Children's Gems In My Treasure Box: May 2025

Saturday, May 31, 2025

Add To Your Faith Teaching helps and Coloring Pages - Corrected

Teaching Helps

Cut out into 3 strips to fit at the bottom of the coloring page.

Chart board memory cutout.

Verse reading together, but open your Bibles too.

Virtue Chart

Coloring Pages

Growing in Faith: Why Memorizing 2 Peter 1:4-9 Matters

God calls us to **continual growth** in our faith, and **2 Peter 1:4-9** provides a **blueprint** for becoming strong, wise, and fruitful in Christ. Learning these verses will remind you:

- **Faith is the foundation** – but it must be strengthened with **virtue, knowledge, self-control, patience, godliness, kindness, and love**.

- **Spiritual growth is intentional** – The more you embrace these virtues, the stronger your walk with Christ becomes.

- **God equips you** – You are given **“great and precious promises”** to overcome struggles and live in His divine nature.

These verses aren’t just words—they are a **roadmap** for a victorious Christian life! Challenge yourself to **memorize and live by them**, knowing that each step of growth leads to **greater joy, strength, and purpose** in the Lord.

Susan Nikitenko 2025© MNBMMNR<PBKBABBB<CLT

Poetry And Other Materials On This Site Can Be Freely Used For Christian Bible Centered Non-Profit Ministries And must Remain Unchanged In Any Way. All Other Purposes Are With Permission Only. You May Make Requests At treasurebox18@yahoo.com - All my poems with stories are both real and fictional designed to illustrate a biblical truth. All Rights Reserved. Please Include the Site Name And Proper Credit Back To This Blog. Thank-You.

Monday, May 19, 2025

Puffin Love

Sunday, May 18, 2025

Cain and Abel Coloring Pages Clipart Pages

Saturday, May 17, 2025

Lesson Title: Giving God Our Whole Heart and Review

Lesson Title: Giving God Our Whole Heart

Objective:

Help kids understand why God wants us to be fully committed, not half-hearted, in our faith and actions.

Bible Verse:

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." – Deuteronomy 6:5

Introduction (Engage the Kids):

Start with a relatable example:

- Ask, “Have you ever played a game but didn’t try very hard? How did it feel?”

- Explain that when we do things half-heartedly, we miss out on the joy of giving our best.

- Tell them: "God wants us to love Him and live for Him with our whole heart—not just sometimes or only when it's easy."

Main Teaching (Illustration & Explanation):

1. Example #1: A Half-Made Cake

- Show a picture of a cake that’s only half-baked or missing ingredients.

- Ask, "Would you eat this? Is it a good cake?"

- Explain that when we don’t give our best to God, it’s like offering Him an unfinished cake—He wants our full love and effort!

2. Example #2: A Lukewarm Friendship

- Ask: “Would you want a friend who only talks to you when they need something?”

- Explain that God desires a real, strong relationship with us, not just occasional prayers or moments of faith.

Activity (Hands-On Learning):

- Heart Puzzle Game:

- Cut out a paper heart and divide it into pieces.

- Each piece represents something in life (school, sports, video games, family).

- Ask: "Where does God fit?"

- Teach that God deserves our whole heart, not just a little part of it.

Conclusion & Challenge:

- Encourage kids to think of one way they can be more wholehearted—prayer, kindness, worship.

- End with a prayer, asking God to help them live fully for Him.

---

Here's a short story illustrating how a halfhearted team player can affect the whole team:

---

The Unfinished Pass

Jake was the fastest player on the soccer team. He had skill, speed, and natural talent, but there was one problem—he only put in effort when he felt like it. During practice, he jogged lazily instead of sprinting. During games, he held back, barely passing and never chasing the ball if he lost it. His teammates noticed.

One day, the championship game arrived. The team was determined to win, but Jake stayed in his usual halfhearted mode. When their best player passed him the ball for the game-winning shot, Jake hesitated, barely kicking it toward the goal. The other team seized the ball, charged down the field, and scored. The crowd fell silent. The chance to win slipped away, and Jake knew his lack of effort had let the team down.

After the game, the coach pulled Jake aside. “Talent isn’t enough,” he said. “When you don’t give your all, the whole team suffers. A strong team depends on every player giving their best.”

Jake realized that his halfhearted attitude hadn’t just affected him—it had affected everyone. From that day forward, he played with full effort, understanding that true victory comes not just from skill, but from heart and commitment.

