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Showing posts with label reaping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reaping. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Lesson #5: Jacob: A Story of Wrestling and Redemption

Jacobs Ladder Craft

Jacobs Song

Jacobs Journey

Jacob and Esau Hidden Pictures

Jacobs Review

Teaching Helps Memory Verse Slips Etc.



Jacob: A Story of Wrestling and Redemption

 

The night was **silent** as Jacob stood alone by the river **Jabbok**. His past haunted him—his deception, his struggles, his broken relationships. Tomorrow, he would face **Esau**, the brother he had wronged. 

But tonight, something **divine** was about to happen. 

Jacob’s journey would demand **faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity**—just as **2 Peter 1:4-9** teaches. 

 

Virtue: Choosing to Seek God Instead of His Own Ways 

 

Jacob had spent years **relying on trickery**—stealing Esau’s blessing, deceiving Laban. But now, he was **desperate for God**. 

 

And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue...”* (**2 Peter 1:5**) 

 

Instead of scheming, Jacob **prayed**. He sent gifts to Esau, hoping for peace. But more than that—he **sought God’s presence**. 

 

Knowledge: Understanding That God Was His True Source** 

 

Jacob had always **fought for blessings**—from Esau, from Laban. But now, he realized **blessings come from God alone**. 

 

And to virtue knowledge...”* (**2 Peter 1:5**) 

 

That night, **he wrestled with God**. He refused to let go until he received a blessing—not from man, but from **the Almighty**. 

 

Temperance: Learning to Control His Desires and Trust God's Plan** 

 

Jacob had once **grasped at power**, taking Esau’s birthright and blessing. But now, he **let go**. 

*“And to knowledge temperance...”* (**2 Peter 1:6**) 

 

Instead of demanding, he **submitted**. Instead of deceiving, he **trusted**. 

 

God **changed his name**—from Jacob, the deceiver, to **Israel**, the one who wrestled with God and prevailed. 

 

Patience: Waiting for Restoration and God's Timing** 

 

And to temperance patience...”* (**2 Peter 1:6**) 

 

Jacob had fled Esau **in fear**. Now, after years of waiting, he **humbled himself** before his brother. 

 

Instead of **fighting**, he **bowed**. Instead of **taking**, he **gave**. 

 

Esau **embraced him**—a moment of **redemption** that had taken years to unfold. 

 

Godliness: Walking in Obedience and Worship** 

 

📖 *“And to patience godliness...”* (**2 Peter 1:6**) 

 

Jacob built an **altar**, declaring that God had been with him all along. 

 

*"I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies and of all the truth which thou hast shewed unto thy servant..."* (**Genesis 32:10**) 

 

He finally **recognized**—his life was **not his own**. 

 

Brotherly Kindness & Charity: Restoring Relationships Through Grace** 

 

📖 *“And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.”* (**2 Peter 1:7**) 

 

Jacob had **wronged Esau**, but now he **offered peace**. 

 

*"Take, I pray thee, my blessing that is brought to thee..."* (**Genesis 33:11**) 

 

Instead of **stealing**, he **gave**. Instead of **running**, he **reconciled**. 

 

 

### **Conclusion: A Life Transformed by Faith** 

 

Jacob’s journey mirrors **2 Peter 1:4-9**: 

 

- He **chose virtue**, seeking God instead of deception. 

- He **gained knowledge**, realizing blessings come from God. 

- He **learned temperance**, surrendering control. 

- He **practiced patience**, waiting for restoration. 

- He **walked in godliness**, worshiping God. 

- He **showed kindness and charity**, reconciling with Esau. 

 

Jacob’s **struggles shaped him** into a man of **faith and virtue**. 

 

Likewise, our **wrestling matches**—our doubts, our failures, our fears—are **not the end**. They are **the process** through which God **transforms us**. 

 

Let’s **cling to Him**, just as Jacob did, and allow **faith to reshape our lives**.  


Then let’s keep this ladder of hope rising, George! Here’s a **devotional story inspired by Joseph’s dreams**, perfectly paired with the themes from Jacob’s Ladder. It’s crafted to invite students into awe, reflection, and commitment—with a prayer to guide their hearts.

With joy, George—here’s a **devotional story inspired by Jacob’s Ladder**, complete with an invitation and closing prayer. It’s crafted to speak to the hearts of your students through imagery, Scripture, and a gentle call to draw near to God.

---
**Devotional: “Stairway of Promise”**  
*Inspired by Genesis 28:10–22*

**Story:**  
Jacob was running—tired, alone, and unsure of what would come next. Night fell, and with a rock for a pillow, he dreamed a dream that changed everything: a stairway stretched from earth to heaven, and angels moved up and down while the Lord stood above it.

God didn’t wait for Jacob to be perfect—He met him right there, in the middle of the wilderness. The Lord spoke promises of blessing, presence, and protection.

When Jacob awoke, he said, *“Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.”* He turned that place into a holy memory—he poured oil on the stone and named it *Bethel,* the house of God.

