YE2C.1 · Activity Page
Leviticus 19:17-18
1 Samuel 24:1-22
Proverbs 3:27
Proverbs 11:27
Matthew 7:12
Matthew 11:29
Luke 6:27-31
Luke 6:31
Acts 10:38
Galatians 6:2-3
SLING - a weapon with a pouch, from which rocks are thrown
ATTACK - to harm or hurt someone
Kathy didn’t like going to school. Some of the boys made fun of her. Kathy had bright red hair and freckles. The boys called her “carrots.” They said she looked like she had mud splattered on her face. This had been going on for days. It was very mean.
Kathy thought about ways she could “get even” with the boys. She thought of names she could call them. She might get her girlfriends to join her. They could gang up on the boys during recess. Maybe she would tell the teacher what the boys were doing. Today Kathy had to face them again. What should Kathy do? What does our memory verse say?
Our Bible story today is about David. He had a problem like Kathy’s. David had killed the giant, Goliath, with a stone and sling. But, now he was all grown up. David was in King Saul’s army. Saul was jealous because everyone liked David. Saul even tried to kill David.
Now what do you think David did? Did he try to get even with King Saul? Do you think he fought back? No! David did what the Bible says to do. He treated Saul the way he knew would be pleasing to God.
One night David and his men were in the back of a dark cave. They were hiding from King Saul. They knew Saul was very angry with David.
Saul and his army were hunting for David. They came to a cave. Saul went inside. He didn’t know David was hiding in that same cave! David’s men whispered, “Now is your chance. Go, get him!” But, David said no. Instead, he quietly crept up and cut off a piece of Saul’s robe with his knife.
Later David felt sorry for what he did. He knew God didn’t want him to hurt the king in any way. So, when Saul left the cave, David called out to him. Saul turned around and saw David. David bowed down to the king. David said, “Why do you listen when people say I want to hurt you?” David showed Saul the piece of his robe. David said, “I would never do anything to hurt you.” Why do you think David did that? He was being kind to Saul because David wanted to please God.
The Bible says not to try to get even when people are mean to you. God will punish people who treat us badly. David did the right thing. Our Friend, Jesus, wants us to love our enemies. He said we should do good to those who hate us. We should always treat others the way we want to be treated.
What should Kathy do? Will you do the right thing when people are mean to you?
Dear Father, Thank you for giving me the ‘Golden Rule’ to live by. Help me to learn to treat other people the way I want them to treat me, and not to try to get even. I want to obey your commandment to love others. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Sunday - Matthew 11:29
Monday - Acts 10:38
Tuesday - Matthew 7:12
Wednesday - Proverbs 3:27
Thursday - Proverbs 11:27
Friday - Galatians 6:2-3
Saturday - Leviticus 19:17-18
Psalm 85:7-8
Matthew 17:1-13
Matthew 17:5
Luke 9:28-36
John 5:24
John 10:27-28
John 12:48-49
John 14:23-24
Colossians 2:16-17
2 Peter 1:16-18
TABERNACLE - a portable place of worship
FRIGHTENED - scared, afraid
BOOTH - a small structure, tent or temporary dwelling
Jason and Jared were twins. They spent the summer at Grandpa’s farm. They loved getting up early to help Grandpa feed the chickens and milk the cows. They got to ride on the tractor. They picked and ate juicy red strawberries from the garden. Soon tomatoes would be ready to pick and sell at the market. The farm was very different from the city.
Today was a lazy day. Grandpa and the boys were sitting by the stream, fishing. The fish weren’t biting. So, Jason and Jared lay back in the soft grass. “Look at those big, fluffy clouds,” said Jason. “That one looks like a wooly sheep.” Jared pointed to one that looked like a man.
Grandpa joined the boys in looking for cloud shapes. Grandpa asked, “Did you know clouds were special in the Bible?” He said sometimes God used clouds to give people a message. A cloud led the children of Israel through the desert. A cloud rested over the Tabernacle to show that God was there. A cloud took Jesus to heaven after He rose from the dead. Then Grandpa told them this story.
Jesus knew the time of His death was getting closer. He took three of His disciples up to a mountain. Jesus went to pray to His Father. Peter, James and John were tired. They lay down to rest.
