Dear Kingdom Kid & Family: As We Prepare to Celebrate

Dear Kingdom Kid & Family:

As we prepare to celebrate what God has done through children’s choirs at our musical concert, be sure to prepare your hearts to “sing with thankfulness in your heart.” You will do that by being in God’s Word every day. That is the purpose of this devotional book. We call it “NO LIMITS” because with God, there is no limit to what He can do with and through you.

Use this book to read the Scripture God has given us for this concert. Learn the “foundation” (scripture verses) so that God’s Word will “dwell” in you. Each week is broken into days. You may do these individually, or make it part of your family worship time. If you finish a week or even the book early, go back and read it again. It’s okay to read scriptures over and over; that is the key to learning and understanding what God wants you to learn.

Everyone in choir will receive a special collectors pin to commemorate this special year. Each person that completes the devo book will receive a special collectors pin specifically for the NO LIMITS Devo Book. Also, each person who completes the book will have a special “Party w/ Pastors” on June 3 from 5:30-6pm.

This is going to be a very special musical and I am as excited about the lessons we will learn in the next few weeks as I am about musical night itself! That will just be the culmination of all you have learned. Determine now to be in God’s Word everyday and ask Him to show you what HE wants you to learn as we prepare for this musical.

In Christ,

Mrs. Teri WEEK 1: HYMN TREASURES MEDLEY

Colossians 3:16 • Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

God’s Word commands us how we are to worship Him. God doesn’t DAY 1 start with the teaching and singing. He first tells us that His Word needs to be in us.

How do we put God’s Word into our lives? ______

The Word of Christ (God’s Word)

II Timothy 3:15 • And that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 4:12 • For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Richly Dwell

“Dwell” is a fancy word for “living in” or “thinking about, be obsessed by.” What do you think of when you hear the word “rich?” ______Maybe LOTS OF ? ______

Well, if we are to “let God’s Word richly dwell” in us then that means we have to read it and know it and talk about it. Yes? That is the reason for this devotion book. We want you to know God’s word and what God says about singing and worship. Deuteronomy 6:6 • These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart.

Psalm 119:11 • Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You.

John 15:4 • Abide in Me, and I in you… (vs5b)… apart from Me you can do nothing.

The last part of Colossians 3:16 gives us the command, “singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”

I Thessalonians 5:18 • in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Ezra 3:11 • They sang, praising and giving thanks to the LORD saying, “For He is good, for His lovingkindness is upon Israel forever.”

Psalm 33:2 • Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre; sing praises to Him with a harp of ten strings.

We see in these scriptures that we need God’s Word in our hearts. We also see several times where we are told to give THANKS. One of the best ways to hide God’s Word in our heart is through song. And one of the best ways to give thanks to God is to sing back to Him His Word and His truth. We will do this at our musical concert.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for giving us Your Word so we can learn more about You. Please help me to read it every day so that Your Word will richly dwell within me. Help me to give thanks to You every day for all You do for me. Help me to praise You with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Use Your Word to prepare me to give You praise and glory during our musical concert! Please help many people come to hear the great things You have done and are doing and will do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. DAY 2 Tell Me the Story of Jesus & Trust and Obey (Taken from Hymn Treasures curriculum by Diane Dawson) Hymns are poems that are set to music (hymn tunes). That is why they are written in “stanzas” or have a “refrain” instead of chorus. The “refrain” is a repeated line or number of lines in a poem, typically at the end of each verse. This week, we are going to learn about the hymns we are singing— who wrote them and some of the story behind the poem.

Tell Me the Story of Jesus Words: Fanny Crosby Music: John Sweney

This hymn tells the story of Jesus’ life and death. It is a story that we learn and remember because it is so important. Do you have the story of Jesus written on your Heart? We learn the stories of Jesus by reading and hearing God’s Word. What are three of your favorite stories about Jesus? Ask your parent to read you one of them. Think of a way that YOU can share a story about Jesus with someone else.

Trust and Obey Words: John Sammis Music: Daniel B. Towner Written: 1886

Daniel Towner was raised in a musical family. His father taught him to sing and to read notes before he was old enough to read the alphabet. He served as music director in several churches. He became associated with Dwight L. Moody (a famous evangelist). Mr. Towner became the head of the Music Department of the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, IL. He wrote more than 2000 songs. Mr. Towner must have become familiar with Dwight Moody’s formula for successful living:

• The Blood of Jesus alone makes us safe • The Word of God alone makes us sure • But Obedience to God alone makes us happy.

The inspiration for this hymn comes from an evangelistic meeting, when a young man gave a testimony and said, “I am not quite sure—but I am going to trust, and I am going to obey.” Mr. Towner wrote down that sentence and sent it to John Sammis (a Presbyterian minister) who wrote the words to the song. God used a simple man, with a simple phrase to give a songwriter the idea of a powerful song that we have been singing for over 100 years! Can you say today that you will trust and obey? In doing so, surely you will want to tell someone the story of Jesus? Who will you REACH this week?

Dear Jesus, Thank You for giving us songs to tell us Your story. Thank You for songwriters who believed in putting truth into a format easy to sing so that we can hide these truths in our hearts. Please help me to trust You and obey You. Please help me to share the story of Jesus with someone this week. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 3 My Jesus I Love Thee & Jesus Loves Me

My Jesus I Love Thee

Words: William Featherston Music: Adoniram Gordon Written: 1876 This beautiful hymn poem was written by a 16-year-old boy soon after he was saved. We do not know much about William Featherston except that he was born and lived in Montreal, Canada, and was a member of the Wesleyan Methodist Church of Montreal. It is believed that he sent the poem to his aunt in Los Angeles, and she had it published.

Adoniram Gordon was a Baptist pastor in Boston. He was working on a new hymnal when he came across these words set to a different tune in the The London Hymn Book. He was inspired to write a new tune and put the hymn in the hymnal, The Service of Song for Baptist Churches. In has been included in many evangelical hymnals since then.

This is a beautiful declaration of love for Jesus, in every situation of life. As you sing this song in our medley, make it your personal message of love to the Savior.

Psalm 116:1 • I love the Lord, for He hears my voice and my supplications. Jesus Loves Me Words: Anna B. Warner Music: William Bradbury Written: 1859

This is one of the all time favorite songs of children all over the world. The tune was named “CHINA” because it is reportedly the favorite of children there. The music was written by

William Bradbury. He was born in Maine but grew up in Boston. Mr. Bradbury was a very busy musician. He conducted singing schools, taught music, composed songs, and edited several music books.

This song contains one of the most important truths we need to know in one sentence, “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.”

Nothing But the Blood of Jesus Words: Robert Lowry Music: Robert Lowry Written: 1876

Hebrews 9:22 • …without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin.

Why do we sing about the blood of Jesus? Why did Jesus have to die? Did Jesus stay dead? How does the blood of Jesus make me “white as snow?” Why is Jesus’ blood “precious” to Christians? Talk about these things with your family.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for loving Me so much that You were willing to shed Your blood for me. Thank You for taking my place on the cross and paying for my sins. Please help me to love You enough to obey You and share Your love with others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. DAY 4 Blessed Assurance & To God Be the Glory

Blessed Assurance Words: Fanny Crosby Music: Phoebe Knapp Written: 1873

Frances Jane Crosby is one of the greatest hymn writers of all time. She lost her sight at the age of six months due to wrong treatment given by an assumed doctor. Although blind, she learned to do many things that normal children do, such as climbing trees and riding a horse. She also learned to plan the piano, violin, and harp. She attended the New York City School for the Blind and taught there after her graduation. She wrote hundreds of popular poems and secular songs until she was 44 years old. Then her friend William Bradbury (remember him?) suggested that she devote her talent to writing Christian songs. During the next 50 years, she wrote more than 8000 gospel hymn-poems! Wow!

At age eight, Crosby wrote her first poem which described her condition. She later stated: “It seemed intended by the blessed providence of God that I should be blind all my life, and I thank him for the dispensation. If perfect earthly sight were offered me tomorrow I would not accept it. I might not have sung hymns to the praise of God if I had been distracted by the beautiful and interesting things about me.” She also once said, “when I get to heaven, the first face that shall ever gladden my sight will be that of my Savior.” According to biographer Annie Willis, “had it not been for her affliction she might not have so good an education or have so great an influence, and certainly not so fine a memory.”

Fanny considered her blindness to be a blessing because she knew her first sight would be the face of her blessed Savior. Part of Fanny’s special gift was her ability to hear a tune and compose the poetry to fit it. She worked with many different musicians who brought their tunes to her. “Aunt Fanny” always knelt in prayer first, then dictated her poetry to an assistant.

Fanny Crosby was visiting her friend Phoebe Knapp. Mrs. Knapp played a new melody she had just composed. When Knapp asked Crosby, “What do you thing the tune says?” Crosby replied, “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!” To God Be the Glory Words: Fanny Crosby Music: William Doane Written: 1875

To God Be the Glory was first published in 1875, but was almost unknown in America. In 1954, Cliff Barrows was introduced to this wonderful praise song while leading a Billy Graham crusade in England where the song was popular. The Billy Graham team began to use this wonderful song in US crusades and it immediately became a favorite, as it remains today.

This is a song of PRAISE that tells how wonderful God is and how thankful we are for what He has done. What is the MOST wonderful thing He has done? He gave Jesus to be our Savior!

Go to your lyrics pages and read all three verses of this song carefully. You will see God’s GIFT, in the first verse; the sinner’s RESPONSE (belief) in the second verse; and the BLESSINGS of faith in the third.

We will sing “To God Be the Glory” with our congregation as we celebrate what God has done through our children’s choirs over the last 50 + years. I hope as we sing this on musical concert night, you will be excited to sing “Praise the Lord… great things HE has done!”

Dear God, Praise You Lord, let the earth hear Your voice! Praise You Lord, let the people rejoice! I give You the glory for the great things You have done! Thank You for giving us Your Son, Jesus; thank You for perfect redemption; thank You that You are our victory and we will see You one day. Praise You Lord for the great things You have done in our church and You are continuing to do in our church! We praise You and we love You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. DAY 5

Review Days 1- 4. What did God teach you this week? What can you apply (put into your life) to your life from this week’s devotions?

______

Write out this week’s Foundation (from memory if possible).

______

SECRETARY USE ONLY Sign Off Weekly Devo When Completed: Points Given: WEEK 2: TRUTH MEDLEY Songs from Fun in the Son and Once Upon a Time by Nancy Brant

John 8:32 • and you will know the TRUTH and the TRUTH will set you free.

DAY 1 What is truth?

