*ATTENTION*

Grandparents
Parents
Teachers

Do you enjoy reading positive and entertaining books to children?

Then you will love reading, "I'm Not Too Little." and "I'm Not Slow."

Contact: Blessing of Faith Ministry, Inc. at http://www.bof1225@yahoo.com/ or write to P.O. Box 821281, Pembroke Pines, FL 33082-1281 for an introductory copy.

Practicing Gratitude

Scripture Text: "In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (I Thessalonians 5:18)

Let love for God be the center of your expression for showing gratitude, and there are a variety of life’s experiences whereby gratitude can be expressed. For each person; however, it will be something different.

Often at the dinner table during the Thanksgiving Holiday season guests are asked to state at least one thing they are grateful for. But what if after the meal, while still seated around the table, participants were to state how they became grateful, and how they now express that gratitude.

One participant may say, "In gratitude for being hired after searching so long for a job, I quietly removed myself from those who complain about the boss or the company."

Another person may say, "While visiting another country, I never knew when the water system and electricity would be cut off by the government, nor did I have the freedom to turn to a water faucet for a drink of water because it was recommended that we drink only bottled water. After returning to the United States, I no longer took for granted the ability to drink from a water faucet or the 24 hour/7 day per week use of our water system and electricity. I now have an appreciation for America that I never had before."

Someone else may say, "As a teenager, I lived in the north. One summer I went on vacation with my friend and her family to the south. My friend’s cousins took us to the movies. As we walked through the lobby, I automatically headed for the door to the theatre area on the main floor until my friend’s cousin frantically whispered, "No! You can’t go through there. We have to sit in the balcony." That was my first encounter with being bound by prejudice. I never forgot that experience, and I was forever grateful for the freedom that I enjoyed living in the north."

Another may say, "While growing up, prior to and during my teenage years, I was as lazy as they came. I shrank back from doing anything that looked like work, consequently, my chores were always half done, and I could never understand why I got yelled at. So I decided that they were just picking on me and never satisfied with anything I ever did. After I became an adult and experienced life, then I realized the value of my parents teaching, and was ashamed at how useless I allowed myself to be. But in gratitude for their efforts I profusely thanked them. Although now they are deceased; nevertheless, I continue to express my gratitude to God by always implementing the training they so endeavored to instill within me, and also pray for others who seem to have been struck with that same spirit of slothfulness."

In closing:

The key points that ring out of the testimonies of gratitude is that gratitude is freeing and it is educational; for gratitude helps you see valuable standards for living that you could not otherwise discern.

Therefore incorporating gratitude into one's life can be the best tonic for living a happy faith-filled life, more than could ever be imagined.

Calling All Moral and Immoral Sinners

Scripture Text: "There were present at that season some that told him of the Galileans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, "Suppose ye that these Galileans were sinners above all the Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." (Luke 13:1-3)

The hardest people to convince that they are sinners in need of Jesus as Savior are moral people. These are they who never cheat, who follow the golden rule of, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Who never drink, smoke, or associate with those who tell dirty jokes.

But the problem is, that while the character of these individuals is most pleasant to have around; yet, their human nature is not different. It is the very same nature that the immoral individual possesses.

God’s word, which is truth, states in Isaiah 53:6, "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all." That refers to what our condition became after the fall. (Read: Genesis 2:16-17; 3:1-24)

King David understood the state of our human nature when he said, in Psalm 51:5, "I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me." David knew that he was made of the same kind of human seed that his parents were made of, a sinful human nature. Read the entire 51st Psalm to get a broader picture of David’s perception of our sinful human nature. See how he approached God because of his knowledge of his nature, and see the reason why God labeled David, "A man after His own heart." (Acts 13:22)

The best thing any human being can do, whether manifesting moral or immoral behavior is to agree with God’s wisdom on the subject that the human nature by itself is depraved and that every person born into this world needs to be redeemed from sin, and that redeemer is God’s only begotten Son, Jesus the Christ.

God has made it very simple for humanity to become His sons and daughters. So simple in fact, that a lot of people have a hard time believing it, but it’s true. All one has to do is repent before God. So if you have never remembered a time when you actually asked God to forgive you of your sins; asked Christ Jesus to come into your heart, or if you do recall a time in your life when you repented, but you want to rededicate your life to Christ, why not take this time to do so. You may use the following prayer of repentance to assist you.

Prayer of Repentance:

Dear Jesus,

I am a sinner, and I need a Savior. I am sorry for my sins that put you on the cross. Please forgive me and come into my heart. I want to be born-again and live in you. Amen.
(Read: John 3:1-18)

Children, Children, Children

(Excerpts from the Children, Children, Children booklet. For a copy contact: Blessing of Faith Ministry, Inc. at bof1225@yahoo.com for more information.

What are God's Thoughts Regarding the Treatment and Guidance of Children?

In Mark chapter 10, we are given an illustration of how Jesus regards the guidance and treatment of children. Beginning with verse 13 we find individuals bringing young children to Jesus. When Jesus’ disciples saw this, they rebuked those who brought them. But Jesus, displeased with their actions, says, "suffer (allow) little children to come unto me and forbid them not." In other words, he was telling them, don’t restrict or withhold children from becoming involved and acquainted with me.
The attitude of the disciples matches the attitudes of many people of our society today. We have people who say: It is wrong to teach children about God. They say: Children should make up their own minds. Yet, those same people will take a newly planted young tree or plant and prop it up with stakes to ensure it grows straight and tall. They wouldn’t dare allow it to grow on its own.