All of a sudden, Jesus started changing. His face began to shine like the sun. His clothes were very bright. They looked like they were on fire. Two men were talking to Jesus. The disciples wanted to get a better look. The men looked like Moses and Elijah. But this couldn’t be! They had been dead for a long time.
The disciples didn’t know what to think. Peter got excited. He wanted to stay there with Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. He said he would build three booths for them to stay in. Then, Peter stopped talking. A bright cloud covered Moses and Elijah. God spoke from the cloud, “This is my Son. . . listen to Him.”
Now the disciples were afraid. They fell on the ground. Jesus touched them and said, “Don’t be afraid.” The disciples looked up and were surprised. Jesus was standing alone. Moses, Elijah and the shiny cloud were gone!
Grandpa said clouds reminded him of Bible stories. Jason and Jared looked at the clouds in the sky. They thought of all the clouds in the Bible.
They remembered that Jesus is God’s Son. And, God wants us to listen to and obey His words. What will you think of when you see clouds in the sky?
Dear Father, Thank you for sending the clouds to remind me that Jesus is your Son. Help me to read His words in the Bible, and to obey them. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Sunday - John 14:23-24
Monday - Colossians 2:16-17
Tuesday - John 12:48-49
Wednesday - John 10:27-28
Thursday - John 5:24
Friday - 2 Peter 1:16-18
Saturday - Psalm 85:7-8
Job 23:12
Psalm 34:8
Psalm 119:103-104
Matthew 4:4
Luke 10:38-42
Luke 21:33
John 6:35
John 6:51
Colossians 3:16-17
TREASURED - considered to be very valuable
NECESSARY - something we must have
Pretend that company is coming for dinner. Mom is rushing to get ready. What could you do to help? She has to clean the house. Could you help her dust? You could pick up your toys. What else could you do?
Mom has to cook the food for dinner. She wants the table to look nice. Could you help set the table? Moms want everything to be ready when someone special comes to visit.
Mary and Martha were two of Jesus’ friends. They lived in Bethany with their brother Lazarus. Bethany was not far from Jerusalem. Jesus went there to visit when He was teaching in Jerusalem. He knew His friends would give Him a good meal. He always had a clean place to rest for the night.
It was always special when Jesus came to visit. Would you like to have Jesus come to your home? Look around, what would He find? Is your room a mess? Have you been fighting with your sister? Have you been saying bad words? Did you obey mom and dad? What would you change?
Mary, Martha, and Lazarus loved Jesus. They believed He was God’s Son. They listened to the stories He told. He taught them how to live and make God happy. They obeyed Jesus’ words. They looked forward to Jesus’ visits.
Jesus and His disciples were teaching in and around Jerusalem. At night they went to Mary and Martha’s house to rest. Mary and Martha must have been surprised by Jesus’ visit. Martha was rushing around to cook dinner for her guests. She had lots of work to do.
Martha was getting tired from all the work. She saw that Mary wasn’t helping. Mary was not in the kitchen. She wasn’t setting the table. She wasn’t serving her guests something to drink. Where was Mary?
Martha went looking for her sister. She went in the room where Jesus sat teaching. What do you think she saw? Mary was sitting on the floor at Jesus’ feet! She was listening to Jesus. She forgot about all the work that needed to be done.
How do you think Martha felt? She was upset. She told Jesus, “My sister isn’t helping me. Don’t you even care? Tell her to get up and help me!” Should Martha tell Jesus what to do?
Jesus didn’t get angry. He kindly said, “Martha, Martha, you are worried about the wrong thing.” Jesus said Mary had the right idea. She wanted to listen to Jesus. That is more important than cooking and cleaning. Jesus wanted the women to know how to live and please God.
Read your Daily Devotional every morning. God’s Word is important. He will help you in everything you do. Doing what God says is more important than what we eat.
