Luke 18:9-14 Measuring Up (Edstrom)
Objects suggested: Ruler, tape measure, measuring cups and spoons, clock, calendar, thermometer. Let’s talk about objects we use to measure things. Can you think of some?
Romans 5:1-11 The Right Fit (Edstrom)
In the Bible we learn about being bonded to God and we find that there are no requirements other than accepting God's love. God does not require that we be a certain shape or size or know how to do special things. We are loved for who we are, just the way we are, and nothing more is expected. The Bible tells us that "God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us" (5:5). We fit, just the way we are, into God's plan.
Luke 18:1-8 Try and Try Again (Edstrom)
This was a good story for the disciples to hear and it is a good story for us today. When we get discouraged Jesus tells us to "pray always and not lose heart." Be persistent. Try over and over again. Keep trying and praying.
Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 Promise of Grace (Edstrom)
Rainbows can teach us about another gift - the gift of grace. Grace is God's love, which is offered to everyone and is always available to all of us. God's love, or grace, is not something we can make or cause to happen. It is not something that is given to us as a reward for working hard or trying to be good. We don't need to worry about earning God's love. God's love is free and is always there for us. We just need to give thanks for such a wonderful gift, accept it, and enjoy the power and comfort of God's love.
Luke 18:1-8 Keep Trying (Edstrom)
When a task seems large or even impossible we can become discouraged. We may want to quit. We are encouraged, as Jesus encouraged his disciples, to continue to pray "day and night" (18:7). Above all, we need to keep trying and be persistent when we pray.
Luke 17:11-19 Blessings (Edstrom)
He said to the person who had thanked him, "Your faith has healed you" (17:19). Being thankful helps you be healthy and happy. Keep a little journal by your bedside. Before you go to sleep each night, list the things you have seen, heard, tasted, touched or, smelled that gave you pleasure during the day. If you need help, ask your dad, mom, older brother or sister to work with you. Your journal of thanks will be a blessing to you and to those around you!
Romans 4:7-8 Be Happy (Edstrom)
As we read the Bible, in the Book of Romans, we learn an important thing about God; he does not keep track of our mistakes - our sins. The verse is this – "Blessed is the man whom the Lord will by no means charge with sin" (4:8). This means that people who trust that God will forgive the mistakes they have made are blessed - happy.
Luke 17:11-19 Giving Thanks (Edstrom)
Remember to look around and see what gifts are there for you to enjoy. Keep a journal, with your parents or by yourself, and write down four or five things, everyday, for which you are thankful. Making a list of those gifts will bless your life. You will find that as you go through your days you will become more aware of God's gifts and want to give thanks to The Giver.
Luke 17:11-19 Taking the First Step (Edstrom)
Jesus said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests" (17:14). As they traveled they were healed. The healing happened after they obeyed and started on their journey to go to the priests. They took the first step, a big first step, "a leap of faith" in believing that if they did what Jesus told them to do they would be healed. And, they were.
Romans 1:16-17: 3:22b-28 It’s Free (Edstrom)
Talking about allowances may help us understand more about the free gift of God's love. As Christians, we are a part of God's family and we have work to do, but work is not necessary to receive God's love. We need only to accept and believe in the power of God's love. The Bible tells us that the Gospel (Good News about Jesus) "is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes" (1:16).