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TAKING FAITH HOME - MAY 4TH, 2008
Daily Bible Readings:
These readings are related to the Lectionary readings for this Sunday. Try to take time each day to read the assigned Bible passage.
Sunday John 17:1-11 Jesus prays for his disciples
Monday John 3:31-36 The Son and the Father
Tuesday John 8:21-30 Jesus speaks of going to the Father
Wednesday Ephesians 4:1-6 Keep the unity of the Spirit
Thursday 1 Peter 3:8-12 Live in harmony
Friday Ephesians 3:14-21 Paul prays for the Ephesians
Saturday Psalm 17:1-9 O God, hear my prayer
Sunday Acts 2:1-21 The Holy Spirit comes
Scripture Verse for this Week:
Jesus said: “And this is eternal life:
that people know you, the only true
God, and that they know Jesus Christ,
the One you sent.” John 17:3 (NCV)
Prayers for this Week:
“Lord God, I give my anxieties to you. Help me to rest in your
care. Amen.” (1 Peter 5:7)
For Throughout the Day:
“Holy Father, please protect me today by the power of your
name. Amen.” (John 17:11)
Mealtime Refrain:
“God opposes the proud: But gives grace to the humble.” (1
Peter 5:5)
A Blessing to Share:
May the Lord keep you from all anxiety. May he lift you up
with his grace, and assure you of his care. Amen. (1 Peter
5:5-7)
Easter Mealtime Prayer:
Risen Lord Jesus, we praise you for the gifts of this table and
the feast of Easter Joy. Fill us with your love and life. Amen.
Faith Talk:
Discuss in your household or small group:
• What makes you anxious or worried? What calms you down?
• The apostle Peter encourages us not to be too proud to
give our worries to God, because he cares for us (1 Peter
5:7). Think of a time when you gave your worries to God.
• What worries or concerns can you give over to God now?
Devotional Practices:
Before Jesus was arrested, he prayed especially for his disciples,
his closest friends during his time on earth (John 17:6-11). He
prayed that his Heavenly Father would protect them, and that
they would be united. In your family devotional times this week,
give special focus to praying for your friends. Contact them to ask
about their prayer needs, and include these in your prayer times.
Service:
Do you know someone who is going through a difficult period?
Make up a card to send them, including the words of 1 Peter 5:7
(“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”)
Sign the card as a family.
Rituals and Traditions:
Last Thursday (May 1st) was Ascension Day. This day marks the
last appearance of Jesus to the disciples after his resurrection at
Easter, and his bodily ascension into heaven. It is the fortieth day
after Easter Sunday and always falls on a Thursday.
The book of Acts (1:12) suggests that Jesus’ ascension took place
from Mt. Olivet, located northeast of the town of Bethany. Plan
a trip (by car or foot) to a “high place” in your area. While there,
discuss what it might have been like to see Jesus ascend into
heaven, and your pictures of his return at the end of time.
Take time to notice the clouds and see what shapes you can find
(there is an old tradition that the clouds on Ascension Day take
the form of lambs, in honor of the Lamb of God). If possible,
release one or more helium-filled balloons from your “high place”.
Shout these words aloud: “Jesus has ascended, but he will return!
Come, Lord Jesus, Come!”
Taking Faith Home . . . May 4, 2008
© 2008 The Youth
TAKING FAITH HOME - MAY 11TH, 2008
Daily Bible Readings:
These readings are related to the Lectionary readings for this Sunday. Try to take time each day to read the assigned Bible passage.
Sunday Acts 2:1-21 The Holy Spirit comes
Monday Joel 2:18-29 God will pour out his Spirit
Tuesday Ezekiel 39:7-8,21-29 The Spirit is promised
Wednesday Acts 4:5-21 Peter and John give witness
Thursday Acts 4:23-31 The believers pray for boldness
Friday Acts 8:14-25 Samaritans receive the Spirit
Saturday Psalm 33:12-22 The Lord is our help and shield
Sunday Matthew 28:16-20 Baptism in the Triune Name
Scripture Verse for this Week:
Jesus stood up and shouted, “If you
are thirsty, come to me and drink!
Have faith in me, and you will have
life-giving water flowing from deep
inside you, just as the Scriptures say.”
John 7:37-38 (CEV)
Prayers for this Week:
“Send your Spirit upon me, O Lord. Renew me to sing your
praises. Amen.” (Psalm 104:30,33)
For Throughout the Day:
“Spirit of God, work in me this day. Amen.” (1 Corinthians
12:6)
Mealtime Refrain:
“Come, Holy Spirit, Come: Fill the hearts of your people.”
