July Newsletter
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July Newsletter
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Articles and Specials in this Newsletter Encourage Children to Pray for their unsaved parents. Righteous Pop Music7 is now available "Transforming Children into Spiritual Champions"
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God has a
Way Out for You
It had rained for days. The
news said the dam might break if the rains continued. The
old farmer prayed, "God, save me." The rains
continued. The old farmer saw the fire and rescue truck
before he heard the knock on the door. "Can I help you?" the
farmer questioned.
"We are evacuating the
neighborhood. The dam could break any time now. Don't take
time to pack, just evacuate as quickly as possible."
"Don't worry about me. I'll
be already. I'm a praying man."
"That's good to be a
praying man, but you better get moving. I'm telling you that
dam is gonna break and it will flood this entire area."
But the farmer refused to
leave. The dam broke and flooded the old farmer's house. The
old farmer prayed as he scrambled to the second floor of his
farmhouse.
When he looked out the
window he spotted a man in a rowboat. "They told me you
refused to go, so I came to save you."
"I'll be alright. God is
gonna save me."
"Come on man. Just get in
the boat. The waters are still rising. More rain is coming
and its going to get worse." But the old farmer refused.
It did get worse. The
waters rose higher. The old man had to evacuate to the roof.
He clutched the roof frantically as the winds howled and the
rains pounded his thin frame. A helicopter flew over. A rope
was lower with a rescuer, to the roof where the old farmer
clutched shingles between his bleeding fingers. But again
the farmer refused to leave his house. The rescuer pleaded,
but the farmer insisted "God is gonna save me."
When the old farmer could
no longer hold on to the roof, he slipped into the cold
waters and drown. When he got to heaven, he questioned God.
"What happened? I was trusting you and you let me drown."
"I tried to save you three
times, but you refused it every time."
A silly joke, but too close
to the truth for comfort. Only eternity will reveal how many
times we have prayed for God to help us, but when He sent us
help we wanted it to come in a different way. Are you facing
a difficult situation? Are you praying for God to help you
out? God has already provided a way out for you. Sometimes
the way out doesn't come in the package you expect. The
Messiah didn't come the way the Jewish people expected Him
to come and many missed their day of salvation. No one,
other than Jocebed realized God could use a basket to save
her baby. No one, other than David, realized God could use a
slingshot to kill Goliath. I have discovered that when
people pray and obey God has incredibly creative ways to
bring me out of a situation.
A bird squeezed through a
small hole in the screen onto my back porch. It flew around
frantically trying to find a way out off my porch. Trying
not to frighten the bird I moved slowly toward the screen
door and opened the door. Locking it open, I moved away and
waited for the bird to fly out. The bird flew into the
screen and back and forth around the porch, but not through
the door. I moved to the other screen door and propped it
open as well. Still the bird flew frantically around the
porch, but not out. The bird seemed too frightened to see
the way out. Sometimes the way out is a step of obedience in
spite of your fear.
As I look back on my walk
with the Lord, there have been times I felt like God was not
providing a way out. But later I would discover the way out
was a step of obedience. There have been times of intense
pain that I moved inward instead of moving out to obey God
with immediately forgiveness. Those were times of being
chained to a situation when God had already provided a way
out, but I failed to make things right.
I worked very closely with
a woman for several years. She became my best friend. We
shared our deepest thoughts and hurts. One day without any
warning she didn't show up for work. When I called her she
was depressed. I did everything I knew to do to help her,
but she remained depressed. Instead of coming back to work
she volunteered her time for a non-profit organization. I
couldn't figure out what I had done wrong. We talked several
times, but the relationship was stranded. We both felt
uncomfortable. Time went by and we both went our separate
ways. It was painful. I really missed her. But I didn't want
to get hurt again. I kept feeling like I needed to go to
her. Apologize. Do what ever I needed to do to restore the
relationship. I prayed, but I never obeyed. God heard my
prayer. He had provided a way out, but I had too much pride
to take God's way out. When I finally obeyed and went to her
like the Bible says to do the relationship was restored. I
could have saved myself so much needless pain, if only I had
taken God's way out.
God had a way out for the
widow lady in Zarephath but she only discovered it when she
obeyed the prophet by giving him the first and what should
have been her last cake of bread. God had a way out for
Jonah, but he only discovered when he repented in the belly
of the fish. The lepers outside the walls of Jerusalem
discovered God's way out for them and the entire city during
a wartime and extreme famine when they made up their minds
to do something. They said, "Why sit we here until we die?"
They were uncertain where their steps would take them, but
they knew they had to move.
It doesn't matter what
situation you are facing, God has made a way out for you. It
may not be easy to move out. The first step is always a step
up, a step to obey God's Word. God loves you. He proved that
when He sent His Son to pay the price for your sin. With
every temptation He has made a way out for you.
God's way out is always up.
The Psalmist understood that.
Psalms 121:1-8
1 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from
whence cometh my help.
