How children ages 2-12 learn Bible stories--and ways to teach them

How children learn Bible stories--and ways to teach them.

AGE    2 to 5 years
HOW CHILDREN LEARN
Young children like to be read to with age-appropriate books. They like pictures, age-appropriate terminology and simple wording. Their attention span is only two to 10 minutes. Preschool children like to interact with objects. They learn by touching objects and through repetition.
WAYS TO TEACH
Paraphrase Bible stories and highlight only main points. For example, say: "God chose Noah to save all the animals from the flood. He told Noah to build an ark. An ark is a large boat. Noah brought in the animals. The flood came. Finally the ark landed on dry land and God made a rainbow." Tell the story using objects, such as storybooks, stuffed animals or a wooden animal and boat set. Allow children to play with the objects after the story. Remind children about or repeat the story as they play. Reinforce the story with an activity such as an animal craft, song or game.

AGE    6 to 9 years
HOW CHILDREN LEARN
By this age, children's attention span is 10 to 20 minutes. They understand more details. Objects hold their attention during story time. Children love to be a part of and interact with the story. Children think concretely and focus on the parts and actions of the story.
WAYS TO TEACH
Provide details. For example, say: "God wasn't happy with people on earth. But Noah made God happy because Noah obeyed. People made fun of Noah and his family when Noah obeyed God." Have children act out the story, playing different parts such as Noah, his family, friends and animals. Let children tell the story in their own words. Highlight only one main point with one direct application. For example, say: "Noah obeyed God. We can obey God too." Reinforce the story with crafts, games or other activities. For example, play Simon Says, and focus on the importance of obeying the leader.

AGE    10 to 12 years
HOW CHILDREN LEARN
By this age, children have heard many of the Bible stories over and over. And when they hear the stories again, kids ask "So what?" Older children need modern-day applications to Bible stories. They learn more when they see how stories apply to them personally.
WAYS TO TEACH
Introduce the story with a question or personal anecdote kids can relate to. For example, ask, "How do you feel when someone tries to make you do something wrong?" Or describe a peer-pressure issue. Then get into the action of the story as soon as possible to arouse identification and emotion. Identify and highlight one main issue in the story. For example, Noah was obedient to God in the midst of peer pressure. Weave personal explanations and applications into the story. Relate the story to events in kids' lives. Say, "Just as Noah's friends tried to get him to disobey God, sometimes our friends try to get us to disobey God." Build the story's climax, identifying the main point in the struggle and the result. Show how Noah resisted the pressure. Conclude with an application by having kids identify personal examples of peer pressure and ways to handle it.

Tuesday with Tiff: A Time to Transition

A Time to plant and a time to pluck what is planted. - Ecclesiastes 3:2



The Importance of Change

 

   For some of us change is easy. We love the excitement of trying something new, stepping out of our comfort zone, and experiencing a new activity. Without something new, we tend to grow bored and disengaged. But for others of us, change makes us uneasy. We are more comfortable with the familiar and predictable. When life is steady, we're able to not only come alive but thrive.

   Whether you're a fan of change or one who tries to resist it at all costs, everyone inevitably faces seasons of transition in life. What's your response? Take the HOW DO YOU RESPOND TO CHANGE? Quiz to find out:

 

 

How Do You Respond to Change? Quiz

 

1. You've planned to grab lunch with one of your best friends at your favorite restaurant. You've had the lunch date on your calendar for more than 2 weeks. But on the way to the restaurant, they call and say they can't make it. You respond by:

 

a) Bemoaning their cancellation and questioning the details of why they won't be able to meet you. You feel like your day is ruined.

b) Gently asking if you can do anything to help their day go better and finding out when they can reschedule.

c) Telling them that it's no problem and you 2 will get a date on the calendar soon. Without missing a beat, you run through your phone list to see who else might be able to grab a last-minute lunch with you.

