MONTHLY ARCHIVES: July 2014

Conversation Starters: Fight Opposition

Posted by Karah

ffce55c8-1a7c-4341-8b65-935111c694caTHE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: Failure is painful. It’s that moment when things don’t go quite the way we had hoped. We all fall short. We all make mistakes. We all sin. So then the question isn’t if we’re going to fail, but what happens when we do? Those who follow Christ can rest in the fact that He restores them every time they fail.

Concept: Fight Opposition

Preschool

John 18:15-1, 25-27; 21:15-19

LIFE POINT: Peter was close to Jesus. He learned so much from Jesus. He followed Him everywhere. One night, Jesus was taken for questioning. Peter waited outside. A servant girl saw him and asked, “Are you one of Jesus’ disciples?” Peter was afraid and answered, “I am not.” Peter began to warm himself by a fire. Someone asked, “Are you one of Jesus’ disciples?” Peter said, “I am not.” One of the high priest’s slaves asked, “Didn’t I see you with Him in the garden?” Again Peter said, “No.” Later Jesus cooked breakfast for His disciples. Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him. Peter answered yes each time. Jesus replied, “Then care for My people.”

LIVE IT OUT: Talk about what it means to make a mistake or “mess up.” Help your child understand that if she makes a wrong choice, she can ask someone to forgive her. Pray as a family.

Kids

John 18:15-18, 25-27; 15-19

LIFE POINT: Peter and another disciple followed the soldiers who had taken Jesus. They waited to find out what would happen. Three people asked Peter if he was one of Jesus’ disciples. Each time, Peter said, “No!” After Jesus rose from the dead, He met with Peter by the sea. Three times He asked Peter: “Do you love me?” Each time, Peter said, “Yes! You know I do!” Each time, Jesus told Peter to take care of His sheep. Finally, Jesus said to Peter: “Follow Me.” Peter had made wrong choices, but Jesus still wanted Peter to be His follower!

LIVE IT OUT: As a family, talk about the ways each member has messed up at times. Pray together, thanking God that He forgives us.

Students

John 18:15-18, 25-27; 21:15-19

THE POINT: Jesus restores us when we fail. Discuss some failures you have had with your student. How can you deal with failure better as a parent? Have a conversation around this quote:

“Hope is passion for what is possible.”1 —Søren Kierkegaard

LIVE IT OUT: Your student has been encouraged to do one or both Live It Out activities. If your student chooses to do Honest Evaluation:

• Encourage your student as he or she selects a verse about hope to reflect on this week.

• Choose a verse that reminds you of the hope you have in the midst of failure.

If your student chooses to do Serve Others:

• Give your student ideas of ways to serve others in your family this week.

• Pray that your student will be an example to others in serving.

1. “Hope Quotes,” Hope Faith Prayer, [cited 19 July 2013]. Available from the Internet: hopefaithprayer.com.


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Conversation Starters: Go

Posted by Karah

6cba4054-77a4-4cd2-839b-16d68768615eTHE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: When hope takes a foothold in our lives, it affects our actions, our words, our attitudes, and even our emotions. As you have received hope, offer it to others as much as possible, in as many ways as possible. To share the message of the gospel is to embark in the only calling worthy of our lives. It’s a calling of hope.

Preschool

Acts 3:1-10, 16

LIFE POINT: One day Peter and John were walking in the temple. They saw a man who could not walk. The man asked them for help. Peter and John said, “Look at us.” Peter continued, “I do not have money, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus, get up and walk.” Peter took the man’s hand, and the man stood up. His feet became strong. He stood and walked into the temple with Peter and John. He was leaping and praising God. The people recognized the man. They were amazed. Peter and John said, “We did not make this man walk. He walks by the power of Jesus.”

LIVE IT OUT: As a family, make up a song about praising God. Use a familiar tune.

Kids

Acts 3:1- 4:21

LIFE POINT: Peter and John were on their way to the temple to pray. They saw a man being carried to the temple because he could not walk. Each day, the man begged for money at the temple door. When Peter and John passed by the man, he called out to them, asking for money. I do not have money,” Peter said, “but I do have something for you. In the name of Jesus, get up, and walk!” Peter helped the man stand up. The man was so happy that he started jumping and praising God. A crowd gathered around the apostles and the man. The people listened as Peter told them about Jesus.

