Faithful till the End

SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 19:23-30

The story of the rich young ruler is very popular but Jesus went on from v23 with more heavenly treasures. He reminded His disciples that earthly treasures are fleeting and burdensome; they can pull one away from eternal treasures. SO, what is our focus?

 

LESSON POINT: (Observation) Work Now for Later

It is common for man to 'work now for later'; hence, a lot of indulgence into long work hours to save up for the future to ensure a more comfortable life. Why is the same principle not applied for ETERNITY?

 

TRUTH: (Application) ~ Being Faithful till the End.

 

It is certainly not easy to be focussed on heavenly issues; faith must arise and steadfastness is a prerequisite.

 

BIBLE VERSE: Matthew 19:26,30

 

Some things are impossible for man to accomplish; only God is able to work the wonders. Inconsistency pushes one behind.

 

ACTIVITY

 

Encourage the children to name impossible feats such as move mountains or fly without wings. But God can do each of their mentioned impossible feats. As each child name the impossible feat, the other children respond with the bible verse.

 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus,, I believe YOU can do ALL things through me. I await to enjoy the 'impossibilities' in my life for Your glory. Amen.

Lifetime Virtues ~ Humility

SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 18: 1-6

There is SO much to learn from a child although adults tend to think they are wiser and better. Yes, adults have MORE experiences; those should keep our hearts in the right condition ~ HUMBLE.

 

LESSON POINT: (Observation) Humble in All Ways

Humility is not easy to learn but if the bible teaches it, it should be embraced. The disciples had its opposite in mind. The worldly stance was to be GREAT! Jesus pointed out HUMILITY ~ that of a child; simple, trusting, patient, forgiving, accepting.

 

TRUTH: (Application) ~ Learning from the Lesser.

 

No matter how small something is, we can learn a lesson or two from it. Eg. ant ~ be hardworking. Child ~ simple & trusting. As we grow older, we need to take on the good virtues of a child. No wonder many say that adults tend to be a child again in their twilight years!

 

BIBLE VERSE: Matthew 18:1-4

Humility is NOT a Weak word. It BUILDS character for one's destiny.

 

 

ACTIVITY:

Have each child choose someone YOUNGER or LESSER in talent than he to recite the bible verse as a reminder to be humble.

 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus,, continue to work in my life with constant reminders of being Humble until I am like You and bring You glory. Amen.

Exciting Life with Jesus

SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 17: 1-8

 

Peter, James and John were the privileged disciples who went everywhere with Jesus. Hence, they witnessed Jesus' transfiguration on the mountain. They were able to see the vision and were filled with awe. These disciples were prepared for greater works ahead.

 

LESSON POINT: (Observation) Exciting Life with Jesus

 

When we walk closely with Jesus, life is MORE exciting as the SPIRITUAL would be revealed as well as the physical. There is SO much more to learn and live with Jesus.

 

TRUTH: (Application) ~ Walk closely with Jesus for more revelations.

 

God will reveal what is in His heart as His children. We shall SEE and DO great things for the Lord with His wisdom, strength and joy! But we must make time for God.

 

BIBLE VERSE: Matthew 17:5,6

God will speak to those who are ready to hear Him. Just as He is pleased with Jesus who obeyed Him, we must please Him with our obedience all the time.

 

ACTIVITY:

Surround one child and recite the bible verse. Children take turns to be inside the circle to be blessed.

 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus,  help Your children to be obedient and walk close to You ALL the time! You have so much to reveal to us. Help us desire more of You Lord. Amen.

Soaking in the Lord's presence

I am trying to kick start my journaling on God's revelations and inspirations as I learn to 'soak' in His presence and 'hear' Him.

Such sessions have been conducted by Jackie H. at the Intercessors' sessions for the last couple of months; indeed, discipline practice is crucial to have the self prepared rightly to hear from God.

I am convinced God is AT WORK in my life (John 5:48) and it is indeed a blessed Joy to 'flow' with Him as I learn to let go of control and invite the Holy Spirit to take the lead in my daily life. I have found my life to be more fulfilling with many amazing outcomes. PRAISE the LORD!

Tuesday nite: 26/6/12
Learning to see 'visions' through these sessions.

Near the end of soaking, 'saw' a medal that looks like a medallion in the shape of a sun glittering in its gold. Then, the medal strap wrap round to become a belt with a buckle.

I feel God assuring me that the 'reward' or His approval I receive would be like a fastened belt to keep me in good stead.

Traditions Vs Commandments

SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 15: 1-20

 

The Pharisees were picking on nitty-gritties rather than focus on the more important matters; so much so that they have been diverted from the REAL issues that matter. They soon became spiritually blind as they focussed on the visible rather than God's commandments. They emphasized on issues that become traditions rather than the TRUTH which is God's commandments.