 

2. You've invited a couple you know to go out for an afternoon together. When they arrive at your door, you discover that they've brought 3 more people with them. You respond by:

 

a) Trying not to let your exasperation about the situation show. You work hard to keep your cool regarding the uninvited and unexpected guests.

b) Waiting for a free moment with one of your friends to find out why the 3 people came. Once you understand the situation, you make the best of the circumstances.

c) Recognizing that your friends have provided the perfect opportunity for a small party. You're excited about the unexpected surprise.

 

3. The worship leader at your church decides that instead of singing familiar songs that he's going to spend the next month completely to all new tunes. You respond by:

 

a) Letting the pastor and worship leader know how important the well-known, beloved songs are to you and the church. After church you solicit the help of a few friends to share similar concerns with the church staff.

b) Recognizing that learning new songs is sometimes difficult, but committing to hang in there for the next month and hope to learn something new.

c) Celebrating the new music being sung in your church and the opportunity to learn fresh songs.

 

4. The grocery store you always shop in has been closed for renovation. When the store reopens you discover non of the items are where they used you be. You respond by:

 

a) Complaining to the manager and then shopping at another grocery store you're more familiar with.

b) Spending a few weeks studying the store's new layout and asking a clerk to help you find specific items.

c) Loving the new layout and design. You can't wait to tell all of your friends about the changes.

 

 

Scoring:

Tally up the total number of A's, B's, and C's.

 

If you answered mostly A's, then you're a natural fan of consistency in your life. When change comes, you may be hesitant to try new things. But your friends probably find you rock solid and a source of stability. While it may be a challenge at first, reminding yourself that change will inevitably happen may help you to minimize the stress you experience as a result of change.

 

If you answered mostly B's then you have both an appreciation for consistency and an ability to embrace change in moderation. You've learned to be flexible no matter what life brings you.

 

If you answered mostly C's, then you likely thrive whenever change is in the air.  You love trying new things, exploring new places, and learning about almost anything new.

 

No matter your natural response to change, the book of Ecclesiastes reminds us that a time under the sun exists for everything- including planting and uprooting. Sometimes we find ourselves in a season of planting- a time when we stay in one place, root deeper in our relationships and community, and embrace the stability that naturally comes. But other times, we find ourselves in a season of uprooting-a time when change is taking place all around, even within us. Whatever season you find yourself in, rest assured that God is with you and He longs to see you flourish and to bring you to an even more fruitful life in Him.

 

 

1) What surprised you or caught your attention about your personal results to the quiz? What is the hardest part about change for you?

 

 

 

   In the book of Genesis, we discover the story of Joseph, a man who was planted and uprooted many times. Growing up  as one of twelve kids, Joseph lives on the receiving end of constant ridicule from his brothers. Joseph had the gift of interpreting dreams and was his dad's favorite son. To show his favor, his dad even gave Joseph a coat covered in brilliant colors.

   As if they weren't already jealous enough of Joseph's favorite son status, the brothers' jealousy reached a fever pitch when a well-intentioned Joseph told them of a dream he had that one day they would bow down to him. Fed up, the brothers sold Joseph into slavery, assuming they'd never hear from him again. Incredibly, after an adventure of triumphs and trials, Joseph wound up as second in command to Pharoah, the king of Egypt.

   During his time in Egypt, Joseph interpreted the king's dreams. God gave him the ability to see that there would be seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. The Egyptians were then able to gather and save during the years of abundance and to portion during the years of famine. But during the famine, Joseph's brothers came begging for help. Much to their surprise, the brother they abandoned was now Pharaoh's right-hand man. After mercy and forgiveness were extended, Joseph and Pharaoh invited Joseph's family to come live in Egypt so they might survive the years of famine.

 

2) Read Genesis 47:1-12. How did Joseph's father, Jacob (also known as Israel), and his family respond to the opportunity to settle in Goshen in the midst of famine?

 

 

 

The Israelites remained in Egypt for many years and multiplied in abundance. They were fulfilling the creation mandate: to be fruitful and increase in number (Genesis 1:28). Some scholars estimate the Israelites stayed in Egypt for over 400 years- long after Joseph and his brothers passed away.