LIVE IT OUT: Let each family member prepare three sticky notes that say “Jesus loves you.” Ask the family members to hide the notes during the week in places where another family member will find them and be reminded of this truth.

Students

Acts 3:1-10

THE POINT: Share your hope in Christ.

• Tell your student about a time when you shared the gospel.

• Discuss how you came to know Christ. Have a conversation around this quote:

 “The gospel of Jesus Christ is the last great hope for this world.”1 —Ronnie Floyd

LIVE IT OUT: Your student has been encouraged to do one or both Live It Out activities. If your student chooses to do Focus on a Friend:

• Ask your student if he or she needs help determining who to pray for.

• Pray with your student for the people he or she chose.

If your student chooses to do Bite-Size Testimony:

• Help your student with his or her testimony as needed.

• With his or her permission, share your student’s testimony through social media

1. Ronnie Floyd, Our Last Great Hope (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2011) , 9.


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Conversation Starters: Encouraging Words

Posted by Karah

c644836a-0f23-4c5e-95b7-dc472319d33fThe Bible Meets Life: We all face the pressure of using our words to criticize, gossip, or
verbally assault others. Words spoken carelessly, unwisely, hastily, and destructively can affect every aspect of our lives. As we follow Jesus, He will empower us to use our words in a positive way.

Preschool

Mark 10:13-16

LIFE POINT: Jesus loves children. Why was Jesus angry with His disciples? Why did Jesus think children were special? What did He tell His disciples about children?

LIVE IT OUT: Sing the song “Jesus Loves the Little Children” or “Jesus Loves Me” with your preschooler. Remind her that Jesus loves her and all children.

Kids

Mark 10:13-16

LIFE POINT: Reflect God’s love by speaking to everyone with kindness. Why did Jesus get angry with His disciples? How can you use Jesus’ example to speak kindly to everyone?

LIVE IT OUT: Give your child a box of inexpensive breath mints. Tell him that this week when he is tempted to use unkind words, to use a breath mint to remind him to use his words wisely.

Students

James 3:1-18

THE POINT: Our words should reflect our relationship with Christ. How can we do a better job of communicating as a family? How can we encourage each other with words this week? Have a conversation around this quote:

“Kind words do not cost much…yet they accomplish much.”1 —Blaise Pascal

LIVE IT OUT: Your student has been encouraged to do one or both Live It Out. Here are some suggested ways to help your student:

If she plans to complete Say It:
• Encourage your student to choose someone she can
encourage this week.
• Encourage your student this week with positive words.
If she plans to do Whatever:
• Ask your student if she would like you to help her
complete the activity.
• Ask your student how you can pray for her regarding how she talks to and about others.

1. John Mason, You Can Do It (Grand Rapids, MI: Revell, 2003), 55.


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Conversation Starters: Working for God

Posted by Karah

DSC_0064-001THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: We’ve all had a leader or boss we loved and respected, but we’ve also had at least one we struggled with. Maybe it was their leadership style or their method of motivation. How do you respond to those leaders? In the sixth chapter of Ephesians, God tells us how to handle situations like this. The truth is, as a Christian, everything you do should be done as if it is for the Lord.

Preschool

Genesis 6:9- 8:19

THE POINT: Noah loved God. One day God spoke to him and said, “I will send a flood to cover all of the earth. Build an ark of wood. Make it with three levels of rooms. Cover the ark with pitch inside and out.” Noah obeyed God and built the ark. God said, “Bring two of every animal and bird onto the ark. Take every kind of food for your family and for the animals.” Noah, his family, and the animals entered the ark. God shut the door. The rain began to fall. The ark floated on the water. Noah, his family, and the animals were safe. It rained until the water covered the mountains. Finally the waters went down. The ark rested on a mountain. When the earth was dry, Noah and his family and the animals came out of the ark.

LIVE IT OUT: Play a game of “Simon Says” giving simple instructions. Discuss how Noah listened and followed God’s instructions. Help your child know that God gives us instructions through the Bible and that we need to be obedient to Him.

