DD "FIGNT Ffm YOW BL~~tfG!" Joshua 1;1-8 Job 1:10 Psalm 1:3 * Proverbs 12:14,24; 13:11,22; 14:23; and 21 :25 Ecclesiastes 9: 10 I Corinthians 4:12 Galatians 3:13-14,29 * III John 2 * I Timothy 6:12 'itftral TRUTN God blesses the work of our hands. TNi ~PO"itf WORD "And whatever he does shall prosper." Psalm 1:3 The Abrahamic Covenant was a covenant of prosperity as can be seen in Genesis 13:2, "And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold." Though there are many wonderiul examples of godliness and faith in the Bible, Abraham is the man with whom God chose to make His covenant (Genesis 17:1-4). He is our covenant example and the father of all who walk faith (Romans 4:16). Therefore, if every other character in the Bible is poor and destitute, our model of prosperity still remains. God declares that we have received the blessing of Abraham-not Job, Noah, David, or Elijah (Galatians 3:13-14). According to the Bible our prosperity comes the work of our hands as we meditate the Word of God. We must believe God's Word concerning our finances, but we must also put our hands on projects that produce fruit. Prosperity has two sides, the spiritual and the natural. As believers, we must operate the """' principles of God's Word in both arenas if we are to prosper. With these thoughts in mind, we must stress to our children the importance of work in taking possession of our inheritance. ~ij ~~ ICE-8REAI<:'ER With Deputy Dugan SUGGESTED MUSIC Song Service 2 King Of Kings Faith Is Like A Rope He Is Alive Greater Is He Your Loving Kindness POWER-PACKED "The Third Part" ILLUSTRATED SI<:'IT THE 8001<:' OF 800KS "Fight For Your Blessing!" PUPPET SI<:'IT "The Man Who Would Not Quit" SERMON ROVERCOMER, THE FAITH DOG "The Paw That Prospers" ADVENTURES IN FAITH "Beating The Odds" ~ llle ZiON 7 REPORT L "The Slug And Mr. Diligent" f:ja REVIEW GAME ''61 "Bobbing For Marshmallows" Volume 2 Lesson 11
----., ~ QQ 'l'igut FM tm BLWItfG!" ' "T~AL T~UTN ~( Jj~~ God blesses the work of our hands. 1. TN ~POk " WO~D 2. "And whatever he does shall prosper." Psalm 1:3 3. 4. ICE-~REAk'ER Sk'IT With Deputy Dugan 5. 6. SUGGESTED MUSIC Song Service 2 o King Of Kings 7. o Faith Is Like A Rope o He Is Alive o Greater Is He 8. ~ o Your Loving Kindness POWER-PACk'ED puppet SKIT 9. "The Third Part" 10. THE ~OOk' OF ~OOk'S "The Man Who Would Not Quir' 11. ILLUSTRATED SERMON 12. "Fight For Your Blessing!" 13. ROVERCOMER, THE FAITH DOG ''The Paw That Prospers" 14.. ADVENTURES IN FAITH 15. "Beating The Odds" 16. THE ZiON 7 REPORT "The Slug And Mr. Diligenf' REVIEW GAME 17. "Bobbing For Marshmallows" 18. Volume 2 Lesson 11
~ Hey, Deputy Dugan, I was thinking about what a wonderful God we serve. Do you ever think about that? I sure do. He loves to bless His children. That's true. There's a special kind of person God loves to bless. Do you know who that is? Girls. God loves girls, and so do I. Hey, cutie, over there in the first row. (He waves.) No, Deputy. God loves girls, but He also loves boys. Oh, I know. It's adults. God loves to bless adults. Deputy, it doesn't matter how old or how young you are to receive the blessings of God. God blesses what we put our hands to. He blesses our work. Work? These kids are too young to work. No, they're not. Oh, yes, they are. When was the last time you went to McDonald's and saw an eight-year-old behind the counter? There's a difference between having a job and God blessing the work of our hands. Psalm 1:3 tells us about this. What does it say? It says, "And whatever he does shall prosper." See, if you want to prosper, you have to do something. God blesses what His children do. I see. That's a good verse. They're all good. God gave us His Word to help us know how to receive His wonderful blessings. Can we all say that verse again? Sure. I'll lead the kids, and you say it with us. That was good, but I think the kids can say it louder. All right, kids. Let's say it really loud this time. (Repeat Psalm 1:3 with the class.) (Leads the kids in saying the memory verse.) That was better. I could really hear them that time. Well, I'll see you later. I've got to get busy. Where are you going? I'm going to put my hands to good use, so I can prosper and be blessed. That's great, Deputy Dugan. Yeah, and the first thing I'm going to do with my hands is wash them. Wash them? If these hands can bring me blessing, I'm going to take really good care of them. (He exits.) Volume 2 1 Lesson 11
