Remember "God Says"

This is a verse reference sheet we've printed out for each of us in our family to keep at our fingertips for any moment... I hope you find use for it too. Print it out, carry it with you, hang it in a cupboard or on a mirror - see God's word and let it breathe life into you when you're feeling troubled.

You Say - It's Impossible
God Says - All things are possible
The Word Says - See Luke 18:27 - "Jesus replied, 'What is impossible with men is possible with God."

You Say - I'm too tired.
God Says - I will give you rest.
The Word Says - Matthew 11:28 - "Come to me all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest."

You Say - Nobody loves me.
God Says - I love you.
The Word Says - John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son so whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

You Say - I can't do it.
God Says - You can do all things.
The Word Says - Philippians 4:13 - "I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

You Say - I'm afraid.
God Says - Do not be scared.
The Word Says - Hebrews 13:6 - "So we say with confidence the Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid, what can men do to me?"

You Say - I feel alone.
God Says - I will never leave you.
The Word Says - Hebrews 13:5 - "...never will I leave you, never will I forsake you."

You Say - It's not worth it.
God Says - It will be worth it.
The Word Says - Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in all things God works for good for those who love him and have been called according to his purpose."

You Say - I can't go on.
God Says - My grace is enough.
The Word Says - 2 Corinthians 12:9 - "He said to me, my grace is sufficient for you."

You Say - I'm worried.
God Says - Give me your worries.
The Word Says - I Peter 5:7 - "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

You Say - I can't forgive.
God Says - I forgive you.
The Word Says - Romans 8:1 - "There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."

Fruit of the Spirit - Weekly Study

Teach your children about the beautiful fruits in their lives - in more ways than one!

This is a simple and tasty study.

You Will Need
Bible
Large Bowl

Small Bowl of Water
Knife

Cutting Board
8 fruits of your child's liking. (I used lemon juice as one fruit.)
8 slips of paper with the following words;
Love / Peace / Faithfulness / Patience / Gentleness / Kindness / Self-Control / Goodness

Read the following verses to your children.

John 15: 1-4 / Galatians 5: 16-17, 22

Talk to your children about Christ being a VINE and them being the FRUIT. Compare it to a plant or a vine thrown into the street - it will not grow. But if a caring gardener (GOD) waters the vine and makes sure the weeds are pulled then the vine grows yummy, sweet, good fruits. Explain how God's spirit is all of these "fruits" mentioned in the verse and He wants those same fruits in our lives too.

Have children each select a word of their choice and a matching fruit of their choice. (IE Goodness = Strawberries, Peace = Grapes, Blueberries = Self-Control) While the kids wash and prepare/cut the fruit, talk to them about what it means or looks like during their days to be "patient", "kind", and to have "self control" and go through each word one by one. Be sure to remind them it is not easy and God does not expect perfection, but it pleases him when we set our hearts in line with His desires.

In the end you will have a beautiful and delicious fruit salad for all to enjoy. Then throughout the days ahead as you eat it ask your children to remind you what each fruit stands for. you'll be pleasantly surprised how much they recall!

Mmmmm Mmmm Good!