Newsletter 33
Newsletter 33 from Maurice Sweetsur
Contents.
Teaching tip 21 - The lost sheep.
Fun story - The lost sheep.
Lost sheep skit.
Seven core values every child needs.
A right funny.
Teaching tip 21 - The lost sheep.
Fun story - The lost sheep.
Jesus wanted people to understand how loving and caring Father God in heaven really is, so he told a story about a Good Shepherd and a lost sheep. With your help, I am going to tell a story based on the one Jesus told, but the important thing to remember is that the Good Shepherd in the story is like God (or Jesus), and the lost sheep is like us.
I want you all to listen out for five 'special' phrases. Whenever you hear them, you have to all respond in the following ways.
Whenever I say 'little sheep', you all have to say "aaaah." Let's try it out. Little sheep. (aaaah). I heard one of you say "baaah." Let's try again. Little sheep. (aaaah). That's better.
Whenever I say 'run away', you all have to say "Oh no!" Let's try it. Run away. (Oh no!). That's right.
Whenever I say 'Lion', you all have to raise your arms to the side of your faces and say "Roar." Let's do it. Lion. (Roar). Good.
Whenever I say 'Wolf', you all have to cup your hands to your mouths and go "oooow." Let's practice. Wolf. (oooow). Very good.
Lastly, whenever I say 'Thistle', which is a sharp, jaggy weed, you all have to jump up from your seats and say "Ouch!" Let's have a go. Thistle. (Ouch). Excellent.
So this is the story about a Good Shepherd who had one hundred little sheep (aaaah). (You may have to prompt the children the first few times). The Good Shepherd loved his little sheep (aaaah), and took really good care of them. He made sure they had enough to eat and drink, and he protected them from any lions (Roar) that might be prowling around looking for juicy lamb chops for their dinners, or any wolves (oooow) that might be looking for some nice mutton stew for their suppers.
One night the Good Shepherd came home and began to count his little sheep (aaaah). He went (pointing at the children) 1 . . . 2 . . . 3 . . . 4 . . . 5 . . .6 . . . 7 . . . 98 . . .99. Oh no, I must have made a mistake. I know, I will start again, beginning at the other side. 1 . . .2 . . .3 . . .4 . . .5 . . .6 . . .7 . . .98 . . .99 . . . Who can tell me , how many sheep should there have been? That's right - 100. How many sheep did the Good Shepherd count? That's right - 99. Now, Here is the hard question. How many sheep were missing? That's right - 1. So the Good Shepherd said 'On no, one of my little sheep (aaaah) must have run away (Oh no)."
Then the Good Shepherd left the 99 little sheep (aaaah) who were safe, and went to look for the little sheep (aaaah) who had run away (Oh no). As he went, the Good Shepherd heard the sound of a Lion (Roar). The Good Shepherd said "Oh no, I hope that that lion (Roar) hasn't caught my little sheep (aaaah) who has run away (Oh no) and eaten him up for his dinner."
Then the Good Shepherd went a little further and he heard the sound of a wolf (oooow). The Good Shepherd said "Oh no, I hope that that wolf (oooow) hasn't found my little sheep (aaaah) and gobbled him up for his supper.
The Good Shepherd went a little further and heard another sound . This was like Baaah. The Good Shepherd said "I know that voice. I know who that is. That's my little sheep (aaaah) who has run away (Oh no)." So the Good Shepherd went to where the 'Baaahing' was coming from, and there he found his little sheep (aaaah). He had been caught in a thistle (Ouch). So the Good Shepherd got hold of his little sheep (aaaah), pulled him out of the thistle (Ouch), put him over his shoulder and carried him home.
The Good Shepherd was so happy at finding his little sheep (aaaah) that he invited all his friends, relatives and neighbours over to have a great big celebration party.
Who did I say the Good Shepherd was like in that story? That's right God, or Jesus. And who did I say the lost sheep was like? That's right us. The Bible tells us that we have all been like that lost sheep. Because of the wrong things we do, we get separated and lost from God. But the reason Jesus came to earth was to look for us and rescue (or save) us - not from a lion, wolf or thistle - from something far worse, our sins. And when just one boy or one girl is rescued by Jesus and brought back into God's family, all the Angels in heaven get excited and have a big party.
