Day 23 March 19

"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. Matthew 24:42

Read

Matthew 25:-13

Discussion

Jesus was a great teacher. He used to tell stories to His disciples to help them understand what he wanted to teach them. He used this story of the ladies in waiting to give the disciples an idea of how to be prepared. Jesus was talking to His disciples about what would happen when He came back to earth to take them to Heaven. Did you know that Jesus is going to come back one day? He taught us so many things to do to be ready for His return. One is to love our neighbors. Who are your neighbors? What are other lessons Jesus wanted us to know? (to tell others about God's love, to forgive one another, teach children, to have faith)

Hymn

I want to be ready

Quick Prayer

Dear Jesus, we don't know when You are coming again. Help us obey, so whenever that day is, we will be ready. We want You to be pleased when You come for us. Keep our lights shining every day. Amen

Lenten Symbol for your Easter Tree

Activity Idea

*light a candle at night and see how much light is given with one flame. When Jesus asks us to be lights for the world we should think of our hearts holding a light for Christ. How bright would your light be?

*At our house we like to light a candle in the morning to remind us of Jesus being present in our lives. Recently as I was reading the verse Psalm 119:105, I thought about how our Bibles are also like lights in our lives. The more we open our Bibles the more light we let in our lives. Open your Bibles and look up this verse. Talk about the Bible, what are the different parts(old and new testaments) What is a chapter or a verse. Who wrote the different books?

Day 22 March 17

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a person remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5

Read

John 15:1-17, Galatians 5:22-26

Discussion

There are many titles God has-Father, Creator, Healer, have you ever thought of God as a gardener? God is the gardener of our lives and Jesus is the vine. From Jesus, God wants us to grow and produce beautiful fruit. If we trust Jesus and stay in Him, everyone will know we belong to God. Things will happen in our lives that we don't understand or that may hurt. Like when a gardener prunes a bush to help it to thrive. It seems strange to cut back perfectly healthy branches but sometimes the gardener knows what's best for a plant, just as God knows what's best for us. When we trust in Jesus and start to let Him feed your soul the fruits of the spirit will be able to thrive. Have you heard of the fruits of the spirit? Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control- that's a lot of fruit.

Which fruits are already growing well in your life? Which fruits need to be tended more? How could you help God prune your life to fit in more of the fruit that feeds your soul?

Hymn

This is my commandment

Quick Prayer

Dear God, I want to show Your fruit to the world. I can't do it alone, and I need Jesus to help me. I know you love me and will take care of me when I stay close to You. Thank You Amen.

Lenten Symbol for your Easter Tree

a vine with branches

Activity Idea

*Do you have any trees or plants that need to be pruned? Have you seen in the neighborhood anyone working in their yards. Look around at the bushes that have been pruned and watch in a few weeks and see how the bush or plants have grown. In our Neighborhood, they have trimmed back the rose bushes and they are already growing very well.

*Draw a picture of yourself and list the fruits of the spirit as how they are in your life- like a big pieces of joy and love and maybe a medium piece of patience. Or draw a tree with the fruits of the spirit as a different piece of fruit on the branches.

Day 21 March 16

"Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe." Proverbs 29:25

Read

Matthew 8:23-27

Discussion

Are you afraid of anything? There were times when the disciples were very afraid. They would forget that Jesus was there and had promised to take care of them. In this story the disciples couldn't believe what they had seen. Here was a man who could order the sea to be still and it would obey. Jesus had gently asked them, "Why don't you believe? Why are you so afraid? " You see, He knew He was God's Son, and He could do impossible things. He wanted them to remember how much He loved them and how He could take care of them in all things. If Jesus could make the sea rest, He could surely make the people He loved feel safe. Sometimes we may not understand why things happen the way they do, but don't forget, our Father knows everything, and He is in control. He is beside us all the time, and when we trust Him we can feel safe that He is taking care of us. What are some things you are afraid of and want Jesus to help you with?

