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.  

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

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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._  

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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.

The Key to The Treasure Part 1

Dedicated to all my family including the Barker family love you forever.

The Key to The Treasure

 

 

 

 

**Part 1: The Treasure of Faith and Community**

 

In the small, historic town of Willow Creek, hints of an unsolved mystery had lingered for decades. The story revolved around an old antique box that had captured the curiosity of residents and visitors alike. According to an aged newspaper article, the ornate box was discovered in the attic of the town's oldest mansion during a renovation in the early 1900s.

 

The box, crafted with stunning detail and adorned with beautiful art, was unlike anything the townspeople had ever seen. Its allure was heightened by the note, carefully wax-sealed underneath the box, which read: "This box must be opened with the key, kept in the small drawer of the old oak desk." Despite their best efforts, the owners of the mansion and subsequent treasure hunters never found the elusive key. The desk, which was also part of the mansion's antique collection, had been searched thoroughly, but the key has not been found.

 

One day months after reading about the mysterious treasure box, Emma and Liam were playing at the old wooden playground in Willow Creek, a place where they often built sandcastles and chased each other around. The playground was surrounded by tall oak trees, their leaves rustling in the gentle breeze. The sun shone brightly, casting playful shadows on the ground as the children's laughter echoed across the park.

 

As they dug into the sand near the swings, Liam suddenly hit something hard and metallic. "Emma, come look at this!" he called out, his voice filled with excitement. Emma hurried over, her eyes wide with curiosity. Together, they carefully excavated the object and discovered an old, rusty key.

 

Emma: (holding the rusty key) "Liam, look at this! It's an old key. I wonder what it opens."

 

Liam: (examining the key) "Wow, it looks really ancient. Do you think it belongs to something important?"

 

Emma: "Maybe it opens a treasure chest! Or an old, secret door!"

 

Liam: "That would be so cool! But where do you think it came from?"

 

Emma: "I don’t know, do you think it could be from that old mansion everyone talks about?"

 

Liam: (thinking) "Hey, remember that newspaper article we saw at the library? The one about the antique box that no one could open because they needed the key?"

 

Emma: (excitedly) "You're right, wouldn't it be exciting if this is the key? It said the box had to be opened with a key that was supposed to be in an old desk, but they never found it!"

 

Liam: "Do you think this could be that key?"

 

Emma: "I don’t know but I sure hope it is!” We have to show this to Mom and Dad right away!"

 

Liam: "Let’s go! This could be the key to solving the town's greatest mystery!"

 

Excited by their find, Emma and Liam rushed home to show their parents. Their mother, a local historian, immediately recognized the key's significance. She explained that it might be the long-lost key to the mysterious antique box that had intrigued the townsfolk for generations. She emphasized the importance of honoring the original owner's wishes and respecting the value of the mystery the box held for the community, much like the Biblical principle of honoring one's heritage and the teachings of past generations (Proverbs 22:28).

 

With the key in hand, Emma, Liam, and their parents made their way to the town's museum. The curator, equally astonished by the discovery, allowed them to try the key on the box. With bated breath, they inserted the key into the lock and turned it. To everyone's amazement, the lock clicked open.

 

Inside the box, they found an assortment of treasures: an old diary, a collection of antique coins, and a beautifully crafted locket. They also found love letters from a husband to his beloved wife. Their marriage was founded on godliness and honor. He was away often, but his love was expressed through his beautiful writings. The letters and diary highlighted the importance of respecting and cherishing loved ones, even from afar, reflecting the Biblical truth of loving and honoring one another (Ephesians 5:25-33).

 

In one of the letters, the husband expressed his earnest desire for their children to be taught the values of trust and honesty. He urged his wife to teach them Biblical values and the way of salvation. He desired with all his heart that their eleven children would be saved, and he named them all in the letters, praying for each one individually. Their names were: Samuel, Grace, Benjamin, Faith, Daniel, Hope, Isaac, Joy, Luke, Patience, and Ruth. This profound expression of faith and love served as a powerful reminder of the importance of instilling godly values and the teachings of salvation in future generations.

 

In another letter, filled with sadness, the husband's commanding officer, Ed Worthy, informed his wife that he had died while fighting for his country. He described the skirmish of that day, detailing how her husband and his comrades had bravely faced the enemy to save many lives. Despite their efforts, her husband sacrificed his own life so that others could live. The letter was dated June 17, 1775, during the Battle of Bunker Hill in the American Revolutionary War. This poignant message underscored the ultimate act of love and self-sacrifice, reflecting the Biblical principle of laying down one's life for others (John 15:13).

 

"My dearest Mrs. Barker,

 

It is with a heavy heart that I write to inform you of the passing of your beloved husband, Edward Winston Barker. He fought bravely on the battlefield, facing the enemy with unwavering courage and determination. On the fateful day of June 17, 1775, during the Battle of Bunker Hill, your husband's valor saved many lives, but alas, he sacrificed his own so that others might live.

