Today, like many families, we celebrated the 4th of July. Having the 4th fall on a Sunday, this year, was such a blessing. In many worship services, pastors reminded us of how fortunate we are to live in a country that allows us to pray to God without fear of retribution. Like many others, I believe, I found myself thinking about how God entrusts us to sow seeds of faith in the lives of others. Throughout the day, I found myself taking stock of how I could best use the spiritual gifts that God has entrusted me with to reach others.
The summer months seem to fly by, as we are sometimes pulled in many directions and wear many hats. Even though work, vacations, entertaining house guests and other distractions can easily us pull us away from our time with God, we know that it's essential to always include Bible study and devotional time in our daily lives.
Continue to be observant and obedient to service assignments that Christ provides for you. Don't overlook opportunities to help other children learn more about Christ. Perhaps, you will be tutoring or involved in VBS. Sometimes, unexpectedly, God may place a child or children in your path, and you see the possibilities for sowing seeds. Use the free resources in this blog, to plan lessons which may serve to foster an interest in Jesus.
See First Things First
Summer Solstice - A Time for Pruning
The Metamorphosis of the Butterfly
Object Lessons in Faith
The Prodigal Son - Lessons Learned
Fall Forward in Faith
Some Biblical Expressions of Faith
Recently, I spoke with a parent about using a collection of Bible stories, written for second through fourth grade students, as part of the reading comprehension curriculum. This parent was delighted that her daughter would be learning more about Jesus, David and other principal figures and stories found within the Bible.
Encourage all children to memorize scripture, as well. Please see Teachers' Tips, Tools, & Topics for some excellent Bible scripture memorization tips.
Have a blessed summer!!
Showing posts with label VBS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label VBS. Show all posts
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Holding on with Faith When You are Approaching the Edge
I just received a marvelous blessing today. About one month ago, a bombshell was dropped into my lap, but the way I reacted was surprising. Instead of struggling and wishing that circumstances would turn out the way I had hoped, I put this very serious situation in God's hands. I have trusted that God would make the situation right for all parties involved. It's very hard to let go and let God. However, when we do, we see the fruit from placing our trust in Him.
For an entire month, I had to wait to see just what the outcome would be. It has been a very difficult month. However, with God's help, we survived it.
During this month, our family went through two other family emergencies. Throughout both emergencies, God's grace was clearly evident. He placed some very compassionate people in our path who generously offered their prayers and help. And, I never took any of these people for granted. Their prayers, help and wisdom were very much appreciated.
However, it wasn't until today, that I received my answer about the situation that has prevailed for four long weeks. After finally speaking to the other party involved in this situation, I could clearly see God's handiwork. At last, I can finally really breathe a sigh of relief!!
God sometimes really takes us right up to the edge. Tonight, as I was composing this blog entry, I was reminded of how our faith is tested. Several weeks ago, Dr. Bill Creasy, presented a lesson about Abraham's faith. See Logos Bible Study for more information about this gifted Bible teacher.
Dr. Creasy spoke about how God appeared to Abraham seven times. Finally, in Genesis 22:1 we see that Abraham's faith was tested.
See Genesis 22:12
12 "Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son."
See http://www.biblegateway.com
God took Abraham right up to the edge, before releasing him from sacrificing Isaac. Naturally, Dr. Creasy delved deeper into the theological implications of Abraham's relationship with God. I will continue this thread, and Dr. Creasy's comments will be expounded more fully in my next blog entry. In the meantime, please visit Abraham Believes God
to download an integrated Bible story and art activity designed for young children.
Have a beautiful Sunday!
For an entire month, I had to wait to see just what the outcome would be. It has been a very difficult month. However, with God's help, we survived it.
During this month, our family went through two other family emergencies. Throughout both emergencies, God's grace was clearly evident. He placed some very compassionate people in our path who generously offered their prayers and help. And, I never took any of these people for granted. Their prayers, help and wisdom were very much appreciated.