Dear God, I thank you for your Word, the Bible. Help me to read it everyday. Teach me to be like Mary, and treasure it more than food. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Sunday - Colossians 3:16-17
Monday - Matthew 4:4
Tuesday - John 6:35
Wednesday - John 6:51
Thursday - Psalm 34:8
Friday - Psalm 119:103-104
Saturday - Luke 21:33
Psalm 49:6-8
Proverbs 11:3-4
Proverbs 11:27-28
Matthew 6:19-21
Matthew 19:23-24
Mark 8:36
Luke 12:13-21
Luke 12:15
1 Timothy 6:6-12
1 Timothy 6:17-19
INTERRUPT - to speak when someone else is speaking
HARVEST - gathering in of a crop
What does it mean to be greedy? A greedy person doesn’t like to share. He wants to keep everything for himself. He always wants more stuff.
Chris was a greedy little boy. One day he and his mom went shopping. They were looking for a birthday present for Billy. Mom and Chris looked at the toy store. Mom found lots of toys Billy might like. But, Chris begged her to buy him one just like it. Chris already had a Super Soaker. He had lots of cars and trucks. Chris didn’t have room in his toy box for anything else. But Chris still wanted more.
Mom told Chris to clean out his toy box. She said they could give some toys to children who didn’t have any. But Chris shouted, “No, these are mine! I want all of them.” Chris even asked for a bigger toy box. He needed a lesson in sharing.
Jesus was teaching one day. A man interrupted Jesus. The man wanted his brother to share what he had with him. Jesus said, “Why do you want me to be a judge?” Jesus was very busy. He was teaching people about God and how they should live. But, He took time to tell this story. It teaches us not to be greedy.
Once there was a very rich farmer. He had lots of land and many barns. His garden grew the best grain. His grape vines grew the biggest grapes. He had many workers helping him harvest his garden. Everything was finally picked. But the farmer didn’t have room to store it all.
What would the rich man do? He said, “I’ll tear down my old barns and build bigger, new ones.” Then he would have a place to store his har- vest. He had enough to last for years. He didn’t even think of sharing with his poor neighbor. He didn’t think about giving an offering to God. He wanted it all for himself. He said, “I will eat, drink, and have a good time!”
But, God had different plans. He said, “You won’t live to see your new barns built. You are going to die.” Things were important to the rich man. But, he wouldn’t need all his things when he died. They would all belong to someone else. God said, “Life is not made up of how much a person has.” What you are is more important than what you have.
God wants us to learn to give to Him and others. He wants us share. What could the rich man do with his harvest? Remember Chris who wanted more toys? How could he show he is thankful for what he has? What can you do to share with others?
Sometimes God has to teach us how to share with others. He may take away things we like very much. He wants us to learn what is really important. Pleasing God and helping others is better than being greedy.
Dear Father, Thank you that Jesus taught the rich man why he should not be greedy. Help me learn to show I love you by giving and sharing with others. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Sunday - Proverbs 11:3-4
Monday - Proverbs 11:27-28
Tuesday - Mark 8:36
Wednesday - Matthew 6:19-21
Thursday - Matthew 19:23-24
Friday - Psalm 49:6-8
Saturday - 1 Timothy 6:17-19
Matthew 9:28-29
Matthew 17:20
Matthew 20:30-34
Mark 10:46-52
Mark 10:52
Mark 11:22-24
Luke 18:35
Romans 4:20-22
Romans 5:1-2
Romans 10:17
2 Corinthians 4:3-4
FAITH - unquestioning trust
ANXIOUS - eagerly wishing
MERCY - kindness, forgiveness
Blind people cannot see. If you were blind, what kinds of things would you miss? You wouldn’t know what your mother looks like. You couldn’t see the color of your clothes. Is the traffic light red or green? How would you know if it was day or night? The man in today’s lesson was blind. He was anxious to see Jesus.
Bartimaeus couldn’t make a living for himself. He couldn’t be a farmer. He couldn’t see the ground or seeds. He couldn’t be a carpenter. He would have to see the nails and wood. A fisherman needs to see out on the water. Bartimaeus couldn’t read, write, or paint. There just weren’t many jobs for a blind man.
Day after day Bartimaeus sat by the roadside. He begged money from people who passed by. Some people just walked on by. They pretended they didn’t see him. Some people treated him badly. But, some people were kind. They gave Bartimaeus a few coins. This is how he bought his food. It was hot sitting in the sun all day. Bartimaeus had a hard life.
One day Bartimaeus heard voices in the distance. He couldn’t see who was coming. But, it sounded like a lot of people. Bartimaeus felt the thumping of many feet walking on the road.
