there were basketfuls
of leftovers. The boy cared about the plight of the hungry people and was willing to share. He did everything (even giving up a lunch) in love for Jesus
and those around him.
What can children learn from this boy? They are not too small to be used by God. What they have, big or small is important.
God wants me to live for Him and He’ll use what I give. What a great concept for your
children today!
God wants me to live for Him.
What does that mean for you as a leader? Waking up and praying, "Use me today, Lord."
Checking out needs around you and finding practical ways to meet them. Having a heart-change—instead of being me-focused; become God-focused. Live for God today, practically. In other words, do something for Him today!
can relate to. Sharing also is an expectation. Parents "make" their children share with their siblings and other friends and teachers expect children in
class to share supplies. Sometimes it is that expected behavior that makes sharing even harder. After all, if children don’t have a say in sharing, is it
really sharing at all? These are all areas you can address in today’s Bible Lesson.
The boy who gives his lunch to Jesus did not have to do so. It was his lunch, after all.
Should he really give it to Jesus? How would his little lunch of loaves and fish really help? We don’t know if those questions entered the boy’s mind but we do know that he willingly gave his lunch to Jesus. The end result was a miracle like no other. Not only were the over 5,000 fed, there were basketfuls
of leftovers. The boy cared about the plight of the hungry people and was willing to share. He did everything (even giving up a lunch) in love for Jesus
and those around him.
What can children learn from this boy? They are not too small to be used by God. What they have, big or small is important.
God wants me to live for Him and He’ll use what I give. What a great concept for your
children today!
God wants me to live for Him.
What does that mean for you as a leader? Waking up and praying, "Use me today, Lord."
Checking out needs around you and finding practical ways to meet them. Having a heart-change—instead of being me-focused; become God-focused. Live for God today, practically. In other words, do something for Him today!
Growing Daily
Printer-friendly version
Rick Joyner
When a child is born, he or she will grow very fast for the first few years
of their life. Then they will have plateaus where growth slows. They will also
experience "growth spurts," during which time the child's appetite will tend to
grow, causing them to shoot up two or three inches in short periods of time.
These spurts can be painful, stretching the muscles causing what is known as
"growing pains." Even so, as long as they are having them, they are continuing
to grow. Spiritual growth is similar to this.
Christians go through the same process after they are born again. The first
few years of our new spiritual lives we tend to grow dramatically, and begin
exhibiting our unique spiritual personalities. Then we usually have times of
leveling off a bit. From that time on, spiritual growth spurts occur causing
much growth in short periods of time. Like natural growth spurts, spiritual
growth spurts can also be painful because they are stretching us. But it is
through such stretching that we remain new wineskins, which are able to hold the
new wine that the Lord wants to give us. We should learn to recognize these
spurts, and appreciate them as needed because it is by them that we know we are
still growing.
In the natural, once we stop growing we start the process of dying. Aging
is the process of dying. First we begin to realize that our muscles start
getting tired more quickly. Then we start getting a bit sore with exercise. This
causes us to get weaker as we tend to resist difficult and painful exercises,
which then causes atrophy to the muscles. Then our eyes start to grow dim, and
so on. We can fight this process, but at some point it is going to win.
To date I have never met anyone who enjoys aging, but it is presently a
part of life that most learn to adjust to. You can learn to enjoy and prosper in
the later stages of life. However, spiritually we should never begin this
process of dying, but continue growing. We should continue gaining spiritual
strength and vision for as long as we are on the earth because there is no limit
to how much we can grow spiritually. Even so, if you stop growing, you will
start dying spiritually. If you are not taking new ground in the spirit, you are
losing it.
As we have read in Exodus 16:4, "Then the LORD said to
Moses, 'Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go
out and gather a day's portion every day, that I may test them, whether or not
they will walk in My instruction.'" I believe this remains a test for the
people of God, which determines whether they will walk in the Lord's instruction
or not. This is the test of whether we will get up first thing every day and
seek fresh "manna" from heaven. This fresh daily word from heaven will help keep
us fresh spiritually. When we stop gathering it every day, we will start to grow
stale and often start to deteriorate spiritually.
This daily "manna," or a daily word from heaven, can help sustain us and
keep us in a fresh state spiritually, but we need more than this to actually
grow spiritually. Growth requires more than what is needed to just sustain us.
This is why a child's appetite will tend to increase quite dramatically when
they are going through a growth spurt. We need the fresh manna from God, but we
also need the meat of the Word. We will not grow unless we are pursuing more and
more depth of understanding, and more increase in our vision. As I Corinthians
2:10 states, "For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit
searches all things, even the depths of God." The Spirit also wants to move
in us to search the depths of God.
Psalm 103:7 says, "He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the sons
of Israel." Many are content to see the Lord's acts. They will run to and
fro to observe them. This is not bad, as it is never a bad thing to want to
observe the deeds of God, but we must want more than just seeing His acts, we
must desire to know His ways if we are going to grow to maturity.
If the knowledge we are finding does not stretch us a bit then we are
probably not growing as we could. Many only pursue the knowledge that already
agrees with their beliefs. This is an old wineskin mentality. This is not the
way to grow or the way to truth. We must pursue knowledge for the sake of it
being true, whether it agrees with our present beliefs about a matter or not.
What man on the earth, or who has ever walked the earth with the exception of
Jesus, has ever fully known the ways of God? So there is always room for us to
grow in knowledge. Even so, our growing in knowledge, even the knowledge of His
ways, should not be our ultimate goal. Our goal is to see the glory of His ways
so that we are changed into His likeness.
Printer-friendly version
Rick Joyner
When a child is born, he or she will grow very fast for the first few years
of their life. Then they will have plateaus where growth slows. They will also
experience "growth spurts," during which time the child's appetite will tend to
grow, causing them to shoot up two or three inches in short periods of time.
These spurts can be painful, stretching the muscles causing what is known as
"growing pains." Even so, as long as they are having them, they are continuing
to grow. Spiritual growth is similar to this.
Christians go through the same process after they are born again. The first
few years of our new spiritual lives we tend to grow dramatically, and begin
exhibiting our unique spiritual personalities. Then we usually have times of
leveling off a bit. From that time on, spiritual growth spurts occur causing
much growth in short periods of time. Like natural growth spurts, spiritual
growth spurts can also be painful because they are stretching us. But it is
through such stretching that we remain new wineskins, which are able to hold the
new wine that the Lord wants to give us. We should learn to recognize these
spurts, and appreciate them as needed because it is by them that we know we are
still growing.
In the natural, once we stop growing we start the process of dying. Aging
is the process of dying. First we begin to realize that our muscles start
getting tired more quickly. Then we start getting a bit sore with exercise. This
causes us to get weaker as we tend to resist difficult and painful exercises,
which then causes atrophy to the muscles. Then our eyes start to grow dim, and
so on. We can fight this process, but at some point it is going to win.
To date I have never met anyone who enjoys aging, but it is presently a
part of life that most learn to adjust to. You can learn to enjoy and prosper in
the later stages of life. However, spiritually we should never begin this
process of dying, but continue growing. We should continue gaining spiritual
strength and vision for as long as we are on the earth because there is no limit
to how much we can grow spiritually. Even so, if you stop growing, you will
start dying spiritually. If you are not taking new ground in the spirit, you are
losing it.
As we have read in Exodus 16:4, "Then the LORD said to
Moses, 'Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go
out and gather a day's portion every day, that I may test them, whether or not
they will walk in My instruction.'" I believe this remains a test for the
people of God, which determines whether they will walk in the Lord's instruction
or not. This is the test of whether we will get up first thing every day and
seek fresh "manna" from heaven. This fresh daily word from heaven will help keep
us fresh spiritually. When we stop gathering it every day, we will start to grow
stale and often start to deteriorate spiritually.
This daily "manna," or a daily word from heaven, can help sustain us and
keep us in a fresh state spiritually, but we need more than this to actually
grow spiritually. Growth requires more than what is needed to just sustain us.
This is why a child's appetite will tend to increase quite dramatically when
they are going through a growth spurt. We need the fresh manna from God, but we
also need the meat of the Word. We will not grow unless we are pursuing more and
more depth of understanding, and more increase in our vision. As I Corinthians
2:10 states, "For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit
searches all things, even the depths of God." The Spirit also wants to move
in us to search the depths of God.
Psalm 103:7 says, "He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the sons
of Israel." Many are content to see the Lord's acts. They will run to and
fro to observe them. This is not bad, as it is never a bad thing to want to
observe the deeds of God, but we must want more than just seeing His acts, we
must desire to know His ways if we are going to grow to maturity.
If the knowledge we are finding does not stretch us a bit then we are
probably not growing as we could. Many only pursue the knowledge that already
agrees with their beliefs. This is an old wineskin mentality. This is not the
way to grow or the way to truth. We must pursue knowledge for the sake of it
being true, whether it agrees with our present beliefs about a matter or not.
What man on the earth, or who has ever walked the earth with the exception of
Jesus, has ever fully known the ways of God? So there is always room for us to
grow in knowledge. Even so, our growing in knowledge, even the knowledge of His
ways, should not be our ultimate goal. Our goal is to see the glory of His ways
so that we are changed into His likeness.
It was the day of Pentecost and people gathered from many nations.
Peter faced the uge, unruly crowd.
They shouted and mocked, but peter was bold.
He told them the story of Jesus and challenged the to make a choice. He told them to turn form their sins, turn to God and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
Would the people choose to follow jesus or not?
When people get baptized, it shows they have made a very
important choice! They have chosen to make Jeus the Leader and Savior of their lives.
It is a milestone in the great adventure of being a Christian.
Lessons from the Road To Emmaus (Lesson 2)
The Supper at Emmaus
'The Supper at Emmaus' by Caravaggio, had a profound
effect upon me when I visited the National Gallery last summer during my
sabbatical. It was one of those defining moments. While listening to a piece of
music my emotions are quickly engaged, but up to this time, art hadn't effected
me in the same way. It was while looking at this painting for a prolonged
period that something changed. It was something to do with the centrality of
the beardless Christ, the effect of darkness and light, the reaction of the
disciples, the contrasting passivity of the servant, the sense that the fruit
bowl is about to drop off the side of the table, the chair is being pushed
back, the hole is about to develop in the elbow of the sleeve, the hand is
coming out of the painting at you, and the way that I was invited into this
action on the vacant side of the table. But it was more than all this. I think
what did it was hearing a guide explain to a party, with what I conjecture was
more than just an enthusiasm for the painting, that this is a freeze-frame, a
split second before Jesus disappeared from their sight. I was profoundly moved.
I can't explain it, except that the overall drama of the painting, paired with
my love of the account of Jesus' appearance/disappearance, together with this
interpretation, caused something to shift.
The road to Emmaus is a
wondrous part of the Easter story, and captured so effectively in the recent
BBC production of 'The Passion'. What strikes me in the accounts of Jesus'
resurrection appearances is how Jesus comes and goes at will, almost playfully,
mischievously, 'now you see me, now you don't'. His presence can't be demanded,
and he's only recognised when he chooses to be. The presence of the risen Jesus
is not for us to grasp but for God to reveal. And this sets up a tension -
there is a measure of innate insecurity in following Jesus. We rightly believe
that God is with us, that God is for us, that God is actively involved in our
lives, that God forgives us and hears our prayers. Jesus' last words were 'I am
with you always'. We have the assurance of his loving presence. But from our
side we have a tendency to treat God as if he has placed himself at our
disposal, to do our will rather than the other way round. And maybe that's why
there are seasons, when God seems to have disappeared, absented himself, hidden
himself. We like to have everything sorted, certain, God-where-we-want-him,
safe. But this isn't his way. As Mr Beaver reminds us in 'The Lion, the Witch
and the Wardrobe', 'Aslan is not a tame Lion'.
Two serendipities
occurred at a similar time to experiencing the painting. The first was to read
Sally Vickers, The Other Side of You. I've read all her novels and so I was
really looking forward to reading this one, only to discover to my surprise and
delight that Caravaggio's painting is central to the plot.
The second
was to come across a poem by a favourite poet, Denise Levertov, inspired by a
painting by Valasquez, 'The Servant-Girl at Emmaus. Probably I'd read it
before, but again it came as a delightful surprise. While imagined, it is a
beautiful, tender reflection on what could have taken place.
She
listens, listens, holding
her breath. Surely that voice
is his - the one
who had looked at her, once, across the crowd,
as no one ever had
looked?
Had seen her? Had spoken as if to her?
Surely those hands
were his,
taking the platter of bread from hers just now?
Hands he'd laid
on the dying and made them well?
Surely that face - ?
The man
they'd crucified for sedition and blasphemy.
The man whose body disappeared
from its tomb.
The man it was rumored now some women had seen this morning,
alive?
Those who had brought this stranger home to their table
don't
recognize yet with whom they sit.
But she in the kitchen, absently touching
the winejugshe's to take in,
a young Black servant intently
listening,
wings round and sees
the light around him
and is sure.
Devotional for lesson 3 - I am thankful
What did the one leper do?
Luke 17:16 (NLT)
He fell face down on the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done. This
man was a Samaritan.
This was an expression of adoration. And what’s extra meaningful here is that this man was
a Samaritan. As you may recall, Jews and Samaritans didn’t exactly get along.
In fact, they were repulsed by each other. But despite this fact, this Samaritan leper threw himself in adoration at the feet of this Jewish rabbi who had healed him. His gratefulness to Jesus moved him to a point where he felt he absolutely had to throw himself at Jesus’ feet in grateful praise and
adoration.
Are there ever times in your life when you kneel before God?
Maybe beside your bed or at a chair, and you say, “God, I know that You’re in
control. And this is just a physical way of me saying, ‘Lord, I humble myself
before You. Everything I am, everything I have... it’s all yours.’”?
Do you ever kneel before God in grateful worship? And yeah, I know that kneeling
is uncomfortable, and it’s just a physical position. Kneeling doesn’t have any
power in and of itself. But let me tell you, kneeling physically before God can
help you to kneel spiritually. It can reinforce in you a spirit of humility,
submission, respect and adoration. It can be a physical expression of worship
to God.
I was actually thinking about this a week or two ago, and
realizing that I don’t kneel before God very often. I don’t physically get in a
posture of submission and worship as often as I should. So I’m going to be
working on that. Let me encourage you to do the same.
A man by the name of Izaak Walton said,
“God has only two dwellings; one in heaven, and the
other in meek and thankful hearts.”
Izaak Walton
Take the time this weekend in particular, but all year long, to honour God with a thankful
heart.
Devotional Thoughts for June - I challenge you to read this. Do you dare?
Total Commitment
Communism vs. Christianity
by Keith Green
“These Men who have upset the world have come here also!” (Acts
17:6)
When Jesus gave His final instructions to the disciples before He ascended to the Father, He made it clear that they had a job of
mammoth proportions to accomplish. “And you shall be my witnesses both in
Jerusalem, and in Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the
earth.” (Acts 1:8) This was the first time the disciples were instructed
to look beyond their little country. In fact, Jesus had commanded them on
previous missionary journeys to “not go in the way of the Gentiles
[people who were not Jews] and do not enter any city of the
Samaritans; but rather go the lost sheep of Israel.” (Matt. 10:5-6) All of
a sudden their eyes were opened, their vision expanded. All prejudice, bigotry,
nationalism, and cultural bounds had to snap at Jesus' words "Samaria and
the remotest part of the earth. " No self-respecting Jew would even step on
Samaritan soil, let alone speak to one; and "the remotest part of the
earth"would mean preaching to the heathen Gentiles! "Surely,"
they must have thought, "He means we should preach to the scattered Jews in
foreign lands!" It's almost funny, as you continue reading Acts, how one by
one, God proved to each disciple that He meant just what He said...'1 have
placed you as a light for the Gentiles, that you should bring salvation to the
ends of the earth. " (Acts 13:47)
A Great Void
There's a great emptiness in the world, and in the hearts
of all men. This is the void that Jesus is meant to fill, in every nation as
King, and in every man's heart as Lord. If the void remains, then men and
nations will seek desperately to fill it with something else that will fulfill
them. Satan is always willing and ready to provide an alternate, a counterfeit
peace. The greatest danger about a counterfeit is that it looks just like the
real thing, but has no value whatsoever.
Christianity swept the world in
the first century A.D. It is the force of truth that was meant to answer and
quench the thirst in all mankind for a reason and purpose to life. The thing
that made the good news so believable to those who heard it at that time was
not the message itself ... but the messengers! Charles Finney once
wrote "Christians themselves are the greatest reason for accepting Christ. But
they are also the greatest excuse for rejecting Him."
What made the
early Christians so convincing? What was it that made 3,000 people convert in
one day and be baptized in a city hostile to the Gospel... a city that had
murdered their Lord only weeks before? (Acts 2:41) It was their
commitment. It was their lifestyle. It was the Holy Spirit
breathing the life and image of Jesus into a people who literally had left
everything, were willing to suffer anything, and were ready to give all they
had (possessions, time, even blood) to anyone to prove that their message was
the only truth that could save men's souls from eternal suffering!
Communists' Zeal Surpasses Christians'It is this same commitment, this
same willingness to leave everything and anyone for the "cause," the "people,"
and the "Party" - this same desire to "save" the whole world from suffering
injustice and social evils, that is causing individuals, nations, and even
whole continents to turn to a godless counterfeit - one that promises to unite
the world for the common good and establish a "world order" that will end all
oppression of the "common people." Again, it isn't really the message, but the
messengers who are convincing the masses. And it puts us as Christians
to shame!
