Showing posts with label God's plan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God's plan. Show all posts
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Object Lesson | Puzzler
Source (Where I saw it): Original
Supplies: Two Puzzles
Preparation: Remove most of the pieces of the puzzle, leaving only 2 or 3 pieces inside the box.
The object lesson & how I used it...
Main Point: We need to give God our all!
Illustration: Walk up to the front and ask for one person from each side to play a game. The idea of the game is who can put together their puzzle the fastest. The winning person will get a prize. Then hand each volunteer a puzzle and say go! Once they open it up and see only a few pieces they will be confused. Stop the game and ask them what is wrong. Of course! There are tons of pieces missing! Ask the two volunteers to have a seat.
Explanation: Show the kids the 3 pieces and explain that this is what many people do with God. They want God to build a picture of their lives, but then only hand over 3 pieces. It is impossible to see the complete picture of a puzzle with only 3 pieces, and in the same way we can’t see all of the plan has for us if we don’t give up every single area of our life to Him!
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Object Lesson | Puzzles
Source (Where I saw it): Original (This went along with the story of David and Goliath)
Supplies: Puzzle
Preparation: I used this as a challenge to kids and parents in a service, and actually passed out puzzles to each family.
The object lesson & how I used it...
Main Point: Don’t let fear stop what God wants to do in you!
Illustration: Come to the front and show the kids the puzzle. Ask a few people how they attack a puzzle. Is it from the corners in, or maybe somewhere in the middle, or something else? Everyone has a certain way they attack a puzzle. Surprisingly no one said they try and conquer a puzzle by hiding under the table. Would anything get done that way?
Explanation: Of course not! In our lives their will always be puzzles, there will always be problems and issues that come our way, and we can’t let fear stop us from moving forward. We need to be able to trust God and cast away any fear about any situation. Whether it is a test that is coming up, or the dark, or losing a job, or where the next rent payment is coming from, when we dwell on our fears we are frozen. Much like the Israelites where frozen in fear when faced with the puzzle of Goliath. David said no way! With God on my side no puzzle will stop me from accomplishing what God has for me! In fact David had told King Saul that God had delivered him from a bear and lion already so Goliath isn’t anything. As we grow and trust God it’s like starting out with an easy puzzle and working our way up. The more we trust God the more we push the puzzles of life out of the way. As we pray, I want one representative of each family to raise their hand. As you raise your hand a leader is going to come and hand you a puzzle and a sheet with a family devotion on it. This week, I challenge you to sit down with your family with no electronics on, and work on this puzzle together. While you work on the puzzle talk about the fears each person has and talk about how God can help with that, then pray with each other!
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Object Lesson | Fear Pushes God Out
Source (Where I saw it): Original (This went along with the story of David and Goliath)
Supplies: Glass of water, sand, bowl/pan/something to catch water
Preparation: Fill a glass with water and place it in a pan or something to catch the water that will fall out
The object lesson & how I used it...
Main Point: Don’t let fear stop what God wants to do in you!
Illustration: Come to the front and show the kids the glass of water. Explain that God wants all of us, and when we give ourselves to Him we are able to see all the great things He has planned for us. Sometimes though either life, or sometimes even the plan God has for us can be scary. David must have been a little scared when he fought Goliath! But just like David we can’t let fear stop us from allowing God have all of us. Then pour some of the sand in the glass.
Explanation: At this point some of the water will be pushed up and out of the glass. When we let fear stop us and fill us we are missing out on what God wanted for us. The Israelites where satisfied just living in fear of Goliath and were missing out on what God had for them. David refused to let fear push out what God had for his life! In our life, whatever our fear is, we can’t allow that to fill our life. We need to trust that God is bigger than our fears, and has a plan that is greater for our lives.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Object Lesson | Change Bag - God Sees More!
Source (Where I saw it): Original
Supplies: Change bag, blank sheet of paper, paper with heart on it.
Preparation: Fold up the paper with the heart on it and put it in one of the secret pockets in the change bag.
The object lesson & how I used it...
Main Point: We can be an example, God sees the inside!
