Godstruck Ministries 4 Kids May 2014 Newsletter

Blessings Blog: Heavenly Treasure

My only sibling, a brother, lives in Southern California. If I were to mention his place of employment, I’m fairly certain readers would know the name well. Just like many employees in large cities, he lives in a suburban community that by distance is not too terribly far, but in real time commuting could try the patience of Job. Off hours are not too bad; there just do not happen to be too many off hours on the thoroughfares, especially for those who enjoy seeing the city in the light of day.

I have had the opportunity to visit on several occasions. In as much as I try to approach life without putting too much value in temporal things, I still find myself attracted to some of the glitz and glamour of the typical sights in the area. One of those places is Beverly Hills. One time, if you can even imagine it, I brought a sack lunch, and unbelievably, I decided to eat in a little triangular park right there in the residential area. Sitting on a bench, I was admiring the homes in the vicinity and watching people walking through the park. I’m sure the passers-by were watching me too. Who knows what the locals thought of me with my homemade fare. As a “commoner,” I’m sure I looked like I didn’t belong, but it was a lovely spring day, and I enjoyed the warmth, beauty and peaceful setting the park provided.

The houses were mansions, to be sure. The finest masonry, meticulously manicured lawns and tall well–built fences or hedges were a part of each property. At one point, I turned around to see what was behind me. There, in the middle of this locality for the well-to-do was a construction site. It was obvious that something had been torn down to make room for a new home. The replacement structure was just a skeleton, and I was contemplating what would have led someone to tear down a manor. It was then that I registered this thought, “The owners of the original home believed that it would be here forever.” Hmmm. Mulling over that notion, I could imagine why: the materials used were the finest available, after all. In its day, this home had provided a luxurious haven for a member of high society. But, I know that God allowed me to register this thought because the implication was clear: nothing of material value will last forever.

And nothing means exactly that: NOT A THING! Possessions that are worth a lot by the world’s standards are temporary at best and can become a hindrance and a trap demanding time and attention that rightfully belong to those things that will last. Service to God and true worship, time and care for people, and expending effort for the salvation and discipleship of living souls are investments worth making. Jesus said as much when he stated, “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:20-21).

Lest we be judgmental of those who may have what the world deems “the good things in life,” the trap is set for all. Believe me, God was reminding me to be careful as to how I was viewing this easily enviable lifestyle. Coveting is a sin, and it can be oh so easy to cross the line. God’s desire is that we keep our eyes on the prize, and the prize is always Him and His Kingdom. It needs to be what we seek after and hold most dear. So, if I ever venture back to that celebrated neighborhood, rather than just admire their upscale edifices, maybe I’ll walk through the neighborhood and pray for the people there. It just might add to heavenly treasure, which will last forever.

Family Activity: An Appreciation Home (Built with Blessing Blocks)

It is such a human trait to put our stock in nice things, big things, beautiful things. As noted in the message this month, this may be especially true about the homes in which we live. However, it is important to reiterate how temporary even a well built home is in light of eternity. Remember the three little pigs? The owner of the brick house had a sturdy, reliable dwelling to be sure. But, even a house of bricks will some day be subject to the same fate as the ones made of straw and sticks. Talk about depreciation; home values will definitely deflate in eternity right along with the homes themselves!

Building one another up through love and encouragement is an act that will be manifest forever. The activity for May will be on going for as long as your family decides: build an “Appreciation Home” to which each family member will contribute. As the family watches it grow and views its positive messages, hearts will be lifted and united in a very simple but tangible way. And the effect of affirming words is something that can last a lifetime and impact eternity.

Colored Paper, Crayons, Scotch Tape, Black Marker Needs: Paper of different colors (one color per family member), bright yellow or gold paper, tools for writing and drawing, poster board, scotch tape, a central place to display the creation.

Enlist the able family members to cut the colored papers into 2” x 3” rectangles. As stated above, each person will be assigned a color of paper on which the other family members will write their positive and encouraging comments. If it would create a scuffle to allow everyone to choose his/her representative color, use a fair way to assign them. Bright yellow or gold will be set aside to represent God. You will need to have six extra rectangles for God.

Each Family Members Name Write each family member’s name on one piece of his/her colored paper. Before you begin, write the phrase, “We build our lives on the Lord” on the six extra yellow/gold 2” x 3” rectangles. Each word will be written on its own paper, except “the Lord” will be written on one paper. Put this phrase at the bottom of your poster board to emphasize that Jesus is the foundation of your home.

Start with the youngest child (easier for the younger ones to see the blocks at the bottom) – place that person’s name at the top of the poster board. For the next three days, words of encouragement will be written about and for this person. These will be blessing blocks to build a “home” on the poster board. All should write an appropriate word, a phrase, a sentence or a Scripture expressing thankfulness, citing a noted virtue or action, or conveying support and blessing to the honoree of the day. Children who are too young to write themselves can be helped with their blessing blocks, or they can draw a picture to express what they would like to say.

Each person will affix his/her blessing blocks daily on the poster board. Start just above the foundation, and build up. Try to encourage block placement in a house shape (square or rectangle).

After three days, place a new name at the top of the board. Continue in this fashion until every family member has had a chance to be honored. For the last three days write messages about and for God on yellow/gold paper. This will be placed at the top of your structure as a roof.

Final Appreciation Home At this point, take time as a family to review the special thoughts about each of your family members. If desired, start again – move the “roof” up and continue adding blessing blocks.

As you build with your blessing blocks, you will be building up the lives of your loved ones. What a wonderful thing to know how much each is loved and appreciated by his/her family. This practice can be periodically repeated as a wonderful way to “encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:1).

Living the Word: Encouraging Words

Following this month’s theme of heavenly treasure and building others up with our words, writing an encouraging outreach letter would be a very appropriate activity. Think of someone who needs to hear encouraging words from you. Sit down as a family and “brainstorm” to come up with statements, words, and Scripture that will bless the selected person. While creating a letter on a computer might be the most legible and the easiest way to write, try to make sure that at least some part of your letter has hand-written sentiments as well. If desired, include family or other appropriate pictures.

Some people to consider: someone in the military, an individual who lives alone, a shut-in/someone who is ill, a nursing home resident.

Heartfelt words from family and friends can be like springs of living water to a dry, hurting or lonely soul. Proverbs 25:11 says, “A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” Encouraging words that are written can make an even greater and long lasting impact!

As the theme verse for Godstruck Ministries 4 Kids, Colossians 3:16 speaks to the heart and soul of why this ministry exists. Our mission is to help children hide God’s Word and principles in their hearts through His wonderful gift of music.