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 3:5-6 NIV —- Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Do you believe God loves you and will look out for you? Are you trusting God with your future? Watch today’s See You Saturday video as I share some thoughts on trusting God.

Psalm 136:1 NIV — Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.

This week I have shared with you about a time when I was overwhelmed by my circumstances. I pray that you have been able to look back and see times God has shown His overwhelming love for you instead of focusing on the stresses of your current circumstances. Reflect and remember His faithfulness throughout your life. Remember how He is always with you. Remember how He always provides. Stop holding on so desperately to control. Surrender to Him. Have faith. Trust Him. Reach out to Christian friends for support and encouragement. Be overwhelmed by Him and give thanks. His love endures forever!

Let’s pray. Thank You Lord for You are good. Thank you for Your enduring love. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

FYI: I completed the work for my National Board recertification and submitted it on time. Then I had to be patient, have faith, and trust as I awaited results in November. Hallelujah! I passed the recertification process and continue to be a National Board certified teacher. Go God!

Have you ever been overwhelmed by the love of God? Has God ever shown up on your behalf in a mighty way?

Yesterday I shared with you how God showed off and provided the money I needed to begin my National Board recertification process. I was overwhelmed by God’s mighty provision. As I worked on completing the necessary work I was overwhelmed by the circumstances of finishing the process along with being Mama, Wife, Church Member, and Teacher. As I breathed in Jesus, He reminded me of how He is always with me and how He always provides. He reminded me of a story in the Bible where His people were overwhelmed by circumstances. Please take a moment to read 2 Chronicles 20: 1-27 NIV.

In this story, Jehoshaphat is facing an ominous battle and he receives word from God by way of Jahaziel as recorded in 2 Chronicles 20:15 — Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you, “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.”

The next day Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing and praise the Lord for His holiness. The Lord did the rest. He defeated the enemy. Jehoshaphat and his people were once overwhelmed by what they faced, but through their obedience, faith and trust, God defeated the opposition and His people were overwhelmed by His mighty actions and enduring love. That is what God wants for all of us. He wants us to turn over control to Him. He wants us to surrender to Him. He wants us to be overwhelmed, not by circumstances of life, but by Him. We are to be overwhelmed by His mighty love and goodness. 

Being submissive and turning over control to God is hard. Today, listen to “Thy Will” by Hillary Scott and slowly release your worries to God. Trust Him to go to battle on your behalf. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, Give me courage to release control to You. The battle is Yours! In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV — Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Yesterday I encouraged you to look back and remember your journey. When I became overwhelmed with life’s circumstances while working on National Board recertification God told me to look back and remember my recertification journey. 

As I looked back, I remembered. It all began one of the last days in January of that year. I knew the time was growing near for me to register for the recertification process so I decided to check the website. When I opened the page I nearly fainted. The last day to sign up and pay the $1200 registration fee was January 31st, less than a week away. My husband and I had planned on using some of our tax refund money for the fee. We hadn’t filed our taxes yet. Where in the world would I come up with that much money so fast? At that moment I was overwhelmed with worry. I immediately sent a text to a pastor friend who sent back, “God’s got this!” Her words of assurance comforted me and gave me peace. At that moment I knew that God would handle the details if this was His will. Later that evening a friend sent a group text to myself and others inviting our families to have dinner at their house in a couple days. I felt led to share with them my news of needing to come up with $1200 in a rush and asked them to pray for guidance. In a few short minutes one of those friends sent me a private message offering to let me borrow the funds until we received our tax refund. OVERWHELMED! Again that is what I felt. Completely overwhelmed! This time I was overwhelmed by God’s awesome power and presence. I knew right then that this text was an answer to prayer. My friend shared with me that accepting the money was an answer to her prayer as she had prayed earlier in the week for an opportunity to use this money to help someone. What an awesome way God had answered both our prayers!

When you look back are you able to see how God has answered your prayers? How has God overwhelmed you with His loving presence? Listen to “Overwhelmed” by Big Daddy Weave. Today may you be overwhelmed by the love and presence of God.

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for Your overwhelming love and presence. May I never forget Your overwhelming love. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.