Wind Spinner Christian Object Lesson

Wind Spinner Wheel - 1Description: a Colorful lightweight wheel that responds to wind or air movement by rotating or spinning like a wheel.

What it does: it responds to movement of air by spinning. It is often used to decorate a yard or as a toy for children to play with while running around with it or blowing on it to make it spin.

Brainstorm: Respond, sensitive, move, turn, spin, rotate, blow, air, pretty, beautiful, colorful, feel, listen, slightest whisper, and small still voice.

Scripture: Revelation 3:22, Matthew 11:15; 13:9, Mark 4:9 “He who has ears, let him hear.” 1 Kings 19:12, John 14:6, and 10:27.

Example Message: Look at this wind spinner. It spins so easily when blown. It is sensitive to the slightest little movement of air. Can you see the air moving it? We can see the effect of the wind when it spins. Jesus said that His Father was going to send the Holy Spirit to teach and help them remember the things that He had said. There is a story about Elijah, the powerful prophet of God. From him, we learn that God speaks to us using a still quiet voice. We have to listen carefully. Being sensitive like this spinner is sensitive to the slightest movement of air (blow on it lightly). Jesus often said, “He who has ears, let him hear.” He was not only talking about our physical ears, He was saying that we should believe, accept, and understand the things that He said. Sometimes it was very difficult for some people to accept and believe Jesus. They did not always want to do what Jesus said. But those who listened and obeyed were like this colorful wind spinner. It responds to the slightest movement of air.

It makes me think of how we should be in the hand of God, listening carefully. Responding to His direction. Doing as He wishes. Others will be able to see that we are directed by God. Sensitively listening, He will give us opportunities beyond our wildest imagination. He will guide us to have an influence in the lives of people, helping them to know God.

(Note: You may wish to encourage the children to read and study the Bible, which is a great way to make sure we are listening to the voice of God. He will never contradict the Bible. Also, listen to their parents, teachers and pastors. Because God uses them to help the kids learn to understand the Bible, how to know God’s voice, and His impressions on their minds and hearts.)

Metal Puzzle

Metal Puzzle  - 2Metal Puzzle  - 1Description: two bent rods of metal that are linked together.

What they do: when they are linked together, it is difficult to figure out how to separate them. They make us wonder, think, and experiment, until the solution is discovered. If they are not linked together, they do not serve their purpose.

Bible Verses: James 1:5-8 and 3:17.

Sample Message: I have a fun trinket here. What do you think it is? It is a metal puzzle. There are two pieces. The object is to separate them. Some are very difficult and others are easier. What would help me separate them? Would a hammer help? Yes, but what would help me do it the intended way?

What about wisdom? Wisdom is to have experience and to know how things work. Or, being able to think; if I do such and such, this or that will likely happen, either good or bad.

What is a good way to acquire wisdom? The Bible tells us in James, “If you lack wisdom, you should ask God.” God loves to give us wisdom. It also says, “Ask without doubting.” Instead, we should believe in God. He will give us a lot of wisdom. It says, “The one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is tossed back and forth by the wind.” And, “Anyone who doubts is a double-minded person.” (Hold the two pieces of the puzzle up by your head on each side.) If these metal pieces are not together, they do not serve their purpose. Neither does a double-minded person.

We should ask God for wisdom. Let’s not doubt, but believe God. Then, he will help us discover what we must do to work out our puzzles or challenges of life. Plus, wisdom will help us be all these good things that are listed in James 3:17. (Read the verse.)

Bouncy Ball

bouncy Ball  - 1Description: Small, round, variety of colors, and rubbery

What it does: sits, rolls, bounces

Okay, here is a Sample Message for you.

Hey, kids. I have a bouncy ball. If I set it down, what does it do? Nothing. It just sits there. How boring is that? But, If I roll it like this, then what is it doing? It rolls. Still not a lot of fun, is it? In order for this ball to be really fun, what must it do? It must bounce. That is what it was made to do. When it just sits there it is not doing what it was made to do. Even if it rolls it still is not doing all of what it was “made to do.” But when it bounces, that is when it does “do” what it was “made” to do.

Hey, that reminds me—I was made, too. Who made me? God made me. And He made you all too. And He made us with a purpose. We are supposed to “do” what He “made” us to “do.” There are many very good Bible verses that answer the question, “why did God make us?” Here is one.

1 Corinthians 1:9 says—”God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Did you figure out why God made us? It says He made or called us to be in fellowship with His Son Jesus. If we accept Jesus as our Lord, Savior, and friend, then we will be fulfilling the purpose of why God made us. You see, the dictionary defines fellowship like this: “to be friends with one another or others who share the same interests or aim.”

Here are some other good Bible verses that help us to understand it even better.

Jeremiah 29:11—”For I know the plans I have for you, Declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Look these up too. Ephesians 2:10 and Micah 6:8.

Now we want to have fun and be fun like the bouncy ball. The best way for us to do that is to do what God “made” us to “do.” To accept Him as our Lord and Savior. To let Him be our friend. To obey Him. And to do what He wants us to do, such as love Him and love others too.

(English Standard Version)

Spears, Arrows and Masks, “Oh my!” or Why I am a missionary

I am a Christian missionary. God placed this desire in my heart. I remember as a boy loving it when missionaries came to share their stories and show their interesting stuff like spears, arrows and masks. They were not using these things to fight. But only to show and share what the people were like with whom they were trying to share the good news. My first short term mission trip was to Tijuana, Mexico. I loved it. Years later I had the opportunity to go on more STM trips. God used these trips to continue building the desire in my heart to go serve as missionary.

In preparation for a long awaited trip to Israel, I watched a series of on location Holy Land teachings by historian and teacher Ray Vander Laan. I learned that God had called me to “follow”. But now He wanted me to “Go!” After a trip to Israel it was very clear to me that it was time to get ready to “go”. I came back and met with a pastor friend. I told him what I thought God was telling me. He and the Sr. Pastor helped me to prepare to go serve as a missionary. It was not a thing that happened to me all alone. But rather God used many people to prepare me. I am so thankful for them all. 

Even though I am now serving as a full time missionary, God still continues to use others to change me for the better. I know that He has a plan for my life. I eagerly want to continue on His journey that he has planned for me. It is amazing what I have learned and experienced so far. I am looking forward to so much more.

Ministry to Children and why I enjoy it now

Once upon a time there was a very inexperienced helper trying to help in children’s church. As the teacher taught, one of the little children started rolling on the floor. Then she made her way over to the door, which she opened. Suddenly she took off out into the church yard, the poor inexperienced chap chasing after her. Yes, even by the church windows for everyone inside to see. The inexperienced helper finally went to get the little girl’s Mom to come out and help.

That inexperienced helper was me. I enjoy telling people that story now. Over the years I have grown to enjoy Children’s Ministry. Little by little I learned how valuable object lessons and crafts are. How good it is to serve by helping with children. After ten years as a Sunday School teacher and continuing to help in Children’s church, now God has called me to be a missionary focused on helping churches with their children’s programs. God has helped me to take my faith to a new level.

I love Jesus’ teachings about children. He loved it when they worshiped God in the temple. He was upset when his disciples were trying to keep parents and their children away. Jesus told his disciples only those who would be humble as a child would be greatest in his kingdom. Jesus had many great things to say about children. Jesus had a great big powerful Father’s heart for the children. Jesus also said some frightful things about children and how we treat them. I believe Jesus wants all of us to be powerful godly figures for the children, teaching and training them how to grow in the ways of the Lord. I love how exciting ministry to children can be.

Striving to live each day creatively, Robert.