Sunday, August 26, 2012

Psalm 23: My Good Shepherd is with me forever

1.    REVIEW: Memory Verse (Psalm 23) 


  • The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
    He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,

    He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake.

    Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;

    your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

    You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies,

    You anoint my head with oil

    my cup overflows.

    Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
    And I will dwell in the house of the LORD 
    forever.
  • As we choose to follow our Good Shepherd, we get to live and enjoy the benefits of His Kingdom, ie. His protection, His supply, His care, His guidance .. not just for today or tomorrow, not temporarily but forever, for always.

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Psalm 23: My Good Shepherd overflows my cup



1. Lesson (based on Psalm 23:5b-6) 
  • HOOK:

    • Materials: An empty jar, a (larger) pouring jar with water, a cloth or napkin, a straw
    • Put the empty jar on top of the cloth/napkin
    • Tell the kids that the aim of the game is to pour as much water into the empty jar without it spilling over.
    • For older kids, can get them to take turns pouring in water. For younger kids, the teacher can do it for them.
    • The tricky part is when the water reaches almost to the brim of the jar. By then, can use the straw to drop water into the jar bit by bit.
    • Game/illustration ends when the jar overflows.
    • Conclusion:
      • In this illustration, we see how much is really needed to make a cup overflow.  
      • Do you know our lives are a cup too? A cup full of God’s life, goodness and blessings. 
      • And do you know, our cups are not just half full or half empty. It’s not even full to the brim. It’s overflowing. Not by a trickle or a drop, but in abundance.
      • Imagine holding your cup under a waterfall. What happens? The water is just gushing in and gushing out. It’s never ending. And never run out.
      • That’s what life is when you have Jesus in you.