PEACE: An untroubled heart that comes from trusting God
MEMORY VERSE: “I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” JOHN 14:27 (NLT)
This Week’s Finish Line: Peace Comes from Trusting God
In Mark 5:1-20 Jesus encountered a troubled man who desperately needed the peace that only Jesus could give. The man was alone, self-destructive and fearful. When he met Jesus, he recognized who Jesus was and Jesus alone was able to heal the man from the troubled spirit inside him. The man became a new person and trusted in his Savior who gave him peace of mind and heart (John 14:27). He excitedly told everyone he met what the Lord had done for him and all the people were amazed (Mark 5:20). While our lives might not look like this man’s on the outside, we were all born in trouble, apart from God and without peace. Only when we trust God and allow Him to change our hearts can we have the peace that surpasses all understanding. Then we can share with everyone the amazing way Jesus changed us from people with trouble, worry and fear to people at peace with Him.
Family Questions:
- Read Mark 5:1-20. Describe the difference in the man before and after his encounter with Jesus. Where did he find peace?
- If you were one of the people who knew him before, what would you think of his change?
- Do you believe God is trustworthy? Why? What do you believe is true about God?
- How does trusting God help you have peace in your life?
Bring It Home Activities
1. Flashlight Freeze Tag
This is a fun game to do when kids have friends over or you can do it with your whole community group. All you need is a bunch of flashlights at night. One person starts with the flashlight and the rest of the players run around in the dark. Once the person who is “it” shines the light on someone, that person freezes. Hand a flashlight to that person and now they get to look for the other players too. Continue until all the players are found and have a light. Talk about it afterwards. What was it like when you were running in the dark? How did you change when the light shown on you? How is this similar to the change that happens when you encounter Jesus and let His light change you?
2. Memory Verse Games
Take time this week to memorize this month’s memory verse, John 14:27. You can have them write out the verse in sidewalk chalk and then “erase” one word at a time with water until they have it memorized. Another idea for a hot summer day is to write the words on water balloons with permanent marker. After each time they say the verse, let one kid pop a balloon until they know the verse and the balloons are all popped.
3. Significant Summer
All throughout the summer, we are challenging parents to make the time they have with their kids significant. Take time this summer to intentionally disciple your kids in 4 areas: Grow, Play, Serve and Rest. You can download a free copy of our Significant Summer booklet filled with ideas for you and your family to not waste your summer. Track the fun things your family did on the Significant Summer chart and tell us about it on social media using #sigsummer14.
Prayer
Thank God for the story He is writing in your life and how He has changed you. Ask Him to help you trust in Him so that you can have the perfect peace that only comes from Him. Thank Him for how He continues to transform you.
Looking Ahead
Next week we will look at Psalm 139 and discuss how trusting God gives us peace with how He made us.
Talk Back
How have you and your family been having a Significant Summer so far?
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