On This Rock I Will Build My Church Matthew 16:18

This Sunday the children will be introduced to Peter, Simon whom Jesus renamed Peter (Cephus - Aramaic, Greek synonym is Petros, or Peter. Peter means rock or stone).


I love Peter. I have a note in my Bible next to Matthew 16:18 it says 'Peter was the first Christian.' What I meant was, he was the first one to really organize the followers of Christ. Jesus said upon this rock (Peter) I will build my church (Matthew 16:18). Peter took the charge seriously and organized the first church. Acts chapter 2:42-47.


Throughout the month of February we will delve into teaching the children about Peter and what it means to love one another. Place yourself in Peter's shoes. Peter loved Jesus so much he gave up everything he had to follow him. Remember this, Peter knew Jesus. He didn't follow Jesus in a hypnotic trance. He heard Jesus speak. Jesus had spent time in their village. Jesus spent time getting to know Peter and his brother Andrew, before He asked them to follow Him and before they agreed to follow Jesus.


I feel like Jesus wants that from us. Jesus wants us to get to know Him before we follow Him. I pray we emphasize that to non believers and to the children. Let's teach our children to get to know Jesus by reading his word, praying and coming to church and experiencing fellowship. Let's teach our children how to spend time with Jesus as we spend time with Him ourselves and get to know Him more.


I pray God blesses your week and weekend with the love He wants you to feel from the intimacy of His presence!


In Him.......



Laurie

Fishers of Men

January 23rd, 2009

LHC Kids have been hearing about Elijah and Role Models the entire month of January. This Sunday we tie in Jesus as a Role Model.

Matthew 4:18-22 Jesus chooses his first 4 disciples. Simon, Andrew, James and John. These four men are Jesus first students. These four men are fisherman. Why did Jesus choose four fishermen to be his first students? I am certain it was a good living. I am certain they provided well for their families. My research tells me that the Sea of Galilee was famous for the quantities and types of fish. In Israel the Sea of Galilee was known as the 'Fish Gate' because of the amount of fish that was brought into Jerusalem to its markets. Most of the fish were caught by nets that were cast out and drug back by hand. A very strenuous line of work.

I think I know why he choose fisherman. Hear me out on this one.

Jesus used his fisherman students as examples throughout his teaching years.

The example He tells the disciples on their first day in class. "I will make you fishers of people." Matthew 4:19

These men knew what fishing was all about.

Cast the net and drag in a bunch of fish.

So, Jesus tells the disciples he is going to teach them how to cast out a net and bring in a huge amount of people???

Yes, that is exactly what Jesus said. They understood. They were excited, fired up. I think they couldn't wait to learn about how they were going to use their experience as fisherman to capture people's hearts for the glory of God.

Now we are his disciples. We are here as Christ followers to do what Jesus taught us. He taught us to cast our nets. He taught us to bring the net in. Then he taught us to take care of our catch.

Thank you for all you do for LHC Kids! I cannot wait for Sunday to happen!

In Him.......

Laurie

Teachers

As a former middle school math teacher, I can relate to the challenges that teachers face. This week's lesson on Elijah and Elisha is a good chance to look at how we should obey and love our teachers, in addition to being loyal to them. This is our opportunity to drive home the point that teachers need the support of families and the kids they teach...and that teachers are people who need our grace when they show their humanity and inevitably make mistakes.

One of the things that teachers were always challenged to do was to see things from the eyes of the student. Many kids today don't get enough support and love at home, and it is important to remember that in order to get some context when a student behaves inappropriately. But it is equally important for parents to challenge their children to see thing from the eyes of their teachers and realize our teachers want what is best for us.

Doug

The Cloak

January has been our month of Elijah (Role Models). This Sunday we are talking to the children about teachers.
Elijah was a teacher of Elisha. In 1 Kings 19:19 Elijah throws his cloak around Elisha's shoulders signifying the passing of the baton.
Elisha's initial reaction was to tell Elijah he had to say goodbye to his parents.
As a mom, I love that. But I don't think Elijah was as impressed. "Go back." Elijah replied. "What have I done to you?" (vs.20) In other words "Do you understand what just happened?". "I just made you the new prophet."
Elijah had to drive home the point to get Elisha to understand what was happening.
Think about God in your life. How often are you waiting for God's answers to your prayers, grace, wisdom, etc.? What happens when those prayers are answered? Do you reflect back, thank Him and make those life changes you promised Him? "Lord, if you grant me this I promise I will exercise every day for the rest of my life." Or do you do what most of us do? Take grace for granted with a, " Hummmmm, about time that happened." attitude.
Today, take a moment. Look back at '08. Remember your prayers from '07. Look at what God has done. Kill the oxen (vs. 21), leave that part of your life behind. Recognize what God has done and move to where God really wants you to be. Accept the cloak. Wear it well. Thank Him.
Have a blessed day!
See you Sunday!

Laurie

Athletes and Jesus

It's popular to bemoan the lack of role models these days, but it's not hard to find college football football players who sport Bible verses on their eyeblack (Tim Tebow, Terrell Pryor and James Laurinaitis come to mind...and anyone who lives in Austin knows of a certain UT quarterback's faith). Be sure to take the chance to point these positive example to your kids. And after the game, when the players thank God, this is a good chance to bring up a few questions for discussion, like: Why do you think the player is thanking God? Should we only thank God after victories? Does God favor one team over the other?

Good examples and teachable moments exist, we just need to look for them.

Doug