---

This story could help kids understand why God wants us to be fully committed—whether in sports, friendships, or our faith.

Every Piece Matters

Ella loved art but didn’t always feel confident in group projects. When her teacher announced that the class would create a big mural for the school hallway, she hesitated. Everyone had a role—some students painted backgrounds, others added details, and Emma was assigned to work on the final touches.

At first, she thought, It’s just decorations. It’s not that important. She worked slowly, leaving some areas unfinished. But on the day they revealed the mural, the class noticed something was missing. The empty spaces stood out, making the artwork feel incomplete. Ella realized her part—though small—was essential.

Determined to fix it, she spent extra time carefully finishing her details. When the mural was complete, the teacher smiled and said, "Every piece matters. Without your work, the mural wasn’t whole."

Ella learned that doing her best, even in the smallest tasks, made a difference. Whether in art, teamwork, or life, her effort was valuable.

### **Lesson Objective Summary**

This lesson teaches the importance of wholehearted devotion to God, emphasizing that He desires our full commitment, not half-hearted faith. It explains how being fully connected to Him brings peace, joy, and fulfillment, allowing us to reflect His love and live with purpose. Through relatable examples—like teamwork, artistic contributions, and the Fruit of the Spirit—it encourages children to give their best in faith, relationships, and responsibilities. The lesson also highlights how drawing closer to God fills our lives with His blessings, strengthens our spiritual walk, and provides rest from worries.

Interesting Thoughts

---Worry is like carrying a heavy backpack full of things you don’t need. The longer you hold onto it, the more exhausted you become, even though much of what’s inside isn’t worth the burden. It weighs you down, slows your steps, and distracts you from the beauty of what’s ahead. But when you trust God and hand those worries over to Him, it’s like dropping that backpack—you suddenly feel lighter, freer, and able to move forward with peace.

It’s also like a rocking chair—it keeps you moving, but it never actually gets you anywhere. Worry can make you feel busy with thoughts and concerns, but it doesn’t lead to solutions or change. Instead, trusting in God’s plan brings calm and clarity.

---Peace is like a calm river—steady, flowing, and undisturbed by the chaos around it. Even when storms rage in the distance, the depths remain still, anchored in something greater than the surface winds. True peace is found when we trust that God is in control, allowing us to move forward without fear, even when life feels uncertain.

It’s also like a warm shelter during a storm. No matter how strong the winds blow outside, inside, there’s safety, comfort, and rest. The storms of life may rage, but when we remain close to God, His peace surrounds us, shielding us from the weight of worry and fear.

---Halfhearted is like trying to light a candle with a weak flame—it flickers, but never truly shines. It doesn’t give off warmth or light the way it’s meant to because it lacks full commitment. Just like a dim flame doesn’t brighten a room, a halfhearted effort in anything—faith, friendships, or work—never reaches its full potential.

It’s also like a boat with only one oar. Instead of moving forward smoothly, it circles aimlessly, never making real progress. When we approach life, our goals, or our relationship with God with only half our heart, we struggle to move forward, missing the strength and direction that wholehearted effort brings.

---God loving us is like the sun shining every day—whether we see it or not, it's always there, warming, guiding, and giving life. His love is constant, never fading or failing, and it reaches us no matter where we are or what we've done. Just as the sun never stops shining, even behind the clouds, God's love remains with us even in our darkest moments.

It’s also like the arms of a loving parent—always open, ready to embrace, comfort, and protect. No matter how far we wander or how many mistakes we make, His love welcomes us back, offering grace and forgiveness without hesitation. His love is **unconditional**, never based on how perfect we are but simply on **who we are—His children**.

---A stubborn heart is like a locked door—it refuses to open, even when help or wisdom is knocking. No matter how much guidance is offered, it stays closed, unwilling to let in change or growth. Just as a locked door can keep people from entering a home, a stubborn heart can prevent us from receiving the love, truth, and direction that God wants to give us.

It’s also like a tree with deep roots in rocky soil. Instead of growing strong and flourishing, it struggles, unable to absorb the nourishment it needs. A heart that refuses to listen or soften can miss out on the blessings and wisdom that come with humility and trust in God. However, when we allow Him to work in us, He can transform even the most stubborn heart into something full of life and purpose.

Here are some Bible verses that relate to a stubborn heart and its consequences:

Jeremiah 7:24 (KJV 1611)– "But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward."