Lost sheep skit.
With the aid of a sheep puppet, I perform this ventriloquism skit after telling the 'lost sheep' story.
Self. I would like to introduce you to a friend of mine. This is Shaun the sheep. Say 'Hello' Shaun.
Shaun. Baaah.
Self. Thank you Shaun. I have brought Shaun along to our class today because he tells me that he's the very sheep we were hearing about in the story - the sheep that ran away. Is that true Shaun?
Shaun. Baaah.
Self. Thank you Shaun, I thought it was. Now Shaun, will you tell these boys and girls your side of the story?
Shaun. Baaah.
Self. Thank you very much Shaun, I knew you would. Firstly Shaun, what made you run away?
Shaun. Baaah. I wanted to do what I wanted to do, and go where I wanted to go.
Self. That's like a lot of boys and girls today. They just want to go their own way, and don't listen to their parents, teachers, or even God. What happened after you ran away?
Shaun. It got darker.
Self. Well it does get dark at night Shaun, but what happened next?
Shaun. It got darker.
Self. Yes, and then?
Shaun. It got darker.
Self. I think we all understand that Shaun. It was very dark, but what happened next?
Shaun. It got colder.
Self. Oh I see. It was cold as well as dark that night. What happened next?
Shaun. It got colder.
Self. Yes, and then?
Shaun. It got colder.
Self. I am sure we all understand that Shaun. It was very dark and very cold, and you must have been very frightened by now. But what happened next?
Shaun. Then I heard a lion.
Self. Oh Shaun, that must have terrified you. What happened next?
Shaun. Then I heard a wolf.
Self. Oh Shaun! A wolf as well as a lion. What did you do?
Shaun. I ran and ran and ran.
Self. I'm not surprised. I think that if I were on my own on a cold, dark night and I heard a lion and a wolf, I would run and run and run. What happened next?
Shaun. I ran and ran and ran.
Self. Yes, and then?
Shaun. I ran and ran and ran and ran.
Self. Yes Shaun, but after you ran and ran and ran, and ran and ran and ran, and ran and ran and ran and ran, what happened next?
Shaun. I ran and ran and ran into a thistle.
Self. Oh Shaun, that must have been very painful for you. What happened next?
Shaun. All of a sudden, there was the Good Shepherd.
Self. That's right, he came out on that cold, dark night just to look for you. Did he give you a row for running away?
Shaun. No, he just picked me up and took me home.
Self. I expect that was when you got a row for running away?
Shaun. No, we just had a big celebration party.
Self. That's right. The Good Shepherd was so happy at finding you that he invited all his friends, relatives and neighbours to celebrate with him. What do you think of the Good Shepherd now?
Shaun. He's so good to me.
Self. Will you ever run away again?
Shaun. No, I will never leave the Good Shepherd again.
Self. Good, I think you have learned your lesson.
Shaun. I want to go back to the Good Shepherd now.
Self. We understand that Shaun. You don't want to be away from the Good Shepherd for too long. We will let you go back to him.
Shaun. Before I go, can you answer me a question.
Self. We will if we can Shaun. What is your question to us?
Shaun. Where does a sheep go to get a wool cut?
Self. I know where I go to get a hair cut, but where would a sheep go to get a wool cut? - - - - - - I think you will have to give us the answer Shaun.
Shaun. He goes to the Baa Baa's!
Self. Good bye Shaun.
Conclusion.
That sheep got into trouble because he was disobedient to the Good Shepherd. It is exactly the same with us. When boys and girls get into trouble it is usually because they have been disobedient to God, or the people - like parents and teachers - that God has chosen to look after them. So if you don't want to get into trouble, the answer is simple - listen to your parents, teachers , and what God says in the Bible. Be obedient to what they say, because they love you, they want to protect you, and they know what is best for you.
Note. My object lesson 9 (Which way?) or 38 (Obedience brings success) could be used to conclude this teaching on the lost sheep.