2 My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. 3 He
will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee
will not slumber. 4 Behold, he that keepeth
Israel
shall neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The LORD is
thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.
6 The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the
moon by night. 7 The LORD shall preserve thee
from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. 8 The
LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from
this time forth, and even for evermore.
RPM 7
Spoofernatural ApologetiX
What about the Parents? Now maybe you're thinking, hold everything, I'm in children's ministry. Parents are ADULTS. That's not my job. But I must insist parents are your ministry if you are in children's ministry. There's nothing you can do that will benefit the children's ministry more than to encourage parents to be the parent God called them to be. Believe me as a children's pastor we have seen all kinds of parents. We have seen the domineering, controlling parents that don't let their children out of their sight for a second and then we have seen the ditzy parents that seem to never know where their kids are or what they are doing even when they are swimming in the baptistery or competing for the Guinness Book of World Records to see how many times they can pull the Fire Alarm in one service. George Barna's "Transforming Children Into Spiritual Champions" was a powerful reminder to me personally of the vital importance of using the opportunity to shape the destiny of children while it is still an opportunity. All too quickly the ticking clock of opportunity becomes a silent reminder of what should have been. Once clay is baked the opportunity to shape the clay is gone. There will be other chances to influence their lives, but never another opportunity to shape their lives. Parents are called by God to be the primary shapers in a child's life. Our role as children's ministry leaders must include encouraging parents to effectively parent their children. (If you have not read this book I encourage you to put this book on your "To Do Immediately" list. Encourage every parent in your church to read "Transforming Children into Spiritual Champions." George Barna gives insightful statistics behind his call for parents and churches to seize the opportunity of childhood to make an eternal difference in their lives and our society. Make an investment in your parents by giving them this book or make it available at a reduced cost. At the very least put it in your church library and encourage parents to read it. At least once a month recommend a good book to the parents in your church. Email is the most effective way to communicate with parents. If you don't have their email address ask them for it. Take the pressure off parents to be "perfect parents." There is no such thing as a perfect parent. But they can be the parent God called them to be. Everyone makes mistakes. As they obey God's Word He will enable them to be good parents. Provide opportunities for parents to grow through training conferences, video workshops, small groups and Sunday School. We would love to come to your church for a Parenting Conference. You can see a list of the workshops that we have available online by clicking here. "Iron sharpens iron." Sometimes parents have no idea what an effective parent acts like because all they know is what they have experienced. Communicate with the parents. They don't have a crystal ball. They don't know what is happening in children's ministry unless you tell them. Effective communication empowers parents to reinforce what you are teaching in class. "Transforming Children Into Spiritual Champions"by George Barna
Based on original research among children, parents and churches, George Barna reveals his discoveries about the significance of ministry to children - and what is required to help them become transformed for Christ. In addition to describing why ministry to young people may be the single most strategic ministry activity, he outlines what children need to become spiritual champions, how parents can provide such nurture, and the appropriate role of the local church in this developmental process. In addition to interviewing thousands of children, parents and pastors, Barna also examined churches that are engaged in effective ministry to children. This book describes what those churches do that enable them to support parents in their efforts to raise godly, kingdom-focused, world-changing young people. You will find that their approach is readily adaptable to any church that is willing to prioritize ministry to children. If you want your life to make a difference, read this book to find out how you can make a profitable investment for God’s kingdom. Whether you are a parent of a young child, a youth worker, a pastor or someone who wants to better understand how to maximize ministry effectiveness, Transforming Children Into Spiritual Champions will point you in the right direction.
Encourage children to pray for their unsaved parents. Do you have children in your class with unsaved parents? it can be very discouraging when they don't see them saved as quickly as they think it should happen. Encourage them to never stop praying for them. When I was a little girl my mom took our family to church every Sunday, but my dad never went to church with us. I was so concerned about Him. I wanted him to go to church with us, but more important I wanted him to go to heaven with us. One day I was walking to my grandma's house and I was talking to God while I walked. "Dear God, I prayed. Please save my daddy." I saw a rock lying in the ditch and I continued my prayer. "God my daddy's heart is as hard as that rock." God spoke to my heart, "His heart may be like a rock, but God can melt the heart of stone." I never forgot that walk. I prayed for my dad all through elementary school, junior high and high school. I continued to pray through adulthood. My dad was getting older, but I clung to that promise. I had so many promises from God's Word to cling to and I did as I continued to pray. My dad started watching Charles Stanley on TV every Saturday night. He became a believer not long before he died. I was so glad that I never stopped praying. I know that one day I will see my dad in heaven. It is going to be a wonderful reunion. Give children scriptures to pray over their family. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved and thy house." Make time in your class for children to pray for unsaved family members on a regular basis. Add their parents names to your personal prayer list. tell them you are praying for their parents to be saved. Share stories of answered prayer.