Bartimaeus was excited. Maybe someone would give him some money. He called out, “What’s going on? Where is everyone going?” Someone told him Jesus had come to town.
Jesus – Bartimaeus had heard of Him. People said Jesus fed the hungry. He made sick people well. “Maybe He can help me,” Bartimaeus thought. It would be so nice to be able to see.
Bartimaeus called in a loud voice, “Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me.” All the people stopped. Jesus wanted to know why Bartimaeus called to Him. “Sir, I would love to see again,” said Bartimaeus.
Jesus touched the blind man. It was a loving touch. Then He said, “Go. . . your faith has healed you.” Bartimaeus couldn’t believe it! He opened his eyes. Right in front of him stood Jesus. Bartimaeus could see! Jesus rewarded his faith. Bartimaeus was so happy he started following Jesus.
What do you do when you are sick or afraid? When you are afraid, do what Bartimaeus did. Jesus can do wonderful things. He performed lots of miracles. Do you think He can help you?
Jesus wants you to believe Him and trust Him. He wants you to ask Him for help. He will answer your prayers. Then you can tell others what Jesus did for you.
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for healing Bartimaeus and teaching me about faith. Help me to learn to trust you like he did. I know that you will help me if I ask you to. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Sunday - Matthew 9:28-29
Monday - Mark 11:22-24
Tuesday - Matthew 17:20
Wednesday - 2 Corinthians 4:3-4
Thursday - Romans 4:20-22
Friday - Romans 5:1-2
Saturday - Romans 10:17
Matthew 20:28
Luke 19:1-10
Luke 19:10
John 12:32-33
John 12:47
Acts 4:10-12
Galatians 1:3-4
1 Timothy 1:14-15
INSIGNIFICANT - unimportant, having no special purpose
TAX-COLLECTOR - person who collects money for the government
SCOLD - to find fault
CONFESS - admit to doing
A small tree stood along a busy roadside. It wasn’t a big tree. It wasn’t a fruit tree. There was nothing very special about the tree. It was just a small green tree.
Many other trees were along the road. There were tall cedar trees. Their wood could make strong houses. Fruit trees grew good things to eat. Some trees had beautiful flowers. Some had long, shady branches. Next to all the other trees, the small tree felt even smaller.
One day the small green tree was feeling bad. He wished he was tall like the cedar tree. He wished he could shade people from the sun. “I wish I was good for something,” thought the small green tree.
“Tweet, tweet,” said a little bird. She had a nest in the top of the small tree. “Thank you for lending me your branches.” The mother sparrow was sitting on her nest and eggs. The small tree hadn’t even noticed.
Now the little tree was happy. He felt useful. New life would come in his branches. Baby birds would hatch from those eggs. He thought of them flying from branch to branch. God was using the small green tree.
A sycamore tree is a small tree. It has a short trunk and its branches are low to the ground. Our lesson tells about an important job God had for this small tree.
Zacchaeus was a tax-collector. He went up and down the road to Jericho. Most tax-collectors were not very honest. So, the people of Jericho didn’t like Zacchaeus very much.
One day Zacchaeus saw lots of people coming down the Jericho road. He heard that Jesus was coming. He had heard good things about Jesus. Zacchaeus wanted to see Him. But, Zacchaeus was a very short little man. He couldn’t see over the other people’s heads. He tried to push through the crowd. He ran this way and that to find a place to see. Finally, Zacchaeus saw the sycamore tree. “That will be the perfect place to see Jesus,” thought Zacchaeus. He ran ahead of the people. He climbed up the short trunk. He found a branch where he could sit and watch.
Lots of people walked down the road. They came to the tree. Jesus
stopped. What would He do? Jesus looked up in the tree. He saw Zacchaeus in the tree. Jesus said, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down. I’m coming to your house today.” Everyone was surprised. Why would Jesus go to Zacchaeus’ house?
Jesus knew what kind of man Zacchaeus was. Zacchaeus told Jesus about the bad things he had done. He was sorry. He even paid back money to people he cheated. Jesus forgave Zacchaeus.
A small sycamore tree helped Zacchaeus see Jesus. That was a big job! God might have a big job for you, too. You can help others see Jesus. They see you going to church on the Sabbath. People see when you obey your parents. You can even ask your friends to Sabbath School. These things will help them learn about Jesus and be part of God’s Kingdom.