Hymn

Through it all

Quick Prayer

Dear Jesus, sometimes we are afraid. We forget that You are with us and love us. Help us to remember You are taking care of us. Help us to trust You all the time. Amen

Lenten Symbol for your Easter Tree

a boat

Activity Idea

*Jesus did many things to show He loved His disciples. Do something nice for someone you love.- Maybe just giving your parents a hug.

*This story shows many emotions. First the disciples were afraid, worried, doubtful. Then they were amazed, in awe, full of thankfulness, grateful. Finally, they may have been ashamed for they doubted, and sad they let Jesus down. Have the children show you their different faces to interpret the story. Or have them draw the part of the story they liked.

Day 20 March 15 Half way through Lent

Mary said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." John 2:5

Read

John 2:1-11

Discussion

Have you heard this story of Jesus first miracle? Can you imagine what the servants were thinking? 'why does he want us to fill these jars with water?' The servants could not understand how this cold help, but they obeyed Jesus. When we believe in Jesus and obey Him, miracles will happen in our lives today. Think of a time in your life when God asked you to do something and you were thinking it sounded strange. But you had faith and did it anyway. What happened? One time I was called to lead a bible study for middle school children. It was something I was not trained for or particularly wanted to do. But God kept putting it on my heart. So I volunteered to lead a once a month bible study and fellowship night at our church. The first meeting there were 6 kids and one of the boys was quite a handful. I thought to myself that this is nuts I'm going to quit. But God asked me to try again and He'd send help. Another meeting came the next month and I had one mom who wanted to help and there were 10 kids. I thought cool, my prayers were answered. I have help, but I still was not sure what God was doing with me.?! Another month came and there were 18 kids! I was totally blown away by the work God was doing through me. By the end of the year we had grown to two nights a month and a good 15-18 kids every meeting. What an experience to see God provide a night of fellowship for kids who needed to hear they are loved. Thanks God for giving me the courage to do your work!

Hymn

Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus

Quick Prayer

Dear Jesus, You have given us so many blessings. Help us obey You every day. Thank you for your miracles.

Lenten Symbol for your Easter Tree

a jar of water

Activity Idea

*Miracles are all around us. Some are very obvious like the water into wine, yet some are very hard to know they are miracles. New life around us at spring is a wonderful reminder of the miracle that Jesus came back to life after being in the dark tomb. Have you experienced a miracle, maybe with your health, or with a relationship. Talk about them with your children

*Make a miracle wind sock, with a piece of paper turn to a tube, write miracles around the top. Draw pictures of miracles you know of or would like to happen and hang them from the bottom of the tube with string.

Day 19 March 14

"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." Mark 1:17

Read

Luke 5:1-11, Mark 1:14-20, Matthew 4:18-22

Discussion

Have you seen the 'Jesus Fish' around? Many people see the symbol as a way to tell others that they know Jesus from the stories Jesus told to the first disciples in the Bible. Fishermen were hard workers and always needed to be prepared to catch fish. Even when no fish were caught, they had to be patient because their families depended on the fish to eat. Peter knew being a fisher of men would not be easy, but he saw that Jesus believed in him. And so he left his boat, along with Andrew, John and James, and began to follow Him.

Jesus wants all of us to be fishers of men. There are many people who have troubles and need to know God's love. It's up to us to throw our nets out to all people we know and try to bring them to God. There are ways to show we are Christians-we can go to church, we can sing praises to God, we can show others by our actions.

In these different versions of the story of the first disciples there are little variations to the story. Discuss why there are the same stories in different books of the Bible.

Hymn

I will make you fishers of men

Quick Prayer

Dear Jesus, I want to follow you. Help me be a fisher of men and to tell others about You in everything I do. Amen

Lenten Symbol for your Easter Tree

A Christian fish

Activity Idea

*Learn about the story of how the Jesus fish was used.

*reenact the story of first disciples

*The days after the first Easter was a scary time for those close followers of Jesus. They were so afraid that they locked themselves in a room. But When Jesus came to see the disciples, they were filled with courage and went out to face the world. Some children are needing to know facts about the story of "Did Jesus really come back alive?" Now if the disciples had been so afraid that they locked themselves in a room, they must have had doubts. Jesus did come to them. How else could you explain them continuing on their mission. Does your child have questions about sharing their faith? Think of ways that you could encourage your child to tell others about their love of God.

