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I was challenged today…What about you?

God never fails to challenge my Faith. He challenges what I say, why I say it, and if I’ll stand by it. And, He does this on a regular basis; I can set my life by it! You know what I mean?

In Kidsplace, we are learning about “Generosity: Making someone’s Day by Giving Something Away.” Just last week, we were drilling into the kid’s heads “People are more important than stuff, PEOPLE are more IMPORTANT than STUFF, PEOPLE ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN STUFF…” Yet, when push came to shove, I STILL forgot that people are MORE IMPORTANT.

I was given a Generosity challenge, and it was quite difficult I’m sorry to say…

Someone asked me to give, and I didn’t want to. I was thinking up excuses not to give as they were asking. I was thinking, "Great! Why me? You had to come up to me...I do not have time for this and the sacrifice is too much...probably not worth it…" Then, I was harshly interrupted, and the word "Compassion" would not leave my brain. I was reminded of what Jesus said, "When you give to those in need, you give to me [paraphrase]." (Matthew 25:31-46)

The Lord, once again, was giving me an opportunity to practice what I preach: Believing that PEOPLE are more important than STUFF. My heart was convicted and I was faced with a choice: Obey, Not Obey…

Generosity: making someone's day by giving something away. I made her day. In fact, I shocked her day by giving beyond what she expected. I’m not gonna’ lie, after I gave, there wasn’t some grand moment in my heart with overwhelming feelings and emotions. I obeyed and it was the right thing to do. I even had to keep telling myself as I walked away, “I obeyed. I know the Lord will bless, because He says He will.” As I was reminding myself of these truths, that’s when the grand moment in my heart came! The Holy Spirit revealed: “Is it not better to show compassion and give, then to show none at all? Wouldn’t you rather be THAT person, then one who judges, condemns, and is hardened towards others?” My heart smiled.

What about you? What kind of person do you want to be towards others? Will you answer your challenge with Generosity and Compassion or ignore an opportunity to see God’s love being poured out through you…He gives us these chances, what will you do?

What about you?

“…Suppose I can understand all the secret things of God and know everything about him. And suppose I have enough faith to move mountains. If I don't have love, I am nothing at all.” 1 Corinthians 13:2b

BY: Emily Hart

How do we know God loves us?

We can all receive love in a variety of ways: a hug, a gift, a kind word, time spent with someone who cares for us…there really are a million ways to say “I love you.”  Each gesture speaks to our spirit differently.  But the end result is the same: Love fuels us.  It’s the driving force that moves us to be more kind, considerate, sacrificial, and do things we never thought imaginable. 

The most profound message of love we can ever know is the saving love of our Lord Jesus Christ.  A love so great, that God would send His only Son, as a ransom for the world.  A love so perfect, it would defy all the odds.  A love so radical it was rejected by men.  A love so deep it couldn’t be contained by death.  A love so rich it can’t be earned, only freely received. 

Even the youngest hearts can understand this love.  Maybe not to it’s full extent, but they grasp the concept.  To them, love isn’t conditional upon good behavior, but it’s implied.  That’s exactly what scripture tells us – Romans speaks of our sin and how we cannot earn grace, but because of God’s love for us, He made a way.  It’s a free gift of from our heavenly Father.

That’s how we know that God loves us: He gave us Jesus.  During December, our preschoolers will learn about the birth of Jesus, preparing their hearts to receive this gift of love.  Kids will also hear the basic truth that Jesus wants to be our friend forever.  They will memorize Isaiah 9:6 “God has given a son to us.”  This will be a Christmas time to remember as we celebrate the best way to say “I love you” - Jesus.

BY: Deborah Winkler

“Tangk-You!”

After giving my 2 year old daughter a special treat, I did something. I did what most parents ask of their children: “What do you say?” I made her stop what she was doing and say: “Tangk-you” (in her own words). This is so important in our house, that refusing to say “thank you” is not acceptable. Then I imagined my Heavenly Father threatening “spankings” every time I refused to stop and say thank you for every “treat” He has given me. God of Grace, pressure and force is not His style. Still, how come I cannot apply the same rule I enforce with my child to myself?

The theme in Kidsplace for this November is taking a “Pitstop”- to remember to take time out of the “big race” we are living and stop, adjust our attitudes, and thank God for what He has done for us.

Isn’t it great that we are dependent creatures? I say that with a hint of sarcasm, because I pride myself in my false sense of independence. I cannot stand to depend on others, but think about it, nothing we receive, do, or accomplish is without God meeting our needs first. It is proven throughout scripture! Not to mention, He humbles me daily with this fact. When I stop, I am grateful…I am grateful that He loves me enough to go before me and see my needs before I do. Even in the happy times, He celebrates with me and brings blessings!

But the Bible also tells us that it’s not enough just to show gratitude to God. We should also use the same gratitude to show our appreciation to all the people who help us every day. We don’t do as much by ourselves as we think we do. Sometimes it’s as simple as remembering to say “Thank you.” Sometimes it’s writing a special note or giving someone a hug. The important thing is that we remember and recognize what others do for us, including God, as we thank them for their help. That is true gratitude.

All month long we will be living by 1 Thess. 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” We always have a reason to be grateful, no matter how busy or important we think our tasks might be.

So BEFORE I eat tons of turkey, green bean casserole, and warm, buttery rolls…I’m going to remember the one who brought me this day, this time with the people around me, the NOW. I’m going to remember what He gave (John 3:16), so that I could give to others freely…

Before you enjoy your “treats”, remember to say “Tangk-You” people!