HOW DO WE DO THIS?
How do we teach?
THE WAY JESUS DID!
Mark 10:13-16 “And they brought young children to Him, that He should touch them… and He said, “Suffer the little children to come to me, and forbid them not” … And He took them up in His arms, put His hands upon them, and blessed them.”
Bring them to Him (Into His presence…Introduce them to Jesus and Father God)
He should touch them (Physical touch builds relationship, comfort)
Took them in His arms (Put them in a place of safety, related to them at eye level)
Put His hands on them and blessed them (Proclaimed who they were, spoke into their lives , hearts and spirits).
Make each of these a part of every class, or day with your children. End your class, or bed time at night with, a prayer to Papa God, a soft touch, a big hug and a word of encouragement or blessing. It is amazing how this brings peace, not only to the children, but to our hearts as well.
How do we prepare?
SPEND TIME WITH THE FATHER AND HIS WORD!
John 5:19, “Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.”
John 8:28, “Then Jesus said to them, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things
Jesus spent “time” with His Father in prayer and seeking His heart. He spent time in His “presence” and new His Father’s ways.
Jesus learned the Word, knew scriptures, but more importantly knew His Father’s heart.
We should not just teach from the lesson book, but from having read “The Book” ourselves.
Read the lesson ahead, prepare your heart, ask God to reveal something new to you. This is not just about teaching a lesson, but Father God wants an intimate relationship with you, wants to show you His love and reveal His heart to you.
Our hearts must first be prepared. Andre an African Pastor, “I never reproduce in anyone what I think, but I can only reproduce who I am.” Let this lesson first become “yours”. Let it change you.
How do we plan?
KNOW THE END RESULTS! What do you want the children to “take home” with them.
Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.”
Father God wants for us to succeed. He has gone before us and knows what lies ahead.
Knowing what we want the children to learn that day, keeps us focused.
Plan for fun, to be flexible, and to love on the children.
Plan for there to be “those days”, knowing that the love of God covers our mistakes and missteps, that He is greater than our “ less than perfectly executed” lessons. He is all about imparting His love to the children and to us.
Hope these “tips” will help you to enjoy the lesson and planning, but most of all, that it would encourage you in knowing you can do this… and have fun!
Blessings and joy,
Marilyn Seth
