** Unlocked은 Keys for kids Ministries에서 지원받은 프로그램입니다. 원본으로 듣고 싶으신 분들은 홈페이지 Unlocked.org로 들어가시면 <March 23, 2021>에서 다시 들으실 수 있습니다.**
A Gift of Words
• READ: LUKE 7:1-10; 10:38-42; 23:38-43; JOHN 15:9-17
I keep it handy. A college notebook. From time to time, I open it to the back of my American History final. On this page, my favorite professor wrote: “It was a real joy to have had you as a student this past term. Your diligence and enthusiasm were always apparent—even on those days when it was hard to be hard-working and excited!!”
Without fail, when I read these words, I smile. They remind me someone thinks I’m special. Someone who took the time to tell me in words.
Words are powerful. Just read the Bible. Its sixty-six books include words of instruction, comfort, and challenge. There are pages of poetry, parables, and fascinating true stories. There are also the truth-filled words of Jesus, including the encouraging words of blessing He used for those who had found favor with Him through faith.
For instance, Jesus was met by messengers on His way to heal a centurion’s servant. Feeling unworthy to have Jesus in his home, the centurion had sent word asking Jesus to heal his servant from a distance. Jesus said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel” (Luke 7:9).
When Jesus was a guest in Mary and Martha’s home, Martha wanted Mary to assist her in the kitchen rather than listen to Jesus’ teachings. Jesus said, “Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:42).
When one of the thieves being crucified beside Him declared his faith, Jesus told him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).
My favorite words, however, are the words Jesus said to His disciples at the Last Supper and says to His followers today, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you” (John 15:9). Jesus loves us. Now, those are powerful words. • Kathy Irey
• When did a person’s words, positive or negative, have a profound impact on your life?
• God’s Word is the source of truth, and its words are powerful. Read 2 Timothy 3:15-17. How does God’s Word affect our lives as Christians?
Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 16:24 (NIV)
** Unlocked은 Keys for kids Ministries에서 지원받은 프로그램입니다. 원본으로 듣고 싶으신 분들은 홈페이지 Unlocked.org로 들어가시면 <April 29, 2021>에서 다시 들으실 수 있습니다.**
Fear Not
• READ: ISAIAH 43:1-13; MATTHEW 6:25-34; PHILIPPIANS 4:4-9
Fear shows its face in a lot of ugly ways. It distorts the way we view the future and the past. It creates worst-case scenarios in our minds and builds walls around our hearts.
Fear is a tool of the enemy. But God reminds us again and again that we have no reason to buy into fear’s lies.
In the book of Isaiah, the prophet warns Israel that their rebellion has consequences. Yet, hope is woven through this book: hope for Jerusalem, hope for the nations, hope in God’s promises, and hope in the coming King.
This hope is the reason that, as God’s children, we do not have to be afraid.
Sure, the world gives us reasons to fear. A glimpse at our world right now reveals an abundance of division, pain, and injustice. But to cower in fear is to ignore the hope Jesus brought us when He died on the cross and rose again. Jesus defeated death. If the One who conquered the grave is on our side, what do we have to fear?
The book of Isaiah contains scathing words about God’s judgment, but the contrasting words of hope and mercy are an inseparable piece of the story. In Isaiah 43, God tells the people of Israel that He has redeemed them and called them by name and will be with them always. He tells them not to fear when they pass through rivers or walk through fire, because He loves them.
These same words apply to us today, if we have put our trust in Jesus. We do not have to be afraid. No matter what happens, God is with us. He has restored us and adopted us into His family. He loves us so much that He sent His only Son to die for us.
And with the Savior of the world on our side, and the power of His Holy Spirit inside us, we can replace the fear in our lives with hope in His promises. • Becca Wierwille
• In what parts of your life do you experience the most fear?
• Write down things you are afraid of, and then compare them to what God says in His word.
• What steps can you take to begin to replace those fears with hope in God’s promises?
But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1 (NIV)
