** Unlocked은 Keys for kids Ministries에서 지원받은 프로그램입니다. 원본으로 듣고 싶으신 분들은 홈페이지 Unlocked.org로 들어가시면 <March 1, 2021>에서 다시 들으실 수 있습니다.**
Slow Down
• READ: MATTHEW 11:28-30; LUKE 10:38-42
Life is busy. We are busy. We are bombarded with school, emotions, family, church, and so many responsibilities. With our commitments and schedules, it’s very easy to blow through our lives without taking time to stop and appreciate the beauty that is all around us.
Truly, God crafted an amazing world! God created this majestic earth for us to enjoy and appreciate, and sometimes we just plow through life without pausing to thank Him for it or to soak in the beauty.
A few years ago, my mentor encouraged me to seek out the small moments and thank God for His presence in those times. She said that doing this had really helped her change her perspective on life, so I tried it. And let me tell you: it radically shifted my focus!
When I am stressed and overwhelmed by life, I try to look for small blessings. I would encourage you to do the same. It is in a quiet walk through the neighborhood or a five-minute prayer time that God’s peace and presence can sometimes be felt most strongly.
Remembering the Lord’s presence and talking with Him as you go throughout the day and enjoy His creation provides a reassurance that nothing else can give. Taking the time to slow down and enjoy the calm moments in our lives helps us to focus on God (Isaiah 26:3). • Chelsea Leigh
• Do you feel bogged down by the stress of life? What are some practical ways you can slow down and rest?
• Read Philippians 4:4-8. How do God’s peace and presence improve your perspective?
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Isaiah 26:3 (NLT)
** Unlocked은 Keys for kids Ministries에서 지원받은 프로그램입니다. 원본으로 듣고 싶으신 분들은 홈페이지 Unlocked.org로 들어가시면 <June 4, 2021>에서 다시 들으실 수 있습니다.**
Humbling Ourselves
• READ: 2 CHRONICLES 7:11-16; MICAH 6:6-8; PHILIPPIANS 2:1-11
A few summers ago, my husband and I were invited to an outdoor wedding. The reception was in a barn, and the summer humidity was at full strength, so we assumed attire would be casual. I wore a sundress, and my husband wore a polo shirt and khakis. We were wrong about the dress code—evening gowns and tuxedos surrounded us. Our outfits were the one sore spot at a black-tie wedding. It was humiliating!
No one likes to be humiliated. But we are called to live in humility. And the word "humility" comes from the same root as "humiliation." Jesus wasn’t afraid to risk humiliation. Because He loves us so much, He became human and died a humiliating death on the cross, taking the punishment for our sins. His humility led to His victory over sin and death when He resurrected from the dead, securing our resurrection when He returns to restore creation and right every wrong.
Until that day, because sin and brokenness have corrupted God’s good world, we live in a state of division. We live polarized from our fellow humans. Many of us find it challenging to engage in conversations with people who come from different backgrounds or who have different experiences. But how can we love others if we can’t humble ourselves enough to listen to what they have to say? How can we seek justice if we are too afraid to risk humiliation?
Humbling ourselves starts with knowing we need Jesus no more or less than others do. Scripture illustrates how humility is necessary for healing. In 2 Chronicles 7:14, God gives Solomon four steps for leading the land toward healing: humility, prayer, seeking God’s face, and turning from wickedness. This call for humility is not an isolated suggestion. In Micah 6:8, the prophet Micah tells the people to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.
We humble ourselves so God’s grace may prevail and His grace to us can overflow to others. We humble ourselves by setting aside our own opinions and desires long enough to listen well and love others. If we want to see healing and reconciliation in our world, we can’t be afraid to follow Jesus by humbling ourselves—even to the point of humiliation. • Becca Wierwille
• How was Jesus humiliated? Why was He willing to be humiliated—for us? (See our "Know Jesus" page.)
• In light of this, how might listening and empathizing come more naturally to us?
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Philippians 2:3 (NIV)