Maurice Sweetsur
Email: mnmsweetsur@xtra.co.nz
Web sites: All Newsletters - http://mauricesweetsur.blogspot.com/ (To view the earliest Newsletters, you need to scroll down to 'Archives' at the bottom of the page and click on 'September 2004').
Object lessons - http://objectlessons.blogspot.com/
Teaching tips - http://teachinglessons.blogspot.com/
SEVEN CORE VALUES EVERY CHILD NEEDS
By David W. Welday
What do we absolutely need to teach our children? Where do we begin? Sure, we want them to know about Noah's Ark, David and Goliath, the birth of Jesus and the resurrection story. But more than knowing the stories, there are core spiritual values that you want your children to have instilled in them at a foundational level. These are spiritual concepts that need to be taught over and over again throughout their growing years. As you teach specific Bible lessons and verses, step back and make sure that you are being intentional in instilling these spiritual values.
If you were going to play on a football team, it wouldn't be of much help to memorize all the specific plays if you didn't first have a grasp of the fundamentals of the game. For example, you need to know that the object of the game is to get the ball over the opponent's goal line and that you only have four chances (downs), to move the ball at least 10 yards. Those are fundamental principles of the game that you have to clearly embrace before the specific plays and tactics make any sense. In the same way, we need to make sure our children "get" certain core spiritual values above any particular theology or Bible text that you want them to know. These are principles that are worth teaching over and over and in a variety of ways. Here they are.
Value #1: I am made in God's image. Where did I come from? Children need to know that they are not a product of evolution or "the Big Bang." They are a product of God's love! Sure, God used their parents' love and affection in the process of creating them, but their ultimate worth is not in how much their earthly parents love them (or there would be millions of kids today with good reason to question their worth). Their worth comes from the fact that God made them. He made the specifically, uniquely and individually.
Value #2: God wants to have a relationship with me. Why did God make me? God made each of us to have a relationship with Him. He is love, and He is looking for those who will receive that love, who will be the object of His deep affection and give Him back the very love and devotion He gives to us. In 1 John 4:19 we read that we love Him because He first loved us. Kids need to know that God is not a force or an "it." He is a Father, a shepherd, and a bridegroom who eagerly desires to reveal Himself to His children, His sheep and His bride. Kids need to know more than facts and information about God; even the devil knows all about God. Rather, they need to know Him personally and recognize that God wants a close relationship with them because He loves them.
Value #3: God will live within me. What makes being a Christian special? Truth is, Christians look much the same as Muslims, agnostics and just plain pagans on the outside. But on the inside it's completely different. When we are born again and the Holy Spirit makes our spirits alive to God, everything changes. The Bible says that old things have passed away and now everything is new. (See 2 Corinthians 5:17.) With the Holy Spirit living inside us, His power, character and wisdom are now available to us as believers. We are completely changed. Kids need to embrace this foundational principle. It's what's on the inside that makes them different and makes them special.
Value #4: I am to grow spiritually. How I act matters. God saves us not just to rescue us from hell but to transform us into His image. The process begins at salvation, but sanctification-the process of becoming more and more like Christ-is a lifelong process in each of our lives. When the Holy Spirit regenerates us, we inherit the capacity to change, to resist sin and to allow God to work His will in our lives. Kids need to be regularly challenged to surrender to the will of God. They need to allow God to change their thoughts, attitudes, speech and actions.
Value #5: Attitude is everything. How I think matters. God wants to transform us by renewing our minds. (See Romans 12:2.) We read in Scripture that sin begins in our minds. Our culture is quick to give us a million excuses for why we act improperly. It's always somebody else's fault. We are victims of our circumstances, or so we're trained to think. But God wants us to think differently. He wants to change and direct the way we think about ourselves, about life and about the world around us.
