GPS-Children’s Books Trifecta

NOV 19  / Sunday – Read Luke 9:38a CEB

Overview: We wrap up our Hidden Treasures message series with personal stories associated with three different books. The takeaway?

20 / Mon – Will I see you again?  |  Read John 14:1-4, 18-19

Dragonfly Baby by Kara Gerdes is about a little girl who wonders where the dragonfly goes at night and wonders if she will see it again. Kara wrote this story after the death of her 10-day old daughter as a gentle way to help children and parents process the death of a little one. Often we fear death because we don’t know what comes next. Or do we? Jesus said explicitly he was going away to prepare a place for each of us. He promised that he himself would come and get each of us. How does this comfort you when you lose someone you love or face your own final days?

21 / Tue – Lost and found  |  Read Luke 15:5-7, 9-10, 20-24

In Tommy the Little Bear by Mark Miller, a little lost bear finds his way home where joy abounds, food is eaten and he never wants to leave again. In Luke 15, Jesus tells the stories of three lost things – a sheep, a coin, a son – to illustrate God’s response when the lost is found. Do you feel lost at times? If you’ve gotten lost unintentionally, the Lord will hear your cry for help and come to get you. If you’ve run away on purpose, the Lord will show you the way home. Just ask.

22 / Wed – Perseverance and faith  |  Read Romans 15:4 / Isaiah 41:10, 13-14

My Life by Eleanor Leibbrand is her story of growing up in western Minnesota during the Great Depression and WWII. She wrote it for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren so they would understand where they came from and how God had helped her family through difficult times. In the Bible, God’s overarching story is filled with smaller stories of common people who faced some of the same challenges you do. What is one of your favorite characters? How do you relate to their struggles? What does their story tell about God’s willingness to help you too?

23 / Thu – It’s not too late  |  Read I John 1:9

One important thing Eleanor wanted her grandchildren to know is how to handle failure. When you fail at something, pick yourself up and try again. And if that doesn’t work, do something different. The stories of Bible heroes do not leave out their failures. Think about what both Judas and Peter did to Jesus. Yet their stories ended very differently. Peter was restored but Judas took his own life. What if Judas had believed he could be forgiven? Don’t ever listen to the lie that God’s given up on you.

24 / Fri – Who He is and what He’s done  |  Read Luke 8:34-39

What a miracle! This man’s life was completely turned around. What did Jesus tell him to do as a result in v 39? Your story may not be as dramatic but you too have experienced God at work in your life. It’s not always obvious at the time but looking back, you can see what God has done and who He has become to you. Someone else needs to hear your story. Are you willing to tell it when an opportunity arises? You never know how God will use it to change someone else’s story.

25 / Sat – Your turn  |  Read Psalm 145:3-13, 21

Spend a few minutes thinking back over your life so far. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring to your mind specific circumstances where you saw God at work and what you learned about His character and faithfulness. How did those experiences change you? In court, a witness is asked to tell what they saw, heard and personally experienced. That is what Jesus asks us to do. God’s character and goodness is often maligned today. You can help change that by telling others what you know from first-hand experience.