- Proverbs 28:14 (KJV 1611)"Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief."

- Zechariah 7:11-12 (KJV 1611) – "But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear. Yea, they made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law."

- Isaiah 48:4 (KJV 1611)"Because I knew that thou art obstinate, and thy neck is an iron sinew, and thy brow brass."

- Acts 7:51 (KJV 1611)"Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye."

These verses emphasize how stubbornness can lead to spiritual resistance, preventing people from hearing and following God's guidance. A hardened heart can cause someone to reject wisdom, ignore correction, and move away from God's blessings. However, when we humble ourselves and listen, God can soften our hearts and lead us toward growth, peace, and purpose.

Review Questions (20 Questions

1. What does it mean to be half-hearted in our faith?

2. Why does God want us to be fully committed to Him?

3. How does wholehearted living help us grow in our faith?

4. What happens when we give only part of our heart to God?

5. What Bible verse teaches us to love God with all our heart, soul, and strength?

Application in Daily Life:

6. How can we show that we are giving our full heart to God?

7. What are some everyday examples of being half-hearted in tasks?

8. What is one way you can improve your commitment to your faith?

9. How does wholehearted effort in friendships make them stronger?

10. What does the story about the halfhearted team player teach us?

God’s Blessings and the Fruit of the Spirit:

11. What are some blessings that come from being closer to God?

12. Where in the Bible do we find the Fruit of the Spirit?

13. How does God’s Spirit help us develop love, kindness, and patience?

14. What is the connection between God’s heart and our heart?

15. How does binding our hearts to God help us find rest?

Reflection & Practical Steps:

16. How can prayer help us be more wholehearted?

17. What happens when we try to do things without relying on God?

18. How does trusting God remove fear and worry?

19. What does the story about the girl working on the school project teach us?

20. What is one takeaway from this lesson that you can apply in your life?

---Conclusion of the Lesson

Throughout this lesson, we've explored the importance of wholehearted devotion to God. We’ve seen how half-heartedness can hold us back, how God's love transforms us, and how being fully committed to Him leads to joy, peace, and purpose. The stories and examples have shown that when we give our whole heart to God, He fills our lives with strength, blessings, and guidance.

God doesn’t want just part of us—He wants our full trust, love, and surrender. A life lived in true faith is a life secure in Him, free from the weight of worry, and filled with His presence. When we align our hearts with God, we find rest, reflect His love, and live according to His perfect plan

Conclusion of the Lesson**

Throughout this lesson, we've explored the importance of wholehearted devotion to God. We’ve seen how half-heartedness can hold us back, how God's love transforms us, and how being fully committed to Him leads to joy, peace, and purpose. The stories and examples have shown that when we give our whole heart to God, He fills our lives with strength, blessings, and guidance.

God doesn’t want just part of us—He wants our full trust, love, and surrender. A life lived in true faith is a life secure in Him, free from the weight of worry, and filled with His presence. When we align our hearts with God, we find rest, reflect His love, and live according to His perfect plan.

\Invitation to Salvation

If you have never fully given your heart to Jesus Christ, today is the perfect time to make that choice. God’s love for us is unconditional, and He longs to have a personal relationship with each of us. No matter our past, struggles, or fears, Jesus invites us to come to Him, just as we are.

Romans 10:9 (KJV 1611) says: "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."

Salvation is a gift from God, freely given through Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross. He died for our sins, rose again, and now offers us eternal life with Him. All we have to do is believe, repent, and accept Him into our hearts.

If you feel led, you can pray this simple prayer:

**Dear Lord, I know that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins and rose again so that I may have eternal life. I choose today to give You my whole heart. Please come into my life, guide me, and help me to live for You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you’ve prayed this prayer and truly meant it, you are now saved! You have become a child of God, and His love will carry you forward. Surround yourself with fellow believers, read His Word, and continue growing in faith.

Our Father in Heaven,

If there is anyone here who has not yet given their heart to You, I pray that You stir within them a longing to know You fully. You are a loving and merciful God, always ready to receive those who come to You. May Your presence touch every heart, drawing them closer to Your truth, grace, and salvation.

Lord, thank You for the gift of Your unconditional love. We acknowledge that without You, we are incomplete, wandering, and weighed down by life’s burdens. But with You, we find peace, purpose, and the strength to live wholeheartedly in faith. May we not be halfhearted in our devotion, but instead surrender our whole selves to You, trusting that Your plans are always for our good.

