"Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, 'Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also...Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.
"In these verses King Herod tells the wise men to find the baby Jesus and report back to him so he can also worship Jesus. But God warns the magi in a dream not to tell the king anything, so they go home a different way. Do you thing King Herod wanted to worship Jesus? If you've read the Christmas story, you know King Herod was lying. He really planned to kill Jesus. When the king's priests and religious teachers told him that prophets along time ago had predicted that a ruler would be born in Bethlehem, herod got mad. He didn't want anybody to rule but him. But as much as Herod wanted to kill Jesus, God had a different plan for his Son. First God warned the wise men in a dream about the king's real plan. Then he warned Jesus' parents to get out of Bethlehem and take Jesus to Egypt. And the same God who protected Jesus still protects his children today. Thank God for his protection, and ask him to give you the wisdom to stay safe."
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Matthew 25:40
"And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren you did it for Me.' "
"Jesus is telling a story to teach a lesson. In this verse Jesus says whatever you do for people in need, you do for him. If you're reading this book, you probably have more than most kids in the world. You have an education-you're able to read. You have enough to eat. And you have a warm place to sleep. Will you think about helping other people because of how generous God has been to you? Look in your closet and dresser, and hunt through all your stuff in the basement, attic, and garage. Find toys and clothes that are still in good shape but that you don't use anymore. Then ask a parent to help you donate them to a shelter or Salvation Army. Maybe you can even save your money to buy something for a needy child. Whenever you help people in need, you're actually giving to Jesus. Ask God to help you be more giving."
"Jesus is telling a story to teach a lesson. In this verse Jesus says whatever you do for people in need, you do for him. If you're reading this book, you probably have more than most kids in the world. You have an education-you're able to read. You have enough to eat. And you have a warm place to sleep. Will you think about helping other people because of how generous God has been to you? Look in your closet and dresser, and hunt through all your stuff in the basement, attic, and garage. Find toys and clothes that are still in good shape but that you don't use anymore. Then ask a parent to help you donate them to a shelter or Salvation Army. Maybe you can even save your money to buy something for a needy child. Whenever you help people in need, you're actually giving to Jesus. Ask God to help you be more giving."
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Philipians 3:14
"I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
"In this verse the apostle Paul writed that he's determined to win the prize for which God has called him. He knows it will take some effort, but the hard work will be worth it. What's more fun: winning a game without even trying or playing hard and defeating a team you never thought you could beat? For some reason, beating the tough opponent is a lot more fun, even though you have to work a lot harder to do it.
The same thing is true in your relationship with Jesus Christ. God's goal for you is to become more like him and understand more about his teachings. But to achieve that goal, you'll have to work hard by reading your Bible, praying, doing devotions, and going to church. And all that hard work will make your success even sweeter. Ask God to give you the strength and determination to live like him."
"In this verse the apostle Paul writed that he's determined to win the prize for which God has called him. He knows it will take some effort, but the hard work will be worth it. What's more fun: winning a game without even trying or playing hard and defeating a team you never thought you could beat? For some reason, beating the tough opponent is a lot more fun, even though you have to work a lot harder to do it.
The same thing is true in your relationship with Jesus Christ. God's goal for you is to become more like him and understand more about his teachings. But to achieve that goal, you'll have to work hard by reading your Bible, praying, doing devotions, and going to church. And all that hard work will make your success even sweeter. Ask God to give you the strength and determination to live like him."
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
galatians 6:10
"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith."
"This verse says to do good to all people, especially people who believe in Jesus, whenever we have the opportunity. Some kids think the Bible is tricky to read. But the fact is God's Word can be crystal clear-and a lot of times it is. This is one of those cases. Look around for people in need, or even people you can be nice to for no reason. Maybe you could put your neighbor's newspaper on his porch. Perhaps you can tutor other kids in your class or try to befriend a new girl/boy at church or school. God will give you the opportunities to do good-all you have to do is look for your chances. Ask God to help you recognize opportunities to do good."
"This verse says to do good to all people, especially people who believe in Jesus, whenever we have the opportunity. Some kids think the Bible is tricky to read. But the fact is God's Word can be crystal clear-and a lot of times it is. This is one of those cases. Look around for people in need, or even people you can be nice to for no reason. Maybe you could put your neighbor's newspaper on his porch. Perhaps you can tutor other kids in your class or try to befriend a new girl/boy at church or school. God will give you the opportunities to do good-all you have to do is look for your chances. Ask God to help you recognize opportunities to do good."