How do you know where to go for truth?

TV shows are the product of someone’s imagination. Friends mean well, but they often don’t know any more than you do. Parents love you and have wisdom, but even they are not perfect.

God’s Word is true and perfect. It is an unfailing guide! Match these scrambled verses to the words they use to describe God’s Word.

Psalm 18:30 true, righteous, everlasting

Psalm 119:89 endures forever

Psalm 119:160 perfect,blameless, flawless, refuge, shield

Matthew 24:35 God-breathed

1 Peter 1:25 forever, stands firm, settled in heaven

2 Timothy 3:16 will never pass away It is important that we know and understand what is true! Today’s society wants everyone to decide what is true for you. That is a very dangerous way to think. We cannot trust in our own thinking. Romans 12:2 – do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind… God’s Word is truth. We must read it and know what God says so we live for Him.

Dear Lord, Thank You for the Word of God. Thank You that Your Word is Truth. Help me to read Your Word every day. Help me not to just rush through my devos, but to let You speak to me and show me what You want me to learn each day and each week. Help the truth we learn to sink deep into our hearts. Thank You Jesus. In Your Name, Amen.

DAY 2 Walk Like Jesus We are to walk in all Jesus’ ways.

1 John 2:6 • Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did. (NIV)

The one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked. (NASB)

Discover what Jesus said. As you pray, ask God to show you a way you can imitate His life with your own actions. Find the verse in the song (see lyric pages) that matches each scripture.

Matthew 7:12 • In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

Luke 6:31 • Treat others the same way you want them to treat you.

Matthew 19:19 • Honor your father and mother; and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.

Luke 10:27 • And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself. 1 John 2:6 • Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did. (NIV)

Matthew 7:12; Luke 6:31

Jesus said ______

I can imitate Him by ______

DAY 3 Ever Cool Water

John 4:10 • Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”

John 4:13-14 • Jesus answered and said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.”

Read these verses and write what they tell you about God’s living water.

Isaiah 58:11 • And the LORD will continually guide you, And satisfy your desire in scorched places, And give strength to your bones; And you will be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water whose waters do not fail. ______

Isaiah 12:2-3 • Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; For the LORD GOD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation.” Therefore you will joyously draw water from the springs of salvation. ______

Matthew 5:6 • Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. ______

Jesus wants the very best for you and offers it as a free gift. He wants you to belong to Him, not to the world. He doesn’t want to give you “temporary stuff” like the world offers; He wants to give you eternal possessions that make your life rich and give you a promise for eternity in heaven! Read these verses and tell what Jesus wants to give you in each:

John 10:10 • The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. ______

John 15:11 • These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. ______

Titus 1:2 • In the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago ______

John 14:27 • Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. ______

John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His ______begotten Son, that whoever ______in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

The only thing you have to do to receive all these wonderful gifts is to BELIEVE. Jesus even gives us proof and a guarantee of all these gifts.

Use these words to complete the Truth God has given us:

gospel promise truth pledge

sealed praise believed redemption

Ephesians 1:13-14 • In Him, you also, after listening to the message of, ______the ______of your salvation—having also ______, you were ______in Him with the Holy Spirit of ______, who is given as a ______of our inheritance, with a view to the ______of God’s own possession, to the ______of His glory. Have you ever thought about why you get thirsty? It is your body’s signal that you need water. What happens when people get dehydrated? They end up in the hospital. Without water, your body can’t work correctly and you will die. What makes you thirsty spiritually? Your desire to be loved, accepted or part of an “in crowd” is really spiritual thirst. Your real need is to know Jesus. We must be in God’s Word daily in order to stay “spiritually hydrated.”

Dear Jesus, Thank You that You are Living Water. Thank You that You are the One who gives us unconditional love and acceptance. Please help me to look to You for my worth and value. Help me not to be concerned with popularity but to focus on living my life for You. Help me to be in God’s Word everyday so I will not be spiritually dehydrated. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 4 Soul Food

Jesus said to them, “I am the Bread of Life. He who comes to me will not hunger.” John 6:35

When you’re hungry, you can eat junk food or good food. With junk food, you get a short burst of energy, but no real strength. Soon you feel empty again. Good nourishing food gives you strength and stamina. It gives your organs and muscles what they need to function best.

God created our soul to feel hunger too. We feel empty and unsatisfied deep inside. There are several ways to try to satisfy “soul hunger.” You can try junk food – fame (being popular), fortune (getting things, money, stuff), and power (getting people to do things your way.)

1 John 2:16-17• For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever. This time, read & fill in blanks to the verse:

For all that is in the ______, the lust of the ______and the ______of the eyes and the boastful ______of life, is ______from the Father, but is from the world. The world is ______, and also its lusts; but the one who does the ______of God lives forever.

The best way to feed our soul hunger is to go to Jesus for “Soul Food.”

In John 6:27, Jesus warned us, Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal.

This time, read & fill in blanks to the verse:

Do not work for the food which ______, but for the food which ______to ______life, which the Son of Man will ______to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal.

Use the word bank to complete the next two verses:

Father perfect good

Jesus wants to give us everything we need and plenty to enjoy.

James 1:17 says, “Every ______thing given and ______gift is from above, coming down from the ______…” food satisfy give desire

Psalm 145:15-16 says, “The eyes of all look to You (God), and You ______them their ______in due time. You open Your hand and ______the ______of every living thing.”

We can really get in trouble when we try to find our own way through life. God promises to lead us.

Psalm 16:11 says, “You have made known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever.”

Psalm 32: 8 says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.”

We also get very hungry spiritually when we don’t go to Jesus for our spiritual food. How can we eat from Jesus’ table?

1. Go to His Word, the Bible, every day for guidance.

2. Practice listening for His voice.

3. Make time to be quiet so He can speak to you in your heart and in your prayers.

Psalm 5:3 says, “In the morning, O Lord, You will hear my voice; in the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch.” (The NIV uses these words: I lay my requests before You and wait expectantly.)

What would happen if you only ate a meal once a week? Besides some mighty loud tummy rumbling, you would probably get so weak you couldn’t function. God made your body so that it needs to be fed several times a day. He made your spirit (soul) so it needs to be fed every day too. It is very important to your spiritual health to spend time with God every day, getting nourishment and strength to face the day. Dear Jesus, Thank You that You are the Bread of Life. Thank You for God’s Word and help me to read the Bible every day to know God’s plan for my life. Help me ask for You to speak to me when I read God’s Word, and then listen and hear Your voice. Thank You for all the good gifts You give. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 5 Bring It On! The Bread of Life, The Living Water – JESUS, enables us to face any situation. Just like God helped Moses, Joshua, and David, HE will help US! Because when we’re standing upon Jesus, who is THE rock, our response can be, “bring it on, we’re ready to rock!”

Psalm 44:6-8 • “For I will not trust in my bow, nor shall my sword save me. But You have saved us from our adversaries (enemies), and have put to shame those who hate us. In God we boast all day long, and praise Your name forever.”

God wants to do in us and through us those things that only God can do so that the glory for our victories will belong to Him. Just like only God could help David kill Goliath! David could not have faced the gian without God leading him and being with him. Our musicals are like that. Only God can make musicals happen and use them to change lives. Only He deserves the glory.

Do you sometimes think you can’t do what you know is right or best or what God wants you to do because you are too young or too little? ______

Read 1 Timothy 4:12 • Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.

This time, read & fill in blanks to the verse:

Let no one look down on your ______, but rather in

______, ______, ______,______,

and______, show yourself an ______of those

who believe. If God asks you to do something, He promises that He will help you do it! Philippians 4:13 says “I can do ALL things through CHRIST who strengthens me” so let’s get “Ready to Rock” for God!

Dear God, As I learn about the amazing things You have done in the past, help me to trust You with my future. I want to do big things for You. I want other people to look at my victories and know that they come from You so that You get the glory for my life. Help me be faithful like David in all the tests of my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

What did God teach you this week? What can you apply (put into your life) to your life from this week’s devotions? ______

Write out this week’s Foundation (from memory if possible).

______HOTLINE CHALLENGE • 265-7425 • Call Mrs. Teri, leave your name & grade, and answer the challenge! Call between Thursday, 7am – Tuesday, midnight. All callers go into a drawing. CHALLENGE: TELL MRS. TERI WHAT YOUR FAVORITE SONG IN THIS MEDLEY IS AND WHAT YOU LEARNED FROM IT..

SECRETARY USE ONLY Sign Off Weekly Devo When Completed: Points Given: WEEK 3: THE PERFECT 10

THE 10 COMMANDMENTS Exodus 20:3,4,7,8,12,13,14,15,16,17

DAY 1 The 10 Commandments Exodus 20… “I am the LORD Your God…

1. You shall have no other gods before Me. We should love God more than anything

2. You shall not make for yourself an idol. We should give our worship only to God

3. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain We should use God’s name with respect. No more “OMG”

4. Remember the Sabbath day, keep it holy We should rest and worship on the Lord’s day

5. Honor your father and mother We should show respect for parents

6. You shall not murder We should value life—God controls life & death

7. You shall not commit adultery We should honor the vow made to our spouse

8. You shall not steal We should respect other people’s property

9. You shall not bear false witness We should protect other’s reputations

10. You shall not covet your neighbor’s house or wife We should be satisfied with what we have Commandment 1: If we truly love God and put Him first, obeying the other 9 commandments will be much easier. When we love and honor God, we learn to love and respect others. God is the Creator of all and deserves our love, worship, and obedience far above anything or anyone else. NOTHING should be as important as God!

Dear Lord, Thank You for loving me enough to give me rules by which to live. Please help me to love you more than anything else. I want to please and honor You, God. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 2 Commandments 2 & 4

Exodus 20: 4-6; 8-11 • You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.

Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of the LORD your God; in it you shall not do any work, you or your son or your daughter, your male or your female servant or your cattle or your sojourner who stays with you. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day; therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

Commandment 2 tells us not to make any carved images or have idols. Now I doubt many of you have any “carved images” of statues in your house that you worship. Many people of other religions do have these in their house. However, just because you do not have carved statues in your room or house doesn’t mean you do not have any idols. An idol is anything you put before God—TV, video games, sports, people, even music (choir), etc. We must be very careful to keep God first in our lives. It is easy to get caught up in activities that take us away from God and His desires for us. Sometimes we use the excuse that lots of other people are doing “this or that” so it must be okay—especially if those other people are Christians. We must stay focused on what God wants us to do, regardless of what everyone else is doing. We should not compare ourselves to others; only compare yourself to what God’s Word says.