Dear Father, Thank you for the lesson of Zacchaeus and the sycamore tree. I want to be used to help other people see Jesus. Help me obey your Word and go to Sabbath School. Help me not be afraid to invite my friends to go with me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Sunday - Luke 19:9-10
Monday - 1 Timothy 1:14-15
Tuesday - Matthew 20:28
Wednesday - Acts 4:10-12
Thursday - John 12:47
Friday - Galatians 1:3-4
Saturday - John 12:32-33
1 Chronicles 29:9
Malachi 3:10
Matthew 5:23-24
Matthew 6:1-2
Matthew 6:20-21
Mark 12:41-44
Luke 6:38
Luke 21:1-4
1 Corinthians 16:1-2
2 Corinthians 9:7
CHEERFULLY - willingly, gladly
Friday was the last day of school. Bonnie’s class was having a party before summer vacation. The kids brought gifts for Mrs. Harper. Jackie bought a picture frame. He even put his picture in it. He wanted Mrs. Harper to remember him. Karen bought Mrs. Harper a book bag. Tommy’s dad made her a birdhouse. Everyone had nice gifts for Mrs. Harper – except Bonnie.
Bonnie’s dad had been sick. He couldn’t go to work. Her mom took care of two little children. But there was no extra money for gifts. What could Bonnie give Mrs. Harper?
Bonnie made a card. She drew a picture of a flower. She glued a picture of her face in the middle. Bonnie copied this poem inside the card:
My Teacher
My teacher teaches me to read,
She works and plays with me.
My teacher knows so very much,
She is very wise, you see.
Teachers show their love to us
In many special ways.
And so I give this gift to you,
To thank you for these days.
Bonnie took her card to school. Then she saw all the other kids’ gifts. She looked at her card. Bonnie wished she had something better to give. Her card didn’t seem like very much. She laid the card on Mrs. Harper’s desk and sat down.
Mrs. Harper opened all her gifts. She thanked everyone for thinking of her. She opened Bonnie’s card. Tears came to her eyes. She told Bonnie it was very special because Bonnie made it. Bonnie’s gift came straight from her heart.
The woman in our Bible story was very poor. She didn’t have much money. But, she wanted go give an offering to God. She went to the Temple. She saw rich men putting in their offerings. The men had beautiful clothes. They walked proudly to the offering box. They wanted people to see how much money they put in.
The widow stood with her head down. She didn’t want anyone to see her. All she had was two small coins.
Slowly she dropped them in the box. That was all she had to give. She hoped no one was looking.
But Jesus saw her! He said, “She has put in more than all the others. They gave a lot because they are rich. But, she gave everything. Now she has nothing left.” This made the rich men mad. Why did Jesus say such a thing?
Jesus sees what is in our hearts. He saw the rich men were proud. They wanted to be seen. But the widow gave because she loved God. Jesus said how we give is as important as what we give. He wants us to give cheerfully. He wants gifts from our hearts not just our hands.
Everyone can give something – even you! Do you spend all your money on candy or toys? Save part of it for a holy day offering. Learn to give cheerfully.
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for showing me that it is just as important how we give as what we give. Help me to always give my offering to you gladly and cheerfully. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Sunday - Malachi 3:10
Monday - Luke 6:38
Tuesday - Matthew 5:23-24
Wednesday - 1 Chronicles 29:9
Thursday - 1 Corinthians 16:1-2
Friday - Matthew 6:20-21
Saturday - Matthew 6:1-2
1 Samuel 16:7
Psalm 26:1-2
Matthew 7:1-5
Luke 6:36-45
John 5:22
John 7:24
2 Corinthians 13:5
Philippians 2:3
James 2:12-13
GUST - a sudden rush of air
CLINIC - a medical facility
Josh was playing ball with his friends. It was his turn to bat. The first pitch was a strike. Next came two balls and another strike. Josh stood waiting for the next pitch. A sudden gust of wind whipped around home plate. It blew dirt into Josh’s eyes. He rubbed and rubbed. But he couldn’t see. The coach told Josh’s dad to take him to the clinic.