**Reflection:**  
God often meets us in our quiet moments—when we feel alone or uncertain. He reminds us that His promises still hold, that His presence still surrounds. Like Jacob, we may be on a journey, but God is building something eternal…a stairway between our hearts and His.



---
**Invitation to the Class:**  
*Is there a place in your heart that feels like a wilderness? Would you like to invite God into it today, just like Jacob did?*

Take a quiet moment. Imagine the ladder reaching from where you are all the way to heaven—God is near. He sees you. He calls you by name.

Would you like to make this moment your own *Bethel*—a place where you say “God is here, and I will follow Him”?

 **Prayer with the Class:**  

> *Dear God,*  
> Thank You for meeting us in quiet places. Thank You for the ladder that reaches from Your heart to ours.  
> Just like Jacob, we sometimes feel unsure. But today, we choose to trust Your promises.  
> Help us to see Your presence, even when life feels hard.  
> Build in us a heart that worships You and a life that walks with You.  
>Thank You most of all for Jesus, who made salvation possible. > He lived a perfect life, took our sin to the cross, and rose again so we could be forgiven and free. > Through His love, we have a place in Your story—a forever home with You. > > Help us to say “yes” to You
> In Jesus’ name, Amen.



Craft: "Stepping Toward Heaven" – Jacob’s Ladder Activity**  

Materials Needed:**  
- Large poster board or butcher paper (to form the class ladder)  
- Construction paper (for tracing feet—white, gold, or pastels work great)  
- Markers, crayons, or colored pencils  
- Scissors and glue  
- Optional: cotton balls for clouds, glitter for stars

---

Instructions:**  
1. **Create the Ladder:**  
   Draw a tall ladder on the poster board, with enough space between rungs for footprints to be added.

2. **Trace and Cut:**  
   Have each student trace one or both feet on a sheet of paper, then cut them out.

3. **Message from Heaven:**  
   On each footprint, students write a *“heavenly message”* or promise (e.g. “God is with me,” “I am never alone,” “He speaks through dreams”).

4. **Assembly:**  
   Tape or glue the footprints ascending and descending the rungs of the ladder. Add stars, angels, or clouds for extra flair!

Craft Art**










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Let’s help these young hearts *see* what it means to be part of God’s story! 🕊️📖👣


Susan Barker Nikitenko June 16th 2025© MBMpGEOANNAbenKBPBNMRM

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.

Sunday, April 3, 2022

Johnny Apple Seed Game


Johnny Apple Seed  Game
( You Reap What You Sow)

I chose this coloring page because it has really big apples.  As we know Johnny Apple Seed planted seeds and those seeds turned into Apple Trees.  I'm using this for the review game. You can do this in a number of ways.  Tape the coloring page upon a board like it is or Make it BIG for older children.

Prepare These Things Ahead Of Time

1. You can let them put a sticker upon the apple for every right answer. for small children or

Divide into Teams:
One team is Golden Delicious  GD
One team is Granny Smith  GS
If you have a third team - Red Delicious  RD

2. You could put points and prizes onto individual pieces of paper and stick them 
face down onto each apple.  Take turns while asking questions.   When the correct answer is given by one of the players he/she gets to uncover an apple to reveal the points earned.  Hide a rotten apple
on one slip - lose 100 pts. If they get a rotten apple they lose the points just for that turn.  Hide a dove on one of the slips extra 100 points

 If you have more than 12 review questions.  Stack twelve
slips with differing points.  Have them draw out a slip to reveal their points.  Ask the question.
They only earn the points by getting the right answer.  Put another rotten apple in the stack and another dove. 

Every time a team gets the right answer they put their initials into an apple.  If Golden Delicious 
Scores - GD is what they will write into one of the apples and so on.

The overall winner will be the team with the most apples marked.

 Only do prizes if you can afford them.  You can make ribbons or give them stickers for participation.

Susan Nikitenko  April 3rd, 2022 





Pin the Apple Onto the Tree



















Johnny Apple Seed Coloring Pages



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.

Sunday, October 22, 2017

A Vine of Blessing






A Vine Of Blessing

I found a blessing in my garden;
It was a pleasant  surprise.
I saw a lovely flower blooming;
It was then I realized.

It wasn't just some random flower;
It was  a pumpkin vine.
I felt blest to see a pumpkin bloom;
At this late season of time.

The leaves are falling from the tree tops;
Autumn's flowers seem to wait.
I wonder if it will grow a pumpkin;
If the snow will hesitate.

Even so I'm happy just to know;
That God blesses our good deeds.
Even through a growing pumpkin vine;
A vine of truth, a faithful seed. 
.
God does not forget a work of faith;
That by grace and faith was sewn.
It will one day bear fruit blest by God;
Even if it is on its own.

One day we will just be a memory;
But faithful fruit will last.
Even through a lonely seed planted;
By God on our behalf.

Susan Y Nikitenko ©
Song


 Hebrews 6:10 
For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

Galations 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

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 Site Name And Proper Credit Back To This Blog. Thank-You.

Saturday, January 28, 2017

What Goes Around, Comes Around. devotional



Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

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 Site Name And Proper Credit Back To This Blog. Thank-You.

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