Day 18 March 13

"I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever." John 14:16

Read

Luke 3:21-22, John 14:15-18

Discussion

There is only one God, yet there are three parts/persons of God. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. God the Father is the one who created us and lives in Heaven. God the Son is the person who came to earth as a baby and later died on the cross for us. On Easter, Jesus rose from the tomb and now sits beside God in Heaven. God the Holy Spirit is the one who lives today in our hearts if we believe in Jesus. God the Holy Spirit is the one who brings us peace and works with power in us to live good lives.

There was a special day when God showed Himself as the 3 persons. It was the day when Jesus was baptized. There John Baptized Jesus with water. All of a sudden, the heavens opened up and somthing that looked like a dove came down and rested on Jesus. Do you know who the dove represented ?God the Holy Spirit in a form of a dove. At the same time a voice was heard that said, " You are my Son, whom I love ; with you I am well pleased." What a day! To have all parts of God in one place. We can feel God in our hearts as the Holy Spirit. All three parts of God work to help us be better children of God. God sent Jesus to be an example of how to be Christian brothers and sisters. Have you ever seen a 3 leaf clover? Sometimes people compare how God is like a three leaf clover. Discuss how you connect to the different parts/persons of God. This idea can be very confusing and frustrating to understand for children, especially those who want to know the facts. Be gentle and honest with them, if they still have questions find someone who can help satisfy their curiosity.

Hymn

Sweet Sweet Spirit

Quick Prayer

Dear God, we thank you for loving us and comforting us. May we follow the example Jesus has given us and may we be willing to respond to the callings of he Holy Spirit. Amen.

Lenten Symbol for your Easter Tree

a Dove

Activity Idea

*There are many examples of explaining how God is one yet three. Another is the apple. God the core, Jesus the flesh, Holy Spirit as the protector peel. Sometimes giving children a finite definition could inhibit them from knowing God as infinite. Don't worry if they have lots of questions, God is at work on their little hearts. Make a drawing of how God is like something, an apple, a clover, and then talk about how the parts can be one and yet separate.

* Make a list of questions they still feel need answers. Share with a Pastor or elderly church member, or Sunday School teacher.

*

Day 17 March 12

"Praise the Lord, O my Soul. O Lord my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty. Psalm 104:1

Read

Psalm 104

Discussion

 It is so easy to be thankful for the wonderful beauty all around us. It's easy to be amazed at how large and wonderful God is and how detailed is every living things. God is truly Awesome. Many of Psalms were written by David, but a few have no authors. Psalm 104 is one of the 'author unknown' category. It's nice to read this chapter and just feel connected to the joy and awe of someone who was inspired by God's greatness. With our world going so fast and many devastating events occurring, it's hard sometimes to just let yourself be swept in the moment of now. Feel God's presence. Take some time and talk about how majestic is God

Hymn

Our God is an Awesome God

Quick Prayer

Dear God, Thank you for your creation. Thank you for the details in the lady bug spots and the sweet potato vine. Thank you for the songs of the birds and the chirping of crickets. Thank you God for the mountain tops and ocean floors. We are so thankful. Amen.

Lenten Symbol for your Easter Tree

Earth

Activity Idea

*God's creation is full of lovely and amazing things. Take a walk and enjoy creation. Bring along some paper to write about what you see, or draw a tree budding or a bird building a nest.

Day 16 March 10

"In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me." Jonah 2:2

Read

Jonah 1-2

Discussion

Do you remember the story of Jonah? When Jonah was tossed into the sea, it looked like he might die. But God had other plans for him. A huge fish swallowed him up and while Jonah was in the belly of the fish he prayed to God. Then the fish spit him out and he went on the mission God had for him. Many people turned to God because Jonah went to Ninevah. Every time we look at this fish, lets remember that although it looked like Jonah was dead, he really wasn't. We can also remember when Jesus was in the tomb it seemed he would not be coming out. But He arose from the grave on Easter. Because of the Easter miracle we can come to know and love Him too. Think about how Jonah was in the depths of the ocean in that fish's belly. How do know when God wants us to do something? Sometimes God gives us BIG clues on what our missions should be, and other times we feel like we have no idea what God wants with our life. Discuss times when you knew God wanted you to do something. Did you? Did you not? What happened?

