How I love your teachings!  I think about them all day long.  Psalm 119:97 (NCV)

 Props: 2 beach buckets, sign or slide with READ acrostic 

Begin with a skit in which 2 helpers are headed to the beach.  The one is carrying a beach bucket, the other says he’s ready but his hat (another beach bucket) is giving him trouble.  He says it’s not big enough, the strap doesn’t fit around his chin, it doesn’t have a rim to protect his ears and face from the sun, etc.  The first helper points out that the second is wearing a beach bucket and it’s not meant to be a hat.  He needs to learn how to use it properly.  The second is enlightened and the two head off to the beach.     

If you’ve been in church for very long, you know that we always tell you to read your Bible.  That sounds simple enough, but sometimes it can be a little difficult to know where to start and how to understand the Bible.  You need to learn how to use the Bible, just as our helper had to learn to use a beach bucket.  So we’re going to take time to explain some steps that will help you understand the Bible as you read it.  There’s an easy way you can remember the steps to Bible reading: just remember the word READ.  

Reflect on it: The “R” reminds you to reflect on the Bible.  In other words, think about it.  Sometimes you might read the words, but have no idea what you’re reading. Take time to stop and read the words carefully, thinking about the meaning.  Think about what God is trying to say to you and how you can use it in your everyday life.  

Experience it—every day: “E” means to experience it every day.  Don’t just let the Bible sit on your shelf, read it.  Read it often.  The Bible will not change you if you never pick it up, read it, think about it, and obey it.  However, when you get into God’s Word and let it get into you, you will never be the same.  God’s Word will change you and make you more like Him. 

Ask questions: As you read the Bible, you will find things you don’t understand.  The “A” stands for “ask.”  Ask your parents or church teachers what the Bible means.  Don’t just ignore the things you don’t understand.  Most importantly, ask God’s Holy Spirit to lead and guide you into all truth as you read the Word.  He will show you things you don’t know in the Bible.  

Do what it says: The Bible says it does no good to read the Bible if you don’t obey it.  The letter “D” reminds you to do what it says.  Obey the Bible.  When you read a command from God in His Word, obey it.  Don’t just hear it—it’s not even enough to memorize it—you must choose to obey God’s Word. 

If you remember to reflect on the Bible, experience it, ask questions and do what it says, you will grow in God as you read His Word.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…Colossians 3:16 (NIV)

 Part 1: Take Time to Prepare

Props: a tent, backpacks for each camper and the leader, various “useless” items (see below) 

The backpack of camper #1 should be filled with items that would be useless for camping. 

The leader calls the campers together and asks them if they are ready to experience the great outdoors.  They all seem excited.  He tells them to strap on their backpacks, which Camper 1 has a hard time doing.  It seems her bag is too heavy and so the leader asks what she packed.  She begins to pull out her items one by one, each one completely useless for a camping trip.  As she explains her need for a hairdryer, a collection of books and magazines, her pet rocks, etc., the leader explains the need to be truly prepared with things that are useful.  He shows her a few of the items he has packed and explains their purpose.  After instructing her to re-pack, the group is off to their camping spot.    

Follow up: Preparing for a camping trip is important; preparing for life is more important. 

If you’re going on a camping trip, you have to take time to prepare.  You also have to know that you are preparing with the things that will be useful, things that will help you.  As we’re talking about taking time for God’s Word every day, you need to understand that taking time for God’s Word means taking time to prepare.  God’s word will prepare you for life.  Listen to what the Bible says in 2 Timothy 3:16, 17: “God has breathed life into all of Scripture. It is useful for teaching us what is true. It is useful for correcting our mistakes. It is useful for making our lives whole again. It is useful for training us to do what is right. By using Scripture, a man of God can be completely prepared to do every good thing.”  (2 Timothy 3:16-17)  Did you get that?  “By using Scripture, a man of God can be completely prepared to do every good thing.” 

            Listening to rock music will not prepare you to make good choices.  Going to your friends for advice all the time will not prepare you for a good future.  Reading magazines will not prepare you to help your friends when they are in trouble.  Only God’s Word will prepare you for all of that.  Reading the Bible, listening to good Bible teaching and memorizing scriptures will prepare you for life.  So take time to prepare and take time for God’s Word every day!

