A publication for kids and their parents by God Speed Ministry July 2007

 

                                                                                                                                               

 

 

 

 

 

Independence Day also known as 4th of July is the birthday of the United States of America. It is celebrated on July 4th each year in the United States. It is the anniversary of the day on which the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress - July 4, 1776. It was on this day they announced to the world that the 13 colonies no longer belonged to Great Britain. Independence Day was first observed in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776

 

For More July 4^th fun visit the Apples for Teachers website. Remember to ask your parents permission before going on-line.

Click Here if you get this publication via email or type in this web address - http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/fourth-of-july/index.html

 

A Different Kind of Freedom

 

       As we celebrate the freedom of our country this 4^th of July we should also think about a different kind of freedom that we as Christians enjoy. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior we are set free. But what does that mean to be set free? Free from what?

        The freedom that we experience through Jesus Christ is one like no other person or thing in the entire world can give us. When we become brothers and sisters in Christ, Jesus will set us free from our sins. Jesus forgives us of our sins (bad things that we do, say and think). And because we believe in Jesus and that He has truly forgiven us of all of our sins we will live forever in Heaven.

So you can also say that Jesus saves us from death. Even though each of us will one day die here on earth, if we know Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior, then we will live forever in Heaven with Him. Isn’t that an awesome thing to know?

        Now we know that Jesus sets us free from our sins and spiritual death, but that is not all that Jesus wants to set us free from. Jesus wants us to be happy while we are still here on earth. He wants us to be free from offense, free from worry and anxiety, free from fear, free from strife and many more things.

        The book of Galatians in the Bible talks a lot about the freedom we have in Jesus Christ. Galatians 5:1 says, “In this freedom Christ has made us free and completely liberated us; stand fast then, and do not be hampered and held ensnared and submit again to the yoke of slavery.” The slavery that the verse is talking about is sin.  This verse tells you that you are set free in Christ.

In Galatians 5:13 Paul explains that we as Christ-followers are called to freedom. You see, when we accept Jesus as our Savior then the Holy (God’s) Spirit comes to live in us. God sends the Holy Spirit to us to help us and show us how we should act and live. Because the Holy Spirit lives in us Galatians 5:22 says that we will have the fruit of the Spirit. This just means we will have the same characteristics or traits that the Holy Spirit has.

There are nine different traits (fruits) that the Holy Spirit gives us and they are: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control.

        If we know that we have all of these qualities and ask God to help us use them in our own lives we can be set free from so many things just liked we talked about; fears, worries, strife, offenses and more!

 

So if you haven’t asked Jesus to be your personal Savior then there is no better time than now. But what is a Savior you may ask? A savior is someone that rescues you from something. Jesus is our Savior because he rescued us from our sins so that we may live forever with Him in Heaven. If you believe that Jesus really rescued you from your sins then there is nothing stopping you from asking him into your heart. Pray this prayer to ask Jesus to be your Savior:

 

Dear Lord, I am praying to you now to ask you to forgive me of all my sins. I confess with my mouth and believe with my
heart that Jesus is your Son, And that he died on the
Cross so that I would be forgiven and have
Eternal Life in the Heaven.  Father, I believe
that Jesus rose from the dead and I ask you right now
to come in to my life and be my personal Lord and
Savior. I repent of my Sins and will Worship you all the
day's of my Life! Because your word is truth, I confess
with my mouth that I am Born Again and Cleansed
by the Blood of Jesus! In Jesus Name, Amen.

 

If you prayed this prayer for the first time and would like to know more about being a Christ-follower contact us at God Speed Ministry. Christy @ dragster3@hotmail.com OR Renee @ renee@godspeedministry.com

 

Craft Time:

Have an adult help you with the following patriotic streamer craft:

These batons promise to be the stars of any Independence Day celebration.

Materials:

• Scissors
• Pieces of red, white, and blue felt
• Red, white and blue ribbons (can be found at craft stores or Wal-Mart)
• Tacky glue
• 3/8 inch dowl

1. Cut a pair of 6-inch stars from red, white, or blue felt.
2. Cut a slightly smaller pair (ours were 4 inches across) from a different color of felt, and an even smaller pair (ours were 3 inches across) from the third color.
3. Use tacky glue to affix the stars to each other. Glue together the 2 sets of stars, sandwiching a 3/8-inch dowel between them.
4. Allow the glue to dry, then finish the baton by tying a length of red, white, and blue ribbon around the dowel.

