If we don't teach our children to follow Christ, the world will teach them not to.
GOD IS PERSONAL (Day 5)

Because GOD IS PERSONAL, I can be connected to God forever!

Preparation: Before you begin today's study, retrieve the vine or stem you cut from the plant at the beginning of the week. What happened to it?.

Read the Bible Memory Verse below.

BIBLE MEMORY VERSE
I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. (John 10:14)

Why did the branch you cut from the main part of the plant wither and die? ( It was cut off from the main part of the plant and its roots; it couldn't get food or water.)

What does the vine or, in this case, the main part of the plant, do for the branch? ( It provides what it needs to live.)

Read John 15:5.
  • The word "abideth" in that verse means "sticks close to" or "holds on tight to" or "is connected to"
  • Jesus wants us to know how important it is to stay close to Him.

Think of your closest friend.
  • If you stop talking with your friend, what happens to the friendship? (Your friendship will not last. It will die.)
  • If you have a big fight and stop talking with each other, what must happen to begin fixing the friendship? (You must forgive one another and start talking to each other again.)

If friends stop talking, there is no hope for the relationship to stay the same or to grow stronger. It will get weaker. It is the same with our friendship with God. The words, "Lord Jesus, I need You" begin a conversation with a loving, faithful, all powerful, forgiving God who will be your best friend forever.

How would you describe your relationship with God?
  • I am holding on tight to the vine (You talk with God often and like to hear His Word, the Bible).
  • I am holding on, but not tightly. (I like to read His Word. I talk with God at night and sometimes during the day when I need His help.)
  • I am holding on with my pinky finger (You talk with God some but not much).
  • I don't talk to God at all (I am not connected)

If you haven't begun a relationship with God, don't wait any longer!
Go to the 4 Keys 4 Kids ( click on the text to open) and find out how to start!!

Look at the list of words below that describe God. Which do you like the best? ( Prompt your child if he/she can't read well and note which ONE they choose.):
  1. God Is a Personal Spirit
  2. God is All-Powerful (Biggest & Strongest)
  3. God is Holy (Perfect & Clean)
  4. God is Love
  5. God is Everywhere all the time
  6. God is Totally Truthful
  7. God is Merciful
  8. God Knows Everything
  9. God is Always Right
  10. God is Faithful
  11. God is Creator King
  12. God is Just (Always Fair)
  13. God Never Change

The more we get to know God, and hold on tightly to Him every day, the more we will experience these attributes in our lives.
PARENTS: Find your child's selected attribute of God from the below list and say ...

I'm going to read your favorite attribute. Listen for GOD'S PART and for YOUR PART. ( only read the one attribute that they selected above):
  1. Because God is a Personal Spirit, I can get to know Him better every day as I hold on tight to Him. Apart from Him, I can do nothing.
  2. Because God is All-Powerful, (the Biggest and the Strongest), I know He can help me with anything as I hold on tight to Him. Apart from Him, I can do nothing.
  3. Because God is Holy, (Perfect and Clean), I know He sent Jesus to make my heart clean too, so I will hold on tight to Him. Apart from Him, I can do nothing.
  4. Because God is Love, I know He loves me no matter what, and He will help me to love others as I hold on tight to Him. Apart from Him, I can do nothing.
  5. Because God is Everywhere, I know that I am never alone,so I will hold on tight to Him. Apart from Him, I can do nothing.
  6. Because God is Totally Truthful, I know I can trust Him and His Word, the Bible, to be true, and so I will hold on tight to Him. Apart from Him, I can do nothing.
  7. Because God is Merciful, I know He forgives me even though I don't deserve it, and so I will hold on tight to Him. Apart from Him, I can do nothing.
  8. Because God Knows Everything, I know that I can go to Him with all my questions and worries as I hold on tight to Him. Apart from Him, I can do nothing
  9. Because God is Always Right, I know what He says is best, and I want to obey Him as I hold on tight to Him. Apart from Him, I can do nothing.
  10. Because God is Faithful, I know I can trust His promises to me so I will hold on tight to Him. Apart from Him, I can do nothing.
  11. Because God is the Creator/King, I know He is in control, and I can trust His plan for me as I hold on tight to Him. Apart from Him, I can do nothing.
  12. Because God is Just (Always Fair), I know He will always treat me fairly so I will hold on tight to Him. Apart from Him, I can do nothing.
  13. Because God Never Changes, I know I don't have to worry about the future as I hold on tight to Him. Apart from Him, I can do nothing.

WHY DOES THIS MATTER:
God will always do HIS PART. If you were to begin practicing YOUR PART, what difference would that make in your life and relationships with others?

TAKING ACTION:
  1. If you have not already done so, read over the 4 Keys 4 Kids (click on the text to open). Do you know for sure that you already have a forever relationship with God? If not, speak with your parents. They are always welcome to reply to this email and ask Kent for more information or resources to help you.
  2. Continue growing your relationship with God through these emailed devotions. Tomorrow we will begin studying, "God is All-Powerful."
adapted from Discover God 4 Kids
A Sample Prayer to Conclude Your Time
Dear God, I want to know You as You really are, the Creator God of the universe, our Heavenly Father, who holds everything in Your hand. You know my past, present, and future. Help me to love, trust, and obey You with all my heart, soul, mind, and will. Thank You for giving me an opportunity to know You intimately as my heavenly Father and to tell others about You and Your marvelous love. Amen.