Part 2: Take Time to Feed Your Spirit

Job 23:12; 1 Peter 2:2 

Props: a tent, backpacks for each camper and the leader 

The campers arrive to the campsite with their gear.  The leader reminds everyone that it is soon dinnertime.  He says they should get a fire going and begin making dinner.  Camper #2 says he is so hungry.  The leader asks what he packed for dinner.  Camper #2 explains that he was so busy packing a tent, his clothes, bug spray, his iPod, etc., that he didn’t have time to pack food.  The leader replies that camping involves plenty of work, and that we need the energy food gives us. 

Follow up:  Does anyone here ever get so busy you forget to eat?  Probably not—at least not for long.  Our bodies are made to remind us when we get hungry.  They need energy and food gives us that energy.  So it doesn’t usually take long before we feel our stomachs growl and we know that we need something to eat.

            Just like you have to take time to feed your body, you have to take time to feed your spirit also.  Your spirit is that part of you that connects to God, and it gets hungry for something from God.  Your spirit can’t be fed with the food you feed your body; it needs food from the Bible.  When you read, listen to and think about scriptures from God’s Word, your spirit is satisfied.  If you don’t take time for God’s Word, your spirit gets weak.  You will have a hard time getting close to God and living life to please Him. 

            The camper we just saw didn’t take time to pack food.  He got too busy with everything else.  Don’t get too busy to feed your spirit—take time for God’s Word every day! 

Part 3: Take Time to Get Directions

Romans 15:4, Psalm 119:98-100 

Props: tent, backpacks and maps 

The campers finish setting up camp.  The leader mentions that the campground is large and wooded and asks if everyone knows their way around.  He tells all the campers to keep a copy of the map with them.  Camper #3 heads out to check out the trails.  Soon after he leaves, the others notice that he left his map behind.  They call out for him but can’t find him anywhere.  He returns itching and scratching all over, complaining that he went down the wrong trail and got into poison ivy.  The leader reminds him of his instructions to keep the map with him.   

Follow up: Taking time for God’s Word is important because God’s Word is where we get our direction for life.  Some people wander through life not knowing how to live or what to do.  They guess and try to make the best choices they can.  But that only leads them nowhere.

            The Bible is filled with directions for life.  God tells us what we should do and how to make good choices in life.  He also tells us things we should stay away from.  If you read the Bible, your journey through life will be much more successful.

            Our friend here didn’t take time to look at a map before he headed out down the trails.  It sure got him in trouble!  Don’t be like that…take time to get directions by taking time for God’s Word!

…where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21

 Props: a large heart cut-out, a wallet, small piece of string

 Preparation: tape one side of the string to the heart, the other side to the wallet

 In the Bible we read that Jesus said, “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).  To help us understand what Jesus was talking about, I brought a wallet with me.  A wallet holds your money.  Money is like the treasure Jesus was talking about.  Your money goes lots of different places, doesn’t it?  It goes to the toy store (carry wallet across stage, with the heart following behind it), the ice cream truck (carry wallet to the other side of the stage), the video store (carry wallet to the front of the stage), the mall (carry wallet to the back of the stage) and hopefully to church (return to the center of the stage).  That’s quite a few places to take your money and spend it.  Did you notice what followed the wallet everywhere?  (Allow for response).  Right!  The heart.  That’s because Jesus said, “…where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21 In other words, the things you spend your money on are the things you really love.  If you spend lots of money on clothes, that shows you really love clothes.  If all your birthday money gets spent on video games, you really love video games.  That’s where your heart is.  But if you use and spend your money for God, it shows that you really love Him.

            God never asked anyone to give 100% of their money for Him, because He knows we need homes and clothes and food.  But He did say to give and that when we do, it shows we love Him.  Remember, your heart will follow your wallet.  So if you give your money to God, your heart will be with Him.

“I am the Good Shepherd.  The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”  John 10:11 (NIV) 

Props: Vaseline, cotton balls, shepherd’s staff, club        

Preparation: Have a helper dressed as a “sheep” (wearing a white or gray sweat suit).  