However, it wasn't until today, that I received my answer about the situation that has prevailed for four long weeks. After finally speaking to the other party involved in this situation, I could clearly see God's handiwork. At last, I can finally really breathe a sigh of relief!!
God sometimes really takes us right up to the edge. Tonight, as I was composing this blog entry, I was reminded of how our faith is tested. Several weeks ago, Dr. Bill Creasy, presented a lesson about Abraham's faith. See Logos Bible Study for more information about this gifted Bible teacher.
Dr. Creasy spoke about how God appeared to Abraham seven times. Finally, in Genesis 22:1 we see that Abraham's faith was tested.
See Genesis 22:12
12 "Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son."
See http://www.biblegateway.com
God took Abraham right up to the edge, before releasing him from sacrificing Isaac. Naturally, Dr. Creasy delved deeper into the theological implications of Abraham's relationship with God. I will continue this thread, and Dr. Creasy's comments will be expounded more fully in my next blog entry. In the meantime, please visit Abraham Believes God
to download an integrated Bible story and art activity designed for young children.
Have a beautiful Sunday!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Summer Solstice - A New Season
Summer Solstice - A New Season
A Time for More Pruning?
The sun is playing peek-a-boo this morning. On this first day of summer, the sun can’t decide whether or not it wants to usher in the warmth of summer, or remain in the two week stretch of what we, in Southern California, refer to as June gloom. Seriously, though, as Christians, we need to make transitions as well. And, sometimes these changes are difficult to make. While we are at a crossroads, we sometimes find ourselves resisting the change. We become indecisive or simply unwilling to step out in faith. As a result, our spiritual growth and depth of understanding remain stunted.
From time to time, we may struggle with the discipline and pruning that interferes with our relationship with Christ. Deep inside, we hunger for a deeper relationship with Christ and to be used as fruit bearing Christians. At times, we may backslide and become somewhat visually impaired. For some reason, we are simply unable to see the full picture. Or, we may be unwilling to let go, and allow God to redirect us. Each of us takes a different path of disobedience, so, naturally, every journey is personal and unique to the circumstances surrounding it.
Recently, I read Secrets of the Vine by Bruce Wilkinson, the New York Times bestselling author. Wilkinson thoughtfully takes the reader on the journey of the four levels of "fruit bearing." After reading Wilkinson’s book, I understood how God was using different situations in my life to strengthen my walk with Jesus.
As Christians, we may have read John 15 many times and been moved by the contents. Yet, we may have not really seen some of the analogies or thoroughly understood how this passage directly relates to our spiritual growth.
We know as Christians that we were created to bear fruit. See John:15:2
http://www.biblegateway.com He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.
http://www.biblegateway.com(Cross reference Matthew 21)
Throughout this book, Wilkinson uses examples to help us conceptualize and appreciate the language used in John 15. My favorite example is one which demonstrates how God’s discipline is similar to methods a loving parent might use. Wilkinson reminds us of how a parent’s disapproving look directed toward a child may be all that is needed for the child to cease misbehaving.
God, too, gently tries to use subtle means to help us see how we are creating distance in our walk with Him. If we are spiritually aware, we may stop in our tracks and see the mistakes that we are making. However, if we have distanced our relationship from Him by allowing worry and preoccupation with situations that we can’t currently change to become the focus of our thinking, we may fail to see the signs and continue down a path that will only bring sorrow, sickness and destruction.
Wilkinson uses Hebrews 12 to illustrate just some of the degrees of intervention that God uses. As I read Hebrews 12, I was reminded of some things in my life that require more attention. It’s so easy to focus on other things and be drawn away from the purpose for which Christ created us. However, we continually need to shift our attention back on Him.
Just as the vine needs the branches to bear fruit, we need to live consistently with God’s plan for us, in order to bear fruit for Christ.
On page 50, Wilkinson devotes a section to what stops Christians from cleaning up their act and then expounds on the joy Christians will feel when they make the changes and are once again living in sync with Christ.