This also goes along with Commandment 4. God wants us to keep HIS day special!

Is there something in your life that is taking away from what God wants you to do? Are you over-committed in sports, dance, or other activities that keep you from regularly attending church? I know it isn’t always easy; but God wants us to visit His house often. Hebrews 10:25 says “not forsaking the assembly of yourselves together…” Every worship service is a chance to learn more about God, encourage others, and worship God.

Dear Lord, forgive me when I put other things ahead of You. Please help me to keep You first in my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. DAY 3 Commandments 3 & 5

Exodus 20:7 • “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain.

Commandment 3 • Don’t take God’s name in vain. This means using God’s name loosely, or in an empty way. Like when people say, “(OMG” (Oh my ---). Not cool. Even pretending to pray or praise God—joking around and using God’s name is not pleasing to God. We must protect and honor the name of our Creator.

Read Exodus 20:12 • Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the LORD your God gives you.

Commandment 5 • Honor father & mother. Honor means to treat as precious or valuable. How do you treat your parents? (Or whomever else God has placed in authority over you.) They are God’s gift to you. He provides the means for your parents to take care of your food and clothing, and even fun things like toys, games, trips, and treats. When you honor your parents, you are honoring God. Be obedient, kind, speak sweetly, and be respectful. Even if you don’t live with your parents all the time, honor them in every way you can.

How have you treated your parents this week? Have you said “thank you” when they do or buy things for you? Do you tell them every day that you love them? Remember, honoring those whom God placed over you is honoring God.

Dear Lord, Thank You for my parents [or caregivers]. Please help me to honor and love them. Please help me also to honor and protect Your Name and not say Your Name in vain. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. DAY 4 Commandments 6, 7, 8, 9, & 10

Exodus 20:13-17 • You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife or his male servant or his female servant or his ox or his donkey or anything that belongs to your neighbor.

Commandment 6: Do not kill. God is the giver of life. It is not man’s decision when a life is to end.

Commandment 7: Do not commit adultery. God has planned marriage between a man and a woman. He expects us to be true to our own husband or wife. To prepare yourself to follow God’s plan, do not let sinful things like listening to dirty stories or wrong music, looking at bad pictures, or watching the wrong kind of movies be a part of your life. Determine to do your part to keep your heart and mind pure. Pray for the person that God has for you to marry one day.

Commandment 8: Do not steal. If it’s not yours, don’t touch it. Copying somebody else’s answers is stealing; cheating is stealing; borrowing and not returning is stealing.

Commandment 9: Do not bear false witness. Lying about something or someone else. Gossip is often lying; exaggeration is lying; making promises you can’t or won’t keep is lying.

Commandment 10: Do not covet. Wanting something that belongs to someone else or something you cannot afford. God says to be content with what you have. Instead of wanting more, thank God for what He has already given you.

Wow! All those commands! There is no way that we can do all that on our own. We must pray for God’s grace and help in our life to live how HE wants us to live.

Dear Lord, Thank you for all You have given me—life, health, my family, a place to live, food to eat, and clothes to wear. Help me to follow Your commandments and live the way You want me to live. Please help me to always tell the truth. Help me to do what is right, no matter what. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. DAY 5

Review Days 1- 4. What did God teach you this week? What can you apply (put into your life) to your life from this week’s devotions?

______

Write out this week’s Foundation (from memory if possible).

______

JUST FOR FUN! HOTLINE CHALLENGE • 265-7425 • Call Mrs. Teri, leave your name & grade, and answer the challenge! Call between Thursday, 7am – Tuesday, midnight. All callers go into a drawing. CHALLENGE: CALL MRS. TERI AND SING THE 10 COMMANDMENTS! (YOU CAN SING THEM LIKE THE CHORUS OF OUR SONG—PERFECT 10—OR MAKE UP YOUR OWN SONG!)

SECRETARY USE ONLY Sign Off Weekly Devo When Completed: Points Given: WEEK 4: THE LOVE OF JESUS MEDLEY

I John 4:10 • In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

DAY 1 A Good Day on a Bad Day The crucifixion was a sad day, but without it we would not know the joy of resurrection day, Easter morning.

Luke 23:33-34 • “When they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left. But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”

Look at your song (lyric pages).

“Because He gave His ______upon the ______and paid the ______of sin for us, that ______day on a ______day was a ______day for me.” The Gospel is the story of God’s great love for us. It’s sad to think that Jesus had to die to pay the price for our sin, but the Bible tells us why.

Romans 3:23 says, we have all ______. • Does “all” leave anyone out? ______

Romans 6:23 says, “The wages (or payment) of sin is ______.”

Romans 5:8 says, “Christ ______for us.” • Jesus paid the price so we wouldn’t have to. That’s how much He loves us.

Romans 10:9-10 says “If you ______with your mouth ______and ______in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be ______.” •It’s so simple, but it’s the greatest truth you could ever hear and believe. Even though the first part of the Gospel is a sad story, the Gospel is called “Good News” because the story has a happy ending! Jesus died for us, but on the 3rd day, God raised Him from the dead to be alive forevermore in the hearts of those who believe in Him. Read what the angel said to Mary at the tomb in Luke 24:6. “He is not here: He has ______.” Because Jesus conquered death, we can have all these things: (read the scripture, unscramble the word & match the word to the verse)

1 Corinthians 15:57 ______OYJ

Ephesians 2:14 ______NGERTSH

Ephesians 3:16 ______FEIL ETRENLA

1 Peter 1:8 ______CTRYOVI

Romans 6:23 ______ECAPE

Can you see why the good day on a bad day was a great day for you?

This is the Gospel—that Jesus died, was buried and rose again. Lock this in your brain. Be able to tell others the Gospel and share with them what Jesus did for them because He loves the whole world. Who will you REACH for Jesus this week?

Dear Jesus, Thank You for dying on the cross and rising again from the grave. Thank You for turning that bad day into the best day. Thank You for loving me so much that You would take all the pain and suffering on my behalf. Help me to know the Gospel and to share it with others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. DAY 2 He’s Not Here

Jesus told people that He would die and rise again, and He did!

Luke 24:5b-6a • “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen!”

This is a song of praise and worship! Once you know the Easter Story, your heart can’t help but praise the Lord! Because He lives, He can now live in our hearts, and we can live with Him forever in heaven! Fill in the words to this part of our song:

“He’s not here! ______is risen So do not ______, He’s ______. He was ______, but escaped the ______, He’s not inside, no He’s not here, He is ______!”

We sing the word “Hallelujah”_____ times. That word means “Praise ye Jehovah.” Jehovah is the Hebrew word for God. This word was used in Psalms to invite everyone to join them in praising God! So let’s do it! Find a quiet place and sing this song to God as praise from your heart!

Match the verse to the song lyric! Look up the verses and match the letter to the lyric in Chorus 2 that each verse describes:

______“He came from heaven to earth, to show the way.”

______“From the earth to the cross, my debt to pay.”

______“From the cross to the grave,”

______“From the grave to the sky,”

A) Matthew 27:57-60 B) John 14:6 C) Acts 1:8-9 D) Romans 6:23

The last line of the chorus says “Lord, I ______Your name on high.” That means “Lift His name with your voice in praise.” Alleluia!

Jesus loved us enough to die for us. (John 3:16) Romans 5:8 says, “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Jesus gave His life for the whole world. Jesus is the only perfect One who could save the entire world. Dear God, I just want to praise You for all that You are and all that You have done for me. Thank You for sending Jesus to be my Savior. Thank You for the empty tomb that means He is alive. Thank You that Jesus now lives in my heart making me a child of God. I love You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 3 Because of Your Love

Ephesians 2:4-5 • “But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved).

The Truth: You can know God personally by accepting Jesus as your Savior.

Knowing about Jesus is a wonderful thing. But the truth will only change your life when you make it personal – by asking Jesus to be your Savior. In order to have a changed life you must understand you are a sinner in need of a Savior, confess and repent of your sin, accept Jesus in your heart as Lord of your life.

1. Understand that you need Jesus because you are a sinner. Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned & fall short of the glory of God.”

2. Believe that Jesus died to pay for your sin. I John 4:10 says, “This is love; not that we loved God, but that He loved us & sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”

(Propitiation means “appeasing or atonement—making the payment for.” Jesus made the payment for our sins.)

3. Personally confess your sin and decide to accept Jesus as your Savior.

Romans 10:9 says, “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus as Lord,’ & believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

4. Know that God does what He says He will do!

Ephesians 2:4-5 says, “But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved) Now that you know the Gospel, if you have never asked Jesus to be your Savior, won’t you do it now? Ask mom or dad to help you make sure you understand what it means to be saved. We must realize that we are sinners and desperately need a Savior.

If you have given your life to Jesus, why not share His love with someone this week! Who are you trying to REACH for Christ? Bring their name to choir so we can pray for them.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for Your love for me. Thank You for Your death, burial, and resurrection. Thank You for Your mercy, grace, and forgiveness. Thank You for making a way for me to live in heaven with You forever. Please help me to be bold in my faith and to share Your amazing love with others. Help me not to be ashamed of You. Please help ______to realize they are a sinner and they need YOU as their Savior! I pray that ______would come to the musical concert and hear more about You and give their life to YOU. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

If you have never given your heart to Jesus, talk to your parents or a Sunday School or choir leader to help you understand what that means.

Use this prayer as a help to ask Jesus into your heart:

Dear God, I know that I am a sinner and my sin separates me from You. Please forgive all my sin. Thank you for sending Your Son, Jesus, to pay the price for my sin. I want Jesus to be the Lord of my life. I believe He died for me and You raised Him from the dead so that I can have everlasting life in Him. The Bible says if I call on His name I will be saved, so I’m doing that now God. Thank you for forgiving me and making me a child of God. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. DAY 4 You Can’t Imagine How He Loves You

Zephaniah 3:17 • “The LORD your God is in your midst, a victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.”

What a beautiful verse. There are 5 powerful promises in this verse that should help you begin to get a picture of how deep the love of God is for you. It really is beyond our ability to understand or measure. Write down the 5 promises found in this verse:

1. ______2. ______3. ______4. ______5. ______

My favorite one is that God actually sings because He loves us so much! This song is full of so many beautiful images of God’s love for us. We really can’t imagine it! Fill in the blanks from our song:

“The Father loves to speak each ______, to Him no two are just the ______.”

Read through these Scriptures and think about the love that God has for you.

Isaiah 43:1 • But now, thus says the LORD, your Creator, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine!

Isaiah 56:5b says “I will give them an everlasting name that will not be cut off.” • Think about that! All down through time there have been trillions of names and God knows yours!