Hymn

He lifted me

Quick Prayer

Dear Lord, whenever I am scared, help me to remember the story of Jonah. Thank You for saving him and saving me, so that I can tell others about how much You love us! Amen.

Lenten Symbol for your Easter Tree

Jonah and the big fish

Activity Idea

*God has given us each 'gifts' to use. draw a picture of what gifts you have. is it the ability to listen to others? Is it to sing? Is it to write poetry? is it help those in need?

*make a picture of Jonah

Day 15 March 9

"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:16

Read

Hebrews 8:11-9:15

Discussion

Long ago, if a person wanted to say something to God or ask something from God, they had to tell it to the priest and the priest would go to the special room and offer the prayers on behalf of the person/family. The priest stood between God and the people. Jesus came to earth and died for us. But do you know where He is now? He rose from the grave, went to heaven and is sitting beside God right now talking to Him about us. He is now our "High Priest" In Hebrews it tells about how Jesus was the last sacrifice ever. He brought His blood shed on the cross. Now we can talk to God through Jesus and we don't need anyone else to do it for us. WE can pray and praise Him anytime. We can talk to God about everything, when something good happens or when we are hurting. God loves us so much. Talk to you children about how it feels to know God is listening.

Hymn

Jesus loves the little children

Quick Prayer

Dear lord, Thank you that we can come talk to you anytime we want. Thank you for letting us know you. Amen

Lenten Symbol for your Easter Tree

a picture of Jesus

Activity Idea

*Even though we don't necessarily use our pastor to give messages to God, we can share questions and ask for help praying. If you haven't met a local pastor maybe it's time to stop in and say hello.

*Have you ever had a prayer journal? It can be a very surprising book to keep tally of how God is working in your life. Maybe you could start one. Leave questions in it that God may answer for you one day. Leave praises in it of how your day was blessed. Leave concerns for those that are not well or maybe you're not well, see how God is working in other's lives.

*draw a prayer map, one before Jesus and then one after Jesus came. Let the kids see that Jesus' cross helped us reach God as He was the last sacrifice. I was taught something like this

Day 14 March 8

"My Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer, my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. " Psalm 18:2a

Read

Exodus 17:1-6, Matthew 7:27-28

Discussion

So as we've been learning about the children of Israel, they seem to easily grumble when things aren't going as well as they would like. In our lesson today, the children of God came to a place in the wilderness that had no water. They began to complain and sent Moses to ask God what to do. God provided water for them right out of a rock. Water is something all people need to survive, and God wanted them to see how to depend on Him like a rock-something that is always there, solid. Many of us have grown up singing the song of the wise man building his house on the rock. Did you know that song actually came from a lesson Jesus was teaching one day? Jesus came to be our example and He was perfect His whole life. You can think of Jesus as our rock we can build our lives on. When we trust in Jesus we are like the wiseman, when trouble comes in our lives we can feel secure in His solid embrace. However, those among us that are building their houses of the world, the sand, will surely be devastated when trouble comes to them. Jesus gives us courage and wisdom in the most difficult parts of our lives.

How has God given you strength through Jesus in a difficult time? This song brings up many question during Sunday school, ask your kids what they think of it.

Hymn

The wise man and the foolish man

Quick Prayer

Wonderful Jesus, Thank you for being our Rock! We know we can run to you and YOU will protect us. You are strong and will always be there for us. Help us to build our lives and our church on You. Amen.

Lenten Symbol for your Easter Tree

a rock

Activity Idea

* Find a park with sand and act out the story of the wise man and the foolish man.

*Collect a rock and place it in your home somewhere to remind you that Jesus is a good solid place, like a rock, that we can turn to in times of struggle.

