Recently, our family has been reading back through C.S. Lewis’ [The Chronicles of Narnia](http://www.amazon.com/gp/bookseries/B00CKCX788/ref=sr110acsb1?ie=UTF8&qid=1382975749&sr=1-10-acs) book series, something I would encourage every parent to do with your children. As we read through The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe_, I was struck by this scene in Lewis’ tale as the children meet Aslan for the very first time (emphasis mine):
“But as for Aslan himself, the Beavers and the children didn’t know what to do or say when they saw him. People who have not been in Narnia sometimes think that a thing cannot be good and terrible at the same time. If the children had ever thought so, they were cured of it now. For when they tried to look at Aslan’s face they caught just a glimpse of the golden mane and the great, royal, solemn, overwhelming eyes; and then they found they couldn’t look at him and went all trembly.”
Fear: A Right View of God
As parents, we often shy away from teaching our kids to fear God. Even if we do teach the word, we often are quick to explain it as something completely different than being afraid of something terrible. Perhaps it is because we, like our children, “have not been in Narnia” ourselves and struggle to understand how something can indeed “be good and terrible at the same time.” But God’s Word clearly commands us to fear the Lord and instructs us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7) and the source of life (Proverbs 14:27).
This month, through four especially challenging moments in the life of King David, we will look at the godly character trait of FEAR, and how having a right view of the character of God leads us to a life of courageous worship that demonstrates that He, like Aslan, is not safe, but He is good.
FEAR: Having the right view of God’s perfect justice, grace, and authority.
MEMORY VERSE: “And now Israel what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the Lord your God, and live in a way that pleases Him, and love Him and serve Him with all your heart and soul.” Deuteronomy 10:12 (NLT)
Operation Christmas Child
We are excited to partner together once again this year with our friends at Samaritan’s Purse for Operation Christmas Child. This is a church-wide initiative that Watermark has taken part in the last couple of years and one that is especially fun for families to do together to serve kids literally all over the world. The first two Sundays of this month we will distribute information on how your family can participate. We will be collecting your stuffed shoeboxes on November 17th and 24th. Be sure to take advantage of this great opportunity to teach your kids about how God can use us to meet the needs of others and be on the lookout for information about the “Fear the Beard” challenge we’re giving the kids for this month!
Crossroads 45 Collision
Crossroads 45 parents, mark your calendars and make your plans for Friday, November 15th! Collision is an outreach opportunity for your 4th and 5th grader to bring their friends from school and/or your neighborhood to hear the gospel message. Our theme is “Bootcamp” so make sure to encourage your kids to dress up in their best military outfit (there will be a prize for the best dressed) and come ready to have a blast. We will have games, prizes, videos and most importantly the Gospel of Jesus Christ will be lifted up. No need to register. Just drop off your kids with us at 7:00 on November 15th for a night full of fun surprises.
This November is going to be a great one in Watermark Kids and we can’t decide what we’re most excited about! We hope you and your kids will be a part of this exciting month with us.
What is your family most looking forward to this November?
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