Queen of Sheeba

Have you ever heard of the Queen of Sheba?  

She traveled several months over rough terrain on the back of a camel...why?  To pursue wisdom.  She had heard that Solomon was wise, so she went to meet him and learn from him.

Oh, how much easier we have it to pursue wisdom...as it sits in our Bible.  We just need to open the pages and absorb the words.  Let God's message sink in daily.  Think on it.  Marinate in it,  and, God will grant the growth of wisdom in our hearts, souls, and minds.  

Hokey Pokey

You put your right foot in,
You take your right foot out
You put your right foot in
And you shake it all about
You do the hokey pokey and
You turn yourself around.
That's what it's all about

Jesus said that's exactly what he wants us to do... Throw our whole self in! Do our best! Give what we've got!

The Bible tells us...
"...Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then, you will be able to test and approve what God's will is -- his good, pleasing and perfect will." - Romans 12:2

"...be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal." -- Romans 12:10

Do know what "zeal" means? It means we should have enthusiasm and energy! So, when we serve God by loving other people...or serving those around us... or reading the Bible...or praying...we shouldn't drag our feet and put it off to do later... We should do it with enthusiasm and "put our whole self in" ...

It's easy to go to bed at night and say "I'm tired, I'll just pray tomorrow." But, God wants us to talk with Him so that we have a relationship with Him.

Galatians 6:9 says,"...Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

Grasshoppers

Guess what we are going to talk about today?!?  GRASSHOPPERS!!!

Does a grasshopper have a head?  Yes.  Do you have a head?  Yes.
Does a grasshopper have a leg?  Yes.  Do you have a leg?  Yes
Are you a grasshopper?  No!!!

Did you know that the Bible has a story about grasshoppers?

People of Israel had been captive for years.  God chose Moses to lead them to the promised land.  He also told Moses to send 12 people ahead...kinda like a scouting report...to the land of Canaan...

When they came back, they reported to Moses that the land was truly a wonderful land, but that the people there were very strong and powerful.  "There is no way we could take the land.  They are giants and we are like grasshoppers compared to them".

Two of the men, Joshua and Caleb, disagreed.  "It is a land flowing with milk and honey and if God is on our side, we can overcome the giants and take the land."

You know, ther eare times in your life that you will come up against some giants.  Other people might even tell you that you're too small to defeat those giants.  But remember this, no matter how big the giants are in your life, with God on your side, you can overcome the giants.  You are not a grasshopper!!

So, I never want to hear you say, "I can't do it."  All things are possible with God!!!!

Dear Father, help us to remember that with You on our side, we can overcome the giants in our life.  Amen.

A lesson from Rudolph

Have you seen Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer?

Remember when Rudolph was getting ready to show Santa how he could fly and he covered his nose to make it black?

Rudolph got all excited, the black cover came off, and everyone saw his bright RED nose!  Rudolph felt like he didn't fit in.

He met up with Hermey the Elf, who didn't like making toys because he wanted to be a dentist.  Together, they headed out...eventually came to the Island of Misfit Toys.

You all know the story...Rudolph later led Santa's sleigh team to victory and they made it through the snowy night.

Did you know that we can all learn a lesson from Rudolph and Hermey?

Sometimes we may feel like we don't fit in...that we're not as talented as someone else...or we don't look like someone else...

I'm here to tell you that God made EACH one of us as His children SPECIAL...special talents, special abilities, special thoughts...so that we can serve Him in our OWN UNIQUE WAY!!!

Jeremia 29:11... "For I know the plans I have for you...they are plans for good and not for disaster...to give you a hope and a future..."

So, whether your talent is being a dentist or having a red nose, remember that God wants to make YOU a blessing to someone today!

Five Finger Prayer

1. Your thumb is nearest to you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C.S. Lewis once said, a "sweet duty."
2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.
3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.
4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is fact that this is our weakest finger; as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.
5. And lastly comes our little finger; the smallest finger of all. Which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, "The least shall be the greatest among you." Your pinky should remind you to pray for yourself.

By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.

"...But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you...." -- Matthew 6:6

Read more: http://www.creativeyouthideas.com/blog/childrens_sermon/five_finger_prayer.html#more#ixzz1mgJYBAeK
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Gear up!

What do you wear when you play soccer?  Shin guards
What do you wear when you play football?  Football helmet
What do you wear when you ride a bike?  Helmet

Why do we wear these things?  To protect us...Keep us safe to play...Make us prepared...

God expects us to wear protective gear in our everyday lives too!

Ephesians 6:10, "Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the devil's evil schemes."

Ephesians 6:14, "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist..."

"...with the breastplate of righteousness in place with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace."  (...love what is right...)

verse 16... "...take up the shield of faith" (trust Him in all we do)

verse 17... "take the helmet of salvation and sword of the spirit, which is the word of God..."

Sometimes we feel nervous or weak, but remember that God is super strong, super powerful, and can handle anything that comes our way.

If I fall on my bike, my helmet is there to protect me.  God gives us gear to protect us and help us stand firm for Him.

Because You're Worth It!!!

How much is this (hol up a dollar bill)? Kids say, " a dollar!" Have a volunteer fold it.....now how much is it worth? Still worth a dollar! Crumple the dollar bill up in a wad.... Still worth a dollar! Throw the wad on the ground and stomp on it..... Still worth a dollar! Dunk it in a cup of water... Still worth a dollar!!!!! Just like that dollar is still worth a dollar, God loves us NO MATTER WHAT! He always has. he always will! "because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. they are new every morning, Great is Your Faithfulness!" -- Lamentations 3:22-23