POWE.~-PA''''D "THE THIRD PART" PUPPE.T ~J(IT CHARACTERS: Oogene, Jeanie Mae, Papa Greene sane I: OOGENE'S ~EDROOM (Oogene has loud music playing. Jeanie Mae enters.) -----. Oogene! (He doesn't hear.) Oogene! (really loud) (turning the music off) What do you want, Jeanie? Aren't you supposed to be over at the Millers' house mowing their grass? No. I thought Mr. Miller hired you to mow his lawn once a week through the summer months. He did. Then why aren't you doing it? I called him today and told him I didn't want the job. I thought you were trying to save money for a new bike. I am. Well, how are you going to be able to save any money if you don't work to get it? I don't have to work to get money anymore, Jeanie. Oh. You don't? No. I don't. Just what makes you think that? I found out when you give to the kingdom of God, God will multiply your money back to you. How do you think He does that, Oogene? I don't care how He does it. I've got this all figured out. I gave a dollar last week at church in the offering and I figure God will give me a hundred bucks back. This week I'm going to give another dollar, and He'll only have to give me fifty bocks in return, and I'll have enough to get my bike. It doesn't work exactly like that, Oogene. Who made you the Bible expert of the house? You don't have to be an expert to know it doesn't work like that. Did Mr. Miller have anyone to replace you? I don't think so. You need to fulfill your obligation, Oogene. It's not right to leave someone in a bind like that. He'll find someone else. I'm not working if I don't have to. Volume 2 3 Lesson 11
00gene: I'm telling Dad on you. He'll take care of this. (She leaves.) You big tattletale. If your mouth was any bigger, we could attach it to the house and have a third car space in the garage. SCENE Z: THE LIVING ROOM (Papa Greene is reading the newspaper. Jeanie Mae enters.) Dad, I have to tell you something. (putting the paper down) I don't suppose it has anything to do with yourbrother, does it? Did you know Mr. Miller who lives down the street hired Oogene to mow his yard once a week through the summer months? Yes. Oogene told me all about it. He was excited about the job because it would give him the means to get a new bike. Did you know Oogene called Mr. Miller and told him he didn't want the job anymore? When did he do that? Just today, and this was the first day he was to start mowing. Hmmm. Those are pretty poor business ethics and a lack of character on Oogene's part. I wonder why he did that. He's got it in his head that he doesn't have to work anymore. He thinks he can just give offerings to God, and since God has promised to multiply our money back to us, it's just going to come to him without working. I think I'd better have a talk with your brother. He needs some further enlightenment on this subject. SCENE 5: OOGENE'S ~EDROOM (Oogene is simply standing in his bedroom.) 00gene: (Papa Greene enters the room.) (talking to himself) I wonder how long it will take God to get my money to me? Maybe I should go downstairs and wait the door. Someone will probably be knocking any minute and asking for me. I'll answer politely and say, "Show me the money." 00gene: 00gene: 00gene: 00gene: You won't be seeing anybody or any money at the door, Oogene. But, Dad, I've been giving to God. That's good. And I've been saying what the Bible says, "Men are giving back to me, good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over." That's good, too, but you've only got two out of three parts of prosperity working, and that's not enough. Two out of three? Tithes and offerings are one part. Speaking our faith is another part. What's the third part? Volume 2 4 Lesson 11