Illustration: Show the kids the blank sheet of paper. Explain to them that we start out just like this paper. We are whole. As we go through life, it can tear us apart. People may tell us what we aren’t good at, or how we aren’t worth anything. Be ripping the paper with each thing. Tell them sometimes people will tell you that you aren’t smart enough, or tall enough, or good looking enough, etc. And each time this may tear us apart a little more.
Explanation of point: But God doesn’t see us like this. God knows what He put into us. He knows that we can be an example, and He wants us to be whole. All we need to do is turn our lives over to Him. Place the ripped pieces into the change bag after showing the kids it is empty. Then pull out the whole sheet with the heart. Explain that God wants us to be whole and that He can see things no one else can, because He made us! When we trust our lives to God we can be just like David and be an example!
If you don't have a change bag, here is one to check out at amazon, it has a zipper on the bottom for extra coolness: Change Bag W/ Zipper
Supplies: Change bag, blank sheet of paper, paper with heart on it.
Preparation: Fold up the paper with the heart on it and put it in one of the secret pockets in the change bag.
The object lesson & how I used it...
Main Point: We can be an example, God sees the inside!
Illustration: Show the kids the blank sheet of paper. Explain to them that we start out just like this paper. We are whole. As we go through life, it can tear us apart. People may tell us what we aren’t good at, or how we aren’t worth anything. Be ripping the paper with each thing. Tell them sometimes people will tell you that you aren’t smart enough, or tall enough, or good looking enough, etc. And each time this may tear us apart a little more.
Explanation of point: But God doesn’t see us like this. God knows what He put into us. He knows that we can be an example, and He wants us to be whole. All we need to do is turn our lives over to Him. Place the ripped pieces into the change bag after showing the kids it is empty. Then pull out the whole sheet with the heart. Explain that God wants us to be whole and that He can see things no one else can, because He made us! When we trust our lives to God we can be just like David and be an example!
If you don't have a change bag, here is one to check out at amazon, it has a zipper on the bottom for extra coolness: Change Bag W/ Zipper
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Object Lesson | Keys
Source (Where I saw it): Original
Supplies: Some car keys
Preparation: None
The object lesson & how I used it...
Main Point: We need to let God lead us!
Illustration: Show the kids the keys. Ask them if they know what the keys do. You can take some answers and hopefully one will get it right and say they are keys to a car. If not after a few guesses just tell them. Explain that whoever has the keys of the car is in charge of the car, right? If your parents are driving you around they are ultimately in charge of where you go. You trust them not to drive you off a cliff or into the ocean.
Explanation of point: We need to trust God with the keys to our life. If we truly believe that God is in control and what His plan for our life then we truly have to trust and follow Him. What would happen if you jumped out of the car while your parents were driving? That’s right you could get seriously hurt, and wouldn’t get where you needed to be. God wants to help us get where we should be in our life! He has a plan!
Supplies: Some car keys
Preparation: None
The object lesson & how I used it...
Main Point: We need to let God lead us!
Illustration: Show the kids the keys. Ask them if they know what the keys do. You can take some answers and hopefully one will get it right and say they are keys to a car. If not after a few guesses just tell them. Explain that whoever has the keys of the car is in charge of the car, right? If your parents are driving you around they are ultimately in charge of where you go. You trust them not to drive you off a cliff or into the ocean.
Explanation of point: We need to trust God with the keys to our life. If we truly believe that God is in control and what His plan for our life then we truly have to trust and follow Him. What would happen if you jumped out of the car while your parents were driving? That’s right you could get seriously hurt, and wouldn’t get where you needed to be. God wants to help us get where we should be in our life! He has a plan!
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Object Lesson | Instructions
Source (Where I saw it): Original
Supplies: Instructions for a building or operating something and then something completely different.
Preparation: None
The object lesson & how I used it...
Main Point: We need to follow God’s plan
Illustration: Show the kids the new item you have. Explain that you are trying to learn how to use it. you are so excited about your new item. Then pull out the wrong manual. Show the boys and girls the manual, and say you will be reading this to learn how to use your new item. Ask them if they think this is a good idea. Of course not!