Some people reading this book may reach page 50 and feel that God is not disciplining them; yet, they still feel alienated from God and can’t understand why. Don’t become discouraged. Just read the next chapter in this book, and you too, will be in for a real treat.
Enter pruning.....
Let’s revisit John 15: 2
Every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
See http://www.biblegateway.com
Again, Wilkinson uses an analogy to drive this point home. He compares the skills applied by an expert pruner with the pruning done by our Father. Just as the pruner removes dead or dying growth so that the sunlight can stream through to the fruit-bearing branches, our Heavenly Father seeks to remove the deleterious debris from our lives so that He can effectively use us to bear more fruit.
Is something missing from your walk with Jesus? Are you bearing any fruit? Do you wish to bear more fruit? If so, I encourage you to purchase a copy of Secrets of The Vine or borrow a copy from your library. I found page 66 to be particularly helpful in allowing me to discern whether I was in a season of disciplining or pruning. (Some of us can be undergoing disciplining and pruning concurrently.)
As a parent or teacher, you are in a position to help the children and teens in your life learn more about John 15. Bruce Wilkinson has also authored The Secrets of the The Vine for Kids. Although I haven't read it, the book has received excellent reviews and should be on your lists of books to borrow from the library.
Use the information found at the following links to also help you with your lesson planning:
John 15 Activity - PreK - Grade One
Final Preparations for the Disciples - Middle - High School
Living in this World Without Jesus Outline - Middle - High School
How to Draw a Grape - Elementary
Object Lesson - Sweet grapes or Sour grapes? - Elementary
I am the Vine Art Craft - Elementary
Botany Apples and Oranges Extension Exercise - (Growth Cycles) - PreK - High School
Again, I encourage to obtain a copy of The Secrets of The Vine. I hope that this book will be the blessing for you that it has been for me.
If you are wondering how this blog came to be, visit
Introduction
A Time for More Pruning?
The sun is playing peek-a-boo this morning. On this first day of summer, the sun can’t decide whether or not it wants to usher in the warmth of summer, or remain in the two week stretch of what we, in Southern California, refer to as June gloom. Seriously, though, as Christians, we need to make transitions as well. And, sometimes these changes are difficult to make. While we are at a crossroads, we sometimes find ourselves resisting the change. We become indecisive or simply unwilling to step out in faith. As a result, our spiritual growth and depth of understanding remain stunted.
From time to time, we may struggle with the discipline and pruning that interferes with our relationship with Christ. Deep inside, we hunger for a deeper relationship with Christ and to be used as fruit bearing Christians. At times, we may backslide and become somewhat visually impaired. For some reason, we are simply unable to see the full picture. Or, we may be unwilling to let go, and allow God to redirect us. Each of us takes a different path of disobedience, so, naturally, every journey is personal and unique to the circumstances surrounding it.
Recently, I read Secrets of the Vine by Bruce Wilkinson, the New York Times bestselling author. Wilkinson thoughtfully takes the reader on the journey of the four levels of "fruit bearing." After reading Wilkinson’s book, I understood how God was using different situations in my life to strengthen my walk with Jesus.
As Christians, we may have read John 15 many times and been moved by the contents. Yet, we may have not really seen some of the analogies or thoroughly understood how this passage directly relates to our spiritual growth.
We know as Christians that we were created to bear fruit. See John:15:2
http://www.biblegateway.com He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.
http://www.biblegateway.com(Cross reference Matthew 21)
Throughout this book, Wilkinson uses examples to help us conceptualize and appreciate the language used in John 15. My favorite example is one which demonstrates how God’s discipline is similar to methods a loving parent might use. Wilkinson reminds us of how a parent’s disapproving look directed toward a child may be all that is needed for the child to cease misbehaving.
God, too, gently tries to use subtle means to help us see how we are creating distance in our walk with Him. If we are spiritually aware, we may stop in our tracks and see the mistakes that we are making. However, if we have distanced our relationship from Him by allowing worry and preoccupation with situations that we can’t currently change to become the focus of our thinking, we may fail to see the signs and continue down a path that will only bring sorrow, sickness and destruction.