 

Please know that his comrades and I hold his memory in the highest esteem. His actions were a testament to his character, embodying the principles of duty, honor, and sacrifice. Your husband shall forever be remembered as a hero, and his legacy shall live on in the hearts of those he saved.

 

He loved his family and he loved his country. May the Lord grant you strength and comfort during this difficult time.

 

With deepest condolences, Ed Worthy, Commanding Officer"

 

Inside the box, alongside the letters and treasures, were several old photographs. These pictures were not found inside the treasure box; instead, the museum had commissioned an artist to paint pictures of Edward and Gracelin Barker as they might have looked in that time. The photos were taken of the large paintings hanging in the museum, adding a touch of historical context and imagination to the display. The photographs captured moments of love and joy, including a family gathering around a grand oak tree, the husband and wife on their wedding day, and their children playing in the fields. Each picture told a story of a life well-lived, filled with love and cherished memories.

 

The diary revealed the story of a long-lost ancestor who had hidden these items as a keepsake for future generations. It detailed the ancestor's adventures and the love they had for their family and town, emphasizing the values of honor, respect, and dedication.

 

The discovery not only solved the mystery of the box but also connected Emma, Liam, and their family to their heritage in a profound way. The townsfolk celebrated the unearthing of the box's secrets, and it became a beloved tale that would be passed down through generations. It reminded everyone of the importance of history, family, respect, and the joy of discovery, echoing the Biblical principle of honoring one's past and living with integrity (Proverbs 20:7).

 

As the display of items found inside the treasure box became the talk of the town, the museum welcomed a steady stream of curious visitors. One day, a newspaper man arrived at the museum, intrigued by the story. He carefully examined the treasures, his eyes gleaming with curiosity.

 

As he approached Emma and Liam, he spoke in a hushed tone, "You two must be the young adventurers who discovered the key."

 

Emma and Liam nodded eagerly.

 

The newspaper man leaned in closer, his voice barely above a whisper, "I've heard a rumor that the old mansion is haunted by Edward Barker. They say he's been searching for his beloved wife and children for centuries."

 

Emma's eyes widened in surprise, and Liam's jaw dropped. "Really?" Emma asked, her voice filled with both excitement and a hint of apprehension.

 

The newspaper man nodded solemnly. "That's what they say. If you listen closely, you might hear his footsteps echoing through the halls at night."

 

Liam glanced at Emma, his eyes sparkling with intrigue. "Do you think it's true?"

 

Emma shrugged, her heart pounding with a mix of fear and excitement. "I don't know, but I guess there's only one way to find out."

 

The children exchanged a determined look, their imaginations running wild with the possibilities of another adventure. As they left the museum, they couldn't help but wonder what secrets the old mansion still held and whether they were brave enough to uncover them.

 

And so, a new mystery began to unfold, waiting for Emma and Liam to explore.

### Devotional Reading: The Legacy of Love and Faith

 

**Scripture References (KJV 1611):**

- Proverbs 22:28: "Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set."

- Ephesians 5:25: "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it."

- John 15:13: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

- Proverbs 20:7: "The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him."

- 1 Corinthians 15:20: "But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept."

 

In the enchanting story of Emma and Liam, we find a beautiful tapestry woven with threads of family heritage, love, and unwavering faith. The children's discovery of the rusty old key leads them on an adventure that uncovers the treasures of their ancestors, Edward Winston Barker and Gracelin Ann Barker. Through their journey, profound Biblical truths and lessons emerge, offering us a heartwarming reminder of the legacy of love and faith.

 

**The Greatest Lesson: Salvation Through Christ**

 

At the heart of this tale is the parallel of salvation. Edward Barker's sacrificial love for his family and country reflects the ultimate sacrifice of Christ for our sins. As the commanding officer's letter reveals Edward's bravery and selflessness during the Battle of Bunker Hill, we are reminded of Jesus' words in John 15:13, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." Just as Edward gave his life to save others, Christ laid down His life for our salvation.

 

The love letters and diary writings further emphasize the importance of godly values and the teachings of salvation. Edward's earnest desire for his children to know Christ as their Savior echoes the Biblical truth of passing on faith to future generations. His prayers for his children, by name, remind us of the personal and intimate relationship we can have with our Heavenly Father through Christ.

 

**The Key to True Treasure: Jesus Christ**

 

As Emma and Liam discovered the rusty old key that unlocked the family treasures, we are reminded that Jesus Christ is the true key to the greatest treasure—eternal life. Just as the key opened the box revealing hidden treasures and stories of love, Jesus opens the door to salvation, revealing the abundant life He offers to all who believe. In John 10:9, Jesus says, "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture." Through Christ, we gain access to the eternal treasures of God's kingdom.