 

 

 

3) Read Exodus 1:1-7. How were Joseph and his descendants blessed as they settled and put down roots in the area?

 

 

 

4) Describe a time in the past when you senses God's blessed and provision as you put down roots in a new location, job, or stage in life. How did you know that God was with you during the time of transition?

 

 

 

 

 

The scene in Egypt changed for the Israelites after years of thriving. Though God brought Joseph, his family, and his descendants to Egypt, they could no longer stay if they were going to flourish. The Israelites' growth became threatening to the new Pharaoh in charge. The new Pharaoh feared Isreal and ultimately became an enemy of God.

 

 

5) Read Exodus 1:8-22. What made the descendants of Joseph and his father, Jacob, known as the Israelites, want to uproot and leave Egypt?

 

 

 

The closing of Genesis set the scene for the changes the Israelites were about to face in the book of Exodus. After the Israelites settled in Goshen and experienced provision and growth, a new ruler took over Egypt who didn't treat the Israelites with kindness. The Israelites had to leave. Exodus is the tale of their journey out of Egypt and toward the promised land God had for them. In order to flourish again, they needed to uproot themselves from everything that was familiar. Throughout the long and difficult journey God reminded the people that He was with them time and time again.

 

 

6) When in the last year have you realized you needed to be uprooted from the place you'd been planted? How did you navigate the transition? What did you discover about God through the process?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No matter what transition we're facing, we can find comfort knowing that God is with us. In face, one of God's names is "Alpha and Omega," the first and the last letters of the Greek alphabet. The name symbolizes that God is the beginning and the end of all things, but also implies that He is with us in the middle.

 

 

7) Read Revelation 1:8 and Revelation 22:13. Which is more meaningful in your own life- the idea that God is with you or the idea that God goes before you? Why?

 

 

8) What potential transitions are you facing in your relationships, workplace, finances, or living situation? In what areas is God inviting you to trust Him more during this time of transition?

 

 

 

Change isn't easy for most people. But rest assured that whenever you face a time of transition, God is with you. He longs to see you flourish and to bring you to a more fruitful life in Him.

 

 

 

 

Digging Deeper

 

Read Luke 24:13-35. Sometimes change is hard to wrap our minds around. This was particularly true after Jesus' death and resurrection, when many of His followers wondered what happened. How did Jesus meet His followers and help them understand what took place? When you're facing times of transition, what role do prayer and Scripture play in helping you make sense of what's happening?

 

 

Bonus Activity

Reflecting on this, consider the potential transitions you're facing in your life. Consider writing them down on a piece of paper. Then ask God to reveal Himself in the midst of each one as the Alpha and Omega-the God who goes before you and with you every step of the way. 

Worship in the Nursery... is it boring? repetitive?

Why do we do the same 5 songs in the Nursery?

"It's so repetitive and boring" I have heard. Here's why we do the songs we do with the infants and toddlers:

1. Jesus Loves Me (Because when they get older and they feel that no one loves them, they can remember that Jesus does)

 

2. He's Got the Whole World in His Hands (Because when they feel their whole world crashing down and nothing is going right, He's got the whole world in His hands)

 

3.Praise Ye the Lord (Hallelujah) (Because even when their world is crashing down around them, they can remember that we can praise Him through everything)

 

4.This Little Light of Mine (Because we have a purpose in this life and can make a difference by shining bright, not hiding it, and not giving up)

 

5.The B-I-B-L-E (Because everything stands on this, it's our firm foundation!)

 

So yes, we want it to be repetitive... we want these words hidden in their heart. We get an amazing opportunity to reach this generation, even as infants, in a way that many adults didn't have the privilege of having until their adult lives. We have to make the most of the opportunity to teach these kiddos a firm foundation and Godly beliefs because we don't know what they deal with during the week or where their path will lead later in life. So what may be repetitive and boring to us, it's a strong message that they might only be hearing in a short 10 minutes once a week--if they come every week. Some of the kids have never heard these or their truths.