Wilkinson uses Hebrews 12 to illustrate just some of the degrees of intervention that God uses. As I read Hebrews 12, I was reminded of some things in my life that require more attention. It’s so easy to focus on other things and be drawn away from the purpose for which Christ created us. However, we continually need to shift our attention back on Him.
Just as the vine needs the branches to bear fruit, we need to live consistently with God’s plan for us, in order to bear fruit for Christ.
On page 50, Wilkinson devotes a section to what stops Christians from cleaning up their act and then expounds on the joy Christians will feel when they make the changes and are once again living in sync with Christ.
Some people reading this book may reach page 50 and feel that God is not disciplining them; yet, they still feel alienated from God and can’t understand why. Don’t become discouraged. Just read the next chapter in this book, and you too, will be in for a real treat.
Enter pruning.....
Let’s revisit John 15: 2
Every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
See http://www.biblegateway.com
Again, Wilkinson uses an analogy to drive this point home. He compares the skills applied by an expert pruner with the pruning done by our Father. Just as the pruner removes dead or dying growth so that the sunlight can stream through to the fruit-bearing branches, our Heavenly Father seeks to remove the deleterious debris from our lives so that He can effectively use us to bear more fruit.
Is something missing from your walk with Jesus? Are you bearing any fruit? Do you wish to bear more fruit? If so, I encourage you to purchase a copy of Secrets of The Vine or borrow a copy from your library. I found page 66 to be particularly helpful in allowing me to discern whether I was in a season of disciplining or pruning. (Some of us can be undergoing disciplining and pruning concurrently.)
As a parent or teacher, you are in a position to help the children and teens in your life learn more about John 15. Bruce Wilkinson has also authored The Secrets of the The Vine for Kids. Although I haven't read it, the book has received excellent reviews and should be on your lists of books to borrow from the library.
Use the information found at the following links to also help you with your lesson planning:
John 15 Activity - PreK - Grade One
Final Preparations for the Disciples - Middle - High School
Living in this World Without Jesus Outline - Middle - High School
How to Draw a Grape - Elementary
Object Lesson - Sweet grapes or Sour grapes? - Elementary
I am the Vine Art Craft - Elementary
Botany Apples and Oranges Extension Exercise - (Growth Cycles) - PreK - High School
Again, I encourage to obtain a copy of The Secrets of The Vine. I hope that this book will be the blessing for you that it has been for me.
If you are wondering how this blog came to be, visit
Introduction
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Faith Forward
Throughout modern history, much discussion by theologians has centered on the Book of Hebrews. The author of Hebrews and the audience for whom it was intended remain unknown. This epistle may have been intended for a mixed audience. A segment of Bible scholars has surmised that perhaps some of the recipients, reading the epistle, were "on the fence" about their beliefs. Others believe that early Christians, possibly those living in Rome, received this letter. Undoubtedly, the information contained throughout this epistle provided early Christians with the solid foundation and reinforcement they would need to carry on their work for the kingdom. To read a variety of opinions on this matter, visit Google.com and type in keyword phrase "Book of Hebrews audience".
In this epistle, early Christians are admonished not to revert back to their former beliefs and lifestyle, reminded of their responsibility to live under the New Covenant and given examples of the persecution others before them had suffered for their faith, to name a few. In fact, faith is such an important topic, it is mentioned 27 times in Hebrews 11. See biblegateway.com
Faith in Christ is also clearly defined in this chapter.
Hebrews 11
1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. See biblegateway.com
As Christians, we shouldn't expect any evidence. In fact, our faith in Jesus is strengthened by exercising a continual walk with God in the absence of any concrete proof. Yet, at certain pivotal periods in our lives, when we least expect it, God can shower us with unexpected blessings.
As Christians, we need to be on guard for anything that can interfere with our walk with God. Sorrow, persecution and many other forms and expressions of negativity are placed in a Christian's path. In the book of Hebrews, we read exhortations of how to effectively deal with these obstacles.