 

**The Resurrection of Christ**

 

The story also highlights the hope we have in the resurrection of Christ. As Edward and Gracelin's love story unfolds, we see a reflection of God's love for us. Ephesians 5:25 reminds us, "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it." Just as Edward's love for his family transcended time and sacrifice, Christ's love for us conquered death and sin.

 

In 1 Corinthians 15:20, we are assured of the resurrection: "But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept." This resurrection promise gives us hope that we will one day be reunited with our loved ones who knew Christ as their Savior. The faith and love that Edward and Gracelin lived by remind us of the eternal bond we share with our family in Christ. It's comforting to know that Gracelin and her beloved husband are again together forevermore.

 

**The Love Story and God's Love for Us**

 

Edward and Gracelin's love story, captured in the artist's paintings and the treasures they left behind, beautifully mirrors God's love for us. Their commitment to each other, their family, and their faith serves as an enduring testament to the power of love rooted in godliness. Proverbs 20:7 reminds us, "The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him." Their legacy of love and faith is a blessing that continues to inspire and guide their descendants.

 

As Emma and Liam embark on their new mystery, they carry with them the lessons of honor, respect, and dedication. Their journey is a reflection of the greater adventure of faith we all undertake, guided by the love of Christ and the heritage of those who came before us.

 

May this story remind us of the importance of honoring our past, living with integrity, and embracing the salvation and love offered to us through Christ. As we journey through life, may we always remember the profound truth of John 15:13 and the hope of the resurrection that awaits us.

 

Author,

Susan Barker Nikitenko 2025©

      "The Christian life is not a constant high. I have my moments of deep discouragement. I have to go to God in prayer with tears in my eyes and say, 'O God, forgive me,' or 'Help me.' "

                                                                                                                     Billy Graham Quote

                                                            These Photos Are for This Lesson 

                                                              And May Be Printed with this Lesson 

                                                            and not Separately.

Fictional 2025©

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.

God's Son, Light Of Our Salvation 5 items and Audio

 John 8:12 

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: 

he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, 

but shall have the light of life.

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.

Hungering and Thirsting After Righteousness Coloring Page

Keep your heart close to God's Word make it your best friend.

We know that our heart is where it needs to be when we are hungering and thirsting 

for God and his righteousness. In doing so we would grow strong towards God thriving with lush fruit. Showing forth a prosperous Christian closeness with God. Stay close and steady, and stand strong by the waters of God's peace, joy, and direction.

There is a joy that is worldly and a joy that is Godless, but let our joy be the joy found

in Christ. 

Have you ever been so thirsty you thought you might die?

When we think of how we should long after God

we could think of the hart, (the deer) as it searches for the waters of life.

Without water, it would surely die. It can not live without it.

The deer resides by the water, he finds rest and peace. 

Christ is our salvation, Jesus himself said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life."

It is impossible to find eternal life without Christ Jesus. Just as the deer can't live without water. It's impossible to 

grow strong towards God without staying in God's Word and thinking about God.

Walking in the paths of righteousness. Doing and thinking the right things.

Our desires should be pleasing to God and our hearts should stay close to God.

We should not have our hearts set more closely to other things, but keeping our hearts 

close to the heart of God. 

It's impossible to know the things of God without first accepting Christ and what He did for us upon the cross of Calvary.

God's desire is that people be saved by believing in Christ as the only way of salvation.

Just as the deer who receives the water, we must receive the water of truth.

The water of eternal life.  

If you plant your tree where it can receive good water it will thrive in the fruit of God's Spirit, but if your tree takes in strange water, such as polluted water, such as sewage, poisoned water, salty water, stagnant or gray water.  These waters can kill your tree or make them very sick.  These kinds of water would not be considered good water for your tree. 

Now supposing we were  the tree in Psalms 3:1

Anything contrary to what scripture teaches is considered unclean water. Different religions that teach other Gods are not clean water. The Bible teaches that Christ alone is the way of salvation and if any teaches otherwise they are offering unclean water.  If you are involved in some of the occultic things it is poisonous water to a Christian's life. God loves people, but he does not want us to continue in those things which will hinder or destroy us. If we rebel and continue in these things, In that case, the promise in the description of a healthy tree does not apply.  

God gives us a shepherd He's the church's pastor, a teacher of truth, and also protects the flock from dangers and false doctrine. There are so many lies in this world that could hinder you from true belief in Christ.  Christ is the only way of salvation it says in John 10:1  Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.  

John 10:7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.

John 10:9-11 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: (But) I come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

A tree has roots that reach down into the ground to bring in the water that makes it strong. 

However, if a tree is planted in a place that prevents water, perhaps, the ground underneath is rocky. 