Find the difference

 

 

This bear is spending his 4^th of July at the beach. But can  you find 5 differences between the two pictures! Look closely.

 

  

 

A publication for kids and their parents by God Speed Ministry May/June 2007

 

                                                                                                                                               

 

 

 

 

 

I need to apologize in advance for only having one issue of the Heavenly Herald for both the months of May and June. So in order to make up for missing an issue I have included LOTS more things in this one edition. There are stories, coloring pages, activities and even a craft that you can do at home with your parents.

This edition of the Heavenly Herald is going to focus on prayer.  What is prayer? How do we pray? Does God hear our prayers? Does prayer work? These are just some of the questions that you will find answers to within the next few pages. I hope you enjoy this fun-filled issue about prayer and all that God has to offer in it!

 

God Speed and Kids on Track want to wish a Happy Birthday to all our readers who have May and June birthdates. If you have a birthday in May or June email us and let us know so that we can send you a birthday blessing! (dragster3@hotmail.com)

 

Upcoming Events

May 26 US 131 Motorsports Park 

May 27 US 131 Motorsports Park
June 2 Alabama International Dragway
June 3 Alabama International Dragway

June 8-10 Kanawha Valley
June 15-17Kinston Dragstrip

June 23
Skull Shine Sooner Nationals
Tulsa Raceway Park - Tulsa, OK

June 30 Mountain Park Dragway

 

What is Prayer?

Prayer is just a fancy word that means ‘talking with God.” Prayer can be spoken or unspoken. In other words you can pray in your head without actually speaking words out loud and God will still hear you.

Prayer may express praise, thanksgiving, confession of a sin or wrong doing or asking God for something such as help for somebody who is sick.

You can pray to God just like you talk with your best friend. Your prayer doesn’t have to sound all fancy with big words. God wants you to talk to him just like you would anyone else.

Does God hear my prayers?

Absolutely! Go d hears all of our prayers.

God’s Cell Phone

Scripture:  And God heard them, for their prayer reached heaven. 

2 Chronicles 30:27

Everywhere we go these days, you can see people talking on the phone. People talk on their cell phones while they are eating, driving, walking, shopping, working, and people even get up from church service to answer their cell phones.

Cell phones are handy though, because we can call our friends and family no matter where we may be. When can practically call anyone, anytime, and from anywhere.

But did you know that prayer is like that.  No matter where we are or what we are doing, we can always talk to God. While driving down the street, shopping in a store, or at a baseball game....no matter where we are, we can talk to God. And no matter what, the reception is always clear. There are no dropped calls, no missed calls, and no voice mail. God always answers his cell phone. He always hears you and listens to what you have to say.

 

And God heard them, for their prayer reached heaven.
2 Chronicles 30:27

 

You Can’t Hide From God

Devotion taken from: http://biblekidsfunzone.com/devotions/Canthide.html

One day, Chuckles the Woodchuck was sitting on his favorite chair. He was thinking. In fact, he was thinking really hard. He was wondering what God looked like, and wondering where God was. So, he began talking out loud, "God, where are you? Do you think I could see what you look like?." No anwer. After thinking some more, Chuckles had an idea. He decided he would play Hide-N-Seek with God. He thought he just might have a chance to see God if God would come to find him when he went to hide. Then he could see God. So, he ran and hid behind a big oak tree. Then he said, "O.k., God... count to 10... then see if you can find me." He waited....and he waited some more. But, no one came to look for him. Well, maybe he just couldn't find me, Chuckles thought.

So, Chuckles got up and looked for another hiding place. Oh, here...I'll just hide inside Cuddle-Puppy's dog house. (Cuddle-Puppy was the puppy who lived next door.) So when no one was looking, Chuckles pushed his way inside the tiny dog-door. Now he was safe inside Cuddles' dog house. What a great place to hide! Crouching down real low, Chuckles called out again, "OK, God, its your turn, you can come and find me now." Just then, he heard someone stomping around outside. Chuckles was excited! Could it be God? Chuckles peeked out of the window. Oh, it was only Cuddle-Puppy. Cuddle-Puppy noticed Chuckles peeking out of the window, and said, "Oh, Hi Chuckles! What are you doing in my dog house? And... why do you look so disappointed to see me?"

