VIDEO: Leaning to Read (3)

SUNDAY SCHOOL: Individuality (2)

When you take care of others, you can make a difference.

The Bible Story is The Epaphoroditus (Philippians 2:25-30)

First Day for the Second Week

I read Philippians 2:25, 29-30

Sometimes taking care of others means doing more than what's easy or comfortable. Most of us haven't nearly died in order to help someone (like Epaphroditus needs before ours, we sometimes discover something new in ourselves, a Christ-likeness we didn't know was there. This can please God and increase our faith.

I THANK God for the sacrifice Jesus made.

Second Day

I read Romans 12:10 & Psalm 37:5a

Sometimes taking care of others isn't just about sacrifice. It's also about commitment, promosing to follow a certain course. You can be committed to God, to other believers, or to sticking with someone who needs you. The Bible is full of people who've shown this kind of dedication, keeping their promises even when it was difficult. When we do this, we grow and learn that there is strength in us that we didn't even know existed.

I ASK God to show me my own strength of commitment.

Third Day

I read Philippians 2:29-30; 4:4

There are some things about ourselves we only learn by experience and by trusting that what the Bible says is true. In Philippians, where we find this week's Bible story, we're told to "rejoice in God always." And that's how Paul told the church in Philippi to make a difference when Epaphroditus returned. Sometimes caring for someone also means you share in their victories, and you often learn that their victories are your victories, too!

I LOOK for reasons to rejoice.

Fourth Day

I read Hebrews 10:25; Romans 12:5

Christians need to have good relationship with other believers. If we are part of Christ's body, an important part of discovering who we're meant to be is finding our role in the body of believers, just as those in the church at Philipi did. And part of that role is coming together with and encouraging other Christians. We make a difference in their lives and ours when we encourage other people.

I KNOW I have a place in the body of Christ.

VIDEO: Leaning to Read (2)

Two more videos Ibu took when she was teaching me reading.

SUNDAY SCHOOL: Individuality (1)

Two last week, Ibu was very busy, so she was late to post the Sunday School lesson here.

I learned about INDIVIDUALITY with a memory verse:
"How you made me is amazing and wonderful." (Psalm 139:14)

INDIVIDUALITY is discovering who you are meant to be so you can make a difference.

The Bible story I heard was about The Onesimus (Philemon 1:1, 8-12)

First Day for the First Week

I read Philemon 1:10-11

"Onesimus was running away from his master and from who he was meant to be, but when he met Paul and learned about Jesus, everything changed. Turning your life over to God-letting Him be your 'master'-changes your direction and helps you make a difference."

In my prayer, I wanted God would lead me to make a difference, this week, this month and this year.

THANK to God for leading me.

Second Day

I read Acts 9:4-8, 18-20

"These verses are about Paul, the same guy who led Onesimus to Jesus. After meeting Jesus, Paul focused his life on leading people to the Lord. Obeying and following Jesus isn't just about going to church and reading the Bible. It means looking at life from an entirely new viewpoint."

I closed my eyes, imagined being like Paul, unable to see. I prayed that God would work in my heart to make me see new ways to make a difference for Him.

ASKING God to show me how to make a difference.

Third Day

I read Philemon 1:8-11, 17

"Philemon was a believer. People met for church in his home, even though Christians were often persecuted. He was also a slave owner with a runaway on his hands. Most slave owners wouldn't have taken Onesimus back, but Philemon may have. That's because belonging to God increases your ability to make hard choices, especially when it means making a positive difference in someone's life."

Finding these verses: John 11:25-26, John 14:6-7, John 17:3

I prayed to see clearly who Jesus was and how He would help me making a difference in someone's life

LOOKING, as I prayed, to hear who God said He was.

Fourth Day

I read Ephesians 2:10

"When you come to believe in Jesus, you become His work of art. No matter how you look or what people think of you, belonging to God makes you into a masterpiece which God is developing each day into something beautiful. Doing the good works He puts in front of you helps you develop into who Hw wants you to be."

I went outside, looked at the things God created and imagined Him designing me.

KNOWING that I'm made in the image of a Master!

Here're some great songs about individuality: "Nobody Like You", "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made", "The Way I was Made", available at amberskyrecords.com