 

LESSON POINT: (Observation) True Values

It is easy to stray from God's commandments if ..

a) we do not know them

b) we do not understand them

c) we do not apply/practise them

d) we do not have them as TOP priority in our lives

 

without the above, we would make up our own VALUES and PRIORITIES to pass on to children.

 

TRUTH: (Application) ~ Practise God's Commandment

When God's commandment is practised regularly, it cleanses the soul and spirit. This is where DAILY DEVOTIONS are so CRUCIAL to God's people. We sit at His feet to learn what PLEASES Him and learn HOW to FOCUS on Him.

 

 

BIBLE VERSE: Matthew 15:6,8,9,17-20

 

God does not want LIP SERVICE and HAND SERVICE (sacrifices) but a contrite HEART from His people.  How can the Heart be cleansed and filled with God's word and will if there is no deep relationship with Him through His word?

 

ACTIVITY:

 

Have the children identify TRADITIONS in their lives (having CNY dinners etc) versus God's commandments (10 commandments). Check if each tradition honors God or not; throw away traditions that do not please God.

 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, in everything I do or practise, please let it be of YOUR commandments and not tradition that displease You. Amen.

Free from Sin & Guilt

SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 14: 1-12

 

Herod heard about the ministry of Jesus but FELT GUILTY about his command to behead John the Baptist. He knew he had killed an innocent and rigtheous man who was jailed for sharing the good news and convicting others of sin. Herod had earlier misused his authority in imprisoning John who told him of his adulterous sin with his brother's wife.

 

LESSON POINT: (Observation) Sin Catching Up

When we sin, and try to hide it, the SIN will finally catch up with us. It is impossible to hide from sin although man is very good in trying to cover up or sweep it under. GUILT will come on to convict which would bind us into further condemnation.

 

Children (as well as adults) should be taught to RECOGNIZE sin; AVOID it with God's word (like Jesus ~ Matt 4) or CONFESS wrong done (1 John 1:9) to receive Christ's forgiveness (Rom 8:1)

 

TRUTH: (Application) ~ Free from Sin and Guilt

 

It is important for children (and adults) to be DAILY CLEANSED from all sin (known and unknown) for God is a holy God. To be useful for God, one must be cleansed first (2 Tim. 2:20). It is important to allow the HOLY SPIRIT convict us NOW than at judgment day.

 

BIBLE VERSE: Matthew 14:1,2,9

Herod was sorry to have said rash promises which he could not or did not want to break for he viewed man's honor more important than God's.

Lead the children to think of their sins before applying 1 John 1:9. Then help them memorise the bible verses by breaking them into various phrases and piecing them.

 

ACTIVITY:

 

Play CATCHING with the children to remind them that SIN WILL CATCH UP with us when we dont confess them. If the child is caught, he/she is to SAY SORRY. If caught TWICE, he/she becomes CATCHER.

 

 

PRAYER: Cleanse me Lord of my sins to be your Cleansed and Useful vessel. Convict me now so that there is no condemnation on me after I confess to You. TQ for your forgiveness, Jesus. Amen.

Richest Trasures

SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 13: 44-46

 

God's WORD is FULL of Treasures. Are we LOOKING for them? Would we RECOGNIZE those treasures when we find or stumble upon them? What would our reaction be?

 

LESSON POINT: (Observation) Seeking Eternal Treasures

 

Anyone can look for treasures; one must be OUT in action to get any results. Treasures do not come to you. Before we can enjoy the treasure, we need to find out about it so that we would recognize it.

 

TRUTH: (Application) ~ God's treasures are for His children; young or old.

 

Children must be taught of God's treasures through a regular input of God's WORDS and identification of God's WORKS. But how can they if the adults are not doing the necessary themselves. Many children's BEHAVIORS are CAUGHT when TAUGHT and OBSERVED.

 

BIBLE VERSE: Matthew 13:44-46

 

These are simple and few verses which children of God can memorize to keep reminded on looking for treasures from His word.

 

ACTIVITY:

 

Prepare pieces of 'earthly' treasures from magazines such as branded products, beautiful models, dream cars, vacation holidays and desirable clothing, jewelry and houses.

 

Hide these pieces and let the children 'seek the treasure'. Each can only choose one piece. Then, each one can share why they liked that treasure found.

 

Teacher can take the opportunity to correct and guide children's thinking on the earthly treasure while pointing them to the heavenly eternal treasure.

 

I was blest in Kuching with this activity. While some shared 'earthly' joy if they really had the 'treasure' they found on the paper, some were wise to mention that that is not what they desired. For example, one sister shared that though she may like branded products, she will not indulge in them. Another shared that the beautiful model does not reflect the inner beauty one should have with God.

 

We who serve are usually more blessed than those whom we serve.

 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, all my earthly possessions are Your grace to me for You know my needs and wants. Help me to desire more of You than the things of the world. Amen.