Read John 10:3 The shepherd is Jesus and it says, “He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out.”

John 10:14-15, Jesus says, “I know my sheep and my sheep know me…. and I lay down my life for the sheep.” • We can’t imagine this kind of sacrificial love!

Isaiah 49:16 says, “See, I have engraved you on the palm of my hand.” • When Jesus looks at His hands, He sees the scars that prove His love for us. Psalm 139 is such a beautiful psalm about God’s love for us. Verse 1 • “O Lord, You have searched me and known me.” Verse 6 • It says “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is too high, I cannot attain to it.” Verse 6 is another way to say “you can’t imagine how He loves you.”

Our song says, “You cannot travel past His love.” Romans 8:35, 38-39 says, “Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or peril or sword … For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, neither angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the LOVE of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” You can know for certain that there is absolutely NOTHING that can take away the love that God has for you.

Dear God, Thank You for Your love for me. It is so great that I can’t even imagine it. Thank you that You are with me, You save me, and You delight in me. Thank You especially that You sing over me. Help me to sing for You with all my heart. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. DAY 5

Review Days 1- 4. What did God teach you this week? What can you apply (put into your life) to your life from this week’s devotions?

______

Write out this week’s Foundation (from memory if possible).

______

SECRETARY USE ONLY Sign Off Weekly Devo When Completed: Points Given: WEEK 5: LET PRAISE AWAKEN

Psalm 57:7-9 • My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing, yes I will sing praises!

Awake, my glory! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken BONUS FOUNDATION the dawn. I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to You among the nations.

DAY 1 Let Praise Awaken!

Psalm 146:1-2 • Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul! I will praise the LORD while I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.

Wow! What a response! Once we have given our life to Christ, we are accountable for our response to Him. The second portion of our musical concert is focused on just that—our response!

How often does this song say we will praise God? ______

How long does Psalm 146 say we are to Praise the Lord? ______

What can you praise God for today? ______What do you think would happen if we actually praised God every day; and blessed His name every moment (as the song says)? Do you think we may be more kind to others? Do you think we would be more grateful for what we have? Do you think we would care more about other people? When we are focused on God, we are not focused on what we have or don’t have. We must abide in Christ and keep our mind on Him.

Dear Jesus, Thank You that You are awesome and You are worthy of all our praise. I praise You, Lord; I praise You with all my soul. May I praise You for as long as I live; may I sing praises to You for as long as I live. Please work in hearts as people hear this song. May they realize the importance of singing and praising You everyday. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Psalm 108:1-3 • My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing, I will sing praises, DAY 2 even with my soul. Awake, harp and lyre; I will awaken the dawn! I will give thanks to You, O LORD, among the peoples, and I will sing praises to You among the nations.

Look at the foundation verse for this week. Does this scripture for today repeat almost word for word the foundation verse? ______

The word “steadfast” is a big word that we really do not use much in everyday conversation. Have a parent or older sibling help you find the definition of “steadfast.” Write some of the synonyms you find. (Hint: “Google” steadfast; Webster’s dictionary gives you the definition and synonyms.) ______

Fill in the blank with one of the synonyms from above and then say this out loud:

“My heart is ______O God” What can you praise God for today? ______

When we hide God’s Word in our heart, we will be able to agree with the foundation verse that our heart is “steadfast” (unchanging, unwavering, unhesitating, unflinching, etc.) We must know what God’s Word says because so many things in the world want us to believe otherwise. Some versions of the Bible use the word “confident” (my heart is “confident” O God) for this verse. While it is great to be confident in the Lord, the definition of confident is more “self” related. We can do nothing on our own. We must be steadfast in the Lord and depend completely on Him.

Dear Jesus, Thank You that You are the ultimate example of being steadfast You are unchanging. You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. Thank You that we can believe You and trust You because You never change and Your Word does not change. O Lord, may my soul be steadfast in You. Help me to read Your Word and know Your Truth so that as I get older the world will not be able to change me. Please allow my heart to be grounded in Your Truth. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. Isaiah 43:21 • (vs 16a – Thus says the LORD…) The people whom I formed DAY 3 for Myself will declare My praise.

1 Peter 2:9 • But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies [praises] of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

For Whom were you created? ______

For what did God create you? ______

Where does our song (see lyric pages) say praise needs to awaken? ______What can you praise God for today? ______If you can’t or won’t praise God, then you may need to do a heart check and determine if your heart truly belongs to God. God is the one who provided a way for us to have the free gift of salvation— something none of us deserve. None us deserve to live with a perfect and holy God in His perfect and holy Heaven. But because of His love for us, He sent Jesus and calls us out of our darkness of sin, into His marvelous light.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for dying on the cross for my sin so that I could be forgiven and have a way to live in Heaven with You one day. Forgive me when I don’t praise You as I should. Thank You for giving me reasons everyday to praise You. Thank You for giving me the opportunity to sing for You and sing to You. Awaken the praise in my heart! In Jesus’ Name, Amen. Psalm 27:4 • One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: that DAY 4 I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD and to meditate in His temple.

Psalm 42:1-2a • As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God;

The chorus of our song says, “You have given me ______.” God’s unfailing love alone is worth our praise.

The more we get to know God, the more we will want to praise Him. We get to know God by reading His Word, coming to church—Sunday School and Children’s Choir—where we are taught God’s Word.

The bridge of our song says “Let praise awaken in this generation; let praise awaken all around the world.”

What can you do to help praise awaken in your generation? ______What can you praise God for today? ______

Do you desire to be in the “house of the Lord” (coming to church)? Do you desire to know God more? Do you desire to praise the Lord everyday? I hope we can all answer yes. If your answer is no, then ask God to reveal why that is. It may be that Jesus is not the Lord of your life. It may be that you want to do things your own way. Go to God’s Word and get to know God and what He wants for you. I promise you that God wants more for your life than you can ever imagine.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for Your unfailing love. Thank You for giving us a way to get to know You through Your Word, the Bible. Please give me a desire to be in Your house. Give me a desire to read the Bible everyday and to praise You everyday. I pray for Your Word and Your love to be shared with all the nations so that Your praise is heard all around the world. Let me praise You with all my heart on our musical concert night. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. DAY 5

Review Days 1- 4. What did God teach you this week? What can you apply (put into your life) to your life from this week’s devotions?

______

Write out this week’s Foundation (from memory if possible).

______

SECRETARY USE ONLY Sign Off Weekly Devo When Completed: Points Given: WEEK 6: BRING MY PRAISE

Psalm 139:1, 13, 14a • O Lord, You have searched me and known me; You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

DAY 1 Read Psalm 139:1-6 & 13-18

1 O Lord, You have searched me and known me.

2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar.

3 You scrutinize my path and my lying down, and are intimately acquainted with all my ways.

4 Even before there is a word on my tongue, behold, O Lord, You know it all.

5 You have enclosed me behind and before, and laid Your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is too high, I cannot attain to it.

13 For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb.

14 I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well.

15 My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth;

16 Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them.

17 How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them!

18 If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand. When I awake, I am still with You This is a beautiful scripture from God telling you how special you are to Him. He created you with a special plan for your life. Sometimes we don’t want people to know about certain things in our life, afraid they may not like us as much. God knows everything about you—even the number of hairs on your head (Matthew 10:30)—and He still accepts and loves you. He is with you through everything that happens to you, good or bad.

God’s character goes into every person He creates! YOU are created in God’s image! Do you ever feel worthless, or don’t like yourself? I have. Sometimes I feel like “I’m not as good as...” That’s when we need to turn to God and remember that we are His specialty! He is always ready to work in our lives. We should have as much respect for ourselves as our Creator, our Maker, our God has for us. When we remember these things, we are preparing ourselves to “bring Him praise” like never before. Dear Jesus, Thank You that You are all-knowing and all-powerful. Thank You for creating me in Your image. Thank You that You know everything about me and love me and have special plans. Please help me to worship and praise You every day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 2 Read Ephesians 1:11-12 (HCSB) 11 We have also received an inheritance in Him… 12 So that we who had already put our hope in the Messiah might bring praise to His glory

Is there only one way to worship Jesus? ______There are so many ways to worship Jesus. What are some ways that come to mind quickly? ______

Think about the other kids in your choir or Sunday School class. Do you all look just alike? ______

Of course not. God created each person to be unique, a specialty! We are all different. We have different ways to praise Jesus. The important thing is to realize that Jesus desires and deserves praise from each and every person. If YOU don’t worship Him, then part of His praise is missing! I can’t worship Jesus for you, and you can’t worship Jesus for me or for someone else. We were created to bring praise to God. It’s God’s plan. When we praise God, it brings Him glory. Our praise sets God apart (makes Him special), and tells Him that we honor Him as OUR God. Pray that God will help you bring Him praise each time you sing in choir, church, school, and home.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for being worthy of praise. Thank You for wanting me to praise You. Thank You for giving me special opportunities to praise You through song and dance and message. Thank You for the people who help set up our stage for the concert. Thank You for using them to praise You through the gifts and talents You have given them and for them be willing to be a servant for Your Kingdom. Keep them safe and healthy as they care for Your property. Please help me to bring my praise to You in a way that honors and glorifies only You, because no one else can give You my praise. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 3 Read Matthew 22:36-38

36 “Teacher, which command in the law is the greatest?”

37 He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.

38 This is the greatest and most important command.

When Jesus was asked about the greatest commandment, He replied “Love the your God with all your ______, with all your ______, and with all your ______.”

When we truly love God as Jesus told us, we will want to praise Him. We will want to give Him our best. Look at the words to the bridge of this last song:

I ______You, I ______You, I ______You, Jesus!

How many times do we sing that phrase? ______

We can never tell Jesus enough that we love Him. He loves hearing it over and over again. It is important for us to admit that we need Him, we want Him in our lives, and we love Him. It is important to say/sing those words out loud—audibly, where anyone and everyone can hear. Not being ashamed to do so is part of bringing your praise to Jesus! Think about the ways you wrote yesterday that you could praise Jesus. Did any of those include “shout, sing, give thanks, give praise?” All of those are things we do when we worship. Children’s choir is more than just learning songs. In choir we are being obedient to God’s commandments to worship Him. God asks us to worship Him now, and we will worship Him forever in Heaven one day. Worship is for Him, but the benefits for us are great! We need to be in God’s presence, feeling His love and goodness. We are part of God’s family and need to be with our Father.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for Your love and Your goodness. Thank You for Your Word that teaches me ways to worship You. Please help me to understand that You require worship from me. Help me learn that my worship will bring me close to You. I was created to worship You. You are my God and I will sing songs of praise to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 4 Read II Chronicles 5:11-14 11 When the priests came forth from the holy place (for all the priests who were present had sanctified themselves, without regard to divisions), 12 and all the Levitical singers, Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, and their sons and kinsmen, clothed in fine linen, with cymbals, harps and lyres, standing east of the altar, and with them one hundred and twenty priests blowing trumpets 13 in unison when the trumpeters and the singers were to make themselves heard with one voice to praise and to glorify the Lord, and when they lifted up their voice accompanied by trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and when they praised the Lord saying, “He indeed is good for His lovingkindness is everlasting,” then the house, the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud,14 so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God.