Teacher: Good morning, boys and girls.  This morning we’re going to continue our series on Jesus.  Today’s lesson is about how Jesus is our Shepherd.  

Helper:  So, what’s my part in all of this? 

Teacher: Well, to help the boys and girls understand what it means to be a shepherd, and how Jesus is our Shepherd, I’m going to play the part of a shepherd. 

Helper: And….? 

Teacher:  And you’re going to play the part of one of my sheep. 

Helper:  You’re kidding.

 Teacher:  Nope. (Display Vaseline and cotton balls).   Now if you’ll stand still, I’ll put some wool on your face. 

Helper:  That’s not wool!  It’s Vaseline and cotton balls. 

Teacher:  Oh, well.  Same effect. 

(Teacher begins applying cotton balls.  Continue script during application). 

Helper:  I can’t believe this.           

Teacher:  First of all, sheep are stupid.         

Helper:  Hey!  Who you callin’ stupid?

Teacher:  No offense.  It’s just that you’re always trying to go your own way, and sometimes I have to bring you back.        

Helper: So what’s the problem if I want to go my own way every now and then?        

Teacher:  You might get stuck in the rocky mountains somewhere and die out there.

Helper:  We’re nowhere close to the Rocky Mountains!

 Teacher: No…not the Rocky Mountains, the rocky mountains…you know, mountains that are rocky.  Oh…never mind!  Anyway, if you wander away from me and get lost, you would die out there by yourself.  You wouldn’t have me to take care of you.  So every now and then I have to poke and prod you with my staff to bring you back.

 Helper:  I know, and it hurts! 

 Teacher:  Better than being torn to shreds by a wild animal.

 Helper: Uhh…I suppose.  Those wild animals scare me to death!  Lions and bears….lions and tigers and bears, oh my!  Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!  With their big teeth and their sharp claws…just the thought of those claws tearing in to my sensitive skin.  Aaaahhhh!  (Really over-do the fear thing and embrace the teacher, refusing to let go). 

 Teacher:  Get a grip, I’m right here.  You know I wouldn’t let anything happen to you.  I   always watch out for you.

 Helper: (Regains composure).  Yeah, you’re right.  Like the time that lion came into the sheep pen.  You raced down the hill, jumped the fence in two seconds flat, and beat that lion senseless with your club. 

 Teacher:  Always watching out for you. 

 Helper: You know what, shep, you’re not too bad.

 Teacher:  Thanks.  Just stick by me and you’ll be okay.  (to kids)  Jesus takes care of us.  Just like a shepherd takes care of his sheep, Jesus takes care of us and watches out for us. 

He guides me in paths of righteousness
       for his name’s sake. Psalm 23:3 (NIV)

 For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. 1 Peter 2:25 (NIV)

 Props: shepherd’s staff (or cane)

             Shepherds have many responsibilities when caring for their sheep.  One of those jobs is to lead their sheep.  Sheep love to run away and go in the wrong direction, to places that are dangerous or bad for them.  Shepherds have to make sure that they stay with them where it is safe.  Sometimes a shepherd has to use a staff to bring his sheep back.  (Display staff).  This is a staff.  It probably wouldn’t feel very good to get pulled back in line with this.  But it’s better than getting lost, stuck in the rocks somewhere or killed by a wild animal. 

            We often like to go our own way, the opposite of where God is trying to lead us.  We think we can do our own thing and still be okay.  But Jesus loves us so much that He tries to bring us back.  It doesn’t always feel good, but it is for our best.  Jesus won’t use a staff like this to bring you back.  He may give you a bad feeling on the inside when you do something wrong.  He may use your parents or teachers to let you know you’re going in the wrong direction and you need to come back.  However He does it, listen closely for Him and follow wherever He leads you.  Jesus takes care of us, so let Him lead you to places that are best for you.