Help us, Lord, to reflect Your love, joy, and kindness in all that we do. Let the Fruit of Your Spirit grow within us, shaping our thoughts, words, and actions so that we may honor You in every aspect of our lives. May we be lights in this world, showing others the beauty of a life fully committed to You.

For those seeking salvation, Lord, may they open their hearts and receive You as their Savior. May they feel the assurance of Your forgiveness, the warmth of Your embrace, and the promise of eternal life. Let today be the day they take their first step in faith, knowing that Your love never fails and Your grace is more than enough.

We thank You for the blessings You pour into our lives and for the peace You give us when we rest in You. May we walk forward with confidence, fully trusting in You, and living in the joy of Your presence.

In Jesus’ name,we pray.

Amen.

"Sealed Heart Craft" – A Visual Reminder of God's Promise

Materials Needed:

✔️ Red and white construction paper

✔️ Scissors

✔️ Glue or double-sided tape

✔️ Markers or pens

✔️ Stickers or small decorative stamps (optional)

✔️ A small envelope or self-sticking seal

Steps:

1️⃣ . Cut out a large heart from red construction paper. This represents our heart—the part of us that we give to Jesus.

2️⃣ Write a Bible verse inside the heart that reminds us of God’s promise to seal us until redemption (e.g., Ephesians 4:30).

3️⃣ Cut a smaller heart from white paper and glue it inside the red heart. This symbolizes that Christ’s love lives within us when we trust Him as our Savior.

4️⃣ Fold the red heart in half or place it inside a small envelope, sealing it with tape, glue, or a sticker. This represents how God seals our hearts with His Spirit when we are saved—we are secure and protected in Him

5️⃣ Decorate the outside with stickers, glitter, or messages like "God’s Love Seals My Heart!"

Discussion After Craft:

➡️ Ask: _"What does it mean to be sealed by God?"_

➡️ Explain: _"Just as this heart is sealed shut, our salvation is securely sealed by God’s promise. Nothing can remove His love from us!"_

➡️ Pray together: _Thanking God for His love and the assurance we have in Him._

---

This Is a Full Lesson With 6 Points That Goes with The Heart Pillow Craft

Heart Pillow - Finding Peace Craft

Whole heart Review - Stories and Examples

point 1: God Doesn't want us to be half hearted.

When we talk about being wholehearted, it means giving our full effort, love, and devotion—whether to God, to others, or even to the things we do in life. Half-heartedness can lead to missed opportunities and a weaker connection to our faith and purpose.

A good way to illustrate this for kids is through everyday examples. Imagine playing a game but not really trying to win, or working on a school project without caring about the outcome—it wouldn’t feel very fulfilling, would it? God wants us to live with passion and commitment, not just do things halfway.

When someone is half-hearted in their faith or actions, it means they are not fully committed—they may say they believe or care about something, but their choices and dedication don't reflect it. Imagine trying to run a race but only jogging slowly, or playing a game without really trying to win. In the same way, if we approach our relationship with God half-heartedly, we miss the full joy and strength that comes from truly knowing Him. God desires a deep, meaningful relationship with us, one where we give Him our whole heart, not just bits and pieces when it’s convenient.

Being half-hearted can also make life feel unfulfilled. When we are only partly committed to something important—whether it’s faith, friendships, or responsibilities—we miss out on the rewards of true dedication. Jesus teaches that we should love God with all our heart, soul, and strength because a full-hearted faith leads to a life of purpose, peace, and joy. When we give our best to God and others, we experience the richness of life the way He intended. Half-heartedness keeps us from the blessings of complete trust and devotion, but wholehearted living opens the door to something greater.

Point 2: Why God wants our whole heart.

God desires our whole heart because He created us for a deep, loving relationship with Him. Just as a parent wants their child’s full love and trust, God longs for us to be fully committed to Him, not just turning to Him in moments of need or convenience. When we give Him our whole heart, we are opening ourselves to the peace, joy, and purpose He has planned for us. Half-hearted devotion can lead to distance in our faith, making it harder to experience the fullness of His love and guidance. God knows that when we fully trust and love Him, our lives become more meaningful and fulfilling.

Additionally, God wants our whole heart because He is faithful and deserves our complete devotion. He has given us everything—life, salvation, and endless grace. Holding back parts of our heart means we are not fully receiving the blessings He wants to give us. When we surrender completely to Him, we experience the strength and wisdom that come from walking closely with Him. A wholehearted commitment allows us to grow in faith, love others deeply, and live according to His purpose. God’s desire for our whole heart is not about rules—it’s about leading us into a life filled with His goodness.