See biblegateway.com
Hebrews 2:1 "So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it."
and
Hebrews 12:1-2: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
For me, this blog is proving to be a real blessing. I have enjoyed journaling, especially, using Beth Moore's books as a guide. However, writing new entries for this blog is adding a new dimension to my walk with God. Through this medium, I am learning more about the power of faith in my life. I can also more clearly see how God is using faith in the lives of those around me, and I am learning, too, from their experiences.
A series of lessons about some of the people mentioned in Hebrews Chapter 11 will work well for your summer lesson planning. Upper elementary, middle and high school students might enjoy a writing adventure involving two of the individuals mentioned in this chapter. For example, by comparing and contrasting how Jacob and Moses responded in faith to a series of difficult challenges, your son or daughter will delve more deeply in the Word for the information needed to write the paper.
Below, are a few links where you will find lessons, lessons plans, handouts, crafts and other resources to help students from PreK - High School learn more about Jacob and Moses.
Crafts for the Study of Jacob
Crafts for the Study of Moses
Old Testament Crafts for Children
Bible stories, lessons and craffts for the study of Jacob
Bible stories, lessons and crafts for the study of Moses
Turning Points: Confession and Reconcillation: A Bible Study of Jacob
Turning Ponts:Moses, Failture and Ever After
Bible Stories for Secondary and Post Secondary - Jacob
Bible Stories for Secondary and Post Secondary - Moses
Bible.org - Jacob
Bible.org - Moses
As Christians, we don't know what tomorrow holds, but we do know who does. Therefore, we can go forward in faith.
In this epistle, early Christians are admonished not to revert back to their former beliefs and lifestyle, reminded of their responsibility to live under the New Covenant and given examples of the persecution others before them had suffered for their faith, to name a few. In fact, faith is such an important topic, it is mentioned 27 times in Hebrews 11. See biblegateway.com
Faith in Christ is also clearly defined in this chapter.
Hebrews 11
1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. See biblegateway.com
As Christians, we shouldn't expect any evidence. In fact, our faith in Jesus is strengthened by exercising a continual walk with God in the absence of any concrete proof. Yet, at certain pivotal periods in our lives, when we least expect it, God can shower us with unexpected blessings.
As Christians, we need to be on guard for anything that can interfere with our walk with God. Sorrow, persecution and many other forms and expressions of negativity are placed in a Christian's path. In the book of Hebrews, we read exhortations of how to effectively deal with these obstacles.
See biblegateway.com
Hebrews 2:1 "So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it."
and
Hebrews 12:1-2: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
For me, this blog is proving to be a real blessing. I have enjoyed journaling, especially, using Beth Moore's books as a guide. However, writing new entries for this blog is adding a new dimension to my walk with God. Through this medium, I am learning more about the power of faith in my life. I can also more clearly see how God is using faith in the lives of those around me, and I am learning, too, from their experiences.
A series of lessons about some of the people mentioned in Hebrews Chapter 11 will work well for your summer lesson planning. Upper elementary, middle and high school students might enjoy a writing adventure involving two of the individuals mentioned in this chapter. For example, by comparing and contrasting how Jacob and Moses responded in faith to a series of difficult challenges, your son or daughter will delve more deeply in the Word for the information needed to write the paper.
Below, are a few links where you will find lessons, lessons plans, handouts, crafts and other resources to help students from PreK - High School learn more about Jacob and Moses.
Crafts for the Study of Jacob
Crafts for the Study of Moses
Old Testament Crafts for Children
Bible stories, lessons and craffts for the study of Jacob
Bible stories, lessons and crafts for the study of Moses
Turning Points: Confession and Reconcillation: A Bible Study of Jacob
Turning Ponts:Moses, Failture and Ever After
Bible Stories for Secondary and Post Secondary - Jacob
Bible Stories for Secondary and Post Secondary - Moses
Bible.org - Jacob
Bible.org - Moses
As Christians, we don't know what tomorrow holds, but we do know who does. Therefore, we can go forward in faith.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Object Lessons in Faith
Faith is believing in something that we can't see. As Christian believers we have never seen the face of God, yet we know that he exists.
