Sunday May 25, 2008

WHAT IS THE PERFECT GIFT?

I bet that all of you children, and maybe even some moms and dads, love to get gifts on birthdays, at Christmas, and on other special occasions. What are people telling you when they give you a present? They are telling you that they care about you and want to make you feel special and loved. Will these gifts last forever? Some might last a long time, like a favourite stuffy or bedtime book, but eventually they will become old and worn. Some toys will even get broken, lost,or become too young for you. Does this really matter? NO, because the people will still care about you and show their love in many ways. What does the bible say about receiving gifts in James 1:17? “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights…” Wow, are we ever lucky. God sent His perfect son, Jesus, down to earth to be our Lord and Saviour. Through loving Him we will receive the best gift of all, “ the crown of life. “ Thank you, Lord!!!

This Weeks Memory Verse (James 1:12)
"Every good and perfect gift is from above."

Sunday May 11, 2008

A LETTER OF LESSONS

Did you know that many of the books of the bible in the New Testament are actually letters written to different people or different churches? Today, we are going to start reading the book of James. James is writing a letter to many Christians. He
has some very important messages for them. We will learn about these messages over the
next few weeks. The lesson for today is from James 1:1-8. It teaches about the need to keep trusting in God and to keep up our faith in Him even when life gets hard. There are times when we are not sure what to do so we must ASK God for wisdom, BELIEVE we will receive it, and NOT DOUBT that God “gives generously to all without finding fault” (James 1:5)

THIS WEEKS MEMORY VERSE (James 1: 6)

“… when he asks he must believe and not doubt…”

Sunday May 4, 2008

KEEP UP YOUR COURAGE!
Last week we talked about how Paul trusted God to always take care of him. Paul knew that he would get out of Jerusalem safely because one night the Lord told Paul that “…you must testify in Rome.” (Acts 23:11) Paul always believed what the Lord
told him. In this week’s story, Acts 27-28, we learn that even though Paul was sailing on a ship that was in danger of sinking in a storm, he knew that he was safe. Why did he know that he was safe? Because the Lord told him!!! Paul put all his faith in Jesus. He told the other people on the ship “to keep up your courage because not one of you will be lost…” (Acts 27:22) How could Paul say these words if he could not see into the future? Because an angel of the Lord had spoken to him in the night and said, “Do not be afraid, Paul… God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.” (Acts 27:23) The ship they were sailing on would be wrecked, but the 276 people on board would reach land safely. Let’s be safe in God’s arms!!!

THIS WEEKS MEMORY VERSE: (Acts 27:22)

“…keep up your courage…”