Conversation Starters: Distinct in My Reactions
Posted by Karah
THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: We can’t stop the interruptions or demands other people make, but how we react to them is totally in our hands. Jesus is concerned about our reactions. The ways we react in these situations will—or won’t—show us to be distinctly Christian. Jesus calls us to a standard that is consistent, honest, and grace-filled.
Concept: Distinct in My Reactions
Preschool
Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25
LIFE POINT: Jesus and His helpers sailed in the boat to the other side of the lake. Jesus laid down in the boat to rest. He fell asleep. A storm began. Wind and waves rocked the boat back and forth. Water came over the sides and into the boat. Jesus’ helpers were afraid. They woke up Jesus. Jesus stood in the boat and told the wind to stop blowing and the waves to be still. Then the wind stopped and the water became calm again. Jesus asked His helpers why they were afraid. Jesus wanted them to know that He would take care of them. Jesus’ helpers were surprised by what they saw. Jesus stopped the storm! Now they knew that Jesus was special.
LIVE IT OUT: Read today’s Bible story to your child. Ask who needed help and who helped them? Remind your child that he can ask Jesus for help. Discuss some times when your child might need help.
Kids
Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25
LIFE POINT: One evening, Jesus said to the disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” They got into the boat and set sail. Jesus went to sleep in the back of the boat. During the trip, a terrible storm came up. The wind blew hard. Waves broke over the boat and filled it with water. The men were
afraid that the boat would soon sink. The disciples woke Jesus. Jesus got up. He spoke to the wind and the waves. “Silence! Be still!” Jesus said. And immediately, the wind stopped. The sea was calm. Everything was quiet. Jesus turned to His disciples. “Why were you afraid? Where is your faith?” The disciples were frightened by Jesus’ power. The asked each other, “Who is this man? Even the wind and water obey Him!”
LIVE IT OUT: Sometimes trusting God is hard. Explain to your child that God wants us to grow
throughout hardships. Talk about a time your child may have had a difficult time trusting God. Talk
about ways God could use that time to help her grow.
Students
Matthew 5:33-42
THE POINT: Choose grace and integrity when others are demanding. What was the last thing you felt
totally prepared for? Why are we often quick to make promises we’re not certain we can keep?
Discuss the following quote:
“I am convinced that life is 10 percent what happens to me and 90 percent of how I react to it…”1 —Charles R. Swindoll
LIVE IT OUT: Encourage your student to do one or both Live It Out activities. Here are some suggested ways to help your student:
If he or she plans to complete Check the Tape:
• Discuss the importance of keeping Christ the priority of your life.
• Ask the following question: how can we make sure that our family keeps our focus on Christ, not on our
schedules or activities?
If he or she plans to do It’s Time:
• Participate with your student in a challenge to share the gospel in three ways this week.
• Pray for each other that you would have the opportunity and boldness to share.
1. “Charles R. Swindoll > Quotes,” Goodreads [online], [accessed 11 June 2015]. Available from the
Internet: www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/5139.Charles_R_Swindoll
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