Josh sat on the table waiting for the doctor. What would happen if the doctor came in with a big board sticking in his eye? Would he be able to see Josh? Could he help him? Or, what if the doctor said, “Don’t play ball on a windy day.” How could a doctor with a board in his eye help Josh?
One day Jesus was teaching His disciples. He said, “If you have a board in your eye, you can’t see a speck in someone else’s eye.” He said that would be like a blind man trying to lead another blind man. Neither one could see where they were going.
Jesus said it is wrong to judge why people act the way they do. We only see what is being done. We cannot look into someone’s heart. Only God can see what is in our hearts. Sometimes it is More Than Meets the Eye.
Let’s go back to Josh. How would he feel if his friends made fun of him? Was it his fault he got dirt in his eye? What if they said Josh just didn’t want to strike out? They would be judging Josh. They couldn’t know how badly Josh’s eye hurt.
Do you ever judge your friends? What if you went to your friend’s house? Her room was a mess. Clothes were on the floor and bed. You couldn’t even find her Barbies. Would you want to play in that mess? Would you make fun of her? Would you go home?
Now, look at your room. Are there books on the floor? Are your clothes hung up? Did you put your toys away? Is it right to judge your friend when your room is a mess?
Jesus said we should look at ourselves first. “Take the board out of your own eye. Then you can see to help someone else.” He also said, “Don’t judge unless you want to be judged.” If your room is messy, clean it up. Have you told your mother a lie? Tell the truth! Did you take some- thing that doesn’t belong to you? Return it! Did you have a fight? Say you’re sorry! In other words, clean up your act!
Don’t judge someone else. Don’t say bad things about them. You don’t know all the facts. Only God knows everything. Remember, there may be More Than Meets the Eye.
Dear Heavenly Father, Help me not to be like the man with the board in his eye. Teach me to look at my own life and clean it up before I try to clean up someone else’s life. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Sunday - Matthew 7:1-2
Monday - John 7:24
Tuesday - James 2:12-13
Wednesday - Philippians 2:3
Thursday - Psalm 26:1-2
Friday - Luke 6:36-37
Saturday - 2 Corinthians 13:5
Psalm 126:5-6
Isaiah 55:10
Matthew 13:1-23
Matthew 28:18-20
Mark 4:11
Luke 8:4-15
Luke 13:18-19
John 15:5
2 Corinthians 9:6
Ephesians 3:17-18
2 Peter 1:3-4
PARABLE - a simple story with a moral or lesson
SOWER - someone who plants seeds
Mandy loved summer vacation. One of her favorite things was to go to the library. She loved to look at all the new books. She liked to read her favorite books over and over again. But, the best part of the library was story reading time. Mrs. Clark made the stories come alive!
Jesus was the best storyteller ever! His stories were about things people knew. He told about farming and taking care of sheep. People loved to sit and listen to Jesus tell a story. He called His stories parables. Parables always had a special lesson. Today’s parable is about a sower.
Early one morning, a farmer went out to plant some seeds. He carried a cloth bag around his neck. The bag was full of seeds. The farmer took a handful of seeds and threw them. He scattered the seeds as far as he could. Soon seeds were spread over the whole garden.
But, some of the seeds went outside the garden. They fell on the hard road. Do you think these seeds will grow? The ground on the road was too hard for the seeds. Birds saw them lying on the road. They ate the seeds for dinner. Other seeds were crushed as people walked on them.
Some of the farmer’s seeds fell into a pile of rocks. They sprouted and grew. But, the sun beat down on them. Soon they dried up. There was no moist soil to feed and water them.
Something else grew along with the good seeds. What grows in gar- dens that a farmer doesn’t want? Weeds! The weeds were so thick they choked the good plants. The good plants died.
The poor farmer worked hard to make his garden grow. Finally some of his seeds grew into tall and healthy plants. He picked 100 times more than he planted!
Jesus wanted people to know about God’s Kingdom. He said the seeds were like God’s message. Satan likes to confuse people who hear God’s message. Satan is like the birds who picked up the seeds. Those seeds never had a chance to grow. Satan doesn’t want God’s message to grow in our hearts. He doesn’t want us to understand the Bible or grow to love God.