 

We are starting to implement a new 6th song that will be on rotation in the nurseries, but as far as who the Greenhouse is and what we want the kiddos to leave with.. we want them to know that Jesus loves them, He's got he whole world in His hands, we can praise Him through anything, we have a light to shine bright and a purpose in life, and that the Bible is our firm foundation and truth for us.

 

So thank you Nursery team for investing into the kids through a message each week, consistent relationships, and worshipping with them in a very real way!

 

-Pastor Tiffany

 

 

Tuesday with Tiff: A Time for Necessary Endings

Leaving Behind the Familiar

 

    Born in 1848, Mary Slessor was raised by an alcoholic father. When she grew older, she found work in a cotton mill, but she longed to become a missionary. She found inspiration in David Livingstone, an early nineteenth century British explorer who traveled to remote regions in Africa to share the good news of Jesus Christ. Compelled by his story, Mary left her home in order to go where no other white person had settled in Western Africa.

   At the age of 28, Mary established a missionary base in the Calabar region of Africa. Settling in the area was highly dangerous. Some of the accepted cultural beliefs of the time included burying widows alive in their husband's graves and killing innocent children. Yet, Mary refused to give up-dispite her battling sickness often and living with constant threats. Over the years, her commitment to Christ, sharing the gospel, and opposing injustices had a profound impact on the culture. Not only did locals hear the good news of Jesus Christ but Mary challenged a long-held superstition that twins were evil. Because of her hard work and prayer, locals finally quit the horrible customary practice of killing and abandoning twins.

   Today in Nigeria, Mary is recognized and honored as a spiritual leader who saved the lives of countless children and women and shared the good news of Christ with many.

   God used a short, red-haired, Presbyterian missionary to make a profound impact in our world. But in order to lay hold of the life God had for Mary Slessor, she had to leave that which was comfortable and familiar behind, a necessary ending, in order to lay hold of the new beginning God had for her.

   Though our stories may not be as dramatic as Mary's, we all have moments in our lives when we sense God calling us to leave something behind in order to lay hold of the something new God has for us. Sometimes the necessary endings we're facing are practical. We may sense the invitation to leave a place or a job in order o step into the fullness of life and service God intends. Or we may feel a nudge toward a necessary ending through forgiveness of something that happened to us in the past. Or maybe we're aware of an unhealthy pattern or addiction in our lives and we've got to make a break.

   Whatever necessary ending you may need to make, rest assured that it's worth it in order to lay hold of the freedom and fullness of life God has for you.  

   All of us will encounter moments of necessary endings.

 

1) When in your life have you made a significant change, a necessary ending, and discovered God had a new beginnings waiting for you?

 

 

2) When you're facing a necessary ending, what is the most difficult aspect for you emotionally? Physically? Spiritually?

 

 

 

    Sometimes we must let go and move on from that which is familiar in order to embrace all God has for us. One of the ways the disciples did this was by leaving behind all they knew to follow Christ. They accepted the necessary ending of what they knew in order to lay hold of the new beginnings as disciples of Jesus.

   Levi, also knows as Matthew, was a man with a good job with great income. But Jesus had more to offer this tax collector. Jesus invited Levi to the new beginning of a lifetime.

 

 

3) Read Luke 5:27-28. How did Levi respond to Jesus' invitation? What have you left behind in order to become a follower of Christ? What has made this decision worthwhile?

 

 

 

   One of the great paradoxes or upside down principles of following Jesus is that when we choose to die to ourselves through the grace of the Holy Spirit, then we become more alive to Christ. Jesus illustrated this idea through His life, death, and resurrection and also through His teaching.

 

 

4) Read Matthew 16: 24-25. When have you tried holding on to our life but discovered that God had something more for you?