Kids

Genesis 6:5 -9:17

THE POINT: God told Noah to build an ark. He told Noah how tall and long and wide to make the ark. Noah built the ark just as God said. Noah worked hard. He built the ark. He loaded food for the animals and his family onto the ark. Then God sent rain. The rain lasted for 40 days and 40 nights. Because Noah had done his work, his family and the animals were safe on the ark. When he left the ark, Noah worshiped God.

LIVE IT OUT: Lead your child to assist another family member with or complete a special task. Help her understand the importance of the task and see how the work is valuable to your family.

Students

THE POINT: How we work reflects our attitude toward Christ. Have a discussion with your student about how you deal with frustrating issues at work. Have a conversation around this quote:

“The will of God for your life is simply that you submit yourself to Him each day and say, ‘Father, Your will for today is mine. Your pleasure for today is mine. Your work for today is mine. I trust You to be God. You lead me today and I will follow.’ ”1 —Kay Arthur

LIVE IT OUT: Your student has been encouraged to do one or both Live It Out activities in the Personal Study Guide.

• Ask your student if there is a way you can help him or her with a daily prayer and Bible reading strategy.

• Give your student examples of what has worked for you when it comes to having a daily plan for prayer.

• Encourage your student this week by pointing out something he or she does well or that you’re proud of.

• Help your student determine who to encourage.

 

1. Kay Arthur, His Imprint, My Expression, (Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 1996), 24.


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God in Your Home

Posted by Karah

DSC_0569THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: One of the clearest messages in the Bible is that God is our Father, but to some, that does not sound like good news. Our experience with our dad shapes how we see God as Father. Jesus told a story that can change our idea of what a father should be. God as Father gives us the hope of a second chance.

Preschool

Luke 15:11-32

THE POINT: Jesus often used stories to teach about God’s love. He told a parable about a father and two sons. Jesus said, “A man had two grown sons. The younger son said, ‘Give me my share of the family money.’ Soon the son had spent all of his money. He had no food. Finally a man gave him work feeding pigs. The son thought about eating the pigs’ food. He thought about his father’s house where there was food to eat. He decided to go home. The son was far from the house when his father saw him. The father ran to hug and kiss him. The son said, ‘Father, I have done wrong. I do not deserve to be your son.’ But the father threw a big celebration to welcome him home.”

LIVE IT OUT: As a family, review sign language for “God loves me” (one finger pointing up to God/arms crossing chest/pointing to self). During the week, when two family members see each other for any reason, see who can remember first to sign “God loves me!”

Kids

Luke 15:11-32

THE POINT: Jesus often told stories to teach people. One day he told this story: “Father, give me my share of the family money,” the younger son said. He took the money and moved away. He spent his money foolishly. Soon he had nothing, not even food, so he took a job feeding pigs. He was so hungry that he wanted to eat the pigs’ food. Finally, he decided to go home and ask his father to let him work as a servant. When the father saw his son, he ran to hug him. The father said, “Put the best robe, a ring, and sandals on him! Let’s celebrate! My son has come home!” The older son was jealous that his brother was welcomed back with a party. The father encouraged the older brother to be happy.

LIVE IT OUT: As a family, talk about the meaning of the word forgiveness. Talk about times when each person has needed to forgive someone.

Students

Luke 15:11-32

THE POINT: God welcomes us because of His love for us. Tell your student about someone you trust to be there for you. Ask your student how you can better be there for them. Have a conversation around this quote:

If you have been reduced to God being your only hope, You are in a good place.”1 —Jim Laffoon

LIVE IT OUT: Your student has been encouraged to do one or both Live It Out activities. If your student chooses to do Come Home:

• Ask your student if there is a specific area you can be praying for in his or her life.

• Pray this week that your student will be able to surrender every area of life to Christ. If your student chooses to do Reach Out:

• Ask your student if there is any way you can help him or her reach out to someone who needs to return to God.

• Encourage your student as he or she seeks to reach out to someone for the sake of the gospel.

1. “Quotes Collection,” Fuel for Faith, [cited July 19, 2013].


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