Sunday, May 31st: Words, Words, Words

Lesson Topic – Words, Words, Words

That’s Good to Know – What I say, determines my way.

Bible Lesson – The power of the tongue-James 3:1-10

Spoken Word – If you can control your tongue, you are mature. James 3:2

Parent Corner –
We know that words are powerful. God spoke His creation into existence. Jesus instructed His disciples to share the good news with others. Numerous examples from the Bible reveal the power of words to direct and change the course of history. Words are indeed powerful!

We even see evidence of this in our daily lives. Words can affect how someone sees herself or others. We easily remember the unkind words people often wield. Unfortunately, the impact of negative comments far outweighs the good ones. In fact, statistics reveal that it takes seven to ten positive comments to counteract on negative comment. It’s vital to carefully consider our words. Your example will show kids how much better they can make people feel around them with positive words. Faith-filled words can literally make life’s path smoother. Kids need to understand that what I say determines my way.

There will always be rambunctious or inattentive kids, but we must be careful that we don’t crush them with our words or the tone in our voice. We have a tremendous influence over them, and what we say-both good and bad-will influence how they see the church and God. Will they view Him as harsh and unyielding, or will they view Him as loving refuge? Your words and actions will help determine that. Yes, it’s a big responsibility, but you are up to the task. If God has called you or given you the desire to work with kids, then He will prepare you for it.

This lesson is a perfect opportunity to pray for kids who have received more than their fair share of negative comments. Never forget that your kids go through a lot each day. Take time to encourage them, realizing that your words may literally change their lives.

Sunday, May 24th: Attitude Is Everything

Lesson Topic Attitude Is Everything

Thats Good to Know I am blessed when I have a good attitude.

Bible Lesson The Beatitudes- Matthew 5:1-12

Spoken Word God blesses those people who want to obey him. Matthew 5:6

Parent Corner
The Lord loves obedience, but He wants more from us than simply blind obedience. (See Isaiah 1:19). He wants His children to have willing hearts. He wants His children to want to obey Him. He wants a good attitude! Teaching about having a good attitude may seem elementary, but in a kids world, where having a bad attitude can be considered cool, we need to encourage them that being cool for Jesus is more important than being cool for their peers. Having a good attitude is about more than simply forcing a smile on your face or doing the right things- its about a change of heart, a joyfulness of spirit. That kind of change enables a person to receive success in every area of life. Kids who have positive attitudes seem to be at the top of their class in every area. It isnt always the smartest person who achieves success-its the one with a good attitude.

Theres a definite connection between good attitudes and success, and your children should have discovered how far a good attitude will propel them with there family, their friends, their teachers and even their future employers. A good attitude can literally mean the difference between success and failure, both on personal and professional fronts. This weeks lesson is an opportunity for you to arm your kids with a bit of knowledge that will give them an edge in life. Its also a great time for you to share a personal story about at time when a good attitude made a big difference in your life.

Encourage your children to absorb this lesson into their lives and apply it everything they do. When they do their chores and homework, they should do them with a happy heart. As they obey their parents, they should exercise their good attitude muscle and get in the joy habit. If they can make this change theyre sure to go far in the world. Then theyll be able to tell their family and friends, I am blessed when I have a good attitude.

Sunday, May 10th: The Bigger They Are…

Lesson Topic – The Bigger They Are…

That’s Good to Know – Be Brave For God

Bible Lesson – Goliath meets David-1 Samuel 17:32-50

Spoken Word – Proverbs 28:1- Those who live right are as brave as lions.

Parent Corner – Remember when the 10 spies gave their negative report about the Promised Land? They were afraid of giants in the land. While their report was exaggerated (no, the Israelites were not the size of grasshoppers in comparison), there really were giants.

In today’s Bible lesson, we meet the most famous giant, Goliath. Over 9 feet tall, Goliath apparently was a descendant of a tribe of giants that settled in Gath, one of the five main Philistine cities.

Had any of the 10 spies lived at this time, they might have said, “We told you so!” Sadly, most of Israel, even King Saul, had the same fearful spirit. But not young David! He had the spirit of Joshua and Caleb. He knew that any obstacle confronting God’s people could be overcome through faith and obedience.

Fearsome “giants” still array themselves against kids today. Sometimes these are giants of the imagination: Monster under the bed, things that go bump in the night and “what if “ fears (what if mom dies, what if I get lost, what if I fail the test, etc.).

Every child will at times face giants of doubt and uncertainty regarding his faith (Does God really love me? Is Jesus real? Why doesn’t God answer my prayers?).

Of course, there’s no way for boys and girls to avoid the giant of temptation. And they often have to face the monster of events beyond their control.

To help kids understand how God can help them be brave and bold even in the most difficult situation, paint a graphic picture of the impossible battle David faced. There was no way David could defeat Goliath in his own power, yet he had no fear. Similarly, there are no battles in your children’s lives that they cannot overcome through the strength of Christ. Teach them to be brave for God.