Sharing God’s Story
Bible Readings
Take a few minutes to read the Bible verses listed and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in how this verse applies to you this week.
7 Don't have anything to do with worthless, senseless stories. Work hard to be truly religious. 8 As the saying goes, “Exercise is good for your body, but religion helps you in every way. It promises life now and forever.” These words are worthwhile and should not be forgotten. 9 10 We have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of everyone, but especially of those who have faith. This is why we work and struggle so hard. 11 Teach these things and tell everyone to do what you say. 12 Don't let anyone make fun of you, just because you are young. Set an example for other followers by what you say and do, as well as by your love, faith, and purity. 13 Until I arrive, be sure to keep on reading the Scriptures in worship, and don't stop preaching and teaching. 14 Use the gift you were given when the prophets spoke and the group of church leaders blessed you by placing their hands on you. 15 Remember these things and think about them, so everyone can see how well you are doing. 16 Be careful about the way you live and about what you teach. Keep on doing this, and you will save not only yourself, but the people who hear you.
1 Timothy 4:7-16
Memory Verse
1 Timothy 4:12
12 Don't let anyone make fun of you, just because you are young. Set an example for other followers by what you say and do, as well as by your love, faith, and purity.
Mallory was an eleven-year-old swimmer with a big heart and a big goal. She and her relay team swam 12.5 miles/20 kilometers across Lake Erie to raise money for a retreat center for kids with special needs. On a warm August afternoon, the Kids Corner crew filmed their fantastic story for a Kids in Action video.
After the swim, Mallory sat down for an interview. When she heard that the key verse of the film would be 1 Timothy 4:12, her face lit up. “I really like that verse,” she said. “It inspires young people like me to actually do things and then set an example for other people.”
A long time ago, Timothy was a young person like Mallory. He learned about faith from his grandmother, Lois, and his mother, Eunice. Timothy loved God and became a leader in the early church because of his strong faith. Paul, a mentor and friend, encouraged him to do great things for God.
Just like Timothy and Mallory, you can be a part of God’s big story too!
- Maybe you love nature and want to plant a garden or care for animals.
- Maybe you love music, art, or dance and can share God’s beauty through your creativity.
- Maybe you have a heart for helping others and want to serve your family, friends, and neighbors.
God has given you special gifts and calls you to use them to make a difference!
If you’re not sure how to start, find a mentor—a parent, grandparent, teacher, coach, or church leader who can help you grow in faith and action. Parents and grandparents, is there a young person in your life who needs encouragement? Be a mentor, just like Paul was for Timothy!
Prayer
God, thank you for kids like Mallory who love you and want to help others. Help me find ways to use my gifts to serve you. Bring people into my life who can help me grow in faith. Amen.Related Resources
Ron VandenBurg
Senior Producer of Children’s Ministry at ReFrame Ministries
Ron VandenBurg joined the ReFrame Ministries team in 2014. He plans and develops projects specifically for the spiritual formation of children. Before coming to ReFrame, Ron taught middle school for 27 years. Ron completed a M.Ed. degree in Teaching, Learning, and Development at Brock University. Ron and Rachel have four fantastic adult children and one grandchild and reside in Ontario.