Point 3: Our Heart and God's Heart Together Completes us

When we fully commit our hearts to God, something beautiful happens—we become complete. On our own, life can feel uncertain, empty, or lacking direction, but when we align our hearts with God’s, we find peace, purpose, and fulfillment. God’s heart is full of love, wisdom, and grace, and when we open our hearts to Him, we receive those blessings in abundance. Just as a puzzle is incomplete without every piece, our lives are missing something essential without a deep connection to God. When our heart and His heart come together, we experience the strength and joy that come from His presence in our lives.

This connection isn’t just about feeling close to God—it transforms us from the inside out. As we grow in faith and embrace God’s love, our hearts reflect His kindness, patience, and compassion. We begin to love others as He loves us, serve with joy, and trust Him in every circumstance. The more we allow our heart to unite with His, the more we become the person He created us to be. Living in harmony with God’s heart means stepping into a life of true fulfillment—a life where we are never alone and always surrounded by His unfailing love.

Point 4: The closer we are to God The more we are filled with his blessings, like love joy peace, gentleness, kindness, all the fruit of the Spirit

When we draw near to God, we open ourselves to His abundant blessings—love, joy, peace, gentleness, and kindness. These aren’t just emotions; they are reflections of God’s presence in our lives. As we build a deeper relationship with Him through prayer, faith, and obedience, His goodness flows into our hearts, shaping how we think, feel, and treat others. The more time we spend with God, the more His spirit transforms us, allowing us to reflect His character in everything we do. His blessings are not temporary feelings but lasting gifts that help us live with purpose, strength, and hope.

This closeness to God also brings a sense of peace that surpasses all understanding. In a world filled with uncertainty and challenges, knowing that we are deeply connected to God gives us confidence and reassurance. When we rely on Him, He fills us with joy even in difficult times and grants us the patience and kindness to love others well. His presence removes fear and replaces it with gentleness, allowing us to live in harmony with Him and those around us. The more we lean into God’s heart, the more complete and fulfilled we become, walking in the blessings He freely offers to those who seek Him.

The blessings of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are all part of the **Fruit of the Spirit** found in **Galatians 5:22-23**. These qualities are not just feelings but evidence of God working in us, shaping us to be more like Him. When we live closely with God, His Spirit grows these fruits within us, influencing how we love others, respond to challenges, and walk in faith.

The more we seek God, the more His Spirit fills us, making these qualities a natural part of our lives. Instead of forcing kindness or struggling for patience, His presence helps us reflect His love effortlessly. It’s not about perfection, but about allowing God to transform our hearts over time. The Fruit of the Spirit is proof that God is alive within us, guiding us to live a life filled with His goodness.

Point 5: We can find rest from our worries when we are bound heart to heart.

When we are bound heart to heart with God, we find true rest from our worries and burdens. Life can often feel overwhelming, filled with challenges, uncertainties, and fears, but God invites us to come close to Him and experience His peace. In **Matthew 11:28**, Jesus says, *"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."* This rest is not just about physical relaxation but a deep spiritual comfort, knowing that we are never alone in our struggles. When our heart is connected to His, we can trust Him to carry our worries and lead us with wisdom and love.

Resting in God’s presence allows us to let go of anxiety and replace it with faith. When we surrender our fears to Him, He fills our hearts with the assurance that He is in control, no matter what challenges we face. His peace is greater than any stress, and His love reassures us that we are safe in His hands. Just like a child finds comfort in the presence of a loving parent, we can find security and calm when we stay close to God. By binding our hearts to His, we experience a life free from unnecessary worry—a life anchored in His perfect peace.

“And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.”

Point 6: Sealed Until the Day of Redemption

Once we trust Christ as our Savior our hearts are sealed by the Holy Spirit. This means that our salvation is secure, and nothing can separate us from God’s love. Just as a seal marks ownership and protection, God’s seal on our hearts guarantees that we belong to Him forever.

When we give our hearts to Christ, He keeps us, strengthens us, and prepares us for the day of redemption—the moment when we will be fully united with Him in eternity. This truth brings peace and assurance, knowing that our salvation is not based on our own efforts but on God’s unchanging promise.

---

Bible Verses (KJV 1611) That Support This Teaching

- Ephesians 4:30"And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption."