Some people hear God’s message and believe it for a while. But, they quit believing God is good when trouble comes. They are like the seeds that fell on the rocks. We need God’s Word to grow strong and healthy.
Weeds choked some of the seeds. Some people let their problems choke them. They get too busy to have time for God. They don’t read God’s Word. They never grow into healthy Christians.
Are you like the seeds that grew? Do you hear God’s Word and believe Him? Do you read His Word and grow? Do you obey God’s commandments and love Him? If you do these things you will grow.
Jesus’ disciples were like the farmer sowing seeds. Boys and girls can be like the farmer. How can you tell others about Jesus? When you do this you are sowing good seeds.
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for this wonderful story about the farmer and the seeds. Help me to be busy sowing good seeds as I tell my friends about you. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Sunday - Psalm 126:5-6
Monday - Isaiah 55:10
Tuesday - 2 Corinthians 9:6
Wednesday - Luke 13:18-19
Thursday - 2 Peter 1:3-4
Friday - Ephesians 3:17-18
Saturday - John 15:5
1 Samuel 15:24
Psalm 100:2
Isaiah 55:10-11 Matthew 25:14-30
Luke 12:43
Acts 5:29
Romans 5:19
Romans 6:17-18
1 Peter 2:3
CRADLE - a small baby bed
HAMPER - a large covered basket
TALENT - a large amount of money
Brenda and Brian were twins. They had the same color eyes and hair. They usually dressed alike. They both liked the same things to eat. They both loved to play soccer. They were alike in many ways.
One thing was very different about Brenda and Brian. Brian’s room was always messy. He didn’t put anything away – unless Mom made him. His toys were scattered around on the floor. His clothes were in a pile. Books were on the desk, on the floor, and even under his bed. When it was time to get ready for school, Brian could never find what he needed.
Brenda was very neat. She put her dolls in a cradle at night. She always put her books away on the shelf. Brenda hung her clean clothes in her closet. She put her dirty clothes in the hamper. She was always the first one dressed and ready for school.
Mrs. Cooper was Brian’s and Brenda’s teacher. On Friday she gave the class a homework assignment. The children had books with pictures of leaves. The kids were to find real leaves like the ones in the book. Brian went home and tossed his book on his desk. He was in a hurry to go out and play. Brenda started looking for her leaves right away. By sunset she already had five leaves.
On Sunday, Brenda reminded Brian of the assignment. Brian searched and searched for his book. He finally found it behind his desk. But, it was too late to go outside.
Monday morning Mrs. Cooper asked for the leaves. Brenda had collected twenty leaves! Some children had ten, and some had 15. Mrs. Cooper asked Brian for his leaves. He tried to make excuses. Mrs. Cooper gave Brenda an “A.” She was rewarded for faithfulness and hard work. Brian received a failing grade. He didn’t do what he was supposed to.
Jesus used a parable to teach us to be faithful and do what we are told. A landowner was going on a trip. He told his servants to take care of his things. He gave the first servant five talents. This was a lot of money. It was more than the man earned in a year! He gave the second servant two talents. And, to the third servant he gave one talent. He expected the servants to use the money wisely.
The landowner came home to check on his money. The first servant took good care of the money. He used it to earn twice as much money! The landowner rewarded the servant by putting him in charge of many things.
The second servant also used his money wisely. He had twice as much as when he started. The landowner was very happy. He rewarded this servant also.
But, the third servant wasn’t so wise. He dug a hole in the ground and hid his money. He still had the money. But he didn’t do what the landowner wanted him to do. The landowner said he was lazy. He took the money from him. He gave it to the servant who had been wise.
Do you do what your mom and dad tell you? They don’t want excuses. God wants us to do what He tells us in His Word. He wants us to love each other. He tells us to read and memorize His Word. You should obey your parents and keep the Sabbath holy. The landowner rewarded the wise servants. If you gladly obey God, He will reward you, too.
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for using parables to teach me how I should live. Help me to learn to do what you tell me to do. I want to learn to obey you gladly because I love you. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Sunday - Luke 12:43
Monday - 1 Peter 2:3
Tuesday - Acts 5:29
Wednesday - Romans 6:17-18
Thursday - Romans 5:19
Friday - 1 Samuel 15:24
Saturday - Isaiah 55:10-11