Many Christians felt strongly rebuked when Billy Graham first
read the following letter, written by an American college student who had been
converted to Communism in Mexico. The purpose of the letter was to explain to
his fiancé why he must break off their engagement:
"We Communists
have a high casualty rate. We're the ones who get slandered and ridiculed and
fired from our jobs and in every other way made as uncomfortable as possible. A
certain percentage of us get killed or imprisoned. We live in virtual poverty.
We turn back to the Party every penny we make above what is absolutely
necessary to keep us alive. We Communists don't have time or the money for many
movies or concerts or T-bone steaks or decent homes and new cars. We've been
described as fanatics. We are fanatics! Our lives are dominated by one great
overshadowing factor - the struggle for World Communism.
"We
Communists have a philosophy of life which no amount of money could buy. We
have a cause to fight for, a definite purpose in life. We subordinate our
petty, personal selves into a great movement of humanity. And if our personal
lives seem hard or our egos appear to suffer through subordination to the
Party, then we are adequately compensated by the fact that each of us in his
small way is contributing to something new and true and better for mankind. The
Communist cause is my life, my business, my religion, my hobby, my sweetheart,
my wife and mistress, my bread and meat. I work at it in the daytime and dream
of it at night. Its hold on me grows, not lessens, as time goes on. Therefore,
I cannot carry on a friendship, a love affair, or even a conversation without
relating it to this force which both guides and drives my life. I evaluate
people, books, ideas, and actions according to how they affect the Communist
cause and by their attitude toward it. I've already been in jail because of my
ideas, and if necessary, I'm ready to go before a firing squad."
If
Communists can be as devoted as this, how much more should Christians pour
themselves out in intense devotion for their glorious Lord!
The World Belongs To The Disciplined
1.One of the most alarming disclosures coming
out of the Communist world is that of the rugged training and discipline they
are putting their youth through. In contrast, there has never before been such
a mass pilgrimage to the altar of leisure in our country. At the end of the
rainbow for every American is relaxation and recreation. The Western world
loves to play. Americans average over eight hours a day of television per
household!
In the 1920s, inter-collegiate debating drew large crowds.
Now the debates are held in side rooms while crowds cheer at the basketball
game. It takes discipline to learn a new art, or science, or skill; it takes no
discipline to watch football or a wrestling match. The point must be made that
the shift of excited, popular interest from debates to sports is a sign of
cultural decline. As someone once said, "It is either discipline or
decadence."
And the Church has not escaped. Never has there been such an
interest in sports among "the saints." I've heard much more talk and excitement
about the national ratings of college teams among Christians in churches and
Sunday schools, than about how to conquer the land for God. As an almost
unbelievable example, I recently heard about one large church in Texas who
during the Superbowl (when the Dallas Cowboys were playing) feared that the
Sunday evening service (not to mention the offering) would be poorly attended.
So the pastor and elders came up with a wonderful idea! They brought a
large-screen video projection system into the sanctuary and proceeded to
"entertain" the parishoners with a nice, American, Christian display of
"knockin' and hittin' 'em for Christ!" This might be a blatant example, but the
spirit of "fun in the Son" is threatening to destroy what little hope we have
left to avoid judgment, by having true cross-embracing revival. "For it is
time for judgment to begin with the household of God... and if it is with
difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and
the sinner?" (I Peter 4:17-18)
Communist Lenin once said: "With a
handful of dedicated people who will give me their lives, I will control the
world." This must have sounded like quite a rash statement to those who first
heard it, but it did not prove an empty boast. In 1903, this one man, with 17
followers, began his attack on the world. By 1918, the number had increased to
40,000, and with that 40,000 he gained control of the 160 million people of
Russia. And the movement has gone on and now controls over one-third of the
population of the world. With this in mind, consider the warning of the
American President, Theodore Roosevelt:
"The things that will
destroy America are prosperity at any price, peace at any price, safety first
instead of duty first, the love of soft living, and the get-rich-quick theory
of life."
The Army Of God
(Eph. 6:10-18)What's needed today is an army. A truly
Christian force, armed to the teeth with love and the power of God, completely
trusting God to meet their needs and lead them into battle and
victory!
I have heard reports from missionaries visiting home that there
is much division and contention between missionaries on the field. The same
doctrinal differences that plague our denominations at home are bringing a bad
name to our Lord in other lands. "A house divided against itself will not
be able to stand." (Mark3:25) What are we to do? A world starving for the
truth will not wait for us to get our act together... it will pass us by and
drink up the newest, nicest sounding philosophy or religion to come along.
Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Moonies are not only making great gains in
our country, but also in foreign fields as well. They seem determined,
committed, and willing to sacrifice all the usual comforts to spread their
"good tidings." Christians, by comparison, are lazy, apathetic, and mesmerized
by the same materialism that is choking the very life out of both our nation
and the whole of Western civilization.
Philosophically speaking, what
does the Western world really have to offer? When we're talking about so-called
third world countries in Africa and Asia, where the average yearly income per
person is under $100, does the thought of a free enterprise system of
capitalism really hold any attraction? These small bands of Communist
"preachers" travel the countryside, sharing their vision of a "one-world
society" with an economy that equally "spreads the wealth" to all. Does it
surprise you that so many of the peasants are inspired to join
them?
They've seen multi-national oil and mineral companies come and
build large refineries and factories, while their own income hardly rises at
all. They've seen Western governments colonize their economies and resources
without raising the peasants' standard of living (and in some cases even
lowering it)! All these people have seen of Western culture and democracy makes
them suspicious and cynical. And how can you blame them? Ask yourself this, is
there any real answer in the philosophy behind Western culture? At least the
Communists hold out a promise - yes, I admit, a very empty one - but still a
promise.
God has commanded the Church to "Go into all the world and
preach the Gospel to all creation"! (Mark 16:15)If we were really
doing our job and living the lives Jesus has commanded us, then the people in
these lands would have the truth of Jesus and His holy promises to compare with
these Marxist pipe-dreams.
Is Communism Really God's Worst Enemy?
"And you shall call
His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." (Matt.
1:21)
I want to be extremely careful not to be
misunderstood. I believe that Communism is a counterfeit that has its origins
in hell. But all the pulpit-pounding and the sermon-screaming we have heard in
recent years against the evils of Communism needs to be examined. Is God really
as concerned about systems as much as He is about sin? Do you
really believe in your heart that Communism breeds more sin than "the American
dream"? Ask yourself this: do you think there is more adultery in Russia than
in America? More fornication? More greed and lust? More stealing and murder?
How about pornography and drugs, corruption and deceit? See what I mean? God is
tremendously hurt, pained to His heart by the state of sin that the Western
world has now accepted and pronounced "socially
normal."
Of course, there cannot be a "Christian Communist."
You cannot condone a system that denies the existence of God and share God's
righteousness at the same time. But which is worse? Someone who denies that God
exists, and acts accordingly? Or someone who believes there's a God and still
lives a life that totally denies Him? "For to whom much is given, much is
required" (Luke 12:48), and "He who knows to do good, and does not do
it, to him it is sin. " (James 4:17) What do you really think
grieves God more? A land that says "religion is the opiate of the masses," or a
land whose money says "In God We Trust," yet is full of sin, violence, and
immorality?
Ezekiel 16
Remember, God's grief with His people Israel was far greater
than His disappointment over Egypt or Babylon. He expected a land full of
witchcraft and idolatry to act wickedly and perversely; but His heart was
broken when He saw His bride, Israel, committing adulteries and harlotries with
the heathen and their idols. Remember, God's enemy is not Communism, God's
enemy is sin, and the current revival which is being reported in the Church
behind the Iron Curtain only shows that a godless system cannot keep God from
moving among His own people. But as the Church of the Western world flirts with
the god of materialism, they will see no great move of God among them, because
their sin is much greater than the Communists' (whom they so vocally love to
hate).
In a land of freedom, where believers have never had a greater
opportunity to see the Lord's glory descend upon a nation, the cry of “Depart
from Me, I never knew you!" awaits an unfaithful bride who loved her pleasures
and programs, who delighted in her fundraising and building, more than the holy
pleasure of delivering America and its spoil to a mighty God, through a true
revival of prayer, repentance, and holiness. (See Matt.
25:14-30.)
The persecuted Church has little choice but to endure
their tribulations to the end. (Matt 24:14) But the fat, obnoxiously
wealthy Church of our land "who has need of nothing" will be horrified when
they see their temples were built of wood, hay, and stubble (I Cor.
3:12-14), and their gold, silver, and jewels (men's precious souls and the
restored honor of God) were left lying on the ground, ignored, never having
been put into the treasury of the Lord.
"So because you are
lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. Because
you say 'I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing' and you
do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and
naked..." (Rev. 3:16-17)
We are in grave danger of being judged as
the Church in Laodicea. Remember, there are two runners in the race - Revival
and Judgment. Let us get on our knees and win!
Communism vs. Christianity
by Keith Green
“These Men who have upset the world have come here also!” (Acts
17:6)
When Jesus gave His final instructions to the disciples before He ascended to the Father, He made it clear that they had a job of
mammoth proportions to accomplish. “And you shall be my witnesses both in
Jerusalem, and in Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the
earth.” (Acts 1:8) This was the first time the disciples were instructed
to look beyond their little country. In fact, Jesus had commanded them on
previous missionary journeys to “not go in the way of the Gentiles
[people who were not Jews] and do not enter any city of the
Samaritans; but rather go the lost sheep of Israel.” (Matt. 10:5-6) All of
a sudden their eyes were opened, their vision expanded. All prejudice, bigotry,
nationalism, and cultural bounds had to snap at Jesus' words "Samaria and
the remotest part of the earth. " No self-respecting Jew would even step on
Samaritan soil, let alone speak to one; and "the remotest part of the
earth"would mean preaching to the heathen Gentiles! "Surely,"
they must have thought, "He means we should preach to the scattered Jews in
foreign lands!" It's almost funny, as you continue reading Acts, how one by
one, God proved to each disciple that He meant just what He said...'1 have
placed you as a light for the Gentiles, that you should bring salvation to the
ends of the earth. " (Acts 13:47)
A Great Void
There's a great emptiness in the world, and in the hearts
of all men. This is the void that Jesus is meant to fill, in every nation as
King, and in every man's heart as Lord. If the void remains, then men and
nations will seek desperately to fill it with something else that will fulfill
them. Satan is always willing and ready to provide an alternate, a counterfeit
peace. The greatest danger about a counterfeit is that it looks just like the
real thing, but has no value whatsoever.
Christianity swept the world in
the first century A.D. It is the force of truth that was meant to answer and
quench the thirst in all mankind for a reason and purpose to life. The thing
that made the good news so believable to those who heard it at that time was
not the message itself ... but the messengers! Charles Finney once
wrote "Christians themselves are the greatest reason for accepting Christ. But
they are also the greatest excuse for rejecting Him."
What made the
early Christians so convincing? What was it that made 3,000 people convert in
one day and be baptized in a city hostile to the Gospel... a city that had
murdered their Lord only weeks before? (Acts 2:41) It was their
commitment. It was their lifestyle. It was the Holy Spirit
breathing the life and image of Jesus into a people who literally had left
everything, were willing to suffer anything, and were ready to give all they
had (possessions, time, even blood) to anyone to prove that their message was
the only truth that could save men's souls from eternal suffering!
Communists' Zeal Surpasses Christians'It is this same commitment, this
same willingness to leave everything and anyone for the "cause," the "people,"
and the "Party" - this same desire to "save" the whole world from suffering
injustice and social evils, that is causing individuals, nations, and even
whole continents to turn to a godless counterfeit - one that promises to unite
the world for the common good and establish a "world order" that will end all
oppression of the "common people." Again, it isn't really the message, but the
messengers who are convincing the masses. And it puts us as Christians
to shame!
Many Christians felt strongly rebuked when Billy Graham first
read the following letter, written by an American college student who had been
converted to Communism in Mexico. The purpose of the letter was to explain to
his fiancé why he must break off their engagement:
"We Communists
have a high casualty rate. We're the ones who get slandered and ridiculed and
fired from our jobs and in every other way made as uncomfortable as possible. A
certain percentage of us get killed or imprisoned. We live in virtual poverty.
We turn back to the Party every penny we make above what is absolutely
necessary to keep us alive. We Communists don't have time or the money for many
movies or concerts or T-bone steaks or decent homes and new cars. We've been
described as fanatics. We are fanatics! Our lives are dominated by one great
overshadowing factor - the struggle for World Communism.
"We
Communists have a philosophy of life which no amount of money could buy. We
have a cause to fight for, a definite purpose in life. We subordinate our
petty, personal selves into a great movement of humanity. And if our personal
lives seem hard or our egos appear to suffer through subordination to the
Party, then we are adequately compensated by the fact that each of us in his
small way is contributing to something new and true and better for mankind. The
Communist cause is my life, my business, my religion, my hobby, my sweetheart,
my wife and mistress, my bread and meat. I work at it in the daytime and dream
of it at night. Its hold on me grows, not lessens, as time goes on. Therefore,
I cannot carry on a friendship, a love affair, or even a conversation without
relating it to this force which both guides and drives my life. I evaluate
people, books, ideas, and actions according to how they affect the Communist
cause and by their attitude toward it. I've already been in jail because of my
ideas, and if necessary, I'm ready to go before a firing squad."
If
Communists can be as devoted as this, how much more should Christians pour
themselves out in intense devotion for their glorious Lord!
The World Belongs To The Disciplined
1.One of the most alarming disclosures coming
out of the Communist world is that of the rugged training and discipline they
are putting their youth through. In contrast, there has never before been such
a mass pilgrimage to the altar of leisure in our country. At the end of the
rainbow for every American is relaxation and recreation. The Western world
loves to play. Americans average over eight hours a day of television per
household!
In the 1920s, inter-collegiate debating drew large crowds.
Now the debates are held in side rooms while crowds cheer at the basketball
game. It takes discipline to learn a new art, or science, or skill; it takes no
discipline to watch football or a wrestling match. The point must be made that
the shift of excited, popular interest from debates to sports is a sign of
cultural decline. As someone once said, "It is either discipline or
decadence."
And the Church has not escaped. Never has there been such an
interest in sports among "the saints." I've heard much more talk and excitement
about the national ratings of college teams among Christians in churches and
Sunday schools, than about how to conquer the land for God. As an almost
unbelievable example, I recently heard about one large church in Texas who
during the Superbowl (when the Dallas Cowboys were playing) feared that the
Sunday evening service (not to mention the offering) would be poorly attended.
So the pastor and elders came up with a wonderful idea! They brought a
large-screen video projection system into the sanctuary and proceeded to
"entertain" the parishoners with a nice, American, Christian display of
"knockin' and hittin' 'em for Christ!" This might be a blatant example, but the
spirit of "fun in the Son" is threatening to destroy what little hope we have
left to avoid judgment, by having true cross-embracing revival. "For it is
time for judgment to begin with the household of God... and if it is with
difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and
the sinner?" (I Peter 4:17-18)
Communist Lenin once said: "With a
handful of dedicated people who will give me their lives, I will control the
world." This must have sounded like quite a rash statement to those who first
heard it, but it did not prove an empty boast. In 1903, this one man, with 17
followers, began his attack on the world. By 1918, the number had increased to
40,000, and with that 40,000 he gained control of the 160 million people of
Russia. And the movement has gone on and now controls over one-third of the
population of the world. With this in mind, consider the warning of the
American President, Theodore Roosevelt:
"The things that will
destroy America are prosperity at any price, peace at any price, safety first
instead of duty first, the love of soft living, and the get-rich-quick theory
of life."
The Army Of God
(Eph. 6:10-18)What's needed today is an army. A truly
Christian force, armed to the teeth with love and the power of God, completely
trusting God to meet their needs and lead them into battle and
victory!
I have heard reports from missionaries visiting home that there
is much division and contention between missionaries on the field. The same
doctrinal differences that plague our denominations at home are bringing a bad
name to our Lord in other lands. "A house divided against itself will not
be able to stand." (Mark3:25) What are we to do? A world starving for the
truth will not wait for us to get our act together... it will pass us by and
drink up the newest, nicest sounding philosophy or religion to come along.
Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Moonies are not only making great gains in
our country, but also in foreign fields as well. They seem determined,
committed, and willing to sacrifice all the usual comforts to spread their
"good tidings." Christians, by comparison, are lazy, apathetic, and mesmerized
by the same materialism that is choking the very life out of both our nation
and the whole of Western civilization.
Philosophically speaking, what
does the Western world really have to offer? When we're talking about so-called
third world countries in Africa and Asia, where the average yearly income per
person is under $100, does the thought of a free enterprise system of
capitalism really hold any attraction? These small bands of Communist
"preachers" travel the countryside, sharing their vision of a "one-world
society" with an economy that equally "spreads the wealth" to all. Does it
surprise you that so many of the peasants are inspired to join
them?