- 2 Corinthians 1:22 "Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts."*

- Ephesians 1:13-14 "In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory."*

- **John 10:28-29** – *"And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand."*

- **Romans 8:38-39** – *"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."*

---Many KJV1611 study verses that match this lesson.

Here are some **KJV 1611** study verses that align with your lesson on wholehearted devotion to God:

- **Deuteronomy 6:5** – *"And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might."*

- **Psalm 86:12** – *"I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore."*

- **Jeremiah 29:13** – *"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart."*

- **Matthew 22:37** – *"Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind."*

- **Proverbs 3:5-6** – *"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."*

- **Colossians 3:23** – *"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men."*

- **1 Chronicles 28:9** – *"And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind."*

These verses emphasize the importance of **wholehearted devotion**, seeking God fully, and trusting Him completely. They beautifully support the themes of your lesson—giving God our whole heart, finding rest in Him, and receiving His blessings.

Heart Pillow Craft

---

Our Heavenly Father

We come before You with grateful hearts, knowing that You wholeheartedly love us and desire for each person to know Jesus Christ as Savior.

Lord, if anyone here that does not know Christ, I pray that you speak to their heart today. draw them to you and reveal your truth to them.

May they see their need for salvation. Help them to understand and to trust in the precious blood of Jesus by surrender their life to you. Let them experience the fullness of your grace, mercy, and love, by trusting Christ as their personal Savior.

Thank You, Father, for your unfailing love and the gift of salvation.

In Jesus’ holy name we pray,

Amen.

---

. The Word of God declares:

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" — Romans 3:23

We cannot cleanse ourselves, nor can we earn salvation through good works. It is only through the precious blood of Jesus Christ that we are redeemed.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." — John 3:16

To receive this gift of eternal life, we must follow the ABCs of Salvation:

A – Admit** that you are a sinner.

Sin separates us from God, and we must acknowledge our need for a Savior.

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" — Romans 3:23

B – Believe that Jesus Christ died for your sins and rose again.

Salvation is found in Christ alone**, through His sacrifice on the cross.

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

C – Confess Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

Salvation is a personal decision—one that requires faith and trust in Him.

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." — Romans 10:9

If you have not yet placed your trust in Jesus Christ today is the day of salvation. Surrender your heart to Him, knowing that only through Him can you truly live a life devoted to God.

The invitation is open,the Savior is calling—will you trust Him today?

Friday, May 16, 2025

Doing Things God's Way - Cain and Abel

Cain and Abel - Giving

Cain and Abel

Genesis 4:1-16

Adam and Eve, the first man and woman, had two sons: Cain, the elder, and Abel, the younger. Cain was a farmer, working the ground to grow crops, while Abel was a shepherd, caring for flocks of sheep.

One day, both brothers brought offerings to God. Cain offered fruits from his harvest, while Abel brought the firstborn of his flock and the best of what he had. God was pleased with Abel's offering because it came from a place of faith and devotion, but He was not pleased with Cain's offering, which lacked sincerity of heart.

Cain became very angry and jealous of Abel. God noticed Cain’s anger and warned him, saying, "If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door." (Genesis 4:7). However, Cain let his anger fester.

One day, while they were in the field, Cain attacked Abel and killed him. It was the first murder recorded in the Bible. God confronted Cain, asking, **"Where is Abel thy brother?" Cain responded, "I know not: Am I my brother's keeper?"

God, seeing Abel’s blood crying out from the ground, punished Cain. He cursed the ground so it would no longer yield its strength to him and made Cain a wanderer on the earth. Cain, fearful of being killed by others, pleaded for mercy. God showed him grace by marking him with a protective mark so no one would harm him.

Cain left God’s presence and lived in the land of Nod, east of Eden.

This story teaches important lessons about jealousy, sin, and God’s justice and mercy. It reminds us to examine our hearts, be mindful of our choices, and treat others with love

God desires our love, faith, and devotion more than any material offerings. This profound truth is reflected throughout the Bible. For example, in 1 Samuel 15:22, Samuel reminds us: "Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams." .

It’s not about the outward act but the inward attitude. A heart surrendered to God, filled with love and obedience, is what truly pleases Him. Jesus also emphasizes this in **Mark 12:30, saying, *"And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment."

It’s a beautiful reminder that God longs for a genuine relationship with us—one rooted in trust, love, and faithfulness—beyond any ritual or act of giving. Have you had moments where you felt God teaching you this truth? I'd love to hear your story!

