Psalms 127:3 NIV — Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.

As our VBS ended last week, the leader declared that all the volunteers had been planting seeds all week. What a beautiful reminder. The pulse of VBS is determined by the volunteers who so freely give to the children who participate. We are all called to plant and fertilize seeds. VBS is an opportunity to be a farmer for Christ. Take a moment to read Matthew 13:1-9 NIV.

Do you volunteer your time, talents, or money to help with Vacation Bible School?  What other ways are you farming for Christ and planting seeds? Is this an area you need to cultivate and grow? Ask God to guide you and yield to His direction. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank you for VBS volunteers who so freely plant seeds. Guide me as I strive to be a farmer for Christ. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Jesus said in Matthew 19:14 NIV — Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.

This week as I reminisce about Vacation Bible School, I recall snack time. When I was a kid I recall having cookies and Kool-Aid for refreshments. In 2023 the food usually consists of a full meal. No matter what food is served, God has always extended blessings through food.

Take a few moments to read Exodus 16:1-36 NKJV. 

This was one of our Bible stories last week at VBS. As I heard the story I was reminded of God’s endless provision. Often, we are like the Israelites. We need God’s help; He provides; and we grumble about the way He answers our prayers. Today I encourage you to reflect on all the ways God is providing for you. Whether His blessings are cookies and Kool-Aid or a full meal, all of His provisions are manna raining down from heaven. Take time today to thank God for His endless blessings. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, forgive me for times I am ungrateful and grumble. Thank You for Your endless provisions. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Isaiah 54:13 NIV — All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace.

Usually the volunteers in charge of Bible story time at Vacation Bible School are creative actors/actresses who relay the Bible story and convey a valuable lesson to the children. The wonderful words they use leave an imprint on the lives of those who hear them. Have you ever helped with Bible story time at Vacation Bible School? If not, have you had the opportunity to listen to the Bible story time? Spend some time recalling your experiences with Bible stories in VBS or even in Sunday School. How have those experiences impacted your faith journey? How did the lessons you learned at VBS shape you? Today I encourage you to ponder the ways your Christian walk is affected by Bible stories today? When you hear stories in your Sunday School class or in worship, is your faith spurred on? Do you listen as if you were a child and allow your life to be transformed and your faith to be renewed?

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for my memories of VBS Bible story time and the wonderful words shared with me. Open my ears, heart, and mind to the stories I hear today and may I continue to grow and renew my faith. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

3 John 1:4 NIV — I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

Vacation Bible school crafts have come a long way over the years. This past week I helped at the craft station at our VBS. I enjoyed hearing stories of past VBS crafts and the inventive ways the adults prepared for the crafts. Now, we have the privilege of Pinterest for ideas and ready-made kits for crafts. No matter the technique, crafts provide a hands-on activity to connect children with the Bible stories told. What memories do you have of craft time at VBS?

What hands-on activities do you participate in now to connect you to the Bible stories you know? Do you serve at your church or in your community in a volunteer position? Do you lead a Sunday School class or sing in the choir? When entering a store do you hold the door open for the person behind you or share kind words with those you meet? Spend some time today thinking of the way you connect with Bible stories. What technique do you use to live out the Bible to those around you? 

Let’s pray. Thank You Lord for the examples You give us in the stories we read in the Bible. May I be mindful of the techniques I use to exemplify those stories to others. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

John 3:16 KJV — For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

What are your memories of Vacation Bible School? Last week we had VBS at my church. As I participated I recalled songs, crafts, snacks, and Bible stories I learned while memorizing scriptures. As we read the history of VBS yesterday, we learned that the first VBS had some of the same activities. John 3:16 is one of the verses I remember learning. In fact, I recall it as the first scripture I learned as a child. Did you memorize scripture at VBS? Do you remember some of the Bible stories you were exposed to while at VBS? 

At the root of VBS is the idea of exposing children to God through Bible stories and fun. In essence, VBS is a way to participate in the Great Commission as expressed in Matthew 28:19 NIV — Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. 

How are you joining the Great Commission and making disciples? How are you sharing the love of God with others? If you are able, participate in a local VBS and share God with children of all ages.

Let’s pray. Thank You Lord for the opportunity to participate in the Great Commission through Vacation Bible School. Remind me of my place and part in sharing the love of God with children of all ages. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Proverbs 22:6 NIV — Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

Did you participate in Vacation Bible School as a child? Even if you did not participate in VBS when you were younger, I imagine you have some knowledge of what all it involves. At its root, VBS is meant to expose children to the love of God while incorporating fun experiences. Take a few moments to read this article published by the Advocate titled, “Facets of Faith: Who created vacation Bible school?” What an interesting history.

Now, spend some time recalling your Vacation Bible School experiences. Let’s spend some time this week walking down memory lane. As we go throughout the week reminiscing, let’s also ponder our place in VBS today. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for the pioneers of Vacation Bible School. As we reflect on our experiences, open my eyes, ears, heart, and mind to Your leading. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬ – Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.

Join me for See You Saturday as I talk about love.

John‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬ – For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.