A Blessing to Share:
May the Lord Jesus give you his peace, fill your heart with his
joy, and breathe into you his Spirit. Amen. (John 20:19-22)
Pentecost Prayer:
Come Holy Spirit, come. Bless our food and renew our hearts
in Christ. Amen.
Faith Talk:
Discuss in your household or small group:
• Share an experience you have had with wind or with fire.
• When God gave the gift of the Holy Spirit to the first
Christians on the day of Pentecost, a strong wind came from
heaven and tongues of fire came to rest on them (Acts 2:1-21).
How were the believers changed as a result?
• In what ways have you experienced power of the Holy Spirit at
work in your life?
Devotional Practices:
1 Corinthians 12:4-11 tells us that the Holy Spirit gives special gifts to
all believers to use in serving him. For each member of your household,
draw a large dove figure on white card and cut out. In your family devotion
times this week, take a few minutes to talk about the gifts you see
in each other. Write these gifts onto the “doves”. Display them on your
bedroom doors. Say prayers of thanks to God for the gifts he has given
to each member of your household. As an additional activity, decorate
your home with “flames” cut from red, yellow and orange paper, or with
streamers of these colors.
Service:
1 Corinthians 12:7 tells us that the Holy Spirit gives us gifts to use for the
“common good”. Have a discussion about how members of your family
are using their Godgiven gifts for the sake of others. Brainstorm ways in
which you could use them more effectively.
Rituals and Traditions:
Plan an evening time when you can tell the Pentecost story around a
bonfire or in front of a fireplace. Toast marshmallows to add to the
experience!
Parent Toolbox: Spiritual Gifts for Kids
One of the joys of parenting is helping our children discover and grow into the
gifts God has given them – including their spiritual gifts. 1 Corinthians 12 lists
seven spiritual gifts:
• Prophecy – sharing the Word of God with others.
• Helps – a willingness to help others with their needs.
• Teaching – an ability to help others understand God’s Word.
• Exhortation – the capacity to encourage and motivate others.
• Giving – a spirit of generosity.
• Leading – the ability to lead and direct others.
• Mercy – a sense of compassion for others and a willingness to act on
these feelings.
Which of these gifts do you see evident in your children? Consider ways you
can help your children use these gifts. Help them realize that God has a plan
for them to serve others now, not just in adulthood. Talk to your church leaders
about helping your children grow in their gifts.
TAKE HOME FAITH - MAY 18TH, 2008
Daily Bible Readings:
These readings are related to the Lectionary readings for this Sunday. Try to take time each day to read the assigned Bible passage.
Sunday Matthew 28:16-20 Baptism in the Triune Name
Monday Job 26:7-14 Job speaks of creation
Tuesday Job 38:1-11 God speaks of creation
Wednesday Job 38:12-38 God speaks of creation
Thursday Nehemiah 9:5-6 God gives life to everything
Friday Acts 14:8-20 The testimony of creation
Saturday Psalm 148 Creation, praise the Lord!
Sunday Matthew 6:24-34 Do not worry!
Scripture Verse for this Week:
Jesus said: “And be sure of this: I am
with you always, even to the end of
the age.” Matthew 28:20b (NLT)
Prayers for this Week:
“God of creation, I am in awe of your works. How great is
your name in all the earth! Amen.” (Psalm 8)
For Throughout the Day:
“Lord Jesus, thank you that you are always with me. Teach me
to obey you this day. Amen.” (Matthew 28:20)
Mealtime Refrain:
“All praise be to God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.”
A Blessing to Share:
’May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you. Amen.”
(2 Corinthians 13:14)
Mealtime Prayer:
Triune God, thank you for all you have made and for all you
give. How great is your name in all the earth! Amen.
Faith Talk:
Discuss in your household or small group:
• What part of God’s amazing creation do you enjoy most? Why?
• What can we learn about God from his creation?
• God has asked us to take care of all he has created. What does this
mean? How do you help to do this?
Devotional Practices:
Take time in each day of the coming week to read a section of the
creation account from Genesis 1 – 2:3. Say a short prayer each day
thanking God for what he has made:
Monday – Day 1 of Creation – Genesis 1:1-5
Tuesday – Day 2 of Creation – Genesis 1:6-8
Wednesday – Day 3 of Creation – Genesis 1:9-13
Thursday – Day 4 of Creation – Genesis 1:14-19
Friday – Day 5 of Creation – Genesis 1:20-23
Saturday – Day 6 of Creation – Genesis 1:24-31
Sunday – Day 7 of Creation – Genesis 2:1-3
Service:
Plan a family act of care for God’s creation. Consider these possibilities:
• Pick up litter in an area of your neighborhood.
• Reduce your energy consumption by making an effort to turn off
lights or household appliances when not in use.
• Review your home recycling practices. Consider how you could do
more.
• Make your voice known on an environmental issue of concern. Write
to or email a government official about the issue.
