“Your servant used to keep sheep for his father.” 1 Samuel 17:34, ESV
I missed you last week. The “Team” and I were busy with programming for Pastors Retreat, but we are back. This coming weekend we will be at Camp Kulaqua for Single Parent Retreat. This is an opportunity for single parents and their children to be refreshed and do camp activities together. This a yearly event and it gets better every year.
With school starting soon I know that the VBS & summer season is coming to an end. I want to Thank all those that worked with a summer program in your churches. We will continue to pray for families and children who were impacted by these programs. God has great plans for all of us. He had a great plan for David the Shepherd Boy as noted below in the devotional thought and a few activities you like to try.
Shepherd Boy
Have you ever wondered why God has you where you are? Maybe you are unsatisfied with your job and dream of going on to bigger and better things. You just can’t see how the work you’re doing accomplishes His plans for your life.
David was the greatest king Israel has ever known. He was a skilled leader, a fierce warrior on the battlefield with a passionate heart. But being king was a far cry from David’s first occupation. He started out in the lowest of professions – keeping livestock for his father Jesse as a shepherd boy.
Have you ever watched sheep? It’s not the most exciting of pastimes. David probably spent a lot of his time daydreaming, wishing he was serving in the army alongside his older brothers.
But regardless of how he may have felt, David never let his feelings about the job affect his work. He was a good shepherd. Whenever wild animals threatened the flock, David sprung into action. When a lion or a bear snatched away one of the little lambs in its jaws, David fought back and killed the beast. He was willing to risk his own life to protect his father’s sheep.
Through it all David was faithful to his father. Even when Jesse asked him to deliver food to his brothers, he didn’t complain. He loaded up and set out just as he was directed. God blessed David through his obedience. This seemingly every day, ordinary activity became something extraordinary. All along, God was preparing David for the greatest battle of his life. God used the time David spent in the fields to shape him into a man after His own heart, one who would shepherd His people as their king.
“Your servant used to keep sheep for his father.” 1 Samuel 17:34, ESV
*Be faithful to the activities God has given you. You never know where He’s going to lead you.
*Activity: What’s in your heart?
With this activity students will cut out a heart shape from construction paper. On one side of the heart students will write words that describe a heart that does not please God. (Lying, stealing, disobedience, cheating, bullying, etc.) On the other side students will write words that describe a heart that pleases God. (Obedient, honest, faithful, kind, serves others, joyful, etc.) Have Scriptures available to direct them to Godly attitudes.
*Activity Prayer
Gather kids together to represent the rings of service. Children can pretend to stand on the five radiating circles of service: God, family and friends, church family, community, and world. (If you have fewer than five kids, have them stand in a regular circle.)
Close with the following prayer. Pray: Dear God, as we stand in a circle, we know that you are at the center of our lives. Please be with us as we try to be your willing servants. Bless our projects and help us to remember that every time we serve a person in need, we’re actually serving you! In Jesus’ name, Amen
The Funny Side of Parenting:
5-year-old: Daddy, can we go get ice cream?
Me: I don’t see why not.
5-year-old: Mommy said no.
Me: Hey, there’s the why not
Calendar Updates:
August 4-6 Single Parent Event @ Camp Kulaqua
August 19 Basic Leadership Certification @ Community Room, Florida Conference Office (All Day) To register. email: judy.smith@floridaconference.com
September 1-4 Family Camp @ Camp Kulaqua Check out the information at the Camp Kulaqua website under events.
September 16 Advanced Leadership Certification Workshop Community Room @ Florida Conference Office (All Day) To register. email: judy.smith@floridaconference.com
Next will find you busy with life, but remember to pray for those who receive this and beyond. We serve an awesome God who cares about the little things.
Until next time.