They've seen multi-national oil and mineral companies come and
build large refineries and factories, while their own income hardly rises at
all. They've seen Western governments colonize their economies and resources
without raising the peasants' standard of living (and in some cases even
lowering it)! All these people have seen of Western culture and democracy makes
them suspicious and cynical. And how can you blame them? Ask yourself this, is
there any real answer in the philosophy behind Western culture? At least the
Communists hold out a promise - yes, I admit, a very empty one - but still a
promise.
God has commanded the Church to "Go into all the world and
preach the Gospel to all creation"! (Mark 16:15)If we were really
doing our job and living the lives Jesus has commanded us, then the people in
these lands would have the truth of Jesus and His holy promises to compare with
these Marxist pipe-dreams.
Is Communism Really God's Worst Enemy?
"And you shall call
His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." (Matt.
1:21)
I want to be extremely careful not to be
misunderstood. I believe that Communism is a counterfeit that has its origins
in hell. But all the pulpit-pounding and the sermon-screaming we have heard in
recent years against the evils of Communism needs to be examined. Is God really
as concerned about systems as much as He is about sin? Do you
really believe in your heart that Communism breeds more sin than "the American
dream"? Ask yourself this: do you think there is more adultery in Russia than
in America? More fornication? More greed and lust? More stealing and murder?
How about pornography and drugs, corruption and deceit? See what I mean? God is
tremendously hurt, pained to His heart by the state of sin that the Western
world has now accepted and pronounced "socially
normal."
Of course, there cannot be a "Christian Communist."
You cannot condone a system that denies the existence of God and share God's
righteousness at the same time. But which is worse? Someone who denies that God
exists, and acts accordingly? Or someone who believes there's a God and still
lives a life that totally denies Him? "For to whom much is given, much is
required" (Luke 12:48), and "He who knows to do good, and does not do
it, to him it is sin. " (James 4:17) What do you really think
grieves God more? A land that says "religion is the opiate of the masses," or a
land whose money says "In God We Trust," yet is full of sin, violence, and
immorality?
Ezekiel 16
Remember, God's grief with His people Israel was far greater
than His disappointment over Egypt or Babylon. He expected a land full of
witchcraft and idolatry to act wickedly and perversely; but His heart was
broken when He saw His bride, Israel, committing adulteries and harlotries with
the heathen and their idols. Remember, God's enemy is not Communism, God's
enemy is sin, and the current revival which is being reported in the Church
behind the Iron Curtain only shows that a godless system cannot keep God from
moving among His own people. But as the Church of the Western world flirts with
the god of materialism, they will see no great move of God among them, because
their sin is much greater than the Communists' (whom they so vocally love to
hate).
In a land of freedom, where believers have never had a greater
opportunity to see the Lord's glory descend upon a nation, the cry of “Depart
from Me, I never knew you!" awaits an unfaithful bride who loved her pleasures
and programs, who delighted in her fundraising and building, more than the holy
pleasure of delivering America and its spoil to a mighty God, through a true
revival of prayer, repentance, and holiness. (See Matt.
25:14-30.)
The persecuted Church has little choice but to endure
their tribulations to the end. (Matt 24:14) But the fat, obnoxiously
wealthy Church of our land "who has need of nothing" will be horrified when
they see their temples were built of wood, hay, and stubble (I Cor.
3:12-14), and their gold, silver, and jewels (men's precious souls and the
restored honor of God) were left lying on the ground, ignored, never having
been put into the treasury of the Lord.
"So because you are
lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. Because
you say 'I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing' and you
do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and
naked..." (Rev. 3:16-17)
We are in grave danger of being judged as
the Church in Laodicea. Remember, there are two runners in the race - Revival
and Judgment. Let us get on our knees and win!
Devotional Thoughts for February 5 and 12
Knowing that sin can be forgiven is good news. Knowing that God loves us and has an awesome plan for our lives is good news.
Knowing that when we die we will go to heaven is good news.
However, learning and knowing about the good news is not fulfilling
Jesus’ command to us—we’re to share the good news. Our children need to be convinced that when they share the gospel with others, it truly is good news. It is also important that
they understand that God’s Word is very powerful and active and it’s
not up to them to change others. Only God can do that.
Since the only “Bible” many people will “read” is us—our lives and our words—our personal testimonies have a crucial place in witnessing to others. Letting God’s Word live through us and
speak through us is key. When we’re living God’s Word, it opens doors so we can tell others of God’s awesome goodness and what His Word, the Bible, says about coming into a relationship with God.
In addition, we need to be filled with God’s Holy Spirit in order to witness to others. This is illustrated in these next two weeks by contrasting Peter’s denial of Jesus (Matthew 26:36-75) with his Spirit-led preaching on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-41).
Ask your children what the word “gospel” means and you’ll likely get a number of responses. Many different answers are understandable, considering the use and application of this word in various church settings. The simple definition of the word gospel is
good news. Jesus said, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.” (Luke 4:18a, NIV)
Knowing that when we die we will go to heaven is good news.
However, learning and knowing about the good news is not fulfilling
Jesus’ command to us—we’re to share the good news. Our children need to be convinced that when they share the gospel with others, it truly is good news. It is also important that
they understand that God’s Word is very powerful and active and it’s
not up to them to change others. Only God can do that.
Since the only “Bible” many people will “read” is us—our lives and our words—our personal testimonies have a crucial place in witnessing to others. Letting God’s Word live through us and
speak through us is key. When we’re living God’s Word, it opens doors so we can tell others of God’s awesome goodness and what His Word, the Bible, says about coming into a relationship with God.
In addition, we need to be filled with God’s Holy Spirit in order to witness to others. This is illustrated in these next two weeks by contrasting Peter’s denial of Jesus (Matthew 26:36-75) with his Spirit-led preaching on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-41).
Ask your children what the word “gospel” means and you’ll likely get a number of responses. Many different answers are understandable, considering the use and application of this word in various church settings. The simple definition of the word gospel is
good news. Jesus said, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.” (Luke 4:18a, NIV)
Devotional for April 22 - May 13
Growing up I remember so clearly as a child, going with some of the adults in our church as they went out on the streets to give out tracks and tell others about Jesus. They would go “witnessing” on Saturday afternoons in the city of San Francisco without hesitation or fear. As the younger ones, we would just hand out the tracks.
What brought me to write this devotion was when I realized while doing some missions-related ministry, that this is what it’s really all about -- sharing the love of God with those that don’t know Him, and living the life where others can see Jesus in you.
I truly believe that on the day when we stand before Him, we’re going to have to give an account of all that we did and didn’t do; how many we shared our story with, not how many Sundays we went to church. Have you ever had someone come up to you and say, “There’s something about you,, I see something in you and I want to know what it is”? And you tell them with confidence and peace, “It’s all about Jesus. I have a personal relationship with Him. He changed my life.” And if they want to know more, you continue to share your story with them.
As born-again believers, we all have “stories” to tell. God knows each and every one of us by name and our story, and He wants us to start sharing our stories again!
The last words of Jesus before He ascended into heaven were, “But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere -- in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8). He wanted His disciples to know that they needed to share their story of the love of God to those closest to them (Jerusalem), those in their immediate area (Samaria), and eventually to the ends of the earth (the world). Who are we today? Disciples too, and this same word is for us! All of us are called to be witnesses and share the love of Christ.
First, it isn’t my job to convince someone that they are a sinner who is going to hell without God. That’s the Holy Spirit’s job, to convince and convict them of their need for God (Matthew 10:19-20).
Second, God will always give you someone or a group of people, who are open and responsive to your story. You don’t have to teach a whole Bible lesson to tell your story. You can keep it simple; you just have to really know what He’s done for you, and let them know that He can do the same for them too!
The Holy Spirit, Praise God, will give us power when we share with others. Yes, we may stumble a little over words or get a little nervous or something, but we don’t have to worry, the Holy Spirit is at work!
Okay, are you ready to “tell your story” again? Just remember what Peter said, “You must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if you are asked about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.” (1 Peter 3:15).
Scripture Of The Day: "But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you." - Matthew 10:19-20 (NIV)
What brought me to write this devotion was when I realized while doing some missions-related ministry, that this is what it’s really all about -- sharing the love of God with those that don’t know Him, and living the life where others can see Jesus in you.
I truly believe that on the day when we stand before Him, we’re going to have to give an account of all that we did and didn’t do; how many we shared our story with, not how many Sundays we went to church. Have you ever had someone come up to you and say, “There’s something about you,, I see something in you and I want to know what it is”? And you tell them with confidence and peace, “It’s all about Jesus. I have a personal relationship with Him. He changed my life.” And if they want to know more, you continue to share your story with them.
As born-again believers, we all have “stories” to tell. God knows each and every one of us by name and our story, and He wants us to start sharing our stories again!
The last words of Jesus before He ascended into heaven were, “But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere -- in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8). He wanted His disciples to know that they needed to share their story of the love of God to those closest to them (Jerusalem), those in their immediate area (Samaria), and eventually to the ends of the earth (the world). Who are we today? Disciples too, and this same word is for us! All of us are called to be witnesses and share the love of Christ.
First, it isn’t my job to convince someone that they are a sinner who is going to hell without God. That’s the Holy Spirit’s job, to convince and convict them of their need for God (Matthew 10:19-20).
Second, God will always give you someone or a group of people, who are open and responsive to your story. You don’t have to teach a whole Bible lesson to tell your story. You can keep it simple; you just have to really know what He’s done for you, and let them know that He can do the same for them too!
The Holy Spirit, Praise God, will give us power when we share with others. Yes, we may stumble a little over words or get a little nervous or something, but we don’t have to worry, the Holy Spirit is at work!
Okay, are you ready to “tell your story” again? Just remember what Peter said, “You must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if you are asked about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.” (1 Peter 3:15).
Scripture Of The Day: "But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you." - Matthew 10:19-20 (NIV)
Devotional thougths on being Missional with Children
Have you ever experienced a time when you’ve walked away from that person and wished you had said something to him or her about the Lord? If you’ve experienced a situation like that…the children you’re ministering to likely have too. We may not be proud of it, but we’ve all missed opportunities to tell others about Jesus.
The overarching solution to this dilemma is to be quick to respond to the Holy Spirit when He prompts us to share the good news with others. When the Holy Spirit tugs at our hearts to share, He wants us to step out in compassion and obedience. Also remember that you and your children each have a unique faith story to tell— no story is alike. God has worked and is working in all Christiansin different yet important ways.
How do we help children share their faith stories? By showing them how to intersect their stories with His story. When the
disciple Philip encountered an Ethiopian who was searching the meaning of the prophets (see Acts 8), he helped the man
understand how Jesus’ story could be his story as well. The Ethiopian eagerly responded to the gospel message. In this Evangelism unit we have focused on equipping the children with a heart and vision for soul winning. Not passively, but passionately sharing Jesus with others because we have the
Good News! We have the truth and the way and we want to do what Jesus has asked us to do—take the gospel to all people.
The overarching solution to this dilemma is to be quick to respond to the Holy Spirit when He prompts us to share the good news with others. When the Holy Spirit tugs at our hearts to share, He wants us to step out in compassion and obedience. Also remember that you and your children each have a unique faith story to tell— no story is alike. God has worked and is working in all Christiansin different yet important ways.
How do we help children share their faith stories? By showing them how to intersect their stories with His story. When the
disciple Philip encountered an Ethiopian who was searching the meaning of the prophets (see Acts 8), he helped the man
understand how Jesus’ story could be his story as well. The Ethiopian eagerly responded to the gospel message. In this Evangelism unit we have focused on equipping the children with a heart and vision for soul winning. Not passively, but passionately sharing Jesus with others because we have the
Good News! We have the truth and the way and we want to do what Jesus has asked us to do—take the gospel to all people.
Devotional Thoughts on Intercessory Prayer
HOW TO PRAY FOR CHILDREN
Look at how Paul prayed for the early believers in
Philippians 1:9-11 and Colossians 1:9-11. These two passages give
us ideas about specific items for our prayer life.
1.
That they will be hedged in so they cannot find their way to wrong people or
wrong places and that the wrong people cannot find their way to
them. (Hosea 2:6) "Therefore, behold, I will hedge (block her path)
up thy way with thorns; and make a wall, that she shall not find
her paths. (I will wall her in so that she cannot find her way.) "
(Psalm 139:5) "Thou hast beset me behind and before, (You hem me
in-behind and before;) and laid thine hand upon me.” (Psalm 139:8-10) “
If I ascend up into heaven, thou are there: if I make my bed in hell (the
depths) , behold, thou are there. If I take the wings of the
morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there
thy right hand shall hold me.” (will guide me, thy right hand will
hold me fast.)
2. That they will be protected from the Evil One in each
area of their lives; spiritual, emotional, physical. (John 17:15) "I
pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that
thou shouldest keep them from the evil.” Our prayer is not that
God would take them out of the world but that He would protect them
from the evil one.
3. That they will desire the right kind of friends
and be protected from the wrong friends. (Proverbs 1:10-11) "My son,
if sinners entice you, consent thou not, (do not give in to them) .
If they say, "Come with us; let us lay wait for (someone's) blood,
let's lurk privily for the innocent without cause (for the harmless soul.)
v15-16: My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy
foot from their path: For their feet run to evil, and make haste to
shed blood.”
4. That they will have a responsible attitude in all their
interpersonal relationships.
(Daniel 6:3) “Then this Daniel was preferred
above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was
in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.”
Because Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators by
his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.
5. That they will know Christ as Savior early in life.
(Romans 10:13) “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the
Lord shall be saved.” ( II Cor. 6:2) “For he saith, I have heard
thee in a time accepted and in the day of salvation have I
succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold now is the day of salvation.” (Psalm 63:1) "O God, thou are my God; early (earnestly)
will I seek thee; my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh (body)
longeth for thee, in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is."
(Acts 16:31-32) “And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ
and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the
word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.”
6. That they will
be learn to be truthful even when guilty . (Ephesians 4:25) “Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man (and child) truth with
his neighbor: for we are members one of another.” (See Proverbs
23:22-26) “Buy the truth and sell it not; also wisdom and
instruction, and understanding.” (vs. 23)
7. That they will respect
those in authority over them. (Romans 13:1)
“Let every soul be subject to
the higher powers. for there is no power but of God: the powers
that be are ordained of God.” Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God
has established. The authorities that exist have been established by
God which include parents, teachers, police, etc.
8. That
they will be protected from the wrong mate and be saved for the right one.
(II Corinthians 6:14-17) “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with
unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And
what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that
believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of
God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God, as God
hath said, I will dwell in them and walk in them; and I will be their God, and
they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them and be
ye separate...”
Youth should understand: Righteousness and
wickedness have nothing in common. There is no fellowship between
light and darkness ... no harmony between Christ and Belial. The
saved have nothing in common with an unbeliever. For we are the
temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will live with them
and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people."
9. That they, as well as those they will marry, will be
kept pure until marriage.
(I Corinthians 6:18) "Flee fornication.” Or from
sexual immorality.
(I Thessalonians 4:4) “That every one of you should know
how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour.”
10.
That they will learn to totally submit to God and actively resist Satan in all
circumstances. (James 4:7) "Submit yourselves therefore to God.
Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
11. That they
will be single-hearted, willing to be sold out to Jesus Christ. (Romans 12:1-2) " I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of
God; that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy,
acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not
conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of
your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and
perfect, will of God.”
12. That they will have a hatred for sin. (Psalm
97:10) “Ye that love the Lord, hate evil: He preserveth the souls
of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.”
Those who love the LORD ought to hate evil, for God guards the
lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
Look at how Paul prayed for the early believers in
Philippians 1:9-11 and Colossians 1:9-11. These two passages give
us ideas about specific items for our prayer life.
1.
That they will be hedged in so they cannot find their way to wrong people or
wrong places and that the wrong people cannot find their way to
them. (Hosea 2:6) "Therefore, behold, I will hedge (block her path)
up thy way with thorns; and make a wall, that she shall not find
her paths. (I will wall her in so that she cannot find her way.) "
(Psalm 139:5) "Thou hast beset me behind and before, (You hem me
in-behind and before;) and laid thine hand upon me.” (Psalm 139:8-10) “
If I ascend up into heaven, thou are there: if I make my bed in hell (the
depths) , behold, thou are there. If I take the wings of the
morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there
thy right hand shall hold me.” (will guide me, thy right hand will
hold me fast.)
2. That they will be protected from the Evil One in each
area of their lives; spiritual, emotional, physical. (John 17:15) "I
pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that
thou shouldest keep them from the evil.” Our prayer is not that
God would take them out of the world but that He would protect them
from the evil one.
3. That they will desire the right kind of friends
and be protected from the wrong friends. (Proverbs 1:10-11) "My son,
if sinners entice you, consent thou not, (do not give in to them) .
If they say, "Come with us; let us lay wait for (someone's) blood,
let's lurk privily for the innocent without cause (for the harmless soul.)
v15-16: My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy
foot from their path: For their feet run to evil, and make haste to
shed blood.”
4. That they will have a responsible attitude in all their
interpersonal relationships.
(Daniel 6:3) “Then this Daniel was preferred
above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was
in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.”
Because Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators by
his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.
5. That they will know Christ as Savior early in life.
(Romans 10:13) “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the
Lord shall be saved.” ( II Cor. 6:2) “For he saith, I have heard
thee in a time accepted and in the day of salvation have I
succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold now is the day of salvation.” (Psalm 63:1) "O God, thou are my God; early (earnestly)
will I seek thee; my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh (body)
longeth for thee, in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is."