Rituals and Traditions:
Plan a family outing to a nature park or a zoo. Take time to reflect on
what you see and experience. Talk about what amazed or surprised you
most.
Parent Toolbox: Teaching Children about God’s Creation
Children in modern societies spend most of their time isolated from
the natural world. Recreation tends to be indoors (e.g. watching TV);
transportation tends to be by car rather than walking; and schooling
tends to be oriented more towards indoor activities. The result
is that many children are at risk of not developing positive attitudes
and feelings toward the natural environment or remaining unfamiliar
with it. On the other hand, children who are close to God’s creation
relate to it as a source of wonder, joy, and awe. As a parent, aim to
be intentional about giving your children exposure to nature e.g.:
give them a balance between “inside” and “outside” time; find ways
to bring nature into your home (e.g. garden beds, pets, bird feeders);
and model to them care and respect for the environment.
Taking Faith Home . . . May 18, 2008
© 2008 The Youth & Family Institute. All rights reserved. Written by Pastor Greg Priebbe
TAKING FAITH HOME - MAY 25TH - 2008
Daily Bible Readings:
These readings are related to the Lectionary readings for this Sunday. Try to take time each day to read the assigned Bible passage.
Sunday Matthew 6:24-34 Do not worry!
Monday Luke 21:29-36 A caution against worldly worries
Tuesday Ecclesiastes 2:17-26 Chasing after the wind
Wednesday Matthew 13:18-23 Worries choke the word
Thursday Philippians 4:4-9 Do not be anxious about anything
Friday Psalm 94:8-19 The consolation of the Lord
Saturday Psalm 39:4-8 Lord, my hope is in you
Sunday Matthew 7:21-29 Putting Jesus’ words into practice
Scripture Verse for this Week:
Jesus said: “So don’t worry about these
things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What
will we drink? What will we wear?’
These things dominate the thoughts of
unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows
all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all
else, and live righteously, and he will give you
everything you need.” Matthew 6:31-33 (NLT)
Prayers for this Week:
“Lord Jesus, I give you my worries. Please give me your
peace. Amen.” (Matthew 6:25-34)
For Throughout the Day:
“Lord, help me to concern myself with today, leaving tomorrow
in your hands. Amen.” (Matthew 6:34)
Mealtime Refrain:
“God will never forget us: We are engraved on the palms of
his hands.” (Isaiah 49:15-16)
A Blessing to Share:
May the Lord increase your faith, meet your needs, and calm
your worries. Amen. (Matthew 6:30-32)
Mealtime Prayer:
Lord God, thank you that you care for us and meet our needs.
Help us not to worry but to trust in you. Amen.
Faith Talk:
Discuss in your household or small group:
• What are things that you need to live? How do needs and wants
differ?
• How did God meet your needs today? What or whom did he use
to do so?
• How are you involved in helping meet the needs of other people?
Devotional Practices:
Set up a potted plant or a branch in your home to serve as your family
“worry tree” this week. Cut out small pieces of card and attach pieces
of string or cotton to these. When you gather for your family devotion
times, share any worries that are on your mind and write these down on
the pieces of card. Say the following prayer:
“Lord, you know our needs and provide for them. We give to you
the worries of today: ____ (name them). Help us to trust in your care.
Amen.” Then hang your “worries” on the “worry tree” to represent
handing them over to God.
Service:
God often provides for our needs through others. This week, plan to
make a family donation of food or clothes to a local charity.
Rituals and Traditions:
Gather water-soluble paints and a sheet of paper for each family
member. Cover the palms of your hand in paint and make palm prints
on the sheets. Using a marker or texta, write your names next to the
prints. Then write these words at the top or bottom of each sheet: “I
am engraved on God’s palms – Isaiah 49:16”. Hang the sheets up on
the walls of your home or place on your fridge.
Parent Toolbox: Helping Children with Anxiety
All children experience fears and anxiety as they grow and develop.
These might be about specific places, things, or events, or the
anxiety may be quite general in nature. Anxiety may be expressed
through physical symptoms, irritability, crying or tantrums, sleeplessness,
freezing, clinging, or shrinking from social situations. Here are
some tips for responding:
• Provide a safe, secure, familiar, consistent, and dependable home.
• Spend calm, relaxed time with your child.
• Listen to your child without being critical or dismissive.
• Keep your child informed of necessary and anticipated changes in
routine.
• Encourage physical activity to help your child relax.
• Ask yourself “What soothes my child?” and encourage your child
to do that.
• Help your child become aware of the links between feelings and
behaviors, and thoughts, feelings and behaviors.
© 2008 The Youth & Family Institute. All rights reserved. Written by Pastor Greg Priebbenow, Australia
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