Life in a KidzWorld Thoughts & ideas from a children's pastor

Hey Parents,

As many of you know, we have been collecting baby items throughout the month of December for Project Compassion that benefits the Pregnancy Crisis Center.  You and your kids have done an amazing job bringing clothes, shoes, baby wipes and blankets to help out. In fact, if you have a chance during one of the 6 Christmas Eve services, stop by 252 Theater and take a look at the stage to see all the wonderful gifts you have brought. This will make a HUGE impact on this ministry that helps families who are struggling and in need of not only some great essential services, but items that will help them as they bring a new baby into the world.

 

NEED A FAVOR…one thing we still need more of still is…diapers!  I know it is not the most fun thing to shop for, but it something that is a big necessity for these families.  Here is my challenge: I would like  everyone that is receiving this email to buy 1 or 2 bags or boxes of diapers and bring them with you to NewSpring this weekend when you attend a service.  Let’s make this the biggest diaper drive we can put together.  If you can’t make it this weekend, feel free to drop them off at NewSpring during office hours (Tuesday-Friday from 8:30-4:30).  We told the kids in KidzWorld that we wanted to get so much stuff that we run out of room on the stage in 252 Theater.  Will you help us as we make a difference with so many families in Wichita by packing out the stage on our final weekend of Project Compassion?

 

Thanks so much!

Our God is a unique, one and only God. There is nothing and no one like Him in all the universe. It only makes sense that everything He creates is also unique and one-of-a-kind. No two people are exactly alike. Even identical twins have uniquely different fingerprints. We are each an original—even you!

The amazing thing about being uniquely created is that you have “good works” that only you can do. Every day you get opportunities to make a difference by doing something specially designed for you. No one else can combine your experiences, your abilities, and your relationships to follow God’s leading and make a difference in your world like only you can.

The same is true for each of the kids you’ll be leading this month. God has created each of them to have unique stories, talents, and gifts that He can use to make a difference in the world around them. This month’s memory verse teaches kids that they don’t have to wait to be used by God: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young. Set an example for the believers in what you say and in how you live.” 1 Timothy 4:12a, NIrV

This verse is from a letter that Paul sent to Timothy, a young leader in the early church who was facing a challenging situation. But God had uniquely designed Timothy to be in just this situation at just this time. The way God used Timothy’s individuality to make a difference shows us how He can use us, too. So, we’re going to spend all month learning from Timothy’s example.

In Week One,we learn that Timothy’s family is unique, giving Timothy the ability to relate to different people.When Paul’s missionary journey brings him to Timothy’s hometown (Acts 14:1-23), Timothy decides to connect his story to God’s story. Our Bottom Line is: Jesus wants to use your story to make a big difference.

In Week Two,we see that the believers in Timothy’s hometown recognized his God-given talent of teaching (1 Timothy 4:14). But Timothy didn’t just learn that he was a good teacher and pat himself on the back. He put his giftedness to good work and used the talents God had given him by joining Paul’s next missionary journey (Acts 16:1-2). Our Bottom Line is: When you discover your gifts, you can make a difference.

In Week Three,we learn thatPaul and Timothy had traveled to Corinth and started a church of believers. But they later received word that there was trouble in the Corinthian church, so Paul sent Timothy to the Corinthians and he also gave them the message of 1 Corinthians 12:12-21, 25-27. The same message applies to us today. But each of us is gifted in different ways, and that’s a good thing. Our Bottom Line is: When we use our gifts together, we make a greater difference.

In Week Four, Paul and Timothy have traveled to Ephesus and taught the church there. When Paul is called to Macedonia, he leaves Timothy in charge. But the church in Ephesus has false teachers, so Timothy has a tough job ahead of him. Paul encourages Timothy with a letter that contains our Bible story this week: 1 Timothy 4:12-16. Our Bottom Line is: You can make a difference right now.

When we allow God to combine our unique story with our talents and our relationship with others, we can make a big difference in our world. The first step is discovering who you are meant to be—your own, individual place in the world.

 

 By Jessica McKee ©2012 The reThink Group. All rights reserved. http://www.ThinkOrange.com *Used by permission.

Our God spoke into the darkness and created the entire universe. He is big enough to control the wind and the rain, yet able to meet the needs of the smallest sparrow. God knows all things and still desires to hear each of our prayers.

As we learn more about who God is and what He does, respect becomes a natural response to God’s character. But not only does God have all authority, according to the Bible, He also sets up governing authorities on earth. So showing respect to those in authority over us is an extension of showing respect to God.

This month’s memory verse is a quick and easy reminder of exactly that: “Show proper respect to everyone.” (1 Peter 2:17a, NIV) Proper respect acknowledges what is appropriate given the situation and position of the person. The person in authority over us was made by, is loved, and was placed in authority by God. We show them respect with our speech, actions, and attitude.

But what if we disagree with our authority? Sometimes respect means we won’t get our way or that our idea won’t win out. It might mean swallowing our pride in a very humbling moment. Or choosing our words very carefully when it would be easier to lash out or say something hurtful or defensive. When we stop and remember to respond with words and actions that show our authorities they are important, that they are made by God, and that God has given them their position, we show respect to our authority and to God.

In Week One, the faith of the centurion (Matthew 8:5-13) helps us recognize God’s ultimate authority. The centurion is a man who knows respect and demands it from the soldiers under his command. Yet, he humbly respects Jesus’ authority even though he isn’t even a Jew. He understands who is really in charge. Our Bottom Line is: Respect God because He’s in charge of everything.

In Week Two,we come to understand that God puts authorities in our lives to help protect and guide us, whether we agree with or even like them. Romans 13:1-5 teaches that God has established the governing authorities in our lives. When we respect them, we respect God. Our Bottom Line is: Respect God by respecting the people He’s put in charge.

In Week Three,when David spares Saul’s life (1 Samuel 24), he demonstrates that often those in authority haven’t earned our respect. When we have the self-control to show respect with our actions and attitude, God is honored. But respect doesn’t mean letting someone hurt you or others. David was smart to run away and get help. The Bottom Line is: Respect those in authority, even if they don’t deserve it.

In Week Four, we hear the contrast our words can create when we aren’t respectful (James 3:9-12). We’ll learn the importance of being consistently respectful with our speech. Respect or disrespect is obvious in our tone and the words we choose. In some cases, what we don’t say shows the most respect. So, our Bottom Line is: When you respect others with your words, you show respect to God.

In Week Five, The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:5-13) teaches us that when we pray we are discovering what God desires and then cooperating with it. As we recognize that God already knows what we need, we approach Him with an attitude of respect. Prayer is an important faith skill because it reminds us that we’re not in charge and that we need help. The Bottom Line is: What you think about God determines how you talk to Him.

Respect is truly a question of how we respond to our authorities. Will we assume that everyone has something they can teach us? Or will we stubbornly work to get our own way? When we choose to elevate our attitude and think a little higher, we show others they are important because God has given them their authority.

 

 By Cara Martens. ©2012 Orange. All rights reserved. http://www.WhatIsOrange.org * All rights reserved. Used by permission