 

 

 

   When Jesus spoke the words in Matthew 16, the disciples were all too familiar with witnessing rebels carrying Roman crosses to the place where they would be crucified. The idea of carrying a cross was all too real of a possibility to the disciples or anyone who opposed the government. But the cross analogy evoked a two-fold meaning: carrying one's cross represented the willingness to deny oneself as well as willingness to die for Christ.

   Throughout the Gospels Jesus often said that His hour to die had not yet come. However, in John 12, Jesus finally declared that the hour had arrived. Jesus pointed to this as the hour of glorification-the time for Him to be crucified, buried, and risen. Jesus would lay down His life to bring redemption to the world. Through Jesus' death, He offered new life to many.

 

 

5) Read John 12:23-26. How willing are you to sacrifice for the sake of others? In what way have you seen the truth of the principle that through self-sacrifice comes new life?

 

 

 

    Laying down our lives for someone else is the ultimate sign of love, affection, and friendship. While Jesus' sacrifice led to new life for those who believe, our own sacrifices are necessary so that we may have life ourselves. The apostle John described a bad example of showing love in 1 John 3:11-15. In contrast, he illustrated the perfect example through Jesus Christ.

 

 

6) Read 1 John 3:16. When in the last year have you experienced someone laying down his or her life to make a meaningful sacrifice for you? How did his or her actions make Christ's sacrifice more real to you?

 

 

 

 

    Greek, the original language for most of the New Testament, has more than one word for "life." Bios is the earthly life, from which we derive the words "biology" or "biosphere," and zoe is the new life offered by God. We are called to lay down our bios to receive the zoe that God has in store.

 

7) When in the last year have you laid down your life and made a meaningful sacrifice for someone else? What did you discover about yourself through that experience? What did you discover about God?

 

 

8) What necessary endings do you sense God nudging you toward in your life? What's stopping you from making those necessary changes?

 

 

 

Sometimes we hold on to things that aren't God's best for us and we face a necessary ending. But when we let go, we can begin to lay hold of the new beginning God has for us.

 

 

 

Digging Deeper:

Read Genesis 13:5-18. What necessary ending did Abram(Abraham) face in his relationship with Lot? How did Abram respond to the situation? How did God reward Abram for his response? What wisdom or hope did Abram's story give you in any necessary endings that you're facing in your life?

 

 

 

Bonus Activity:

Reflecting on this, consider any necessary endings you sense God nudging you toward in your life. Over the course of the next week, prayerfully consider what moving toward one of these changes might look like. On a calendar, establish a timeline for these changes. Consider asking a friend to pray for and encourage you along the way.



Tuesday with Tiff: A Time for New Beginnings

Called to Something Fresh

 

 

Have you ever heard the term foodie? Maybe the word describes you! The term refers to anyone who is both particular and passionate about his or her culinary selections.

    Many foodies will go to extremes by driving dozens (and even hundreds!) of miles to visit a specific restaurant for a single item on the menu. Some foodies will order their spices from boutique shops and refuse to purchase their meats or vegetables from anywhere but a specific store. Every foodie is unique, but they all share a love for a great meal.

   But what happens when a foodie decides to feed those in the local community?

   Something amazing!

   Michael Blewett, a pastor in Bowling Green, Kentucky, has decided he doesn't want to leave his passion for food at home and instead brings it right into the church and local community. One Wednesdays, the church opens its doors to those who are hungry. They serve everyone from bankers to bums, from the highfalutin to the homeless. But don't expect mystery casserole or save-the-scraps soup. Instead, Michael and his volunteers serve home-cooked, made from scratch, gourmet-style meals to the community. hey serve a wide range of fresh, colorful dishes including finely chopped vegetables, high-end chili, grilled meats, and tasty stews.

   Those who attend a meal don't stand in a traditional buffet line, but rather order from a menu. Michael says it isn't unusual for those who are homeless in the community to call on Tuesday night to find out what's going to be on the menu the next day. And the regulars know to get there early, because the most popular items always run out fast.