Explanation of point: So many people try to plan out their life following the wrong manual. God created everything and has a plan and purpose for us. When we follow God and look for His plan, it is like following the right instructions for a new toy or game!
Supplies: Instructions for a building or operating something and then something completely different.
Preparation: None
The object lesson & how I used it...
Main Point: We need to follow God’s plan
Illustration: Show the kids the new item you have. Explain that you are trying to learn how to use it. you are so excited about your new item. Then pull out the wrong manual. Show the boys and girls the manual, and say you will be reading this to learn how to use your new item. Ask them if they think this is a good idea. Of course not!
Explanation of point: So many people try to plan out their life following the wrong manual. God created everything and has a plan and purpose for us. When we follow God and look for His plan, it is like following the right instructions for a new toy or game!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Object Lesson | Pie In The Face
Source (Where I saw it): Original
Supplies: A pie, a volunteer willing to be randomly pied
Preparation: None
The object lesson & how I used it...
Main Point: We need to choose to follow God!
Illustration: Show the kids the pie. Explain to them that a pie has a few different uses. It can look good in a window, like an advertisement, for people to see so that they will buy things from a bakery. It can be eaten, and fill you up. It also can be used to smash into someone's face! (At this point smash the pie into the predetermined and setup volunteer).
Explanation of point: The idea is that there are right ways and wrong ways to use just about anything. Although it is really funny when someone gets pied, it can't be used for its original main purpose of being eaten. It was fun in the moment but now it is destroyed. When it comes to our lives we have a choice to make. God has a main purpose for our lives that is great, but it is up to us to follow it. Sometimes bad things are fun in the moment, but they can end up destroying our lives.
Supplies: A pie, a volunteer willing to be randomly pied
Preparation: None
The object lesson & how I used it...
Main Point: We need to choose to follow God!
Illustration: Show the kids the pie. Explain to them that a pie has a few different uses. It can look good in a window, like an advertisement, for people to see so that they will buy things from a bakery. It can be eaten, and fill you up. It also can be used to smash into someone's face! (At this point smash the pie into the predetermined and setup volunteer).
Explanation of point: The idea is that there are right ways and wrong ways to use just about anything. Although it is really funny when someone gets pied, it can't be used for its original main purpose of being eaten. It was fun in the moment but now it is destroyed. When it comes to our lives we have a choice to make. God has a main purpose for our lives that is great, but it is up to us to follow it. Sometimes bad things are fun in the moment, but they can end up destroying our lives.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Object Lesson | Pick A Card!
Source (Where I saw it): Children's Ministry Vault
Supplies: Deck of cards
Preparation: Practice the card trick!
The object lesson & how I used it...
Main Point: We aren't random, God made us exactly how He wanted!
Illustration: For this object lesson, I actually used a card trick I already knew. There are many easy card tricks out there that you can learn quickly and will amaze the students. Basically you do the card trick and reveal to the child before they even look at the card what it is they have chose.
Explanation of point: You see boys and girls just like I knew the card before you looked, God knew what we would be like before we were born. God loves us soooo much and made us special. He has a plan for each and every one of us. God knows what is best for us, because He already knows what is going to happen. We should trust that He has a plan for us!
Supplies: Deck of cards
Preparation: Practice the card trick!
The object lesson & how I used it...
Main Point: We aren't random, God made us exactly how He wanted!
Illustration: For this object lesson, I actually used a card trick I already knew. There are many easy card tricks out there that you can learn quickly and will amaze the students. Basically you do the card trick and reveal to the child before they even look at the card what it is they have chose.
Explanation of point: You see boys and girls just like I knew the card before you looked, God knew what we would be like before we were born. God loves us soooo much and made us special. He has a plan for each and every one of us. God knows what is best for us, because He already knows what is going to happen. We should trust that He has a plan for us!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Object Lesson | Not By Chance!
Source (Where I saw it): Original
Supplies: Dice
Preparation: None
The object lesson & how I used it...
Main Point: We aren't random, God made us exactly how He wanted!
Illustration: Show the kids the dice. Ask them what they are and what they are used for. Even roll them a few times and ask the kids to guess which number will come up.