The third part is work. God said He would bless the work of our hands. If you don't work, God doesn't have a channel to use to get His blessing to you. But, Dad, if I have to work for it, then irs just me making the money. That's where you're wrong, Oogene. How did you get the job Mr. Miller offered you? He called me on the telephone and asked me if I wanted it. Do you remember what he said? He said he just happened to see me riding my bike that day and wondered if I might want a job. Don't you see, Oogene? Your tithing, giving, and the speaking of your faith gave God the opportunity to influence Mr. Miller to offer you a job. That job is the channel God wanted to use to bless you with enough money to get that new bike you want. I'm going to have to work to get the money God wants to bless me with? Most of the time that's the way it comes. Occasionally the Lord uses other ways, but He said He would bless what you put your hand to. Now I've gone and done it. You told Mr. Miller you didn't want the job. I've cut off the channel God gave to bless me. You also displayed poor character and poor business ethics changing your decision on the very day you agreed to start working. I'm really sorry, Dad. It's Mr. Miller you need to apologize to. I'm going to do that right now. If he hasn't found a replacement, maybe he'll rehire me. I'll prove to be the best lawn mower he's ever had. Volume 2 5 Lesson 11
" ~\B\BLE ~ XLLU~T~AT'D ~'~MO" ~ ((FIGHT FOR YOUR ~LESSING!" SCRIPTURES TO STUDY: Joshua 1:1-8 Job 1:10 Psalm 1:3 Proverbs 12:14, 24; 13:11, 22; 14:23; and 21 :25 Ecclesiastes 9:10; I Corinthians 4:12 Galatians 3:13-14; 29; III John 2 I Timothy 6:12 NEEDED: 5 boxes approximately 10" x 12" in size, a hammer, a saw, a board, cardboard or plastic, gold wrapping paper, construction paper, tape, marker pens, appropriate items to place in the boxes O~JECTS We want to define the Biblical idea of prosperity with the following terms, so children might fully grasp its meaning. Label the boxes with the following titles: PLENTY TO EAT, PLENTY TO WEAR, A GOOD PLACE TO LIVE, NICE THINGS, and MONEY FOR GRANDCHILDREN HOW TO PREPARE: Decorate the five boxes with gold wrapping paper and label them with the titles listed above. Place items that you deem appropriate to illustrate each concept into the respective boxes. For example, the picture of a nice home from a magazine would serve as a good illustration for the box labeled A GOOD PLACE TO LIVE, but use your imagination to fill each box. You will need ten children to assist you about midway through the lesson. During this demonstration, ~ you will need a sword made of cardboard or plastic. Near the end of the lesson, you will need ten children to assist you with the hammer, saw, and a short length of board. MESSAGE:..... -.. A. The Bible tells us that He wants us to prosper (III John 2). 1. It does not say that He has promised to give us millions of dollars in cash. 2. The word "prosper" means that we are to be rewarded after we have done something. B. God made Abraham to prosper (Genesis 13:2). 1. Abraham had plenty to eat. (Bring out the PLENTY TO EAT box and reveal its contents.) 2. Abraham had plenty to wear. (Bring out the PLENTY TO WEAR box and reveal its contents.) 3. Abraham had a good place to live. (Bring out the GOOD PLACE TO LIVE box and reveal its contents.) 4. Abraham had nice things to enjoy. (Bring out the NICE THINGS box and reveal its contents-i Timothy 6: 12.) 5. Abraham had enough money to leave an inheritance to his grandchildren. (Bring out the MONEY FOR GRANDCHILDREN box and reveal its contents -Proverbs 13:22.) C. God's Word says that we have been blessed with Abraham's blessings (Galatians 3:13-14, 29). Volume 2 7 Lesson 11
1. The same five kinds of blessing that belonged to Abraham belong to us. (Once again, highlight each blessing of prosperity.) 2. Because we have Jesus Christ in our hearts, we are the children of Abraham. II. These blessings do not automatically come to us, though God wants us to have them. (Pick up the boxes and set them aside.) A. God wants all of the people on the earth to be saved from their sins, but this has not yet happened. Why? 1. Many people have never heard of Jesus, so they cannot believe that He died on the cross for them. 2. Even though God wants people to have something so wonderful as salvation, it is not guaranteed that people will receive it. B. If we do not know God wants us to have Abraham's blessing, we cannot receive it. 1. Some Christians believe that God does not care about our material things. 