Hi Friends,

Back again this week?  Are you ready for some adventures? I thought we might do a little detective work today.

Over the last couple of weeks we’ve been sharing in the stories of Jesus being the bread of life. The one who feeds us, nourishes us, and gives us strength.

Today’s gospel reading is right at the end of John 6. Some of the early disciples were offended by Jesus words.  They thought the things he spoke were too difficult to understand and so they walked away from him.  You know those 12? Well they stayed around, all the way to the end (even though at times it got a bit rocky there). You wanna know what I think is really cool about that?

Well,  You see they stayed around because when Jesus asked them if they were going to leave also, they responded by saying “where else would we go? You are the one who has the words of eternal life.”

You see they had come to believe and know that Jesus was the Holy One of God.

So when all the folks in Ephesus that Paul was writing letters to were having trouble remembering who they were as new creations in Jesus cause there was lots of stuff going on around them in their home town, before he finished his letter to them, Paul share with them a whole bunch of really useful (and cool) stuff about how they can equip and strengthen themselves to live in the time and place they were in as Jesus followers.

So I figured, this seems like a time when we too might just need the reminder about how to handle hard things in life. (I’m thinking lockdown again)

I’m betting the things Paul was saying back then to those people in Ephesus, may just be what we need to hear right here and now too.

Shall we jump on in and see if what Paul is saying may be something for us too?

Brilliant, before we check out the story video, play the first one to help you find your place, ready. It is this week’s song from the book of Psalms. 84.

I wonder????

I wonder…How do you feel when unexpected things happen?

I wonder…What does it mean to put on the armour to equip you for the day ahead?

I wonder…if you can think of some moments during you day when the armour might do its job brilliantly?

I wonder….which piece of armour is the hardest to get on properly? Which one do you find the easiest to get on?

I wonder…What happens if one piece of armour is missing or broken? 

I wonder….What does it mean that the Sword of the Spirit, is the Word of God?

I wonder….How cool you look all dressed up in your armour? Would you like to draw a picture for me?

I wonder…Are you ready to explore the story more in the activities and extra stories below??

I am, let’s go!

Today, draw the things that you use to protect and strengthen you

Hey friends,  thanks for spending time with me today in God’s word, exploring some more of the great big story.  You know Paul, he wrote some really cool things that help us to think about how we live with one another and be strengthened in our everyday.  Man, I am so glad that Paul wrote all of those things to the people in Ephesus.  I don’t know about you, but today, I really need to hear a good dose of the story helping me to remember that we have the equipment to be strong in the world.  We only need to remember to put it on.

I pray that this week you will find encouragement in the words Paul writes, and that as the need arises you will remember that you are fully geared up with God’s amazing armour. I pray that you will be strengthened in the challenging moments with this knowledge.  Be kind to one another. Let Jesus lead your heart and your words  🙂

I’m having so much fun!  I wonder what story will be next.  Maybe we should be discipleship detectives!

God Bless!

An Overview of Ephesians

Get Up and Dance!