Even though I walk
       through the valley of the shadow of death,
       I will fear no evil,
       for you are with me;
       your rod and your staff,
       they comfort me. Psalm 23:4 (NIV)

 ”I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

John 10:11

 Props: club (or large stick), slingshot

             Shepherds do many things to take care of their sheep: they make sure that their sheep have what they need, and they lead them where they will be safe.  Another job that shepherds have is to protect their sheep from wild animals that try to attack them.  Bears, lions and other animals may try to get in to where the sheep are to attack them.  A shepherd is always watching for such animals and is always ready to fight them off.  (Display weapons).  He may use a club like this or a slingshot to kill or at least scare away the attacking animals. 

            Our Shepherd is Jesus.  He is always ready to fight off our worst enemy, satan.  Satan may try to attack us with sickness; Jesus brings healing.  Satan may try to attack us with fighting in our home; Jesus brings peace.  Satan may try to attack us by trying to get us to do something we shouldn’t; Jesus gives us the power to do what’s right.  Jesus—our Great  Shepherd—will always be stronger than our enemy, satan.  Jesus takes care of us.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.  Psalm 23:1

 …our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep… Hebrews 13:20

 For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. 1 Peter 2:25

 Props: plugs of grass (or “Easter” grass) and clear container filled with water; food and bottle of water or juice

             One of the things that shepherds do is make sure that their sheep have everything that they need.  A shepherd must make sure that he is taking his sheep to places where they will have enough food and water.  (Show grass and water).  Sheep eat grass, and if they don’t have enough grass, they will go hungry.  The shepherd takes them to places where there is plenty of grass. 

            Jesus is the Great Shepherd.  He will always make sure that you have everything you need.  (Show food and water).  He takes care of us when we need food.  He also takes care of everything else that we need. 

            Sometimes, though, a sheep may run away from the shepherd.  When that happens, the sheep is away from everything the shepherd gives that it needs.  Boys and girls, Jesus will always make sure that you have what you have to have, but you must stick close to Him.  Don’t run away!  Stay close to Jesus, and He will give you everything you need.

…don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. James 1:22 (NLT)

 Props: mirror; costume accessories

 Teacher: James chapter one says that the Bible is like a mirror in which we see ourselves.  What do you use a mirror for in the mornings?  (Allow for response).  You can use the Bible in the same way!  No, you don’t use the Bible to help you brush your hair, but you should use the Bible to see how you really look—on the inside. 

 (Helper enters and begins “dressing” while speaking.  She should comb her hair haphazardly, put on mismatched shoes or accessories, etc.)

 Helper: I don’t need a mirror!  I know how to get dressed.  I’ve been getting dressed for years.  Besides, the mirror is way too hard on me.  It shows me every little flaw and it only makes me feel worse. 

 Teacher: Freeze!  (Helper freezes in position.)  This is like people who don’t want to read the Bible.  They think they know how to live and what to do.  Some people don’t want to read the Bible because they know that it will show them what they’re doing wrong.  Not reading the Bible is like getting dressed without a mirror in the morning. 

 (Helper continues getting dressed.  She applies lipstick around the outside of her lips, puts on her jacket inside out, etc.) 

 Helper: I tell ya’, I know what I’m doing.  The mirror wouldn’t do me any good.  I am perfectly capable of putting on everything without help. 

 (Teacher holds up mirror to helper and shows her what she looks like). 

 Helper: (Gasps.)  Oh, my.  Well, I have seen worse, you know.  Maybe if I just straighten this and fix that (doesn’t change much) it will be okay. 

 Teacher: Freeze!  (Helper freezes).  Kids, does she need to change quite a bit?  Of course!  She looks ridiculous.  James 1:23, 24 says, “Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.”   In other words, if you see something about yourself that you need to fix, fix it.  If you read (or hear) that the Bible says don’t lie, and you’ve been lying, you need to change and start telling the truth.  If you read (or hear) that the Bible says to love others, and you’ve been fighting with your family, you need to change and start showing love to them. 

 Teacher: (to helper) Now, don’t you think there are a few more things you need to fix?

 Helper: I guess I do look silly.  (Reaching out for mirror).  Hey, could I use that? 

Teacher: Be my guest.  (Helper exits).  The Bible will tell you what to change about yourself so that you can look more like God.  So remember, obey the Bible!