(Acts 16:31-32) “And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ
and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the
word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.”
6. That they will
be learn to be truthful even when guilty . (Ephesians 4:25) “Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man (and child) truth with
his neighbor: for we are members one of another.” (See Proverbs
23:22-26) “Buy the truth and sell it not; also wisdom and
instruction, and understanding.” (vs. 23)
7. That they will respect
those in authority over them. (Romans 13:1)
“Let every soul be subject to
the higher powers. for there is no power but of God: the powers
that be are ordained of God.” Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God
has established. The authorities that exist have been established by
God which include parents, teachers, police, etc.
8. That
they will be protected from the wrong mate and be saved for the right one.
(II Corinthians 6:14-17) “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with
unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And
what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that
believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of
God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God, as God
hath said, I will dwell in them and walk in them; and I will be their God, and
they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them and be
ye separate...”
Youth should understand: Righteousness and
wickedness have nothing in common. There is no fellowship between
light and darkness ... no harmony between Christ and Belial. The
saved have nothing in common with an unbeliever. For we are the
temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will live with them
and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people."
9. That they, as well as those they will marry, will be
kept pure until marriage.
(I Corinthians 6:18) "Flee fornication.” Or from
sexual immorality.
(I Thessalonians 4:4) “That every one of you should know
how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour.”
10.
That they will learn to totally submit to God and actively resist Satan in all
circumstances. (James 4:7) "Submit yourselves therefore to God.
Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
11. That they
will be single-hearted, willing to be sold out to Jesus Christ. (Romans 12:1-2) " I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of
God; that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy,
acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not
conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of
your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and
perfect, will of God.”
12. That they will have a hatred for sin. (Psalm
97:10) “Ye that love the Lord, hate evil: He preserveth the souls
of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.”
Those who love the LORD ought to hate evil, for God guards the
lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
Devotional Thoughts on Romans 1:16
Not Ashamed of the Gospel
(Romans 1:16)
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
What Makes a Person Feel Shame?
Today we will focus on the words: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel." You see the link with verse 15. The reason he is eager to preach
the gospel in Rome is that he is not ashamed of the gospel. Let’s begin with the general question: What makes a person feel ashamed? Consider some examples.
1) Suppose a boy brags to his friends that he can outrun the skinny new kid in the neighborhood. So the kids set up a race – say, once
around the block. Both boys walk the route and see where all the obstacles are and where the turns are made. Then they line up. The neighborhood kids are all
out watching. Someone says, "Ready. Set. Go!" And the bragging boy is simply left in the dust. The skinny new guy finishes 40 or 50 yards ahead of the
braggart. When that happens it is very likely that the braggart feels ashamed.
He feels that he has made a fool of himself.
2) Or suppose someone you don’t like at school has a dad who is in jail. And suppose that you make fun of him for this and call him names
and point out to people that his dad is a crook. And you boast that your dad is a successful financial officer at a major bank. Then one day you go home to the
terrible news that your dad has been arrested and charged with embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars. The next day you don’t even want to go to
school because you are so ashamed – both of your father and yourself.
3) Or suppose you put a lot of stock in how you look – having your hair just the way it is supposed to be and your clothes in perfect taste.
You are invited to a party and you check with people whom you think are reliable advisers about what to wear and how to look. But when you get there
you realize that you are totally wrong in the way you dressed. You are so embarrassed that you don’t want to go into the room.
4) Finally, suppose you have a part in a play – just a small one perhaps, because you are nervous and not very good at acting. Maybe you
have two lines at some key point in the play. You memorize the lines. The play begins. Your heart pounds out of your chest. The audience is large. Everyone is
doing beautifully and setting a high standard. Your moment is drawing near. And at the exact moment, you freeze. You try to say the two lines. Everybody is
looking at you. But you can’t do it. Someone whispers to you your lines. To no avail. Somehow they get around you. You run off the stage, and want to run off
the planet, you feel so ashamed.
We all know what it is to be embarrassed – or to be ashamed.
What would keep you from being embarrassed or ashamed in situations like that? Well, one answer would be that stronger legs would have
kept you from losing the race and being put to shame by the new skinny guy. And a more honest dad would not have embezzled, so you wouldn’t be ashamed of him.And with better counsel from your friend you wouldn’t have dressed all wrong
for the party. And better nerves in front of a group would have let you remember your lines and speak them with excellence. In other words, you could
avoid being ashamed if you and your family and friends could always keep yourselves in the best light and never let anyone feel negative things about
you.
The Gospel Causes Shaming and Gives Freedom from t
Now when Paul says in Romans 1:16 that he is "not ashamed of the gospel," is this what keeps him from being ashamed? Does he escape being
ashamed because he keeps himself in the best light? No. Exactly the opposite. Believing and preaching the gospel constantly put Paul in a bad light. It
constantly stirred up other people to shame Paul. He gives us a list of ways that he was shamed in the ministry of the gospel (in 2 Corinthians 11:23-26):
. . . in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten
times without number, often in danger of death. Five times I received from the
Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned,
three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. I
have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers,
dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city,
dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren . .
.
In other words, Paul’s way of not being ashamed of the gospel was not that he could keep himself in the best light or that he had
enough savvy that people always liked him and approved what he did. Look back at Romans 1:14, "I am under obligation [I am debtor] both to Greeks and to
barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish." When Paul looked out on the huge world of unbelief in his day he felt a debt to all. He didn’t look with
utter disdain on the pagans of his day. Beware of doing this. Our conservative lifestyle has been so politicized in America that we slip easily into feeling
disdain rather than debt to unbelieving people. Not so with Paul, though he hated sin. Rather, he felt so overwhelmed with undeserved grace that he knew
himself a debtor to all – Greek and barbarian, wise and foolish.
But did they want him to pay them his debt? Do the unbelieving neighbors and colleagues around you want what you have to give? Not
many. In 1 Corinthians 1:22-23 he says, "Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to
Gentiles foolishness." Paul had a debt to pay to Jews and Greeks and barbarians, but most of them – as today – did not want his message of love and
grace and hope. It was foolishness and a stumbling block.
So, before we can see in Romans 1:16 that the gospel is the basis of Paul’s freedom from shame, we see that it was first the basis of his
being shamed. The gospel does two things: it brings out shaming behavior in those who will not believe it. And it gives freedom from shame to those who do
believe it.
Paul knew both. He was like Jesus. Jesus was abandoned by his friends, falsely accused of blasphemy, beaten with rods, ridiculed and taunted,
stripped of his clothes, scourged with a whip, tortured in public, and made to look like a fool as people hollered at him on the cross: "You who saved others,
save yourself."
What Did Jesus and Paul Do with the Shame Poured on
Them?
What did Jesus do with all this shame – this shaming behavior? What would you do with it? Hebrews 12:2 tells us what he did with it:
"For the joy set before Him [he] endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Jesus
despised the shame. What does that mean? It means that when shame began to threaten his heart and to tempt him to abandon a clear and obedient witness to
God and to the gospel, he said to shame, "Shame, I despise you. I will not yield to you. I will not give to you any satisfaction. You may do with me
whatever you please – in the short run – but I will not obey you or follow you or give in to you. I despise you, shame, and will not let you rule me."
How could he do that? How can you do that? Hebrews 12:2 says he did it "for the joy that was set before him." Shame was stripping away every
earthly support that Jesus had: his friends gave way in shaming abandonment; his reputation gave way in shaming slander; his decency gave way in shaming
nakedness; his comfort gave way in shaming torture. So, if his present supports were all being stripped away in shaming persecution, how did he not capitulate
to such shame? Hebrews 12:2 says, he set his heart not on the supports of the present, but on the joy of the future where very soon he would "sit down at the
right hand of the throne of God."
Though he was being shamed, Jesus was not ashamed of his God and Father. Why? Because God had power to save him from death and give him
all-satisfying glory at his right hand forever.
Now, I say Paul was like this. What did he say in Romans 1:16? "I am not ashamed" – in spite of all the cultured Greeks who mock me as
preaching foolishness and all the unbelieving Jews who deride me as preaching a false Christ – I am not ashamed of this gospel. Why? "For it is the power of
God unto salvation." In other words, this message of Christ crucified for the sake of sinners, of Christ raised from the dead as the Son of God in power
(1:4), of grace given freely to those who will trust in Jesus – this message will bring all who bank on it to everlasting salvation.
Shamed, but not Ashamed
How then do you overcome feelings of shame when you are shamed for believing and sharing the gospel? Answer: ponder the
power of the gospel to bring forgiven sinners to final, everlasting joy. Nothing in the world can do this except the gospel of Jesus Christ. Judaism
(that stops short of Jesus), Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam – they do not have a Savior who can solve the problem of separation from a holy God through sin and
offer sinners hope by grace through faith and not works. Only one message saves sinners, and brings them safely into the presence of God – the gospel of Jesus
Christ. It alone is the power of God unto salvation.
Therefore, Paul would say – Jesus himself would say – suffer, yes. Be misunderstood, yes. Be shamed, yes. But do not be
ashamed. You will be shamed, but you need not be ashamed. Because the message of God’s saving work in Christ is the only final triumphant message in
the world. Short-term pain. Long-term gain. For the joy (of salvation!) set before you, take up your cross, follow Jesus, be shamed and despise the
shame.
In closing, let me put a point on it for what’s left of the ’90s. How do people shame you today for believing and sharing
the gospel? It’s not exactly the same as the way they did in the ’60s. I heard Alistair Begg say recently that his unbelieving friends criticized him in the
’60s because they did not believe that the gospel was true. In the ’90s they criticize him for claiming that there is any truth. In other words, today the
shaming is not to say that you are wrong, but to say that you are arrogant if you think others are wrong. Not that you have bad thinking, but that you have a
bad attitude. Not that your worldview is defective, but that it is divisive. The greatest weapon of shaming today in the world of religious claims is the
accusation that you are intolerant and therefore mean-spirited and egotistical.
To that we must steadfastly respond: It is the most loving thing in the world to tell the truth about the way of salvation. If
Jesus has said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man comes to the Father but by me" (John 14:6), then, for the sake of love, we must pay our debt
to the world, and despise the shaming of the "tolerant" ‘90s and tell them, "There is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven
that has been given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). The gospel of Christ alone is the power of God unto
salvation.
Copyright 1998 John Piper
Piper's
Notes
(Romans 1:16)
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
What Makes a Person Feel Shame?
Today we will focus on the words: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel." You see the link with verse 15. The reason he is eager to preach
the gospel in Rome is that he is not ashamed of the gospel. Let’s begin with the general question: What makes a person feel ashamed? Consider some examples.
1) Suppose a boy brags to his friends that he can outrun the skinny new kid in the neighborhood. So the kids set up a race – say, once
around the block. Both boys walk the route and see where all the obstacles are and where the turns are made. Then they line up. The neighborhood kids are all
out watching. Someone says, "Ready. Set. Go!" And the bragging boy is simply left in the dust. The skinny new guy finishes 40 or 50 yards ahead of the
braggart. When that happens it is very likely that the braggart feels ashamed.
He feels that he has made a fool of himself.
2) Or suppose someone you don’t like at school has a dad who is in jail. And suppose that you make fun of him for this and call him names
and point out to people that his dad is a crook. And you boast that your dad is a successful financial officer at a major bank. Then one day you go home to the
terrible news that your dad has been arrested and charged with embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars. The next day you don’t even want to go to
school because you are so ashamed – both of your father and yourself.
3) Or suppose you put a lot of stock in how you look – having your hair just the way it is supposed to be and your clothes in perfect taste.
You are invited to a party and you check with people whom you think are reliable advisers about what to wear and how to look. But when you get there
you realize that you are totally wrong in the way you dressed. You are so embarrassed that you don’t want to go into the room.
4) Finally, suppose you have a part in a play – just a small one perhaps, because you are nervous and not very good at acting. Maybe you
have two lines at some key point in the play. You memorize the lines. The play begins. Your heart pounds out of your chest. The audience is large. Everyone is
doing beautifully and setting a high standard. Your moment is drawing near. And at the exact moment, you freeze. You try to say the two lines. Everybody is
looking at you. But you can’t do it. Someone whispers to you your lines. To no avail. Somehow they get around you. You run off the stage, and want to run off
the planet, you feel so ashamed.
We all know what it is to be embarrassed – or to be ashamed.
What would keep you from being embarrassed or ashamed in situations like that? Well, one answer would be that stronger legs would have
kept you from losing the race and being put to shame by the new skinny guy. And a more honest dad would not have embezzled, so you wouldn’t be ashamed of him.And with better counsel from your friend you wouldn’t have dressed all wrong
for the party. And better nerves in front of a group would have let you remember your lines and speak them with excellence. In other words, you could
avoid being ashamed if you and your family and friends could always keep yourselves in the best light and never let anyone feel negative things about
you.
The Gospel Causes Shaming and Gives Freedom from t
Now when Paul says in Romans 1:16 that he is "not ashamed of the gospel," is this what keeps him from being ashamed? Does he escape being
ashamed because he keeps himself in the best light? No. Exactly the opposite. Believing and preaching the gospel constantly put Paul in a bad light. It
constantly stirred up other people to shame Paul. He gives us a list of ways that he was shamed in the ministry of the gospel (in 2 Corinthians 11:23-26):
. . . in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten
times without number, often in danger of death. Five times I received from the
Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned,
three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. I
have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers,
dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city,
dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren . .
.
In other words, Paul’s way of not being ashamed of the gospel was not that he could keep himself in the best light or that he had
enough savvy that people always liked him and approved what he did. Look back at Romans 1:14, "I am under obligation [I am debtor] both to Greeks and to
barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish." When Paul looked out on the huge world of unbelief in his day he felt a debt to all. He didn’t look with
utter disdain on the pagans of his day. Beware of doing this. Our conservative lifestyle has been so politicized in America that we slip easily into feeling
disdain rather than debt to unbelieving people. Not so with Paul, though he hated sin. Rather, he felt so overwhelmed with undeserved grace that he knew
himself a debtor to all – Greek and barbarian, wise and foolish.
But did they want him to pay them his debt? Do the unbelieving neighbors and colleagues around you want what you have to give? Not
many. In 1 Corinthians 1:22-23 he says, "Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to
Gentiles foolishness." Paul had a debt to pay to Jews and Greeks and barbarians, but most of them – as today – did not want his message of love and
grace and hope. It was foolishness and a stumbling block.
So, before we can see in Romans 1:16 that the gospel is the basis of Paul’s freedom from shame, we see that it was first the basis of his
being shamed. The gospel does two things: it brings out shaming behavior in those who will not believe it. And it gives freedom from shame to those who do
believe it.
Paul knew both. He was like Jesus. Jesus was abandoned by his friends, falsely accused of blasphemy, beaten with rods, ridiculed and taunted,
stripped of his clothes, scourged with a whip, tortured in public, and made to look like a fool as people hollered at him on the cross: "You who saved others,
save yourself."
What Did Jesus and Paul Do with the Shame Poured on
Them?
What did Jesus do with all this shame – this shaming behavior? What would you do with it? Hebrews 12:2 tells us what he did with it:
"For the joy set before Him [he] endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Jesus
despised the shame. What does that mean? It means that when shame began to threaten his heart and to tempt him to abandon a clear and obedient witness to
God and to the gospel, he said to shame, "Shame, I despise you. I will not yield to you. I will not give to you any satisfaction. You may do with me
whatever you please – in the short run – but I will not obey you or follow you or give in to you. I despise you, shame, and will not let you rule me."
How could he do that? How can you do that? Hebrews 12:2 says he did it "for the joy that was set before him." Shame was stripping away every
earthly support that Jesus had: his friends gave way in shaming abandonment; his reputation gave way in shaming slander; his decency gave way in shaming
nakedness; his comfort gave way in shaming torture. So, if his present supports were all being stripped away in shaming persecution, how did he not capitulate
to such shame? Hebrews 12:2 says, he set his heart not on the supports of the present, but on the joy of the future where very soon he would "sit down at the
right hand of the throne of God."
Though he was being shamed, Jesus was not ashamed of his God and Father. Why? Because God had power to save him from death and give him
all-satisfying glory at his right hand forever.
Now, I say Paul was like this. What did he say in Romans 1:16? "I am not ashamed" – in spite of all the cultured Greeks who mock me as
preaching foolishness and all the unbelieving Jews who deride me as preaching a false Christ – I am not ashamed of this gospel. Why? "For it is the power of
God unto salvation." In other words, this message of Christ crucified for the sake of sinners, of Christ raised from the dead as the Son of God in power
(1:4), of grace given freely to those who will trust in Jesus – this message will bring all who bank on it to everlasting salvation.
Shamed, but not Ashamed
How then do you overcome feelings of shame when you are shamed for believing and sharing the gospel? Answer: ponder the
power of the gospel to bring forgiven sinners to final, everlasting joy. Nothing in the world can do this except the gospel of Jesus Christ. Judaism
(that stops short of Jesus), Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam – they do not have a Savior who can solve the problem of separation from a holy God through sin and
offer sinners hope by grace through faith and not works. Only one message saves sinners, and brings them safely into the presence of God – the gospel of Jesus
Christ. It alone is the power of God unto salvation.
