To The Depths: What Your Child Learned in Church Today (Jan 11)

Bible Lesson: Today your child learned the story about Paul and Silas in Prison(Acts 16:16-36).

Main Point: When troubles come our way, I should praise God!

Bible Verse: "Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy." James 1:2

Bible Readings at Home: Please read through the Book of James with your child through the months of January and February. James is so rich with messages from God on how to live the Christian Life. The primary passages that correspond to today's lesson is James 1:2-4.

Your child learned today that when we are having a problem or going through tough times there is a correct way God wants us to act. Whining, complaining, criticizing, worrying, and avoiding the problem are not ways God wants us to respond to troubles. In fact, we must do quite the opposite. IN TIMES OF TROUBLE WE ARE TO PRAISE GOD!!! We saw how Paul and Silas were unjustly beaten and jailed in Acts 16:16-36. Instead of complaining, worrying, and giving up hope, they sang praises to God in prison. Even Jesus Christ, as He was being crucified, never uttered a word of complaint. Unjustly beaten, falsely accused, arrested, and sentenced to death, Our Lord never once complained. If anyone had a reason to complain, it would be He. But He didn't!

Praising God when we face troubles does two things. First, it takes the focus off of us and our problems and refocuses us on God - where our focus should be! He already has delivered us, we just need to claim the victory. Plus, by focusing on God in times of trouble, something bad is removed from our focus and replaced with something good. Second, by praising God in times of troubles, our faith is strengthened and we develop the endurance we need to grow into more mature believers. See my article A Walk through the Book of James: Perseverance. http://bloggin4god.blogspot.com/2009/01/in-depth-walk-through-book-of-james.html

TRAINING UP A CHILD HOMEWORK:
1. Help your child memorize James 1:2 and be able to recite it to me next Sunday.
2. Keep reading through the Book of James with your child for the months of January and February. Take it in small chunks at a time. James is rich of life applications of the Word!
3. Help your child with their verse word puzzle they received in class today. It will reinforce the memory verse.

God bless you! Grace and peace!
In His Love, Cathy