17th May 2020

The Fruit of the Spirit is … PEACE…

“In the world you will have tribulations. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33

Jesus tells us that we will face many troubles in this world, but he also promises to be with us. As we grow in our relationship with God and are filled with the Holy Spirit we learn to trust him with our worries and give them to him in prayer, wonderfully we can then experience peace that surpasses all understanding even in the middle of the storms of life.

Here are a couple of reminders of his peace to colour and put up at home:

Memory Verse

“Be still and know that I am God.”

— Psalms 46:10

This week’s bible story takes us to the shores of Lake Galilee 2000 years ago…

Crafts

You may not think that crafts and peace go hand in hand but give it a go, what could possible go wrong!?

Jesus calms the storm

An interactive colouring craft for this week’s story.

Print this sheet, colour it in, cut it out, then join with a split pin.

Glitter jar

Ok, making it might not be peaceful, but the finished product is great for calming little ones down!

Fill a bottle a quarter full with glitter paint/glue (or pva/craft glue and a few teaspoons of glitter). Fill up the rest of the bottle with water.

Shake, hand to your over-excited child, and relax.

Boat ideas

How many disciples can you fit in yours before it starts sinking? How is Jesus going to save the day? Try one of these ideas (we love the balloon one!) and maybe you could get out the paddling pool or test it at bath time.

Peace in Action

Jesus Calms the Storm

A fierce storm came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the back of the boat, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

Questions

Do you think the boat was in danger of sinking, or were they exaggerating?
Were the disciples more scared during the storm or after it?
Why did the disciples wake Jesus up?
What do you think would have happened if they hadn’t woken Jesus up?
How do you think you would have felt when the storm stopped?

Activity

Use ripped pieces of blue paper to create a storm collage. On each strip write down the ‘waves’ you are facing in life - things that you find difficult, stressful or worrying.

Leave a space in the middle of the collage to draw or make a little boat. Jesus doesn’t always take away the storm, but he does always offer his peace even in the middle of it.

Reflect

This week’s memory verse “Be still and know that I am God.” comes from Psalm 46. Here are verses 1-3 of the same psalm:

1 God is our refuge and strength,
    an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
    and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam
    and the mountains quake with their surging.

Take some time to be quiet, and to read and think about these verses.

Hands-On at Home

Do you trust me?

Set up a mini obstacle course or maze somewhere safe and take turns guiding each other through it blindfolded. You could guide either with just verbal instructions or by physically leading (set some ground rules first if your kids are prone to rough play).

After having some fun with this activity talk about the following:

Did the person being blindfolded feel safe / at peace? Did it make a difference who was leading them?

What made it feel safer? Perhaps talking to them, being close to them?

Our peace comes from this; that God knows the plan and we can trust him.

Well done if you’ve learnt this verse already from last week! Let’s keep praying it over family and friends this week:

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

— Romans 15:13

“Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

— Philippians 4:8

Music can have a significant influence over our thoughts and feelings. Think about what music you could listen to this week to set a peaceful mood in your house whilst getting some truth into your heads and hearts.

(A hint for the tech-unsavvy: If you’re watching the 360 video on a phone or tablet tilt it to see the lyrics!)