Therefore, Paul would say – Jesus himself would say – suffer, yes. Be misunderstood, yes. Be shamed, yes. But do not be
ashamed. You will be shamed, but you need not be ashamed. Because the message of God’s saving work in Christ is the only final triumphant message in
the world. Short-term pain. Long-term gain. For the joy (of salvation!) set before you, take up your cross, follow Jesus, be shamed and despise the
shame.
In closing, let me put a point on it for what’s left of the ’90s. How do people shame you today for believing and sharing
the gospel? It’s not exactly the same as the way they did in the ’60s. I heard Alistair Begg say recently that his unbelieving friends criticized him in the
’60s because they did not believe that the gospel was true. In the ’90s they criticize him for claiming that there is any truth. In other words, today the
shaming is not to say that you are wrong, but to say that you are arrogant if you think others are wrong. Not that you have bad thinking, but that you have a
bad attitude. Not that your worldview is defective, but that it is divisive. The greatest weapon of shaming today in the world of religious claims is the
accusation that you are intolerant and therefore mean-spirited and egotistical.
To that we must steadfastly respond: It is the most loving thing in the world to tell the truth about the way of salvation. If
Jesus has said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man comes to the Father but by me" (John 14:6), then, for the sake of love, we must pay our debt
to the world, and despise the shaming of the "tolerant" ‘90s and tell them, "There is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven
that has been given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). The gospel of Christ alone is the power of God unto
salvation.
Copyright 1998 John Piper
Piper's
Notes
Devotional Thoughts for the weeks of January 12 and 22
Have you received the gift of salvation? Are you passionate
about sharing it? The children you teach won’t evangelize unless
they think it’s something worthwhile. When Jesus taught a principle
to followers, He applied that principle. That same teaching style
is just as effective today as it was two thousand years ago. Not
only can you tell kids the good news of Jesus, you can show them.
As you share God’s heart for a lost and dying world you can
implant that passion in the hearts of your children.
Children are positioned at this moment in history to be used
as never before. God has planted them in vast harvest fields
where they can reach out to friends and people they meet. Millions
of Christian children have opportunities to share their faith effectively
in public schools and in after-school activities. However,
many opportunities are missed because these children have not
been taught how to share their faith. You can help change that!
By being good stewards of the gifts, talents and abilities God
has placed in your children, you can, together with their
parents, “train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he
will not turn from it.” (Proverbs 22:6, NIV)
Children have been commissioned for today—not someday—by Jesus who said to, “Go and
preach the good news to everyone in the world.” (Mark 16:15)
“This little light of mine. I’m gonna let it shine.” Children’s
evangelism in a nutshell— I can tell others about Jesus. “Hide it?”
“No!” Why hide something so wonderful? This enthusiasm sometimes
diminishes with adults. What we all need is the passion to yell
“No!” to hiding our faith and the enthusiasm to shout “yes!” to
sharing our faith! Here are some practical ideas; send a letter, an email or
pick up your phone. Who can you share your light with today?
about sharing it? The children you teach won’t evangelize unless
they think it’s something worthwhile. When Jesus taught a principle
to followers, He applied that principle. That same teaching style
is just as effective today as it was two thousand years ago. Not
only can you tell kids the good news of Jesus, you can show them.
As you share God’s heart for a lost and dying world you can
implant that passion in the hearts of your children.
Children are positioned at this moment in history to be used
as never before. God has planted them in vast harvest fields
where they can reach out to friends and people they meet. Millions
of Christian children have opportunities to share their faith effectively
in public schools and in after-school activities. However,
many opportunities are missed because these children have not
been taught how to share their faith. You can help change that!
By being good stewards of the gifts, talents and abilities God
has placed in your children, you can, together with their
parents, “train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he
will not turn from it.” (Proverbs 22:6, NIV)
Children have been commissioned for today—not someday—by Jesus who said to, “Go and
preach the good news to everyone in the world.” (Mark 16:15)
“This little light of mine. I’m gonna let it shine.” Children’s
evangelism in a nutshell— I can tell others about Jesus. “Hide it?”
“No!” Why hide something so wonderful? This enthusiasm sometimes
diminishes with adults. What we all need is the passion to yell
“No!” to hiding our faith and the enthusiasm to shout “yes!” to
sharing our faith! Here are some practical ideas; send a letter, an email or
pick up your phone. Who can you share your light with today?
Devotional Thoughts for the weeks of January 8 and 15
How do you feel about your ministry leading these childrens? Do you feel like it’s a little thing or a big thing? Are you dedicated
to preparing and presenting excellent lessons, or do you just throw them together at the last minute? Has it ever occurred to you that
this teaching responsibility may be the talent entrusted to you by the Master? Are you investing yourself in the lives of these
children? Is this an investment that will grow and multiply, or are you burying this opportunity in a hole in the backyard? Jesus’ famous parable of the talents has become a benchmark to examine faithfulness. Although a talent was a form of money, we use the term today to refer to gifts, abilities and “talents.”
It is interesting to note that the exact words of praise were given to the two-talent servant and the five-talent servant. The principal
behind this example shows that God expects us to serve to whatever level
God has given us ability. And the harsh condemnation of the poor soul who refused to use what little ability he had shows us
how serious God is about using our gifts and abilities for Him.
Children need to know that they are valuable in God’s sight. They need to know that God has given each child gifts and abilities. Based on the parable, we could call people 1, 2 or 5 talent, as a way to measure ability. But the important thing kids need to know is whatever “number of talents” they might possess, God is
pleased when kids know they should serve faithfully.
As you minister to the children, remember that God has placed you in the lives of these children for a reason, and He wants
you to serve them faithfully. By serving these little ones, you are serving God Himself, and He will reward you. Don’t miss this
opportunity!
to preparing and presenting excellent lessons, or do you just throw them together at the last minute? Has it ever occurred to you that
this teaching responsibility may be the talent entrusted to you by the Master? Are you investing yourself in the lives of these
children? Is this an investment that will grow and multiply, or are you burying this opportunity in a hole in the backyard? Jesus’ famous parable of the talents has become a benchmark to examine faithfulness. Although a talent was a form of money, we use the term today to refer to gifts, abilities and “talents.”
It is interesting to note that the exact words of praise were given to the two-talent servant and the five-talent servant. The principal
behind this example shows that God expects us to serve to whatever level
God has given us ability. And the harsh condemnation of the poor soul who refused to use what little ability he had shows us
how serious God is about using our gifts and abilities for Him.
Children need to know that they are valuable in God’s sight. They need to know that God has given each child gifts and abilities. Based on the parable, we could call people 1, 2 or 5 talent, as a way to measure ability. But the important thing kids need to know is whatever “number of talents” they might possess, God is
pleased when kids know they should serve faithfully.
As you minister to the children, remember that God has placed you in the lives of these children for a reason, and He wants
you to serve them faithfully. By serving these little ones, you are serving God Himself, and He will reward you. Don’t miss this
opportunity!
Devotional Thoughts for the weeks of November 20 and December 4
click on the following link for this weeks devotional thought.
Devotional Thoughts for the weeks of October 30 and November 6th.
Recognizing Spiritual Gifts in Your Kids by Mimi Bullock
One of the greatest responsibilities of a pastor is helping the people in his care to spiritually grow and reach for their personal destinies. Tapping into their spiritual gifts is often key to this long sometimes painful process. No matter how bumpy the road, it’s the shepherd’s duty to help the sheep discover what is unique about each of them. It is a pastor’s God calling to stir up the minds and spirits of believers with questions like these. “What makes me vital to the kingdom of God? What spiritual gifts lay dormant inside me that will bring glory to God? How do I activate them?”
While we probably all agree that this is one of the chief mandates of the senior pastor, what about the children’s pastor? Is he or she to reject that mandate on the grounds that their sheep are just too little? Too underdeveloped? Too childish?
Jesus praised his Father because of His practice of using foolish things to confound those who think themselves wise. Isn’t it possible these words of Jesus also apply here? As a children’s leader you have the responsibility of helping to develop the next wave in the army of God. The movers and shakers of God’s now and future kingdom are in your children’s church or ministry every week. How foolish does that sound? But how very true it really is. Recognizing spiritual gifts in your kids should be one of your chief endeavors. But how to go about that?
Before you begin there are few things you should know. 1 Corinthians 12:11 says, “All of these (spiritual gifts) are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one just as he determines.” While our job is to help the young Christian discover their gifts and hone them, it’s the Spirit’s sole discretion as to who receives each gift.
Secondly, remember there is a difference between natural talent or ability and a Spirit given gift. The apostle Paul had a great ability to lead others and had a natural zeal for the things of God. However while he was still yet named Saul he was greatly in error! It was the Spirit of God that reshaped that natural zeal into the passionate apostle that is admired by so many today. As children’s ministers we have to look past the surface gifts and allow God to help us see potential that’s not obvious.
Lastly know that sometimes God will hide a gifting to reveal it at a future time. It may not be your task to see and release that gift into the child’s life. In this, you must acquiesce to the Spirit of God.
One of the greatest responsibilities of a pastor is helping the people in his care to spiritually grow and reach for their personal destinies. Tapping into their spiritual gifts is often key to this long sometimes painful process. No matter how bumpy the road, it’s the shepherd’s duty to help the sheep discover what is unique about each of them. It is a pastor’s God calling to stir up the minds and spirits of believers with questions like these. “What makes me vital to the kingdom of God? What spiritual gifts lay dormant inside me that will bring glory to God? How do I activate them?”
While we probably all agree that this is one of the chief mandates of the senior pastor, what about the children’s pastor? Is he or she to reject that mandate on the grounds that their sheep are just too little? Too underdeveloped? Too childish?
Jesus praised his Father because of His practice of using foolish things to confound those who think themselves wise. Isn’t it possible these words of Jesus also apply here? As a children’s leader you have the responsibility of helping to develop the next wave in the army of God. The movers and shakers of God’s now and future kingdom are in your children’s church or ministry every week. How foolish does that sound? But how very true it really is. Recognizing spiritual gifts in your kids should be one of your chief endeavors. But how to go about that?
Before you begin there are few things you should know. 1 Corinthians 12:11 says, “All of these (spiritual gifts) are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one just as he determines.” While our job is to help the young Christian discover their gifts and hone them, it’s the Spirit’s sole discretion as to who receives each gift.
Secondly, remember there is a difference between natural talent or ability and a Spirit given gift. The apostle Paul had a great ability to lead others and had a natural zeal for the things of God. However while he was still yet named Saul he was greatly in error! It was the Spirit of God that reshaped that natural zeal into the passionate apostle that is admired by so many today. As children’s ministers we have to look past the surface gifts and allow God to help us see potential that’s not obvious.
Lastly know that sometimes God will hide a gifting to reveal it at a future time. It may not be your task to see and release that gift into the child’s life. In this, you must acquiesce to the Spirit of God.
Devotional Thoughts for Oct 16 and 23
The first moon landing in 1969 was a momentous event in history. On that day, mankind achieved something that many previously thought impossible. The amazing thing is that because the wind does not blow on the moon, the footprints of over 40 years ago are still there and will be there for a very long time.
For this reading plan, leaving your footprints on the moon refers to the fulfilment of your God given purpose for your life; the achievement of that seemingly impossible or unattainable goal that can only happen with divine empowerment. Purpose represents something God has placed in your heart to become; a role He has chosen for you to fulfil; a place He has destined for you to occupy and a need He has created you in answer to.
You have been created for a purpose.
It is no accident that God brought you into this world at this time, in this place and to this set of people in your generation.
Your parents might not have planned for you to be alive but God did. You might have seemed like an inconvenience to them, or they may have even tried to abort you.
All that is irrelevant.
You are here because God wants you here. Therefore, like the clay before the potter, you must go before your Maker in order to find the purpose for which He has brought you into the world.
In Genesis 12:1-3, God asked Abraham (then Abram) to get out of his comfort zone, leave his father's house and go to Canaan where God vowed to make him and his descendants a great nation. One man, barren but faithful, was given a mighty promise. This was Abraham's moon. He did not define it himself; the Almighty God gave it to Him.
Like Abraham, you must begin to ask God to define your moon for you. If you do not know what your purpose in life is, ask God today.
Let Him show you His will for your life
For this reading plan, leaving your footprints on the moon refers to the fulfilment of your God given purpose for your life; the achievement of that seemingly impossible or unattainable goal that can only happen with divine empowerment. Purpose represents something God has placed in your heart to become; a role He has chosen for you to fulfil; a place He has destined for you to occupy and a need He has created you in answer to.
You have been created for a purpose.
It is no accident that God brought you into this world at this time, in this place and to this set of people in your generation.
Your parents might not have planned for you to be alive but God did. You might have seemed like an inconvenience to them, or they may have even tried to abort you.
All that is irrelevant.
You are here because God wants you here. Therefore, like the clay before the potter, you must go before your Maker in order to find the purpose for which He has brought you into the world.
In Genesis 12:1-3, God asked Abraham (then Abram) to get out of his comfort zone, leave his father's house and go to Canaan where God vowed to make him and his descendants a great nation. One man, barren but faithful, was given a mighty promise. This was Abraham's moon. He did not define it himself; the Almighty God gave it to Him.
Like Abraham, you must begin to ask God to define your moon for you. If you do not know what your purpose in life is, ask God today.
Let Him show you His will for your life
Devotional Thoughts for the week of September 25 and Oct 2
When weather disasters like Hurricane Katrina devastated entire
cities and regions as witnessed in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast,
we saw many powerful examples of children stepping forward and
serving with their time and giving money during that tragedy.
The media brings us many other examples of serious needs around
the world: victims of war or terrorism; people starving in draughtstricken
or war-torn areas; children dying of AIDS. Children also
see people they admire in the entertainment world reaching out
to help. In this day of heightened awareness, kids are eager to help.
What a fantastic opportunity awaits for kids who are a part of the
Body of Christ! Not only do they see a need, but they can be further
motivated to realize that God wants them to serve others.
Just as God spoke to Jeremiah, God is speaking to the kids in your group:
“Before I made you in your mother’s womb, I knew you. Before you
were born, I set you apart for a special work.” Children can learn
that, like Jeremiah, they were created to do something special.
Encourage them to become involved in service to the Lord.
Challenge them to find their place in the body of Christ and
help motivate them to serve Jesus.
cities and regions as witnessed in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast,
we saw many powerful examples of children stepping forward and
serving with their time and giving money during that tragedy.
The media brings us many other examples of serious needs around
the world: victims of war or terrorism; people starving in draughtstricken
or war-torn areas; children dying of AIDS. Children also
see people they admire in the entertainment world reaching out
to help. In this day of heightened awareness, kids are eager to help.
What a fantastic opportunity awaits for kids who are a part of the
Body of Christ! Not only do they see a need, but they can be further
motivated to realize that God wants them to serve others.
Just as God spoke to Jeremiah, God is speaking to the kids in your group:
“Before I made you in your mother’s womb, I knew you. Before you
were born, I set you apart for a special work.” Children can learn
that, like Jeremiah, they were created to do something special.
Encourage them to become involved in service to the Lord.
Challenge them to find their place in the body of Christ and
help motivate them to serve Jesus.
Devotional Thoughts for the week of Sept 18
7 Things Every Kid's Church Leader Should Know
1. Focus on what the kids are getting out of the presentation, not how you present it. In education, there’s an expression that “you haven’t taught until the student has learned.” That principle applies to children’s ministry as well. It’s not about how well you presented the material; it’s about what your kids were able to understand and apply to their lives.
2. Be willing to let the Holy Spirit lead and change plans. He knows your kids better than you do! These materials are provided to give you the best framework for your ministry time, but be flexible enough to take those “divine detours” that the Holy Spirit will use to breathe life and truth into your kids.
3. Look for ways to involve kids in ministry. Encourage their involvement in every aspect of K.I.D.S. Church—after all, it’s their ministry!
4. Expect the Holy Spirit to move. Your faith will never rise higher than your level of expectation. Don’t settle for kids leaving your services unchanged. Ask God for His vision and plan for your children’s ministry. Make room in your service for God to speak to the kids and for ministry to happen.
5. Challenge kids to apply what they learn in their everyday lives. Allow a time for decision at the end of every service, so kids can respond to the lesson in a personal way. Encourage them to tell someone else what they sense God is speaking to them about the lesson. Offer testimony times and incentives for those who have completed Take Home Challenges.
6. Be a living example of a worship-filled life. Be real. Display heartfelt expressions during praise and worship times. When sharing with the kids, use stories from your own life. Keep the details age-appropriate, but don’t sugarcoat them—be willing to be transparent and honest about mistakes or bad attitudes you’ve had and how God changed you. Participate in the activities, games and Take-Home Challenges. Let the kids see you living out what you teach.
7. Have lots of energy! You cannot give what you don’t have. Make your own time with God a priority. Allow Him to fill you up and overflow into the lives of the kids. Regardless of your title (or lack of one), if you minister to children, you are a pastor. Kids will receive more from you than the words you say. Keep your spirit in tune with the Holy Spirit and allow Him to flow through you to change the lives of the children in your ministry.
1. Focus on what the kids are getting out of the presentation, not how you present it. In education, there’s an expression that “you haven’t taught until the student has learned.” That principle applies to children’s ministry as well. It’s not about how well you presented the material; it’s about what your kids were able to understand and apply to their lives.
