Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

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

A few years ago as our VBS ended, 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 be willing to surrender to His direction for you in supporting VBS. 

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.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

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.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

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. In past years I have helped with 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 and thank God for the opportunity to be His vessel. 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.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

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? In recent years as I volunteered with VBS, I recalled songs, crafts, snacks, and Bible stories I learned while memorizing scriptures. 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 carrying out the Great Commission and making disciples? How are you sharing the love of God with others? If you are able, plan to step out and walk on water by participating in a local VBS this summer 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.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

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 Baptist Convention of Maryland titled Lifeway Celebrates 100 Years of VBS. 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 future participation in VBS and trust God to lead each of us to our place of ministry in VBS.

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. 

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

Take a moment to read and meditate on this week’s featured scriptures.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

Matthew 13:1-9 NIV

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

This week we will remember and reflect on our Vacation Bible School memories. VBS will begin occurring across the country within the next month. Music is an integral part of VBS. Click here to listen to a group of songs that have become my granddaughter’s favorite to listen to and reminds me of songs I learned in VBS. As you listen, may you recall your VBS experiences and may God lay on your heart a desire to reconnect with VBS this summer.

@biblegateway @youversion