Back in the Classroom

I am back in the classroom and so excited to bring the Word of God to the kids in my class.

This Sunday, we discussed the Anointing of David.  I love the story about David especially when he was anointed King because no one expected him to chosen as king.  I love what the Lord reveals to Samuel in I Samuel 16: 7

 ⁷ But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." 

I love that the Lord looks at the heart.  This should encourage to all of us.  God sees our potential not just in our abilities but what's in our heart.

Be blessed today from the Sprout Room,

Linda

Be Strong and Courageous!

Our lessons continue about God appoints Joshua as Moses successor.  The Children of Isreal are ready to move into the promise land. Moses encourages Joshua to be strong and courageous!  Moses is now a 120 years old and is unable to enter the promise land due to his disobedience by striking the Rock.  God selects Joshua to lead the people  In Joshua 1, God lets Joshua know that he is with him and that he has no need to fear.

Joshua 1: 6-8
"Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. ⁷ Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. ⁸ Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. ⁹ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."


I hope you find the courage you need today just like Joshua.  When we have God leading us we have nothing to fear.

Blessings from the Sprout Room,
Linda

The Desert or Promise Land...Hmmmm?

Numbers 13 and 14: 1-9

We finished our journey with Paul's Missionary Journeys.

Now, we are discussing Moses and the Children of Israel who roamed in the desert.

Moses sends out the 12 spies.  10 spies come back with a frightening report about the land being filled with giants BUT thankfully Joshua and Caleb had a different report.  You see, they had their minds focused on the capabilities of the Lord vs. the strength of the inhabitants of the Land.

I love this verse:

They said, "We passed through the land and checked it out. It's very good.  

⁸ If the Lord is pleased with us, he'll lead us into that land. It's a land that has plenty of milk and honey. He'll give it to us.

It is my prayer that the children will always know that the Lord is with them.  All we have to do is call on His Name.

Blessings,

Linda

 

SuperFUNtastic Sunday

 

Everyone had a great time at SuperFUNtastic Sunday!  Cheryl led the kids so graciously on the importance of building a firm foundation.  When hard times come that it's only our foundation in God that counts.  It's only Jesus as our Rock of Salvation that will sustain us spiritually, emotionally and physically.  Hope you can join us for our next SuperFUNtastic Sunday.

Paul's Captive Journey To Rome (The Shipwreck)

Our lesson this week featured Paul's journey aboard the ship heading for Rome.  We started at Caesarea and concluded our lesson at Malta.  Paul warned the centurion to consider a different route.  He was familiar with traveling by sea and the unrelenting storms that have come up.  However, the centurion did not listen to Paul.  They continued and the storm became even worse.  One night, an angel appears to Paul and encourages him.  Paul then encourages the crew that they will be safe.  At one point, Paul prays and breaks the break so that all the men would be strengthened.  Can you imagine?  No matter what we are going through God is with us. I have always been encouraged by Paul and his choices.   The children really liked this journey through Paul's conversion, experiences at Antioch and his missionary journeys.

Blessings to All,

Linda

Paul tells the Jews about his conversion experience in Jerusalem

Have you ever had the opportunity to tell your conversion experience to a crowd?

It required a lot of boldness didn't it?

Our lesson this week is about Paul telling the Jews in Jerusalem about his conversion experience.  Despite the opposition, Paul told the people about Jesus and how he was changed forever.  They didn't want to listen.  In our reading at one point they threw down their coats.  Can you imagine?  The mob began beating Paul and a Roman commander took Paul away from the crowd.

There are so many integrating aspects to this story but the most important this I wanted to impress on the children is that speaking the truth is the most important.  It may be hard sometimes especially if there is any wrongdoing on their part but coming forth with the truth is essential.  Jesus came to bring truth the world.

Paul and Silas singing and praying in Prison (Acts 16)

Our discussion continues about Paul, Silas and Timothy's missionary journey.  Our story continues in Acts 16 beginning at verse 16.  Our lesson discusses the slave girl who was possessed by a spirit that allowed her to predict the future.  After following Paul and Silas for a few days, Paul rebukes the spirit and it leaves her.  Her slave owners drag Paul and Silas to the magistrates. Paul and Silas are beaten and place in stocks in prison.  Paul and Silas began singing and praying.  I love their attitude.  In prison, sing your heart out.  This is a wonderful thing we can teach our children.  When your doing the Lord's work things may not go the way you planned but this allowed an entire family to be converted to the Lord.  Praise the Lord.  Don't be afraid to step out of yourself and reach out to someone today.  God sees you and knows your heart.  He will take care of you.

Blessings from the Sprout Room,

Linda