2. We should believe what the Bible says about our blessings, not men's opinions. C. Joshua and the children of Israel had to fight to receive the blessings God promised to them (Joshua 1:1-8). 1. God promised to give the land of Canaan to Abraham's children and grandchildren. 2. Abraham's family went to Egypt because a famine came to the land of Canaan. 3. When Abraham's family, the children of Israel, came back to the land God had promised them, it was filled with giants. 4. Joshua and the children of Israel had to fight battles to take the blessings God had promised to them. (Bring five children to the front of the class and let them hold the boxes. Line up another five children, representing the children ofisrael behind you. Tell the children who are holding the boxes to give up the blessings that belong to Abraham's seed. Pre-arrange with them to reply with a loud, "No!" One--one, stage a mock battle with your sword until you have taken every box from the first group and have delivered them to the second group.) 5. The blessings of prosperity come to those who take them with their hands! (Have the children put away the boxes and retum to their seats.) III. We must work with our hands to take the blessings that belong to us. A. We do not fight literal giants today, but we must fight to obtain our prosperity. B. God does not rain down blessings on lazy people. C. Just because we may not have a certain blessing, it does not mean God doesn't want us to have it. 1. If the children of Israel had thought in that way, they would never have taken possession of the land of Canaan. 2. The Bible is the place where we find God's will-not the circumstances of life (III John 2). D. By working with our hands, we fight to take what God has promised to us! (Once again, line up the ten children. Five are holding boxes and five are without. Demand that the five children holding boxes, representing satan and his forces, give up the blessings that are yours. They respond with a loud, "No!") (This time, instead ofusing the sword, you will fight your battles working with a hammer and saw on a board in front of each child. After a brief bit of work with your hands, each child holding a box gives up the blessing, so that you may present it to the five children who stand behind you.) Volume 2 8 Lesson 11
(When you have taken possession of the last blessing, recount what each aspect of prosperity means and lift the examples from each box.) E. God has promised to bless what we do with our hands (Psalm 1:3). Volume 2. 9 Lesson 11
~ RG"'"GM'R. Til' FAI'TII DGG ~ ((THE PAW THAT PROSPERS" PROPS THE NEEDED: A drinking glass with a straw and sunglasses to carry (if they won't fit the character's head) LESSON: (Rovercomer enters the classroom with props.) Well, it's our good buddy, Rovercomer. We sure are looking forward to hearing a story today. (to kids) That's Rovercomer's job here in Children's Church. He's a great storyteller. You say you don't have a story for us today? You say, as a maller-ot-fact, you need to tell me something. What do you need to tell me, Rovercomer? You're gelling ready to layout in the sun to rest and relax. Rovercomer says he's learned a lot about walking in faith lately. That's what we've been talking about for awhile. (barks, vel}' proudly) Oh, you say you have become an expert on faith, huh? (barks, arrogantly) And because you're an expert on faith, you're quilling your job here at the church. You won't be telling any more stories, because you don't need a job. Rovercomer says he doesn't need a job anymore, because he is going to live faith. (barks, pointing to heart and mouth) Oh, so you're just going to believe and contess, and God will take care of you, huh? (barks, standing there proudly) Well, Rovercomer, you are missing something very important in the process of faith. (barks, as if to say, Uf am?'? That's right, you are. Now, listen to me very carefully. (barks, holding up one of his ears as if listening) In order to walk faith, it's important to believe in your heart what the Word of God promises. Volume 2 11 Lesson 11