As we approach summer, many demands are placed upon our time. You may be in the midst of assembling your faith based lesson plans for your children and searching for some lessons that infuse faith with science, social stuies, math etc. I recently discovered some well organized, integrated Christian lesson planning blogs to assist you with your quest.
Visit the link below http://objectlessons.blogspot.com/
to access the following material:
1. Creation. http://www.ms-creation.blogspot.com/
2. Christmas. http://www.ms-christmas.blogspot.com/
3. Easter. http://www.ms-easter.blogspot.com/
4. The Bible. http://www.ms-bible.blogspot.com/
5. Prayer. http://www.ms-prayer.blogspot.com/
6. Hearing from God. http://www.ms-hearing.blogspot.com/
7. The Ten Commandments. http://www.ms-tencommandments.blogspot.com/
8. John 3.16. http://www.ms-john316.blogspot.com/
9. Teaching Memory verses. http://www.ms-memoryverses.blogspot.com/
10. Gospel Illusions. http://www.ms-gospelillusions.blogspot.com/
11. Object Lessons (using natural laws). http://www.ms-objectlessons.blogspot.com/
As we approach summer, many demands are placed upon our time. You may be in the midst of assembling your faith based lesson plans for your children and searching for some lessons that infuse faith with science, social stuies, math etc. I recently discovered some well organized, integrated Christian lesson planning blogs to assist you with your quest.
Visit the link below http://objectlessons.blogspot.com/
to access the following material:
1. Creation. http://www.ms-creation.blogspot.com/
2. Christmas. http://www.ms-christmas.blogspot.com/
3. Easter. http://www.ms-easter.blogspot.com/
4. The Bible. http://www.ms-bible.blogspot.com/
5. Prayer. http://www.ms-prayer.blogspot.com/
6. Hearing from God. http://www.ms-hearing.blogspot.com/
7. The Ten Commandments. http://www.ms-tencommandments.blogspot.com/
8. John 3.16. http://www.ms-john316.blogspot.com/
9. Teaching Memory verses. http://www.ms-memoryverses.blogspot.com/
10. Gospel Illusions. http://www.ms-gospelillusions.blogspot.com/
11. Object Lessons (using natural laws). http://www.ms-objectlessons.blogspot.com/
Friday, May 22, 2009
Some Biblical Expressions of Faith
Faith
References to “faith” in the New Testament of the Bible come from the Greek word pistis. Some "faith” references in the Old Testament include the Hebrew words Aman, Mibtah, Hasah, Galal, Mahseh and Batah. These words for “faith” are used interchangeably with “trust”.
Let’s look at Mary, the mother of Jesus, for a moment. Mary's life, up until Gabriel's visit, exemplified her trust and submission to God. However, imagine how Mary must have felt when she heard the news that she would be the mother of the Son of God. She must have felt overwhelmed to say the least. Yet, we see in the first chapter of Luke that Mary clearly expressed her faith and belief that she was part of God's plan. Although Mary may have felt confused, she set her feelings aside and continued to trust God.
Take a minute or two to read Luke 1:26-56. If you don’t have a Bible handy, visit Biblegateway.com and read the Bible text online. At the end of this text we see Mary’s final response.
“I am the servant of God,” said Mary. “Let everything happen just as you have said.”
This statement alone, from Luke 1:26, truly demonstrates the degree of faith that Mary possessed.
Likewise, David, with an armor of faith, confronted Goliath in a way that stunned onlookers. As you will recall, David challenged Goliath, the powerful Philistine giant. Because Goliath was confidant that he couldn’t be defeated, he issued an invitation to the ranks of Israel. He asserted that if any of these men could defeat him, the Philistines would be servants to the Israelites. However, if Goliath were the victor, the Israelites would submit themselves and be servants of the Philistines. The standoff ensued for a time. Finally, David, the young shepherd, left his flock to bring food to his brothers who were serving in the army.