Value #6: Treat others the way I want to be treated. We are relational creatures. God created us not only to have a relationship with Him, but also with others. Increasingly, our hi-tech culture isolates us from valuable human interaction and relationships. Kids stare glassy-eyed at a video screen for hours but don't know how to meet new people or be tuned in to the hurts of others. We are not called to be Lone Rangers, isolated from the world around us. So we need to train kids how to treat others with respect. We need to teach them how to relate to the opposite sex, to adults, to those in authority, to peers and even to their enemies.
Value #7: What God wants is more important than what I want. God's kingdom comes first. Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:33 to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and everything else that we need will be taken care of. What a simple yet profound way to live. In short, stop living for yourself and start living for God. What He wants, His will for us, is what must be most important to us, even more than our own desires. And when we begin to live the way that Jesus did, only doing the things we see our heavenly Father doing, our lives will become one amazing adventure after another!
A right funny.
So it seems that these four ministers had a series of theological arguments, and three were always in accord against the fourth. One day, the odd pastor out, after the usual "3 to 1, majority rules" statement that signified that he had lost again, decided to appeal to a higher authority.
"Oh, Lord!" he cried. "I know in my heart that I am right and they are wrong! Please give me a sign to prove it to them!"
It was a beautiful, sunny day. As soon as the minister finished his prayer, a storm cloud moved across the sky above the four. It rumbled once and dissolved. "A sign from God! See, I'm right, I knew it!" But the other three disagreed, pointing out that storm clouds form on hot days.
So the pastor prayed again: "Oh, God, I need a bigger sign to show that I am right and they are wrong. So please, Lord, a bigger sign!"
This time four storm clouds appeared, rushed toward each other to form one big cloud, and a bolt of lightning slammed into a tree on a nearby hill.
"I told you I was right!" cried the minister, but his friends insisted that nothing had happened that could not be explained by natural causes.
The Pastor was getting ready to ask for a *very big* sign, but just as he said, "Oh God...," the sky turned pitch black, the earth shook, and a deep, booming voice intoned, "HEEEEEEEE'S RIIIIIIIGHT!"
The minister put his hands on his hips, turned to the other three, and said, "Well?!"
"So," shrugged one of the other pastors, "now it's 3 to 2."
[forwarded by AJ Beaty]
Contents.
Teaching tip 21 - The lost sheep.
Fun story - The lost sheep.
Lost sheep skit.
Seven core values every child needs.
A right funny.
Teaching tip 21 - The lost sheep.
Fun story - The lost sheep.
Jesus wanted people to understand how loving and caring Father God in heaven really is, so he told a story about a Good Shepherd and a lost sheep. With your help, I am going to tell a story based on the one Jesus told, but the important thing to remember is that the Good Shepherd in the story is like God (or Jesus), and the lost sheep is like us.
I want you all to listen out for five 'special' phrases. Whenever you hear them, you have to all respond in the following ways.
Whenever I say 'little sheep', you all have to say "aaaah." Let's try it out. Little sheep. (aaaah). I heard one of you say "baaah." Let's try again. Little sheep. (aaaah). That's better.
Whenever I say 'run away', you all have to say "Oh no!" Let's try it. Run away. (Oh no!). That's right.
Whenever I say 'Lion', you all have to raise your arms to the side of your faces and say "Roar." Let's do it. Lion. (Roar). Good.
Whenever I say 'Wolf', you all have to cup your hands to your mouths and go "oooow." Let's practice. Wolf. (oooow). Very good.
Lastly, whenever I say 'Thistle', which is a sharp, jaggy weed, you all have to jump up from your seats and say "Ouch!" Let's have a go. Thistle. (Ouch). Excellent.
So this is the story about a Good Shepherd who had one hundred little sheep (aaaah). (You may have to prompt the children the first few times). The Good Shepherd loved his little sheep (aaaah), and took really good care of them. He made sure they had enough to eat and drink, and he protected them from any lions (Roar) that might be prowling around looking for juicy lamb chops for their dinners, or any wolves (oooow) that might be looking for some nice mutton stew for their suppers.
