The Good, the Bad, and the Peaceful

"Starting to argue is like making a crack in a dam. So drop the matter before a fight breaks out" (Proverbs 17:14, NIrV).

Will kids be going back to school in August where you live? What does "back to school" bring to mind? New Toughskins^® jeans? Football games? Seeing your friends again? Homework and tests? Dreading the hard teacher? Gathering 'round to watch as a fight breaks out?

"A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bone," (Proverbs 14:30, NIV).

What better time of year to talk about conflict and getting along and caring about others than the start of a new school year?

"Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife," (Proverbs 17:1, NIV).

If you could teach your kids just one thing God says about peace, what would it be?

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone," (Romans 12:18, NIV).

If you could equip kids with just one skill that would promote peace, what would you choose?

Here are some powerful things about peace (proving that you care more about others than winning an argument) we think God wants all kids to know:

The best way to stop a fight is never to start one. Sometimes, to have peace, you just need to DROP IT. Otherwise, it's just like making a crack in a dam (Proverbs 17:14).

Making peace doesn't make you weak. Sometimes you have to GIVE SOMETHING AWAY. Isaac's conflict with the locals over water rights shows us making peace doesn't come from a place of weakness, but of true strength (Genesis 26).

It's better to let go than to get even. Sometimes you have to CHOOSE TO FORGIVE. Jacob was a liar and a cheat, but Esau demonstrated the upside of letting go (Genesis 33).

Just because you didn't start a fight doesn't mean you can't stop it. Sometimes you have to GET INVOLVED. If not for the cool, calm wisdom of Abigail, everyone would've paid the price for Nabal's rude, selfish behavior and David's hot-headed reaction (1 Samuel 25).

And for the fifth week, we'll depart from the norm and focus on a "faith skill," that of personalizing Scripture:

Think about what God says, and it'll change you. Philippians 4:8.

By Melanie Williams. © 2010 The reThink Group * www.rethinkgroup.org * All rights reserved. Used by permission

Remember to use the Refrigerator Door cards to spark discussions each week on Cooperation, and encourage your children to have devotional times with the God-Time Card they bring home each Sunday.

And, don't forget to purchase the Family Times Pack which gives you tools to have faith conversations at those four times each day where you have extended time with your kids: Drive time, Meal time, Bed time, and Morning time.

8:20 No nursery or children's classes at this hour

9:45 Service: Nursery, 2's class, 3's class, 4s/5s & K class, and classes for each grade 1-4 in the KidZone

11:10 Service: Nursery, 2s&3s class, 4,5&K, class, 1st & 2nd Grade class, 3rd & 4th Grade class, Zone 56 for 5th & 6th grade. Also, Student Ministries for grades 7-12