Day 13 March 7

"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with them, and them with me." Revelation 3:20

Read

Exodus 25:1-9 Matthew 7:7-12

Discussion

Do you remember the tabernacle we talked about that Moses built for God to dwell in? Well, God wanted this place to be very special. God even told them how to build it and what people should put in it.After it was built, God came and visited the people in a cloud by day and a cloud of fire by night. The tabernacle was placed in the very center of Israel's camp, and the people lived around it. Everyday, they would bring sacrifices and gifts to be offered to Him. When Jesus came to take the place of all those sacrifices, the tabernacle was not needed. Instead God can speak to us in our hearts. Just like the tabernacle, we should keep our hearts in order. We should only keep the best things in our hearts too, like love, patience, kindness. Jesus can come live in your heart if you ask. When you open the door of your life to Him, He will come in and never leave you. Ask your family about the time they asked Jesus in their hearts.

Hymn

Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place

Behold behold, I stand at the door and knock

Quick Prayer

Dear Jesus, I need you in my life. Forgive my mistakes and help me to clean up my heart. You are the way I may be happy with God. Thank you for your sacrifice. Amen

Lenten Symbol for your Easter Tree

A heart

Activity Idea

*look at some pictures of Jesus knocking at the door, notice that there is no door knob. The door may only be opened from inside.

*Our bodies are the church for God. Take some time thinking of the ways you are good to your body and ways you should take better care of your body.

*Find a family activity that encourages good exercise, hiking in parks, walking on the beach, bike riding, neighborhood walks to pick up litter.

Day 12 March 6

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth , nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38

Read

Exodus 26:31-34, Matthew 27:50-51 Hebrews 10:19-20

Discussion

A long time ago, God told the children of Israel to build a special place for Him. This special place was called a tabernacle. It looked like a big tent, and they carried it with them wherever they went, just like the ark. There was a special room inside the tabernacle where God would come to visit. But a great curtain was hung in front of the room, so no one could see inside. Only a special priest called the High Priest could enter the room through the curtain, and he could only go in one time a year. The people would give prayers and offerings to the Priest and then the priest would take them into the room to God.

During Jesus time, the tabernacle had been replaced with a beautiful temple to worship God. There was still a curtain and the people were still separate from God. But something happened on the day Jesus died. The curtain was torn apart from top to bottom. Now, anyone could come talk to God. Whenever we want to say something to God, we can stop wherever we are and talk to Him. There is no curtain that stops us from being with God.

Hymn

Nothing between

Quick Prayer

Dear God, Thank you for giving us the opportunity to pray whenever and where ever we need. In Jesus name Amen!

Lenten Symbol for your Easter Tree

Veil or curtain

Activity Idea

* There are many ways to pray and countless reason to pray. Talk to your kids about different reasons to pray (thanking God, asking for help, asking for healing, sing praises, saying grace).

*Write a new grace poem to say as your family prayer.

Day 11 March 5

"When I am lifted up (on the cross), I will draw everyone to me." John 12:32

Read

Numbers 21:4-9, John 3:14-17

Discussion

Remember how Moses took the children of God out into the wilderness? Well, first there was no water, then there was no food. The people were complaining again one day. They were tired of eating the same thing. They were began to start to grumble about Moses and about God. Then some poisonous snakes were in the desert and began to bite them. Many of the people were very sick. So the people went to Moses and told him they were sorry they had been bad. They asked him to pray to God to take the bad snakes away. Even though the people had been bad to Mose, he forgave them and began to pray for them. God told Moses to build a pole with bronze snake on it. All the people had to do to get well was to look at the bronze snake.

Have you ever pouted about something? Doing something wrong can make us feel very bad. It almost makes us feel sick inside like we've been bitten by a snake in our heart.What should we do when we do something wrong? (Say we're sorry)We need to tell God we're sorry too. Jesus can help our hearts feel better when we say we're sorry. Jesus died on the cross so we could be well again.

Hymn

Turn your eyes upon Jesus

Quick Prayer

Dear Jesus, We are sorry when we complain or pout about our lives. Please forgive us and help us to look to You to help our troubled hearts. Thank you for loving us!Amen!