One night the Good Shepherd came home and began to count his little sheep (aaaah). He went (pointing at the children) 1 . . . 2 . . . 3 . . . 4 . . . 5 . . .6 . . . 7 . . . 98 . . .99. Oh no, I must have made a mistake. I know, I will start again, beginning at the other side. 1 . . .2 . . .3 . . .4 . . .5 . . .6 . . .7 . . .98 . . .99 . . . Who can tell me , how many sheep should there have been? That's right - 100. How many sheep did the Good Shepherd count? That's right - 99. Now, Here is the hard question. How many sheep were missing? That's right - 1. So the Good Shepherd said 'On no, one of my little sheep (aaaah) must have run away (Oh no)."
Then the Good Shepherd left the 99 little sheep (aaaah) who were safe, and went to look for the little sheep (aaaah) who had run away (Oh no). As he went, the Good Shepherd heard the sound of a Lion (Roar). The Good Shepherd said "Oh no, I hope that that lion (Roar) hasn't caught my little sheep (aaaah) who has run away (Oh no) and eaten him up for his dinner."
Then the Good Shepherd went a little further and he heard the sound of a wolf (oooow). The Good Shepherd said "Oh no, I hope that that wolf (oooow) hasn't found my little sheep (aaaah) and gobbled him up for his supper.
The Good Shepherd went a little further and heard another sound . This was like Baaah. The Good Shepherd said "I know that voice. I know who that is. That's my little sheep (aaaah) who has run away (Oh no)." So the Good Shepherd went to where the 'Baaahing' was coming from, and there he found his little sheep (aaaah). He had been caught in a thistle (Ouch). So the Good Shepherd got hold of his little sheep (aaaah), pulled him out of the thistle (Ouch), put him over his shoulder and carried him home.
The Good Shepherd was so happy at finding his little sheep (aaaah) that he invited all his friends, relatives and neighbours over to have a great big celebration party.
Who did I say the Good Shepherd was like in that story? That's right God, or Jesus. And who did I say the lost sheep was like? That's right us. The Bible tells us that we have all been like that lost sheep. Because of the wrong things we do, we get separated and lost from God. But the reason Jesus came to earth was to look for us and rescue (or save) us - not from a lion, wolf or thistle - from something far worse, our sins. And when just one boy or one girl is rescued by Jesus and brought back into God's family, all the Angels in heaven get excited and have a big party.
Lost sheep skit.
With the aid of a sheep puppet, I perform this ventriloquism skit after telling the 'lost sheep' story.
Self. I would like to introduce you to a friend of mine. This is Shaun the sheep. Say 'Hello' Shaun.
Shaun. Baaah.
Self. Thank you Shaun. I have brought Shaun along to our class today because he tells me that he's the very sheep we were hearing about in the story - the sheep that ran away. Is that true Shaun?
Shaun. Baaah.
Self. Thank you Shaun, I thought it was. Now Shaun, will you tell these boys and girls your side of the story?
Shaun. Baaah.
Self. Thank you very much Shaun, I knew you would. Firstly Shaun, what made you run away?
Shaun. Baaah. I wanted to do what I wanted to do, and go where I wanted to go.
Self. That's like a lot of boys and girls today. They just want to go their own way, and don't listen to their parents, teachers, or even God. What happened after you ran away?
Shaun. It got darker.
Self. Well it does get dark at night Shaun, but what happened next?
Shaun. It got darker.
Self. Yes, and then?
Shaun. It got darker.
Self. I think we all understand that Shaun. It was very dark, but what happened next?
Shaun. It got colder.
Self. Oh I see. It was cold as well as dark that night. What happened next?
Shaun. It got colder.
Self. Yes, and then?
Shaun. It got colder.
Self. I am sure we all understand that Shaun. It was very dark and very cold, and you must have been very frightened by now. But what happened next?
Shaun. Then I heard a lion.
Self. Oh Shaun, that must have terrified you. What happened next?
Shaun. Then I heard a wolf.
Self. Oh Shaun! A wolf as well as a lion. What did you do?
Shaun. I ran and ran and ran.
Self. I'm not surprised. I think that if I were on my own on a cold, dark night and I heard a lion and a wolf, I would run and run and run. What happened next?
Shaun. I ran and ran and ran.
Self. Yes, and then?