2. Be willing to let the Holy Spirit lead and change plans. He knows your kids better than you do! These materials are provided to give you the best framework for your ministry time, but be flexible enough to take those “divine detours” that the Holy Spirit will use to breathe life and truth into your kids.
3. Look for ways to involve kids in ministry. Encourage their involvement in every aspect of K.I.D.S. Church—after all, it’s their ministry!
4. Expect the Holy Spirit to move. Your faith will never rise higher than your level of expectation. Don’t settle for kids leaving your services unchanged. Ask God for His vision and plan for your children’s ministry. Make room in your service for God to speak to the kids and for ministry to happen.
5. Challenge kids to apply what they learn in their everyday lives. Allow a time for decision at the end of every service, so kids can respond to the lesson in a personal way. Encourage them to tell someone else what they sense God is speaking to them about the lesson. Offer testimony times and incentives for those who have completed Take Home Challenges.
6. Be a living example of a worship-filled life. Be real. Display heartfelt expressions during praise and worship times. When sharing with the kids, use stories from your own life. Keep the details age-appropriate, but don’t sugarcoat them—be willing to be transparent and honest about mistakes or bad attitudes you’ve had and how God changed you. Participate in the activities, games and Take-Home Challenges. Let the kids see you living out what you teach.
7. Have lots of energy! You cannot give what you don’t have. Make your own time with God a priority. Allow Him to fill you up and overflow into the lives of the kids. Regardless of your title (or lack of one), if you minister to children, you are a pastor. Kids will receive more from you than the words you say. Keep your spirit in tune with the Holy Spirit and allow Him to flow through you to change the lives of the children in your ministry.
Devotional Thoughts for May 22 and 29
Think about your prayer life. Do you find it easier to pray when
you are in a season of blessing? Or when times are good, is your
dependence on God lessened? Do find it easier to pray for the needs
of others because praying for your own needs seems trite in comparison
to the seriousness of others’ situations? Or do you look at
the practice of those “prayer warriors” and think your prayer life
couldn’t possibly match up to their example?
These are just a few of the multitude of factors that can affect
our praying habits. If we look at prayer at its most basic level, it
is an intimate form of relating to God. The example Jesus gives
of sheep knowing the shepherd’s voice gives a clue to developing
a devotional life with God. What does it take for a sheep to know
the shepherd’s voice? Time. The more time we spend in prayer, the
more we will know the Shepherd’s voice.
This pattern was established early in the life of the Samuel. From
God calling him as a child into the prophetic ministry, Samuel is
an example of someone who was prayerfully devoted to God and
His ministry. Samuel prayed for the Hebrew people even when
their requests showed a disbelief in God’s sufficiency. The Israelites
saw the nations around them all had kings and demanded that
Samuel ask God for the same. While Samuel was disappointed, God
told Samuel the people were not against him, but showed a lack of
faith in God Himself. Samuel is a great example for kids who want
to mature in their devotion to God. You can help kids
follow Samuel’s practice and declare:
I will be a praying person.
Devotional Thoughts for May 8 and 15th
Kids know all about devotion—ask them to tell you about theirfavorite entertainment or sports hero. They can probably tell you
all the things that only someone who is devoted to this person, group, or team would know. So if kids understand the concept,how can we encourage an even greater devotion to the One who is worthy of the greatest devotion?Jesus gives a simple example of a farmer planting seeds as an answer to this question. In many parables, Jesus chooses not to reveal their meanings, but in this famous parable of the sower, Jesus tells the disciples they are blessed to hear His explanation. Perhaps the most amazing parallel Jesus draws from this parable is the fate of the good seed—it will produce a crop of up to 100 times what was sown!
You are leading children to be those good seeds—those who have deep roots in the Word of God, filled with the mind of Christ and devoted to His cause. What an amazing blessing to be serving God in this way. What are the multiples of crop-bearing things these kids will do for God? You may not see them right away, but you can be assured God’s Spirit is working in the lives of these kids just as
He is working in your life. This lesson begins a unit of four lessons with a focus of moving toward maturity—beginning with a commitment of devotion: I will stay devoted to God.
There is no other better to receive this than our loving Father.
Jesus didn’t teach to only one person. But He chose select individualsin ever-widening circles. Even among the twelve disciples, Jesus had a special relationship with Peter, James and John—with John holding special affection as the disciple “whom Jesus loved.” While you lead children, look for those who show the greatest potential in being the committed to being the “good seed.”
all the things that only someone who is devoted to this person, group, or team would know. So if kids understand the concept,how can we encourage an even greater devotion to the One who is worthy of the greatest devotion?Jesus gives a simple example of a farmer planting seeds as an answer to this question. In many parables, Jesus chooses not to reveal their meanings, but in this famous parable of the sower, Jesus tells the disciples they are blessed to hear His explanation. Perhaps the most amazing parallel Jesus draws from this parable is the fate of the good seed—it will produce a crop of up to 100 times what was sown!
You are leading children to be those good seeds—those who have deep roots in the Word of God, filled with the mind of Christ and devoted to His cause. What an amazing blessing to be serving God in this way. What are the multiples of crop-bearing things these kids will do for God? You may not see them right away, but you can be assured God’s Spirit is working in the lives of these kids just as
He is working in your life. This lesson begins a unit of four lessons with a focus of moving toward maturity—beginning with a commitment of devotion: I will stay devoted to God.
There is no other better to receive this than our loving Father.
Jesus didn’t teach to only one person. But He chose select individualsin ever-widening circles. Even among the twelve disciples, Jesus had a special relationship with Peter, James and John—with John holding special affection as the disciple “whom Jesus loved.” While you lead children, look for those who show the greatest potential in being the committed to being the “good seed.”
Devotional Thoughts for March 27th and April 3rd
We can agree with a sermon about staying faithful to God and not
giving up when things get hard. However, when we actually face
the tough times, we find that it’s not as easy to live by. Living for
Christ can be a challenge—He even promised us that it wouldn’t
be easy, “God will bless you when people insult you, mistreat you,
and tell all kinds of evil lies about you because of me.” (Matthew
5:11) Does that sound like an easy way to live? But remember the
real victory comes in the end. In the next verse, Jesus goes on to
promise us victory, “Be happy and excited! You will have a great
reward in heaven.” (Matthew 5:12a).
The key is to focus on the end reward instead of the immediate
circumstance. You will have tough times. You will be tempted to
quit the race. But you’ll win if you stick with Jesus. And that’s what
we need to do and set the example for our kids to do—stick with it
and run our race, never giving up.
Joseph’s brothers turned on him and sold him into slavery. Joseph didn’t have an easy life,
but he was rewarded for his faithfulness to God. The reward came
many years later for Joseph. Better still, he returned love instead
of walking in bitterness and unforgivingness. It is an incredible
account of not giving up—no matter what. The God who rescued
Joseph and exalted him is available to you. He
will carry you through tough times. And, not only does he reward
us here on earth, but He’s preparing a place for us in heaven for
our eternal reward.
Kids need to understand that they are not alone when the going
gets tough—they can find support and strength in Jesus Christ!
No matter how tough things might get nothing is too tough for
God. Encourage kids to include God and ask him for help when
they face tough circumstances that make them want to give up.
giving up when things get hard. However, when we actually face
the tough times, we find that it’s not as easy to live by. Living for
Christ can be a challenge—He even promised us that it wouldn’t
be easy, “God will bless you when people insult you, mistreat you,
and tell all kinds of evil lies about you because of me.” (Matthew
5:11) Does that sound like an easy way to live? But remember the
real victory comes in the end. In the next verse, Jesus goes on to
promise us victory, “Be happy and excited! You will have a great
reward in heaven.” (Matthew 5:12a).
The key is to focus on the end reward instead of the immediate
circumstance. You will have tough times. You will be tempted to
quit the race. But you’ll win if you stick with Jesus. And that’s what
we need to do and set the example for our kids to do—stick with it
and run our race, never giving up.
Joseph’s brothers turned on him and sold him into slavery. Joseph didn’t have an easy life,
but he was rewarded for his faithfulness to God. The reward came
many years later for Joseph. Better still, he returned love instead
of walking in bitterness and unforgivingness. It is an incredible
account of not giving up—no matter what. The God who rescued
Joseph and exalted him is available to you. He
will carry you through tough times. And, not only does he reward
us here on earth, but He’s preparing a place for us in heaven for
our eternal reward.
Kids need to understand that they are not alone when the going
gets tough—they can find support and strength in Jesus Christ!
No matter how tough things might get nothing is too tough for
God. Encourage kids to include God and ask him for help when
they face tough circumstances that make them want to give up.
Devotional Thoughts for March 13 and 20th
The Bible teaches us that there is a lot of power in the name of Jesus
and when we call on His name we will have victory. We read about
this victory in God’s Word. We sing about sharing in Jesus’ victory
in our praise and worship and many of us even end our prayers with
“in Jesus’ name.” But has the truth of this victory been woven into
our hearts and the hearts and minds of our children? Do we really
understand the truth that Christ’s victory is our victory?
The famous example of “doubting Thomas” is this week's Bible lesson.
It’s easy to label Thomas for refusing to believe without proof. We
don’t have proof but we do have the testimony of the words we read
in the Bible. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus tells his disciples four
times that he would be raised from death (8:31; 9:9, 31; 10:34). Did
the other disciples believe in Jesus’ resurrection before He actually
appeared to them? The beauty of Thomas’ story is Jesus’ willingness
to give Thomas the opportunity to touch His crucifixion
wounds. But the power of Thomas’ story is his response: “You are
my Lord and my God!” And the hope of Thomas’ story is Jesus
pronouncement of faith: “The people who have faith in me without
seeing me are the ones who are really blessed!”
Our Scripture Memory verse also helps children see that Jesus
has won the victory and that we share in that victory. It’s our desire
that the kids will grow in their understanding of what real victory
is and not just “hear” the lesson. We want them to want to be
active members on the winning team, and be able to say, “Jesus
helps me win in life!”
Going Deeper
One of the best lessons we can teach kids is that they can have
victory over wrong thinking.
Think about what the kids in your group think about most, what they
think about themselves, and what they think about God. Do they
understand that everything starts with a thought and when we
have good, pure, healthy thoughts, based on what the Bible says
about us, we can expect victory in our lives? Do you understand this?
and when we call on His name we will have victory. We read about
this victory in God’s Word. We sing about sharing in Jesus’ victory
in our praise and worship and many of us even end our prayers with
“in Jesus’ name.” But has the truth of this victory been woven into
our hearts and the hearts and minds of our children? Do we really
understand the truth that Christ’s victory is our victory?
The famous example of “doubting Thomas” is this week's Bible lesson.
It’s easy to label Thomas for refusing to believe without proof. We
don’t have proof but we do have the testimony of the words we read
in the Bible. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus tells his disciples four
times that he would be raised from death (8:31; 9:9, 31; 10:34). Did
the other disciples believe in Jesus’ resurrection before He actually
appeared to them? The beauty of Thomas’ story is Jesus’ willingness
to give Thomas the opportunity to touch His crucifixion
wounds. But the power of Thomas’ story is his response: “You are
my Lord and my God!” And the hope of Thomas’ story is Jesus
pronouncement of faith: “The people who have faith in me without
seeing me are the ones who are really blessed!”
Our Scripture Memory verse also helps children see that Jesus
has won the victory and that we share in that victory. It’s our desire
that the kids will grow in their understanding of what real victory
is and not just “hear” the lesson. We want them to want to be
active members on the winning team, and be able to say, “Jesus
helps me win in life!”
Going Deeper
One of the best lessons we can teach kids is that they can have
victory over wrong thinking.
Think about what the kids in your group think about most, what they
think about themselves, and what they think about God. Do they
understand that everything starts with a thought and when we
have good, pure, healthy thoughts, based on what the Bible says
about us, we can expect victory in our lives? Do you understand this?
Devotional Thoughts for the weeks of Feb. 20th and 27th
Think about a high point in your life. It’s great to feel pride in an
accomplishment or celebrate a success. Yet it seems that often
mountaintop experiences are closely followed by one of being in a
dark valley. We can take comfort knowing that God will always
be with us, but especially in the valleys when we need God’s help
and comfort.
God’s mighty prophet, Elijah, went through this same experience.
After defeating 450 false prophets of Baal in a powerful
display of God’s power, Elijah is shaken by Jezebel’s promise to
kill him within a day. Elijah went from victorious prophet to the
low point of wishing for his death. But God made His presence
known to Elijah, providing food and rest for Elijah’s escape route
from Jezebel. After Elijah had regained his strength, God gave him
instructions for continuing his prophetic ministry.
Children also experience the ups and downs of life. Many kids are
forced into adult situations through no fault of their own. Kids
may live in homes with one parent, or absent parents. Some parents
are not involved in their children’s lives in any significant way.
This absence can erode a child’s ability to trust others and even
God. Ask God to help you to help kids know that God will always be
with them. Just as God provided for Elijah, kids (AND YOU TOO) can experience
the promise of God’s presence and provision (Hebrews 13:5).
accomplishment or celebrate a success. Yet it seems that often
mountaintop experiences are closely followed by one of being in a
dark valley. We can take comfort knowing that God will always
be with us, but especially in the valleys when we need God’s help
and comfort.
God’s mighty prophet, Elijah, went through this same experience.
After defeating 450 false prophets of Baal in a powerful
display of God’s power, Elijah is shaken by Jezebel’s promise to
kill him within a day. Elijah went from victorious prophet to the
low point of wishing for his death. But God made His presence
known to Elijah, providing food and rest for Elijah’s escape route
from Jezebel. After Elijah had regained his strength, God gave him
instructions for continuing his prophetic ministry.
Children also experience the ups and downs of life. Many kids are
forced into adult situations through no fault of their own. Kids
may live in homes with one parent, or absent parents. Some parents
are not involved in their children’s lives in any significant way.
This absence can erode a child’s ability to trust others and even
God. Ask God to help you to help kids know that God will always be
with them. Just as God provided for Elijah, kids (AND YOU TOO) can experience
the promise of God’s presence and provision (Hebrews 13:5).
Devotional Thoughts for the week of Jan. 31-Feb.6
When God created the first humans and gave them the Garden
of Eden, His plan was to have intimate fellowship with them. We
don’t know how long Adam and Eve were in the garden before they
sinned, but we do know that God walked in the garden with them.
Even after the couple sinned, God had a plan to restore humans to
the intimacy with God in Eden.
Thousands of years later, Jesus’ death restores spiritual intimacy
with those who believe in Him. Although we all suffer the physical
consequences of sin—death—we are also promised new bodies and
an eternal fellowship with God, where death is finally defeated
(1 Corinthians 15).
This week, take some time to think about the Fall while discovering
the fellowship Godstill desires with His creation. You will see that through Jesus,
intimacy with God is available now, that God enjoys being with His children.
I Challenge you to spend five minutes with God every day. One way
to spend time with God is to spend time in His Word. You aren't just “reading the Bible,” you are spending time
with Jesus! Try reading the red-letter edition of the
Bible and imagine that Jesus is speaking directly to them.
of Eden, His plan was to have intimate fellowship with them. We
don’t know how long Adam and Eve were in the garden before they
sinned, but we do know that God walked in the garden with them.
Even after the couple sinned, God had a plan to restore humans to
the intimacy with God in Eden.
Thousands of years later, Jesus’ death restores spiritual intimacy
with those who believe in Him. Although we all suffer the physical
consequences of sin—death—we are also promised new bodies and
an eternal fellowship with God, where death is finally defeated
(1 Corinthians 15).
This week, take some time to think about the Fall while discovering
the fellowship Godstill desires with His creation. You will see that through Jesus,
intimacy with God is available now, that God enjoys being with His children.
I Challenge you to spend five minutes with God every day. One way
to spend time with God is to spend time in His Word. You aren't just “reading the Bible,” you are spending time
with Jesus! Try reading the red-letter edition of the
Bible and imagine that Jesus is speaking directly to them.
Thoughts for the weeks of Jan. 17-23
Think about the last new thing you bought. Perhaps it was a small
gift for a loved one. Or it might have been something special you’ve
saved up for. Whatever the item, think about the experience of
having something you wanted when it is brand new. New things
look, feel, and hopefully operate perfectly. Now think about some
items that end up in at a garage sale. They are no longer shiny and
new. They may be missing parts or not working anymore. Which
item would you rather have?
It’s pretty easy to see the value in something that is new. If this is
true with material things, how much more so with our own lives!
When Jesus enters your life you are made new—not physically but
even more importantly—spiritually! Perhaps you came to Christ
as a child and are helping other children do the same in your ministry
to them. Or perhaps you’ve made a decision about the Lord
after experiencing life like Jesus describes as a “lost sheep.” The
promise is still the same—everyone who believes in Jesus will be
made new—a spiritual rebirth!
And this is a promise children need to hear! Salvation is not just
about following Jesus, but being made new on the inside. Kids will
see in this lesson that Christ makes a change on the inside that
empowers them to live the Christian life on the outside. Kids will
discover that they can say the Power Point with confidence: I am
made new in Jesus.
gift for a loved one. Or it might have been something special you’ve
saved up for. Whatever the item, think about the experience of
having something you wanted when it is brand new. New things
look, feel, and hopefully operate perfectly. Now think about some
items that end up in at a garage sale. They are no longer shiny and
new. They may be missing parts or not working anymore. Which
item would you rather have?