"Well" Chuckles explained, "I'm happy to see you...its just that....well....I was hoping to see God. I want to see what he looks like. You see, I'm in your house because I'm playing Hide-N-Seek with God, hoping he would come and find me. This is my hiding place," said Chuckles.

Cuddle-Puppyy giggled, "Hee hee..... hee hee hee...No, silly", Cuddle-Puppy said, "You can't hide from God. You see, God made the whole world and everything in it. He even made you and me. He sees you where ever you are. He sees you when you're flying high above in an airplane. He sees you when you are way down deep in the ocean. He even sees you when you try to hide -- behind every tree, and in every house. Wherever you try to hide...he still sees you. You can't hide from God."

"Oh...I see....well....can't I at least get a little peek at God to see what he looks like?", asked Chuckles. "We can't see God either, Chuckles", replied Cuddle-Puppy. "But, even though you can't see him, he is still there. Just like when the wind blows. You can't see the wind, but you know it is there anyway. And, just like the moon and stars -- during the day you can't see them, but we know they are there", Cuddle-Puppy explained.

"Oh, I see", said Chuckles, "So, God was there all along, watching me try to hide from him? Even though I couldn't see Him, he could see me?" "Yeah, said Cuddle-Puppy, "You were probably making him smile. But, you know what, Chuckles? Even though we can't see God, we can still talk to him, and He always hears us. Even if its not out loud - even if we're just thinking a prayer! Isn't that wonderful! He even knows what we are thinking. So, we can just think a prayer to him, and he hears us. We can also say a prayer out loud. He hears that too." said Cuddle-Puppy.

"Cool! said Chuckles, that's really great. Now I can talk to God whenever I want, and I know that he hears me.

"That's right", said Cuddle-Puppy, "So now, let's pray and see how it works"

"OK, said Chuckles, "I'd like that", he said as he begin to pray: "Dear God, Thank you for making me and all my friends and my family. Thank you for making the whole world and everything in it. Thank you for being with us where ever we go, way up high or way down low...inside or outside...on top of something or even under it. Thank you that you are there, even though we can't see you. Thank you that you hear my prayers, even when I just think the words to myself. Thank you for caring about me, and loving me so much. In Jesus' name, Amen." "Amen", Cuddle-Puppy agreed.

"That was a great prayer!, said Cuddle-Puppy. And they both hugged and gave each other a big smile.

___________________The End_______________________________

Well, did you like the story? Even though the story is just make-believe, God is real. He really does see us, and he really does hear our prayers. He loves you so much. He wants you to talk to him often by praying. He loves to hear your prayers.

Does prayer work?

Yes indeed, prayer does work! Because we know for certain that God hears our prayers, we can also be certain that God answers our prayers. But it is important to remember God doesn’t always answer with a ‘yes’. For example, perhaps you prayed for a toy that you wanted for Christmas. And then you didn’t get it. Don’t get discouraged, God did answer your prayer but He answered it with a no.

God knows what is best for us and sometimes what we ask Him for is not always best. We may think that it is best for us but only God truly knows what the best thing is for us. So remember just because God doesn’t say ‘yes’ to everything doesn’t mean He doesn’t care. In fact just the opposite is true. Because He cares so much for us, sometimes He has to tell us ‘no’. Just like our Mom’s and Dad’s tell us no sometimes, God does the same thing. So trust God to give you what is best for you!

Why should we pray?

Well for starters, Jesus tells us to in the Bible. Jesus even taught us to pray.  (but we will get to that later). We are suppose to pray to talk with God and to get His direction for our lives. God is so good and will help us when we are happy, sad, sick or even when we're in trouble. God will give us wisdom, strength and understanding if we only ask Him. In fact God is willing to give us many good things as long as we ask for them in accordance to His will. God answers our prayers with signs, the Holy spirit and His word, the Bible. When we pray our relationship with God grows. In other words, when we pray we get to know God better.

Do you talk to your parents or friends each time you see them? What would they think if you didn't speak to them? Giving people the "silent treatment" usually indicates that you're upset with them - or that you don't like them. How do you think God feels when we give Him the "silent treatment"? God wants to be involved in our life, like a friend. He wants us to include Him, to be close to us. He is always willing and ready to talk. He leaves it up to us to approach Him. Be God’s friend!