   The experience is enriching for everyone involved. Everyone from the community is welcome, so the meals provides an opportunity for those with resources and those without to build friendships. Each person who attends is fed both physically and spiritually.

   Michael and the church didn't set out to do something new and different simply for the sake of being new or different. They saw a need and used their unique passions, gifts, and tales to create a new twist on serving those in the community.

   Their story reminds us that sometimes God uses us and the community we're in to do something new to share the love of Christ with others. Indeed, God uses people in all kinds of innovative ways to spread His love and bring Him glory. God loves to work through us.

   But sometimes the new thing God is doing is within us. Through the Holy Spirit, God may work in our lives in such a way that we see Him, others, or even ourselves in a fresh way. One of the most exciting things about being a child of God is that God is always up to something new.

  

1. Does the idea of innovation or trying something new tend to invigorate you or make you nervous? Mark your answer on the continuum below. Explain your response.

*------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------*

Innovation makes me nervous                            Innovation invigorates me

2. Describe a time that you've been part of a ministry, outreach, small group, or church that tried something or new to spread the love of Christ to others. What did you discover about yourself and others through the experience?

   Sometimes stepping out in faith to be part of something new that God is doing stretches us beyond our comfort zones. This was particularly true for Moses. While tending the flock of his father-in-law, Moses came upon a fiery bush that refused to burn up. Intrigued by the marvelous sight, Moses turned aside. When he did, God called to him from the midst of the bush.

   While shepherding was a common profession in the ancient Near East, one can't miss the double meaning in Moses' job. He not only shepherded sheep but would become the shepherd for God's people as he led them out of Egypt and into the promised land.

3. Read Exodus 3:1-10. What new things did God want to do for the Israelites through Moses?

   From the fiery bush, God told Moses to remove his sandals. This practice of reverence was an ancient Near Eastern practice still used today.

4. Read Exodus 3:11-15 and Exodus 4:1-17. In the chart below, note each of Moses' concerns and how God responded to each one.

Scripture                                Moses' Concern                                  God's Response

Exodus 3:11, 12

Exodus 3:13-15

Exodus 4:1-9

Exodus 4:10-12

Exodus 4:13-17

How do you think you would have responded to God if you were Moses?

 

   God's response to Moses revealed His ways are often much different than our own. Despite our protests that something won't work or somehow we're not qualified, if God calls us to do something new He will provide a way.

 

 

5. Whom do you know that's doing something new or innovative to spread he love of Jesus to others? What inspires you most about his or her work? How can you be a voice of encouragement and support in this person's life?

 

 

  Moses' reluctant leadership displayed God's greatness. Through an unlikely shepherd, God saved an entire nation. The glory can be given to God alone.

 

 

6. In what area of your life do you sense the Holy Spirit nudging you to step out and try something new, or even new-to-you, in order to spread the love of Christ? What's stopping you from responding?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Not only does God do new things through us but He also does new things within us. God is steadily renewing us- or making us new- as we yield to Him in our lives.

   The apostle Paul wrote two letters to the church in Corinth. The letter that modern Bibles call 2 Corinthians addressed the purity of God's people. Paul described the restoration of God's people as reflective of the greater restoration of creation brought through Jesus.

 

 

7. Read 2 Corinthians 5:17.  What new work is done within us when we choose to give our lives to Christ?

 

8. How did you experience this passage tor be true in our life when you first gave your life to Christ? How have you experienced this passage to be true on an ongoing basis?

 

 

 

 

God is in the business of making all things new. Sometimes God uses the community that we're in to do something new to share the love of Christ with others. Other times God wants to do something new within us. Both can make us more Christ-like.

 

 

 

 

Digging Deeper

Because of their disobedience to God, the Israelites found themselves in captivity in a foreign nation. During this time, the book of Lamentations was penned. Read Lamentations 3:19-23. When are you most tempted to begin doubting the loving kindness and compassion of God? How have you found this passage to be true in your life? How does this passage give you hope?

