When we think about all the things we must get done, what are some things that always get pushed to the bottom? You know, those things that are important, but we take for granted that we can do them any time, so they always seem to get bumped. But then a week goes by and nothing. Then a month… a year.
Time goes by so fast and we will miss out on the things that matter if we do not set our priorities straight. Our kids want to spend time with us now. If we wait too long, they will have “out-grown” us and they’ll have more important things to do than spend time with us. Jesus wants to spend time with us. And while He won’t out-grow us, there are amazing things He provides (peace, guidance, support, shelter, joy…) if we would prioritize our time around Him.
Think of it this way, how much time do you want to spend with your kids, hearing about their day, learning about who they are and what they like? How much more do you think our Heavenly Father wants to spend time with each of us in that same way. He may already know it all, but He wants to hear it from us. Let’s show our kids how important it is to spend time with God every day because He wants to spend time with us.
Here is a snapshot of what we will show the kids this week:
Bible Story Focus: Jesus loves me and wants to spend time with me. (Mary and Martha • Luke 10:38-42)
Memory Verse: “A friend loves at all times.” Proverbs 17:17, NIrV
Key Question: Who loves you?
Bottom Line: Jesus loves me.
Bible Story & Worship
Watch the Bible Story Video with your kids so you can recap and discuss it with them in the “Bring Jesus To Their Level” section. Then join your kids in worship as we sing about how God’s love is not just a little bit, it’s a whole lotta bit. Then dance for God. Why? Because we know He loves us.
Bible Story Video – Mary and Martha
Worship – Whole Lotta Bit
Worship – I Like To
Activities
Next, use the Memory Verse video to practice our monthly verse. We will practice this verse all month. Be sure to use the hand motions as it helps the kids to remember. Also, think of a fun reward you can give them at the end of the month when they are able to say it all by themselves. The activity sheet and coloring page are fun resources to help reinforce story and/or big idea.
Memory Verse with Hand Motions
Bible Story Activity
Coloring Page
Bring Jesus To Their Level
Finish up your church at home by recapping the story and practicing the memory again. Then say: “Mary spent time with Jesus in her house. I like to spend time with Jesus outside. We can spend time with Jesus anywhere, because He always wants to spend time with us. Let’s make a list of our favorite places to spend time with Jesus. It can be your bedroom, your yard, a park, your car . . . ANYWHERE!” (Have each family member list a place. You will use the list when you pray.)
PRAYER: “Dear God, it is an amazing feeling knowing that Jesus loves us and wants to spend time with us. Jesus really is the best friend we could ever have. Thank You that we can spend time with Jesus anywhere, like . . . (read the list your family made). I pray we will remember that wherever we are, we can stop and spend time with Jesus. We love You, God. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
As we wrap up, I would like to leave you with one of the kids’ favorite ‘good-bye’ songs:
Let Me See Your Alligator
Thank you for the opportunity to partner with you in the discipleship of your kid(s). My prayers are with you.
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
Proverbs 22:6