How do we pray?

As I mentioned earlier, Jesus taught us in the Bible how to pray. In Matthew 6: 9-13 Jesus is giving the Sermon on the Mount. It is in this sermon that he teaches us how to pray.

This is what it says in Matthew 6: 9-13.

9"This, then, is how you should pray:
   " 'Our Father in heaven,
   hallowed be your name,
 10your kingdom come,
   your will be done
      on earth as it is in heaven.
 11Give us today our daily bread.
 12Forgive us our debts,
      as we also have forgiven our debtors.
 13And lead us not into temptation,
   but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the

kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

 

This is just a model for us to go by. It shows us that we are to praise God, ask for His will to be done in our lives, it shows us that it is okay to ask God for things (like food), it tells us to ask God for forgiveness for the things we have done wrong and it tell us to ask God to help us not to do bad things.

 

Here is another prayer to use as a guide on how to pray:

 

 

 

 

Get out your Bibles and look up all the scriptures listed in order to fill in the blanks.

Prayer

Romans 8:26 -And in like manner the __________________  also helps our infirmity: for we know not how to pray as we ought...
Luke 11:1 -And it came to pass, as he was praying in a certain place, that when he ceased, one ofhis disciples said unto him, Lord, _________________ us to pray, even as John also taught his disciples.
James 5:16 -Confess therefore your sins one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be________________.
1 Corinthians. 14:15 -...I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the _______________________________ also...
1 Thessalonians 5:17      ____________ without ceasing
 Matthew 5:44- But I say unto you, love your enemies, and pray for them that ______________________ you.
James 5:13- Is any among you _______________________? Let him pray. Is any cheerful? Let him sing praise.

 

 

 

Here are some ideas to help you when you pray

 

Names to call God when you pray-

§         Father

§         God

§         Lord

§         Almighty God

§         Heavenly Father

§         Creator

§         Eternal God

 

Good things to say about God-

§         God is holy.

§         God is strong.

§         God is loving.

§         God is forgiving.

§         God created everything.

§         God is trustworthy.

§         God knows everything.

 

Times to pray-

§         Bedtime

§         Before a Meal

§         In the Morning

§         During a Storm

§         Before a Game

§         Before a Test

§         When Being Tempted

 

 

Places to Pray-

§         At Home

§         In a Restaurant

§         At a Game

§         At School

§         In the Car

§         At the Mall

§         On the Playground

 

Position to pray in-

§         Standing

§         Kneeling

§         Sitting

§         Laying Down

§         Running

§         Riding a Bike

§         Climbing a Tree

 

Things to ask for in pray-

§         Help on a test

§         A safe trip

§         A happy family

§         A job for your dad

§         Healing of a sick pet

§         A friend

§         Help for a friend

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prayer Sticks Craft

You'll need: Popsicle sticks (wide) ,markers, empty container, construction paper, stickers and other decorating supplies

Directions:
Take popsicle sticks, and write the first verse of each prayer on them. Decorate the empty container with markers, glitter, paint, stickers, construction paper, etc. Put the sticks into the container. At meal times or bedtime pick one stick out of the container and say that prayer

 

Bedtime Prayers-

-Now I lay me down to sleep;
I pray Thee, Lord, my soul to keep.
May angels guard me through the night
And wake me with the morning light.
Amen.

-Dear Father in heaven,
Look down from above;
Bless papa and mama,
And those whom I love.

May angels guard over
My slumbers, and when
The morning is breaking,
Awake me.
Amen.

 

-Now the light has gone away;
Savior, listen while I pray.
Asking Thee to watch and keep
And to send me quiet sleep.

Jesus, Savior, wash away
All that I’ve done wrong to-day;
Help me every day to be
Good and gentle, more like Thee.

Let my near and dear ones be
Always near and dear to Thee.
O bring me and all I love
To Thy happy home above.
Amen.

-At the close of every day,
Lord, to Thee I kneel and pray.
Look upon Thy little child,
Look in love and mercy mild.
O forgive and wash away
All my naughtiness this day,
And both when I sleep and wake
Bless me for my Savior's sake.
Amen.

 

 

 

Meal Time or Table Prayers-