 

 

 

 

Next week: a time for necessary endings!

Tuesday with Tiff: To everything there is a season Ecclesiastes 3:1



A little different approach to this week's post. Let's focus on spiritual development and reflection! So get out your bible and a notebook. Here we go!

A TIME FOR EVERYTHING: Spring, Summer, Winter and Fall

What's your favorite season of the year?
   Some people come alive in spring. The scent of flowers blossoming, the sight of lime-green leaves, and the sound of baby birds chirping all tend to remind us of the gift of new life.
   Others adore summer. The long days of this season encourage us to get out and about. Summer invites us to become more active and engage in our neighborhoods and communities, embracing the warmth of the sun, the splash of cool waters, the gentleness of shade on a hot day.
   Still others enjoy fall. Cooling temperatures, the crunch of colorful leaves, and the occasional whiff of smoke from a neighbor's chimney are all reminders that change is in the air. The new life that budded in spring has come to a beautiful end. Fall invites us to unpack our snuggly warm clothes and enjoy gathering indoors again.
   And still others love winter. The crisp, cool days are short; the colder starry nights are long. This is where the end-of-the-year holidays await. Winter beckons us indoors, often slowing our pace and inviting us to rest.
   Though we may have a season that's our favorite, every season offers something different to appreciate and celebrate. Reflecting on the changing of seasons reminds us that everything has its appointed time. Every season is hand-selected by God for a particular purpose.
   In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon echoed this idea when he wrote that an appointed time, an actual season, exists for every activity under the heavens (3:1).
   Consider what Solomon observed: (Ecc. 3:2-8)

² a time to be born,
 and a time to die;
a time to plant,
and a time to pluck up what is planted;
³ a time to kill,
and a time to heal;
a time to break down,
and a time to build up;
⁴ a time to weep,
and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, a
nd a time to dance;
⁵ a time to cast away stones,
and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace,
and a time to refrain from embracing;
⁶ a time to seek,
and a time to lose;
a time to keep,
and a time to cast away;
⁷ a time to tear,
and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence,
and a time to speak;
⁸ a time to love,
and a time to hate;
a time for war,
 and a time for peace.

   Though we may have a natural affinity toward one season over another, each and every one is hand-selected by God for a particular purpose. As we learn to accept these times in life as gifts, we find ourselves celebrating the goodness of God no matter what the situation we are in.

1. What is your favorite season: spring, summer, fall, or winter? Why?

2. Reflecting on the four seasons, which one best describes your life situation right now?

   King Solomon, known for his vast wisdom, wrote a poem in Ecclesiastes that describes God's role in the timing of life's seasons. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 is best understood as Hebrew poetry and more specifically as a form of parallelism in which the author uses opposites and antonyms to describe and illustrate the author's point. Solomon illustrated that nothing can be done without depending on and acknowledging God.

3. Read Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 again. In the space below, write down the five times in Solomon's list that you most enjoy. Write down the five least enjoyable times of life that Solomon lists.

Times You Most Enjoy:                                                      Times You Least Enjoy:
1.                                                                                            1.
2.                                                                                            2.
3.                                                                                            3.
4.                                                                                            4.
5.                                                                                            5.

   We all have seasons in life that we prefer more than others, but each one provides an opportunity to learn something more about God. Each of life's seasons or situations provides the opportunity to learn more about God and His presence in our lives.
   In the book of Acts, Paul and his traveling companions found themselves in a sticky situation and a difficult time in life and ministry. Paul was given a vision of a man standing and begging him to travel to Macedonia, help the people, and preach the gospel to them. Paul knew that God wanted him to travel to the region (Acts 16:8-10)
   Wait--did you just read where that was in the Bible or did you actually go there and read it for yourself? Take a second, read Acts 16:8-10.
   Along the way, Paul and his companion, Silas, were thrown in prison for setting a woman free from an evil spirit. They were beaten and locked up. This is one of those times in life no one wants to sign up for. Yet look what happened next.