Shaun. I ran and ran and ran and ran.
Self. Yes Shaun, but after you ran and ran and ran, and ran and ran and ran, and ran and ran and ran and ran, what happened next?
Shaun. I ran and ran and ran into a thistle.
Self. Oh Shaun, that must have been very painful for you. What happened next?
Shaun. All of a sudden, there was the Good Shepherd.
Self. That's right, he came out on that cold, dark night just to look for you. Did he give you a row for running away?
Shaun. No, he just picked me up and took me home.
Self. I expect that was when you got a row for running away?
Shaun. No, we just had a big celebration party.
Self. That's right. The Good Shepherd was so happy at finding you that he invited all his friends, relatives and neighbours to celebrate with him. What do you think of the Good Shepherd now?
Shaun. He's so good to me.
Self. Will you ever run away again?
Shaun. No, I will never leave the Good Shepherd again.
Self. Good, I think you have learned your lesson.
Shaun. I want to go back to the Good Shepherd now.
Self. We understand that Shaun. You don't want to be away from the Good Shepherd for too long. We will let you go back to him.
Shaun. Before I go, can you answer me a question.
Self. We will if we can Shaun. What is your question to us?
Shaun. Where does a sheep go to get a wool cut?
Self. I know where I go to get a hair cut, but where would a sheep go to get a wool cut? - - - - - - I think you will have to give us the answer Shaun.
Shaun. He goes to the Baa Baa's!
Self. Good bye Shaun.
Conclusion.
That sheep got into trouble because he was disobedient to the Good Shepherd. It is exactly the same with us. When boys and girls get into trouble it is usually because they have been disobedient to God, or the people - like parents and teachers - that God has chosen to look after them. So if you don't want to get into trouble, the answer is simple - listen to your parents, teachers , and what God says in the Bible. Be obedient to what they say, because they love you, they want to protect you, and they know what is best for you.
Note. My object lesson 9 (Which way?) or 38 (Obedience brings success) could be used to conclude this teaching on the lost sheep.
Maurice Sweetsur
Email: mnmsweetsur@xtra.co.nz
Web sites: All Newsletters - http://mauricesweetsur.blogspot.com/ (To view the earliest Newsletters, you need to scroll down to 'Archives' at the bottom of the page and click on 'September 2004').
Object lessons - http://objectlessons.blogspot.com/
Teaching tips - http://teachinglessons.blogspot.com/
SEVEN CORE VALUES EVERY CHILD NEEDS
By David W. Welday
What do we absolutely need to teach our children? Where do we begin? Sure, we want them to know about Noah's Ark, David and Goliath, the birth of Jesus and the resurrection story. But more than knowing the stories, there are core spiritual values that you want your children to have instilled in them at a foundational level. These are spiritual concepts that need to be taught over and over again throughout their growing years. As you teach specific Bible lessons and verses, step back and make sure that you are being intentional in instilling these spiritual values.
If you were going to play on a football team, it wouldn't be of much help to memorize all the specific plays if you didn't first have a grasp of the fundamentals of the game. For example, you need to know that the object of the game is to get the ball over the opponent's goal line and that you only have four chances (downs), to move the ball at least 10 yards. Those are fundamental principles of the game that you have to clearly embrace before the specific plays and tactics make any sense. In the same way, we need to make sure our children "get" certain core spiritual values above any particular theology or Bible text that you want them to know. These are principles that are worth teaching over and over and in a variety of ways. Here they are.
Value #1: I am made in God's image. Where did I come from? Children need to know that they are not a product of evolution or "the Big Bang." They are a product of God's love! Sure, God used their parents' love and affection in the process of creating them, but their ultimate worth is not in how much their earthly parents love them (or there would be millions of kids today with good reason to question their worth). Their worth comes from the fact that God made them. He made the specifically, uniquely and individually.