Hot Savings in July Do you or your teachers need help leading children to Christ or leading children into the presence of God? Use this powerful video or DVD at your next teacher meeting. Altering Lives at the Altar Product # V:ALT From the illustration of the Tabernacle you'll see the picture of the cross and the importance of ministering to children at the altar. This workshop takes you through some important reasons to have an altar call and how to lead a child to Christ. After you ever faced a frightening situation where God really came through for you? I have many times. One of them was many years ago. I was speaking in a conference. I was running late. I had to get all my visuals into the classroom and check into the motel. I shoved my wallet into my coat pocket and hurried back to my car. It started to snow and there were no parking spots available. I had to almost run the three blocks again and again to be on time for my workshop. Finally the unloading was done the workshop attendance was good and everything went fine until I put my coat back on. My wallet with all my cash, credit cards, calling cards, everything was gone. I retraced my steps looking for the wallet. I checked with the front desk. But I couldn't find my wallet anywhere. That night a man called my room. He had my wallet. He asked a lot of scary questions like are you alone? Are you married? He wanted me to meet him outside of town to pick up the wallet. There was no way I was going to do that, but I needed those credit cards to get back home. I had to find someone to go with me. I called a friend that lived there, but she had plans. I knew one of the exhibitors, but I knew he would busy at his booth. I had to at least ask him if he would go with me to get my wallet. When I got in the lobby there sat a dear friend I had known for years. I caught up with the latest news and then explained my situation. He volunteered to go with me to get my wallet. I was confident God had placed him in that spot at the right time to help me. I got my wallet and returned to the conference. When I started out of town I stopped at a service station. I swiped my credit card at the gas pump and began to thank God for taking care of me. I thanked him for helping me get my wallet back. Then I heard that voice that is so precious to me speak quietly to my heart, "What about all the times I took care of you that you never knew about." I am sure in all my hurrying there have been many times he kept my wallet from falling out of my pocket. Or times he protected me from accidents or things I never realized were happening. God's care is a 24/7 operation. If when we don't realize he is taking care of He is. Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you." If only we could comprehend His incredible love. If only we could comprehend His attentive care. He has promised that He will never leave us nor will He forsake us. Confidence in that knowledge brings peace.
Product # RB We can help you teach Godly values in a fun ways using drama, puppets, music, stories, and object lessons. We are committed to help you to train this generation of children, not just entertain them. We've deliberately kept the cost low and the quality high so anyone can afford it. This fun unit with a western theme, teaches children to use the Word of God to fight temptation. Round Up the Sin Gang will take your class back in time to the Old West, where they'll meet Sheriff Star, Deputy Doolittle and Granny. The Sheriff warns everyone, "The Deceiver is headed ta town. Ya better git ya 66- shooters" (Bibles). Deputy Doolittle doesn't even know where he is, much less how to use it. When the Deceiver arrives, he lies and tries to trick the town into all sorts of sins like fighting, rebellion, and laziness. The praying Granny & Sheriff Star use the Word of God on The Deceiver. The Deceiver hates those 66-shooters! He sticks his fingers in his ears, while Granny chases him around the room quoting the Bible verse as the William Tell Overture is being played.
Use this curriculum for Children's Church, Sunday School, Wednesday night, VBS, Kid's Krusades, camps and outreach programs. Round Up the Sin Gang
You get all this for only Product # RB
Round Up Kit Product # RThe Complete Kit contains:
PLUS:
Sheriff Star's Drama/Puppet CD Sheriff Star's Drama Skit Book
 
Sculpture
Cowboy Puppet
At the cross God provided for you to experience a Divine exchange. He says
give me your self-righteousness and take my righteousness. But there must be
a mistake here. Our self-righteousness stinks. It is nasty like the rag you
clean up dog vomit with. God is willing to exchange his spotless, beautiful
righteousness for your vomit filled rags? That’s right. That doesn’t make
sense. No, but the cross is the place of God’s Divine exchange.
Jesus said, “Bring me your fear, I’ll exchange it for my peace.” Wait a
minute, that doesn’t make sense. But it’s God’s Divine Exchange.
Jesus said, “Give me your pain, I’ll give you healing. See the stripes, I
purchased it for you.” It not fair. It doesn’t make sense, but it’s Love’s
Divine Exchange.”
14. Love the Jews Parody of "Love Me Do" by the Beatles 15.Good Guys Bad Guys Parody of Good Times Bad Times by Led Zeppelin 16. Flurry Parody of "Blurry" by Puddle of Mudd 17. Tom Saw Ya Parody of "Tom Sawyer" by Rush 18. Sufferin' Just Finished Parody of Suffragette City" by David Bowie 19. Smells Like Thirtysomething Spirit Parody of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana 20. Baa! We're Lambs! Parody of "Barbara Ann" by the Beach Boys
Click here to see more ApologeliX
titles. New Release
 ROCKIN’
RED $9.99Sing Along with Your Favorite Christian Hits Featuring sing-along versions of your favorite Christian hits made by kids for kids! Kids Sing Along features two versions of each song. Sing along with the Brentwood Kids on the full performance version or you be the star and sing with the stereo instrumental track version. It’s your choice! Great for parties, church events or just singing around the house.
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