David was there to observe the unfolding events; however, it wasn't long before he became proactive. David was rebuked by his oldest brother and warned by Saul that he should not confront Goliath. However, David was livid with the manner in which this giant was treating the soldiers of the living God.
Indeed, David's lips overflowed with faith as he spoke to Goliath, and as we know, he hit Goliath in the head with a stone from his sling, and Goliath was ultimately killed. Read
1 Samuel 17 (New International Version) Again, you can easily view the text online by visiting http://www.biblegateway.com
An army of men, trembling with fear, couldn’t do what this young, inexperienced boy did. By reading this chapter in its entirety, we see David’s faith in action.
Children and teens respond to these Biblical faith based models. In subsequent posts, I hope to spend more time discussing faith that was demonstrated by specific men and women of the Bible.
Below, are some websites you may want to visit for David and Goliath lesson plans. Tuck these links away for future reference. Some of the information may be applicable for independent study, VBS, Sunday School, etc.
David and Goliath
Lessons for Kids
and
Lessons for Teens and Adults
Discussion Questions About Mary
(Save this link and use next year with lesson plans involving Mother’s Day)
Children’s Sunday School - (Gabriel Visits Mary)
Excellent Discussion Questions
References to “faith” in the New Testament of the Bible come from the Greek word pistis. Some "faith” references in the Old Testament include the Hebrew words Aman, Mibtah, Hasah, Galal, Mahseh and Batah. These words for “faith” are used interchangeably with “trust”.
Let’s look at Mary, the mother of Jesus, for a moment. Mary's life, up until Gabriel's visit, exemplified her trust and submission to God. However, imagine how Mary must have felt when she heard the news that she would be the mother of the Son of God. She must have felt overwhelmed to say the least. Yet, we see in the first chapter of Luke that Mary clearly expressed her faith and belief that she was part of God's plan. Although Mary may have felt confused, she set her feelings aside and continued to trust God.
Take a minute or two to read Luke 1:26-56. If you don’t have a Bible handy, visit Biblegateway.com and read the Bible text online. At the end of this text we see Mary’s final response.
“I am the servant of God,” said Mary. “Let everything happen just as you have said.”
This statement alone, from Luke 1:26, truly demonstrates the degree of faith that Mary possessed.
Likewise, David, with an armor of faith, confronted Goliath in a way that stunned onlookers. As you will recall, David challenged Goliath, the powerful Philistine giant. Because Goliath was confidant that he couldn’t be defeated, he issued an invitation to the ranks of Israel. He asserted that if any of these men could defeat him, the Philistines would be servants to the Israelites. However, if Goliath were the victor, the Israelites would submit themselves and be servants of the Philistines. The standoff ensued for a time. Finally, David, the young shepherd, left his flock to bring food to his brothers who were serving in the army.
David was there to observe the unfolding events; however, it wasn't long before he became proactive. David was rebuked by his oldest brother and warned by Saul that he should not confront Goliath. However, David was livid with the manner in which this giant was treating the soldiers of the living God.
Indeed, David's lips overflowed with faith as he spoke to Goliath, and as we know, he hit Goliath in the head with a stone from his sling, and Goliath was ultimately killed. Read
1 Samuel 17 (New International Version) Again, you can easily view the text online by visiting http://www.biblegateway.com
An army of men, trembling with fear, couldn’t do what this young, inexperienced boy did. By reading this chapter in its entirety, we see David’s faith in action.
Children and teens respond to these Biblical faith based models. In subsequent posts, I hope to spend more time discussing faith that was demonstrated by specific men and women of the Bible.
Below, are some websites you may want to visit for David and Goliath lesson plans. Tuck these links away for future reference. Some of the information may be applicable for independent study, VBS, Sunday School, etc.
David and Goliath
Lessons for Kids
and
Lessons for Teens and Adults
Discussion Questions About Mary
(Save this link and use next year with lesson plans involving Mother’s Day)
Children’s Sunday School - (Gabriel Visits Mary)
Excellent Discussion Questions
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