Explanation of point: You see boys and girls the number that comes up each time is random. I can’t make it roll a six or seven, it is just luck. We aren’t just luck though. God didn’t just throw a bunch of pieces together to make you. God chose you and made you exactly how He wanted and intended. We aren’t just a roll of the dice, we are special and God has called us!
Supplies: Dice
Preparation: None
The object lesson & how I used it...
Main Point: We aren't random, God made us exactly how He wanted!
Illustration: Show the kids the dice. Ask them what they are and what they are used for. Even roll them a few times and ask the kids to guess which number will come up.
Explanation of point: You see boys and girls the number that comes up each time is random. I can’t make it roll a six or seven, it is just luck. We aren’t just luck though. God didn’t just throw a bunch of pieces together to make you. God chose you and made you exactly how He wanted and intended. We aren’t just a roll of the dice, we are special and God has called us!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Object Lesson | Creating Wind
Source (Where I saw it): Original
Supplies: A fan, and a pile of torn up paper
Preparation: Have the fan plugged in or have batteries in it, and have it sitting across a table with a pile of ripped up paper.
The object lesson & how I used it...
Main Point: Just because we can't see God with our eyes, doesn't mean we can't see the effects of God in our lives.
Illustration: Come to the front and show the kids the paper, and the fan. Now turn on the fan and have the paper fly all over the room. Ask the kids how the paper moved? That’s right the fan blew them in the air, but how did that happen? I didn’t see the fan walk over, pick up, and throw the paper all around.
Explanation of point: You see boys and girls the fan created wind. We can’t see the wind, but we know it exists because it pushed the paper all over. It’s the same with God! We may not be able to see God, but we can see all the things He does for us.
Supplies: A fan, and a pile of torn up paper
Preparation: Have the fan plugged in or have batteries in it, and have it sitting across a table with a pile of ripped up paper.
The object lesson & how I used it...
Main Point: Just because we can't see God with our eyes, doesn't mean we can't see the effects of God in our lives.
Illustration: Come to the front and show the kids the paper, and the fan. Now turn on the fan and have the paper fly all over the room. Ask the kids how the paper moved? That’s right the fan blew them in the air, but how did that happen? I didn’t see the fan walk over, pick up, and throw the paper all around.
Explanation of point: You see boys and girls the fan created wind. We can’t see the wind, but we know it exists because it pushed the paper all over. It’s the same with God! We may not be able to see God, but we can see all the things He does for us.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Object Lesson | An Empty Pen
Source (Where I saw it): Original
Supplies: A Pen
Preparation: Take out the insides of the pen.
The object lesson & how I used it...
Main Point - We need to go to God! Real faith means being able to trust God in everything!
Illustration: Show the kids the pen. Ask them what a pen is for and take a few responses. After a few explain to them that a pen is used to write things down. You could right down a phone number for a friend, or a journal about your life. People have used pens to write books, and notes, and grocery lists. It can be used for an endless amount of things, but not this pen. This pen has nothing to it. There is no ink. Click the pen a few times to show the kids there is no insides. Now explain that many people who call themselves Christians and say they have faith in God don’t. They always try to accomplish everything on their own, and don’t just give it to God. When we do that, when we say we have faith, but then always try to do everything on our own and worry, its like being an empty pen. God wants to do so much through us, like a pen can be used for many things, but without faith - true faith - all we are is an empty pen.
Supplies: A Pen
Preparation: Take out the insides of the pen.
The object lesson & how I used it...
Main Point - We need to go to God! Real faith means being able to trust God in everything!
Illustration: Show the kids the pen. Ask them what a pen is for and take a few responses. After a few explain to them that a pen is used to write things down. You could right down a phone number for a friend, or a journal about your life. People have used pens to write books, and notes, and grocery lists. It can be used for an endless amount of things, but not this pen. This pen has nothing to it. There is no ink. Click the pen a few times to show the kids there is no insides. Now explain that many people who call themselves Christians and say they have faith in God don’t. They always try to accomplish everything on their own, and don’t just give it to God. When we do that, when we say we have faith, but then always try to do everything on our own and worry, its like being an empty pen. God wants to do so much through us, like a pen can be used for many things, but without faith - true faith - all we are is an empty pen.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Object Lesson | Stud Finder
Source (Where I saw it): Original
Supplies: A Stud Finder
Preparation: None
The object lesson & how I used it...
