Wednesday, June 01, 2011

We have a child getting married first wk in July and then we move and I'm starting a business. Time is at a premium around here but let's play with this just a little: Philippians for children (Holman translation):

Paul wrote a letter to his friends. I'm going to read you just a little bit. Pretend you are Paul's friends in Philippi.

When you remember someone does it make you happy? Do you pray for them? (1:3-4)

Promise: "He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (1:6) This is a wonderful promise for someone discouraged with themself.

Paul told them "I have you in my heart, and you are all partners with me in grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and establishment of the gospel." Are you partners with people who aren't part of your church?

This is a blessing: "And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, so that you can determine what really matters and can be pure and blameless in the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that [comes] through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God." (1:9-11) How would you "translate" that for a child?

Lots to talk about. How young can you go with some of these pieces? You can go pretty young with being happy and praying for someone when you think of them if you model it, not just talk about it. You could go pretty young reminding kids that God started something good in them and He won't quit until He's done.

Pick a translation. Bite off little pieces. Chew on it. Play with it. Offer it to a child. How can you bless him?

Quit while they're still asking for more. Don't keep pushing it until they can't wait for you to stop!!

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