Added on 14 Jul 2008
Aim
To examine where we can draw reserves of courage
Introduction
Good to be back, welcome!
One member of the team has a box, which he is peering into. The box has holes in side, and a straw sticking out, there is movement from inside, and he is telling ‘it’ to be quiet.
He offers the opportunity to one of the others to have a look and stroke – she declines. He then offers the same to Headteacher / staff member – they put their hand into box and withdraw it fast, clutching hand as if hurt / bitten.
He then offers the box to a couple of children to see if any are brave enough…
"Did that make you nervous? But you still had the courage to put your hand in – well done!"
What kind of things do make you frightened?
Another member ventures amongst children with large ‘microphone’ (!) and feeds back responses. She then returns and asks the question to the other members of the team and answers for herself as well.
What gives you courage?
"The one thing that all of us in ACTS2 can say is that when we take a moment to think when we’re in a difficult situation, we know we’re not on our own."
Joshua 1: 9
Outline of Joshua story and situation facing him, and Bible verse Joshua 1 : 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.
Relection
You, me, All of us, whether we’re children or grown-ups have to face difficult times when we really need to have some courage. I know I’ve got a tricky time coming up soon which I’m not looking forward to, and many of you have changes ahead. It might be a new teacher next term, or even starting at a brand new school – things that can be exciting but also need us to have courage as well. Let’s just take a moment to think about something that may be on our minds.
The Bible promises us that whatever we’re facing, Jesus will never leave us. It says that He holds us. Sometimes all we have to do admit that we’re scared – and that can be quite hard – and trust Him, and we will be given courage to cope. Let’s go back for a moment to the thing that each of us had in our mind that’s making us anxious. If you feel you can, even if you’ve never done this before, it would be good just inside yourself to ask Jesus to give you courage to face up to it. Now trust that He will – and don’t forget to keep asking.
"There’s a really good song which some of you may know based on that Bible verse that helped Joshua – it’s called ‘Be bold’"
Song
Be Bold, Be Strong