What does the Bible say happened when the singers praised the Lord? ______

Verse 14 is what we are praying for our concert night. If each one of us understand the words to this song, and sing it from our heart, I believe God’s glory will fill our auditorium. We should be praying that God will use our songs and our message to stir hearts and the Holy Spirit will call people to give their life to Jesus. The first service in the temple began with honoring Godand acknowledging His presence and goodness. Nothing has changed since Solomon’s time. God still wants us to do the same. Our worship should begin by acknowledging God’s love. Praise God first, then you are prepared to give your needs to Him. Thinking about God’s love and mercy often will help you to worship Him everyday.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for Your love and mercy. Thank You for Your grace and goodness. Please help our praise and worship on concert night cause Your glory to fill our auditorium. Please help our songs and message touch lives and hearts to be changed for Your glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 5

Review Days 1- 4. What did God teach you this week? What can you apply (put into your life) to your life from this week’s devotions?

______

Write out this week’s Foundation (from memory if possible).

______Think about what you have learned. The Bible says we are to “meditate” on God’s Word day and night. Meditate means to consider or think over carefully, to spend time in quiet thinking.

Dear Jesus, Thank you for your Holy Word. Thank You for songs that teach me more about You and how to praise You. Lord, there are many ways to worship You. I am special in Your eyes, and I can worship You in my own special way. I was born to worship You. Receive my praise; receive my love. Please help me show You worship in church and help me worship You with my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen..

SECRETARY USE ONLY Sign Off Weekly Devo When Completed: Points Given: WEEK 7: FIND US FAITHFUL THIS WEEK IS A HISTORY LESSON ABOUT FBC CHILDREN’S CHOIRS

Hebrews 12:1-2a • Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith...

Read Psalm 145:4 DAY 1 One generation shall praise Your works to another and shall declare Your mighty acts

For the last 50 years, First Baptist Church Jacksonville has had children’s choirs as we know it today- individually graded choirs that teach hymn memory, music theory, and lead worship in church services.

But did you know that we have had children’s choirs for much longer than 50 years? What?! Yes! As a matter of fact, the first children’s choir at FBC was for 9-13 year olds that began in September 1942! That’s almost 78 years ago! That’s a crazy long time! Not many other churches have had children’s choirs for 78 years, much less 50 years.

This week, we are going to learn about the “faithful stories” of some of the leaders of our children’s choir.

At our church, we have had three generations proclaiming God’s works to the other. Will you purpose in your heart to proclaim Jesus to others? Will you teach Jesus and God’s works to your children one day? One of the best ways to instill these truths is

Dear Jesus, Thank You for Your faithfulness to our church and to me. Thank You for the 78 years of children’s music at my church. Thank You for the years we have had to proclaim Your Mighty Name. We thank You for the mighty acts You have done in our church in the past, what You are doing now, and all You will continue to do in the future. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. DAY 2 Read Hebrews 11 with your family.

Pay special attention to every time you hear/read “By faith ______.”

How many different people are named? ______Then, verse 32 basically says we don’t have enough time to talk about the rest of the people who had great faith. How many people are in that list? ______Then there is an entire group of people are not even named. What group is that? ______

All through the Bible, God gives us passages of Scripture that lists names of people for different reasons. Sometimes it is a family lineage. Sometimes it is a list of the kings of Israel. One very special time it is the list of people (lineage) that led to the birth of Jesus.

Hebrews 11 lists people that have been counted faithful in God’s eyes. We call this chapter the “Hall of Faith.” Then Hebrews 12 begins with “Therefore, since we are surrounded with so great a cloud of witnesses.” That refers to all those people listed in Hebrews 11!

What would that list look like for First Baptist Church Jacksonville? More specifically, the music ministry and children’s choirs at our church. We have 78 years of legacy for children’s choirs (more for adult and youth choirs). But for our purposes, we will focus on what God has done through the children’s choirs.

Homer Lindsay, Sr. was pastor of First Baptist Church Jacksonville in 1940. He led our church well and helped our church get out of debt in 1943. The organist and choir director at the time was Mrs. George W. Kennedy. Even in the 1940’s, we had adult choir and youth choir. In 1943, the decision was made to have a children’s choir. It was a choir for 9 – 13 year olds. They met on Saturdays at 11am. Their sponsor (leader) was Mrs. J.M. Aldridge. Look at the picture below. This was the announcement put in the bulletin (called The Evangel). There were many faithful members during those years who directed the children’s and youth choirs. Here are a few of the people that helped direct children’s choir during those first twenty years: J. Donald DeLong (Choir Director, 1944), Mrs. D. Floyd Rosser (1944), Miss Miriam Cooper (1944), Mrs. J. Donald DeLong (1945), Elmer F. Bailey (Music Minister, 1945-1947), Mrs. F.J. Nepveux (1948), Clem Boatwright (Choir Director, 1952), J. Ted Foltz (Choir Director, 1953-1957), Bill Anderson (Choir Director, 1957- 1961).

There were many faithful members during those years who directed the children’s and youth choirs. Under the leadership of Festus Robertson in 1962, the choir ministry was offered to all ages from four years old and up! Here are some of the people who led in children’s choir during that time:

Beginner Music (4-5): Mrs. Dorothy Jackson, Miss Vernice Hollingsworth, Miss Nancy Wolfe and Mr. Robertson; Cherub Choir (6-8): Mrs. Festus Robertson, Mrs. Heyward LeGrand, Mrs. John Lewis Carol Choir (9-12): Mr. Robertson; N. Armstrong, M. Crews, C. Hall, Barbara Robertson

When Mr. Robertson resigned in 1967, Harvey Gray was the interim (adult) choir director until Mervyn Altman came as the new choir director in September 1967.

Here are some of the people who worked in children’s choirs during these years: Mrs. Carol Hall, Mrs. Dolores Weyer, Mrs. Barbara Altman, Phyllis Ellenberg, Mrs. Harrison, Mrs. Snead, Mrs. Whorton, Mrs. Luke, Mrs. Olson, Dot Jackson, Peggy Veal, Katherine Gorman, Faye Hall, Martha Nell Bartholomew, Hazel Cabler, Sylvia Carpenter, Mige Crews, Billie Girard, Becky Pitman, Joan Reed, Patsy Davis, Edwina Korpi, Verniece Hollingsworth, Ann Tidwell and Joy Kuykendall.

God has been faithful to use choirs for all these years to minister to families, to disciple members, and to create lifelong worshipers.

Homer Lindsay, Jr. came to be co-pastor in 1969. He was pastor until 1999.

In February 1970, the Stone family came to First Baptist Church Jacksonville. R.O. Stone was the minister of music, and his wife, Angie Stone, was the organist. Together, they continued to develop children’s choirs. Mrs. Angie had a great desire to see the structure of children’s choir grow and be a place where children would learn about Jesus through music, would learn hymns of the faith, would worship Jesus with their songs in the services, and would learn musical skills and excellence through music theory. Here are some of the people that worked in children’s choirs in the 1970’s: Karen Yawn, Peggy Veal, Margie Worth, Early Yawn, Carla Myers, Dorothy Jackson, Ann Tidwell, Donna Jackson, Beverly McCormick, Gloria Doyle, Pam Byerly, Mige Crews, R. Jungbauer, Janet Byrd, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Unkefer, Mrs. Carole Hall, Janet Watson, Mr & Mrs. Dave Clark, Oletha Carnet, Maxine Retzer, Patricia Jones, Doyce Byrd, Betty McKenzie, W.F. Snead,Jr., Belinda Sullivan, Nancy Vincett, Harriett Wine, Winnie Petty, Diane Luker, Clifford Walker, Linda Smith, Nancy Scott, Joe Smith, Kim Ryals, Mary Ellen Dotson, Holly Cierpke, Gladys Phillips, Don Cleary, Jeanne Featherstone, Cynthia Rudeseal, Jon Rudeseal, Mary Cleary, Roger Platte, Debbie Taylor, Susan Pumphrey, Okle Jones, Joann Moser, Linda Edwards, Fran Kirkland, Rhonda Floyd, Mary Frances Whittaker, Mr. & Mrs. Harry Smith, Rodney Stone.

One of the members that worked with Mrs. Angie starting in 1970 is still working in our children’s choirs today. Her name is Mrs. Christine Bristowe. Mrs. Christine has served faithfully and continuously for all these 50 years as a helper, K4 choir director, and has served in every grade level of children’s choirs. She currently serves in the 5th grade choir.

We need to thank God for all the men and women that He has used to lead children for the last 78 years.

How many different people do we have listed that have worked in children’s choirs over the last 78 years? ______

Think about how many men and women God has used over the last 78 years. We currently have 60 workers in choir. I don’t know if there has always been that many in one year, but for averages, let say 5 workers per choir for 7 choirs. That is 35 leaders in a year. Multiply that times just the last 70 years. That’s 2,450 workers (many count multiple times) that God has used JUST in children’s choirs! WOW!!

Dear Jesus, Thank You for how You have worked in our church for so many decades. Thank You for the pastors, music ministers, and choir leaders You have given us to teach and disciple children about Jesus through music. Thank You for giving Dr. Lindsay, Sr. and Mrs. Kennedy the insight to begin children’s choirs. Thank You for giving me the opportunity to be a part of children’s choir. Please help me to be faithful to worship you in every area of my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. Read Colossians 3:16 DAY 3 … whatever you do, do it heartily as to the Lord and not unto man.

Diane Dawson came to First Baptist Church Jacksonville in 1975. Mrs. Diane became the children’s choir director and created a systematic way to learn hymns. She called this curriculum “Hymn Treasures.” We continue to have a hymn memory program today and still use many of the songs that are in the “Hymn Treasures” curriculum. We believe hymns are foundational to learning doctrine and theology (learning about God).