(barks, in agreement, still listening) And it's important to say with your mouth what God said in His Word. That releases your faith. (barks, in agreement, still listening) But there is another step which is just as important, and I'll read it to you from the Bible. (Open Bible to Psalm t:3.) Verse three of Psalm one says, "And whatever he does shall prosper." Did you hear that, Rovercomer? God not only blesses what you believe and confess, but you must also do something. (barks, scratching his head) Let me explain. Another place in the Bible says that the Lord will bless the work of your hands. You must work in this life. That's the plan of God in order to send blessing to you. (barks, looking at his paws) You say you don't have hands? (barks, holding out his paws) You say, "Dogs have paws." Well, that's true. Let's say it this way, God will bless the work of your paws. (barks, understanding) You see, in the process of faith, we have a part to play and God has a part to play. If we don't do our part, God can't bless us the way He would like to. (barks, as ifsaying, "We must believe, confess, and do. ") That's right. You've got it. To get the full benefits of faith, we must believe the Word, confess the Word, and do the Word. The Bible says, if we'll do those things, whatever we do will prosper. That's correct. God will bless the work of your hands. (barks, to teacher, as if correcting) Yes, I'm sorry. I do realize you don't have hands. You have paws. God will bless the work of your paws! Paws! Paws! Paws! (barks, handing sunglasses and drink to teacher) You say, you want me to take these things. Because you don't have time to lay in the sun anymore. You have to go to work and get some more great testimonies for the boys and girts. Because you want to have prosperous paws. (barks, exiting) Well, boys and girts, Rovercomer just leamed a valuable lesson. God blesses those who walk faith and work. (looks at glasses and drink) I don't have time to rest either. I'll put these down, so I can tell you more about how to prosper. Volume 2 12 Lesson 11
The daily briefing in the squad room started promptly at 7:15 a.m. Reggie always arrived early. Seeing the Lieutenant walk in with the Sergeant let him know something serious must be going on. The Sergeant usually briefed the officers. Once all the officers were in the room, the Lieutenant began, "Good morning, gentlemen. As you are aware, we deal with gang related crime on a regular basis. We've been given word, however. that a good number ofgang members from the West Coast have come into Chicago and there's some big-time recruitment going on with the younger kids. That's going to increase the drive- shootings and crimes we're already dealing with. One real trouble spot is the third district on the south side-i believe that's your area, Officer Irons... Reggie nodded in acknowledgment. He thought back to when he was twelve and was being recruited gang members. "We're going to have to stay alert on this one, men, " continued the Lieutenant. "We want to try and shut this down as quickly as possible. You're dismissed for duty." The officers began making their way to their patrol cars. "Officer Irons," the Lieutenant called Reggie before he got out the door. "It wouldn't be the nann, Sir." responded Reggie, "but I did know him growing up, and I saved his mom from being robbed one night. I'll see if I can talk to him. " "Be careful," said the Lieutenant. "You can count on that, Sir." said Reggie, heading out the door. Reggie knew that if Leroy Skinner cooperated at all, it would be on the basis of his past relationship and not because he was interested in helping the Chicago Police Department. "Lord," prayed Reggie, as he pulled his cruiser away from the station, "help mefind Skin. And I pray You would give me favor and wisdom in dealing with him, in Jesus' Name." Driving into his district, Reggie made his way over to the projects. He really wasn't expecting much to go on this time of the day, but God began to respond to Reggie's prayer faster than he had anticipated. Ayoung boy about twelve dressed in a Chicago Bulls starter jacket and cap, with Michael Jordan tennis shoes, came walking up the sidewalk. As he got closer to the car, Reggie recognized who he was. He rolled down his window and called out, "Hey, Emmit Skinner. " "Yes, Sir," responded Reggie. "You grew up in the third district, didn't you?" "Yes, Sir I did. " The boy stopped and walked over to Reggie. do you know who I am?" he asked. "I brought your mom home late one