Main Point: God created us, and knows the best plan for our lives!
Illustration: Let's say I saved up for a really long time and I mean a really, really long time in order to buy myself a brand new flat screen TV. Now if I took a really long time to save up and buy this flat screen TV, how many of you boys and girls know that I would take extra care for it. Now how many of you would hang up your flat screen TV on the wall? I want to too, but I can't just hang it anywhere. If I hang it just anywhere, the wall may not be strong enough to hold it up. Imagine if my brand new TV fell off the wall and got smashed to pieces! I would lose all I saved up for. I have to find the strong points in the wall. Inside a wall are things called studs... no not muscle men, but pieces of wood or metal that hold up the wall. This is what I want to anchor the TV on. The best way to find the studs is with a stud finder like this one. By Finding the strong points in the wall through a stud finder, I can hang up the TV the right way. You see boys and girls, God is our stud finder. He builds His plan for us around our strong points, and if we follow it we can do what is right and not be afraid of falling!
Supplies: A Stud Finder
Preparation: None
The object lesson & how I used it...
Main Point: God created us, and knows the best plan for our lives!
Illustration: Let's say I saved up for a really long time and I mean a really, really long time in order to buy myself a brand new flat screen TV. Now if I took a really long time to save up and buy this flat screen TV, how many of you boys and girls know that I would take extra care for it. Now how many of you would hang up your flat screen TV on the wall? I want to too, but I can't just hang it anywhere. If I hang it just anywhere, the wall may not be strong enough to hold it up. Imagine if my brand new TV fell off the wall and got smashed to pieces! I would lose all I saved up for. I have to find the strong points in the wall. Inside a wall are things called studs... no not muscle men, but pieces of wood or metal that hold up the wall. This is what I want to anchor the TV on. The best way to find the studs is with a stud finder like this one. By Finding the strong points in the wall through a stud finder, I can hang up the TV the right way. You see boys and girls, God is our stud finder. He builds His plan for us around our strong points, and if we follow it we can do what is right and not be afraid of falling!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Object Lesson | Cup of Pens
Source (Where I saw it): Original
Supplies: Cup of pens, pencils, etc.
Preparation: None
The object lesson & how I used it...
Main Point: God has a unique, specific plan for each of us, but we all have the same general plan of reaching out to others.
Illustration: This is a cup of various pens and pencils. Each pen and pencil is a little different. They all have different variations in their size, shape, or color, but all of them are held in this cup. Each pen or pencil has a purpose. They are used to write with. Now that is where they change a bit. Each one is used to write different things, so even though they all have the same purpose, that purpose comes out in different ways. People are the same. We are all different sizes, shapes, and colors, but God has all of us in His hands. We each have the same purpose - to love God, and others, but each of us has a unique way to do that b/c God has a unique plan for each of us. We need to understand that God has each of us and help each other accomplish the unique plan has for us, because ultimately we all have that same purpose of showing others the love God has for everyone.
Supplies: Cup of pens, pencils, etc.
Preparation: None
The object lesson & how I used it...
Main Point: God has a unique, specific plan for each of us, but we all have the same general plan of reaching out to others.
Illustration: This is a cup of various pens and pencils. Each pen and pencil is a little different. They all have different variations in their size, shape, or color, but all of them are held in this cup. Each pen or pencil has a purpose. They are used to write with. Now that is where they change a bit. Each one is used to write different things, so even though they all have the same purpose, that purpose comes out in different ways. People are the same. We are all different sizes, shapes, and colors, but God has all of us in His hands. We each have the same purpose - to love God, and others, but each of us has a unique way to do that b/c God has a unique plan for each of us. We need to understand that God has each of us and help each other accomplish the unique plan has for us, because ultimately we all have that same purpose of showing others the love God has for everyone.
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