Mrs. Diane mentored a lady named Nancy Brant who would become the children’s choir coordinator in 1988. God used Pam Williams from 1986 – 1987; then Joy McCullough for a short bit to keep leading children’s choirs. When Miss Nancy started directing children’s choirs in 1984, she introduced presenting full-length children’s musicals that were not only fun to watch, attend, and participate in, but these musicals provided a way for children to learn deep truths about God and His love for them. Scripture and Truth set to music is the best way to learn and retain. Musicals were the perfect way to do this. Miss Nancy began to write devotion books that would go with each musical, and children (like you are doing now) would learn how to apply the message they were singing to their lives. Miss Nancy wanted children to know how much God loves them and for children to fall in love with Jesus. Miss Nancy led the Children’s Choir Ministry for 25 years until her retirement in 2009.

Many of your parents grew up in FBC and had the privilege of having one of these ladies as a choir director. Even if no one in your family grew up at FBC, you are still benefitting from the ministry that these ladies had because you are in children’s choir now—doing a musical—doing a devotion book—learning hymn memory— memorizing scripture. Isn’t it cool to think about how God uses people to touch the lives of people they don’t know! God will do the same with YOU if you continue in HIS will. You never know how God is going to use you to spread His love and His Word in the lives of children twenty years from now!

Dear Jesus, Thank You for having a plan that is bigger than anyone of can ever know. You knew 50 years (and more) ago that I would be in the children’s choir at First Baptist Church Jacksonville. You used hundreds of people to prepare the way. Thank You for people like Mrs. Diane and Miss Nancy who have had such a major impact on children’s choirs and how they faithfully have served You. Please continue to bless them and their families as they serve and minister to Your children. Thank You for the opportunity to be a part of something so very special. I pray You will show me Your path for my life and that one day I will be able to impact lives for Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. Read Ephesians 4:11-13 DAY 4 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.

Since then (Miss Nancy’s retirement in 2009), God has continued to use our children’s choir ministry to impact lives and families. We are thankful for ALL of those who invest in our children’s choirs each week. We mentioned Mrs. Christine and how she has been in children’s choirs for 50 years.

There are also a few others who have been a part of this ministry for a long time: Jené Moore (39 years), Michelle Lueders (37 years), Coni Birchwood (24 years), Jo Johnson (19 years), Mrs. Teri (17 years).

Our desire is to teach children true worship and for them to be lifelong worshipers of Christ. We pray that the truths, scripture, songs and lessons learned through choir will help them grow and become what God wants them to be.

When we sing “To God Be the Glory” at our musical concert, we will be singing of all the things GOD has done over the last 77 years. When we sing “Find Us Faithful,” we are thanking God for all those who have invested in children over the years, and that God will use us for His Kingdom as well; and that one day when we see Jesus, He will say, “Well done, good and FAITHFUL servant.”

God has given each of us specific gifts to be used for His honor and glory. All the hundreds of leaders that have worked in children’s choirs have used their gift—not all have been directors. We need people to keep rolls and use their gifts of administration. Many have been able to encourage children throughout the years. Many have had the gift of teaching. God’s Word tells us that all these gifts are to be used to build up the church. How will you fit into God’s plan to equip the saints and build the body of Christ? That is why you need to be in God’s Word everyday to know how He wants to use you. Be willing to help your Sunday School teachers; as you get older, help in VBS; your helping now may be keeping trash off the floor, holding the door for others, or even just smiling and encouraging others in the church. You can definitely PRAY for others, our leaders, our church, and people on the prayer sheet. Start now using the gifts God has given you to build the body of Christ! Dear Jesus, Thank You for the gifts and callings that You have given to our pastors and church leaders. Thank You that they are following You and doing Your will. Please help me to learn how to serve You and that I will do Your will as I grow up. Help us to sing “To God be the Glory” to YOU and to truly thank You and praise You for all You have done in our church. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

FUN FACT ABOUT CHILDREN’S CHOIRS

One of the people who was in children’s choirs when she was 8 years old is still at our church, her children were in choir, and now her grandchildren are in children’s choir! Her name is Mary Sue Spurlin. Her husband (Tom) also worked in children’s choirs. Her daughter Marianne (Elkins) and son Dean (Spurlin) came through children’s choir, and then their children have been and are now in children’s choir! What a FAITHFUL story from this family.

DAY 5

Review Days 1- 4. What did God teach you this week? What can you apply (put into your life) to your life from this week’s devotions?

______

Write out this week’s Foundation (from memory if possible). ______Dear Jesus, Thank You again for so many faithful servants in our church who have been in children’s choirs for so many years. Thank You for our new choir leaders who have just begun to serve. Thank You for the willingness and dedication to invest in my life each week. Please bless our musical night. May all that is said and done be pleasing in Your sight. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

HOTLINE CHALLENGE • 265-7425 • Call Mrs. Teri, leave your name & grade, and answer the challenge! Call between Thursday, 7am – Tuesday, midnight. All callers go into a drawing. CHALLENGE: CALL MRS. TERI TELL WHAT YOU LEARNED FROM OUR CHOIR HISTORY. HOW DO YOU THINK YOU CAN BE A PART OF GOD’S PLAN TO BUILD OUR CHURCH?

SECRETARY USE ONLY Sign Off Weekly Devo When Completed: Points Given: WEEK 8: JESUS, THE ONE AND ONLY

Revelation 5:12• Saying with a loud voice: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!

Our main occupation in heaven will be to worship Jesus, so we should practice “heavenly worship” now. The Bible teaches us five ways believers will worship Jesus in heaven. This week, we will discover the 5 things we will give Him. Read Revelation 4:10-11 DAY 1 The twenty-four elders will fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and will worship Him who lives forever and ever, and will cast their crowns before the thrones, saying, “Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.”

We will give Him ______. The crowns represent any rewards that we have earned by living for Jesus. Jesus is worthy of all glory so we offer Him our accomplishments and rewards. To practice this now, make sure to give Jesus credit and glory for every good thing He helps you do. Write down one way you can give Jesus glory today. ______

The Bible (Colossians 3:17) tells us to do ALL in the name of the Lord! When you sing in choir, is it so people see you or so people will know you have a nice voice and will tell you good job? OR, do you sing for an “audience of ONE?” THE ONE! The same for playing sports or taking dance, or any other fun thing you do. Doing chores at home and doing your schoolwork. Everything should be as unto the Lord, and HE is the One to get the glory for any good we do! Dear Jesus, Thank You that You are the only One worthy of our praise and all the glory. Thank You that You created all things and You created me to bring You honor, praise, and glory. Please help me to remember that each day and that everything I do will be to honor and glorify Your Name. Let me always praise You and give You glory and credit for everything happens in my life. Help me to especially sing for You on our musical concert night. Thank You for the many years of children’s choirs at our church and for all You have done. I pray that our musical concert will bring You all the glory and all the honor. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 2 Read Revelation 5:8 When He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty- four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.

We will give Him ______. The golden bowls full of the prayers of the saints teach us that our prayers are precious to Jesus and each prayer is saved in heaven. When we pray we get to know God better and we rely on Him to meet our needs.

Have you ever talked to someone and felt like they really weren’t listening? Do you ever do that to other people? I think the answer is ‘yes’ for everyone to both questions. God isn’t like that! God hears our prayers and even keeps them! Even when our prayers are through tears, the Bible says, “He keeps our tears in a bottle.” (Psalm 56:8). Our prayers are like incense (sweet smelling) to God. Isn’t that an awesome thought?

Remember that Revelation 5:8 tells us our prayers are in golden bowls in heaven? King David prayed in Psalm 141:2 May my prayer be counted as incense before You; the lifting up of my hands as the evening offering. Our prayers are a sweet smell to God. We will be offering prayers to God in Heaven. We should be doing that here on earth (wouldn’t it be awesome to have a huge golden bowl of prayers that God has saved?).

To practice this now, spend time every day in prayer. Write what you will pray about today: ______DAY 3 Read Revelation 5:9-10 When He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty- four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.

We will give Him ______. The “new song” of heaven is an offering of praise. The Bible tells us over and over to praise the Lord and to sing to Him. Singing praise is not just for good singers, it is important for EVERY child of God. Start the day today with a song of praise to God. Find a place to be alone with Jesus and sing “Jesus, the One and Only” to Him. Sing it with all your heart.

Several places in the Bible talk about singing a new song to the Lord! That is one reason we choose new songs and introduce new things in children’s choir! When we get to heaven we are going to sing a new song—one that will be more beautiful and more worshipful than any song we could ever sing on earth! Isn’t that exciting!!! Until then, we need to keep singing new songs to Jesus that are full of Truth!

To practice this now, spend time every day in prayer. Write what you will pray about today: ______DAY 4 Read Revelation 11:17 We give You thanks, O Lord God, the Almighty, who are and who were, because You have taken Your great power and have begun to reign.

We will give Him ______. Being thankful takes our eyes off ourselves and puts them on Jesus, who fills our lives with good things. Start a “thankful” list on a separate sheet of paper. Everyday try to add 10 things you are thankful for. Use this list in your prayer time to offer thanks to God.

It is somewhat interesting that science and psychology studies have “proven” that being thankful makes people happier and improves their overall health and well-being. Well, excuse me, but I’m pretty sure God’s Word has covered that a long time before everyone else. Psalms repeats quite often that we should “give thanks to the Lord…” and I Thessalonians 5:18 is quite clear, “in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God…” So if you are ever questioning what God wants you to do, you can start by giving thanks to Him!!! After all, we will definitely be giving Him thanks for all eternity.

To practice this now, spend time every day in prayer. Write what you will pray about today: ______DAY 5 Read Revelation 19:1-6 After these things I heard something like a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God; because His judgments are true and righteous; for He has judged the great harlot who was corrupting the earth with her immorality, and He has avenged the blood of His bondservants on her.” And a second time they said, “Hallelujah! Her smoke rises up forever and ever.” And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sits on the throne saying “Amen. Hallelujah!” And a voice came from the throne, saying, “Give praise to our God, all you His bond-servants, you who fear Him, the small and the great.” Then I heard something like the voice of a great multitude and like the sound of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, saying, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns.

We will give Him ______. There are four “Hallelujah Choruses” in the book of Revelation. “Hallelujah” means “Praise the Lord.” Find and underline each of the “hallelujah’s” in your Bible. (verses 1,3,4,6) Today find at least four things to say “hallelujah” or “praise the Lord” about.

