Trail Life Troop
NC-613
Devotional – Serve
Opening
- Today we learned what service is and its benefits to the giver and receiver of service.
- Read, or someone read the Teaching verse. FYI: The memory verse is further down
Philippians 2:5-11
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it [a]robbery to be equal with God, 7 but [b]made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Devotional
Big picture Jesus gave up his place on a heavenly throne to become a man - not of “kingly” status, but a servant. He died on the cross and God exalted Him to the highest place and the greatest name.
- Q: When was the last time you served someone? (e.g. helped around the house). Did it feel good?
- No one is too young or too small to serve others. Serving is important.
- Jesus is the King of kings, and Lord of lords, but even He came to serve others. Shouldn’t we?
- Q: Did you know anyone can serve by Stewarding the resources God provides every one of us?
- Stewarding/Stewardship means taking responsibility for the care and upkeep of something. Like a shepherd is for sheep. He watches over his sheep ensuring they are safe and happy.
- Like a shepherd, each of you has things (resources) God has given you in service to God’s glory.
- Q: What are some age-appropriate resources that God has given to you to Steward?
- The environment. Everyone sees trash, sees pollution. Everyone can do a little to clean up.
- Energy & Water. Don’t be wasteful of God’s resources.
- Pets. They need water and food and walks. You can help your parents shepherd them.
- Time. Did you know time is a resource? Use your time wisely for God’s glory.
- Health. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. We need to care for our bodies (sleep, eat, drink, exercise, thinking right, laughing, playing, enjoying life)
- Relationships. Yes, even friends and family are resources God has given us to show them God’s love.
- Money. As a child you may not have much money, but you have some. It is important to learn now to be wise with money, so later you can invest it for God’s glory!
- Your life story. Everyone has a story. God can use your faith story to share with others.
- Each person’s contribution is needed and valuable. God gave you a role, even if a small role.
- The best place to start serving is right in front of us (family, friends, neighbors, community).
- Now let’s read the memory verse.
Memory Verse #3
Ask if anybody knows it yet and can say it? Read it together 2X Consider having a memory verse pamphlet for kids take home.
Note: we are moving to verse #3.
Matthew 22:37-39 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Topical Questions
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Which one of the resources you have, do you STEWARD the best with?
Your money, time, energy, etc -
Have you ever shared your faith story (resource) with someone?
Try sharing it with your parents first. -
Did you know you had so many resources at your disposal that God has given you to serve Him with?
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Can you think of any other “resources” God has given you that you could STEWARD for God?
Closing Prayer
Father God, thanking you for giving us so many resources! Give us strength and courage to Steward those resources to Your glory, not to waste them or neglect them, but to use them. Show us where and how to best use these resources to glorify You. In Jesus Christ’s name we pray, Amen!