4. Read Acts 16:16-25. How did Paul and Silas respond to this inconvenient, uncomfortable, and unpleasant time in life? What surprises you most about Paul and Silas's response?



   Paul and Silas were sentenced to flogging and prison for "teaching customs which are not lawful for... Romans" (vs 21). Little did the accusers know that these two men were also Romans. The accusers assumed that Paul and Silas were of a different nationality and adhered to different customs, but both Paul and Silas were under Roman rule. Roman citizens would never have received the beating and treatment that these two received.

5. How do you tend to respond when you're faced with an inconvenient, uncomfortable, and unpleasant time in life? What can you learn from Paul and Silas's response?



   The two men didn't complain or abandon the cause but began praising God in the middle of a difficult circumstance. In response, God did something miraculous.

6. Read Acts 17:26-34. How did God reveal Himself in the midst of the difficult situation Paul and Silas found themselves in?



   The jailer desired the same faith as Paul and Silas and begged to know what he needed to do to be saved. Paul and Silas assured him that nothing needed to be done, but he should simply believe. Everything had already been done on his behalf by Christ.

7. When you're facing a difficult time in life, do you expect God to reveal Himself to you in an unexpected way? Why or Why not?



   On occasion, God allows us to experience undesirable times or situations in life, but He remains with us. Even in those times we can choose to call out to God and worship Him in the midst.

8. Reflecting on the season that you're in, what do you think God is revealing about Himself to you? What opportunities do you have to call out to God and worship Him?




Every season of life provides an opportunity to learn something more about God. Though we don't always get to choose our season of life, we can always choose to call out to God and worship Him in the midst. 

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Want to dig deeper? Here's something extra for you!

Few people in the world can compare their difficult time with Job's-a man stripped of all his possessions, many of his loved ones, and even his health. The first 37 chapters of Job describe Job and his friends wrestling theologically over why Job had to suffer. Starting in Job 38, God's response revealed He cannot be contained in a theological box. Read Job 38:1-8. How would you have responded if you were Job and God was asking you all of these questions? What comfort do you find in knowing that God created all things and holds all things together? Spend some time thanking God for His tender care of the minutest details of your life.


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Bonus Activity!
Spend 15 minutes each day this week worshiping God. Before you log on to the computer or your phone or snuggle in for a good night's sleep, turn on your favorite worship album. Sing praises to God or read the words to your favorite song. Write prayers in a journal or enjoy time in nature. Spend time reflecting on how God is revealing Himself to you during this season and praise Him for what He is doing-seen and unseen-today and every day.


-Love you all,
Pastor Tiffany

Tuesday with Tiff: 10 Things Kids Want While They're At Your Church

 

A leader who knows their name. Kids want to be known personally. If they get lost in the crowd, you'll lose them. It's vital you get them out of the row and into a small circle.

They want to have fun. They want to laugh...play games...be kids. When parents pick up their children there's a reason they ask them, "Did you have fun today?"

A lesson that will hold their attention. They want you to connect with their learning style. They want you to teach truth on a level they can understand. If they are saying the lesson is "boring." Guess what...it is.

They want to talk and share their thoughts. Instead of a one-sided "download" of information, they want to learn by being part of a conversation.

They want to make the most of their time.  They want to know they are going to come in there and have prepared leaders who are ready to pour out into them and help take them further on their journey. "TODAY, I LEARNED"  

An opportunity to serve. They don't want to be known as the church of tomorrow...they want to be the church of today. They are eager to serve and make a difference.

A friend their age. They want to build a friendship with someone in their class.

They want to be prayed for. They want someone who will pray for their prayer requests. Even if it's a sick puppy.

They want to be listened to. They want someone who will listen...really listen as they share about their week...their favorite video game...their fears...their dreams...their family.

They want to be affirmed. They want someone to believe in them. Someone to see potential in them. Someone to show them that God has a great plan for their life.

Provide these things for kids at your church and your classrooms will soon be overflowing with kids.