Value #2: God wants to have a relationship with me. Why did God make me? God made each of us to have a relationship with Him. He is love, and He is looking for those who will receive that love, who will be the object of His deep affection and give Him back the very love and devotion He gives to us. In 1 John 4:19 we read that we love Him because He first loved us. Kids need to know that God is not a force or an "it." He is a Father, a shepherd, and a bridegroom who eagerly desires to reveal Himself to His children, His sheep and His bride. Kids need to know more than facts and information about God; even the devil knows all about God. Rather, they need to know Him personally and recognize that God wants a close relationship with them because He loves them.
Value #3: God will live within me. What makes being a Christian special? Truth is, Christians look much the same as Muslims, agnostics and just plain pagans on the outside. But on the inside it's completely different. When we are born again and the Holy Spirit makes our spirits alive to God, everything changes. The Bible says that old things have passed away and now everything is new. (See 2 Corinthians 5:17.) With the Holy Spirit living inside us, His power, character and wisdom are now available to us as believers. We are completely changed. Kids need to embrace this foundational principle. It's what's on the inside that makes them different and makes them special.
Value #4: I am to grow spiritually. How I act matters. God saves us not just to rescue us from hell but to transform us into His image. The process begins at salvation, but sanctification-the process of becoming more and more like Christ-is a lifelong process in each of our lives. When the Holy Spirit regenerates us, we inherit the capacity to change, to resist sin and to allow God to work His will in our lives. Kids need to be regularly challenged to surrender to the will of God. They need to allow God to change their thoughts, attitudes, speech and actions.
Value #5: Attitude is everything. How I think matters. God wants to transform us by renewing our minds. (See Romans 12:2.) We read in Scripture that sin begins in our minds. Our culture is quick to give us a million excuses for why we act improperly. It's always somebody else's fault. We are victims of our circumstances, or so we're trained to think. But God wants us to think differently. He wants to change and direct the way we think about ourselves, about life and about the world around us.
Value #6: Treat others the way I want to be treated. We are relational creatures. God created us not only to have a relationship with Him, but also with others. Increasingly, our hi-tech culture isolates us from valuable human interaction and relationships. Kids stare glassy-eyed at a video screen for hours but don't know how to meet new people or be tuned in to the hurts of others. We are not called to be Lone Rangers, isolated from the world around us. So we need to train kids how to treat others with respect. We need to teach them how to relate to the opposite sex, to adults, to those in authority, to peers and even to their enemies.
Value #7: What God wants is more important than what I want. God's kingdom comes first. Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:33 to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and everything else that we need will be taken care of. What a simple yet profound way to live. In short, stop living for yourself and start living for God. What He wants, His will for us, is what must be most important to us, even more than our own desires. And when we begin to live the way that Jesus did, only doing the things we see our heavenly Father doing, our lives will become one amazing adventure after another!
A right funny.
So it seems that these four ministers had a series of theological arguments, and three were always in accord against the fourth. One day, the odd pastor out, after the usual "3 to 1, majority rules" statement that signified that he had lost again, decided to appeal to a higher authority.
"Oh, Lord!" he cried. "I know in my heart that I am right and they are wrong! Please give me a sign to prove it to them!"
It was a beautiful, sunny day. As soon as the minister finished his prayer, a storm cloud moved across the sky above the four. It rumbled once and dissolved. "A sign from God! See, I'm right, I knew it!" But the other three disagreed, pointing out that storm clouds form on hot days.
So the pastor prayed again: "Oh, God, I need a bigger sign to show that I am right and they are wrong. So please, Lord, a bigger sign!"
This time four storm clouds appeared, rushed toward each other to form one big cloud, and a bolt of lightning slammed into a tree on a nearby hill.
"I told you I was right!" cried the minister, but his friends insisted that nothing had happened that could not be explained by natural causes.
The Pastor was getting ready to ask for a *very big* sign, but just as he said, "Oh God...," the sky turned pitch black, the earth shook, and a deep, booming voice intoned, "HEEEEEEEE'S RIIIIIIIGHT!"
The minister put his hands on his hips, turned to the other three, and said, "Well?!"
"So," shrugged one of the other pastors, "now it's 3 to 2."
[forwarded by AJ Beaty]
posted by Maurice Sweetsur @ 2:11 AM
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