Lenten Symbol for your Easter Tree

bronze snake on a pole

Activity Idea

*Take some time to talk about those we have hurt by our attitudes or words. Maybe write an apology note or call them up and say your sorry.

*Pray for those you know who are ill. If possible go visit them or send them a card to let them know you are thinking of them

Day 10 March 3

I am the bread of Life. Those who come to me will never go hungry. John 6:35

Read

Exodus 16, John 6:43-51

Discussion

God told the children of Israel to trust Him, but while they were in the wilderness they were hungry. They began to grumble that they should have been left in Egypt, at least they would have food there. God provided them with manna, little flakes of white food. The people said, "Are we supposed to eat this? What is it?" God provided just enough for each person. They were able to survive by trusting that God would give them what they needed.

When Jesus was talking to His followers they had some of the same questions. "What does Jesus mean He's the bread of life?" "Are we suppose to eat Him?" Of course, that's not what Jesus meant. But by spending time with Jesus everyday and enjoying the warmth of the Holy Spirit we can be filled in our hearts, just as we are fed in our stomachs with food bread. When Jesus taught us the Lord's prayer, He reminds us to thank God EVERY TIME we eat, and to remember Jesus. As US citizens we sometimes take for granted how much or how often we eat, have you been praying all the times you eat?

Hymn

Seek Ye first the Kingdom of God

Quick Prayer

Dear Jesus, help us to hunger to know you more. Forgive us as we grumble and are not grateful. Thank you for giving us all we need. Amen

Lenten Symbol for your Easter Tree

a Jar of Manna

Activity Idea

* Practice the Prayer Jesus taught us. Our Father who art in Heaven

*Volunteer to serve food at a shelter or church 

* Bake some homemade bread, if you don't have time to whip up some from scratch, stop in the frozen section and buy a loaf to bake. We make bread from scratch once a month or so, we even grind the wheat into flour. Have you considered trying to eat more whole foods? The processed food we have so readily in our markets is a nice convenience but sometimes it is just fluff and the nutrients has been processed out of the food. Research ways to include more 'whole' food into your life. The closer your diet has been to the earth, the closer your connection can become to God who has provided us with fruits and vegetables and grains.

Day 9 March 2

Jesus answered, " Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:13-14

Read

Exodus 15:22-27, John 4:6-14

Discussion

Remember how Moses lead the Israelites out of Egypt and into the wilderness desert? The children of Israel were so hot and thirsty! For 3 days they had been walking in the desert without any water to drink. There was nothing in sight except sand, rocks and some scraggly bushes. They began to wonder why God wan't taking care of them. Suddenly, they saw water! Running as fast as they could, they knelt down and took huge gulps. Quickly they spit it out. The water was bitter and tasted awful. God knew they were thirsty. All He wanted was for them to pray to Him. Instead, they became afraid and cried to Moses, their leader. Moses knew what God wanted, so he began to talk to God. Next to the water was a tree,God told Moses to throw the tree in the water. When Moses obeyed, the water changed from bitter to sweet. God had given them water for life. It was free, and all they had to do was come and drink.

Once Jesus was thirsty and tired from walking between towns and sat down by a well. He asked the woman there to draw some water for Him to drink. He told her He could give her living water and she would not be thirsty again. She thought, at first, He meant water to drink. But what He meant was the gift of eternal life. This gift comes from believing and trusting in Jesus. When we come and give our lives to Him, joy will bubble up inside us, just like a spring of living water. How can we get the living water?

Hymn

Deep and Wide

I've got a River of Life

Quick Prayer

Dear Lord, we want Your living water. Give us Your joy inside, like a fountain bubbling over. Amen

Lenten Symbol for your Easter Tree

water

Activity Idea

*How lucky we are to have water ready and clean in the US. So many people around the world are not as lucky. Pray for those who are thirsty for drinking water. 

*Jesus gives us joy and joy is contagious! Think of those in your life that are joyful, lift their names up to God and thank them for being joyful!