Cain's story indeed illustrates that outward actions, like giving an offering, mean little if they don't come from a heart of love, faith, and obedience to God. Cain's offering was rejected not because of what he gave, but because of the attitude behind it. He wanted to approach God on his own terms rather than in the way God desired.

This stands as a reminder for all of us: true worship isn't about simply going through the motions or doing what we feel is enough. God looks at the heart. As Jesus said in John 4:24, "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth."

Cain’s choice contrasts with Abel’s. Abel’s offering was accepted because it was given with faith and reverence (as mentioned in Hebrews 11:4). This shows us that loving and trusting God is foundational to our relationship with Him.

It’s a powerful lesson—both a warning and encouragement—that God desires not just our actions, but our devotion and faith.

. As Hebrews 11:4 explains, "By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh." Abel's actions showed his genuine devotion and trust in God’s ways.

Cain, on the other hand, seemed to lack the same heartfelt faith and obedience, choosing to give to God on his own terms. This difference highlights how God values the condition of our hearts more than the mere act of giving.

Abel's story still speaks to us today—reminding us that love, faith, and obedience to God are the foundation of a life that pleases Him. It's a call to reflect on our own hearts when we worship or give to God.

It beautifully aligns with God's teachings throughout Scripture. Each aspect of giving—what we give, why we give, that we give, and how we give—reflects the condition of our hearts and our relationship with God.

- What we give: God calls us to give our best, just as Abel gave the firstborn of his flock. It's not about the size or material value of the gift, but about offering something meaningful and sincere to honor Him.

- Why we give: Our motives matter deeply. Are we giving out of love and gratitude to God, or out of obligation or for recognition? As 2 Corinthians 9:7 reminds us, "God loveth a cheerful giver." Giving with the right heart glorifies Him.

- That we give: Giving is an act of obedience and trust. When we give, we acknowledge that everything we have comes from God and that He will provide for us. It's a way to participate in His work and bless others.

- How we give: The spirit in which we give—whether joyfully, willingly, and humbly—shows our faith and love for God. Jesus praised the widow who gave two small coins because she gave with humility and sacrifice (Mark 12:41-44).

It all comes back to the heart. God doesn't need our offerings, but He desires the love, trust, and obedience they represent. This principle transforms not just our giving, but every aspect of our walk with Him.

Cain and Abel lived long before the Ten Commandments were given to Moses on Mount Sinai, but they still understood the importance of loving and obeying God. This understanding likely came from their parents, Adam and Eve, who had walked with God in the Garden of Eden and knew His ways.

Their story shows us that God's principles—love, obedience, and faith—have been foundational since the very beginning. Abel demonstrated his love and obedience through his sincere and faithful offering, giving his best to God out of devotion. Cain, on the other hand, struggled with following God's will, choosing to worship on his own terms, which led to jealousy, anger, and ultimately tragic consequences.

The story reminds us that, even without written laws, a heart tuned to God can understand and strive to honor Him. It also teaches us that loving and obeying God isn't just about following rules; it's about the relationship and sincerity of our hearts. Would you like to explore more on this topic? Let me know!

The story of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4:1-16 portrays the first recorded murder in human history, and it was indeed fueled by jealousy. Cain became envious of his brother Abel because God accepted Abel's offering but not his own. Rather than addressing the issues within his own heart—his lack of sincerity and obedience—Cain allowed jealousy to consume him, leading to anger and ultimately to Abel's tragic death.

This story serves as a solemn reminder of how unchecked emotions, such as envy and anger, can lead to destructive actions. It also emphasizes God's justice and mercy. Even though Cain committed a terrible sin, God placed a mark on him to protect him from others seeking vengeance, showing that while God disciplines, He also extends grace.

It teaches us to guard our hearts against jealousy and instead celebrate others' successes, trusting in God's love and plan for each of us.

Susan Barker Nikitenko –

May 2025©

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The Missing Sons

Closing Prayer

Our Father in Heaven,

Lord, thank You for the gift of Your unconditional love. We acknowledge that without You, we are incomplete, wandering, and weighed down by life’s burdens. But with You, we find peace, purpose, and the strength to live according to your purpose and not our own in faith. May we not be stubborn in our devotion, but instead surrender our whole selves to You, trusting that Your plans are always for our good. Help us live an obedient life.

In Jesus name, Amen.