It’s pretty easy to see the value in something that is new. If this is
true with material things, how much more so with our own lives!
When Jesus enters your life you are made new—not physically but
even more importantly—spiritually! Perhaps you came to Christ
as a child and are helping other children do the same in your ministry
to them. Or perhaps you’ve made a decision about the Lord
after experiencing life like Jesus describes as a “lost sheep.” The
promise is still the same—everyone who believes in Jesus will be
made new—a spiritual rebirth!
And this is a promise children need to hear! Salvation is not just
about following Jesus, but being made new on the inside. Kids will
see in this lesson that Christ makes a change on the inside that
empowers them to live the Christian life on the outside. Kids will
discover that they can say the Power Point with confidence: I am
made new in Jesus.
Thoughts for the week of January 3-6
Think about how you are loved for a moment. When we think about how family or friends love us, there is always room for improvement. When we think about how we love others, our parents, our spouses, or our children, we must admit that our love is flawed by human limitations. Even in the best of circumstances, people are weak in the area of giving and receiving love. It is easy for kids to filter their understanding of the unconditional and perfect love of God through the lens of their relationships with their own fathers, parents, or caregivers.
How can we give kids a true sense of what God’s love is like? One of the most powerful parables of Jesus gives an answer. Jesus tells about an ungrateful son who demands his inheritance from his father (something normally given after a father’s death). This son wastes all he is given, and finally returns a broken man hoping to be hired as a lowly servant. The father not only rejoices over his return, he celebrates with a huge feast. Jesus tells this story to show the character and depth of God’s love.
Although we know that each child has been fearfully and wonderfully made by God, many kids don’t understand that He knew them even before they were born. That is a hard concept to grasp, but through this lesson they will discover God’s unconditional love for them. Many times kids base their self worth on their family background.
Giving kids an understanding that their roots are in Christ will free them from a lot of their insecurities. Our society often bases worth on looks, education, popularity and money. All these have little value in the Kingdom of God. God’s love is the foundation and basis for all of our self-worth and value as His children. It is vital that every child say with confidence and understanding:
You can reinforce God’s love for the children in your care bylooking for ways to praise kids’ accomplishments, and pointing out how God gave them their talents and their abilities
How can we give kids a true sense of what God’s love is like? One of the most powerful parables of Jesus gives an answer. Jesus tells about an ungrateful son who demands his inheritance from his father (something normally given after a father’s death). This son wastes all he is given, and finally returns a broken man hoping to be hired as a lowly servant. The father not only rejoices over his return, he celebrates with a huge feast. Jesus tells this story to show the character and depth of God’s love.
Although we know that each child has been fearfully and wonderfully made by God, many kids don’t understand that He knew them even before they were born. That is a hard concept to grasp, but through this lesson they will discover God’s unconditional love for them. Many times kids base their self worth on their family background.
Giving kids an understanding that their roots are in Christ will free them from a lot of their insecurities. Our society often bases worth on looks, education, popularity and money. All these have little value in the Kingdom of God. God’s love is the foundation and basis for all of our self-worth and value as His children. It is vital that every child say with confidence and understanding:
You can reinforce God’s love for the children in your care bylooking for ways to praise kids’ accomplishments, and pointing out how God gave them their talents and their abilities
Thoughts for week 10
Scientists say that if you took a volleyball and used it as the scale model for a proton, or center of an atom, the electron would actually be spinning several blocks away. Atoms are made up mostly of space. Scientists still don’t agree on what holds the electron in orbit around the proton. Many feel that it is some kind of light force. Wouldn’t it be amazing if we discovered that the presence
of Jesus was in every atom on earth, and without Him, everything would be virtually nothing? That’s the kind of unexplainable power that God has put into His Word.
The Israelites didn’t have to try and find their own way through the dark wilderness. God guided His people at all times: with a cloud by day and fire by night. When the cloud or fire moved, the Israelites were to move. When the cloud or fire stopped, they were to stop. If they had not been guided by the cloud and fire, chances are they all would have died in the desert. With the pillar of fire, the Israelites didn’t have to worry about stepping in a ditch or tripping over a boulder or running into a tree. God’s light helped them to know the right steps to take in order to stay safe. In the same way, God’s Word is always there to help us see what’s going on around us. And even though God’s Word will not always tell you everything you want to know, it will always tell you everything you need to know in order to stay safe. God’s Word truly is a faithful guide, even in the darkest of times.
People are walking around in spiritual darkness. There is dark all around them and they don’t know what they’re going to step in next. But those of us who have chosen to follow God’s Word and allow it to light our path can show those who are stumbling in the darkness of their lives. Looking to God as we help others is a worthy goal for believers (See Galatians 6:1).
of Jesus was in every atom on earth, and without Him, everything would be virtually nothing? That’s the kind of unexplainable power that God has put into His Word.
The Israelites didn’t have to try and find their own way through the dark wilderness. God guided His people at all times: with a cloud by day and fire by night. When the cloud or fire moved, the Israelites were to move. When the cloud or fire stopped, they were to stop. If they had not been guided by the cloud and fire, chances are they all would have died in the desert. With the pillar of fire, the Israelites didn’t have to worry about stepping in a ditch or tripping over a boulder or running into a tree. God’s light helped them to know the right steps to take in order to stay safe. In the same way, God’s Word is always there to help us see what’s going on around us. And even though God’s Word will not always tell you everything you want to know, it will always tell you everything you need to know in order to stay safe. God’s Word truly is a faithful guide, even in the darkest of times.
People are walking around in spiritual darkness. There is dark all around them and they don’t know what they’re going to step in next. But those of us who have chosen to follow God’s Word and allow it to light our path can show those who are stumbling in the darkness of their lives. Looking to God as we help others is a worthy goal for believers (See Galatians 6:1).
Thoughts for week 9
Perfectly Weak
by Francis Frangipane
According to the Scriptures, Moses was "educated in all the learning of the Egyptians." Indeed, as a prince in Egypt, Moses had grown to be a "man of power in words and deeds" (Acts 7:22). Thus, it is hard to equate this eloquent and cultured man with the stammering shepherd who, at 80 years old, was overwhelmed with his inadequacies, so much so that he pleaded with God to choose someone else.
Consider: The Lord took a self-assured world leader and reduced his opinion of himself until he possessed no confidence. And it was in this state of mind that God decided to use him. Having been thoroughly convinced of his unfitness for leadership, Moses was now qualified to lead.
Remarkably, the Lord would ultimately reveal Himself to Moses (and all Israel as well) as Jehovah-Rapha: "I am the Lord that healeth thee." Yes, God is our healer, yet there are times when God's hands wound before they heal. Indeed, He must cripple our self-confidence before we truly become God-confident. He breaks and drains us of pride so that we, who were once full of self, might instead be filled with God.
The Lord called Moses to return to Egypt as His spokesman. In response Moses pleaded, "Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither recently nor in time past, nor since You have spoken to Your servant; for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue" (Ex. 4:10).
Never been eloquent? What about Egypt? "Moses the Eloquent" has become "Moses the Stammerer." The identity of a sophisticated leader, a prince who knew the highest tiers of Egyptian culture, no longer functions in Moses. God has so humbled His servant that he cannot even remember his days of powerful words and mighty deeds. Moses has only one memory of Egypt: failure.
For Moses, the very mention of the word Egypt floods his mind with weakness; Moses fears returning to the place of his humiliation, especially as a leader. Yet, God has not called him to be a leader, but a servant. And, to be a servant, one need not be eloquent, but obedient.
It Was God's Idea
Moses is sure his particular weakness, stammering, will disqualify him. How can a man who cannot speak clearly speak for God? Yet, not only is the Lord unhindered by human weakness, He asks, "Who has made man's mouth? Or who makes him mute or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord?" (Ex. 4:11). Amazingly, the Lord not only accommodates Moses' condition, He takes credit for it!
It is a profound thought: God stripped Moses of his worldly place and training, burdened him with a heavy and slow tongue, and then commanded him to serve Him in this specific area of weakness: speaking!
The Lord could have instantly healed Moses! He could have given him oratorical skills greater than what he possessed in Egypt, but He did nothing to cure Moses. In fact, the slow speech is God's idea!
Perhaps we have spent too much time blaming the devil for certain limitations that actually have their origins in God. Yet, what truly matters with the Almighty is not the eloquence of our words, but His power to fulfill them. It's a fitting combination: stammering words backed up with immutable power. "I...will be with your mouth" (Ex. 4:12). This is the alliance that makes for victory.
Why is the Lord so attracted to the lowly? He knows the weaker His servant, the more genuinely he will praise God for the work He accomplishes.
So the Lord kept Moses weak, and He maintained His servant’s sense of dependancy throughout the wilderness sojourning. Forget Charlton Heston’s portrayal of Moses with perfect articulation, there is no record of God having healed Moses’ stammer. Standing before the regalia of Pharaoh's court, Moses spoke with the same stammering tongue that began to afflict him in his old age. Later, at the Red Sea, when the horses and chariots of Pharaoh's army cornered the fleeing Hebrews, Moses lifted his voice and, with struggling lips, proclaimed, "Sta-sta-stand st-still a-a-and see th-the s-s-salvation of the L-L-Lord!"
Who would not be tempted to plead, "Hurry Lord; heal his stutter!" Yet, the Red Sea parted. God was never troubled by His servant's flawed oratory skills.
This is the glory of the cross: self is crucified so that Christ may be revealed in power.
The fact is, the Lord deliberately seeks those who know their flaws. Paul testifies that "God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong. . .the things that are not, that He might nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God" (1 Cor. 1:27-29).
"That no man may boast before God." May the revelation of God liberate us from human vanity. The truth of God is this: Our weaknesses are an asset. God has chosen us, not because of our strength, but because we are weak. I am not talking about our sinfulness, but that our weaknesses and lack of pedigree do not disqualify us from being used by God.
I am not saying we shouldn’t seek God to heal our weaknesses, let us pray and believe Him! But let us also not excuse ourselves from God's calling because of our weakness. You see, before the Almighty, we each are nothing, and we can do nothing of lasting value apart from Him. It is in our lowliness that God's glory rises to its greatest heights.
Perhaps your last place of service to the Lord seemed to be a complete failure. Yet, it is possible that the Lord has simply been making you perfectly weak, that He might manifest Himself perfectly strong within you
by Francis Frangipane
According to the Scriptures, Moses was "educated in all the learning of the Egyptians." Indeed, as a prince in Egypt, Moses had grown to be a "man of power in words and deeds" (Acts 7:22). Thus, it is hard to equate this eloquent and cultured man with the stammering shepherd who, at 80 years old, was overwhelmed with his inadequacies, so much so that he pleaded with God to choose someone else.
Consider: The Lord took a self-assured world leader and reduced his opinion of himself until he possessed no confidence. And it was in this state of mind that God decided to use him. Having been thoroughly convinced of his unfitness for leadership, Moses was now qualified to lead.
Remarkably, the Lord would ultimately reveal Himself to Moses (and all Israel as well) as Jehovah-Rapha: "I am the Lord that healeth thee." Yes, God is our healer, yet there are times when God's hands wound before they heal. Indeed, He must cripple our self-confidence before we truly become God-confident. He breaks and drains us of pride so that we, who were once full of self, might instead be filled with God.
The Lord called Moses to return to Egypt as His spokesman. In response Moses pleaded, "Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither recently nor in time past, nor since You have spoken to Your servant; for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue" (Ex. 4:10).
Never been eloquent? What about Egypt? "Moses the Eloquent" has become "Moses the Stammerer." The identity of a sophisticated leader, a prince who knew the highest tiers of Egyptian culture, no longer functions in Moses. God has so humbled His servant that he cannot even remember his days of powerful words and mighty deeds. Moses has only one memory of Egypt: failure.
For Moses, the very mention of the word Egypt floods his mind with weakness; Moses fears returning to the place of his humiliation, especially as a leader. Yet, God has not called him to be a leader, but a servant. And, to be a servant, one need not be eloquent, but obedient.
It Was God's Idea
Moses is sure his particular weakness, stammering, will disqualify him. How can a man who cannot speak clearly speak for God? Yet, not only is the Lord unhindered by human weakness, He asks, "Who has made man's mouth? Or who makes him mute or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord?" (Ex. 4:11). Amazingly, the Lord not only accommodates Moses' condition, He takes credit for it!
It is a profound thought: God stripped Moses of his worldly place and training, burdened him with a heavy and slow tongue, and then commanded him to serve Him in this specific area of weakness: speaking!
The Lord could have instantly healed Moses! He could have given him oratorical skills greater than what he possessed in Egypt, but He did nothing to cure Moses. In fact, the slow speech is God's idea!
Perhaps we have spent too much time blaming the devil for certain limitations that actually have their origins in God. Yet, what truly matters with the Almighty is not the eloquence of our words, but His power to fulfill them. It's a fitting combination: stammering words backed up with immutable power. "I...will be with your mouth" (Ex. 4:12). This is the alliance that makes for victory.
Why is the Lord so attracted to the lowly? He knows the weaker His servant, the more genuinely he will praise God for the work He accomplishes.
So the Lord kept Moses weak, and He maintained His servant’s sense of dependancy throughout the wilderness sojourning. Forget Charlton Heston’s portrayal of Moses with perfect articulation, there is no record of God having healed Moses’ stammer. Standing before the regalia of Pharaoh's court, Moses spoke with the same stammering tongue that began to afflict him in his old age. Later, at the Red Sea, when the horses and chariots of Pharaoh's army cornered the fleeing Hebrews, Moses lifted his voice and, with struggling lips, proclaimed, "Sta-sta-stand st-still a-a-and see th-the s-s-salvation of the L-L-Lord!"
Who would not be tempted to plead, "Hurry Lord; heal his stutter!" Yet, the Red Sea parted. God was never troubled by His servant's flawed oratory skills.
This is the glory of the cross: self is crucified so that Christ may be revealed in power.
The fact is, the Lord deliberately seeks those who know their flaws. Paul testifies that "God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong. . .the things that are not, that He might nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God" (1 Cor. 1:27-29).
"That no man may boast before God." May the revelation of God liberate us from human vanity. The truth of God is this: Our weaknesses are an asset. God has chosen us, not because of our strength, but because we are weak. I am not talking about our sinfulness, but that our weaknesses and lack of pedigree do not disqualify us from being used by God.
I am not saying we shouldn’t seek God to heal our weaknesses, let us pray and believe Him! But let us also not excuse ourselves from God's calling because of our weakness. You see, before the Almighty, we each are nothing, and we can do nothing of lasting value apart from Him. It is in our lowliness that God's glory rises to its greatest heights.
Perhaps your last place of service to the Lord seemed to be a complete failure. Yet, it is possible that the Lord has simply been making you perfectly weak, that He might manifest Himself perfectly strong within you
Thoughts for week 8
Can you imagine approaching a hostile and powerful leader and demanding that he "let God’s people go"? This leader didn’t even believe in God! Poor Moses. Think about it. Could you say "No" to God? Take a good look at your Bible. Remember when you pick up your Bible it is God who is speaking to you. Just as God spoke powerfully to Moses and outlined His plan to save His people, we have God’s Word to speak powerfully to us today! 2 Timothy 3:16 says, "Everything in the Scriptures is God’s Word . . . ." When we read our Bibles, God is speaking to us. His Word has everything we need to live out our lives for God’s purposes. Life today can be pretty scary for children. Sometimes kids aren’t so sure they can do all the things that God has asked them to do in His Word. But just as He did with Moses, our awesome God lets us know that He will be with us and guide us in knowing Him and following His Word.
God’s Word is described as "alive and active!" (Hebrews 4:12). We learn about God in His conversation with Moses. Notice how God not only told Moses His name was "I Am," but God instructed Moses to tell the people that this is the name people must use from that point forward. God chose to reveal Himself fully in Jesus, but years before, God chose to call Himself "I Am."
God’s Word is described as "alive and active!" (Hebrews 4:12). We learn about God in His conversation with Moses. Notice how God not only told Moses His name was "I Am," but God instructed Moses to tell the people that this is the name people must use from that point forward. God chose to reveal Himself fully in Jesus, but years before, God chose to call Himself "I Am."
Thoughts for week 7
Respect & Discipline (Respecting God's House) by Rev. Gary R. Linn
google_protectAndRun("ads_core.google_render_ad", google_handleError, google_render_ad); Whether it’s email support through the website, or questions asked at conferences, a good percentage of people always have questions that focus on discipline and classroom behavior. In fact, at most every Children’s Ministry or Christian Education conference, convention, or seminar you will find workshops focusing on discipline. Common questions often associated with poor behavior include: Are the Children’s Pastors or teachers prepared? Are there medical factors to consider? Is the curriculum just too boring compared to the multitude of input these kids receive during the rest of the week? Is there a lack of discipline at home? Though there is evidence to prove these factors do contribute to poor behavior, I believe there is a fundamental weakness that plays a much greater roll. Let’s consider this: the lack of respect for God’s House that stems from the lack of relationship with God. Follow me on this thought for a moment. In order to truly love, appreciate, and respect God’s House and all that takes place there, a child must first have a love relationship with God. This has to be more than the usual going through the motions of bowing a head during prayer, or singing action and praise songs, or even achieving a perfect score in the Bible quiz competitions.