The tree will struggle more because it does not get the water it needs. It will wither and shed its leaves

and slowly die of thirst.

The water of the Word is what God Speaks of in John 4:14

 John 4:14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Psalms 1:1-6

 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. {wither: Heb. fade} 

 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Below is a link that Tell You How To Be Saved.  Guide #1 Once you read that Go to Guide #2 Then go to Guide #3 

Susan Nikitenko Setember 1st, 2024©

Becoming A Child of God Guide

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.

New Song: Though My Hat is Tattered

Though My Hat is Tattered

 

There was an old man who wore a tattered hat, a tattered hat, a tattered hat.

He went taking a walk one day you know,

He was shopping along, perhaps singing a song.

Where was He going? where did he go?

He decided to shop through ev’ry window.

 

He was kind of skinny but he was not fat, he was not fat, he was not fat.

He looked in a window what did he see?

He saw displays of great artistry.

An amateur painting caught his eye.

He took off his hat and he began to cry.

 

He bowed his head and had something to say, something to say, something to say.

Then He dusted off his dirty coat;

And patted down his grubby dirty beard.

With his wrinkled hands, he rang his hat.

Though someone might have thought that he was weird.

 

Then he said,

"He gave his life for me he died for me, he died for me, he died for me."

An unknown painter had painted the cross.

Of Jesus who died to pay for our sin.

Though the painting was grim it spoke to him.

Of the great love that Jesus had given.

 

He repeated again and again, Oh I love him, he died for me: Oh I Love him, he died for me.

Though my coat is torn I am reborn.

Though my hat is tattered my joy is new.

Oh Lord, I love you: Oh Lord, I love you.

You died for me and now my hope is you.

 

Susan Y Nikitenko

September 24, 2023©

Optional Chorus:

Jesus died for me because he loved me so.

Jesus paid the price I could not pay.

I was reminded of what he did for me.

As I looked upon this painting today.

And though my coat is torn I am reborn.

Though my hat is tattered my joy is new.

Oh Dear God, I love you: Oh Lord, I love you.

You died for me and now my hope is you.

Susan Y Nikitenko

September 24, 2023©

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.

God's Not Willing That Any Should Perish

God's Not Willing

Did you know that the devil wants to take as many people with him to hell, mostly just because he hates God?
But God does not want anyone to go to hell. Many of us have heard growing up that God's going to send you to hell. I'm going to show you from the Bible what God really wants for us.

God gives us teachers and preachers to teach us how to be saved. God teaches us in his Word that we can know 100% that if we died we would go to heaven. I've heard people say many times you can not know for sure. Some even say that it's prideful to say you know you're going to heaven. Some say they don't know if they lived good enough to make it into heaven. Let's take a look at 1 John 5:13.

1John5:13
These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
Notice these words: that ye may know that ye have eternal life,
Everlasting Life and Eternal Life are the same. heaven

Memorize this verse if you have not learned it already:
John 3:16
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.

God loved us so much that he sent us Jesus who died for us so we could find salvation.

2Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

The word perish here means to die without God and to go to hell for eternity. It says that God is longsuffering to us and that He's not willing that any should perish. He just doesn't want anyone to go to hell.

In the old testament, you read many stories where God brings judgment upon a nation. Through war or disaster. Here are some of the places I recently talked about, Niniveh, the reason God sent Jonah to Nineveh was that God wanted him to warn the people of Nineveh that if they did not repent God would destroy Ninivah. God gave them 40 days to repent. God gave them a chance to repent.

Niniveh listened to Jonah and Repented. God had mercy and forgiveness for them. They all turned to God.

Egypt was warned by God to let his people go or he would bring disaster upon them. Moses warned the Pharoah that God would bring Judgement for his rebellion. He refused each time to let God's people go. God brought judgment and plagues upon Egypt.
God would have spared, but God hates rebellion.

The children of Isreal were free from their bondage, the freeing of bondage is a picture of salvation. When God saves someone spiritually it is called salvation. When a person gets saved from the bondage of sin, it is called salvation.

How To Be Saved

God's Not Willing That Any Should Perish

Follow Here - To Find Guides 1, 2, 3

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A New Creature

For years Sunday Schools all over the United States and other countries also, have used the butterfly, which is designed and created by God, who is the originator, to explain to children about being born again. When you accept Christ as your Saviour you become a new creature in Christ.

My daughter and my grandchildren have been doing a science experiment by putting together a small habitat to watch the changing of a caterpillar into a butterfly. My grandchildren just
we're so excited to witness the birth of eight butterflies and two more yet to spring out into a new life.

God is so good to give us the gift of this miraculous birth. My daughters allowed me to post pictures and video footage
of their homeschool experience. I'll post them tomorrow evening, Lord willing.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. KJV

Follow Here: Homeschool Butterfly Habitat

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.