It is exciting to think about Heaven and what we will give God— our crowns, our prayers, a new song, thanks, and praise! But we do not have to wait to get to Heaven to do so!!! We can give God these things now. Our crowns will come from the way we live our life, people we lead to Jesus, and we can live for Jesus and lead people to Jesus now. We can pray every day, sing to Jesus, give Him thanks, and praise His name every day! Start now practicing for Heaven!!!! Remember that Revelation 5:8 tells us our prayers are in golden bowls in heaven? King David prayed in Psalm 141:2 May my prayer be counted as incense before You; the lifting up of my hands as the evening offering. Our prayers are a sweet smell to God. We will be offering prayers to God in Heaven. We should be doing that here on earth (wouldn’t it be awesome to have a huge golden bowl of prayers that God has saved?)

To practice this now, spend time every day in prayer. Write what you will pray about today: ______Write out this week’s Foundation (from memory if possible).

______

PARENT’S SIGNATURE: ______

HOTLINE CHALLENGE • 265-7425 • Call Mrs. Teri, leave your name & grade, and answer the challenge! Call between Thursday, 7am – Tuesday, midnight. All callers go into a drawing. CHALLENGE: CALL MRS. TERI AND TELL HER WHAT YOUR FAVORITE THING TO GIVE GOD WILL BE. BONUS WEEK: HUMBLY/ABUNDAWONDERFUL This is the medley for our Primary Choir, but kids your age sang it back in the 1980s. No matter how old we are, this is something we all need to know.

Philippians 2:3 • Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves.

DAY 1 Read Philippians 2:3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves.

I have two friends with funny names That sound a lot alike But once you get to know them They’re as different As day and night

One is happy all the time And has lots and lots of friends The other always Gripes and complains And well, nobody really likes him

You may wonder who they are And why they act the way they do The difference is the way They see things It’s called their ATTITUDE

Are you humbly grateful or grumbly hateful? What is your attitude? Do you grumble and moan? Or do you let others know that you are grateful for all God’s done for you?

Dear Jesus, Thank You for all You have done for me. [Thank Jesus for 5 specific things] Please help me to be grateful every day for the life You give me, my family, my church, the food, the clothing, and so many other things. May others see Jesus in me. Thank You for Your love, grace, forgiveness, and mercy. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. DAY 2 Fill in each blank with something for which You can be grateful to God:

______

If we spend more time during the day thanking Jesus for what he has done for us and what we do have, our attitudes will be much happier and our days will go much better. So often it is easy to focus on what we don’t like, or how unfair something may be. When we do that, we are focusing on our self. Our focus should be on Jesus!

Go through your list above and thank Jesus for each one of those things. Dear Jesus, Thank You for all You have done for me. Please help me to focus on You, and not on myself. Let me be humble and grateful for all things as I Thessalonians 5:18 says, ‘in everything give thanks for this is God’s will for [me] in Christ Jesus.’ Thank You for Your love, grace, forgiveness, and mercy. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. DAY 3 Read John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

Read Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen

Jesus gives a reason for living Jesus gives you joy when you are sad

Jesus gives hope when days are dreary Jesus can make life cheery even when things look bad

Have you ever had a time when Jesus gave you joy or made life look cheery even if you were sad or things weren’t going well? Would you write about it here? ______

Think about that time that you just described. Because there is sin in the world, and we are all sinners, we are going to have rough times in life. There are going to be days when things bother us. However, because Jesus came to give us abundant life, He will help us get through those days. He will use those tough times in our life to make us more like Him. Thank Him for helping you through those sad and difficult times. Thank Him for how He will continue to help you in the future. Dear Jesus, Thank You for coming to give me abundant life! Thank You for dying on the cross and rising again so that I can have hope in You. Thank You for the times You have helped me. Please let me keep my focus on You and tell others about the abundant life You want to give them! In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

DAY 4 Psalm 86:5 For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You.

Psalm 86:15 But You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, Slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth.

Isaiah 55:7 Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to the LORD, and He will have compassion on him, and to our God, For He will abundantly pardon. Jonah 4:2 He [Jonah] prayed to the LORD and said, “Please LORD, was not this what I said while I was still in my own country? Therefore in order to forestall this I fled to Tarshish, for I knew that You are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, and one who relents concerning calamity.

Each of these verses refers to God’s lovingkindness. Webster Dictionary defines lovingkindness as “tenderness and consideration toward others.” (Isaiah says, “He will have compassion.” That is a form of lovingkindness.)

God loves you more than you can imagine. No matter what we do or even if we try to run from His will (like Jonah), He is always ready to forgive us. Look at the verse from Isaiah: He abundantly pardons! Pardon means to forgive. When we are forgiven, we have abundant life.

Have you ever done something to someone and felt so badly that your heart just felt heavy? But once you asked that person’s forgiveness, you felt lighter and more free, right? We are all sinners and sin is a heavy weight. Only God can forgive our sins. All these verses (and a lot more) talk about how God is abundant in lovingkindness and abundantly forgives. When we repent and ask forgiveness of our sins God does that and gives us an “ABUNDAWONDERFUL” life in HIM! Dear Jesus, Thank You for the abundawonderful life that only You can give. Thank You that You are always ready to forgive and that Your lovingkindness is abundant. Please help me to be considerate toward others so that I may be more like You. Give me concern and compassion for other people. Thank You again for Your love, grace, forgiveness, and mercy. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 5

Review Days 1- 4. What did God teach you this week? What can you apply (put into your life) to your life from this week’s devotions?

______

Write out this week’s Foundation (from memory if possible).

______

HOTLINE CHALLENGE • 265-7425 • Call Mrs. Teri, leave your name & grade, and answer the challenge! Call between Thursday, 7am – Tuesday, midnight. All callers go into a drawing. CHALLENGE: TELL MRS. TERI A TIME WHEN JESUS HELPED YOU. IF YOU DON’T WANT TO SHARE THAT, TELL HER SEVERAL THINGS YOU’RE GRATEFUL FOR.

SECRETARY USE ONLY Sign Off Weekly Devo When Completed: Points Given: LYRICS

PRIMARY MEDLEY

Speaker Do you grumble and groan Chorus I have two friends with funny names Or let it be known There--- is --- That sound a lot alike You’re grateful for all Abundawonderful But once you get to know them God’s done for you? Life in Jesus They’re as different As day and night Which – one – are Abundawonderful life You------That never ends One is happy all the time And has lots and lots of friends Interlude Abundawonderful The other always happiness Gripes and complains There--- is --- Abundawonderful friends And well, nobody really likes him Abundawonderful There’s abundawonderful Life in Jesus Life in Him You may wonder who they are And why they act the way they do Abundawonderful life Solo 3 The difference is the way That never ends Jesus gives you life They see things everlasting It’s called their ATTITUDE Abundawonderful Jesus gives you love happiness When you’re alone Choir Abundawonderful friends Are—you— There’s abundawonderful Solo 4 Humbl’ly grateful Life in Him He gives peace when Or grumbl-ly hateful? You are worried What’s your attitude? Solo1 Patience when you’re hurried Jesus gives a reason for living When your day is blurry Do you grumble and groan Jesus gives you joy He is still in control! Or let it be known when you are sad You’re grateful for all Repeat Chorus God’s done for you? Solo 2 He gives hope when Tag Are—you— Days are dreary There’s abundawonderf’ly Humbl’ly grateful Strength when Wonderful Or grumbl-ly hateful? You are weary Wonderf’ly abundaful What’s your attitude? Abundawonderful He can make life cheery Life----- Even when things look bad! In Him------HYMN TREASURES MEDLEY

Tell me the story of Jesus Tell me the story of Jesus Write on my heart ev’ry word Write on my heart ev’ry word Tell me the story most precious Tell me the story most precious Sweetest that ever was heard Swee—test that Ev---er was hear---d 2 measures This is my story When we walk with the Lord This is my song In the light of His Word Praising my Savior What a glory He sheds on our way All the day long

While we do His good will This is my story He abides with us still, This is my song And with all who will Praising my Savior Trust* and obey All the day long

Trust and obey Praising my Savior For there’s no other way All the day long To be happy in Jesus But to trust* and obey Tag Because of His story--- My Jesus I love Thee This--- I know Thou art mine Is--- For Thee all the follies My--- Of sin I resign Song------

My gracious Redeemer My Savior art Thou If ever I loved Thee My Jesus, ‘tis now

2 measures

What can wash away my sin Nothing but the blood of Jesus What can make me whole again Nothing but the blood of Jesus

Oh precious is the flow That makes me white as snow No other fount I know Nothing but the blood of Jesus TRUTH MEDLEY

Narration 1 Chorus 3 measures Choir Come to Me Don’t let pressure lead you All who hunger deep inside Solo 1 astray Jesus said, When Jesus walked Joy it brings you will pass away You won’t be denied Upon the earth Jesus satisfies ev’ry day He lived a life of perfect worth His well will not run dry Food for your body He grew in favor Will not make you whole With both God and man Chorus What you need is Come taste the water Food for your soul He loved His friends It’s cool and it is free With perfect love Ever cool water What you need is And spoke to them If only you believe Food---- Of God above For--your soul--- His life’s a picture of Jesus said God’s perfect plan Drink from Me Narration 4 And never thirst again--- 6 measures Choir His Living Water He said, Do unto others Will fill you without end Choir As you’d have them do to you. Bring it on; don’t stop He said to love Jesus said Bring it on Your neighbor as yourself Drink from Me ‘cause I’m ready to rock And never thirst again-- I know I’m little Tell your friends about His love His Living Water But I’ve got a big God! And you will see Will fill you without end That’s the way to walk like him So bring it on Narration 3 ‘cause I’m ready to rock Chorus 6 measures Walk like Jesus Tag Talk like Jesus Solo 3 So bring it on He’s the Way, the Truth, the Life When I was hungry ‘cause I’m ready to rock He’s the Brother Empty with despair Bring it on Like no other Sin filled my life ‘cause I’m ready to rock Follow Him to know what’s right With a load of care *YEAH! Narration 2 All the world offered 4 measures Filled my soul with strife---- Jesus said, Taste and you’ll see Solo 2 I am – the Bread – of Life------When your friends - recommend Sotherthing wrong; Just be 2 measures strong If they try- to make you lie Choir It ain’t cool- to break the rules Sould food–I need Soul food –Gimmee Soul food–I need Soul food