Day 8 March 1

"But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." 1 John 1:7

Read

Exodus 37:1-9, Leviticus 16:15-16, Hebrews 9:26-28

Discussion

Do you remember the story of the Passover? God asked the children of Israel to kill a lamb and cover the door with its blood. God was going to lead His children to a very special place to live, but it would take a long time to get there. God knew that they would get lonely so He told Moses to build a chest so that the people could know God would be with them. The ark was a special object, they carried it everywhere they went. They even carried into battles to show everyone that God was with them. On the top of the ark it was pure gold, it was called the Atonement Cover. Atonement means 'to cover.' The Israelites had one day a year when they would remember their mistakes and used animals blood to sprinkle over the ark to cover their sins/mistakes. This was to be done until the Final Sacrifice would come. Do you know who took the place of the lambs? It was Jesus. When Jesus died on the cross He covered all of our sins forever. Everyone who comes to Him will be forgiven.

Hymn

Nothing but the blood of Jesus

Quick Prayer

Dear God, We are so thankful for your love. We are so thankful for Jesus to come and be the Final lamb to cover all of our sins. Help us to show love to others just as You have shown us. Amen

Lenten Symbol for your Easter Tree

The Ark of Covenant

Activity Idea

* As we think of Easter, there are lots of symbols that start appearing in our homes, stores and neighborhoods. One of the symbols is a lamb. Draw a picture of a lamb, write a poem about how thankful you are of Jesus's sacrifice.

*watch lambs, either on youtube or visiting a farm.

*make some homemade pretzels to remember to pray for our neighbors. recipe

Day 7 Leap Day

"Do What is right and good in the Lord's sight."

Deuteronomy 6:18a

Read 

Luke 2:21-40

Discussion

Why did they have to take the trip? How do you think they felt when they finally arrived?Why wa going to Jerusalem the right thing to do?(It was in God' law) How do you think Mary and Joseph felt after hearing Simeon and Anna? Why did Mary and Joseph do the right thing?(Because they loved God, God's law and their son Jesus.) 

Our families help lead the young down the Godly path. List ways that your family follow's God's example in Jesus. Do you read your Bible, Do you attend Church, do you pray together, do you serve others together? What ways would you like to grow as a family in being examples for others to see God's love?

Hymn

Come into my heart

Quick Prayer

Dear God, thank you for families. Thank you for my family nearest me, thank you for my church family, thank you for your Love. Help us to be examples like Jesus so our young ones may have a Godly path to follow.

Lenten Symbol for your Easter Tree

your family picture

Activity Idea

*Think of other symbols that remind us of God. As Christians we often think of the cross to remind us of God's love.

*Part of growing our faith is by prayer. The more we talk to God the closer we become to Him. start a prayer emphasis for different nights. Example: Sunday pray for church or church workers, Monday pray for those in missions, Tuesday pray for friend and neighbors, Wednesday pray for world leaders and peace, Thursday pray for classmates and coworkers, Friday pray for family near and far, Saturday pray for need and concerns for yourself.

*The Bible is like a recipe for our lives. If we follow it as we should things turn out  as God planned. Make something from a recipe and discuss what happens if you change or add things into the batter, what would happen. Would it turn out ok? or be a mess? Read your Bible together. 

Day 6

When John saw Jesus passing by, he said, "Look, the Lamb of God!"

John 1:36

Read: Exodus 12:3-7, 12-13

Discussion

Along time ago, the people of Israel had become slaves to the people of Egypt. They had to work hard and had very little. God had said it was time for the people to leave Egypt, but the king of Egypt, the Pharaoh would not let God's people go. God sent 10 bad things to happen to the land of Egypt. The last thing was that God would kill all the first born children. God's plan was to save all who trusted Him. He told the people to take the blood of a perfect lamb and to put it on the sides and the top of the doors of their houses. If a family obeyed God and marked the door of their house with the blood of the lamb, he would pass over the house and no children would be killed. That night, the Lord killed all the firstborn children in Egypt, including the Pharaoh's son. In remembrance of how God saved the children of Israel, the holiday Passover is celebrated.