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
colossians 4:6
"Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one."
"Paul reminds Christians that their words should be carefully chosen. Our speech should always show God's grace and never be bitter or tasteless. We should seek God's wisdom to gently answer everyone.
In the movie Mary Poppins, the whimsical nanny sings, "just a spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down." What she means is when something is hard to do or say, it can often be sweetened to make it easier to accomplish.
As a follower of Christ, you are called to speak the truth in a loving way. Sometimes people in the world wont want to hear what you have to say. But that doesnt make it any less important for you to share the truth.
so How can you make the gospel swee to a world of hurting people? Ask God to give you wisdom as you share the truth about Jesus to others. Be sensitive to what people are ready to hear. Ask God to help you choose words that are easy for others to swallow and still full of truth.
"Paul reminds Christians that their words should be carefully chosen. Our speech should always show God's grace and never be bitter or tasteless. We should seek God's wisdom to gently answer everyone.
In the movie Mary Poppins, the whimsical nanny sings, "just a spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down." What she means is when something is hard to do or say, it can often be sweetened to make it easier to accomplish.
As a follower of Christ, you are called to speak the truth in a loving way. Sometimes people in the world wont want to hear what you have to say. But that doesnt make it any less important for you to share the truth.
so How can you make the gospel swee to a world of hurting people? Ask God to give you wisdom as you share the truth about Jesus to others. Be sensitive to what people are ready to hear. Ask God to help you choose words that are easy for others to swallow and still full of truth.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Hebrews 6:18
"That by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us."
"God never lies. Everything he says in his Word is true. You can believe everything he says and live with courage and confidence in God's love, because you know that God's promises are true. It is impossible for God to lie, because he is truth (John 14:6). That's great news for us, because it means we can fuly trust everything God says. Each story in the Bible really happened. He will keep every promise. And most importantly, Jesus' sacrifice on the cross really is enough to save us from sin. But there's someone who doesn't want you to believe the truth. Satan will distract you from what is true and even lie to you to keep you from believing the wonderful promises of God. Are you believing God's truth or Satan's lies? A good way to know the difference between the two is to read God's Word and arm yourself with the Truth! Thank God for being completely truthful."
"God never lies. Everything he says in his Word is true. You can believe everything he says and live with courage and confidence in God's love, because you know that God's promises are true. It is impossible for God to lie, because he is truth (John 14:6). That's great news for us, because it means we can fuly trust everything God says. Each story in the Bible really happened. He will keep every promise. And most importantly, Jesus' sacrifice on the cross really is enough to save us from sin. But there's someone who doesn't want you to believe the truth. Satan will distract you from what is true and even lie to you to keep you from believing the wonderful promises of God. Are you believing God's truth or Satan's lies? A good way to know the difference between the two is to read God's Word and arm yourself with the Truth! Thank God for being completely truthful."
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Acts 2:42
Good evening chosen jr. high! Acts 2:42 states, "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayer."
"As the early church started to grow, believers in Jesus Christ committed themselves to getting together, talking together about important things, praying for one another, and learning more of God's teachings...What's more fun: working on a project individually or as a group? Group assignments can be a lot more fun, and you may even learn more because you can hear what other people have to say about what they're learning. Learning about Jesus is kind of like studying subjects in school. Doing things as a group can be good for a lot of reasons. That's what the early church discovered when they spent time together, and it's still true today. Early church members hung out together, talked about God, prayed to him, and studied Jesus' teachings. And God wants you to follow their example by going to church and Sunday school to be with other believers. Now commit yourself to gathering with Christians as you learn more about Jesus. Thank God that there are other Christians who can help you grow closer to him."
"As the early church started to grow, believers in Jesus Christ committed themselves to getting together, talking together about important things, praying for one another, and learning more of God's teachings...What's more fun: working on a project individually or as a group? Group assignments can be a lot more fun, and you may even learn more because you can hear what other people have to say about what they're learning. Learning about Jesus is kind of like studying subjects in school. Doing things as a group can be good for a lot of reasons. That's what the early church discovered when they spent time together, and it's still true today. Early church members hung out together, talked about God, prayed to him, and studied Jesus' teachings. And God wants you to follow their example by going to church and Sunday school to be with other believers. Now commit yourself to gathering with Christians as you learn more about Jesus. Thank God that there are other Christians who can help you grow closer to him."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