Sould food–I need Soul food – Soul food–I need Soul food THE TEN COMMANDMENTS Optional Solo Number ten Number nine In a cloud of fire and smoke Don’t covet and Don’t be the kind A mighty voice of thunder broke Want your neighbor’s To tell lies As God descended to the House or wife mountain top Number ten That’s the list Don’t covet and High upon Mount Sinai God insists Want your neighbor’s He gave the rules we should live Stay away from these sins House or wife by And that’s why we memorize As God gave out the “shalts” Commandments one through ten That’s the list And “thou shalt nots” God insists The perfect ten Stay away from Choir The perfect ten these sins Number one They’re just as tru And that’s why we We’ve begun As they were memorize Put God first in your life Way back when God gave Commandments The perfect ten one through ten Number two The perfect ten The idol rule Come on The perfect ten Graven images-aren’t nice Let’s say them once again The perfect ten They’re just as tru Number three Number one As they were Never speak We’ve begun Way back when God gave God’s name in jest Put God first in your life The perfect ten The perfect ten Number four Number two Come on The Sabbath’s for The idol rule Let’s say them once again Worship and for rest Graven images-aren’t nice One, two, three, four, Number five Number three Five, six, seven, eight Let’s strive to honor Never speak Nine--- Father and mother God’s name in jest (wait------) The Perfect Ten! Number six Number four Let’s nix The Sabbath’s for Killing one another Worship and for rest

Number seven Number five Life’s heaven Let’s strive to honor Being true to your mate Father and mother

Number eight Number six Do not steal Let’s nix For goodness sake Killing one another

Number nine Number seven Don’t be the kind Life’s heaven To tell lies Being true to your mate

Number eight Do not steal For goodness sake THE LOVE OF JESUS MEDLEY Choir Solo It was a good day You cannot travel past His love On a bad day It is around, beneath above You heard it right His love is deeper than I’ll say it again You’ll ever go Oh the Father loves You so It was a good day On a bad day Choir When Jesus dies You can’t imagine To rise again How He loves you You can’t imagine Because He gave His life How He cares Upon the cross And paid the price of The Father loves Sin for us To speak each name That good day To Him no two On a bad day was Are just the same A great day for me----- You can’t imagine How He cares He’s not here! Jesus is risen You can’t imagine So do not fear How He loves us He’s alive--- We make Him laugh He was crucified We make Him cry But escaped the grave He’s not inside And because we did not know No, He’s not here He sent His only Son to show He is alive!----- To all the world Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! How much He cares

He came from heaven to earth And because we did not know To show the way He sent His only Son to show— From the earth to the cross To all the world My debt to pay How much He cares From the cross to the grave From the grave to the sky Lord I life Your name on high

4 measures

Because of Your love We’re forgiven Because of Your love Our hearts are clean--- We live You up--- With songs of freedom Forever we’re changed----

7 measures Verse 3 TO GOD BE THE GLORY Great things He hath taught us Chorus Great things He hath done Praise the Lord To God be the glory And great our rejoicing His mercy is more Great things He hath done Through Jesus the Son Stronger than darkness So loved the world New ev’ry morn That He gave us His Son But purer, and higher, Our sins they are many And greater will be His mercy is more Who yielded His life Our wonder, our victory An atonement for sin When Jesus we see 2 measures And opened the life-gate That all may go in Chorus Verse 2 Praise the Lord What patience would wait Chorus Praise the Lord As we constantly roam? Praise the Lord Let the earth hear His voice What Father so tender Praise the Lord Praise the Lord Is calling us home? Let the earth hear His voice Praise the Lord Praise the Lord Let the people rejoice He welcomes the weakest Praise the Lord The vilest, the poor. Let the people rejoice O come to the Father Our sins they are many Through Jesus the Son His mercy is more O come to the Father And give Him the glory Through Jesus the Son Great things He hath done! Chorus And give Him the glory Praise the Lord Great things He hath done! His mercy is more Praise the Lord Stronger than darkness 2 measures Praise the Lord New ev’ry morn Let the earth hear His voice Our sins they are many Verse 2 Praise the Lord His mercy is more O perfect redemption Praise the Lord The purchase of blood Let the people rejoice 2 measures To ev’ry believer The promise of God O come to the Father Verse 3 Through Jesus the Son What riches of kindness The vilest offender And give Him the glory He lavished on us? Who truly believes Great things He hath done! His blood was the payment That moment from Jesus His life was the cost. A pardon receives And give Him the glory Great things He hath done! We stood ‘neath a debt Chorus We could never afford. Praise the Lord Our sins they are many Praise the Lord HIS MERCY IS MORE His mercy is more Let the earth hear His voice Praise the Lord Verse 1 Chorus Praise the Lord What love could remember Praise the Lord Let the people rejoice No wrongs we have done? His mercy is more Omniscient all knowing Stronger than darkness O come to the Father He counts not their sum New ev’ry morn Through Jesus the Son Our sins they are many And give Him the glory Thrown into a sea His mercy is more Great things He hath done! Without bottom or shore Repeat Our sins they are many Our sins they are many 2 measures His mercy is more His mercy is more LET PRAISE AWAKEN

Narration Bridge/Solo 9 measures Let praise awaken In this generation Solo 1 Let praise awaken Let praise awaken All around the world Inside of ev’ry heart Let praise awaken For He is awesome In this generation Our God is awesome Let praise awaken All around the world The ground is shakin’ As we’re singin’ loud Choir: For He is awesome Let praise awaken Our God is awesome In this generation Let praise awaken Solo 2 All around the world And You’re able Let praise awaken To do anything In this generation So I trust You, Let praise awaken Never doubt You, All around the world ‘cause You hold it all 9 measures Choir/Chorus Ev’ry day of my life I’ll praise You Chorus Ev’ry moment I will bless Your name Ev’ry day of my life I’ll praise You You have given me love unfailing Ev’ry moment I will bless Your name Hey – hey – hey You have given me love unfailing Oh--- hey – hey – hey Hey – hey – hey

Let praise awaken Ev’ry day of my life I’ll praise You Inside of ev’ry heart Ev’ry moment I will bless Your name For He is awesome You have given me love unfailing Our God is awesome Hey – hey – hey Oh--- hey – hey – You are faithful Hey----- And You’re able To do anything So I trust You, Never doubt You, ‘cause You hold it all

Chorus Ev’ry day of my life I’ll praise You Ev’ry moment I will bless Your name You have given me love unfailing Hey – hey – hey

Ev’ry day of my life I’ll praise You Ev’ry moment I will bless Your name You have given me love unfailing Hey – hey – hey Oh--- hey – hey – hey BRING MY PRAISE

Solo Choir You knew me before I was born I love You You made me special in Your eyes I need You You taught me how to sing Your I want You, Jesus praise You listen when I call Your name I love You I need You Choir/Chorus I want You, Jesus No one else can bring My praise but me I love You No one else can give I need You My offering I want You, Jesus

You have put a love song I love You Deep inside of me I need You No one else can bring I want You, Jesus My praise but me I love You Choir I need You You knew me before I was born I want You, Jesus You made me special in Your eyes You taught me how to sing Your Chorus praise No one else can bring You listen when I call Your name My praise but me No one else can give Chorus My offering No one else can bring My praise but me You have put a love song No one else can give Deep inside of me My offering No one else can bring my praise You have put a love song Deep inside of me No one else can bring No one else can bring My praise but me My praise but me No one else can give My offering Solo 8 measures You have put a love song Deep inside of me I give my life to worship You No one else can bring I will dance, I will play, I will sing My praise but me

Bridge/Solo Tag I love You You have put a love song I need You Deep inside of me---- I want You, Jesus No one else can bring My praise But me JESUS, THE ONE AND FIND US FAITHFUL ONLY Solo Solo 1 Elementary Choirs Who was born Son of God We’re children on the journey But as those who’ve gone before Yet Son of Man? Of the narrow road us Who laid down His life And those who’ve gone Let us leave to those behind us And rose to live again! Before us line the way The heritage of faithfulness Who rides the clouds of glory Passed down through Godly lives Whose Kingdom never ends? Cheering on the faithful There is no other name Encouraging the weary Chorus/Primary Choirs Join Choir joins softly Their lives a stirring testament Oh may all who come behind us Jesus, the One and Only To God’s sustaining grace Find us faithful Faithful, True and Holy May the fire of our devotion He’s the Son of righteousness Solo 2 Light their way Worthy of the glory Surrounded by so great Jesus Christ, the One and Only A cloud of witnesses May the footprints that we leave Let us run the race Lead them to believe All Voices Not only for the prize And the lives we live Let ev’ry voice in earth Inspire them to obey And heaven offer praise Elementary Choirs And ev’ry heart But as those who’ve gone before Narration Become His Holy hiding place us Hebrews 12:1-2 Let ev’ry knee bow down Let us leave to those behind us And ev’ry tongue confess the The heritage of faithfulness Chorus with Everyone name Passed down through Godly lives Oh may all who come behind us Of Jehovah’s only Son Find us faithful The risen One Chorus/Primary Choirs Join May the fire of our devotion Chorus Oh may all who come behind us Light their way Jesus, the One and Only Find us faithful Faithful, True and Holy May the fire of our devotion May the footprints that we leave He’s the Son of righteousness Light their way Lead them to believe Worthy of the glory And the lives we live Jesus Christ, the One and Only May the footprints that we leave Inspire them to obey Lead them to believe Bridge And the lives we live Oh may all who come behund us All hail the pow’r of Jesus’ Name Inspire them to obey Find us faithful Let angels prostrate fall Find us faithful Bring forth the royal diadem Oh may all who come behind us Find us faithful---- And crown Him Find us faithful Lord of all Crown Him Solo 3 Jesus, the One and Only After all our hopes and Dreams have come and gone Crown Him And the children sift Faithful, True and Holy Through all we’ve left behind He’s the Son of righteousness Worthy of the glory Elementary Choirs May the clues that we discover Crown Him Jesus Christ, And the mem’ries we uncover the One and Only Become the light that leads us to Crown Him Jesus Christ, The road we each must find the One and Only the One and Only IMPORTANT DATES* 2020 SPRING MUSICAL CONCERT

All dates are subject to change due to #Covid19. Thank you for your understanding.

JOINT REHEARSALS:

Wednesday, May 6 6:00 – 7:40pm Wednesday, May 13 6:00 – 7:40pm Wednesday, May 20 6:00 – 7:40pm Wednesday, May 27 6:00 – 7:40pm

ALL CHOIRS AND SPECIAL PARTS

STAGING REHEARSAL Friday, May 29 5:30pm–8:30pm

DRESS REHEARSAL Saturday, May 30 10:30am–1pm Wear musical shirt and jeans

PROGRAM Sunday, May 31 5:00pm

Choir arrives at 3:30pm Life Together Fellowship after program

PRIMARY CHOIRS Friday, May 29 6:15 – 7:30 Saturday, May 30 11:15 – 12:30