If God told you to do this to your house, would you do it? I'm sure the children of Israel wondered how the blood of a little lamb on their door could save them from death. They chose to believe, however, and because of their simple faith, they were freed. When Jesus died on the cross, He shed His blood for you so that you might be free. YOu might not fully understand what this means, but if you believe it and trust in Jesus, then you will be saved.

Hymn

Only trust Him

Quick Prayer

Dear Jesus, Thank you for being my Lamb. Thank you for dying for me and passing over my sins. I love You!Amen

Lenten Symbol for your Easter Tree

a lamb

Activity Idea

*The passover meal is done as a family event. Draw family trees and thank God for all your special people in your family.

* Draw a lamb and write Thank You Jesus over the top. Maybe add some cotton balls to the lamb to make it soft.

*Read over some passover meal, Seder meal, ideas. Maybe you could consider trying to do a Christian Seder meal later in Lent. I came across this interesting one here.

Day 5 February 27

Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he

dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die."John 11:25-26

Read John 12:23-24

Discussion: Do you remember how Jesus was willing to come down from heaven? He lived for 33 years then it was time for Him to go back to Heaven. Do you know how he would be able to do that? He told us to look in our gardens to find the answer in a seed.

Do you know what happens to a seed when you plant it in the ground? It sleeps for a while, and then it begins to fall apart and die. Soon something amazing happens. Water begins to give it food, and along with the soil, it helps the dead seed to grow again. When the green leaf comes out of the ground, it looks very different from the seed that is first planted. It is a miracle!

God had told Abraham that a Seed would come. The Seed is Jesus and He would save all people. All they would have to do is just believe in the Seed. It was wonderful for God to do this for us, wasn't it. The seed would have to do something, though. He would have to die. The Bible says when you plant a seed , it cannot grow unless it dies first. Jesus loved us so much that He did die on a cross for us and like the seed He came bursting into the light 3 days after being in the tomb. - Jesus said some interesting things. Think about the Bible verses for tonight. What do they mean to us. How was Jesus like a seed?What did Jesus have to do for us?

Hymn

Soon and very Soon

Quick Prayer

Jesus, it's hard to believe You were willing to die for us, and yet You did. Every time we see a flower, help us remember a seed had to die for that flower to live,. Help us to trust in Your Seed, Jesus. Thank you for spring!Amen!

Lenten Symbol for your Easter Tree

Seed

Activity Idea:* Watch seeds grow. Place a seed in small ziploc bag with a small amount of water. Tape it to a sunny window, watch it grow.

*Take a walk around the neighborhood and see signs of spring sprouting- new buds on trees, daffodils, tulips.

*Remind each other of how spring can be a good time to water our seeds in our hearts, by reading the Bible, Being kind to each other, talking about Jesus and how He treated others.

mini Easter 1

Sunday! Worship Day!

Attend Church today and reflect on the first week of Lent.
If you have collected food this week bring it to your church's food drive.

Day 4 March 12

Jesus said, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written:'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'"

Read Matthew 4:1-11

Discussion

Reading this passage in Matthew, it is easy to see where and what Jesus was tempted. Every time He was tempted, Jesus was prepared with scripture to confront Satan. Is there temptation that needs to be addressed in your family. Discuss  with your family times when they feel tempted to do things that would not be what God wanted. Do they loose their temper easily, do they feel like gossiping, are they worriers, do they not honor their parents? Review the 10 commandments. How important is it to read your Bible?

Hymn

Thy Word

Quick Prayer

Dear Jesus, We bow before your name. We are humbled to think how you would leave the glories of heaven to become our Servant. You have become a light unto the world to show us how to live. Help us with our attitudes, desires, and motives to be more like you. Thank you for the Bible

Amen

Lenten Symbol for your Easter Tree

A bible

Activity Ideas

*have time sharing your favorite stories from the Bible. Who are your favorite people? What would it have been like to see Jesus do miracles?
*Discuss what is the old testament, what is the new testament
*Pray for those who do not have a Bible
*Make a Book mark for you Bible