night," explained Reggie, "and you were there." "How "Any chance you know someone associated with the gangs that might help us out?" asked the Lieutenant. "1 do know a guy, Sir. His name is Leroy Skinner. They call him, Skin. He heads up a local gang called The Chitown Bloods. They wear Chicago Bulls sports gear for the double meaning ofthe C & B. " "Any chance he'd help us?" asked the Lieutenant. "You're the cop that saved herfrom being robbed." "That's right," said Reggie. "Jump in and I'll give you a ride. You headedfor school?" "Yeah," answered Emmit, getting into the car. "I like your clothes," commented Reggie. "Yeah, the Bulls are cool," said Emmit. Volume 2 13 Lesson 11
"What about The Chitown Bloods?" Emmit was caught offguard Reggie s direct question, but he defended himself. "Yeah, The Bloods are cool, too." "Does Skin still run them?" asked Reggie. "How do you know my brother?" asked Emmit. "We shot some hoops together back in high school, " explained Reggie. "Ask him sometime about the time Reggie Irons took him to the hole and beat him one point. How long have you been a part ofthe Bloods?" "About two months," said Emmit. "Why'd you join?" asked Reggie. "Its the only way to get ahead, " said Emmit resolutely. "I'm never gonna have a good job, and I'm not gonna work hard all my life for nothing. I want the nice clothes and the BMW. " Emmit didn't say a word as they pulled onto the school parking lot. He was thinking hard about what Reggie had said. "Here're some numbers you can reach me at," said Reggie, handing a piece ofpaper to Emmit. "If you ever need anything, orjust want to talk, call me." 'Thanks, " said Emmit, getting out ofthe car. "And, Emmit. Tell your brother I'd like to talk to him," said Reggie. Emmit nodded his head and walked off. When Reggie arrived home that evening there was a message on his answering machine: "This is Skin. Meet me underneath the 45th Street bridge at eight o'clock tonight. " Reggie was surprised to hear from Skin so soon, but he wasn't about to miss his opportunity. At eight o'clock, Reggie pulled his car underneath the 45th Street bridge. As he got out of the car, someone stepped out of the shadows. "And drug money and crime is the only way to get it," continued Reggie. "It's been a long time, Skin," greeted Reggie. "That's right, man," said Emmit angrily. "You know there's no other way out ofthe 'hood." "There is another way," said Reggie, calmly. Reggie began to share his testimony with Emmit of how Jesus had saved him and led him out of poverty His Word. "You can't get ahead working hard and giving your money away," said Emmit. "You can when Gods blessing is involved with it," said Reggie. "He said He'd bless what you put your hand to. Ifyou'II work like Jesus is your boss, He'll begin to give you favor and wisdom to get ahead. He'll use the money you give Him to help others and bring blessing back to you. " "You really did what you're telling me?" asked Emmit, wanting to believe what he was hearing. "I really did-and still do," said Reggie. "You can go the way you're going, Emmit, and you may get what you want, but when it's all done, you won't want what you get. The easy way is always the hardest. " "You still shoot hoops?" asked Skin. "I still get some time in," answered Reggie. "You still go strong to the hole?" Reggie smiled, nodding his head. "Whot do you want from me, Irons?" asked Skin, wasting no time getting down to business. "We know the West Coast is sending their people into Chicago to recruit the younger kids. That's gonna cause a lot oftrouble. I think you could help shut it down. " "We go way back, Irons, but we were never close. But, you helped my mama once, and what you said today impacted my little brother." said Skin. "I don't want to have to fill out his death report," said Reggie. "You really believe all that stuffyou told him?" "I'm living proofthat it's true," said Reggie. Volume 2 14 Lesson 11
"YOll help my brother, alld I'll help YOll," agreed Skill. "Yoll've got my word on it," said Reggie. The two men shook hands and Skin disappeared into the darkness. Reggie knew the gang problem would be taken care of and that Emmit would work his way out of poverty and destruction like he did-with the blessing of God. Volume 2 15 Lesson 11