How Important Is It to Be a Good Example? Are Children Watching?

Things To Think About

• Do we teach our children: Do not lie. But when Aunt Susie calls we tell our children, "tell her I'm not home."
• Do we teach our children: You can talk to Jesus about anything. But do our children ever see us pray?

Encouragement Corner

• Don't be afraid to start a project. Fear of imperfection is a hinderance to your creativity. There are many people whose first project does not look the same today as it did when they first created it. Think about the Model-T Ford. Does it look the same today as it did when first created? What about the Singer sewing machine? Does it look the same as when it was first created? No, of course not. So don't be afraid to step out and try. It may be crudely done, but a crude project is better than no project; for you can never improve upon a thing if you never do it.
• Just as it is not God's will that anyone perish; it is also not God's will that we be unsuccessful. The scripture that encourages us to believe in God's will that we prosper asks us: If a son should ask for bread from his father, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask for a fish, will he give him a serpent? (Matthew 7:8-11) The response to those questions is no, not a loving father. Therefore we can be assured that God will supply us what we have need of in order to succeed, prosper, and accomplish our goals.

Success Is A Choice

• Because I choose to succeed: I will have faith that God is for my success and will guide me.
• Because I choose to succeed: I will forgive others as well as myself.
• Because I choose to succeed: I will accept that faith without works is dead.
• Because I choose to succeed: I will bless others who are in need of blessings.
• Because I choose to succeed: I will acknowledge God in all my ways.
• Because I choose to succeed: I will pray to God for advice and wisdom.
• Because I choose to succeed: I will treat others as I would like to be treated.
• Because I choose to succeed: I will study to show myself approved unto God.
• Because I choose to succeed: I will accept Jesus Christ as my personal Savior and Lord.
• Because I choose to succeed: I will believe that God has forgiven my past.
• Because I choose to succeed: I will acknowledge when I am wrong.
• Because I choose to succeed: I will accept help when I need help.
• Because I choose to succeed: I will be diligent.
• Because I choose to succeed: I will consider Bible reading a daily must.
• Because I choose to succeed: I will choose my friends wisely.
• Because I choose to succeed: I will be faithful to accomplish the tasks set before me.
• Because I choose to succeed: I will consider myself as God considers me, that I am of worth and value.

God's Word Motivates Our Thinking

Scripture text: Matthew Chapter 25

Verse 14: For the kingdom of heaven is as a man traveling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
Verse 15: And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
Verse 16: Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
Verse 17: And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
Verse 18: But he that had received one went and digged in the earth and hid his lord's money.
Verse 19: After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
Verse 20: And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, "Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more."
Verse 21: His lord said unto him, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Verse 22: He also that had received two talents came and said, "Lord thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them."
Verse 23: His lord said unto him, "Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord."
Verse 24: Then he which had received the one talent came and said, "Lord, I knew thee that thou art a hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strewed:
Verse 25: And I was afraid and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou has that is thine."
Verse 26: His lord answered and said unto him, "Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strewed.
Verse 27: Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
Verse 28: Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
Verse 29: For unto everyone that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.

Motivational Thoughts from Matthew 25

• Faithfulness produces; it bears the fruit of productivity.
• Faith without works is dead.
• The picture of a slothful person is of one who doesn't try; but a wise person recognizes that trying, at least, breeds self-respect.
• A wise person rises above the fear of man because it is known that it will stifle all abilities.
• If you can think to dig a hole to hide a talent then you can think to do other things with the talent.
• Do a good job, you never know who your reward will come from.
• Good thoughts breed good actions - bad thoughts breed bad actions.
• The slothful person's refusal to work did not hurt his boss.
• A wise person recognizes that slothfulness is an enemy.
• A faithful person's work is rewarded.
• Putting your best foot forward has its own rewards.
• Wise is the company that makes it a policy to reward its productive employees.
• A wise person will recognize the benefits of a job well done.
• A wise person recognizes that if you don't use it you will lose it.

A Great School for the Blind

Learning need not be impaired for the visually impaired or the blind.

Contact:

The Hadley School for the Blind
700 Elm Street
Winneka, Ill. 60093-2554
1-800-323-4238
www.hadley.edu
e-mail: info@hadley.edu

Kids Bible School Corner: Subject: Math

1. There are 39 books in the Old Testament of the Bible. There are 27 books in the New Testament of the Bible. How many books are there in the whole Bible?
2. Jesus had 12 disciples. All of the disciples were in a boat in the middle of the sea. 1 disciple got out of the boat and walked on the water to go to Jesus. How many disciples were left in the boat?
3. In Old Testament times, and in certain societies of our day, men had more than one wife. Jacob, whose name was changed by God to Isreal, had four wives, and by those wives several sons were born. (See names of wives and sons listed below).

• Leah and sons: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun
• Bilhah and sons: Dan, Naphtali
• Zilpah and sons: Gad, Asher
• Rachel and sons: Joseph, Benjamin

-How many sons did Leah have?

-How many sons did Bilhah have?

-How many sons did Zilpah have?

-How many sons did Rachel have?

=Total number of Jacob/Israel's sons?

Answer Sheet

1. 66 books

2. 11 disciples

3. Leah - 6 sons

Bilhah - 2 sons

Zilpah - 2 sons

Rachel - 2 sons

Total sons - 12