Let’s consider Jacob for a moment. Do you remember when Jacob had the dream of the stairway reaching into Heaven? Okay, so you may not be that old, but surely you remember reading or hearing the account. When it was over, Jacob named the place Bethel. Bethel means ‘House of God.’ Something changed in Jacob’s life. He was beginning his deep relationship with God. But let’s skip a few years and focus on the record of Genesis 35. God spoke to Jacob and told him to return to Bethel. That was where God had appeared to him. You’ll notice in verse 7 that Jacob returned, built an altar, and then called the place El Bethel. El Bethel means ‘God of the House of God.’ Do you see the difference? Jacob wasn’t just returning to the House of God, he was returning to the God of the House of God.
So, what does this have to do with discipline? We run our attendance campaigns. We offer the best in Sunday School and Children’s Church programs. We hand out prizes and gifts. We use state of the art equipment. We do this and more to get kids to come to the House of God. But many times, that’s as far as they get. They only come to the house! Week after week they enjoy the fun, the games, the fellowship of friends, but do they ever really meet with the God of the House of God while they are there? If you want to see a change in their hearts, lives, and behavior, then lead them into His presence! As they begin and then develop this wonderful relationship with God Himself, it will not be so difficult to keep their attention focused on spiritual truths. Why? Because that will be what their hearts are longing for. They will have a desire to learn more about God and draw closer to Him--a desire that is birthed out of the love relationship they have with Him. Subsequently, you will see the results of this relationship show through their actions and attitudes in God’s house.
© by Rev. Gary R. Linn
Children’s Ministry Today
[email protected] google_protectAndRun("ads_core.google_render_ad", google_handleError, google_render_ad); Web www.childrensministry.org
google_protectAndRun("ads_core.google_render_ad", google_handleError, google_render_ad);
google_protectAndRun("ads_core.google_render_ad", google_handleError, google_render_ad); Whether it’s email support through the website, or questions asked at conferences, a good percentage of people always have questions that focus on discipline and classroom behavior. In fact, at most every Children’s Ministry or Christian Education conference, convention, or seminar you will find workshops focusing on discipline. Common questions often associated with poor behavior include: Are the Children’s Pastors or teachers prepared? Are there medical factors to consider? Is the curriculum just too boring compared to the multitude of input these kids receive during the rest of the week? Is there a lack of discipline at home? Though there is evidence to prove these factors do contribute to poor behavior, I believe there is a fundamental weakness that plays a much greater roll. Let’s consider this: the lack of respect for God’s House that stems from the lack of relationship with God. Follow me on this thought for a moment. In order to truly love, appreciate, and respect God’s House and all that takes place there, a child must first have a love relationship with God. This has to be more than the usual going through the motions of bowing a head during prayer, or singing action and praise songs, or even achieving a perfect score in the Bible quiz competitions.
Let’s consider Jacob for a moment. Do you remember when Jacob had the dream of the stairway reaching into Heaven? Okay, so you may not be that old, but surely you remember reading or hearing the account. When it was over, Jacob named the place Bethel. Bethel means ‘House of God.’ Something changed in Jacob’s life. He was beginning his deep relationship with God. But let’s skip a few years and focus on the record of Genesis 35. God spoke to Jacob and told him to return to Bethel. That was where God had appeared to him. You’ll notice in verse 7 that Jacob returned, built an altar, and then called the place El Bethel. El Bethel means ‘God of the House of God.’ Do you see the difference? Jacob wasn’t just returning to the House of God, he was returning to the God of the House of God.
So, what does this have to do with discipline? We run our attendance campaigns. We offer the best in Sunday School and Children’s Church programs. We hand out prizes and gifts. We use state of the art equipment. We do this and more to get kids to come to the House of God. But many times, that’s as far as they get. They only come to the house! Week after week they enjoy the fun, the games, the fellowship of friends, but do they ever really meet with the God of the House of God while they are there? If you want to see a change in their hearts, lives, and behavior, then lead them into His presence! As they begin and then develop this wonderful relationship with God Himself, it will not be so difficult to keep their attention focused on spiritual truths. Why? Because that will be what their hearts are longing for. They will have a desire to learn more about God and draw closer to Him--a desire that is birthed out of the love relationship they have with Him. Subsequently, you will see the results of this relationship show through their actions and attitudes in God’s house.
© by Rev. Gary R. Linn
Children’s Ministry Today
[email protected] google_protectAndRun("ads_core.google_render_ad", google_handleError, google_render_ad); Web www.childrensministry.org
google_protectAndRun("ads_core.google_render_ad", google_handleError, google_render_ad);
Archives of past devotional thoughts
© 2006 Gospel Light. Permission to photocopy granted. Relating to God: Leader’s Manual
THOUGHTS FOR WEEK 6
Have you ever wondered just what the voice of God sounds like? Usually in recordings of the Bible or in movies God often has a
deep booming voice. For some reason, we identify with this portrayal. Do the words become any less important if they are read
by an average male adult? Is it easier to respect the sound of the words rather than the message the words bring?
Moses’ actions paint a different picture. When he notices a bush on fire that doesn’t burn up, he chooses to investigate the strange
sight.
Before Moses can get any closer, a voice calls out to him. When Moses was told to remove his sandals by the voice of God,
he not only obeyed, but he was afraid to look at God (or the flames containing God’s voice). Moses showed a deep respect for voice of God speaking to him. We have the benefit of reading these words between God and Moses in the book of Exodus. But then we must answer a question. Do we read this story with the same reverence and respect Moses showed to God? In our hectic lifesytles it is all too easy to quickly read a few Bible passages, say a quick prayer, and be off into the busyiness of our lives? As you prepare for this lesson, take some time to approach God’s Word with the same respect Moses showed to God. As you model that respect for God’s Word, children will learn from your example and learn to approach God with reverence and His Word with the respect our holy God deserves.
When asked his source of wisdom, Solomon wrote in Proverbs 9:10 "Respect and obey the Lord!" The Hebrew word used for respect here is yir’ah, and it means an exceedingly dreadful reverence. That’s where we start—with an exceedingly dreadful reverence for God. When someone for whom you have that kind of respect speaks, you listen!
THOUGHTS FOR WEEK 6
Have you ever wondered just what the voice of God sounds like? Usually in recordings of the Bible or in movies God often has a
deep booming voice. For some reason, we identify with this portrayal. Do the words become any less important if they are read
by an average male adult? Is it easier to respect the sound of the words rather than the message the words bring?
Moses’ actions paint a different picture. When he notices a bush on fire that doesn’t burn up, he chooses to investigate the strange
sight.
Before Moses can get any closer, a voice calls out to him. When Moses was told to remove his sandals by the voice of God,
he not only obeyed, but he was afraid to look at God (or the flames containing God’s voice). Moses showed a deep respect for voice of God speaking to him. We have the benefit of reading these words between God and Moses in the book of Exodus. But then we must answer a question. Do we read this story with the same reverence and respect Moses showed to God? In our hectic lifesytles it is all too easy to quickly read a few Bible passages, say a quick prayer, and be off into the busyiness of our lives? As you prepare for this lesson, take some time to approach God’s Word with the same respect Moses showed to God. As you model that respect for God’s Word, children will learn from your example and learn to approach God with reverence and His Word with the respect our holy God deserves.
When asked his source of wisdom, Solomon wrote in Proverbs 9:10 "Respect and obey the Lord!" The Hebrew word used for respect here is yir’ah, and it means an exceedingly dreadful reverence. That’s where we start—with an exceedingly dreadful reverence for God. When someone for whom you have that kind of respect speaks, you listen!
Thought for Week 5
When Jesus taught us to pray for protection from the devil, He
knew that we would face daily temptation and sin. Children face
daily temptation and sin, too. And, we can teach them that they
can be confident in Jesus’ promise to help them, just as we are. In
fact, as adults we may have become hesitant to pray with the confidence
that optimistic children often display.
David was a man after God’s heart. Even when he was young, he
eagerly volunteered to fight the Philistine giant, Goliath. David
knew his strength came from God. He was sure God could use even
a physically disadvantaged young man to defeat this nine-foot tall
giant! Calling on the name of God, David used a well-aimed stone
to kill the giant.
This famous story shows us the power of God over His enemies.
The enemy we have faced throughout history and continue to face
today is Satan. But Paul gives a powerful picture of how we can use
the Word and prayer to gain advantage against this spiritual enemy
by putting on the “full armor of God,” (Ephesians 6:13-18). We too can boldly use prayer to overcome the
temptation and sin we face.
Going Deeper
One of the most powerful ways you can pray is to simply speak out
Scripture from the Bible. We open the door to the power of God
when we confess Scriptures and promises that apply to whatever
we are praying for. Take time to look up what the Bible has to
say about whatever it is you are praying for in your life. You will
find scriptures that you will be able to speak out as you pray for
particular situations. God’s Word is full of personal promises and
spiritual laws that we can claim as we pray powerfully over situations
and issues we face in life.
knew that we would face daily temptation and sin. Children face
daily temptation and sin, too. And, we can teach them that they
can be confident in Jesus’ promise to help them, just as we are. In
fact, as adults we may have become hesitant to pray with the confidence
that optimistic children often display.
David was a man after God’s heart. Even when he was young, he
eagerly volunteered to fight the Philistine giant, Goliath. David
knew his strength came from God. He was sure God could use even
a physically disadvantaged young man to defeat this nine-foot tall
giant! Calling on the name of God, David used a well-aimed stone
to kill the giant.
This famous story shows us the power of God over His enemies.
The enemy we have faced throughout history and continue to face
today is Satan. But Paul gives a powerful picture of how we can use
the Word and prayer to gain advantage against this spiritual enemy
by putting on the “full armor of God,” (Ephesians 6:13-18). We too can boldly use prayer to overcome the
temptation and sin we face.
Going Deeper
One of the most powerful ways you can pray is to simply speak out
Scripture from the Bible. We open the door to the power of God
when we confess Scriptures and promises that apply to whatever
we are praying for. Take time to look up what the Bible has to
say about whatever it is you are praying for in your life. You will
find scriptures that you will be able to speak out as you pray for
particular situations. God’s Word is full of personal promises and
spiritual laws that we can claim as we pray powerfully over situations
and issues we face in life.
Thoughts on Lesson 4
What does the term "forgiving living" mean? Forgiving living happens
when you are so overwhelmingly grateful for the forgiveness
Jesus has shown you that you want to extend that forgiveness to
those around you. This is sometimes hard to do. News reports daily
broadcast sins committed by a broken humanity. The root cause of
sin is often the inability to forgive.
Jesus asked His Father to forgive those who crucified Him (which
includes you, me and all humankind past, present, and future--
Romans 3:23). Because of what Jesus did for us on the cross, we
can ask for forgiveness and receive it—it’s free! But how can we
wear Christ’s name if we don’t see forgiving others as an ongoing
part of our lives?
David provided an example of this in his difficult relationship with
Saul. As Saul hunted David to kill him, David was deeply concerned
about harming God’s chosen king—twice sparing Saul’s life. Use
this lesson to help children see the beauty of a life lived by forgiving
others. Instill in them a confidence in God’s forgiveness, and
encourage them to offer prayers asking God to help them forgive
others. As they learn to live a lifestyle of forgiving living, they will
become examples to the adults around them.
Going Deeper
One of the reasons we don’t forgive others is because we allow the
words and actions of others to offend us. . People will do or
say things that might offend you, but you don’t have to let it stick
to you.
when you are so overwhelmingly grateful for the forgiveness
Jesus has shown you that you want to extend that forgiveness to
those around you. This is sometimes hard to do. News reports daily
broadcast sins committed by a broken humanity. The root cause of
sin is often the inability to forgive.
Jesus asked His Father to forgive those who crucified Him (which
includes you, me and all humankind past, present, and future--
Romans 3:23). Because of what Jesus did for us on the cross, we
can ask for forgiveness and receive it—it’s free! But how can we
wear Christ’s name if we don’t see forgiving others as an ongoing
part of our lives?
David provided an example of this in his difficult relationship with
Saul. As Saul hunted David to kill him, David was deeply concerned
about harming God’s chosen king—twice sparing Saul’s life. Use
this lesson to help children see the beauty of a life lived by forgiving
others. Instill in them a confidence in God’s forgiveness, and
encourage them to offer prayers asking God to help them forgive
others. As they learn to live a lifestyle of forgiving living, they will
become examples to the adults around them.
Going Deeper
One of the reasons we don’t forgive others is because we allow the
words and actions of others to offend us. . People will do or
say things that might offend you, but you don’t have to let it stick
to you.
This Week's Devotional - Lesson 2
Listening is not something that we do naturally. Think of the patience it requires to listen to your child, or even your spouse.Is it any wonder that we are often uncomfortable when it comes to listening to God? If we are talking we can’t be listening and--
if we are honest with ourselves—we would rather talk than listen. Now think about your prayer life. Is it easy for you to pray, but
hard for you to listen to God? We can receive encouragement from the prophet Samuel. Prophets were known for proclaiming God’s message—often an unpopular one—to God’s people and to the nations. But before Samuel became a mighty prophet, he was a boy who heard God’s voice calling to him at night. Samuel’s simple response, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening," is often what we need to say. If we need to hear this simple message as adults, think how much more our children need to be taught how to listen to God. Just as Samuel was obedient when he heard God’s voice, our children can also learn to listen to and obey God’s voice. Use this lesson to help kids see how hearing God’s voice is an important part of prayerful obedience.
Going Deeper
One of the ways we can strengthen ourselves to obey God is by fasting. This week challenge the kids (and yourself) to give up something they really enjoy for a day or two. It could be some type of favorite food or specific activity. Focus the time that would
have been spent on eating, or the activity, and instead concentrate on God by praying, reading the Bible or journaling. Take time
during the following week’s lesson to discuss what they learned by focusing on God instead of themselves.
if we are honest with ourselves—we would rather talk than listen. Now think about your prayer life. Is it easy for you to pray, but
hard for you to listen to God? We can receive encouragement from the prophet Samuel. Prophets were known for proclaiming God’s message—often an unpopular one—to God’s people and to the nations. But before Samuel became a mighty prophet, he was a boy who heard God’s voice calling to him at night. Samuel’s simple response, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening," is often what we need to say. If we need to hear this simple message as adults, think how much more our children need to be taught how to listen to God. Just as Samuel was obedient when he heard God’s voice, our children can also learn to listen to and obey God’s voice. Use this lesson to help kids see how hearing God’s voice is an important part of prayerful obedience.
Going Deeper
One of the ways we can strengthen ourselves to obey God is by fasting. This week challenge the kids (and yourself) to give up something they really enjoy for a day or two. It could be some type of favorite food or specific activity. Focus the time that would
have been spent on eating, or the activity, and instead concentrate on God by praying, reading the Bible or journaling. Take time
during the following week’s lesson to discuss what they learned by focusing on God instead of themselves.
Thoughts on Lesson 3
Lesson Overview
God wants to take care of us, but not only us! He wants to care for
those around us, too. He wants to meet our needs every day! Prayer
is the way we can make our needs and the needs of others known
to Him. We can trust Him to answer accordingly, knowing that
He has the best answer for all of us. We may be the only link that
someone else has to God!
What is Jesus doing in heaven? He is interceding, praying for
people all over the earth. He wants us to join in, to pray for others
with him! The Bible says that God watches from heaven to see who
is talking to Him. He listens to see if He can hear anyone praying
to him. And He loves it when we show that we care about others
and pray for them too!
It is interesting to note that Samuel responded to God when he
was a child, and as a result was faithful in praying to Him all of his
life on behalf of the Israelites. Our children may be the greatest
untapped prayer resource in the church today. Use this lesson to
help your kids personalize the "I" in today’s Power Point: I can
pray for God to meet the needs of others.
Going Deeper
This week as you spend some personal time talking to God, ask
Him to lead you to someone who has a need that you can pray for,
and maybe even help to meet. Consider sharing your story with the
kids during next week’s welcome time as a "hands on" review of
this weeks lesson.
God wants to take care of us, but not only us! He wants to care for
those around us, too. He wants to meet our needs every day! Prayer
is the way we can make our needs and the needs of others known
to Him. We can trust Him to answer accordingly, knowing that
He has the best answer for all of us. We may be the only link that
someone else has to God!
What is Jesus doing in heaven? He is interceding, praying for
people all over the earth. He wants us to join in, to pray for others
with him! The Bible says that God watches from heaven to see who
is talking to Him. He listens to see if He can hear anyone praying
to him. And He loves it when we show that we care about others
and pray for them too!
It is interesting to note that Samuel responded to God when he
was a child, and as a result was faithful in praying to Him all of his
life on behalf of the Israelites. Our children may be the greatest
untapped prayer resource in the church today. Use this lesson to
help your kids personalize the "I" in today’s Power Point: I can
pray for God to meet the needs of others.
Going Deeper
This week as you spend some personal time talking to God, ask
Him to lead you to someone who has a need that you can pray for,
and maybe even help to meet. Consider sharing your story with the
kids during next week’s welcome time as a "hands on" review of
this weeks lesson.