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Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Bearing the Shield of Faith

In "Other" Words

This week's quote is:
"Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One who is leading."~ Oswald Chambers ~

Faith, mighty faith the promise sees and looks to God above. Laughs at impossibilities and cries it shall be done!

Whenever I think of faith, I remember that little chorus which I learned many years ago at Vacation Bible School at my home church. It's simplicity has often inspired to have faith in the One who leads during times of difficulty. It has encouraged me to believe in God's promises and use them to protect my heart when the enemy tries to destroy me through hurts and discouragement.

This past Sunday our children's church lesson was on the armor of God - more specifically on using the shield of faith. I wanted to leave the children with a good illustration on using faith to help protect themselves from the "fiery darts" of the enemy - something that God could use to remind them of His power and promises in the same way the little chorus above stayed with me.

I created a large cardboard shield with a handle on the back of it so they cold hold it like a warrior might hold a shield in battle. Then I printed words depicting the way Satan attacks us (through our feelings or by the acts of others toward us) on sheets of white copier paper - hatred, harsh words, lies, anger, discouragement, hurts etc.

The children were instructed to wad up their papers and throw them at the child who held the shield. That child used the shield to deflect the paper missiles so that none of them could touch him or her.

No hatred, harsh words, lies, anger, discouragement or hurt that Satan can bring our way can hurt us when we put our faith in the Lord to protect our tender hearts from danger. It is when we lower our shield or try to handle these things by ourselves that we run the risk of being badly wounded.

If you would like to join us today, visit "Sting My Heart" to read her take on the quote and to leave your link along with the other participants.

8 comments:

Miriam Pauline said...

I love this! Acting out what God calls us to do is such a great way to learn. I'm sure those kids went away remembering the lesson. Thank you for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing your SS lesson. I used to teach SS; I know how difficult it can be to come up with object lessons.

Oh... your entry last week inspired me. On 'Works for me Wednesday,' I blogged about Pizza Night ~

Pearls of Wisdom said...

Dear Bonnie,

That is so true! Loved your post. Especially this part:

No hatred, harsh words, lies, anger, discouragement or hurt that Satan can bring our way can hurt us when we put our faith in the Lord to protect our tender hearts from danger. It is when we lower our shield or try to handle these things by ourselves that we run the risk of being badly wounded.

May the Lord bless you this week and always.

In his endless love,

Angel ():)

Denise said...

Beautiful post, bless you for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Can my kids come be in your Sunday School class? :) I am always encouraged by your posts. I will want to order your book someday too . . . and I know I am getting a little taste of your encouragements here. THANK YOU for sharing.

Bernadine said...

Beautiful post! Your Sunday School class must love you.
Thanks for sharing

JHS said...

Forget my kids, I want to be in your class, especially if you have a snack and a craft. :-)

Wonderful post as always.

eph2810 said...

I think you uses a beautiful 'tool' to teach the children this passage from Ephesians. It is true - the enemy is lurking around every corner. We need to keep our shield of faith up at all times.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on last week's IOW quote.

Blessings to you and yours.