…don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. James 1:22 (NLT)

Props: regular or oversized bottle of medicine

A few months ago I started feeling tired.  So I went to the doctor and he gave me some vitamins to take.  I took the vitamins home and read the instructions.  The directions read: Take one tablet every day.  Simple enough, right?  So that night I took a vitamin.  The next night I got busy.  I didn’t take a vitamin.  The night after that I was too tired.  I went right to bed and didn’t take my vitamin.  On the fourth night I took a vitamin, but on the fifth night I watched a movie and forgot all about it.  Finally, a whole week had passed.  I had only taken two vitamins.  I was still just as tired as before.  I called the doctor and complained that I was still tired.  He asked, “Have you been taking your vitamins?”  When I told him about my week, he said, “The vitamins won’t do you any good in the bottle.  You have to take them to feel better!” 

You know what, he was right.  I wasn’t following the instructions.  I knew the instructions, but I kept coming up with excuses and didn’t do what I was supposed to.  That reminds me of today’s lesson: It’s not enough to know what the Bible says, you have to obey it!  Most of you know that the Bible says to obey your parents, but the important thing is to do what the Bible says and obey them!  You know the Bible says to do unto others as you would have them do unto you, but you have to make a choice to treat others with kindness and respect. 

Just like I had to finally make a choice and take my vitamins—no excuses—you must make a choice to obey the Bible!

Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  Ephesians 6:17 (NIV)

Props: “devil” character costume, large Bible

Helper 1: Are you ready for the battle?

Helper 2: What battle?

Helper 1: Against our enemy…

Helper 2: We have an enemy?

Helper 1: Of course we have an enemy!  Where have you been?  Our enemy, the devil, is always trying to attack us.  He tries to contaminate our heart, mess with our mind, stop us from doing what’s right and pull us away from God.

Helper 2: Oh, maybe that’s why I’ve felt so beat up lately.

Helper 1: The enemy is out to get us and we have to defend ourselves by wearing the full armor of God.  Not only that, but we have to attack him with our sword.

Helper 2: Oooh!  We get to play with swords.

Helper 1: No, it’s not a sword that you can see, and it’s no game.  We’re not playing; we’re at war!  Our sword is the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God.  You know, the Bible!  (Hands helper 2 a large Bible).

Helper 2: (Looking over Bible).  It doesn’t look like much of a weapon to me, but I guess it’ll do in a pinch. 

Helper 1: I don’t think you understand how powerful the Sword of the Spirit is.  But you’re about to find out.  Here comes the enemy now. 

(“Satan” character enters and makes his way toward Helper 2).

Helper 2: Leave this to me.  I’ll fight the enemy off with my new, uh…“sword.”

Helper1: I don’t think you know what you’re…

Helper 2: I’ll hit him with the Bible!  (Hits the devil character.  Devil is not hurt and goes after helper 2).

Helper 1: It doesn’t work like that!

Helper 2: I’ll throw the Bible at him and hit him in the head. (Starts to throw Bible and is stopped by the devil character’s attacks.  Helper 2 ends up on the floor.)  

Helper 1: That’s not the way you use the Sword of the Spirit!

Helper 2:  Alright, then, Mr. Smarty Pants!  How do you suggest we defeat the enemy?

Helper 1: Speak the Word!  Obey the Bible!  Do what it says!  Live by it!

Helper 2: You can’t just talk to the enemy; you have to fight him!

(The devil character approaches Helper 1 to attack him). 

Helper 1:  God’s power in me is greater than the power of the enemy!

(The devil character cowers , then starts to attack again). 

Helper 1: For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline. 

(The devil character cowers again, tries one more time to attack). 

Helper 1: It is the Lord who gives me victory over my enemies.  He has made me more than a winner! 

(Devil character runs away). 

Helper 2: Wow, it really does work! 

Helper1: God’s Word is powerful!  When you know the Bible, obey it and use it against the enemy, he has to run away!  (Starts to run after devil).  Get back here devil!  I’m gonna use the Word to put a bruisin’ on you! 

Helper 2: Yeah!

(Both exit).